Ipswich-born Susan Seipel, 38, is set to compete in two semi-finals at the final weekend of the Paris Games. Seipel has established herself as a versatile and accomplished athlete across multiple disciplines, and is now aiming for Paralympic gold.
The three-time Paralympian’s participation in two separate events showcases her versatility and endurance as an athlete. Seipel is scheduled to participate in two semi-final events:
Seipel has already demonstrated her competitive edge in the qualifying rounds. She secured the fourth fastest time in the va’a single heats with a time of 1:04.03. In the kayak single event, she qualified with the seventh fastest time, clocking in at 1:01.29.
About Susan Seipei
Susan Seipel was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex, a condition that affects her joints and muscles. Despite undergoing several surgeries as a child, she excelled in para-sports, becoming an elite para-swimmer and paracanoeist.
She represented Australia at the Rio Paralympics in 2016, where she won a bronze medal in paracanoe. She became the first Australian to win a medal in para-canoe at the Paralympic Games.
Seipel’s resilience and passion for sport have made her an inspiring figure in the Paralympic community.
With the Paralympics in full swing, schedule changes remain possible. For the latest updates and information, check out the official Paralympics website.
Plans for a fifth National Rugby League (NRL) team in the state have been endorsed, with the Ipswich Jets’ bid potentially bringing professional rugby closer to Springfield Lakes residents.
Miles has suggested the Ipswich Jets or the Brisbane Tigers—both clubs that currently play in the Hostplus Cup under the Queensland Rugby League banner—as possible contenders for the new team.
The Queensland government is backing the NRL’s plans to establish an 18th team by 2028, citing the success of the Redcliffe-based Dolphins, who joined the league last year, as evidence to support this campaign.
The government believes that an additional Queensland team would further strengthen the state’s status as a “rugby league heartland.”
“If the NRL are going to add teams to the competition, they absolutely have to seriously consider a Queensland bid,” Miles said.
Ipswich Jets secure funding
The Ipswich Jets have recently secured $40 million in funding for their NRL bid, with the aim of joining the expanded competition by 2028. This funding, sourced from local government and private investors, is allocated for infrastructure, facilities, and community development.
If successful, the team would be based in Ipswich, with Wayne Bennett as head coach. Bennett has led the NRL’s newest team, the Dolphins, to one win away from reaching the finals in just their second season.
Despite his enthusiasm for a new team, Miles has ruled out the construction of a new stadium. He suggests that any additional team would play at Suncorp Stadium in Milton, noting that there are still weekends when the venue is not used for rugby league.
At present, Sydney hosts nine teams in the NRL, while Brisbane has only two. For residents of Springfield Lakes, a new team could bring top-tier rugby league action closer to home, along with increased community engagement and opportunities for local involvement in the sport.
Locals in Ipswich are calling for action to address loopholes in recently passed laws that permit brothels to operate and advertise in residential areas, corner stores, and shopping centres.
They voiced concerns over the possibility that numerous former corner stores could begin displaying explicit advertisements on outdoor billboards following the legalisation of home-based prostitution earlier this month.
The new legislation, which took effect on 2nd August, allows brothels to open in any commercially zoned area. In residential zones, a single-sex worker and one non-resident can operate from a house.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Last week, the council received complaints from Silkstone residents about topless women outside a former corner store now legally operating as a brothel.
Cr Paul Tully highlighted that the state legislation allows brothels to open near churches and schools and advertise on outdoor billboards. He emphasised that under the new rules, brothels could also apply to the council for extended trading hours, and while residents could lodge complaints, officers lack the power to regulate.
Mayor Teresa Harding expressed concerns about women’s safety after being informed that police would no longer be required to patrol legal brothels.
The council plans to write to Planning Minister Meaghan Scanlon and other local politicians to express its concerns about the loopholes. This is a developing situation in Ipswich as the city grapples with the implications of the new legislation.
Council is seeking to close loopholes that could enable legal brothels to use suggestive signage, such as “lunchtime specials,” “Two-for-One Tuesdays,” or “Happy Hour Discounts.”
