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Alfio Balsamo Leads Woodcrest’s Award-winning Training Revolution

Photo Credit: Queensland College of Teachers

Alfio Balsamo, Principal of Pathways of Woodcrest State College’s WesTEC Trade Training Centre, was recently recognised with award for Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning at the 2025 TEACHX Award. His leadership has connected classroom learning with industry demand through a network of 20 partner schools.

More than 900 students from across South-East Queensland are enrolled in vocational programs run through Woodcrest State College’s WesTEC Trade Training Centre, which Woodcrest manages as a regional vocational hub.

Building Futures Through Practical Learning

Woodcrest State College on Nev Smith Drive in Springfield is a hub for hands-on training in trades and technical fields. Through WesTEC, students earn nationally recognised qualifications from Certificate I to IV while still at school. Programs include automotive, construction, engineering, electrotechnology, health, business, and community services.

*Photo Credit: woodcrest_state_college/instagram*

Under Balsamo’s leadership, WesTEC reached a 90 per cent completion rate, and all 2024 heavy vehicle automotive students gained apprenticeship offers. The college also supports School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships that combine paid industry work with study.

Collaboration at the Heart of Success

Woodcrest runs WesTEC as a shared resource for nearby schools such as Ripley Valley, Bellbird Park, Bundamba, and Redbank Plains. It uses a collaborative governance model with local principals. The QCT notes this approach keeps programs aligned with community and workforce needs.

*Photo Credit: Charis Mullen MP/Facebook*

Industry partnerships are key to the program’s success. WesTEC works with local employers and national industry partners to make sure training lines up with workplace standards. This collaborative structure has helped strengthen Springfield’s reputation as a growing education and employment hub.

Recognition for Leadership and Innovation

Balsamo’s work was celebrated in 2025 when he received the Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning award from the Queensland College of Teachers’ TEACHX program. The award recognises his innovative leadership and the positive outcomes achieved through vocational education at Woodcrest.

The Queensland College of Teachers highlighted how Balsamo’s model successfully connects education and employment, turning school-based learning into tangible career outcomes. His focus on collaboration, sustainability, and shared ownership has made WesTEC a model for other schools across the state.

Pathways Strengthening the Springfield Community

For families in Springfield and surrounding suburbs, Woodcrest’s success is more than just a school achievement, it represents a local effort to prepare young people for the future workforce.

The college’s partnerships with schools, TAFE providers and employers help students earn nationally recognised qualifications and access local job opportunities. Woodcrest State College’s practical learning and industry partnerships support local workforce pathways.

Published 17-October-2025

Springfield Panther Runs 100 Kilometres in 24 Hours to Support Teammate’s Family

Members of the Springfield Panthers community rallied behind a heartfelt fundraising effort over the weekend of 11 October, when player Dylan ran 100 kilometres in 24 hours to support the family of Katalayah, a young teammate who recently passed away.

Read: Kickstarter Grants Help Ipswich and Springfield Lakes Youth Programs Take Shape

The run was both a test of endurance and a show of community spirit. As Dylan completed the kilometres, supporters, teammates, and club members followed his progress and publicly expressed their encouragement.

Katalayah had joined the Springfield Panthers Under-13 Pink team for her first season earlier this year. Fundraising messages described her enthusiasm and joy while playing, and club posts recall how warmly she was embraced by her teammates and coaches.

Photo credit: Instagram/Springfield Panthers Senior Men’s Teams

Her sudden passing has deeply affected the club. In the days that followed, messages of sympathy and support came from players, coaches and parents, sharing memories of her positivity and kindness.

To help her family during this difficult time, the Panthers community launched a GoFundMe campaign to ease some of the financial burden associated with funeral and related costs. The fundraiser describes Katalayah as a beloved Pink Panther who embraced every moment of her first season with courage and excitement. It has become a space where supporters have shared donations and messages of remembrance.

For Dylan, the 100-kilometre run was a way to contribute and help the family. His 24-hour challenge served as a tribute to Katalayah’s memory and a gesture of compassion for those closest to her. He was cheered by club members and friends who gathered to encourage him throughout the effort.

