An Ipswich family has safely returned to Australia after surviving a powerful earthquake that struck the island nation of Vanuatu while they were on holiday.
The family, consisting of Kelli Harvey, Mischa King, and their five-year-old son Ethan, was enjoying a vacation in Vanuatu when a 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit the island last Tuesday. They were about to leave the popular Blue Lagoon swimming spot when the earthquake struck, turning the clear blue water a murky brown and violently shaking the ground.
Kelli Harvey described the terrifying moments as she tried to get her son out of the water. She witnessed trees swaying and heard people yelling to run.
The earthquake caused widespread damage in Vanuatu, flattening buildings and disrupting essential services like power and water. The family’s resort lost both, and they faced ongoing aftershocks. As they made their way towards the capital, Port Vila, they saw increasing evidence of the destruction. Luckily, they secured a spot on a Royal Australian Air Force evacuation flight and returned home with only the clothes on their backs, leaving their luggage behind.
A Helping Hand in a Time of Need
Throughout the ordeal, the family received invaluable support from their local tour guide, Barry, known as Baz. When a tsunami warning was issued after the earthquake, he guided them to safety, taking them to his own home, which was located on higher ground. Baz ensured they stayed informed and calm despite the chaotic situation. He even gave young Ethan a sense of normalcy by allowing him to play with his children.
The earthquake significantly impacted Barry’s life as well. His home was damaged, his water tank destroyed, and his livelihood threatened by the disruption to tourism. Touched by his kindness and recognising the hardships he now faced, the Harvey-King family set up a GoFundMe page to help Barry rebuild his home and life. They have already successfully transferred the initial funds raised to him and are encouraging further donations.
The family expressed immense gratitude for Barry’s assistance and support from the Australian government, as well as those who donated to their fundraiser. They are now safely back in Ipswich, counting their blessings and focusing on recovering from their experience.
Elizabeth Gough, a 92-year-old Lifeline volunteer from Ipswich, has been nominated for the Australian of the Year Award for her four decades of dedication to crisis support.
The 92-year-old Ipswich resident has been a volunteer for Lifeline’s Crisis Support line, mentoring new recruits and helping thousands of callers struggling with issues ranging from loneliness to financial difficulties. Her contributions have been recognised widely, including her nomination as the 2025 Queensland Local Hero for the Australian of the Year Awards.
Four Decades of Service in Ipswich
Ms Gough began her volunteering journey with Lifeline nearly 40 years ago, driven by a desire to ensure that no one faces their struggles alone. Over the years, her dedication has made her a cornerstone of the Lifeline Ipswich community, where she has supported both callers and her fellow volunteers.
Known affectionately as “Auntie Elizabeth,” Ms Gough has mentored countless new crisis supporters at the Ipswich centre, running practice calls, providing one-on-one coaching, and offering encouragement to build confidence. Fellow volunteers admire her ability to adapt to modern technologies and her continued enthusiasm for learning.
Supporting the Ipswich Community Through Challenges
Ms Gough’s commitment to Lifeline extends beyond routine shifts. She has worked during particularly stressful periods, including the Christmas season, when many callers face heightened difficulties. She has noted that financial worries, family conflicts, and loneliness are common issues during the holidays, making support services especially vital at that time of year.
For Ms Gough, every call matters. She has shared that knowing she has helped even one person feel better during her shift makes her work meaningful. Her ability to empathise and listen has saved lives and inspired many in the Ipswich community.
Recognition for Outstanding Contributions
Ms Gough’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2016, she was honoured for 32 years of service, and in 2024, she received the Mary Parsissons Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award. These accolades celebrate her nearly 40 years of unwavering service, during which she has provided mentorship and leadership while remaining a steady voice of support for callers in crisis.
The Australian of the Year Awards nomination further highlights her impact, both in Ipswich and across Queensland, recognising her as a role model for resilience, compassion, and dedication.
