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Little Lifesavers Returns to Orion Lagoon: A Fun Way to Learn Lifesaving Skills!

If you’re searching for an activity that’s both fun and valuable for your kids, Surf Life Saving Queensland has the perfect program for you! Little Lifesavers is making a splash once again at Orion Lagoon, Springfield.

Read: Springfield Lakes Ready for Community Fun Run

This exciting program is designed to boost your child’s confidence in the water while teaching essential lifesaving skills through a variety of engaging activities.

Program Details

Dates: Sundays 16 and 23 February, and 2, 9, and 16 March
Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM (sign-on starts at 7:45 AM)
Location: Orion Lagoon, Springfield
Ages: 5 to 12 years

Key Lessons and Activities

Photo credit: Surf Life Saving Queensland/ lifesaving.com.au

Little Lifesavers offers a comprehensive program filled with practical water safety and rescue techniques. Participants will engage in the following:

Water Safety Presentation: Covers essential topics such as flags, signs, sun safety, rips, signalling for help, lifesavers, rescue equipment, and inland waterways.
Water Skills: Includes wading, dolphin diving, floating, underwater skills, and survival techniques.
Rescues: Teaches various rescue methods like reach, throw, and tubes. Participants also learn the recovery position and gain awareness of CPR.
Board Paddling: Focuses on board paddling techniques and executing board rescues effectively.
Flags: Features traditional beach flags alongside a modified version played in the water.
Beach Activities: Incorporates obstacle courses, beach sprints, relays, and team-building exercises.

Why Choose Little Lifesavers?

Little Lifesavers is an engaging way for kids aged 5 to 12 to build water safety awareness and teamwork while having a blast. It’s the ideal program to ensure your child gains confidence in the water while making new friends and enjoying outdoor activities.

What’s Included in the Program?

Here’s what you can expect:

Rash Shirt: New participants will need to purchase a long-sleeved Little Lifesavers rash shirt for the program. Returning participants can reuse their existing shirts or opt to buy a new one.
Little Lifesavers Pack: First-time participants will receive a backpack, water bottle, and activity booklet.
Completion Certificate: Each child will be awarded a certificate upon completing the program—a proud memento of their hard work.
BBQ Lunch: On the final day, enjoy a celebratory BBQ featuring sausages on bread and Zooper Doopers for all participants.

Why It Matters

Water safety is a critical skill, especially in a country like Australia, where water activities are a big part of life. Swimming also holds a special place in Australia as the nation’s most successful Olympic sport. With the country’s vast 34,000-kilometer coastline, it’s no surprise that swimming plays a significant role in the lives of many children.

However, the enjoyment of swimming relies on children having the skills to do so safely. Concerns have been raised after the Royal Life Saving Society Australia’s 2022 symposium revealed a decline in participation among children aged 8-10 in swimming programs. This trend could impact not only their safety in the water but also their ability to fully enjoy the benefits of swimming.

Little Lifesavers equips kids with the confidence and know-how they need to stay safe while enjoying the water. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet new friends and create lasting memories.

Read: Play, Fitness, and Heritage: Inside the Reimagined RJ Richardson Park in Goodna

How to Get Involved

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! For more information and to register your child, visit Surf Life Saving Queensland’s website. Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up early.

Published 21-January-2025

Springfield Lakes Ready for Community Fun Run

Photo Credit: International Woman's Day Fun Run/Facebook

Springfield Lakes is gearing up for the 5K Your Way Fun Run. Starting and finishing at Brighton Homes Arena, this event set for Sunday, 9 March 2025, will bring the community together to support women living with breast cancer.

A local favourite, the yearly Springfield Fun Run brings friends and families to walk or run for a worthy cause. The event raises money for Mater Chicks in Pink, a group committed to supporting breast cancer-affected women and families.

Stories from locals show why this event matters. Diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 2023, Corinne was just 39 when she joined the Fun Run while still undergoing treatment.

Another local, Maria, faced her own challenges after being diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in 2022. She highlighted the strength and support these events bring to everyone.

Key Event Details

The 5K walk kicks off at 8:00 a.m. Participants are encouraged to arrive at Brighton Homes Arena by 7:30 a.m. The route follows pathways through Springfield Central, with volunteers stationed along the way to guide and assist.

Participants can enjoy a variety of events in the arena following their crossing of the finish line. There will be a sausage sizzle, coffee, watermelon, face painting, and more. It’s a chance to relax and connect after the walk.

