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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Photo Credit: Google Map
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
Photo Credit: Google Map
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.
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.
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.
Brisbane Lions Academy graduates Shadeau Brain and Ty Gallop have secured their futures at the Club’s Springfield Centralbase, Brighton Homes Arena, by signing new contract extensions.
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.
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.
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.
Augustine Heights resident Nichola MacNeil is using her voice—a voice she once lost—to raise awareness of a little-known yet life-changing condition: dysphonia, ahead of World Voice Day.
Nichola MacNeil, a long-time resident of Augustine Heights, is drawing attention to World Voice Day, observed on 16 April. Ms MacNeil has been living with Spasmodic Dysphonia for five years.
While she was initially left unable to speak, Nichola has since regained a functional voice—though it still fluctuates and presents ongoing challenges. Despite this, she continues to be an active part of her community.
“There was a time I couldn’t even pronounce my own name,” Nichola shared. “I was unable to communicate with my three beautiful children, husband or friends. My business was falling apart as I was no longer able to speak.”
At her lowest point, Ms Macneil felt devastated and isolated due to the lack of available support. Since then, she has become an ambassador for the Australian Dysphonia Network (ADN). Ms Macneil advocates for greater recognition and support for those affected by voice disorders.
“At this present time I’m able to speak and have a functional voice (this fluctuates),” she said. “In the beginning I was left devastated, unable to speak. My mental health reached very low points—a place I never want to experience again.”
“I’ve been teaching free yoga for cancer for the last 12 years,” she said, “with an 18-month break when I couldn’t even pronounce my name. I also delivered Encore, a free eight-week program for women who have had breast cancer.”
The Impact of Chronic Voice Disorders
Dysphonia, including Spasmodic Dysphonia, can result from various causes such as laryngeal damage, underlying health conditions and neurological factors. The disorder affects approximately one in every 100,000 people in Australia and New Zealand. Dysphonia disrupts personal communication. It can lead to severe social and professional consequences. Individuals in voice-dependent occupations like teaching, sales, or performing are particularly affected.
Currently, there is no formal recognition of voice disorders as a disability in Australia. This gap means those unable to work or requiring time off to rest their voices receive little financial support. Advocates, including Ms MacNeil, argue that this needs to change. They highlight that the ability to communicate should be valued as highly as other fundamental senses.
World Voice Day Initiatives
Along with World Voice Day, the Australian Dysphonia Network promotes the “World Voice Day Walk.” The walk is part of its awareness campaign. The event encourages people to walk while discussing the importance of vocal health. There are no registration fees or distance requirements. Participants can join at their own pace throughout April.
The ADN also plans to illuminate notable landmarks in its “Light Up” campaign. This initiative will bring attention to the challenges those with chronic voice disorders face. Individuals can also contribute by setting up fundraising pages and direct donations to support ongoing advocacy efforts.
Community Involvement and Support
Ms MacNeil has remained active in her community despite her struggles. She has taught cancer survivors free yoga classes for over a decade. She has also been involved in the “Encore” program. Through the program, Ms Macneil offers support to women recovering from breast cancer.
Ms MacNeil urges the Augustine Heights community to support World Voice Day. Locals can help amplify the message that voice disorders deserve greater recognition and support by sharing stories and joining the walk.
The search for the missing Detective Inspector Jay Notaro, who currently serves at Ipswich Police Station, has intensified following his disappearance on March 25 near Byron Bay. Inspector Notaro failed to report for duty at the Ipswich station, triggering immediate concern from colleagues and family.
Inspector Notaro was recently transferred to Ipswich after being promoted to Inspector. Prior to his Ipswich posting, he served in various roles, including officer in charge of the Gold Coast water police and Coomera police station.
Queensland Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy described Inspector Notaro as a “highly valued colleague and friend to many in the service,” highlighting the officer’s importance to the Ipswich police community. The Queensland Police Service has expressed extreme concern for the welfare of their Ipswich-based member.
Inspector Notaro’s disappearance is particularly perplexing given his extensive experience. Before his assignment to Ipswich, he headed the Gold Coast Water Police, making him exceptionally qualified in water safety and rescue operations.