Despite her long tenure, Ms Gough remains committed to her role, continuing to take shifts at the Lifeline Ipswich crisis centre and helping the next generation of volunteers succeed. Her enduring presence demonstrates the importance of community-focused support and the impact one individual can have.
Award Announcement on 25 January
Ms Gough’s nomination for the 2025 Queensland Local Hero will be decided during the Australian of the Year Awards ceremony on 25 January. The event will be broadcast live to the nation on ABC and iView as part of Australia Day celebrations.
Geranium Drive in Springfield Lakes tells a compelling story of transformation, from untouched woodland to a close-knit residential community. Historical aerial photography from 1948 reveals a striking contrast — where today’s established street stands, there was nothing but dense forest, with only Springfield Greenbank Arterial visible in the vicinity.
This relatively young street has quickly developed into a stable neighbourhood, with an impressive 85% owner-occupancy rate and residents staying an average of 6 years and 5 months. Early property transactions, such as the sale of 22 Geranium Drive for $180,000 in October 2011, mark the beginning of this community’s journey. Today, with 41 properties and nearly a third of residents calling it home for over a decade, Geranium Drive exemplifies the modern suburban dream of Springfield Lakes.
Geranium Dr, Springfield Lakes Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 41 % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 6 years and 5 months % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 30%
Geranium Dr, Springfield Lakes – As It Looked in 1948
Geranium Dr, Springfield Lakes in 1948
SOME RECENT SALES ON GERANIUM DR, SPRINGFIELD LAKES
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
63 Geranium Dr, Springfield Lakes
NA
Oct 2024
18 Geranium Dr, Springfield Lakes
$1,148,000
Oct 2024
55 Geranium Dr, Springfield Lakes
$828,000
May 2024
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON GERANIUM DR FROM YESTERYEAR
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
22 Geranium Dr, Springfield Lakes
$180,000
Oct 2011
40 Geranium Dr, Springfield Lakes
$550,000
Feb 2012
26 Geranium Dr, Springfield Lakes
$205,000
May 2012
SUBURB PROFILE
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Springfield Lakes in 2024 was $685,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Springfield Lakes in 2020 was $370,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SPRINGFIELD LAKES SINCE 2020 : $315,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Springfield Lakes in 2024 was $790,000 The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Springfield Lakes in 2020 was $452,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SPRINGFIELD LAKES SINCE 2020 : $338,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Springfield Lakes in 2024 was $918,000 The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Springfield Lakes in 2020 was $452,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SPRINGFIELD LAKES SINCE 2020 : $466,000
If you know Geranium Dr, Springfield Lakes well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.
The Save Woogaroo Forest Group is pressing on with its ongoing campaign to protect Woogaroo Forest, with hopes of preventing the forest’s destruction amid proposals for several large-scale developments in the area.
Woogaroo Forest, which spans 450-hectare, serves as a vital habitat for more than a hundred species, including koalas and owls. The forest provides essential shelter, food, and breeding grounds for these species, which are vulnerable to habitat loss. It is also seen as an important wildlife corridor that connects other natural areas, contributing to biodiversity in the region.
Photo credit: Save Woogaroo Forest – Ipswich QLD/Facebook
However, the forest now faces the threat of four proposed developments, with the most significant being a project known as Springview Estate Villages 2 and 3, which plans to build 1,800 new homes. According to the Save Woogaroo Forest Group, these developments could have a serious impact on local wildlife by fragmenting or destroying their habitats.
The group is determined to prevent the destruction of this vital habitat and has called for further action to ensure its preservation through an online petition.
“Each one of these developments will have a devastating effect on the wildlife,” the group wrote in the Change.org petition. “Woogaroo Forest is a critical habitat for not only Koalas and Powerful Owls but more than 130 species including Echidnas, Platypus, Brush-tailed Phascogales and Sugar Gliders.”