How to Register

Registrations are open now. Participants can join as individuals, create their own team, or be part of the Springfield 5KYW team. Registration details are available on the official fundraising website.

For further information, organiser Tracy Bold can be contacted at 0412 468 233 or via email at tracybeboldproperties.com.

Bringing the Community Together

Springfield Lakes residents have embraced this event, uniting to support those facing breast cancer. Personal stories from past participants highlight how much it means to have this kind of local support.

It’s more than just a walk. It’s about showing solidarity and care for those in the community who need it most.

The Fun Run is set to be a day of fitness, fun, and fundraising. With every step, participants will help make a difference for women and families dealing with breast cancer.

Published 16-Jan-2025

Ipswich’s WG Hayden Humanities Centre Demolished for Hospital Car Park

Photo Credit: MID-0324-0826

The WG Hayden Humanities Centre in Ipswich, a long-standing community hub, is being demolished to create a new multi-storey car park for the Ipswich Hospital expansion project.

The 47-year-old building, once a bustling centre for over 60 community groups, is now a construction site shrouded in mesh screens. Excavators are busy clearing the site where the state government plans to build a seven-storey car park with space for approximately 875 vehicles and retail areas.

This car park will service the new eight-storey Ipswich Health Centre, replacing the former council administration building, global information centre, and Roderick Street car park. It could also be expanded to accommodate 450 vehicles.

The demolition has brought mixed emotions to Ipswich residents. The WG Hayden Humanities Centre was more than just a building; it was a place where people connected, accessed vital services, and built a strong sense of community. The centre offered a variety of resources, including an auditorium, a cafeteria, meeting rooms, and office spaces. It was a valuable resource for many, offering services ranging from multicultural support to aged care.

Former tenant Wendy Anderson, who ran a childcare business in the centre for over six years, remembers the building fondly. She described it as a place that met everyone’s needs, where people supported each other and formed a strong community.

Anderson recalled how the tenants rallied around her during her battle with breast cancer, generously donating to her fundraising efforts for the Biggest Morning Tea. She also expressed concern that many groups struggled to find affordable alternatives after the centre closed, with some even shutting down.

The demolition of the WG Hayden Humanities Centre is part of a larger plan to revitalise healthcare services in the Ipswich region. The Ipswich Health Precinct (IHP) expansion project, developed by Destravis, aims to create a network of modern health facilities. This will be achieved in three stages: the first stage is expected to be completed by 2024, the second by 2026, and the final stage by 2031.

The plan includes upgrading existing infrastructure at Ipswich Hospital, repurposing underutilised buildings in the city centre, and establishing new health services in the Ipswich Health Precinct and surrounding areas like Ripley and Springfield. The project has garnered support from the West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, the Department of Health, and other key stakeholders.

Published Date 15-Jan-2025

Strange, Unexplained Lights West of Ipswich: A Local’s Account

CC-BY 2.0/szapucki/Flickr

A series of unexplained lights in the skies west of Ipswich has captured the attention of local resident Gracie Johnson, who has been documenting regular appearances of what she describes as bright, pulsating orbs near her 16-acre property since November.

Read: Celebrate The Rolling Stones with Blake Evans Band at the Orion Hotel

Johnson, living about 50 kilometres from Ipswich, consistently observes three distinct orbs appearing after 10:00 p.m. on clear nights. She explains that the lights display purposeful movement patterns and emit an unusually bright, rainbow-like pulsating light.

She noted that the lights are unmistakably not stars, as they are both brighter and located on the horizon.

Pattern of Unexplained Lights

The first significant sighting took place in early December when Johnson felt an unexplainable urge to step outside her home. She initially noticed a single light that was soon joined by two others, forming a linear formation.

She recalled observing a plane flying by before the lights appeared. Initially, there was one light, followed by two more that aligned in a straight line. The lights were closer to the horizon and lower than the plane.

RAAF or Something Else?

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The property’s proximity to RAAF Base Amberley, located 8 kilometres southwest of Ipswich, has prompted some local residents to suggest military operations as a possible explanation. Several community members point out that night training exercises and aircraft operations could account for the unusual sightings.

Johnson, however, maintains that the lights’ characteristics differ from typical drone activity, citing their intense brightness and appearance outside permitted recreational drone operating hours. The positioning of the lights aligns with known flight paths in the region, raising further questions.

