Homepage Latest News Archives - Springfield Lakes

Taking a Stand Against Silence on a Bright Red Bench in Springfield

On any given afternoon at Orion Springfield Central, the air is filled with the warm, ordinary rhythms of everyday life. Children laugh in the nearby playground, shoppers stroll with coffees in hand, and families carry their groceries home. Yet, right in the midst of these everyday moments sits a bright red bench with a simple, quiet message: “Domestic Violence: Let’s Change the Ending.”

It’s a striking, vivid splash of crimson set against a backdrop of community life in Greater Springfield. Part of the Red Rose Foundation’s Red Bench Project, this seat, installed in 2022, serves as a gentle reminder that love should always mean safety.

It whispers a truth we often find difficult to voice: that domestic and family violence isn’t a distant headline. It touches suburbs, neighbors, and people’s hearts.

Honoring Katherine: A Name That Touches the Heart

On 23 July 2026, the message carved into the wood carries a deeply tender local connection.

When the Red Rose Foundation gathers in Brisbane for its solemn Red Rose Rally, a list of names will be read aloud—lives cut short, loved ones deeply missed, and stories that deserve to be remembered with grace. Among them is Katherine Sanowski, from Greater Springfield.

Red Rose rally in Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Red Rose Foundation Australia/Facebook*

In early 2026, Katherine’s life came to a heartbreaking end in nearby Bellbird Park, an event that rocked the community and led to formal charges under domestic violence legislation. While the legal process moves through the court system, the community’s heart turns toward healing and honour.

Katherine is not just a statistic in a news file. She is a neighbor, a soul who belonged to our streets, and her memory now lends a powerful urgency to the words written on Orion’s bench.

Her life is a reminder of why breaking the silence matters so profoundly.

Red Bench at Orion in Springfield — *Photo Credit: CharisMullenQLD/Facebook*

From Reflection to Action: A Place to Begin

While the red bench asks people to stop, pause, and remember, the Greater Springfield community has ensured that no one has to carry their burdens alone. Up on Level 1 of Orion Springfield Central, hope takes a practical, compassionate shape at The HOPE Hub.

Managed by Beyond DV alongside dedicated partners like Small Steps 4 Hannah and The Sunlight Centre, the Hub was created with a deep understanding of human vulnerability. Seeking help when living in fear or uncertainty can feel like climbing a mountain.

The HOPE Hub exists so no one has to make that journey alone—or travel far to find a safe ear.

A Safe, Welcoming Space: Located conveniently right inside the shopping centre, residents don’t need to navigate central city transit to ask for guidance.
No Pressure, Just Support: Whether you need immediate advice, mental health resources, or simply a quiet space to explore your options without judgment, the Hub is there to listen.

Direct Line: 0422 723 435 (Please check current operating hours prior to visiting)

A Shared Journey Toward the Light

Ending family violence takes collective courage. Together, the red bench, the Brisbane rally, and the HOPE Hub form a safety net of remembrance and action.

The bench keeps the conversation visible in our daily lives, while the Red Rose Rally offers a dedicated space to honour lives like Katherine’s so they are never forgotten. Remembrance turns into real support at the HOPE Hub, where compassion becomes a safe doorway toward healing.

Pain may be part of this story, but it doesn’t have to be the final chapter for others. Every time you pause, remember, or reach out, you help write a safer, softer ending for the community.

Lifelines & Support Services

If you or someone you know is facing control, fear, or domestic violence, compassionate help is always available:

Emergency Services: 000 (Immediate Danger)
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (National domestic, family, and sexual violence counsel)
DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811 (Queensland support and crisis shelter)

Published 20-July-2026

Family Remembers Tama Harrison After Fatal Greenbank Hit-and-Run

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

The family of Greenbank man Tama Harrison has paid tribute to the 20-year-old after he died in an alleged hit-and-run, remembering him as a loyal and dependable young man who took on responsibilities well beyond his years.

As police continue investigating the fatal collision on Middle Road, Harrison’s family has shared memories of his dedication to those closest to him and the responsibilities he accepted at a young age.

