Greenslopes experienced sudden flash flooding on Sunday, December 1, 2024 as intense rainfall transformed local streets and parks into raging waterways, with some areas receiving up to 88 mm of rain in just two hours.
The suburb was among the hardest-hit areas in Brisbane’s inner south, with AJ Hanlon Park turning into what locals described as a “raging torrent” in a matter of minutes.
Sarah and Jake Barros, local residents, described the unprecedented flooding in their neighbourhood. “It is pretty scary,” Sarah Barros said.
“Our backyard and garage have been flooded, though our house itself remains okay. We see the park flood regularly, but it hasn’t been this bad in a while. It just happened so quickly – only ten minutes from the first raindrops to full flash flooding.”
Emergency services were active in the area, with multiple cars on Lincoln Street submerged up to their roofs. The speed and intensity of the water rise caught many residents off guard, highlighting the sudden and unpredictable nature of the storm.
The flooding was part of a broader severe weather event across southeast Queensland, characterised by the Bureau of Meteorology as a result of a “humid and unstable” air mass causing slow-moving storms.
Powerful winger Ricco Falaniko has earned a pre-season trial with the North Queensland Cowboys after his stint with the Brisbane Tigers in the 2024 QLD Cup competition.
Standing at 195 centimetres, the 24-year-old outside back began his rugby career in New Zealand’s Taranaki region as a rugby union player. His successful transition to rugby league has showcased a natural athletic ability required to thrive in the thirteen-man code.
Falaniko established himself as a consistent performer with the Ipswich Jets across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, demonstrating his try-scoring prowess with 17 tries in 32 appearances—maintaining an impressive strike rate of better than one try every two games.
The powerful winger’s progression continued with the Brisbane Tigers, where he made an immediate impact with six tries in just four appearances. Falaniko’s development was evident as his try-scoring tally increased with each full game, highlighted by a memorable hat-trick in his final full-length match. His statistical impact was equally impressive, averaging 143 running metres per game while recording ten tackle busts and six line breaks.
The Cowboys’ pre-season invitation, as Zero Tackle reveals, provides Falaniko with an opportunity to train in an NRL environment and further develop his game. Following this opportunity, he will join the Northern Pride for their 2025 campaign, where he aims to continue his impressive trajectory.
Forget packed buses and frustrating commutes! Brisbane’s shiny new “Metro” system is here to shake things up, and Greenslopes residents are in for a treat.
Instead of trains, the system utilises a fleet of 60 high-tech electric buses, dubbed “BERT” (Busway Electric Rapid Transit), that will run on dedicated busways throughout the city.
What sets Metro apart?
Photo Credit: BCC
Forget cramming onto crowded buses and struggling with prams or wheelchairs. These Swiss-made, 24.4 metre-long behemoths can comfortably carry 150 passengers, with room for up to 170 in “event mode.” They boast features like low-floor design, multiple mobility aid bays, and automated ramp access, making them the most accessible public transport option in Brisbane’s history.
High-Frequency Service
Say goodbye to timetables! With Metro, buses will arrive every five minutes, whisking passengers along the 21km route at speeds of up to 1800 people per hour. Thanks to the electric engines, the ride promises to be smooth and quiet.
Passengers can enjoy panoramic views, track their journey with real-time information displays, or stay connected with onboard Wi-Fi and USB charging points.
The Routes
Photo Credit: BCC
While a temporary route is currently operating between UQ Lakes and Eight Mile Plains, two permanent routes are awaiting approval from the State Government:
Metro 1: This route will link Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street, with stops in key locations like Upper Mount Gravatt, Griffith University, Holland Park West, Greenslopes, Buranda, Mater Hill, South Bank, and the Cultural Centre.
Metro 2: Running from UQ Lakes to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, this route will service Boggo Road, the PA Hospital, Mater Hill, South Bank, the Cultural Centre, Roma Street, Normanby, QUT Kelvin Grove, and Herston.
