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Mollie O’Callaghan – The World’s Best Leg Kick Born in Springfield

When Mollie O’Callaghan delivered a devastating burst on the final 50m of the 200m Free in Paris, to launch from 3rd place behind Siobhan Haughey of Hong Kong and Mollie’s training partner at St Peters Western, Ariarne Titmus, the outboard motor that she engaged to produce a final lap of 27.98 was built in Springfield.

Mollie’s 27.98 final 50m took 0.66 seconds out of Arnie in the 200m Free. Arnie was the defending champion and she was not someone you’d ever want to take on but against Mollie’s gold medal-winning performance, Arnie had to accept silver. Canadian 17-year-old superstar Summer McIntosh made a very sensible decision to ditch the 200m Free because, frankly, she would have been battling for bronze when her extraordinary talent was acquiring gold in the 400 IM.

So Mollie can reflect that she has climbed the highest mountain in Paris, beating arguably the greatest freestyle swimmer at the Paris Olympics.

Yet the story of Mollie’s mind-blowing engine “Made in Springfield” needs telling.

The story’s venue was the Waterworx Swim Club, an operation so humble that their Facebook page has very little “Mollie” cheering, rather a list of updates on Aqua aerobics classes.

The sort of unheralded operation that lives and breathes what it does, and relies on people whose passion for teaching and coaching is far greater than their desire to be paid accordingly.

It’s a long way from the glamour of Paris, but Waterworx Swim Club was where Mollie built her outboard engine, her leg kick.

Nicholas Smith of the Queensland Academy of Sport pointed out that Mollie’s underwater turns and her underwater kick are where she gets her edge.

He explains that in the context of Mollie’s World Record 200m Free in the 2023 Fukuoka World Championships in this video:

Paul Sansby

Paul “Cowboy” Sansby’s passion for coaching young swimmers would be tough to beat. His coaching journey started in the 1970s when he emigrated from the UK to Bundaberg as a competitive swimmer, based at the Fairymead Swimming Club. His move to Brisbane a few years later, to be coached by Bill Sweetenham and Ken Wood, considered legends of the swim coaching world.

Under Sweetenham and Wood, Paul improved his PBs but also developed and sharpened his coaching skills. His first coaching gigs were at Lawnton and Jindalee swimming clubs until he was made head coach at St Peters Western in the late 1980s, the club that Mollie now swims for under Dean Boxall.

After a decade at St Peters Western, he and his business partner, Greg Fasala, established Waterworx Swimming Club.

They have produced a long line of great swimmers but it was when Sansby teamed up with another coaching legend, that things went to a new level.

Pete Cherry

When Pete Cherry arrived to help Sansby at Waterworx in 2007, he came with a great reputation.

Gina Rinehart’s profile on Mollie, which you can read here, lays out the respect that Sansby had for Cherry.

“We had been together ever since (until Pete passed in 2021). We were like brothers, and he has developed the skills of so many great champions, including kids like Mollie,” said Sansby.

Cherry’s particular focus was the underwater kick.

Sansby said Cherry would really accentuate the kicking part of training and would break it down in great detail, in a way that was ahead of his peers.

Mollie O’Callaghan started at Waterworx in 2012 when she was eight. She started to swim at four and competed from the age of seven. When she moved on in 2019 at the age of 15, the outboard engine that powered Mollie past Arnie in Paris was fully in place. Her ankle flexion had developed and State Championships and a National Championship were the results.

Dean Boxall has taken Mollie to the next level and bringing 11 Olympians through the St Peters Western program is an enormous feat in itself (surely, the world’s #1 swim club) but Sansby and Cherry and the team at Waterworx Swim Club delivered a massive contribution towards Mollie’s devastating finish.

In 2021, Pete Cherry passed away but his legacy was that 0.66 of a second that Mollie took out of Arnie in the final 50m of the 2024 Olympics 200m Freestyle.

Published 30-July-2024

Cracks Force Speed Limit Drop on Major Ipswich Highway Bridge

Motorists using the westbound Bremer River Bridge on the Warrego Highway in Ipswich now face a reduced 60km/h speed limit and new travel conditions after serious cracking was discovered in the structure.