A fundraiser organised by Anita Harrison and Jenniffer Ross says Harrison stepped into a major role at home after his father suffered a serious injury and could no longer continue with the family business. According to the campaign, he took over the business, managed the family home loan and carried responsibilities that extended far beyond his age.

His family said he believed hard work was the key to building a better future. They also shared that he enjoyed fishing and camping, loved cars and was deeply loyal to his family and friends.

In comments to the media, Harrison’s mother, Natalie Rose, remembered her son as a happy and friendly young man who was always willing to help others. His aunt, Anita Harrison, said he showed maturity beyond his years and shared a brother-like bond with her sons.

The fundraiser has been established to help Harrison’s family meet funeral costs, household expenses and financial commitments following his death.

Friends went to Harrison’s aid after the collision

Harrison was struck by a vehicle on Middle Road, Greenbank, about 8:45 p.m. on Monday, 13 July.

Queensland Police said friends who were at the scene went to his aid before emergency services arrived. Despite their efforts, Harrison died at the scene.

Detectives later seized a damaged black Ford Falcon believed to be connected to the incident. The vehicle is undergoing forensic examination as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.

As of Wednesday morning, police had announced no arrests and no charges had been laid.

Police seek witnesses as investigation continues

The Forensic Crash Unit is continuing to investigate the fatal incident and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Ian Galpin said investigators believe there are people who may have information that could assist the inquiry. He urged anyone with relevant information to contact police as soon as possible, saying early information can make a significant difference to an investigation.

Police also want to speak with the occupants of a dark-coloured utility seen in the area around the time of the crash. Investigators are also seeking the occupants of a white Toyota LandCruiser that was nearby.

Anyone who travelled along Middle Road on Monday evening is being asked to review dashcam footage and contact Queensland Police if they captured anything that could assist the investigation.

While police continue working to establish the full circumstances of the collision, his family’s tribute remembers him for his loyalty, strong work ethic and commitment to those he loved.

Published 16-July-2026

Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall Set For $700,000 Restoration

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall will undergo an approximately $700,000 restoration after investigations identified slumped flooring, damaged drains, rising damp and defects in surrounding surfaces.

Investigations Reveal Wider Repair Needs

Exploratory work began in 2025 as Ipswich City Council and the Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch examined the condition of the Nicholas Street building. CCTV inspections of the drainage system were carried out alongside survey work and ground-penetrating radar.

The investigations found clogged and cracked drains, movement in the flooring and rising damp affecting the floors and walls. Defects were also identified in the footpath and other hard surfaces around the hall.

The findings showed the repairs would be more extensive and costly than initially anticipated. Architectural and engineering plans have now been finalised, with an architect and heritage consultant engaged to assist with the design documentation.

Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall facade on Nicholas Street — *Photo Credit: IpswichCityCouncil/Anzac Square*

Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall Through The Decades

The three-storey brick hall was designed by Ipswich architect George Brockwell Gill and built by F. J. Lye between 1920 and 1921. Governor Sir Matthew Nathan officially opened it on 26 November 1921.

Created as a First World War memorial and a recreation and meeting place for returned servicemen, the building was funded through government assistance, contributions from the returned soldiers’ organisation and fundraising by local community groups.

The basement originally contained a billiards room, games room, refreshment room, showers and a bath. The ground floor housed the memorial hall, assembly room, office and lounge, while the Ipswich School of Arts Library occupied the upper floor until 1947.

Classical entrance with rising sun military emblem — Caption: Soldiers Memorial Hall, Ipswich, circa 1920s
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The hall later accommodated groups including the Red Cross Blood Bank, Legacy and the RSL Women’s Auxiliary. It remains associated with local service organisations and Ipswich’s Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations.

Its Nicholas Street facade includes classical detailing and a rising sun military emblem. The memorial chamber contains a marble First World War memorial and honour boards connected with later conflicts.

The building was entered on the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. Its listing recognises its architectural character, association with returned service organisations and role in Ipswich’s commemorative and community life.

Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall — *Photo Credit: Tanya Jen/IpswichCityCouncil/Anzac Square*

Funding And Design Work

Authorities set aside $150,000 in its 2025–26 Budget, of which $50,000 has been spent, and allocated a further $650,000 in its 2026–27 Budget.