Expansion Plans
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has ambitious plans to expand the Metro network with new lines to the airport, Rochedale, Springwood, Windsor, Lutwyche, Kedron, Chermside, Aspley, Carseldine, and the eastern suburbs, including Stones Corner and Coorparoo, which would further enhance connectivity for Greenslopes residents.
These extensions are contingent on securing state and federal funding, which seems likely given the cancellation of the planned Gabba station, freeing up $450 million for alternative projects.
A Sustainable Solution
Photo Credit: BCC
The Metro fleet will use 15 cutting-edge, 600kW fast chargers and 60 overnight chargers at the Rochedale depot. These chargers will be powered by a 1MW solar array, making the system a more sustainable option for Brisbane.
With its focus on accessibility, frequency, and sustainability, Brisbane Metro promises to transform how people move around the city. For residents of Greenslopes and surrounding suburbs, it offers a fast, reliable, and comfortable alternative to driving, with easy connections to other public transport options.
Prof. Judith Goh AO and Prof. Hannah Krause AO, two Greenslopes urogynaecologists, recently returned from Uganda, where they performed over 140 procedures for women suffering from serious gynaecological issues in remote areas.
The trip, which took place in early September 2024, saw the pair working at Kagando Hospital in western Uganda. In just a short span, they treated more than 200 women, many of whom were experiencing childbirth-related injuries such as vaginal fistulas and untreated 4th-degree tears, conditions that are often left unaddressed in resource-limited areas.
“We treated mostly women with childbirth-related injuries – including vaginal fistulas and unrepaired 4th-degree tears. We also treated women with pelvic organ prolapse,” said Prof. Goh, reflecting on the challenges faced by women in Uganda. “It’s wonderful to be able to use our skills to help these women.”
Almost 30 Years of Volunteer Work
Prof. Goh and Prof. Krause have been volunteering in Asia and Africa since 1995. For nearly three decades, they have dedicated their time and expertise to providing critical healthcare in areas where it is most needed.
Remarkably, the two doctors cover their own travel costs for each trip, while Greenslopes Private Hospital supports the mission by donating medical equipment.
Their work in Uganda is part of an ongoing commitment to improving women’s health in regions where access to specialised medical care is scarce. The duo’s next mission is scheduled for South Sudan in October 2024, where they plan to continue providing essential gynaecological care.
Recognition and Support
In recognition of their extraordinary humanitarian contributions, both Prof. Goh and Prof. Krause have been awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia, a prestigious honour celebrating their selfless work over the years.
Greenslopes Private Hospital CEO, Justin Greenwell, praised the two doctors for their dedication: “I commend Prof. Goh and Prof. Krause on their humanitarian efforts – the world needs more people like them both. Greenslopes Private Hospital is proud to support their work and to donate to such a great cause again this year.”
As the doctors prepare for their next mission in South Sudan, their ongoing work continues to highlight the important role that Australian medical professionals play in improving global healthcare, particularly for women in underserved communities.
The Brisbane Broncos face the top-seeded Cronulla Sharks in a crucial match this Saturday, 14 September, with the top position on the NRLW ladder hanging in the balance. Broncos vs Sharks kick off 1:45 p.m. at Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast.
The Broncos enter this crucial match riding the wave of a historic comeback against the Knights last week. Down 18-4 in the 37th minute, the team staged a momentous second-half comeback, clinching a 32-24 victory.
The second half was a clinic, an impressive display with five tries from five different players: Julia Robinson (46’), Brianna Clark (50’), Stacey Waaka (57’), Lavinia Gould (60’), and Romy Teitzel (64’). Teitzel’s near-perfect conversion record (4/5) in the second half further solidified the win.
Broncos vs Sharks
Currently sitting third on the ladder, the Broncos have a golden opportunity to leapfrog the first-placed Sharks with a victory in their final home game of the home-and-away season. This match is pivotal for both teams as they head into the final stages of the season, each aiming for a strong finish.
Broncos head coach Scott Prince stresses the team’s focus, stating, “We want to chase that top 2 for a home final. That’s the advantage we’re striving for.”
