SUNDAY 13th APRIL – ROAD IMPACTS

SUNDAY 13th APRIL – ROAD IMPACTS

THIS SUNDAY! Tour de Brisbane is happening so there may be traffic disruptions along your route. Please plan ahead 🗺️

Road Impacts

CLICK HERE FOR ROAD CLOSURE MAP

Tour de Brisbane Info:

Cyclists of all ages and abilities are expected to participate in the Tour de Brisbane sponsored by Transurban throughout Brisbane and fundraise for The Common Good, an initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.

To deliver a safe and secure event for riders and spectators, there will be major road closures and changed traffic conditions throughout Brisbane under the professional management of Queensland Police Service and Altus Traffic Control.

Motorists are advised to make alternate travel arrangements and give extra time to reach your destination as your normal route may experience delays or be unavailable.

On the event day, map apps such as Google, Waze, and Apple Maps will automatically calculate a detour around the road closures.

Roads will be progressively reopened throughout the event.

Little League National Pathway Update: Teams to Progress to 2025 National Championships

Little League National Pathway Update: Teams to Progress to 2025 National Championships

Baseball Queensland is pleased to share important information regarding team allocations for the 2025 Australian Little League National Championships.

The following number of teams from each division of tournament play will progress to the national stage:

Senior League Championships : 2 teams (First and second placed teams at the Queensland SL Championships)

Junior League Championships: 1 team (QLD JL Tournament Champion)

Intermediate League Championships: 2 teams (First and second placed teams at Queensland IL Championships)

Little League Championships: 2 teams (First and second placed teams at Queensland LL Championships)

Little League Girls: 2 teams (First and second placed teams at Queensland LL Girls Championships )

Little League Invitational: 2 teams (two teams identified as satisfying the relevant criteria – see HERE) 

Teams advancing in Senior League, Junior League, Intermediate League, Little League Championships, and Little League Girls will be determined by results from their respective Queensland Championship events. For example, the top two teams at the Senior League Championships will receive invitations to the Senior League Nationals.

In contrast, selection for the Little League Invitational Tournament—formerly known as the Little League Division 2 Nationals—will focus on rewarding charters that have demonstrated growth, participation, and program development rather than on field wins or losses. Two Charters or Regions that best demonstrate alignment with these national priorities will be offered invitations. Importantly, this invitation is extended to the Charter, not a specific team, and each selected Charter may choose age-eligible players (including Little League Minors but excluding those who competed in the Little League Majors Nationals in the same year) from within their own programs/Charter.

The 2025 Australian Little League Invitational Tournament will be hosted at Redcliffe Padres Baseball Club, Talobilla Park, Kippa-Ring QLD, from 8–12 June 2025.

Baseball Australia has created a comprehensive National Tournament Resource (Live Binder), which includes key information such as event calendars, rules, forms, levies, and logistics. We encourage all Charters and families to explore this resource, even if not attending Nationals: Live Binder Link.

We wish all teams the very best in their State Titles campaigns this weekend and look forward to celebrating those who will represent Queensland on the national stage.

QLD Tournaments Begin

QLD Tournaments Begin

Baseball Queensland is pleased to announce that the 2025 State Tournaments will officially commence tomorrow, signalling the start of a highly anticipated weekend of competitive baseball across the region.

This year’s tournaments will be proudly hosted at three outstanding venues: Redcliffe Padres Baseball Club, Redlands Rays Baseball Club, and Mt Gravatt Eagles Baseball Club. These clubs are well-prepared to deliver a professional and welcoming tournament experience for players, officials, and spectators alike.

With no changes to the original schedule, all fixtures will proceed as planned and Baseball Queensland extends its thanks to all clubs, volunteers, and officials involved in preparing for this important showcase of community and performance-level baseball.

NQ Wrap-up and Introducing Dane Steinke

NQ Wrap-up and Introducing Dane Steinke

Last month, Baseball Queensland’s team flew up from Brisbane to Townsville, then made the drive north to Cairns, bringing baseball to over 3,000 students across 21 schools in North Queensland. The team – Sam Cawdron (Game Development Manager), Joe Surrentino (Baseball5 Coordinator), Dane Steinke (Game Development Officer for Women & Girls), Nick Wyllie (Club Support Coordinator), and Development Officers Tara Sands and Hazel Napier delivered exciting and engaging sessions that introduced the game to new audiences and strengthened ties within the baseball community. Luke Ardill, BQ’s Development Officer for Townsville, led the first week of visits, while Mila Bender, BQ’s Development Officer for Cairns, joined the team for the second week.

In Townsville, the team visited 11 schools, engaging over 1,500 students during the first week. Despite weather disruptions and schedule changes, the BQ staff successfully used Baseball5 as a flexible solution for wet-weather days, receiving positive feedback from clubs, parents, and participants.

