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Upper Kedron’s Eva Ilov Impresses Judges to Earn Australian Idol Golden Ticket

Eva Ilov, a 20-year-old singer-songwriter who grew up in Upper Kedron and trained at Performance Studios in Loganholme, has secured a Golden Ticket into the Top 30 of Australian Idol 2026 after one of the season’s most talked-about auditions.

Ilov walked into her audition in front of judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines without a prepared song, deliberately leaving the choice in their hands. The calculated risk paid off. The judges selected three contrasting songs: a Whitney Houston ballad, a Chris Stapleton country-soul track that showcased her gritty range, and a Men at Work classic that put a smile on everyone’s face. Her ability to switch genres without missing a step earned immediate praise, with the judges awarding her a Golden Ticket to the Top 30 on the spot.

For a performer who describes herself as a “musical chameleon,” it was an entrance that made the label stick.

A Musical Life That Began in Upper Kedron

Eva Ilov’s connection to music stretches back to childhood in Brisbane’s north-west. Her granddad bought her her first guitar when she was around seven or eight, and her mother, determined not to let the gift go to waste, enrolled her in lessons. Vocals followed naturally not long after.

She appeared in the junior competition Take the Mic in 2012 and later performed in community music series Homegrown Superstars between 2020 and 2022, building stage experience well before any national platform came calling. Her early formal training included the Young Conservatorium Program at Griffith University, where she studied contemporary voice.

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By 2025 Ilov had completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music at QUT, while also building a portfolio of live performances, studio sessions and international recognition. Her recent achievements also include finishing runner-up in the 2025 Your Shot DJ competition and releasing her debut US single in collaboration with Roy Hamilton III and The Singers Company. She also performed as a featured artist at QPAC in 2019.

The Role Performance Studios Played

Before stepping onto the national stage, Eva Ilov was making the regular drive from Upper Kedron down to Performance Studios, to train with vocal coach Lisa Lockland-Bell. Ilov said Lockland-Bell had changed her perspective on singing entirely, helping her build confidence, discipline and control so she could approach music with greater intention and artistry.

Lockland-Bell brings more than 35 years of experience as a vocal coach, performance mentor and voice transformation specialist to her work at Performance Studios, coaching singers, performers and professional speakers from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Ipswich and Redlands, as well as online worldwide. Her students have appeared on The Voice, Australian Idol, Eurovision and other high-profile platforms.

Lockland-Bell also founded Performance Studios’ Rise Up Competition, a singing contest for young artists from South East Queensland that offers a cash prize and industry training to help emerging performers build a career path. Ilov was a finalist in that competition across 2023 and 2025, making her path from local student to national Idol contestant a direct product of the studio’s ecosystem.

What Comes Next for Australian Idol’s 2026 Season

As of mid-February 2026, Eva Ilov had advanced to the Top 30 and was progressing through the early competition stages, with the show heading toward its live rounds. She joined the first group of Golden Ticket winners announced on the season’s opening night on 2 February, earning her place among 30 contestants selected from across the country.

Season 11 of Australian Idol features hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie, with judges Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy Shark returning to the panel. The competition airs Sundays at 7pm and Mondays at 7.30pm on Channel Seven, with all episodes available to stream on 7plus at 7plus.com.au. Viewers can watch Ilov’s audition and subsequent performances online now. Follow her progress on Instagram at @evailovofficial or through her official website at evailov.com.

Published 2-March-2026.

Soldier Injured In Stabbing At Enoggera Barracks

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

A soldier has been injured and a woman charged following an incident at Enoggera Barracks in north-west Brisbane.

Incident At Enoggera Barracks

A crime scene was declared at Gallipoli Barracks, also known as Enoggera Barracks, after emergency services were called to reports of an altercation about 12.20 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

A 48-year-old male soldier sustained a non-life-threatening puncture wound during the incident. Paramedics treated him at the base before transporting him to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a stable condition.

Multiple police vehicles were seen entering and leaving the Enoggera site following the incident.

Enoggera stabbing — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Woman Charged Over Altercation

A 31-year-old woman was taken into custody within nine minutes of the initial reports. Police seized a weapon at the scene.

She has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm whilst armed and in company. The woman is expected to appear before a Brisbane court on Saturday.

No further details about the circumstances surrounding the altercation have been released.

Enoggera Barracks stabbing — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Separate Lockdown In Townsville

The incident at Enoggera Barracks was reported two days after Lavarack Barracks in Townsville was placed into lockdown following reports an intruder gained access to the military base.