Read: Brisbane Lions to Take on Adelaide at Brighton Homes Arena

A Positive Perspective

Despite the mysterious nature of the sightings, Johnson emphasises that her experiences have been far from frightening. She observes that even her cat appears captivated by the phenomena, focusing intently during these nighttime events.

She remarked that noticing the lights, knowing they weren’t stars, didn’t evoke fear but rather curiosity. Johnson encourages others to approach similar sightings with an open mind, viewing them as opportunities to learn and discover.

She advises paying more attention to the world around us, as fascinating occurrences often go unnoticed. To her, the unknown represents a chance for growth and understanding.

Published 15-January-2025

Celebrate The Rolling Stones with Blake Evans Band at the Orion Hotel

The Orion Hotel is set to host an electrifying tribute to The Rolling Stones, featuring The Blake Evans Band performing classic hits of the legendary rock era.

The free event, set for Friday, 17 January, at 7:30 p.m., promises a night filled with music from one of the most iconic bands in history.

Guests can look forward to a night filled with classic Rolling Stones hits and the vibrant energy of 1960s and 70s rock, performed with a retro flair.

A Night of Classic Rock at the Orion Hotel

The Blake Evans Band, known for their dynamic performances, brings authenticity and energy to every note. As seasoned performers on the P&O Cruises Australia circuit, the group is renowned for their ability to transport audiences to the golden era of rock and roll.

Their performance at the Orion Hotel is set to recreate the magic of The Rolling Stones, a band that has defined rock music for decades.

The Rolling Stones, formed in 1962, continue to inspire generations with their pioneering sound and unforgettable stage presence. The tribute event is an opportunity for fans to relive the hits that shaped rock history, from the bouncy beats of “Satisfaction,” to the gritty guitar riffs of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and the emotional depth of “Angie.”

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About Blake Evans

Blake Evans is a versatile artist celebrated for his ability to merge rock, blues, and country into captivating performances. Whether playing solo, as part of the Blake Evans Duo, or leading The Blake Evans Band, his retro-inspired style brings a unique edge to every show. His dedication to recreating the authentic sounds of classic rock has earned him a devoted following both on land and at sea.

Whether you’re a long-time Stones fan or simply enjoy the sounds of 60s and 70s rock, this event is not to be missed. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends, wear their dancing shoes, and prepare for an unforgettable rock and roll nostalgia evening.

Published 15-January-2025

Brisbane Lions to Take on Adelaide at Brighton Homes Arena

Photo Credit: Brighton Homes Arena/Facebook

The Brisbane Lions will face the Adelaide Football Club in the 2025 AAMI Community Series pre-season match at Brighton Homes Arena, with the Springfield Lakes Hotel positioned as the premier accommodation option for attendees.

The highly anticipated match is set for Thursday, 27 February 2025, at 7:10 PM, bringing the excitement of live AFL to Springfield Lakes.

A Community-Centred Event

The 2025 AAMI Community Series offers a unique opportunity for communities across Australia to host AFL matches, creating excitement and engagement with the sport. From 25 February to 2 March 2025, all 18 AFL clubs will participate in matches designed to give fans a first glimpse of their teams before the premiership season begins.

The Brighton Homes Arena fixture will feature the reigning 2024 AFL premiers, the Brisbane Lions, against the Adelaide Football Club. This match is a standout event in the series, giving Springfield Lakes locals and travelling fans an unforgettable football experience.

Brighton Homes Arena 2025 AAMI Community Series — Photo Credit: Brisbane Lions/Facebook

Springfield Lakes Hotel: A Key Destination

For fans attending the match, the Springfield Lakes Hotel is a top accommodation choice. Situated in the heart of Springfield Lakes, the hotel offers a perfect blend of convenience and comfort, ensuring a stress-free stay for visitors.

The proximity to Brighton Homes Arena makes it an ideal base for game day, with special offers for direct bookings providing added value. Fans are encouraged to explore the local area while soaking in the excitement of the match.

AAMI’s Commitment to Football

AAMI continues its support of community football through the AAMI Community Series, aiming to improve access to live AFL matches across regional and local areas. AFL officials highlighted the family-friendly nature of the event, emphasising that members and children can attend for free, further strengthening the connection between the sport and its community supporters.

The AFL has confirmed that all matches in the series will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo, ensuring fans nationwide can follow the action.

Game Schedule

Ticketing and Match Details

Tickets for the 2025 AAMI Community Series matches will be available from February. The AFL has confirmed standard game conditions, including four 20-minute quarters with time on, full umpiring panels, and competitive play.