The group has raised concerns about the planning processes being used to assess these developments. Specifically, they argue that the proposed developments are being evaluated under Development Control Plans. The group believes that these plans are outdated and do not adequately reflect current environmental concerns, particularly when it comes to protecting endangered species like the Koala.
The petition is addressed to Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water.
“These developments are being assessed under rare and outdated planning instruments from last century called Development Control Plans,” the group said. “However the developments must still be assessed by the Commonwealth Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) 1999.
“We are calling on Minister Tanya Plibersek to ensure the development is thoroughly assessed against this Act and to reject these devastating proposals.”
Petition Calls for Urgent Action
Photo credit: Save Woogaroo Forest – Ipswich QLD/Facebook
The Save Woogaroo Forest Group has called for immediate action from decision-making bodies to address the potential environmental impacts of the proposed developments. While the projects are being reviewed under regional and state-level guidelines, the group argues that these developments must also be assessed for their impact on nationally significant environmental values, particularly threatened species and critical habitats.
The group also expressed concern about financial offset laws in Queensland, which allow developers to pay fees to offset environmental impacts, such as clearing land for development.
“We also requested that the Queensland Government change its financial offset laws to prevent developers paying a fee to allow them to clear forests and destroy wildlife habitat,” they wrote on Facebook. “To date we have only received a response from the Environment Department suggesting we write to the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Department, which we have done. We are awaiting responses.”
Petition Gains Traction
The petition, which has already gathered more than 15,000 signatures, continues to grow in support.
Supporters of the petition have expressed concern about the long-term impact of the proposed developments. The group encourages individuals to sign the petition and contact relevant authorities to voice their concerns about the proposed developments and their potential environmental impact.
Next Steps for the Group
As the group moves forward with its advocacy, it is focusing on raising awareness of the issue through continued outreach to local residents, environmental organizations, and decision-makers. The group is also calling for a more sustainable and forward-thinking approach to development in the region, one that balances the need for growth with the protection of critical wildlife habitats.
Dadam Korean BBQ House has become a popular dining spot in Springfield Lakes, offering an interactive charcoal BBQ experience with fresh ingredients in a relaxed setting.
Dadam is a Korean BBQ spot bringing a mix of traditional Korean flavours and hands-on dining. With built-in charcoal grills at every table, diners can cook cuts of premium Australian wagyu or pork to their preference. The menu also includes classic sides like kimchi pancakes and corn cheese, along with Korean favourites such as bibimbap and soups.
Owner-chef Yun brings his experience and childhood memories of Korean cuisine to the table. The focus here is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and dishes that stick close to tradition. For those who’d rather skip the grilling, there are ready-to-eat options available as well.
What Locals Are Saying
Dadam has received mixed but generally positive reviews from Springfield Lakes locals. Kevin Jung highlighted the freshness and quality of the meats, praising the welcoming and cosy atmosphere, along with the friendliness of the staff. He felt the dining experience was memorable and worth revisiting.
Catherine Kalokerinos was particularly impressed by the portion sizes, noting that they exceeded expectations. She appreciated the quality of the food and the attentive service, sharing that she left the restaurant feeling satisfied and even had leftovers to take home. Her overall experience left her eager to return.
Rachell Humphreys also shared her thoughts, noting that despite the restaurant being quite busy, the food quality and service stood out. She highlighted the cocktails as a standout feature and gave a special mention to a staff member, Zoe, for her attentive and friendly service.
The overall impression from locals is that Dadam offers a unique dining experience for Springfield Lakes, combining quality ingredients with an interactive and social meal setting.
The Dadam Dining Experience
Whether diners prefer grilling their own meats or enjoying pre-prepared dishes, Dadam offers a flexible menu. Drinks like Korean soju, house-made lemonades, and a selection of beers pair well with the hearty dishes.
Some standout menu highlights include:
Wagyu Set (serves 2-3) – $160: Includes 750g of wagyu chuck tail flap, wagyu deckle, wagyu cube roll, wagyu oyster blade, and marinated rib finger.