However, council officers noted in a recent meeting that any changes to the laws to restrict legal prostitution would need to apply to all home-based businesses. They clarified that while the council could control the size of billboards, it couldn’t regulate their content.
L’Oréal has officially opened its first Queensland warehouse in Ipswich’s Redbank area. The state-of-the-art facility, located in the Motorway Estate Industrial Park, represents a $40 million investment from the brand.
The 14,533 sqm distribution centre, which opened its doors on August 21, is set to revolutionise L’Oréal’s operations in the region. With the capacity to offer more than 13,000 products to customers across Australia, this facility marks a major milestone in the company’s Australian expansion.
L’Oréal Groupe ANZ CEO, Alex Davison, who officially inaugurated the warehouse, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s growth in the region. Mr Davison noted that Australia and New Zealand collectively represented one of their top growing markets globally in the previous year, and he believes there’s still untapped potential for L’Oréal in the region.
The choice of Southeast Queensland as the location for this new distribution centre was strategic. Mr Davison explained that this location allows them to be closer to their customers and provides access to key domestic transport routes. He also highlighted that the booming population growth and infrastructure developments across the state make it an ideal location for their operations.
Sustainability is at the heart of this new facility. Running on 100 percent renewable energy, the warehouse is targeting a 4-star Green Star Buildings rating. It features EV charging points and a 365kW solar system, equivalent to powering 100 Queensland homes. In a nod to eco-friendly practices, the outdoor furniture incorporates recycled timber sleepers recovered from a nearby demolition site.
The Ipswich community stands to benefit from this development, with the facility set to contribute 60 local jobs to the area. This new warehouse will work in tandem with L’Oréal’s existing Victorian distribution centre to meet the growing demand for beauty products across the country.
Mr Davison expressed gratitude to their partners TMX Transform and Goodman Group for their support in sourcing this location. He emphasised that the site offers an abundance of capacity and is conveniently located just 30 minutes outside of Brisbane’s CBD.
Goodman Group, which developed the purpose-built facility, has designed the site with an optimised internal layout to improve operational efficiency. This design will help L’Oréal meet the rising delivery and service expectations for its portfolio of 30 beauty brands.
As the beauty industry continues to grow, this facility represents L’Oréal’s commitment to meeting consumer demands while prioritising sustainability and local economic development in Ipswich and the broader Queensland region.
As global attention shifts to the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, Ipswich Grammar School sprint sensation Gout Gout is rapidly becoming one of Australia’s brightest and most viral young athletes, with a natural running form and athleticism that reminds many people of a young Usain Bolt.
Born in Ipswich in 2007 to South Sudanese immigrant parents, Gout Gout’s journey in athletics began just a few short years ago. His talent was first spotted at an inter-house carnival at Ipswich Grammar School, where he impressed with his natural running form.
“Gout came to Ipswich Grammar as a full fee-paying student,” recalls coach Diane Sheppard. “I saw him run around and he got right up on his toes. He is a great kid from a great family.”
From these humble beginnings, Gout’s progress has been nothing short of remarkable. In the span of a few short years, he has transformed from an unknown in the athletics world to a record-breaking phenomenon, drawing international attention.
Coach Sheppard said this about him in 2022: “Six or eight months ago, he looked like one of those things that blow around in car yards. His arms were out of control.”
“I can go faster. There is always pressure, but I am just running,” the then-fourteen-year-old said.
Record-breaking teenage sensation
20.87 200m at the age of 15 👀
🇦🇺’s Gout Gout is a rising star on home soil as he sets a national U20 record 👏
At age fourteen, Gout broke the Australian U16 record for the 100m with an impressive time of 10.57 seconds. A year later, he set a new Australian U18 record in the 200m with a time of 20.87 seconds, which he later improved to 20.69 seconds in January 2024.
In March 2024, he further solidified his status by clocking a blistering 10.29 seconds in the 100m at the Queensland Athletics Championships, matching the heat time of Olympian Rohan Browning at the Paris Games.
Given these record-breaking performances, it’s no surprise that comparisons with sprinting legends have begun.
Comparisons to Usain Bolt
Athletics Australia president and Olympian Jane Flemming was among the first to draw the parallel, noting similarities in their running style and early career trajectories.
