Homepage Latest News Archives - Springfield Lakes

Springfield Welcomes First Debt-Free Nursing Graduates

Thirty-four hospital-trained enrolled nurses have graduated debt-free in Springfield through Mater Education, boosting the local healthcare workforce.

The graduates are the first cohort from Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing programme to complete their studies at the Mater Health Hub in Springfield without tuition fees, benefiting from the Queensland Government’s Free Nursing initiative.

Introduced in 2023, this funding saved each student almost $25,000, removing a significant financial barrier to entering the nursing profession. Mater Education reports it is training over 200 more students in Springfield under this scheme.

The programme was essential for graduates like Samantha Adams. The 43-year-old Middle Park resident stated that without the fee-free option, her family would not have been able to undertake the studies.

The mother-of-three, who enrolled in October 2023, saw the course as a great opportunity to re-enter the workforce after being a stay-at-home mum. The former medical research worker now intends to find work as an enrolled nurse and pursue further university studies to become a Registered Nurse.

The training occurred at Mater’s modern Springfield facility, designed to equip students effectively for healthcare roles. Springfield Educator Dominique Willison explained that the Diploma of Nursing course provides students with current, hospital-based nursing training.

She added that Mater Education focuses on preparing students for employment through real-world clinical experience, noting the proximity of Mater Private Hospital Springfield provides practical advantages.

This graduation comes as the region prepares for a significant increase in healthcare demand. The new public Mater Hospital Springfield is scheduled to open in 2026 and is expected to employ more than 1,000 people. This development promises exciting new opportunities for nursing graduates and those considering a career change.

Mater Education’s Interim Executive Director, Sean Hunter, described the chance to qualify debt-free as an enormous opportunity. He highlighted that nursing is incredibly rewarding and encouraged anyone considering a healthcare career, including job seekers, career changers, recent high school graduates, and those returning to the workforce, to consider applying for the fee-free programme intake in 2025.

Published Date 16-April-2025

March, Reflect, Remember: Anzac Day 2025 in Ipswich

On 25 April each year, Australians pause to reflect on the courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy of the men and women who have served our country in war, conflict and peacekeeping missions. In Ipswich, Anzac Day remains a solemn and significant occasion, with services and commemorations that bring the community together in remembrance.

Read: Ash Barty Honoured with First Aboriginal Barbie Doll in Celebration of International Women’s Day

This year, the Anzac Day Main March will be held on Friday, 25 April 2025, with assembly at the corner of Brisbane and Waghorn streets. The march will step off at 10.45 am, bringing together veterans, serving personnel, community groups, and descendants of those who served. Spectators are encouraged to line the route, pay their respects, and show their support.

Photo credit: Ipswich RSL Sub Branch Inc/ Facebook

For those wishing to attend a dawn service, the day will begin at the Honour Stone at the corner of Limestone and Nicholas streets, with the traditional Dawn Service starting at 4.27 am. A second service will follow later in the morning at 8.15 am, preceded by a short march from South Street at 8.00 am.

2025 Anzac Parade Route (Photo credit: ipswich.qld.gov.au)

These services are more than just ceremonies — they are moments of quiet reflection and collective memory, honouring those who gave their lives and those who returned forever changed.

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops on the shores of Gallipoli in 1915. Though the campaign itself did not achieve its military goals, it became a defining moment in the nation’s history. The qualities shown by the Anzacs — courage, mateship, endurance and sacrifice — helped shape the identity of both Australia and New Zealand.

Read: A Piece of Ipswich History: Historic CWA Property Set for Auction

As the bugle sounds and wreaths are laid, Ipswich will pause to remember — not to glorify war, but to honour service, acknowledge loss, and ensure the Anzac spirit lives on for generations to come.

Published 16-April-2025

Brisbane Lions Looking to Extend Unbeaten Run Hosting Confident Magpies

Photo Credit: Australia Rugby

A 60-point turnaround against the Bulldogs last week has got tongues wagging big time about the reigning AFL champions.

A second-half demolition, with 14 goals kicked and only 5 conceded, has given Chris Fagan’s men a feeling that they are the Houdini of the sport, able to come back no matter how big a hole they dig for themselves. The fact that this was not the first hole they have dug this season that seemed tough to get out of is being ignored, and rightly so. The focus is on “no hole is big enough” for our boys to climb out of.

Certainly, the confidence and resilience the Lions have been building since round 13 of last season, where they were in 13th position and began their assault on the 2024 title, is fantastic to watch.