The Springfield Panthers Rugby League Club expressed pride in Dylan’s effort on social media, describing his run as a reflection of the unity that defines the club. The post also thanked everyone who has come together to support Katalayah’s family and reminded members to look after themselves and one another during this emotional time.

While fundraising continues, the story of Dylan’s run has been widely shared within the Panthers community. It shows how sport can bring people together through shared values and empathy.

Read: Springfield Central Welcomes Peace Pole as New Symbol of Unity

For many in Springfield Lakes, the focus was not only on how far one person could run but on how a community could stand together in support of one of its own.

Those wishing to help can visit the official GoFundMe page to contribute or share the campaign in support of Katalayah’s family.

Published 15-October-2025

Why the Ipswich–Springfield Public Transport Corridor Matters Now

Photo Credit: Zach Yeager/Google Maps

Springfield Central is set to anchor a proposed 25-kilometre public transport corridor, which could reshape how residents travel across Ipswich. Linking Ipswich to Springfield Central through fast-growing suburbs like Ripley and Redbank Plains, the Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor is designed to deliver more than just shorter trips. It aims to transform how communities connect to jobs, education, and essential services.

Building for a Growing Population

Ipswich is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, with the population expected to more than double in the coming decades. Suburbs along the proposed route, including Ripley Valley, one of the nation’s largest master-planned communities, are already experiencing rapid expansion.

As more homes rise and new families settle in, the need for accessible, reliable transport becomes increasingly urgent.

Local planners say the I2S corridor is designed to meet that challenge. Spanning roughly 25 kilometres and featuring up to nine potential stations, the corridor would link Springfield Central to Ipswich Central, connecting major residential areas with employment, education, and recreational hubs.

Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor — *Photo Credit: IpswichQLDGov*

It is intended to serve more than 200,000 residents and integrate with broader transport networks, including existing train services and the Cross River Rail project in Brisbane.

The Consequences of Waiting

Without major investment in public transport, Ipswich faces a future of gridlock. Council analysis shows that by 2031, the city’s road network could fail to cope with traffic demand, causing significant delays for commuters and reducing productivity. Travelling from Ripley to Brisbane by car is projected to take longer and become more costly as congestion worsens.

The I2S corridor is seen as a solution to this looming challenge. A dedicated public transport link will reduce pressure on roads, cut travel times, and offer a viable alternative to car travel.

The corridor is also expected to encourage transit-oriented development. This planning involves building homes, shops, and services around transport hubs, creating vibrant, walkable communities.

A Community-Focused Approach

Improved connectivity means easier access to education for young people, better links to healthcare, and more options for employment. For those without cars, reliable public transport can be a lifeline, reducing isolation and opening up opportunities.

Council documents highlight the social benefits of the corridor, noting that it will help bridge the gap between new and established communities.

As Ipswich continues to expand, the corridor could play a crucial role in uniting suburbs and strengthening community ties. Local businesses could benefit from improved access for workers and customers, supporting the local economy as the region grows.

Planning the Path Ahead

Progress on the project has already begun. A strategic assessment and initial business case were completed in 2020, and the project is now listed as an early-stage proposal on Infrastructure Australia’s Infrastructure Priority List. Funding commitments have been secured for further planning, with an options analysis completed in late 2024.

The next step is the preparation of a detailed business case, which will refine the preferred alignment, costs, and delivery schedule. While the total cost is estimated at between $2 billion and $3 billion, advocates argue that the long-term economic and social benefits far outweigh the price tag.

Once complete, the corridor would form part of a wider strategy to create a sustainable, efficient transport network for South East Queensland.

Published 15-Oct-2025

Risky Play Equipment Sparks Debate in Ipswich Playground

Photo Credit: Lauren Kurup/TikTok

A new playground in Ipswich has drawn nationwide attention after a video of children using its elevated “cliff rider” equipment went viral, sparking discussion on the role of “risky play” in child development.

Background and Context

During a weekend outing in Ipswich, west of Brisbane, the Kurup family discovered a new piece of playground equipment shaped like an inverted pendulum. The structure allows users to push themselves between two platforms more than two metres above the ground. A video shared on social media quickly reached millions of views, with viewers split between concern and curiosity.

Manufactured by KOMPAN, the “cliff rider” forms part of a shift in modern playground design that encourages children to explore movement and balance in controlled risk environments.