Gout, for his part, takes the comparison in stride. “It’s pretty cool because Usain Bolt is arguably the greatest athlete of all time and just being compared to him is a great feeling,” he says.
“Obviously, I’m Gout Gout, so I’m trying to make a name for myself.”
Read about a 16-year-old Sudanese kid in Australia who ran 100m in 10.2 seconds this year. Found the footage— freakin ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/Bz8tYuPkeK
A video of his lightning-fast race at the Queensland State Champs this year has gone viral this week. Admirers from around the world are drawn to his dominant talent and an iconic name that’s impossible to forget.
As he prepares for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, expectations are high. Gout himself remains grounded, focusing on the joy of competition rather than the pressure of expectations. “It feels like this is where I’m meant to be,” he says.
“Running is pretty much my favourite thing to do. Just being out there versing everyone, versing faster people… pushing out of the blocks and everything about the track.”
While the Lima championships represent Gout’s first major international competition, many in the athletics community are already looking further ahead. With the Paris Olympics now in the rearview mirror, Gout represents a bright hope for Australia’s sprinting future.
The development, set to house 125 dogs and puppies, has sparked outrage from animal welfare groups, which lodged a staggering 6,200 submissions against the proposal.
The facility, owned by Snow Catton, will be located on Ipswich Boonah Rd at Purga, just a stone’s throw from the state government’s new $39 million greyhound track, The Q. It will feature 103 kennels, six pup yards, two exercise yards, a 200-metre running track, a 12-metre bullring, and four parking spaces.
This approval will likely open the floodgates for similar developments in the area, cementing Ipswich’s position as a centre for the greyhound industry. Thousands of international animal rights activists voiced their concerns, claiming the facility would endanger animals’ lives.
However, the council granted preliminary approval after the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission reviewed all submissions and advised it had no jurisdiction over animal welfare concerns. The commission will oversee the facility’s operations, including monitoring animal welfare practices.
Residents also raised concerns about noise pollution and the environmental impact on local wildlife, particularly koalas. To address these issues, a 1.8-metre acoustic fence will be built around the kennels, and operational hours will be restricted to 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The kennels must also be at least 50 metres from a documented koala habitat.
Despite these measures, concerns remain about the adequacy of the noise impact assessments and the lack of local council control over animal welfare. Mayor Teresa Harding voiced her apprehensions about gambling, property values, and the council’s limited power to regulate animal welfare.
In the overgrown expanse of Goodna Cemetery, a monumental task awaits. Soon, volunteers will begin combing through grass and thick bush, seeking to uncover long-lost headstones that may hold the key to a dark chapter in Queensland’s mental health history.
These weathered markers, once found, could be all that remains to identify patients from the notorious Wolston Park Mental Hospital, an institution that closed its doors in 2001 but left behind a legacy of alleged abuse and mistreatment spanning decades.
Ipswich City councillor Paul Tully, a cemetery trustee since 1975, reveals a shocking obstacle to the impending search. He reports that approximately 100 headstones were stolen in the 2000s, adding another layer of complexity to the task ahead.
Photo credit: Dave Muller/Google Maps
Cr Tully notes that the graves, possibly numbering 192, were exhumed from Wolston Park during roadworks in the 1970s and relocated to Goodna Cemetery.
The urgency of this upcoming effort has been highlighted by a recent announcement. On 8 August 2024, Queensland’s Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic was directed to launch an inquiry into the health services provided at Wolston Park between the 1950s and 1990s.
Goodna Cemetery (Photo credit: Dave Muller/Google Maps)
This period is marred by widespread allegations of sexual abuse, beatings, chemical restraint, and “shock therapy.”
The planned investigation faces significant hurdles, not least of which is a 100-year ban on releasing patient details. This makes identifying remains a potentially daunting task.
Australian National University historian Adele Chynoweth, author of “Goodna Girls: A History of Children in a Queensland Mental Asylum,” emphasises the importance of records, particularly discharge documents, as a vital first step.