The victory against the Bulldogs, leaves the Lions unbeaten in 2025, 5-0. The comeback win was led by Eric Hipwood’s 5 goals in the second half, Hugh McCluggage’s 32 disposals and the pressure built in the second half through the dynamism of Lachie Neale(14 contested possessions), Will Ashcroft and McCluggage.

For the Lions, Kai Lohmann will miss the game, his 3rd in a row, with his ankle injury, Brandon Starcevich’s concussion clearance is still pending as is Lincoln McCarthy’s knee.

For the Pies, Jordan De Goey returns after an Achilles tweak and Harry Perryman has been cleared of his ankle problem. Thirty-four-year-old Steele Sidebottom (28 disposals) was at his best last week against the Swans to compliment the ever reliable Nick Daicos (34 disposals, 9 tackles, 9 clearances) and the eye-catching Ned Long(29 disposals, 8 clearances).

Last season in round 3, the Magpies took the win at the Gabba, 72(10.12) to 92(14.8) at a stage when the Lions were still finding their feet. This year’s rendition will prepare the Lions to defend their castle.

Kick-off is at 7.30 p.m. at the Gabba. As always, the Gabba faithful will be worth two goals in lifting the boys when needed. The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7, Foxtel, Kayo, and Binge.

Published Date 16-April-2025

Bats and Biodiversity Take Centre Stage in Springfield Lakes

Springfield Lakes residents will soon be turning their eyes — and ears — to the skies as they participate in a unique evening event designed to spotlight the quiet lives of local bats and other nocturnal wildlife.

The Bat Detective Walk, organized by Springfield Lakes Nature Care Inc. (SLNC) and held on Wednesday, 17 April from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., coincides with Bat Appreciation Day. The community event will take place around Regatta Lake and nearby conservation areas, offering participants a hands-on look at how bats are monitored and why they matter to the local ecosystem.

Shifting Public Perception about Bats

SLNC says bats are often misunderstood and commonly seen as pests or disease carriers. But in reality, bats are important in controlling insect populations and maintaining biodiversity. This event aims to educate the public while also collecting valuable data for ecological monitoring.

Before the walk begins, participants will get a brief introduction to bat species found in the Springfield Lakes area, along with the environmental threats they face. Organisers will also demonstrate how to use bat echodetectors, small handheld devices on loan from Titley Scientific, which are used to record high-frequency calls made by microbats that are usually beyond the range of human hearing.

*Photo Credit: Sharp Photography/Creative Commons 4.0*

A Walk with a Purpose

During the walk, small groups will move around the lake and through a nearby conservation reserve, using the detectors to identify bat calls. After sunset, a spotlight survey will be conducted to observe other nocturnal animals active in the area. All data collected, including bat call recordings, will be submitted to the iNaturalist platform, contributing to broader efforts to track and protect wildlife in the White Rock Spring Mountain Reserve.

At the end of the walk, the group will meet back at the BBQ shelter at Teenager Park, located at the corner of Waterside Drive and Lakeside Avenue, to review the audio recordings captured and discuss their findings. Light refreshments and cold drinks will be provided.

A Family-Friendly, Educational Outing

SLNC encourages families to attend and notes the event is suitable for all ages. Participants are asked to bring a smartphone, torch, and binoculars, and to wear closed-in shoes and clothing suitable for warding off mosquitoes. Parking is available off-street near the meeting point.

This event is part of SLNC’s ongoing efforts to engage the community in local conservation and biodiversity projects, offering everyday residents a chance to get involved in citizen science in a meaningful, hands-on way.

Published 15-April-2025

Ipswich Racetrack Under Fire After Greyhound Fatalities

Photo Credit: Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds

Two dogs have died and others have been injured at The Q in Ipswich during pre-opening trials, sparking concern from animal welfare groups over the new greyhound racing facility.

Fatal Incidents Overshadow Ipswich Greyhound Track Launch

The Q greyhound racing facility in Ipswich, developed to replace the previous track at the Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club, has drawn criticism after multiple greyhound injuries and deaths occurred before its official launch. The $86-million venue, which was promoted as a safer alternative with a focus on animal welfare, has seen two fatalities and one serious injury during pre-launch activity.

Background on The Q’s Development

The Q Ipswich — *Photo Credit: Racing Queensland*

The Q was built to take over operations from the Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club, a facility that recorded 41 greyhound deaths and over 2,500 injuries between 2020 and 2025. Of these, 453 were considered major injuries. The original track closed earlier this month, and The Q is scheduled to open officially in June during the Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival.

Pre-Opening Incidents and Response

In late March, two greyhounds sustained hock fractures during trial runs and were euthanised following veterinary consultations. A third greyhound, Fernando Dusty, was injured during the track’s soft launch on 4 April and received a 90-day stand-down order due to a similar injury.