Authorities have not indicated any connection between the two matters.

Published 23-Feb-2026

West Brisbane Sports Results Feb 20-22

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Allianz Stadium) – A-League – Men – Round 18
• Sydney FC 1 | Brisbane Roar FC 0

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Spencer Park) – A-League – Women – Round 18
• Brisbane Roar FC 0 | Adelaide United FC 2

Sat, February 21, 2026 (St Georges Park – St George Willawong FC – Field 1) – FQPL1 – Men – Round 1
• St George Willawong 1 | Broadbeach United 5

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Bulimba Memorial Park – Southside Eagles FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1
• Southside Eagles 0 | UQFC 0

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Walton Bridge Reserve – The Gap FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1
• The Gap FC 0 | Logan Lightning 2

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Goodwin Park – Olympic FC – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1
• Olympic FC 2 | Lions FC 1

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Meakin Park – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1
• Brisbane Roar B 1 | Brisbane City 3

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Heath Park – Eastern Suburbs FC – Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 3
• Eastern Suburbs 4 | Brisbane City 2

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Goodwin Park – Olympic FC – Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 3
• Olympic FC 0 | Lions FC 0

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Brisbane Entertainment Centre) – NBL – Men – Round 22
• Brisbane Bullets 77 | Sydney Kings 117

Sat, February 21, 2026 (The Gabba) – One Day Cup 2025-26 – Men – Match 6
• Queensland Bulls 260 | South Australia Men 135

Sat, February 14, 2026 & Sat, February 21, 2026 (2 Day – Wep Harris Oval) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Men 1st Grade – Round 14
• University of Queensland Mens 1st Grade 6-251 | Valley Mens 1st Grade 8-262

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Kerry Emery Oval – One Day) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Women 1st Grade – Round 21
• Sunshine Coast Womens 1st Grade 111 | Valley Womens 1st Grade 9-235

Sat, February 14, 2026 & Sat, February 21, 2026 (2 Day – Trevor Hohns Field) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Men 1st Grade – Round 14
• Sandgate-Redcliffe Mens 1st Grade 6-322 | Western Suburbs Mens 1st Grade 3-324

The Gap Home Among Eight Brisbane Properties Facing Forced Auction Over Unpaid Rates

A property in The Gap is among eight Brisbane homes facing forced sale in February 2026 after their owners racked up tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid rates — collectively totalling nearly a quarter of a million dollars.

Read: Financial Lifeline Thrown to The Gap Residents Facing Storm Repairs Without Insurance

The local property, located on Chestnut Place in The Gap, is one of a mix of freestanding houses and apartments across Brisbane that BCC has moved to sell after repeated attempts to contact owners and court-based debt recovery failed to resolve the outstanding debts. The other properties are spread across Wakerley, Red Hill, Ashgrove, Kelvin Grove, Albion, Darra and Forest Lake.

Cr Adrian Schrinner indicated that officers had made multiple attempts to reach the owners directly and had already pursued the debts through the court system before escalating to this stage. He noted that the process tends to work, with around nine in ten cases resolved once owners realise the sale threat is genuine and the debt is settled before any property actually goes under the hammer. Cr Schrinner argued it was simply not fair on ratepayers who consistently do the right thing.

Opposition leader Jared Cassidy broadly supported the need to recover unpaid rates but called on BCC staff to be diligent in ensuring that debts hadn’t gone unpaid due to language barriers or other unintentional circumstances before proceeding with a sale.

This isn’t the first time Brisbane has taken this step. In 2018, Brisbane moved against nine properties over overdue rates totalling around $130,000.

What happens when Brisbane rates go unpaid?

Photo credit: Pexels/ RDNE Stock project

Falling behind on rates in Brisbane sets off a chain of consequences that can ultimately end in the loss of a home. In the early stages, late payments attract interest charges and BCC issues reminder notices, giving owners time to bring their accounts up to date.

If the debt remains unresolved, Brisbane’s local officials can pursue legal action to recover what’s owed, and a charge, or lien, may be placed against the property. As a last resort, BCC has the power to sell the land via auction to recover the outstanding rates, which is precisely the situation now facing the eight properties, including the Chestnut Place home in The Gap.

What buyers should know

Interested buyers should monitor upcoming BCC auction listings closely. Properties are typically sold as-is, and the successful purchaser may be required to manage the eviction process themselves, including any legal proceedings needed to obtain vacant possession of the property.