In Cairns, the second week saw Mila working closely with local schools, including MacKillop, Mossman, and Parramatta, where over 1,500 students participated. Students showed great enthusiasm for baseball, especially in after-school programs. Wet weather impacted some sessions, but the 1-hour format proved highly effective for keeping students engaged and excited about the sport. These visits were essential in laying the groundwork for junior baseball growth, particularly in regional areas like Mossman.

 

Both Cairns and Townsville hosted successful Info Nights during the two-week visit. These sessions provided a valuable opportunity for Baseball Queensland staff to connect directly with club members, volunteers, and the wider community. Attendees were introduced to upcoming programs such as Buddy League and the Baseball5 Summer League, while also receiving practical insights into how to implement and support these initiatives locally. The Info Nights served as important platforms for upskilling volunteers, sharing development strategies, and building stronger relationships between BQ and regional baseball communities. The warm reception and strong engagement in both regions reflect the growing enthusiasm for baseball across North Queensland.

Our visits helped spread the spirit of the baseball community, sparking excitement for the sport and laying a foundation for future growth. With Luke overseeing Townsville and Mila looking after Cairns, we’re confident that baseball will continue to expand in the region. Their dedicated work, along with the support from local clubs, will create even more opportunities for players across North Queensland. This growing momentum is sure to unite not only North Queensland but also the broader Queensland baseball community, making it stronger and more connected than ever before.

What makes this initiative even more exciting is the teamwork behind it. The Baseball Queensland team works closely together to make baseball a more inclusive sport, especially for women and girls. Dane, who joined as BQ’s Game Development Officer for Women & Girls through the Play Our Way funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, works alongside Hazel, Tara, and Mila, all of whom bring invaluable depth and insight to the team through their experience playing baseball at the club level, with some having represented Queensland teams. Dane’s efforts have already made a significant impact, as he gathered important feedback from players, coaches, and clubs about the unique challenges women and girls face in the sport. 

With this dedicated approach and the strong teamwork at BQ, we’re confident that we have a bright future ahead. By working together, we’re creating opportunities that will allow more women and girls to thrive in the sport, ensuring baseball continues to grow and be more inclusive for everyone. Dane’s focus is on grassroots participation, including childcares, after-school programs, T-ball, and junior baseball, helping to lay a solid foundation for future growth and inclusivity in the sport.

Meet Dane 

story by Connie Rowe

It’s been just over a month in the job, and Women & Girls Game Development Officer Dane Steinke has hit the ground running. From delivering school clinics and buddy league open days in North Queensland, Dane’s passion lies in fostering a pathway for junior participation from the ground up. 
 
As a former basketballer who chased his dreams to college ball, he reflects on aspiring to reach the levels of success of athletes before him and understands how important it is to have inclusive pathway programs that support the journey of junior athletes.
 
It was during his time living in America that Dane first discovered an interest in baseball, working as a student assistant with his college team. It was also where he developed a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the women’s sporting landscape. From working with professional women’s teams in the WNBA to coaching junior athletes in schools and clubs he’s witnessed the positive impact that championing female athletes has on inspiring the next generation of players. 
 
During his recent involvement with Baseball Queensland’s clinics across Townsville and Cairns, Dane noted how rewarding it was to see the girl’s excitement at meeting and playing alongside some of the states up and coming representatives.
 
Now in his new role, he’s ready to listen and learn from those in the sport and bring a fresh perspective to the growth of the women’s game – from the ground up. 
Baseball5 Comes to Ipswich – Free Come & Try Session This Sunday!

Baseball5 Comes to Ipswich – Free Come & Try Session This Sunday!

With the Big League Championships called off due to wet weather, there’s still an exciting way to get your baseball fix this weekend! Baseball Queensland invites everyone to join us for a free Baseball5 Come & Try session at Ipswich Musketeers on Sunday, 6th April, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

What is Baseball5?
Baseball5 is a fast-paced, high-energy version of baseball that’s easy to learn and perfect for all ages and skill levels. No bats, no gloves – just quick reflexes, teamwork, and plenty of fun! Whether you’re a seasoned baseball player, a handball enthusiast, or someone looking for a new sport, this is the perfect chance to get involved.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Sunday, 6th April
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Ipswich Musketeers Baseball Club
🎟 Cost: FREE – No registration required!

Attendees can expect a fun, social atmosphere, with giveaways to keep the energy high. Just bring yourself, a great attitude, and be ready to jump into the action!

Whether you’re looking for something new to try, an activity for the whole family, or just a fun way to spend your Sunday, Baseball5 is the perfect choice.