Chynoweth stresses that while understanding who is buried in the cemetery is important, it shouldn’t distract from the primary goal of supporting survivors. She insists that these efforts must complement, not replace, the care for those who lived through the institution’s darker days.
Photo credit: Jodez/Google Maps
One such survivor, now 52, recounts her harrowing experience after being admitted to Wolston Park in 1988. She describes a place of frequent seclusions, a litany of drugs, and rooms devoid of basic amenities – a far cry from the healing environment it was meant to be.
Photo credit: The Park – Centre for Mental Health, Treatment, Research and Education/Google Maps
Today, the facility stands transformed as The Park – Centre for Mental Health at 60 Grindle Road, Wacol. Modern buildings and improved practices distance it from its notorious past. Yet, the old asylum building remains, a silent sentinel to the horrors that once unfolded within its walls.
As the community prepares for the start of the inquiry, expected to begin in about six months, questions linger. Will the findings be made public? Can justice be served after so many years? And perhaps most poignantly, will the upcoming search at Goodna Cemetery finally reveal the secrets of the lost graves, giving names and dignity back to those who suffered in silence?
The impending efforts at Goodna Cemetery represent more than just a search for headstones. They symbolise a community’s determination to acknowledge a painful past and, perhaps, begin the long-overdue process of healing.
Eithen Leard, an 18-year-old wheelchair basketball player from Westside Christian College in Goodna, is on track to represent Australia at the upcoming 2024 Paris Paralympics.
This achievement marks a significant milestone in Leard’s inspiring journey, which began when he was just three years old.
Born with a spinal cord deformity, Leard’s family moved from Mackay to Brisbane in search of better opportunities for their son. It was in Auchenflower, Brisbane, where a young Eithen first witnessed a wheelchair basketball match, igniting a passion that would shape his future.
Leard’s determination and skill quickly set him apart in the sport. At 12, he served as a Commonwealth Games baton bearer in Ipswich, a moment that reinforced his desire to change perceptions about people with disabilities. His rapid rise through the ranks caught national attention, leading to his debut with the Australian national team at just 17 years old.
Now, as a student and a 2.0 classification player for the Southern Districts Spartans in the National Wheelchair Basketball League, Leard is focused on his Paralympic dream. His journey from Westside Christian College in Goodna to the international stage is a testament to his perseverance and talent.
Leard’s philosophy reflects his broader aspirations for the sport: “I want to be someone that leads the normalisation of high-level disability sports,” he says. “You get opportunities to travel the world if you work hard, the same as if you play able-bodied basketball.”
His recent performances have been crucial in Australia’s Paralympic qualification. Leard was part of the Rollers team that secured gold at the 2024 IWBF Asia-Oceania Championships in Thailand, earning their spot at the Paris Games.
In the Paralympics, Leard and the Rollers will face tough opposition in Group B, with matches against the Netherlands on 30 August at 5:30 a.m., Spain on 30 August at 8:45 p.m., and the U.S. on 1 September at 6:30 p.m.
All eyes will be on this young athlete from Goodna, whose journey from local courts to the world stage serves as an inspiration to many in the community and beyond.
With the Paralympics in full swing, schedule changes remain possible. For the latest updates and information, check out the official Paralympics website.
Ipswich-born Susan Seipel has faced life with the rare condition Arthrogryposis Multiplex, characterised by joint fusion and absent muscle formation in her legs. Despite enduring countless surgeries since infancy, her indomitable spirit propelled her to excellence in three parasports.
A record-breaking swimmer, an international-level equestrian, and a bemedalled Paralympic kayaker, this unstoppable athlete has her sights set on Paralympic gold.
At four years old, Seipel began swimming as part of her physiotherapy program. Her natural affinity for the water quickly became evident as she first competed alongside able-bodied classmates. Between 1999 and 2001, Seipel set six Queensland State Games records and three Australian National Age records in freestyle and backstroke as a para-swimmer.
Equestrian excellence
Seipel’s sporting journey took a new direction at age seven when she discovered horseback riding at The McIntyre Pony Riding for the Disabled Centre. What started as a therapeutic activity evolved into a passion for equestrian dressage. Her exceptional skill in the sport was recognized with three Australian National Championship titles.