Understanding Risky Play

“Risky play” involves physically challenging activities that allow children to learn about boundaries, balance, and resilience. Industry representatives explained that every playground structure undergoes formal safety assessments before installation. The design targets children capable of climbing onto it unaided, ensuring that only those with sufficient strength and coordination participate.

Community Reactions in Ipswich

Public reaction was divided. Some online viewers criticised the height of the “cliff rider,” while others praised it as a refreshing alternative to traditional playground equipment. Locals who tried the ride described initial fear turning into excitement, with many parents appreciating the opportunity for children to take calculated risks.

Ipswich playground — *Photo Credit: Lauren Kurup/TikTok*

Expert Opinions on Safety

Safety experts supported the concept, noting that taking small, managed risks helps children recognise limits and consequences. They emphasised that risky play is not the same as unsafe play and remains an important part of childhood learning.

Broader Adoption and Future Trends

Around 20 “cliff rider” installations have been completed across Australia. While some local authorities remain cautious about adopting high-challenge equipment, others have welcomed it as a new model for public playgrounds.

The Ipswich installation has attracted strong community interest, highlighting an ongoing balance between safety standards and the benefits of adventurous play

Published 13-Oct-2025

Four Vehicles Stolen Across Ipswich in Three Days, Police Urge Vigilance

Photo Credit: myPolice Ipswich

Police are calling on the Ipswich community to help locate four vehicles stolen across the district during the first three days of October.

The thefts include a white Mitsubishi Triton dual cab (registration 511FD8) taken on 2 October, a blue Skoda Octavia sedan (249VOW) also stolen on 2 October, and a white MG ZS station wagon (382GF6) reported missing on 3 October. A red Mazda CX-30 station wagon (875NP6) was stolen on 1 October.

Queensland Police have issued reference numbers for each incident: QP2501770330 for the Mazda, QP2501780578 for the Skoda, QP2501781819 for the Mitsubishi, and QP2501782486 for the MG.

Authorities are urging anyone who has spotted these vehicles or has relevant information to come forward.

The thefts have prompted police to remind residents about basic vehicle security measures. Car owners should ensure their vehicles are locked and secured at all times, with valuables such as cash, electronics, and handbags kept out of sight.

Police also emphasised the importance of keeping garages locked and secured, even when residents are home, as vehicles, electrical equipment, trailers and ride-on mowers remain targets for thieves.

The security reminder extends beyond motor vehicles, with police encouraging residents to secure e-scooters and bicycles with chains and padlocks when not in use to deter opportunistic theft.

Members of the public with information can contact Policelink through the online suspicious activity form available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Published 3-October-2025

2025 Greater Springfield Business Awards Spotlight Community Success Stories

Photo Credit: CharisMullenMP/Facebook

The 2025 Greater Springfield Business Awards brought together community leaders, small business owners, and educators to recognise outstanding achievements across the region. Held at the Springlake Hotel, the awards highlighted the breadth of talent shaping the city’s growth, from innovative education programs to small businesses providing vital services.

Celebrating education and community leadership

On Saturday, September 20, Springfield Central State High School earned the Education and Training Award, recognised for its commitment to innovation in learning and preparing students for diverse pathways. School staff credited the achievement to a collective effort, with particular acknowledgment of the work behind the award submission that demonstrated how the school empowers students to succeed.

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A post shared by Springfield Central State High | Secondary School (@springfieldcentralshs)

Local businesses making their mark

The awards highlighted the significant contributions of small businesses to the local economy. Mortgage brokerage Zest Mortgage Solutions secured two honours: the Outstanding Small Business Award and the Financial Services Award, reflecting its role in helping residents achieve home ownership with tailored lending solutions. APAR Hair Studio, a boutique salon in Augustine Heights, received the Best Customer Service Award for its emphasis on personalized care and community engagement.

Hospitality was also in the spotlight, with Quest Springfield Central recognised for its role in supporting visitors to the region. In the professional services sector, VM Family Law was commended for its support of families navigating complex legal matters, while BizGuard received the Media and IT Award for enhancing digital security within the business community.