Fans can find updates on ticketing and match information via the Brisbane Lions’ website. Brighton Homes Arena promises excitement and community celebration for those planning to attend the game in person.

Published 15-January-2025

Springfield Shopper Snags $2.14 Million Windfall

Photo Credit: Unsplash

A Springfield local has turned a routine purchase into a $2.14 million windfall after buying a ticket at Nextra Orion.

On 4 January 2025, the woman made her yearly purchase, a tradition she follows around Christmas. A week later, she was stunned to discover it was the winning entry, bringing life-changing news and an end to the mystery surrounding the unclaimed prize.

Springfield $2.14 million windfall — *Photo Credit: Nextra Orion/Facebook*

Routine Purchase Becomes Life-Changing Surprise

The winning numbers—33, 19, 8, 23, 10, and 31, with supplementary numbers 42 and 13—matched her ticket, turning her annual habit into an extraordinary moment. The woman, who prefers to keep her identity private, has already claimed the prize, bringing much-needed financial relief and the promise of exciting future plans.

Store Owner’s Delight

Nextra Orion owner Vivek Ganesh described the experience as an incredible way to start the new year. He shared his joy in seeing the prize go to a local resident and noted that the store had eagerly awaited the winner to come forward.

This isn’t the first time the Springfield store has had such luck; in 2023, it was also responsible for selling a major winning entry during the end-of-year Megadraw. Mr Ganesh plans to share the good news with customers both in-store and online.

Financial Freedom and Future Plans

Upon discovering her win, the woman expressed plans to prioritise paying off her debts, significantly reducing her financial burden. With her daily expenses set to ease, she also plans to set aside funds for a much-anticipated holiday.

While choosing to remain private, she shared her excitement for the opportunities this windfall will bring, describing it as a dream come true.

Positive Community Buzz

The news has sparked excitement within the Springfield community, where locals are thrilled to see one of their own receive such a significant prize.

During a time of economic challenges, the win has brought hope and optimism to the area, showcasing the unexpected joys that can arise from simple, everyday decisions.

Springfield woman won millions from annual ticket buy. — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

A Fresh Start

As the winner begins adjusting to her new financial reality, the community watches on with support and curiosity.

Beyond the personal impact, her win is expected to benefit local businesses and spark conversations about the possibilities that lie ahead.

The mystery has been solved, and Springfield celebrates this extraordinary moment of fortune.

Published 14-Jan-2025

Public Health Inquiry Launched to Address Odour Concerns in Ipswich

Ipswich residents have long raised concerns about odours emanating from industrial sites in Swanbank and New Chum. These odours have sparked health worries in the community, leading to a six-month Public Health Inquiry designed to address these issues.

Read: New Regulations Target Odour Issues at Swanbank and New Chum

The Inquiry will include extensive public consultation, giving locals an opportunity to share their experiences and the impacts the odours have had on their daily lives. Residents of Ipswich have been dealing with ongoing health problems that they strongly attribute to waste odors. These issues include rashes, headaches, respiratory problems, chest pain, sore throats and eyes, and nausea.

Dr John Gerrard (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/JohnGregoryGerrard/Wikimedia Commons)

An expert panel, led by former Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard, will oversee the process, investigating the potential health effects of the noxious smells.

“This Inquiry will document any health impacts resulting from the waste and composting facilities at Swanbank odours, the impact they’re having on the community, and aims to identify the solutions to present to the government,” Dr Gerrard said.

Stop the Stink, a local group advocating for change, has welcomed the news. The group has been vocal about the need for action, emphasising the importance of expanding the Inquiry’s scope to include odour issues across the entire Ipswich region.

Public Health Inquiry — Photo credit: Department of Environment

The Department of Environment recently prosecuted operators linked to the odours and reported significant progress in holding them accountable. The department has also outlined measures to improve air quality, including the possibility of amending environmental authority for operators near residential zones if they fail to control odours effectively.

Read: Ipswich Residents Near Swanbank Industrial Area Asked to Report Odour Issues

The Inquiry’s findings, including recommendations for addressing the issues, are set to be released in mid-2025. For Ipswich locals, this is seen as a crucial step toward resolving an issue that has affected their quality of life for years. Residents are encouraged to participate in the consultations and share their stories to ensure their voices are heard.

Published 13-January-2025

Ipswich Farewells Drag Racing Icon Margaret Kreis

The Ipswich community and the Australian drag racing world are mourning the loss of Margaret “Margie” Kreis, a beloved local who dedicated nearly five decades of her life to the sport. Known for her warmth, tireless energy, and unwavering commitment, Margie was a cornerstone of the drag racing family in Queensland.