The respected Ipswich detective had built an impressive career since joining Queensland Police in Townsville in 2003. He quickly rose through the ranks as a homicide investigator and was instrumental in solving major cases, including the bikie-linked slaying of Gold Coast victim Greg Dufty, for which he received a ‘compassion in policing’ award.
Cross-Border Commissioner Ian Leavers emphasised Inspector Notaro’s value to the Ipswich station and broader police community, stating: “Jay is one of the most competent and capable coppers I know, who has a great future in the police.”
Despite the official multi-agency search being suspended on Friday due to rough weather conditions, local Byron Bay police and Polair renewed search efforts on Monday, March 31, focusing on North Seven Mile Beach area with drone assistance.
Nicholas Joseph Davis, 37, was intercepted by police officers outside a Bunnings in Springfield Central about 11:40am on Monday, ending what authorities claim was a pattern of vehicle thefts across the region.
Officers from the Ipswich district discovered an allegedly stolen white Toyota Hiace van in a Springfield Central carpark and waited for the suspect to return. When Davis noticed police, he allegedly attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended following a chase across busy roads.
The arrest follows two separate incidents where Davis allegedly stole vehicles from Facebook Marketplace sellers. In the most recent case, police allege Davis stole a 2019 Toyota Hiace valued at $28,000 from Slacks Creek on March 30 after arranging to test drive the vehicle.
Two weeks prior, Davis allegedly used the same tactic to steal a 2012 Piaggio Zip 50 scooter valued at $3,000 from an Ipswich resident, Kaz Miyazaki. After taking the scooter for a “test ride,” Davis never returned, later texting the seller with claims of an injury and promises of payment that never materialised.
During Monday’s arrest in Springfield Central, police allegedly discovered stolen number plates, war medals, power tools, and a machete inside the van. The vehicle has been taken for forensic examination by Ipswich district police.
Davis faces five counts of enter premises and commit, and two counts each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing. He is scheduled to appear before Ipswich Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
The case has prompted local police to urge Ipswich residents to take precautions when selling items through online marketplaces, including meeting in public places and verifying buyers’ identities.
The newly upgraded Exit 32 ramp at Springfield Central has opened to traffic for the first time, featuring four lanes to reduce congestion and improve access for Springfield Lakes and surrounding areas.
The opening of four lanes on the Exit 32 ramp at Springfield Central marks a significant milestone in the largest road upgrade project ever undertaken by Ipswich City Council. The project, carried out in conjunction with the State, aims to reduce congestion on the Centenary Motorway and enhance access to Springfield Lakes and nearby areas.
The newly opened ramp now features two through lanes and two left-turning lanes, leading to a new signalised intersection at Springfield Greenbank Arterial and Main Road. This change is expected to alleviate bottlenecks and improve traffic flow, particularly during peak hours.
The upgrade is part of a broader initiative to replace the existing roundabout at Main Street/Springfield Greenbank Arterial Road/Exit 32 with a signalised intersection, thereby enhancing safety and increasing capacity. The State funded the project under the State Road Network Upgrades program, with a total investment of $6.5 million.
Community Response: No Right Turn Controversy
Despite the upgrade, some residents have expressed frustration with the removal of the right-turn movement from the Exit 32 ramp. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) made the decision to prohibit right turns at the intersection to optimise signal performance, improve travel time reliability, and enhance road safety.
Some community members, however, feel that the change makes navigating the area more cumbersome, as it requires drivers to head towards Orion, perform a U-turn at the roundabout, and then return to the intersection. Despite public feedback, TMR has remained firm. They stated that the change was essential for improving intersection performance.
Construction on the Exit 32 upgrade is ongoing. Some minor works, such as line marking, will still be completed as weather permits. Motorists affected by the right-turn restriction are advised to use Exit 31 or Exit 33 as alternative routes.
For further information or feedback regarding the upgrade, residents can contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads via email at metropolitanregion@tmr.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3066 4338.
A Springfield Lakes single mother’s life took an extraordinary turn when she secured a staggering $833,000, allowing her to purchase her own home outright.