In 2006, she made her international debut at the Pacific Rim Para-Equestrian Dressage International Competition in Canada, winning a bronze medal. However, financial constraints led her to step back from equestrian competition in 2010, marking a significant shift in her athletic career.
Susan Seipel transitions to para-canoe
In 2012, Seipel discovered para-canoeing at a “come and try” day led by Olympian Amanda Rankin. This new sport reignited her competitive spirit, and she quickly excelled in both single kayak and single outrigger canoe disciplines. Her natural talent became apparent as she began competing at national and international levels.
Seipel’s hard work culminated in her participation in Rio 2016, where para-canoe made its debut. She secured a bronze medal in the women’s KL2 200m, becoming the green and gold’s first Paralympic medallist in the sport.
At Tokyo 2020, Seipel added a silver medal in the inaugural women’s VL2 200m event to her collection. Her consistent performances at World Championships and World Cups between Paralympic Games further demonstrate her ongoing commitment to excellence.
Off the water, Seipel has played a crucial role in establishing para-ice hockey in Australia, showcasing her immense versatility and dedication as an athlete.
Seipel’s relentless pursuit of excellence continues unabated. Set to make her third Paralympic appearance at Paris 2024, she’s laser-focused on transforming her previous Paralympic podiums into a golden finish.
Springfield Lakes’ para-archer Taymon Kenton-Smith is not just competing; he’s redefining what it means to be a Paralympian. Born with a partial left hand, Kenton-Smith embraces the mantra, “half the hand, twice the effort.”
His journey in archery began at the tender age of six, setting the foundation for a career marked by determination and resilience.
At 14, Kenton-Smith made a pivotal promise to his grandmother that she would see him compete at a Paralympic Games. This promise became the driving force in his athletic journey, propelling him toward his ultimate goal.
Kenton-Smith’s Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020 realised his long-held promise at age 27. Competing in the men’s individual recurve event, he secured 18th position and was eliminated in the 1/16 Elimination Round. Despite the early exit, Kenton-Smith expressed pride in fulfilling his promise and representing Australia on the world stage.
Teaming up with fellow debutant Imalia Oktrininda, Kenton-Smith also competed in the Open Mixed Team Recurve 1/8 Elimination. While the pair didn’t progress to the quarter-finals, the experience proved invaluable for the Paralympian.
Overcoming self-doubt and honouring his Nanna
However, Kenton-Smith’s journey wasn’t always smooth. Behind his achievements lies a battle with self-doubt.
“There were naysayers everywhere, and the biggest naysayer was the person looking at me in the mirror every day,” he admits. This self-awareness has shaped his approach to competition and training.
To honour his grandmother, Kenton-Smith has an Agitos–the Paralympic symbol–tattooed on his forearm. The tattoo includes a flaming arrow with the words “Thank you Nanna,” a tribute to the woman who drove him to greatness in more ways than one.
Taymon Kenton-Smith in Paris and beyond
Kenton-Smith’s Paris schedule is as follows: Individual Recurve Open Ranking Round: 29 August, 9:00 p.m. Elimination: 4 September, 5:00 p.m. Quarterfinal to Final: 5 September, 1:30 a.m.
Afterwards, he’ll be joined by multi-sport athlete Amanda Jennings in the mixed team portion: Mixed Team Recurve Open Elimination: 5 September, 6:00 p.m. Medal Rounds: 6 September, 1:15 a.m.
What drives him now is a vision beyond just winning medals. While Taymon is training hard for Paris 2024, his motivation extends beyond Paralympic glory; he routinely speaks on behalf of both the Paralympics and Archery Australia at various panels and public speeches, endorsing the great sport of para-archery.
As Brisbane 2032 approaches, Taymon is not just training for his events but is also actively shaping the future of the sport through his advocacy and mentorship.
In Paris 2024, Kenton-Smith stands as a strong contender in Australia’s six-member archery squad. With 160 athletes across 17 sports, the Paralympic team represents a blend of experience and fresh talent.
With the Paralympics in full swing, schedule changes remain possible. For the latest updates and information, check out the official Paralympics website.