Rice – $4 each
Pork Belly (250g) – $27
Boneless Fried Chicken (Soy, Large) – $35
The restaurant operates daily from 11:30am – 3:00pm and 5:00pm – 9:00pm, with extended hours until 10:00pm from Thursday to Saturday.
Dadam Korean BBQ House features a minimalist exterior with clean white walls accented by wooden panels and a distinct wooden door with a circular window. The large windows offer a welcoming view inside and allow natural light to flood the space.
Inside, the dining area combines warm wood tones, soft lighting, and sleek grey finishes. Copper exhaust pipes hang above each table, complementing the built-in BBQ grills, while wooden lattice partitions provide subtle privacy for diners.
The reception and bar area add a modern touch with a curved wooden feature illuminated by LED lighting. Traditional Korean earthenware pots and greenery further enhance the cultural authenticity of the space.
The seating layout balances openness and intimacy, with thoughtful design elements creating a relaxed and comfortable dining atmosphere.
Dadam Korean BBQ House has cemented itself as part of Springfield Lakes’ dining landscape. With its focus on fresh ingredients, friendly service, and an interactive dining style, it’s likely to remain a regular choice for locals.
Low-level floodwater releases from Wivenhoe Dam have led to the closure of Colleges Crossing in Ipswich, as Seqwatermanages rising water levels following significant rainfall in the region.
Heavy rainfall over the past week has seen significant inflows into Wivenhoe Dam, with some areas in the Upper Brisbane catchment recording over 50mm of rain in an hour. In response, Seqwater initiated low-level floodwater releases on 2 January 2025 to manage dam storage capacity and mitigate downstream flooding risks.
Historically, Colleges Crossing—a key low-level bridge over the Brisbane River—has been prone to closures during dam releases and heavy rainfall events. Previous closures, including during the 2011 and 2022 floods, caused significant disruptions to local travel and recreation.
Flood releases from Wivenhoe Dam will continue for approximately 24 hours, Seqwater confirms. As of 3 January 2025, 11:12 am, Colleges Crossing is officially closed to all traffic due to rising water levels and flooding risk. All lanes are blocked and motorists are advides to opt for alternative routes.
Meanwhile, Twin Bridges and Savages Crossing remain closed. Authorities have advised motorists and residents to avoid unnecessary travel through these areas and avoid unnecessary travel in affected regions.
Seqwater reports that Wivenhoe Dam is operating within its flood storage compartment, currently at 90% capacity, with controlled releases continuing to create space for additional inflows.
Weather Threats for Ipswich and Brisbane
According to the Bureau of Meteorology as of 3 January, Ipswich is currently facing isolated to scattered storms, bringing heavy rainfall and an increased risk of local flash flooding. The Brisbane River catchment area, including Ipswich, remains vulnerable to rising water levels from both rainfall and ongoing dam releases.
Although the weekend’s weather may progressively get better, meteorologists have cautioned that rising water levels are expected to remain and any more rain could aggravate low-lying area flooding risks.
To guarantee safety during this period of increased flood risk, Ipswich residents are advised to track official weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology, avoid flooded roads and crossings, and arrange other travel paths.
Colleges Crossing is a well-known recreational spot for Ipswich locals, popular for picnics, kayaking, and fishing. With its closure, both residents and local businesses reliant on weekend visitors will experience disruptions.
Safety remains the priority. Seqwater has urged residents to stay informed via official channels and avoid entering floodwaters, as conditions can change rapidly.
Flood releases will be monitored closely over the next 24 hours, with updates provided by Seqwater and local authorities. Motorists and residents are encouraged to stay updated and adhere to road closure signs.
The waterways of Greater Springfield, including Woogaroo Creek, are under threat from urban development and severe weather events, prompting urgent restoration efforts to protect platypus habitats.
