The organisation, a not-for-profit charity, provides various services to help those struggling in the community. These services include food parcels, back-to-school support, domestic violence assistance, and free legal advice.
It offers several programs to support individuals and families in need. They regularly provide free food items and parcels at the Camira Springfield Community Centre.
They also organise a back-to-school initiative each year, raising funds and gathering supplies for children. Through a partnership with Christians Against Poverty, they offer free debt help and budgeting assistance to those facing financial difficulties.
The organisation also runs a variety of community activities and events. These include tap dancing classes, art and craft groups, fitness classes, and a men’s shed. It also hosts an annual Christmas appeal, where it collects and distributes gifts, food hampers, and other support to those in need.
It is committed to supporting domestic violence victims. They offer a range of free services, including a GEMS Confidential program, which provides wrap-around support such as legal advice, counselling, and retreats.
Westside Community Care works closely with government agencies, businesses, churches, and other community organisations to support those in need. They also rely on a network of volunteers to help deliver their services. The organisation encourages anyone interested in getting involved to reach out and join their network.
While many traditional entertainment venues struggle to stay afloat, the Tivoli has managed to carve a unique niche, offering affordable family fun and a nostalgic experience that resonates with audiences.
This enduring success story is particularly noteworthy given the challenges faced by drive-in theatres across Australia. A recent Queensland University of Technology (QUT) study revealed that only 12 drive-ins remain consistently operational nationwide. The Tivoli, which opened its gates in 1976, has survived and thrived under the leadership of Pastor Fred Muys, who acquired the venue with a vision of community service.
Photo Credit: Google Map
The Tivoli now operates a registered charity, providing food assistance to those in need and vocational training for the unemployed. However, maintaining the drive-in has become increasingly challenging due to rising operational costs and changing entertainment preferences.
Pastor Muys acknowledged the financial pressures, stating that the drive-in would be unsustainable without the support of local functions and events. He attributed the Tivoli’s success to its ability to adapt and reinvent itself, offering a “retro, family experience” that appeals to a broad audience.
This sentiment was echoed by experts, who emphasised the importance of nostalgia and affordability in today’s entertainment market. Professor Martie-Louise Verreynne from the University of Queensland (UQ) noted a growing trend of consumers seeking to relive past experiences. At the same time, Dr Nicolas Pontes, also from UQ, highlighted the impact of inflation on entertainment spending.
Photo Credit: Google Map
Dr Pontes explained that what was once a regular treat has become more of a luxury, adding that rising costs are forcing many people to reserve restaurant dining and other forms of entertainment for special occasions.
Despite these challenges, the Tivoli draws large crowds, particularly during the summer and school holidays. Pastor Muys attributed this to the drive-in’s commitment to affordable pricing, with tickets as low as $15 per car for two new release movies.
He emphasised that they have deliberately kept the cost down to ensure working-class families can still enjoy a night out at the movies.
Photo Credit: Google Map
However, the future of drive-in theatres like the Tivoli remains uncertain. QUT urban environment expert Mimi Tsai pointed out the increasing scarcity of suitable land, particularly in inner-city suburbs, where development pressures are mounting.
She explained that a drive-in cinema in inner-city suburbs is almost impossible due to the soaring cost of land.
Nevertheless, Dr Heck from QUT believes that these classic venues hold a special place in the hearts of many Australians. She recalled fond memories of visiting drive-ins in the 80s and 90s and emphasised the unique “novelty and social experience” they offer.
She affirmed her belief that drive-in theatres will always be important in Australian culture.
For Pastor Muys, the reward lies in seeing families create new memories at the Tivoli. He shared anecdotes of patrons expressing their delight at finding the drive-in still operational after many years.
He emphasised the importance of supporting the Tivoli, as it is one of only two drive-in cinemas in south-east Queensland.