The Little Guy Pest Control was awarded in the Real Estate and Property Maintenance category for its service to local households, and Western Spirit Football Club was acknowledged with the Lifestyle Award for encouraging participation in community sport.

Standout achievements recognised

Xperion, a Brisbane-based accounting firm with a strong local presence, was named Business of the Year. Its director, Petra King, was also awarded Business Person of the Year for her leadership and contributions to the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Farfalla Interiors and Events, founded by Brookwater designer Joanne Steel, received both the President’s Award and the Members’ Choice Award, reflecting the respect and support it has earned within the community.

Community spirit at the forefront

The event was not only a celebration of winners but also a recognition of the diverse businesses that sustain the Greater Springfield area. From family-owned enterprises to larger institutions, the awards highlighted the collaborative spirit that continues to drive growth in Queensland’s newest city.

Published 3-Oct-2025

EmergencyRedi Workshop Near Springfield Central To Focus On Preparedness

Photo Credit: Australian Red Cross

Springfield Central residents are being encouraged to join a free Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi™ Workshop at the Camira Springfield Community Centre to learn how to prepare for emergencies.

Preparing Springfield Central For Emergencies

The Australian Red Cross, in partnership with NRMA Insurance, will deliver an EmergencyRedi™ Workshop at the Camira Springfield Community Centre on Tuesday, 7 October 2025. Running from 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., the session is free to attend but limited to 25 participants. It is designed to help households understand their risks and take practical steps to become better prepared for extreme weather and other emergencies.

Four Steps To Get Ready

The workshop will guide attendees through the RediPlan®, a structured approach to household preparedness. Participants will be introduced to four steps: understanding risks in their area, connecting with their community for mutual support, organising a clear emergency plan, and packing items that are essential during and after a crisis. These steps are intended to provide both practical tools and psychological reassurance when facing unexpected events.

Part Of A National Program

EmergencyRedi workshops are part of a broader Australian Red Cross program that supports individuals and households to build resilience. They are tailored to the local context, interactive, and designed to be flexible, with a focus on simple actions that can make a difference when disaster strikes. Using the RediPlan® as a foundation, the workshops enable participants to begin creating their own household plan during the session.

Linked To EmergencyRedi Week 2025

This Springfield workshop follows EmergencyRedi Week 2025, which ran from 15 to 21 September as a national call to action on preparedness. Throughout that week, communities across Australia took part in events and activities encouraging people to make emergency planning part of daily life. The campaign highlighted the increasing frequency of natural hazards and the need for proactive preparation.

Community Support

After the workshop, attendees will be invited to take part in a free food giveaway provided by Westside Community Care. This additional activity is aimed at bringing the community together and supporting participation in the event.

Booking Details

Community members are encouraged to secure a place early as capacity is limited. By joining the workshop, Springfield Central residents will gain knowledge, tools, and confidence to prepare for emergencies and protect the people and things most important to them.

Published 1-Oct-2025

Greenbank Redevelopment to Deliver Supermarket, Discount Department Store

Photo Credit: Region Group

Greenbank residents are set to see their local shopping centre transformed with a redevelopment that will bring a Discount Department Store, a full-line supermarket, expanded retail space and new community amenities to the fast-growing area.

A $220 million growth plan

The Greenbank Town Centre project has been valued at approximately $220 million, with the Region Group lodging revised plans to meet the needs of the suburb’s growing population. The proposal expands on an existing approval.

The new masterplan introduces additional shopping space, parking and landscaping, alongside a pedestrian-friendly design and a central community plaza. A discount department store will be added next to a second supermarket, providing Greenbank locals with greater retail choice within their own community.

What it means for locals

Developers say the centre will support future growth by reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for shopping. The project location, along Pub Lane between the Covella and Everleigh communities, is earmarked for new public spaces, retail options and a plaza intended to serve as a gathering point.

The development is also expected to generate new employment, with Region Group outlining benefits during both construction and the centre’s long-term operation.

Project partners and timing

Region Group has engaged DMA Partners to support delivery. While the construction timeline has not yet been finalised, further details will be shared as the project progresses, with community engagement activities continuing to provide updates and feedback opportunities.