Following a structural inspection, the Department of Transportation and Main Roads (TMR) confirmed that “fatigue cracks exist in the steel girders.” Engineers suspect that the damage is probably a result of the bridge enduring heavy loads over the years, especially since many present-day trucks are significantly heavier than those for which the bridge was originally constructed to accommodate. The Bremer River Bridge started operating in 1958

Bridge Safety and Restrictions

While TMR has determined that the bridge remains safe for public use, several precautions have been implemented:

– Speed limit reduced to 60km/h for all vehicles
– Specific travel conditions for heavy and oversized vehicles
– Load restrictions for trucks

These measures aim to reduce the risk of crack growth and manage loads while further inspections are carried out.

Current Usage and Future Plans

The westbound bridge currently supports about 30,000 vehicles daily, including 4,000 heavy vehicles. To address the structural issues, TMR is undertaking the following actions:

– Immediate welding works to ensure ongoing safety
– Installation of crossovers in the centre median for oversize overmass (OSOM) vehicle movements
– Traffic signals for night-time OSOM vehicle crossings

Bremer River Bridge Ipswich — *Photo Credit: TMR*

Rehabilitation Project

A major rehabilitation project is planned to extend the life of the existing bridge structure:

– $85 million in total funding, jointly provided by the State and Federal Governments
– Re-decking of main bridge spans
– Propping works to restore original capacity
– Further strengthening works scheduled to begin in 2025

The speed and load restrictions are expected to remain in place for an extended period, affecting both local commuters and freight transport. TMR has stated that these precautions are necessary to ensure the safety of all road users while the rehabilitation works are carried out.

Published 26-July-2024

Camryn Newton-Smith from Greenbank to Make History at Paris Olympics

Did you know that Camryn Newton-Smith from Greenbank is set to make history at the Paris Olympics as one of Australia’s first heptathlon representatives in 16 years?

Newton-Smith’s qualification marks a significant milestone for Australian athletics, breathing new life into the nation’s multi-event presence. Her journey to this point has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, reflecting the dedication required to compete at the highest level.

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Early Beginnings

Newton-Smith’s athletics career began at the Jimboomba Little Athletics Centre, where her older siblings inspired her. Her brother Lindsay, a national-level decathlete, played a crucial role in sparking her interest in combined events.

As a teenager, Newton-Smith dominated the domestic heptathlon scene, claiming national titles across various age groups. Her talent earned her a spot on the World U20 team, competing in Tampere, Finland in 2018.

Overseas Development

Following her success at home, Newton-Smith pursued her athletic and academic goals at Arkansas State University in the United States. During her five-year stint, she faced numerous challenges, including the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a major Achilles injury in 2021.

Despite these setbacks, Newton-Smith’s determination shone through. She returned to form in her final year of college, finishing eighth in the heptathlon at the 2023 NCAA Championships with a personal best of 5887 points.

Upon returning to Australia, Newton-Smith’s performances have been nothing short of exceptional. She claimed her first senior National title in April 2024, scoring an impressive 6180 points – the highest score by an Australian in 16 years. This achievement was followed by victory at the Oceania Championships in Fiji, where she overcame challenging conditions to secure the title.

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Olympic Implications

Newton-Smith’s qualification for the Paris Olympics marks a significant moment for Australian athletics. The last Australian to compete in the Olympic heptathlon was Kylie Wheeler in 2008, making Newton-Smith’s appearance a long-awaited return to the event on the global stage.

Her upcoming Olympic debut is a personal achievement and a source of pride for her hometown of Greenbank and the broader Australian athletics community. As she prepares to compete on the world’s biggest sporting stage, Newton-Smith carries with her the hopes and support of a nation eager to see the return of Australian excellence in multi-event athletics.

Published 15-July-2024

Sight-Saving Surgery in Springfield Transforms Lives of First Nations People

Over 1000 First Nations Queenslanders have successfully had their eyesight restored through cataract surgeries, as part of a groundbreaking partnership between the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health and Mater Private Hospital Springfield.

The program began in 2016 and now facilitates about 150 publicly-funded operations annually at Mater Private Hospital Springfield. It aims to address the higher rate of severe sight deterioration among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who often experience vision loss earlier than non-Indigenous Australians.

Holistic Approach to Eye Care

IUIH CEO Adrian Carson highlighted the program’s comprehensive support system: “By working collaboratively across the region and health system to ensure our people are diagnosed and well supported before, through and after treatment, we have reduced demand on the system since patients can be treated earlier, supporting better long-term health and community outcomes.”