Local councils and environmental groups have launched a multi-million-dollar project to restore creeks across South East Queensland, with a key focus on the Greater Springfield area, including Ipswich and Ripley. The initiative aims to improve the health of waterways like Woogaroo Creek in Augustine Heights, which have been significantly affected by urbanisation and recurring floods.
Heavy rains in 2022 brought more than 400 millimetres in three days, causing widespread erosion and destruction in areas such as Ipswich, Ripley Valley, and surrounding suburbs. Environmental experts say the damage is impacting vital habitats for platypus, which rely on stable creek banks for shelter.
Ipswich is leading the charge to rehabilitate these waterways. A $4-million program will plant over 30,000 native trees along creek banks, aiming to reduce erosion and support the broader aquatic ecosystem.
To better understand the platypus population, Ipswich officials have partnered with the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland on an environmental DNA analysis program. Testing at more than 300 sites across 115 waterways in 2023 revealed minimal signs of platypus presence since the floods.
Wildlife expert Tamielle Brunt from the society highlighted Queensland’s lack of long-term studies compared to other states. This gap in data has prevented the platypus from being listed as a nationally threatened species, despite evidence of population decline over the last decade.
Ms Brunt believes stronger monitoring systems and conservation funding are essential to ensure the survival of this iconic Australian species. She said the lack of formal recognition means platypus conservation is often overlooked in environmental assessments.
A Community-Focused Approach
Jack McCann, a waterway health officer in Ipswich, said the restoration project represents a broader push to address environmental pressures caused by rapid urbanisation. Suburbs such as Ripley Valley and Augustine Heights are experiencing significant growth, which increases runoff into creeks during heavy rains.
Mr McCann explained that stabilising creek banks and improving water quality will benefit not only platypus but also the wider ecosystem. He emphasised the importance of involving the community in conservation efforts, with local workers planting vegetation and conducting educational outreach.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Council is committed to taking a proactive approach to protecting native species. She stressed the importance of combining restoration projects with comprehensive data collection to track the impact of environmental efforts.
The $200-million Urban Rivers and Catchment Program is crucial for addressing waterway health across Australia. A portion of this ($3 million) is being allocated to the Ipswich region.
The Ipswich Magistrates Court heard that police deployed tyre spikes on the Cunningham Highway, forcing the girl and her 14-year-old passenger to abandon the vehicle and attempt to flee on foot.
Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook
Acting Magistrate Rob Turra said the girl drove “extraordinarily dangerously” onto the wrong side of the motorway and reversed down an off-ramp “in an attempt to avoid police” before being intercepted.
Extensive Criminal History Raises Concerns
The girl, who was on probation for similar offenses, has a 13-page criminal history, including armed robbery, unlawful use of vehicles, and entering dwellings.
Authorities believe that the girl “simply will not stop offending,” despite being given multiple opportunities through restorative justice orders and other court sentences.
Her 14-year-old co-accused, who was arrested alongside her, was granted bail because of his limited criminal history.
However, the court rejected the girl’s bail application. The girl’s lawyer argued for stringent conditions, including a curfew and an ankle monitor, noting the girl’s employment, aspirations to become a youth worker, and plans to complete grade 12 in Ipswich by 2025.
Despite this, Mr Turra ruled that no bail conditions could sufficiently protect the community, stating that the girl’s behaviour was extraordinarily risky and put herself, her passenger, and the community at significant risk.
The girl has been remanded in detention and is charged with offenses including dangerous operation of a vehicle and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. Her case will be mentioned again on January 13.
Youth Crime and Tougher Laws in Queensland
Photo credit: Archimedesscrown/Pixabay
Youth crime continues to be a growing concern in Queensland, prompting the state to pass new tough youth justice laws in Parliament. These laws aim to address the increasing number of young offenders by focusing on prevention, intervention, and detention.
The new laws emphasize prevention and intervention strategies, offering wraparound services to prevent young people from entering the criminal justice system. Detention remains an option but is used strategically to maintain community safety and confidence.