Read: Brisbane Property Market 2025: The Common Trick Leaving The Gap Buyers in the Dark

For The Gap residents, the situation on Chestnut Place is a pointed reminder of how local services — from bin collections to road repairs and parks maintenance — are funded. When rates go unpaid, it’s the wider community that ultimately wears the cost.

Published 23-February-2026

Keperra Country Golf Club Restores Key Holes After Years of Flood and Cyclone Damage

Photo Credit: Keperra Country Golf Club/Facebook

Keperra Country Golf Club has restored two of its most heavily damaged holes after years of floods, a cyclone, and repeated construction setbacks, marking a major step in the Brisbane club’s recovery and bringing its course closer to full play for members and the wider community.

The reopening of the 7th and 8th holes was announced in February 2026 following a lengthy rebuilding effort at the north-west Brisbane course. The project endured several delays caused by severe weather events and technical challenges before work on the redesigned areas was completed.

Long rebuild after extreme weather

The reconstruction followed a series of damaging floods and a cyclone that disrupted sections of the course and forced repeated restarts to restoration work. The project aimed to restore the course layout while strengthening the site against future natural disasters.

Flooding in March 2025
Photo Credit: Keperra Country Golf Club/Facebook

Club officials stated the reopening represented a significant recovery milestone after years of disruption. On the day of the event, the club’s greens staff completed final preparations before cutting the first hole on the newly finished surfaces.

Club captain Greg Marshall joined club member and two-time PGA TOUR winner John Senden for a ceremonial shot to mark the return of the holes to play. Senden’s professional career includes victories on the PGA TOUR, adding significance to the occasion for members.

The club also acknowledged the patience of its membership during the long rebuilding period and recognised the role of funding support from the Queensland Gambling Community Benefit Fund and the Community and Recreational Assets Recovery and Resilience Program, which helps community facilities recover from disaster damage.

Design changes to improve resilience

The 8th hole underwent major design changes focused on long-term protection from flooding. Earlier updates from the club outlined staged works that included replacing a retaining wall along Kedron Brook and rebuilding the green complex.

Course planners also removed some greenside bunkers as part of the redesign to reduce the risk of damage during future extreme weather. The changes were intended to improve drainage and strengthen vulnerable sections of the course.

The restoration forms part of broader efforts across Queensland sporting facilities to rebuild and improve community assets affected by severe weather events in recent years.

Community impact

The restored holes complete an important section of the course layout and support the club’s role as a community sporting venue in Brisbane’s north-west.

Club representatives indicated the project was shaped by member feedback and ongoing support throughout the rebuilding process, reflecting the community-driven nature of the recovery effort.

Published 20-Feb-2026

Enoggera Reservoir Investigation Continues As Police Seek Woman’s Identity

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Editor’s note: This article has been updated following new information released by authorities after initial publication. Police have since identified the woman as a 36-year-old from New Farm and confirmed her family has been notified. Authorities have ruled the death non-suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner.

Police are appealing for public assistance to identify a woman found deceased at Enoggera Reservoir, with investigations continuing into the circumstances.

Identification Appeal In Enoggera

Authorities are seeking help from the public after a woman was located deceased at Enoggera Reservoir and has not yet been formally identified.

She is believed to be aged in her 30s to 40s and is described as having light skin, brown hair and a petite frame. Police are continuing efforts to confirm her identity as part of ongoing inquiries.

Queensland Police — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

When She Was Found

Police say the woman was located around 1:35 p.m. on Sunday, 8 February, within the Enoggera Reservoir area in Brisbane’s north-west.

The location is a well-known outdoor site used by visitors for recreation, including swimming and walking. Investigators are working to establish the events leading up to the discovery.

Description And Clothing Details

The woman was found wearing black tights, a white and black striped sports bra, a black singlet, a white long-sleeve button-up shirt, black Nike joggers and a gold hair clip.

Police released these details to assist members of the public who may be able to recognise her or recall seeing someone matching the description in the area.

Enoggera Reservoir woman — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Community Reaction Online

Following the appeal, members of the public shared messages online expressing concern and sympathy.

Some people said they may have seen a woman matching the description in the broader Enoggera area in the days prior, while others urged anyone with relevant information to contact authorities directly. Several commenters called for caution, reminding others not to speculate about the cause of death while investigations are ongoing.

Others expressed hope that the woman would soon be identified and that her family would be notified.