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) confirmed the incidents and stated that trial events are not currently subject to the same reporting standards as formal races in other states. No additional measures have been announced in response to the safety concerns.

Community and Welfare Group Concerns in Ipswich

Animal welfare organisations, including AnimalKIND and the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, have raised concerns regarding both the safety of the new facility and the broader greyhound racing industry. These groups criticised the continued public funding of greyhound racing, citing over $44 million in taxpayer money used in the construction of The Q.

Public submissions to the Queensland Racing Review 2025, which closed earlier this month, included calls for the closure of high-risk tracks, mandatory rehabilitation for injured dogs, and increased transparency in regulatory enforcement. The review will inform future decisions about the industry’s structure and animal welfare obligations.

Calls for Industry Reform

Welfare advocates have also pointed to issues such as overbreeding, lack of whole-of-life tracking, and continued euthanasia of dogs for behavioural reasons. Concerns were raised about QRIC’s handling of integrity matters, including inconsistent penalties and insufficient public reporting.

Greyhounds racing — *Photo Credit: Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds*

Figures cited in the Queensland Racing Review show that in 2024 alone, 1,865 greyhound injuries were recorded across the state, with Ipswich and Albion Park among the worst-affected tracks. Critics argue that these numbers reflect systemic issues that cannot be resolved through infrastructure upgrades alone.

Future of Greyhound Racing in Ipswich

While The Q prepares for its June opening, community scrutiny is likely to continue. Racing Queensland maintains that the introduction of the Race Meeting Injury Scheme has significantly reduced on-track euthanasia and that ongoing funding supports rehoming and welfare programs.

However, critics maintain that as other countries wind back greyhound racing, Queensland’s continued investment raises ethical and financial questions. The Queensland Racing Review is expected to provide further insight into the industry’s future later this year.

Published 12-Apr-2025

Brisbane Lions’ Springfield-led program connects AFLW players with schoolgirls

Photo Credit: Woodcrest State College/Facebook

In Springfield, a new digital program is linking professional women’s footballers with Queensland schoolgirls, giving thousands of teens the tools to build confidence, get active, and learn from AFLW role models, no matter where they live.

Springfield at the Heart of a Statewide Program

The Brisbane Lions’ AFLW team has launched “Inspire”, a digital program to boost teenage girls’ confidence and wellbeing through sport. Delivered via the new Lions Learning platform and backed by Playbk Sports and Queensland’s ActiveKIT, it’s being rolled out in schools statewide.

*Photo Credit: Woodcrest State College/Facebook*

Over 5,000 students are expected to use the platform this year, with content created at the Lions’ Springfield base, Brighton Homes Arena.

Local School Steps In as Program Pioneer

Woodcrest State College, located in Springfield, has officially partnered with the Brisbane Lions as a pilot school for the Inspire program. As an AFL School of Excellence, Woodcrest is among the first to integrate the curriculum into its learning environment.

Staff and students launched the program at Brighton Homes Arena with Sports Minister Tim Mander, Breeanna Brock, and Taylor Smith. The school hopes it will inspire and empower students in and beyond the classroom.

Making Role Models More Accessible

The Lions say Inspire aims to reach regional and remote communities, where girls have less access to role models and programs than in the city.

Bree Brock, Head of Women’s Football at the Lions, said the digital format helps close that gap. By combining online delivery with in-person sessions, the program ensures even the most remote schools can take part.

*Photo Credit: The Brisbane Bear/Facebook*

AFLW forward Taylor Smith, who also leads the Inspire initiative, says it’s important for young girls to hear from athletes who understand the challenges they face. She believes seeing real players talk about health and confidence helps make the message stick.

Building a Generation of Confident Young Women

Already, more than 135,000 girls across Queensland are involved in AFL through Auskick, school and club football. The Lions hope Inspire will support this growth by showing girls how sport can boost confidence—not just on the field but in everyday life.

Based in Springfield, the club blends elite football and education to help Queensland girls lead active, healthy, and confident lives.

Published 10-April-2025

Community Fun Run in Springfield Lakes Raises $27K Despite Cancellations

Photo Credit: Mater

A community-led fun run in Springfield Lakes raised $27,000 for breast cancer support services and research, despite repeated weather cancellations.

Weather Delays Cause Major Disruptions

The Springfield Community 5K Your Way International Women’s Day Fun Run, backed by Queensland X-Ray, was initially scheduled for early March at Brighton Homes Arena. The event was first postponed due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred and then cancelled after further rainfall rendered conditions unsafe by late March.