Funding of $228,475 through the Honouring Our Veterans Grants Program will contribute to the overall restoration cost of approximately $700,000.

Planning for the project has involved the Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch, which uses the building as its headquarters and provides support, advocacy and connection for local veterans and their families.

Construction Timed Around Commemorations

Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2026 after Remembrance Day on 11 November. Completion is expected in March 2027, with the hall intended to be open for Anzac Day commemorations on 25 April 2027.

Published 13-July-2026

Australian-First Mater Care Model Delivers Better Outcomes for Mothers With Diabetes

For Springfield mother Nicole Lloyd, the thought of pregnancy once came with more anxiety than excitement. Living with Type 1 diabetes meant she knew her pregnancies would require close monitoring and carried greater risks for both her and her babies. But after taking part in an Australian-first care program at Mater Mothers’ Hospital, she said the experience was far more personal and empowering than the standard model she had previously received.

Read: First Baby Born at Mater Hospital Springfield as Families Gain Local Maternity Care

Ms Lloyd participated in Mater’s Obstetric Medicine Midwifery Group Practice during two of her three pregnancies. Unlike traditional hospital care, where women may see different clinicians throughout their pregnancy, the program pairs expectant mothers with a dedicated midwife while also providing specialist obstetric medicine support for complex pregnancies.

The approach was developed specifically for women with pre-existing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, who have historically been unable to access Midwifery Group Practice because their pregnancies are considered high risk. For Ms Lloyd, having one familiar midwife throughout her pregnancy made a meaningful difference. Rather than repeating her medical history at each appointment, she said her care felt consistent and centred on her individual needs. She also felt she had greater involvement in decisions about her pregnancy and birth, something she found lacking during her earlier experience under standard care.

A New Way to Support High-Risk Pregnancies

Mater Midwifery Group Practice (Photo credit: Mater)

The model is based at Mater Mothers’ Hospital and combines the continuity of Midwifery Group Practice with specialist obstetric medicine, allowing women with diabetes to receive coordinated care from pregnancy through to the postnatal period.

Mater researchers developed the initiative to provide more coordinated care for women with diabetes, who often receive treatment across multiple services and clinicians during pregnancy. Under the new model, a dedicated midwife remains part of the woman’s care team, attending appointments with specialists and helping coordinate treatment across disciplines.

Associate Professor Shelley Wilkinson, who co-led the research alongside Associate Professor Jo Laurie, said women with diabetes face a greater chance of complications during pregnancy, including premature birth, babies with higher birthweights, neonatal intensive care admissions and surgical deliveries.

She said the program was designed to ensure women remained at the centre of their care while maintaining access to the specialist support required for higher-risk pregnancies.

Before introducing the program, researchers gathered baseline data from women receiving conventional care. That information helped shape the pilot and provided a benchmark for evaluating whether the new approach improved outcomes.

Research Shows Promising Results

The first formal evaluation of the program has now been published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Researchers compared outcomes for 38 women enrolled in the Obstetric Medicine Midwifery Group Practice with 56 women who received standard care.

The study found babies in the new program were born at an average gestational age of 37.4 weeks, compared with 36 weeks under standard care. None of the babies in the program were born small for their gestational age, and more than 70 per cent of mothers were breastfeeding when discharged from hospital, an increase from 58.9 per cent among women receiving conventional care.

Read: Mater Hospital Springfield Takes Shape as Doctors Begin Onboarding

The researchers concluded that combining specialist obstetric medicine with continuity of midwifery care improved both clinical outcomes and women’s experiences during pregnancy. All women enrolled in the program also receive postnatal care at home as part of the model. Mater’s research team is now exploring opportunities to expand the model to support women with other complex and chronic health conditions.

The findings suggest coordinated maternity care may benefit women with pre-existing diabetes, including families from communities such as Springfield who access specialist maternity services at Mater.

