Brisbane International at Queensland Tennis Centre

The Queensland Tennis Centre is ready for next month’s Brisbane International following the completion of flood repairs works to Pat Rafter Arena.
“The QTC and Pat Rafter Arena are back better than ever and the venue is ready to welcome some of the world’s best tennis players to Brisbane in January” Mr Reeves said.
The revised ground floor layout provides:

• larger player change rooms with better facilities;
• larger gym facilities;
• dedicated media work and dining area;
• refurbished corporate dining facilities; and
• dedicated player entrance with direct access to the change rooms and Centre Court.

Mr Finn said efforts have been made with the design to address the potential damage of any future floods.
“It’s an exciting time for sport in Queensland. The Brisbane International continues to grow each year and I can’t wait to see the Queensland Tennis Centre brimming with people in time for another successful tournament.
“The fact that high calibre tennis stars such as Sam Stosur, Serena Williams and Andy Murray are set to touch down in Queensland for the International shows the strength of the event and its importance prior to the Australian Open.”
Brisbane International 2012 series packages and single sessions are on sale now. Tickets start from as little as $14.90 for ground passes and can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au/brisbaneinternational or call 1300 888 104.

Mary Poppins landing on Brisbane Dec 30th. 2011

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh invite you to let your imagination take flight as you step into the magical world of MARY POPPINS.
Brilliantly adapted from the beloved books by Australia's own P.L.Travers and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, MARY POPPINS arrives at the Lyric Theatre QPAC, Brisbane in December 2011 for a strictly limited season.
MARY POPPINS has captured the hearts of millions since premiering on the West End and Broadway, and now you can experience the unforgettable songs, stunning choreography and unsurpassed stagecraft of this extraordinary theatrical event.
More info at QPAC

Xmas lights Brisbane 2011 winners

In spite of the rain, the judges visited the displays and rendered their verdict. The 2011 winners are....

RESIDENTIAL NORTH
1st Place TIM BRINUMS 17 Bowers Road South, Everton Hills
2nd Place ZIELINSKI FAMILY 25 Addison Court, Morayfield
3rd Place SCOTT & PAM FRASER 36 Blackbutt Court, Burpengary

RESIDENTIAL EAST
1st Place KIM FREDERIKS 253 Formosa Road, Gumdale
2nd Place CHRIS & JENNIFER MIROW 44 Larbonya Crescent, Capalaba
3rd Place DEB & LYN MCPHERSON 43 Margate Street, Mt Gravatt East

RESIDENTIAL SOUTH
1st Place RAY MOORE 16 Edith Street, Kingston
2nd Place FAYE TREWICK 12/33 Rudge Street, Woodridge
3rd Place HELEN & PETER WARD 4 Millbend Crescent, Algester

RESIDENTIAL WEST
1st Place Walter & Beverley Wood 10 Warunda Street, Kenmore
2nd Place FORNI FAMILY 133 Dorrington Drive, Ashgrove
3rd Place DENIS & PAM KELLY 16 Callabonna Street, Westlake

Here is the complete list.

Here is the map

Christmas Tree Lighting 2011

Gather in King George Square for this much loved annual tradition on December 2nd at 6:00pm.
Join Brisbane's Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Santa and a host of special guests for the lighting of the Brisbane City Christmas tree.
There will be family friendly entertainment including plenty of your favourite Christmas carols, culminating in the lighting of the tree at approximately 7.15pm.

Thousands are expected to turn out to see 16,000 bulbs lit up. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk will be on hand to flick the switch, with entertainment from the Australian Youth Choir and Brisbane Academy of Dance performing Christmas-themed works.
The tree, which stands at 20m high, took 10 people more than a week to install and is covered in stars and silver snowflakes.
Cr Quirk said tomorrow night's celebration would be a time for the city to get together and reflect on the community spirit which has shone through this year.

This is the 120th anniversary of the tree lighting and it will remain on display until December 29.