Smaller Gathering Maintains Momentum

Despite two formal cancellations, a group of 25 participants gathered at Brighton Homes Arena for an unofficial walk to mark the occasion and acknowledge the fundraising effort. The group included local officials Milton Dick and Shayne Neumann.

The event still achieved its target, raising $27,000 for Mater Chicks in Pink, supporting local services such as the Mater Cancer Care Centre in Springfield.

Women’s Day Fun Run — *Photo Credit: Bebold Properties/Facebook*

Fundraising Goals Exceeded Despite Setbacks

The original fundraising goal of $15,000 was surpassed by nearly $12,000. Contributions funded practical services, including mastectomy bras and counselling, and contributed to life-saving research. Organisers encouraged participants to complete the 5km walk individually, in their own communities.

Community Adapts with Flexibility

Locals engaged with the “5K Your Way” initiative after the event’s cancellation. Families such as breast cancer survivor Corinne’s walked together independently, highlighting how the community adapted to continue their involvement despite the disruption.

Springfield Lakes fun run — *Photo Credit: Bebold Properties/Facebook*

Support Remains Strong in Springfield Lakes

Support from residents, volunteers, and sponsors was acknowledged by the organising committee. In addition to those who attended in person, other city officials and community figures expressed their support remotely.

Future Planning Already Underway

Event organisers confirmed the Springfield fun run will return on 8 March 2026. Planning has already begun, with hopes to double this year’s fundraising result. A push for stronger weather contingency measures was also noted.

Published 10-Apr-2025

Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield Central Confirmed as 2032 Olympic Games Venue

Photo Credit: Brighton Homes Arena/ Facebook

Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield Central has been officially confirmed as a venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Although the allocation of specific sports to venues won’t happen until 2026, it is strongly considered a prime choice to host the modern pentathlon event.

Venue Role Reaffirmed

The confirmation came through the 100 Day Review Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure report. This report solidified the arena’s existing place in the Games masterplan. The Brighton Homes Arena serves as the headquarters for the Brisbane Lions and is the home ground for the club’s women’s AFL team.

Brisbane’s role as a Games-ready venue has been consistently recognised since it secured the Games in July 2021. It formed part of the original bid and was supported through subsequent reviews.

Local Reaction and Funding Context

The city government also pointed out that Ipswich had missed out on receiving additional funding commitments as part of the substantial $7.1 billion funding allocated by the Australian and Queensland governments for the 2032 Games.

This was despite multiple submissions to the review and undertaking its advocacy work. Other growing council areas, such as Logan and Moreton Bay, had secured funding for indoor sporting facilities last year due to strong representation from their state and federal MPs.

Out of 77 councils in Queensland, only about a dozen were confirmed in this review to host a Games venue. Despite most councils missing out, it is generally viewed that Ipswich would have a “front row seat” to the major sporting and cultural event.

Stadium Details and Future Planning

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) report identified Brighton Homes Arena in the 2021 Future Host Questionnaire submission as the planned venue for the modern pentathlon event, with a capacity for 10,000 spectators. GIICA assessed the stadium’s overall connectivity via rail, bus, active transport, and private vehicles as good.

However, the report indicated that bus shuttle services connecting to park ‘n’ ride facilities and transit hubs elsewhere in Brisbane would be needed to manage Games demand beyond Springfield Central Station’s capacity. Improvements to “last mile” connectivity—the final leg of the journey to the venue—were also identified as necessary.

GIICA mentioned receiving a few submissions specifically about Ipswich Stadium. One submission suggested developing a second field at the site. While potentially useful, allowing for extra power and water services installation that could benefit Games operations, GIICA concluded the second field is not required to run the Games competition at the venue.

The report also clarified that the Brisbane 2032 organisation is responsible for allocating specific sports to venues. This process will occur once the final sport programme is confirmed with the International Olympic Committee in 2026.

Boost for Local Sports Clubs

Separate from the venue confirmation, the recent announcement included good news for local grassroots sports. Four Ipswich sporting clubs were confirmed beneficiaries of the first Games On! grant funding round, sharing close to $2 million.

The funding includes $800,000 for the Ipswich District Junior Tennis Association for court surface improvements, $800,000 for the Rosewood showgrounds to upgrade floodlights, $150,000 for the Ipswich Musketeers Baseball Club for spectator seating, and $150,000 for the Norths Tigers Ipswich Senior Rugby League Football Club, also for spectator seating.

Mayor Teresa Harding highlighted sport’s critical role in building communities and promoting inclusion within the city. She remarked that as Ipswich’s population grows, so does the demand for local sports facilities. The Mayor described the nearly $2 million commitment as a massive boost for the clubs and the city. She concluded that while stadiums are important, the true “golden opportunity” from the 2032 Games is encouraging a generation of young people to become interested in health, activity, and sports participation.