Published 12-July-2026

Brisbane Sprint Star Gout Gout Sidelined Until 2027 After Hamstring Injury

Photo Credit: Wikimedia/GNU Free Documentation License

One of Queensland’s brightest sporting talents will spend the rest of 2026 on the sidelines after Brisbane sprint sensation Gout Gout suffered a serious hamstring injury, ending his hopes of competing at next month’s World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene.

The 18-year-old revealed the injury occurred during training in Brisbane, with MRI scans confirming a Grade 3C hamstring injury involving the tendon in his left hamstring. The diagnosis effectively ends his 2026 campaign, with his focus now shifting to rehabilitation before a planned return during Australia’s domestic athletics season in early 2027 and a longer-term goal of competing at the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.

Australian Athletics backed the decision, saying Gout has a long career ahead of him and that allowing the injury to heal properly now is more important than rushing back too soon. The organisation also encouraged supporters to remain patient as the young sprinter begins his recovery.

A Season Put On Hold

For a teenager who has become one of the world’s most exciting sprint prospects, the timing could hardly be worse.

Gout heads into rehabilitation after a remarkable rise that has seen him break age-group records, compete internationally against some of the sport’s biggest names and attract worldwide attention for his performances on the track.

Missing the World Athletics Under-20 Championships is a significant disappointment, but sports medicine experts say injuries involving the hamstring tendon demand patience rather than haste.

Why Patience Matters More Than Speed

Hamstring injuries are among the most common setbacks in elite sprinting, but tendon involvement generally makes recovery more complex than a muscle strain alone.

Under the British Athletics Muscle Injury Classification (BAMIC), injuries involving the intramuscular tendon are typically associated with longer rehabilitation because the tendon must recover sufficiently to withstand the enormous forces generated during maximal sprinting.

Medical research also identifies hamstring strains as having one of the highest recurrence rates in elite sport, which is why athletes are often progressed cautiously through rehabilitation before returning to competition. Recovery involves far more than becoming pain-free, with sprinters needing to rebuild strength, regain maximum speed and repeatedly tolerate race-intensity efforts before they are cleared to compete.

The Long Game

History suggests taking a conservative approach can pay dividends.

Early hamstring injuries interrupted Usain Bolt’s development before he went on to become an eight-time Olympic champion and an 11-time world champion, illustrating that setbacks early in a career do not have to define what comes next.

That appears to be the philosophy behind Gout’s decision to end his season rather than risk returning too soon.

While Queensland fans will have to wait longer to see their hometown sprint star back in action, the focus has already shifted beyond the disappointment of 2026.

If his rehabilitation progresses as planned, Gout is expected to return during Australia’s domestic athletics season early next year before building towards the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.

For one of Australia’s brightest young athletes, the immediate goal is no longer chasing medals this season; it’s ensuring the next chapter of an already remarkable career begins on the strongest possible footing.

Published 10-July-2026

Springfield-Redbank Special School Moves Into Construction, On Track for 2027

The Education Department has confirmed it is progressing the new special school for Springfield-Redbank, with construction now underway and the first stage on track to welcome students at the start of Term 1, 2027.

Read: New School Campus to Serve Thousands of Students in Booming Walloon Region in Ipswich

The update came via State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen, who shared confirmation from the department that Stage 1 of the project has been approved for 120 students.

The department’s own project page shows the build has moved out of planning and into the construction phase, with earthworks and the installation of new buildings now the immediate focus. Fleetwood Australia has been engaged as contractor, though the final budget and number of jobs created remain subject to detailed design and contract award.

A shared campus, with each school keeping its own identity

The new school will cater for Prep to Year 6 students and will sit adjoining Woogaroo Creek State School, on land already owned by the state. Under the master plan being developed, Woogaroo Creek State School is expected to expand to around 1200 primary-aged students over time, alongside the roughly 120 special school students enrolled in Stage 1.

Despite sharing a site, the two schools have been planned to operate largely independently. Each will have its own classrooms, play spaces and support areas, and there may be dedicated drop-off and pick-up zones for each campus, although staff and visitor parking could be shared. Where the two will overlap is in things like the existing hall, resource centre and some administration facilities, which will be managed by the leadership team.