Ongoing Investigation

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death remain ongoing. Authorities have indicated that determining her identity is a key priority in the early stages of the inquiry.

Police are asking anyone with information that may help identify the woman to come forward. This includes anyone who may have been in the Enoggera Reservoir area around the time she was located.

Information can be provided to Policelink or anonymously through Crime Stoppers, quoting reference number QP2600256762.

Update

It’s understood the woman had sought mental health treatment at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital just days before her body was found.

It’s understood she presented asking for help and had obvious suicidal ideations.

A Metro North spokesperson has confirmed that a Severity Assessment Code 1 (SAC 1) review is underway and offered condolences to the family.

Published 11-Feb-2026
Updated 17-Feb-2026

Queensland Police Service Honours 35 Years of Dedication

QPS

More than 25 Queensland Police Service officers and staff members have been recognised for remarkable courage, service and professionalism at the QPS Award Ceremony, including Ferny Grove officer Sergeant Darren Thomson who received a 35 Year Clasp.

The ceremony, held in Brisbane, honoured recipients with Queensland Police Service Medals, Clasps and Commissioner’s Certificates for exceptional contributions beyond their normal course of duties. Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski says the recipients embody the Queensland Police Service values of integrity, respect and courage, setting a standard of excellence for the organisation.

The awards recognised diverse achievements including displays of intelligence, resourcefulness and dedication while on duty, assistance during critical incidents, and contributions to Queensland Police Service initiatives. Civilians and external groups who assisted police operations also received recognition at the ceremony.

The 35 Year Clasp honours officers who have maintained continuous service to the Queensland Police Service since the late 1980s, spanning significant changes in policing methods, technology and community expectations over more than three decades.

Ferny Grove’s Darren Thomson Honoured

Among the recipients, Sergeant Darren Thomson was recognised for 35 years of service across multiple Brisbane and regional Queensland stations. Thomson currently works at the Weapons Licensing Group but has served as a general duties officer at Ferny Grove, Fortitude Valley, Kingaroy, Brisbane City and Petrie throughout his career.

While stationed at Ferny Grove, Sergeant Thomson performed higher duties as an Acting Senior Sergeant, managing local operations across the Brisbane West district including The Gap, Indooroopilly, Arana Hills and surrounding suburbs. He led various crime prevention initiatives, neighbourhood watch programs, and community engagement activities.

The Ferny Grove station area covers diverse communities ranging from established residential suburbs to semi-rural areas in the western ranges, requiring officers to manage everything from suburban property crime to rural road safety issues. Thomson’s regional posting to Kingaroy provided experience in rural policing, while his city assignments at Fortitude Valley and Brisbane City exposed him to urban policing challenges.

Thomson’s current role at Weapons Licensing Group involves administration and regulation of firearms and weapons permits across Queensland, including processing licence applications, conducting background checks, and managing compliance activities. The transition from station-based general duties to specialist licensing demonstrates the diverse career pathways available within the Queensland Police Service.

Officers reaching 35 years of service have typically experienced multiple organisational changes, technological advancements and shifts in community expectations of policing. Long-serving officers like Thomson contribute institutional knowledge and experience that benefits younger officers joining the service.

Ferny Grove and The Gap Community Context

Ferny Grove and The Gap form part of Brisbane’s north-western suburbs, characterised by established residential areas, bushland reserves, and proximity to the D’Aguilar Range. Local policing priorities typically include property crime prevention, traffic safety on winding range roads, bushfire preparedness, and maintaining community connections through neighbourhood watch programs.

Officers who have served at Ferny Grove develop familiarity with local geography and community networks that proves valuable in responding effectively to incidents and building trust with residents. The recognition of Thomson’s long service provides an opportunity for Ferny Grove and The Gap residents to acknowledge the contribution of officers who have worked in their community throughout their policing careers.

Published 07-February-2026.

$7M Police Upgrade Puts Ferny Grove at Heart of City-wide Safety Plan

A $7 million overhaul of the Ferny Grove police facility is officially underway, marking a major win for local residents demanding a stronger police presence.

The project, which is scheduled to commence during the 2025–26 financial year, serves as a central piece of a broader regional investment strategy. By modernising the local station, officials aim to give officers the tools they need to better manage the growing needs of the north-western suburbs. This funding ensures that the Ferny Grove police presence remains modern and capable of responding quickly to local concerns.