The program offers:

– Pre and post-operative care
– Transport
– Personal support on surgery day
– No additional cost to patients or the healthcare system

Mater Private Hospital Springfield — *Photo Credit: Peter Wallis/Supplied*

Improving Access and Outcomes

Dr Sunil Warrier, Director of Ophthalmology at Mater Hospital Brisbane, explained the program’s significance.

“We know a lot of First Nations people lose their vision around the age of 50 to 60 years, a lot earlier than Caucasian people, who tend to be around the age of 60 to 70.”

“Our patients already know and feel comfortable with our team because they’ve been engaged with their local clinic and optometrist, and the opportunity to be together and connected with each other and us throughout the day makes it a positive shared experience,” Celia McCarthy, IUIH Eye Health Services Manager, added.

“Watching television and doing simple household chores including cleaning have become frustrating due to my deteriorating vision. I’m looking forward to seeing normally again,” Gordon Cowburn, 75, a Wakka Wakka Elder, said prior to the cataract procedure.

“I had a check-up the other day and things are great. My life has improved and I’m much happier now,” Ian Delaney, 70, a Quandamooka man, said.

The program continues to significantly impact the lives of First Nations Queenslanders, restoring not only their sight but also their independence and quality of life.

Published 13-July-2024

Ipswich Everyday Hero Inspires Nominations for QBANK Awards

The unwavering spirit and dedication of Queensland’s frontline workers and volunteers will be recognised for a 10th year with nominations for the 2024 QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards now open, inspired by last year’s Ipswich winner.

Highlighting Ipswich’s Own Everyday Hero

Last year, Ipswich’s own Margaret Langdon was honoured as a finalist in the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards, making her community proud. Margaret, a dedicated volunteer, and sewing enthusiast, was celebrated for her outstanding work in helping community service participants learn new skills in a safe and engaging environment.

Margaret runs the Brisbane North Community Corrections Quest for Quilts group, which repurposes Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) uniforms into high-quality quilts for those in need. Her initiative, Quest for Quilts, allows participants to perform community service while learning valuable sewing skills.

Margaret Langdon Everyday Heroes QBank — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

“I worked with a group of people who mostly had never seen a sewing machine and it soon became obvious to me that making clothing was a hard place to start,” Margaret explained. “I then conceived the idea of Quest for Quilts, which was perfect as new workers could start on simpler tasks and as they gained more confidence and experience, I would teach them new sewing skills.”

Margaret’s Impact on the Community

Margaret’s program provides a welcoming space for individuals from all backgrounds to come together, learn new skills, and support each other. “Not only does it let people complete their community service hours, it provides a safe place for people to gather, learn new skills, and feel a sense of pride and confidence knowing they are doing something worthwhile to give back to the community,” she said.

Margaret expressed joy in seeing participants gain confidence and new skills each week. “It has really surprised me the number of males, some of whom have done time in prison, who are thriving in the group and demonstrate amazing determination, learning all the skills involved to create the quilts and provide lots of fun banter to keep the group alive.”

2024 Nominations Now Open

Nominations for the 2024 QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards are now open and will be accepted until 31 August.

QBANK Chief Executive Officer Byron Fuller highlighted the importance of these awards, saying, “For the last 10 years, we have put more than 54 frontline workers, dedicated volunteers and young people in the spotlight for going above and beyond the call of duty to support and uplift their communities.”

The awards recognise individuals and teams across Queensland in six categories: Achievement, Ownership, Dedication, Working Together, Excellence, and the Young Everyday Hero Award. Winners will be selected by a panel of highly respected judges and will receive $2000 deposited into a QBANK account and a further $2000 donated to a charity of their choice.

Mr Fuller encouraged Queenslanders to nominate deserving individuals or teams.

“We are calling for more Queenslanders, from the top end to the south-east, to nominate individuals or teams across a range of sectors so we can say ‘thank you’ for their outstanding contributions,” he said.

Finalists will be announced in September, and winners will be recognised at the annual awards dinner at the W Hotel Brisbane on 11 October 2024.

Published 10-July-2024

Woman Sentenced for Serious Crash on Centenary Motorway

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A Springfield Lakes woman has been sentenced for causing a serious crash on Centenary Motorway in 2021 while attempting an illegal U-turn.

Lali Nagaraj, 53, appeared in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Tuesday, pleading guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle. The crash on Centenary Motorway occurred on September 30, 2021, when Nagaraj, then 51, missed her usual exit due to roadworks.

The court heard that around 10:20 PM, Nagaraj stopped her car on the 100 km/h motorway and attempted a three-point turn across double white lines. Her vehicle ended up perpendicular to oncoming traffic.