There’s also a flow-on effect for an existing local school. Over time, Goodna Special School will transition to serve Year 7 to Year 12 students only, according to the department’s update.

Part of the state’s biggest special school investment

Springfield-Redbank’s new school isn’t an isolated project. It’s one of seven special schools being delivered under a $500 million state commitment, which Queensland has called the largest special school investment in the state’s history. The push reflects a steep rise in need, with special school enrolments across the state having climbed more than 38 per cent since 2019.

Other projects in the program are at different stages. As of the most recent update in October 2025, Logan Reserve and Central Logan (Berrinba) had progressed into construction, Ipswich West had early works underway, and Coomera’s tender process was in motion.

At that time, Springfield-Redbank was grouped with Beenleigh and Moreton Bay South as still in the planning and consultation stage, a status that has since changed with this confirmation that Springfield-Redbank has now moved into construction.

Read: Greater Springfield to Boost Education with 11 New Schools

Ms Mullen has indicated further details, including enrolment information for interested families, will be shared as they come to hand.

Published 17-June-2026

Campaign To Save Woogaroo Forest Gains Momentum As Koala Habitat Faces Development Threat

A growing campaign is urging stronger protection for Woogaroo Forest in Ipswich, with conservation groups, scientists and residents warning that the loss of the bushland could have serious consequences for koalas and other threatened wildlife.

Read: Save Woogaroo Forest Group Continues Fight to Protect Critical Habitat from Development

Supporters say the more than 450-hectare forest provides habitat for more than 1,000 species, including koalas, greater gliders, powerful owls, platypuses, echidnas and frilled-neck lizards.

The campaign focuses on four proposed developments within the forest, including a major residential proposal for more than 1,800 homes. Campaigners argued that while additional housing is needed, environmentally significant bushland should not be sacrificed.

Calls For Federal Assessment

Photo credit: Facebook/Save Woogaroo Forest – Ipswich QLD

The Save Woogaroo Forest campaign is calling on Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt to reject the proposed developments following assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.

According to campaign organisers, the proposals are being assessed under Development Control Plans created around 30 years ago, before the EPBC Act came into effect and before koalas were recognised as a nationally threatened species. Campaigners argued the planning instruments pre-date current federal environmental laws and the listing of koalas as a threatened species.

An open letter signed by more than 300 scientists, conservation experts and academics from 11 countries has been presented to the minister, urging him to protect the forest in its entirety. The campaign has also attracted a public petition with more than 20,000 signatures. Community members recently gathered at a rally before marching to Senator Watt’s office to deliver both the expert letter and the petition.

Forest Provides Critical Wildlife Corridor

Environmental groups described Woogaroo Forest as an important ecological corridor linking remnant bushland across the region. They warned that clearing sections of the forest would further fragment koala habitat, isolate local populations and increase pressure on wildlife in the region.

The campaign noted that koalas were listed as vulnerable under national environmental laws in 2012 before being uplisted to endangered in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT in 2022.

Supporters also pointed to broader land-clearing trends across Queensland, saying more than 300,000 hectares of woody vegetation are affected by clearing each year, placing increasing pressure on native wildlife.

Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White’s Hill recently joined supporters of the Ipswich campaign, drawing comparisons with Brisbane’s own well-known bushland reserves. In a social media post, the group encouraged residents to imagine the impact of bulldozing Toohey Forest or Whites Hill Reserve to highlight the significance of Woogaroo Forest.

The group also highlighted the importance of maintaining habitat connectivity for koalas, noting that fragmentation continues to threaten populations across South East Queensland.

Campaigners Say Habitat Cannot Easily Be Replaced

Campaign organisers acknowledged the need for more housing but argue future growth should prioritise higher-density development in suitable locations rather than clearing significant native forest. Campaign organisers also argued restoring habitat is difficult and cannot quickly replace established ecosystems.

Campaign material notes that the Queensland Koala Habitat Restoration Partnership Program restored about 180 hectares of habitat and assisted the regeneration of a further 250 hectares over five years, while Woogaroo Forest itself covers more than 450 hectares of established bushland.

Read: Will Woogaroo Forest Survive Brisbane’s Building Boom?