Published 1-Oct-2025

Quest Springfield Central Sold for $26.7 Million in Major Health Precinct Deal

Quest Springfield Central has been sold to Serene Capital for $26.7 million, marking one of the most significant accommodation transactions in Springfield’s growing health and education hub.

A Modern Asset in a Growing Precinct

Savills Australia and New Zealand brokered the sale of Quest Springfield Central, which settled in late September 2025 at a 7.65 per cent yield. Dubai-based Sidra Capital and London’s 90 North Real Estate Partners sold the property after purchasing it for $23.7 million in 2018.

Built in 2018, the four-star hotel at 4 Wellness Way includes 82 serviced apartments and three ground-floor tenancies. Current tenants are Guardian Early Learning Centre and Better Life Pilates, with one tenancy still vacant. The property is leased to Quest Hotels until 2043, with fixed annual rental increases in place.

Strength of the Health City Location

Quest Springfield Central sits within the Health City precinct, a master-planned zone positioned opposite Mater Private Hospital and adjacent to the new 174-bed Mater Public Hospital now under construction.

The hospital network, together with nearby educational and sporting infrastructure, continues to drive demand for short and long-stay accommodation in Springfield.

Local Demand and Community Impact

Springfield’s rapid growth in health and education services is shaping the suburb into a key destination for patients, staff, students, and visitors. The sale of Quest Springfield Central highlights the strong investor interest in accommodation assets that serve these needs.

Local families also benefit from supporting services within the property, such as childcare and wellness facilities, which add to community convenience.

Ongoing Investor Interest in Hotels

According to Savills, the increase in the hotel’s net income from $1.98 million to $2.043 million was an important factor in the transaction. Market specialists note that secure agreements with long-standing brands such as Quest provide confidence for institutional investors seeking consistent returns.

Springfield’s broader development pipeline, including the Brisbane Lions AFL training centre and upgraded transport links, further strengthens the precinct’s position as a regional hub.

Published 30-September-2025

Springfield Central Welcomes Peace Pole as New Symbol of Unity

A new Peace Pole has been unveiled at Robelle Domain in Springfield Central, standing as a symbol of unity and harmony.

Read: 500 Nurses Sought for New Mater Hospital in Springfield Central

The monument was created through a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Greater Springfield and Ipswich City Council’s Provisional Projects program. It carries the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in multiple languages.

A monument for community life

Robelle Domain is a well-known gathering space for Springfield Lakes and surrounding suburbs. The addition of the Peace Pole provides a lasting symbol of peace in the heart of the park.

Peace Poles are part of a global initiative that began in Japan in the 1950s. More than 250,000 have been installed worldwide in schools, places of worship and public spaces. Each pole carries the same message in different languages, promoting the idea of peace across cultures.

Celebrating diversity in Springfield

Springfield and the wider Ipswich region are home to one of the most culturally diverse populations in Queensland, with residents representing more than 160 nationalities. The pole highlights this diversity and acknowledges the importance of continuing to foster harmony.

Rotary’s vision for peace

The Rotary Club of Greater Springfield proposed the installation of the pole and partnered with council to bring the project to life. Rotary International has a long-standing commitment to peace, and the Springfield club viewed the pole as a way to reflect that commitment locally.

Rotary Club of Greater Springfield President Donelle Whiteley said the initiative was intended to serve as a lasting symbol of respect and cooperation.

“The Rotary Club of Greater Springfield proposed the installation of a Peace Pole as a lasting symbol of unity and mutual respect,” Mrs Whiteley said.

“This initiative reflects Rotary’s commitment to fostering understanding, harmony, and cooperation within the community.

The Peace Pole will serve as a visible reminder of the shared aspiration for peace, encouraging reflection, dialogue, and connection among all who encounter it.”

A global message close to home

The unveiling of the Peace Pole took place in time for the International Day of Peace on September 21. Declared by the United Nations in 1981, the day encourages communities worldwide to strengthen ideals of non-violence, respect and cooperation.

By linking this global observance with a local space, the Peace Pole in Springfield Central provides a permanent reminder of the value of peace in everyday life.

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

A lasting reminder

As the Springfield community continues to grow, the Peace Pole will remain a feature of Robelle Domain. Its message is clear and enduring, reflecting inclusivity and the aspiration for a peaceful future.

Published 30-September-2025