An eastbound driver, travelling at approximately 90 km/h, collided with Nagaraj’s car despite attempting to brake. The victim suffered nine fractured ribs, a sternal fracture, and lacerations, resulting in a week-long hospitalisation and subsequent physiotherapy.

Magistrate Robert Walker acknowledged Nagaraj’s remorse, nearly clean driving record, and letter of apology. However, Nagaraj received a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and a six-month driving disqualification. Convictions were recorded.

Published 25-June-2024

New Report Reveals Queensland Schools with High Exclusion Rates

A recent annual report revealed that primary schools in South East Queensland issued 155 exclusions to students, with Springfield Central State School ranking among those with the highest exclusion rates.

Read: Scott’s Farm in Ripley: A Century-Old Legacy Hangs in the Balance Amidst School Development Plans

The school reported 10 exclusions, a significant 244 short suspensions, and 10 long suspensions, based on the 2023 School Disciplinary Absence (SDA) data released by the Queensland Government.

Exclusion, the most serious disciplinary action, involves a student being required to leave a school or specific state schools in Queensland for a period of up to one year, or permanently.

It’s reserved for instances where other consequences fail to address persistent disobedience or behaviour that threatens the well-being of other students or staff. This measure, though severe, is sometimes necessary to maintain the integrity and safety of the school environment.

Suspensions, on the other hand, serve a dual purpose: they act as a consequence for inappropriate behaviour and provide a valuable period for school staff to devise strategies to help students re-engage positively with their education. A short suspension ranges from 1 to 10 days, while a long suspension spans 11 to 20 days, both aimed at addressing and mitigating the underlying issues contributing to disruptive behaviour.

The Queensland Association of State School Principals highlights that physical violence and bullying are primary reasons for suspensions in the State.

The professional association assures the public can be confident that principals will make decisions in the best interests of the entire student body and, in certain cases, to ensure their safety.

Proactive Measures at Springfield Central State School

Springfield Central State School is tackling these issues head-on with initiatives like the ANCHOR program. After play breaks, students participate in a 10-minute self-directed activity to refocus on learning and report any bullying to their teachers. This approach empowers students and helps address issues before they escalate.

Although the data on exclusions and suspensions might initially appear concerning, they reflect a broader commitment to safety and positive student engagement.

Read: Ipswich Incident: An Elderly Woman Killed in Random Car Park Attack by a Teenager

Springfield Central State School’s efforts to address and prevent bullying through programs like ANCHOR show a dedicated approach to fostering a nurturing and secure educational environment.

Published 23-June-2024

Wimbledon Welcomes Back Springfield Tennis Legend Ash Barty

Former world No. 1 and Springfield-raised Ash Barty is set to make a highly anticipated return to Wimbledon this July, nearly two years after her shock retirement from professional tennis. The 28-year-old Australian tennis legend will participate in the invitational doubles event, marking her first appearance on the hallowed grass courts since her triumphant singles victory in 2021.

Read: Springfield Lakes Mum Raises Over $4500 in Fundraising Concert for Cancer Research

Invitational Doubles comeback

Wimbledon officials recently announced Barty’s participation in the legends invitational doubles event, scheduled to begin on July 9.

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Barty will team up with her former doubles partner and close friend, Casey Dellacqua. The pair, affectionately known as “ABCD” (Ash Barty and Casey Dellacqua), have a history of success, including reaching three grand slam finals together.

The legends tournament will feature two groups of eight pairs competing in a round-robin format. The top pairs from each group will advance to the final, vying for a share of the ~$64,800 first-place prize. All participating pairs are guaranteed a minimum of ~$45,800 between them.

Ash Barty, legend of tennis

Ash Barty’s 2021 Wimbledon victory ended a 41-year drought for Australian women at the tournament, following in the footsteps of her mentor and idol, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, who won in 1980.

The Woodcrest State College alum also claimed grand slam titles at the 2019 French Open and the 2022 Australian Open before her surprise retirement announcement in March 2022.

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Since stepping away from professional tennis, Barty has embraced family life. She married her partner Garry Kissick and welcomed their son, Hayden. Despite occasional calls for her return to the professional circuit, Barty has consistently expressed contentment with her current priorities. “I absolutely love being a mum. There’s nothing else that I prefer to do,” she said.

Dual role at Wimbledon

In addition to her participation in the invitationals, Barty will also serve as a commentator during the Wimbledon tournament.