The Broncos have turned their season around with five consecutive wins, recovering from a challenging two-loss start. A win in this match would put them on the verge of securing a spot in the finals series, though mathematically, they need another victory to guarantee it.
“We were put on the back foot initially, it wasn’t the perfect start, but the resilience that the girls showed to stick to their process and get back in the game and come home like a wet sail was well done.”
Following this weekend’s game, the Broncos will take on the ninth-placed Dragons in the final game of the season—in what could be another decisive match for their charge towards the minor premiership.
Ryan Clifford Nord, 40, of Moffat Beach, appeared in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday, August 19, facing charges related to the death of 61-year-old Donald Robert Green. The victim’s body was found during a police welfare check at a unit on Vine Street, Stones Corner, around 1 am on Friday.
Green with his son, Dominic. Photo Credit: Facebook / Donald Robert Green
Magistrate Chris Callaghan adjourned the case to November 1, with a brief to be prepared by October 14. Nord was remanded in custody until the next court date. Court documents revealed that Nord declined a mental health assessment at the Maroochydore Watch House.
Police believe the incident stemmed from an alleged altercation in the unit around 10 pm on Friday, August 9. Investigators have indicated that the two men were known to each other.
The victim, Donald Robert Green, has been remembered fondly by his family. His brother, Danny Green, shared heartfelt tributes, describing Donald as a man who “lived life to its fullest” and was “always helping anyone, especially the homeless.”
Donald Green was a father to a teenage son and a cherished member of his extended family. Born in Papua New Guinea, he moved to Australia in 1974, where he became an integral part of the local community.
A 46-year-old woman from Greenslopes has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder and arson following a harrowing incident in the early hours of July 12, 2024.
Queensland Police reported that the woman allegedly set fire to a house while three occupants, including two children, were asleep inside.
The blaze was discovered at approximately 4 am in a residential property in Greenslopes. A 44-year-old man and two children, aged 12 and 9, were inside the house at the time of the incident. Fortunately, all three managed to escape without sustaining any injuries.
According to police statements, officers arrived at the scene and took the woman into custody. As a precautionary measure, she was initially transported to a local hospital. Following a thorough investigation, authorities formally charged her on Friday, August 9.
The accused Greenslopes woman now faces three counts of attempted murder and one count of arson, all classified as domestic violence offences.
The woman has been denied bail. She is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday, August 10, where further details of the attempted murder and alleged arson case may come to light.
Authorities urge anyone experiencing family violence to report it to the police. Support services are available, including 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for general assistance and 13YARN (13 92 76) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals seeking help.
A 91-year-old Stradbroke Island resident has made history as the 500th person to undergo a minimally invasive heart procedure at Greenslopes Private Hospital.
Sydney Owens, who had been grappling with severe aortic stenosis, underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) led by Dr. Peter Hadjipetrou.
TAVI, a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, involves replacing a narrowed aortic valve with an artificial one through a catheter inserted in the groyne. This approach significantly reduces recovery time and surgical trauma for patients.
Dr. Hadjipetrou expressed his pride in participating in this milestone procedure, emphasising its significance in the hospital’s commitment to advanced cardiac care. He highlighted that reaching 500 TAVI cases signifies a shift towards less invasive options, offering patients a better quality of life and a faster recovery.
The success of the TAVI programme is attributed to the collaborative effort of the cardiac team and the state-of-the-art facilities at Greenslopes Private Hospital. Dr. Hadjipetrou commended the team’s expertise and dedication, acknowledging their instrumental role in providing exceptional care to patients with heart conditions.
The hospital boasts a custom-built hybrid operating theatre for cardiac and vascular cases. This unique facility enables a seamless transition from
Additionally, the hospital’s comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive emergency care, procedures, and post-operative rehabilitation all under one roof.
Dr. Hadjipetrou thanked Sydney Owens and all patients, their families, and the healthcare team for their support and collaboration in achieving this remarkable feat.
This milestone showcases the hospital’s commitment to innovation and reaffirms its position as a leader in cardiac care.