In addition to these strategies, authorities are planning to introduce the controversial “adult crime, adult time” policy. Under this policy, juveniles charged with serious crimes such as murder, manslaughter, and burglary will need to face tougher maximum sentences.
The new laws would eliminate the principle of “detention as a last resort” and would enable courts to consider the offender’s entire criminal history during sentencing. Young offenders found guilty of murder will be sentenced to a mandatory life sentence with a minimum non-parole period of 20 years.
As these laws take effect, the state hopes to reduce youth crime while balancing the need for rehabilitation with the importance of ensuring community safety.
A new land acquisition in South Ripley, spanning 32 hectares, highlights Ipswich’s focus on preserving koala habitats and enhancing environmental conservation.
The property lies within an ecological corridor connecting two of Ipswich’s largest conservation areas: White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate and Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate. The area supports native wildlife, including koalas, and features vital plant species. The land was identified as ecologically important, providing crucial connections between existing conservation spaces.
This acquisition is part of Ipswich’s Enviroplan program, designed to preserve the city’s environment and natural beauty. Funds from the Enviroplan levy were used to secure the land, ensuring its long-term protection for wildlife and the community.
Photo Credit: IpswichCityCouncil
Balancing Growth and Conservation
With Ipswich’s population rapidly growing, protecting green spaces like South Ripley is increasingly critical. This land is a wildlife corridor between conservation estates, ensuring safe habitats for koalas and other native species. Its preservation supports not only biodiversity but also recreational opportunities such as bushwalking.
Ipswich has prioritised balancing urban growth with environmental conservation, with efforts including thousands of hectares of land acquisitions for ecological management. The South Ripley property is vital to these ongoing efforts, contributing to sustainable city development.
The newly secured land adds to over 7,000 hectares of conservation-focused properties Ipswich manages. Moving forward, Council plans to continue targeting ecologically significant areas, particularly in high-growth suburbs, to protect biodiversity and cultural heritage further.
In addition to land acquisition, Ipswich has advanced renewable energy initiatives and repurposed flood-hit properties into green spaces, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and making Ipswich one of the greenest cities in southeast Queensland.
Former tennis champion Ash Barty, who resides in the Greater Springfield region, has announced she is expecting her second child, further embracing her family-focused lifestyle while continuing to contribute to the local community.
On Christmas Day, Ms Barty shared the joyous news of her growing family through a social media post featuring her 18-month-old son Hayden wearing a shirt reading, “I am going to be a big brother.”
The 28-year-old, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, lives with her husband Garry Kissick in Brookwater, an exclusive neighbourhood within Greater Springfield.
Ms Barty’s decision to settle in the area reflects her strong ties to the community where she grew up. Since retiring, she has chosen a quieter life close to nature while raising her family. In a recent interview, she emphasised her love for the local lifestyle, describing the region as a perfect place for her family to grow.
Life After Tennis: Community and Creativity
Though retired from the sport, Ms Barty remains deeply involved in tennis and broader community initiatives.
As Tennis Australia’s National Indigenous Tennis Ambassador, she works to inspire Indigenous youth to explore opportunities in the sport.
Earlier, she established the Ash Barty Foundation, which uses sport and education to empower young Australians. Her foundation will be a key presence at the Brisbane International’s charity showcase on 29 December, where she will participate alongside tennis legend Pat Rafter.
Beyond her ambassadorial work, Ms Barty has authored a memoir titled “My Dream Time” and released a series of children’s books, “Little Ash,” aimed at encouraging young readers. These creative pursuits reflect her commitment to making a lasting impact beyond tennis.
Photo Credit: Ash Barty/Instagram
In addition to her investments in Springfield, Barty recently purchased a $2.52 million beachfront apartment in Palm Beach, Queensland, which will serve as a family holiday retreat when construction is completed in 2025.