Read: Ipswich Family Escapes Devastating Earthquake in Vanuatu

Margie’s journey in drag racing began in 1977 when she volunteered as an official at the Surfers Paradise International Raceway for the first round of The New Year Series. Her passion for the sport only grew stronger when Willowbank Raceway opened in 1985, where she became an integral part of the racing community.

Photo credit: Willowbank Raceway/Facebook

Willowbank Raceway, where Margie was a cherished volunteer official, paid heartfelt tribute to her enduring contributions:

“Margie’s warmth, enthusiasm, and tireless spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Margie wasn’t just a volunteer; she was family, our friend, and her legacy will forever be a part of Willowbank Raceway.”

Last year, her contributions were honoured in a special way with a hut at Willowbank Raceway being officially named “Margie’s Place.”

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Australia also expressed their admiration for Margie’s contributions:

“The sport of Australian Drag Racing has just lost a very beautiful person who personified the very essence and commitment to the sport. Margaret was the familiar face that helped assure you that you were back at our happy place – The Dragstrip.”

Photo credit: Spot On Performance & Fabrications/Facebook

Spot On Performance, a business specializing in race car fabrications, shared their sorrow at Margie’s passing:

“You will be forever remembered and dearly missed. Signing in at the track will never be the same without you and our catch-up chats. You always went out of your way to get us sorted.”

A proud Ipswich local, Margie’s love for drag racing was not just evident in her roles at the track but also in the relationships she built and the lives she touched. Known for her welcoming smile, selflessness, and boundless energy, she made an indelible mark on the sport she adored.

Read: Lifeline Volunteer from Ipswich Nominated for Australian of the Year After 40 Years of Service

Margie’s legacy will live on at Willowbank Raceway and beyond, in the memories of her fellow volunteers, racers, and fans who will forever cherish her contributions. As tributes continue to pour in, it’s clear that Margie Kreis was more than a drag racing official—she was the heart and soul of the track, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, kindness, and a love for the sport that will inspire generations to come.

Published 9-January-2025

Jack Teepa Retires After Diverse 37-Year Chaplaincy Career in Springfield Lakes

Mr Teepa, a cherished chaplain from Springfield Lakes, has retired after a distinguished 37-year career in pastoral care.

His tenure included a decade serving at the Carinity Colthup Manor aged care community in Ipswich, marking a significant chapter in his long-standing service.

From Military to Community Chaplaincy

Mr Teepa’s extensive career began in New Zealand, where he undertook roles in schools, prisons, and with governmental departments, including the tax department and the territorial force. His work also took him abroad on a two-year rotation to Bosnia in the mid-1990s with a United Nations peacekeeping force, an experience that broadened his perspective on pastoral care.

Jack Teepa Springfield Lakes — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

First Chaplain at Staines Memorial College

Upon moving to Queensland, Mr Teepa became the first chaplain at Staines Memorial College in Springfield, bringing his unique approach to pastoral care to the local community. His dedication to supporting both students and staff set a high standard for chaplaincy in educational settings.

Seven Years at Carinity Colthup Manor

Over the last seven years, Mr. Teepa has been an integral member of the Carinity Colthup Manor aged care community in Ipswich. His role involved a wide variety of pastoral activities, including devotions, group and individual prayers, leading church services, and engaging with residents and their families in their daily lives. Mr Teepa’s colorful personality and compassionate approach have made him a beloved figure, significantly enhancing the quality of life within the community.

Philosophy on Pastoral Care

Jack Teepa wearing a colorful outfit at work. — *Photo Credit: Carinity*

Mr Teepa’s approach to chaplaincy is grounded in attentive listening and active participation. He describes his role as encompassing a broad range of pastoral duties, from engaging in daily and special activities with residents to addressing the concerns of the staff. Central to his work is his commitment to fostering a joyful and secure environment at Colthup Manor, where he prioritizes making a positive impact on the community’s well-being.

A Legacy of Compassion and Community Support

As Mr Teepa steps away from his role, his legacy continues to inspire those in Springfield Lakes and beyond. His commitment to creating supportive environments where everyone feels valued will remain influential in the community. Carinity Colthup Manor and its residents will continue to benefit from the foundations of care and compassion that Mr Teepa has helped establish over the years.

Published 9-Jan-2025