Strengthening Local Law Enforcement

Ferny Grove police — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Beyond the local station, the regional safety plan includes substantial investments in nearby areas to create a more secure network for residents. Large sums are being directed toward major hubs, such as $52 million for Boondall and $30 million for Mount Gravatt, while the Oxley Police Academy will receive $50 million for training improvements. To complement these physical buildings, the government is also expanding the CitySafe CCTV network.

Residents in Mitchelton, Keperra, and Alderley will notice new camera upgrades designed to discourage crime and help police monitor busy public spaces more effectively.

Boosting Health and Travel

The regional plan also addresses the pressure on local hospitals and roads that many families use daily. A significant “Hospital Rescue Plan” is moving forward to add hundreds of new beds across Brisbane, including major expansions at the Princess Alexandra and Prince Charles hospitals. For those living in the Redlands, a $150 million investment will specifically target mental health and allied health services.

Meanwhile, commuters who face the daily crawl at the Gympie Road and Beams Road intersection can look forward to a major upgrade designed to improve the flow of the 80,000 vehicles that pass through that point every day.

Support for Schools and Community Life

Local education and recreation are also receiving a boost to help families manage their daily lives and costs. Thousands of students will see improvements at their schools, with millions of dollars set aside for new classrooms at Buranda State School and significant refurbishments at the Red Hill Special School.

For younger children, primary schools like Gumdale, Belmont, and Carina will receive specific facility upgrades. To help with rising costs, the government is providing direct support through $100 back-to-school credits and $200 vouchers for kids to participate in local sports.

Community Hubs and Housing

The final piece of this regional refresh focuses on building stronger neighbourhoods through better housing and social spaces. Over $156 million is being used to build nearly 500 new social and community homes across the city to help more people find a stable place to live.

In the Everton and Moggill areas, funding is being released for community landmarks like the Dickson Men’s Shed and new neighbourhood centres. Local sports clubs, including the Brothers Rugby Club and the Mitchelton Football Club, are also receiving grants to upgrade their clubhouses, ensuring that community sport remains a vibrant part of local life for years to come.

Published Date 31-January-2026

Enoggera Defence Force Member Charged Over Ferny Hills Truck Crash

Photo Credit: Defence

A member of the Australian Defence Force from Enoggera has been charged following a crash involving a military truck in Brisbane’s north-west last year.

The 25-year-old woman has been charged with one count of driving without proper control of a vehicle after the army truck she was driving rolled over on Samford Road at Ferny Hills on 22 October 2025.

Queensland Police said the military vehicle collided with a car during the incident, which occurred in the afternoon. The driver of the car, a 51-year-old woman from Highvale, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The ADF member was uninjured in the crash.

Emergency services, including Queensland Police and paramedics, attended the scene following reports of the collision between the military vehicle and the civilian car.

The 25-year-old is scheduled to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 2 February 2026.

An Australian Defence Force spokesperson confirmed the organisation was aware of the matter but declined to comment further, stating the case was now before the court.

The incident remains under investigation by Queensland Police.

Published 30-January-2026

The Gap FC Join Record Kappa Queensland Cup Field

Photo Credit: The Gap Football

The Gap FC will line up in the largest-ever Kappa Queensland Cup in 2026, with opening-round fixtures now confirmed across Queensland.

Organised by Football Queensland, the statewide knockout tournament has expanded to a record 307 teams competing across Men’s, Women’s, Under-18 Boys and Under-18 Girls divisions.

From the official draw, The Gap FC will meet Caboolture Sports FC in the Under-18 Boys Round of 32, with progression setting up a Round of 16 clash against the winner of Logan Lightning/North Star and Brighton Bulldogs. In the Under-18 Girls competition, The Gap receives a Round of 32 bye and moves directly into the Round of 16, where they are scheduled to play the winner of Wynnum Wolves and Logan Lightning.

The Kappa Queensland Cup uses a straight knockout format, creating high-stakes matches from the opening rounds. For youth squads especially, it provides valuable experience beyond regular league fixtures, exposing players to unfamiliar opponents and win-or-go-home scenarios.

For clubs like The Gap FC, the tournament supports player development pathways by giving emerging footballers meaningful competitive minutes under pressure. Coaches often use Cup matches to rotate squads, test combinations and accelerate junior progression.

With fixtures running alongside the regular season, supporters can track both league and Cup journeys, with the potential for home knockout ties later in the draw if hosting rights fall The Gap’s way. The expanded 2026 field reflects continued growth in participation and interest in statewide knockout football.

Published 30-Jan-2026