Published Date 09-April-2025

Ten Ipswich Residents Share $2.5M Win

Ten lucky Ipswich shoppers are part-owners of a $2.5 million windfall after their syndicate entry, bought at Ipswich City Mall Newsagent, won division one.

The local syndicate, “Saturday Dreaming,” held one of just eight division one winning entries across Australia in Saturday Gold game number 4559. This win occurred on Saturday, 29 March 2025. Each ten-member group in the Ipswich syndicate received a share worth $250,000.84.

The winning numbers that secured the multi-million dollar sum were 36, 3, 17, 1, 21, and 41, while the supplementary numbers were 24 and 30.

Shares in the winning syndicate were all purchased from Ipswich City Mall Newsagent in the Ipswich City Mall shopping centre. Pauline Williamson, the owner of the newsagency, expressed her delight at the outlet selling its first division one winning entry. She noted that this significant win was a long time coming after owning the business for ten years.

Williamson shared that she came to work on her day off to celebrate the news with her staff. She described selling the winning syndicate shares to ten deserving local customers as a great honour and wished them all the best with their life-changing win, expressing hope that such wins might happen more often.

Officials are urging anyone who bought a syndicate share for the game to check if they are one of the winners. While syndicate members whose entries were registered to The Lott Members Club have likely been contacted, others may still be unaware of their win. The Lott spokesperson Matt Hart confirmed that several syndicate members held unregistered entries and might not know they are part of the winning group.

He strongly encouraged anyone who purchased a share in a store syndicate for that specific Saturday Gold game to check their ticket promptly. This can be done at a licensed outlet, through The Lott website, or via The Lott app. Anyone holding a winning share is advised to call The Lott directly on 131 868 to claim their winnings.

The Ipswich win was one of eight division one wins awarded nationally in game number 4559. Two winning entries were sold in Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia, with one each in Victoria and the ACT.

According to The Lott, this contributes to the organisation’s total of 354 division one wins across its jurisdictions in the current financial year (FY25). Golden Casket customers in Queensland account for 89 of these wins. Looking back at 2024, the Saturday Gold game created 149 millionaires throughout Australia, with 316 division one winning entries sharing more than $400.2 million in winnings.

Published Date 07-April-2025

Springfield Central Lions Base Secures Academy Graduates Brain and Gallop

Photo Credit: Lions

Brisbane Lions Academy graduates Shadeau Brain and Ty Gallop have secured their futures at the Club’s Springfield Central base, Brighton Homes Arena, by signing new contract extensions.

Contract Extensions Confirmed

The Brisbane Lions announced that Shadeau Brain and Ty Gallop agreed to one-year contract extensions. These updated deals ensure both players, who developed through the Youi Brisbane Lions Academy and the AFL Queensland talent pathway as Sunshine Coast locals, will remain based at the club’s Springfield Central facility until at least the end of 2027.

Lions General Manager Danny Daly indicated that securing the commitment of these two young players is a positive development for the club’s future. He conveyed the club’s eagerness to observe the continued progress of both players, highlighting the satisfaction derived from re-signing players, particularly local Queenslanders emerging from their academy system.

Shadeau Brain’s Progress

Brain, 21, joined the Lions’ list as a Category B Rookie selection from the Queensland Zone near the end of 2022. He gained senior experience last season, making his AFL debut in Round 9 and participating in nine matches. Initially identified as a 183-centimetre forward, Brain has adapted his game, moving to a half-back flank position in the VFL competition where his speed and ball use are notable strengths.

Daly commented on Brain’s consistent year-on-year improvement, which led to his AFL debut last season. He suggested that further rewards are likely if Brain maintains his work ethic. Brain said he believes he made considerable strides last year in AFL and VFL football. He affirmed his commitment to continued personal and professional growth, aiming for success with the Lions over the coming years.

Ty Gallop’s Potential

Gallop, a 19-year-old key forward standing 194 centimetres tall, was drafted by the Lions with Pick 42 in the 2024 AFL Draft. Although relatively new to the club, he positively impacted during his inaugural AFL pre-season with strong showings in practice games.

Daly identified Gallop as an exciting prospect for the Lions, noting his effective first pre-season with the senior squad. Gallop expressed his enthusiasm about extending his contract for another year. He voiced his appreciation for the opportunity provided by the club and his ambition to achieve significant milestones over the next three years while striving for selection in the senior AFL team.

Published Date 03-April-2025