This dual role allows her to remain connected to the sport while maintaining her retirement from professional play.

Read: Scott’s Farm in Ripley: A Century-Old Legacy Hangs in the Balance Amidst School Development Plans

The Wimbledon tournament, including the legends invitational event, is set to begin on Monday, July 1, offering fans a chance to see their hometown hero back in action on one of tennis’s most prestigious stages.

Published 22-June-2024

Springfield Lakes Community Transforms Healthcare at Mater Private Hospital

Mater Private Hospital Springfield is set to receive nearly $1 million worth of state-of-the-art medical equipment, thanks to donations from Mater supporters across Queensland.

This substantial contribution is poised to revolutionise patient care at the hospital, enhancing treatment precision and efficacy across various medical disciplines.

The upcoming additions include a sophisticated robotic surgery system designed specifically for knee replacements, alongside advanced imaging technologies tailored to elevate the accuracy of breast cancer and orthopaedic surgeries. These innovations promise not only to streamline procedures but also to significantly improve recovery times and patient outcomes.

Scheduled for Wednesday, 26 June 2024, Mater Giving Day aims to rally further support from the community, leveraging matched donations to maximise impact. Mater Foundation underscores its commitment to funding essential healthcare advancements, with plans to recruit a specialist Breast Care Nurse as its next priority for Mater Private Hospital Springfield.

The General Manager of Mater Private Hospital Springfield highlighted the crucial impact of community-funded equipment in enhancing local healthcare. She pointed out that investing in cutting-edge medical technology is vital for delivering high-quality patient care. The new equipment will support life-saving interventions for breast cancer patients and provide transformative joint replacements, ultimately benefiting the overall health of the community.

Among the new additions is the Velys orthopaedic robot, renowned for its infrared optical tracking system facilitating precise surgical cuts during knee replacements. Additionally, the C-Arm scanner will provide orthopaedic surgeons with real-time, high-resolution images during procedures, while the Faxitron radiography system enhances breast cancer surgery outcomes by delivering detailed intraoperative x-rays.

Mater, Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider, manages an extensive network of hospitals and is currently spearheading the construction of Mater Public Hospital Springfield in collaboration with the Queensland Government.

This initiative, slated to open in 2026, will bolster local healthcare infrastructure with 174 beds, an emergency department, an intensive care unit, and maternity services.

The CEO of Mater Foundation praised the community’s instrumental role in driving healthcare advancements. He noted that Mater Giving Day exemplifies the collective effort to support life-saving medical innovations. This year’s triple matching pledge highlights the profound impact of community donations, moving closer to the goal of providing dedicated support for cancer patients in Ipswich and Springfield.

Donations for Mater Giving Day can be made online at www.mater.org.au/givingday until 26 June, offering individuals an opportunity to contribute directly to vital healthcare initiatives that benefit the entire community.

Published Date 21-June-2024

Springfield Lakes Mum Raises Over $4500 in Fundraising Concert for Cancer Research

A Springfield Lakes mother has hosted a fundraising concert after her husband was diagnosed with cancer, raising over $4,500.

Rina Sandford, 60, organised her second fundraiser for Cancer Council after her husband Michael Sandford was diagnosed with cancer three years ago.

Michael had been going for regular blood tests every year on his birthday. His doctor noticed that his PSA number, an indicator of prostate cancer, was slightly elevated. After a series of referrals and tests, Michael’s cancer diagnosis was confirmed.

Rina’s “Kick Cancer to the Curb” concert occurred in Springfield Lakes on 1 June 2024. The event featured live band music, a photo booth, and a raffle.

Local band Brit Beat Mania performed for free. Founder and guitarist Gary Allen, a cancer survivor himself, said the band is committed to supporting such good causes. Gary expressed the band’s dedication to helping in any way possible, highlighting the challenges cancer poses and the importance of contributing to funding for cancer research.

Local businesses donated raffle prizes, which Rina purchased using her Flybuys points. She and her husband, both retired, aimed to support the community without incurring significant personal costs. The raffle was designed to engage the community and make the event more appealing, as everyone enjoys being appreciated.

Michael was fortunate to recover quickly after surgery, thanks to the early detection by his GP. Within two months of the diagnosis, he underwent a robotic surgery that successfully removed the cancer.

The concert showcased the community’s support and highlighted the importance of early detection and research in fighting cancer.

Published 21-June-2024