Supporters cited these figures to argue that mature habitat cannot easily be replaced. The campaign is encouraging residents to support its petition and expert open letter while the Commonwealth considers the development proposals.

Campaigners say the decision will be significant for the future protection of endangered species and important habitat in South East Queensland.

Published 7-July-2026

Springfield Doctor backs Prostate Cancer Screening after Brisbane Father’s Early Diagnosis

A Brisbane father’s experience with prostate cancer is reinforcing calls from specialists at Mater Private Hospital Springfield for men to be proactive about their health, particularly those with a family history of the disease.

Read: Community Donations Help Bring Cutting-Edge Surgical Technology to Mater Springfield

After receiving normal results from routine blood tests, 58-year-old Terry Brouwers remained concerned when urinary changes persisted. After discussing his ongoing symptoms with his doctor, he underwent an MRI, which revealed an abnormality in his prostate. A subsequent biopsy confirmed early-stage prostate cancer, allowing him to undergo surgery just weeks later.

His experience highlights an important message from clinicians. While the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test remains a valuable screening tool, it does not identify every case of prostate cancer. Doctors say men who continue to experience symptoms or have concerns should return to their GP to discuss further assessment.

Early detection can save lives

Photo credit: Google Maps/Mater Private Hospital Springfield

Dr Sam Davies, a urologist at Mater Private Hospital Springfield, said prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men, with about 29,000 new cases expected each year.

He said about 79 Australian men are diagnosed with the disease every day and around 11 die from it daily. Although prostate cancer is more common in older men, more than 450 Australians under the age of 50 are expected to receive a diagnosis this year.

Dr Davies said earlier diagnosis and improvements in treatment have led to much better outcomes, with around 91 per cent of men now expected to survive at least 10 years after diagnosis.

He encouraged men aged over 50 to speak with their doctor about regular PSA blood tests, which are largely funded through Medicare. For those with a family history of prostate cancer, discussions about screening should begin earlier, between the ages of 40 and 45, as inherited factors account for a significant proportion of prostate cancer risk.

Mr Brouwers had been undergoing regular prostate checks since his late 40s because his grandfather had previously been diagnosed with the disease. Although his PSA test returned within the normal range, persistent changes in his urination prompted him to seek further investigation.

An MRI detected an abnormal area in his prostate and a biopsy later confirmed early-stage cancer. He underwent surgery within weeks of receiving the diagnosis.

Since his treatment, Mr Brouwers has been encouraging other men to speak openly about prostate health and to seek medical advice if something does not feel right. He hopes sharing his experience will help reduce the stigma that can prevent men from discussing prostate cancer or attending routine health checks.

Health experts say prostate cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular screening especially important for those at increased risk. When symptoms do appear, they can include changes in urination, pain in the lower back, pelvis or testicles, or discomfort while urinating. These symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed.

The issue has also received renewed public attention following British television personality Jeremy Clarkson’s announcement that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

Read: The Beginnings of Collins Estate, the ‘Most Cheerful’ Address in Annerley

While no screening method can detect every case, doctors say men should pay attention to persistent changes in their health and seek further medical advice if symptoms continue, even when initial test results appear reassuring.

For Queensland families, the message is clear. Knowing your risk, attending regular health checks and having open conversations with your GP could help detect prostate cancer earlier, when treatment is most likely to be successful.

Published 1-July-2026

Get Up Close with the Brisbane Lions at Free Springfield Training Session

AFL

Springfield Lakes families have a rare chance to watch the Brisbane Lions train live at their home ground during the school holidays, with the club opening Brighton Homes Arena to fans for a free morning session.

Gates open at 8.30am on Tuesday 7 July at 16 Eden Station Drive in Springfield Central, just over 100 metres from Springfield Central Station — which the club describes as the closest train station of any similar venue in Australia. For local families, it’s an easy, unticketed morning out with free entry at the gate.

The Lions are one of the competition’s premier clubs, and watching them prepare at their own training ground is a different experience from game day. The session puts fans on the grass level with the players, watching them work through drills and conditioning before the crowd gets access for photos and autographs.