The resident, overwhelmed with joy, initially believed she had won $8,300. It wasn’t until a second, more thorough check that she realised the true extent of her fortune. She shared her disbelief with a colleague over the phone, expressing that the magnitude of the win was yet to register fully.
The winner reported struggling to sleep until the early morning hours, such was the excitement of her discovery. The woman felt a sense of cosmic favour, attributing her good fortune to a possible intervention from her deceased parents. She also considered that a different server or store may have changed her outcome.
The substantial prize money will enable the woman to purchase a home without a mortgage, a long-held dream. With retirement only a few years away, the win provides significant financial security. She expressed immense gratitude for the unexpected windfall.
The winning ticket was purchased at Nextra Orion, in the Orion Springfield shopping centre. The store owner, Vivek Ganesh, expressed his team’s excitement at selling another division one winning entry, following a similar win only three months prior. He noted the store’s history of selling winning tickets and shared that the team had started celebrating with customers. A Facebook post and in-store posters were created to share the good news with the community.
The winning numbers for the Saturday draw were 16, 11, 42, 34, 29, and 45, with supplementary numbers 14 and 18. Across Australia, six division one winning tickets were drawn, with three in Victoria, two in New South Wales, and one in Queensland.
The national total of division one winners for the financial year has reached 344, with 86 of those winners residing in Queensland. In 2024, 149 millionaires were created across Australia through the Saturday draw, total winnings exceeding $400.2 million.
Augustine Heights and Brookwater are set to see more than 300 new homes constructed by 2026, with developer Azure responding to growing housing demand in Ipswich.
Two master-planned developments by Azure are currently under construction in Augustine Heights and Brookwater. These projects form part of the developer’s broader pipeline, which includes 100 homes to be delivered across Ipswich in 2025, and a further 271 in 2026. Among those, the Augustine Heights and Brookwater sites will contribute a combined total of over 130 homes.
Housing Supply Grows with Ipswich Population
Azure’s latest residential push includes ‘Ember’ in Augustine Heights and ‘Oakmont’ in Brookwater, contributing over 130 new homes to the region. Ember comprises 74 homes set in a subtropical landscape, while Oakmont offers 61 residences bordering the Brookwater Golf Course. Both developments have commenced construction and are scheduled for completion by late 2026.
Caption: Ember by Azure Photo Credit: Azure
Ember: Affordable Design-Led Living in Augustine Heights
Ember is positioned as a serene community offering design sophistication at a more accessible price point. The development features three and four-bedroom terrace homes with flexible indoor-outdoor living, modern aesthetics, and premium internal finishes.
Caption: Ember by Azure Photo Credit: Azure
Ember places emphasis on light, space, and functional living, with timber tones and refined material palettes used throughout. Communal amenities include a 20-metre swimming pool, a kids’ splash pool, sun lounges, and shaded cabanas, all part of Ember’s private AClub offering.
Homes are priced between $750,000 and $990,000. As of March 2025, eight residences remain available to purchase, set to be released in Stage 8 sales later in the year.
Oakmont in Brookwater offers a more exclusive option within a gated community. The development includes three-bedroom terraces under the Oakmont Collection and a separate Signature Collection of four-bedroom homes, featuring expansive views of the golf course.
Caption: Oakmont by Azure Photo Credit: Azure
The terraces are defined by colonial-style windows, awnings, curated gardens, and bold neoclassical architecture. Internal features include high-end finishes, generous kitchens with butler’s pantries, integrated ILVE appliances, and refined entry statements.
Prices range from $1.34 million for standard residences to $1.72 million for homes within the Signature Collection. As of March, 70 per cent of Oakmont homes have been sold.
Caption: Oakmont by Azure Photo Credit: Azure
Community Demand and Local Sentiment
Azure Director Trent Kiernan said strong interest in both locations indicates high demand for quality housing in the Ipswich region. Sales Manager Allyce Kluver described Brookwater as a premium destination within Ipswich. She added that the region’s appeal is growing due to local economic growth, new job opportunities, and improved education offerings.
Azure’s developments are part of broader efforts to address housing demand in southeast Queensland. The company intends to continue investing in the Ipswich area, which is expected to become a significant residential hub within the next decade.