A Greenslopes mother’s life turned unexpectedly when she discovered a lump on her foot one summer’s day in 2022. Jacqui Cooper, then 36, was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma, a malignant tumour more commonly found in children and adolescents.
The Greenslopes resident was warned that the cancer could have quickly spread to her chest and lungs if left unnoticed.
Ms Cooper, a human resources coordinator, underwent six gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, which severely impacted her physical and emotional well-being. The treatment left her bedridden and unable to care for her two-year-old son, Max, who struggled to understand his mother’s sudden absence.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Despite the immense challenges, Ms Cooper remained determined to overcome the disease. While confined to her bed, she dreamt of future travels and unfulfilled goals, clinging to the hope of a life beyond cancer. After going into remission, she has remained cancer-free for the past year and a half.
Now, Ms Cooper is on the road to recovery, undergoing physiotherapy and counseling to regain her strength and adjust to life after cancer. She has returned to work, resumed walking, and can once again care for her now four-year-old son. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of early detection.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Medical experts warn that both patients and doctors often miss rare cancers like sarcomas until they have progressed significantly. Dr Wayne Nicholls, director of oncology at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, emphasised the need for more research into sarcomas, which can manifest in unusual ways and often deviate from textbook descriptions.
Dr Nicholls highlighted that sarcomas sometimes present as non-specific pain, often mistaken for a sporting injury. This delay in diagnosis can lead to the cancer spreading, making treatment more difficult and reducing survival rates.
The Australian and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZA) is actively involved in sarcoma research, having conducted numerous studies and clinical trials to understand how patients respond to different treatments. The organisation stresses the importance of raising awareness and securing funding for further research to improve outcomes for sarcoma patients.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Dr Denise Caruso, ANZA’s chief executive, pointed out that while sarcomas account for only 1 per cent of adult cancers, they represent 20 per cent of childhood cancers in Australia. Sarcomas are the leading cause of cancer death in children and young adults nationwide, underscoring the urgency for more outstanding research and awareness efforts.
As Sarcoma Awareness Month continues throughout July, ANZA is raising funds to support its vital work. Medical professionals like Dr Vivek Bhadri, a medical oncologist and researcher, echo the call for greater attention to this often-overlooked cancer. Dr Bhadri noted that Ewing sarcoma, a common type of sarcoma, is often misdiagnosed as a sports injury or growing pain due to its presentation as non-specific pain.
Jacqui Cooper’s experiences and medical experts’ warnings highlight the importance of early detection and increased research in the fight against sarcoma. As awareness grows and research progresses, the hope is that more lives will be saved and outcomes improved for those affected by this rare but devastating disease.
Jacqueline Cooper, a resident of Greenslopes, initially mistook a growing lump on her foot as an injury from an everyday accident involving her young son. Believing the swelling resulted from something as simple as a dropped toy, Ms Cooper’s concern grew as the lump enlarged.
Seeking answers, she visited a podiatrist who conducted multiple scans, which led to a referral to a specialist at the Wesley Hospital. It was there that she was diagnosed with a rare type of sarcoma in her right big toe, a cancer so uncommon that it has yet to be named.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Diagnosed in 2022, Cooper underwent a series of treatments, starting with chemotherapy that did not shrink the tumour, necessitating surgical intervention. This was followed by additional chemotherapy sessions.
Now, a year and a half later, she celebrates being cancer-free but remains committed to raising awareness about her condition, especially during Sarcoma Awareness Month this July.
Ms Cooper is eager to share her story to enhance awareness and support for sarcoma and other rare cancers. She emphasises the importance of recognising the existence of support networks and resources available for those facing similar challenges. Ms Cooper’s experience highlights the emotional and medical journey faced by individuals diagnosed with rare cancers, underscoring the need for increased research and better support systems.
Sarcoma, which comprises only 1% of adult cancers and accounts for 20% of childhood cancers, is often misdiagnosed due to its symptoms resembling sports injuries or growing pains. The rarity of such cancers means that treatment advancements are slow to develop, prompting healthcare professionals to advocate for more substantial awareness and research efforts.