Getting close to the players after the session

The real drawcard for young supporters is what happens after training wraps up. Players come off the track and are available for selfies and autograph signing, giving kids the kind of up-close access that is not available on a match day when the action never stops.

Pull on the maroon, blue and gold and come ready with a phone charged and, if the kids have one, a piece of Lions merchandise to get signed.

The Lions encourage fans heading to Brighton Homes Arena to build in a bit of time before 8.30am, particularly if travelling by car. Limited street parking runs along Australia Avenue, and the P3 carpark sits on the northern side of Eden Station Drive.

The Springfield Park ‘n’ Ride on Springfield Greenbank Arterial is a larger multi-storey option for those who prefer covered parking.

Coming by train or bus

For families who want to skip the parking entirely, Springfield Central Station puts you literally steps from the venue. Train services run regularly from the CBD, and the journey from Roma Street takes around 45 minutes. Bus routes 526, 527 and 528 also service the Springfield Central and Orion Shopping Centre precinct for those coming from nearby suburbs.

For a tailored trip plan, use the Translink Journey Planner and enter Brighton Homes Arena as the destination.

Roar Espresso is open for the visit

The arena’s on-site café, Roar Espresso, will be open throughout the morning. They run an all-day menu with everything from takeaway snacks to sit-down meals, so you can grab a coffee while the kids watch the team on the track

Accessible parking is available at Springfield Central Station and in the Park ‘n’ Ride, with covered accessible spaces on a first-come basis. For full transport and venue information, visit lions.com.au or brightonhomesarena.com.au.

Published 1-July-2026

Helicopter Pool Lift Turns Difficult Spring Mountain Install Into Reality

Photo Credit: Narellan Pools Ipswich & South Brisbane/Facebook

A Spring Mountain family that had nearly given up on installing a pool has had a 500kg plunge pool flown into its backyard by helicopter after steep access made other delivery options unworkable.

Pool Dream Takes Flight In Spring Mountain

A Spring Mountain family’s difficult backyard has become the site of an unusual pool installation, with a helicopter used to lower a fibreglass plunge pool into place after other companies had said the job could not be done.

The homeowners had been told the pool could not be installed because of the steep road and the position of the excavation area. After approaching Narellan Pools – Ipswich and South Brisbane, the project was taken on by Kimberley and Brendon Etheve, who operate the business.

The solution was not a standard crane or truck delivery. After other options were exhausted, Helicopter Lifting Services was engaged to move the pool shell from above.

The plunge pool weighed 500kg and measured 4.5m by 3.5m.

Helicopter lifting pool over Spring Mountain — *Photo Credit: Narellan Pools Ipswich & South Brisbane/Facebook*

Steep Access Left One Workable Option

The lift required aviation approvals, insurance and road exclusion zones before the pool could be moved.

Helicopter Lifting Services arranged the operation, with the shell waiting on a truck before being collected by helicopter and carried into the yard. The pool was airborne for about three to five minutes before being lowered into the prepared excavation.

The installation was described by those involved as the only practical solution after the family had previously been turned back elsewhere. The homeowners had nearly gone without a pool before the helicopter lift was arranged.

Spring Mountain Lift Draws Online Attention

Footage of the Spring Mountain pool lift was later shared on social media and drew more than 800,000 views.

The response included comments about the cost and questions about why a normal crane was not used. The helicopter lift cost $27,000, covering aviation approvals, insurance and road exclusion arrangements.

Ms Etheve said she believed the lift was a first for Ipswich. Since the footage was shared, the business has received inquiries about two more helicopter pool lifts.

Plunge pool lowered into backyard — *Photo Credit: Narellan Pools Ipswich & South Brisbane/Facebook*

Ipswich Operators Behind The Job

Kimberley and Brendon Etheve have operated Narellan Pools – Ipswich and South Brisbane since 2023.

The business installs fibreglass pools and carries out whole transformation packages. It has reported installing up to 150 pools a year, with at least one installation a day during summer.

For the Spring Mountain family, the result was a pool installation that required a short flight, detailed planning and a delivery method rarely seen in a suburban backyard.

Published 26-June-2026