The Tivoli Drive-In’s story reminds us that there is still a place for tradition and nostalgia even in a rapidly changing world. The Tivoli has survived and flourished by adapting to new realities and staying true to its community-focused values, offering hope for other classic entertainment venues struggling to stay afloat.
The café, known for its in-house coffee roasting, was recently renovated to enhance the customer experience and highlight its commitment to high-quality coffee.
The refurbishment included replacing the café’s dark steel tables with white marble tabletops, creating a more modern and inviting atmosphere. Gaby Lazorka, the café’s second-in-charge, explained that the change was intended to create a brighter space and reflect the high quality of the coffee.
Customers can watch the roasting process firsthand as the Merlo team roasts green coffee beans in their hot air roaster, transforming them into the aromatic brews Merlo is known for.
The café offers a wide selection of food to complement its coffee, including Italian biscuits, pastries, gluten-free treats, toasted sandwiches, wraps and salads. For those wanting something other than coffee, the café also offers a variety of hot and cold beverages such as chai, matcha, hot chocolate, milkshakes and smoothies.
Whether grabbing a quick coffee during a lunch break or relaxing after a shopping trip, Merlo Springfield Lakes provides a welcoming environment.
Their story began in Italy with Luigi Merlo’s Trattoria and continued with his son Gino, who introduced espresso to Queensland in the 1960s. Gino’s son, Dean, founded Merlo Coffee in 1992, driven by his passion for hospitality and inspired by European and American espresso bars.
Today, Merlo is a leading Australian coffee roaster, supplying their freshly roasted coffee to the public, stores, and over 1,500 cafes and restaurants across Australia.
Greater Springfield’s breast cancer survivors and their supporters are invited to paint the town pink on 9 March by joining the community’s second Mater Chicks in Pink International Women’s Day Fun Run.
Presented by Queensland X-Ray, this inspiring event aims to raise critical resources to assist women battling breast cancer.
Uniting for a Cause
Photo credit: International Women’s Day Fun Run/Facebook
Breast cancer remains a pressing health challenge in Australia. In 2022 alone, Cancer Australia reported a staggering 20,428 new cases of breast cancer diagnosis, making it the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country.
The Mater Chicks in Pink initiative empowers women affected by breast cancer to focus on what truly matters—their health and cherished moments with loved ones—by alleviating the emotional and financial burdens of the disease.
Your Impact Matters
Photo credit: International Women’s Day Fun Run/Facebook
By participating in the 5K Your Way event or donating, you can help fund essential services that make a tangible difference in the lives of breast cancer patients. Contributions will support:
Personalised Support Services: Free, practical support such as mastectomy bras, wigs, and scarves to help women feel more like themselves.
Advanced Medical Technology: Investment in cutting-edge equipment to provide faster and potentially life-saving breast cancer diagnostics.
Programmes for Wellness: Initiatives like Mum, Memories and Me and Return to Wellness that help women navigate their journey to survivorship.
Breast Cancer Research: Groundbreaking studies conducted at Mater to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
Making a Difference Locally
Photo credit: International Women’s Day Fun Run/Facebook
Funds raised will directly benefit breast cancer patients at Mater hospitals across Queensland, including Brisbane, Springfield, Redlands, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Bundaberg.
Mater Private Hospital Springfield’s Breast Care Nurse, Shiralee Bremner, highlights the vital role of community support. Shiralee Bremner explained that breast care nurses assist patients in navigating specialist appointments, managing treatment side effects, and preparing for success in survivorship.
Shiralee’s position was made possible by community donations to the Mater Foundation, underscoring the importance of fundraising initiatives like the Fun Run.
Join the Movement
Photo credit: International Women’s Day Fun Run/Facebook
Signing up for the Fun Run is simple—visit Mater Foundation’s website to register for the 5K Your Way event. Whether you choose to run, walk, or jog, every step you take helps create a brighter future for women facing breast cancer.
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.
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.
Photo credit: Surf Life Saving Queensland/ lifesaving.com.au
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
