A tragic event shocked the Ipswich community when a 70-year-old woman was brutally killed during an alleged carjacking. The victim, identified as Vyleen White, was fatally stabbed in front of her granddaughter and witnesses at a car park in Town Square Redbank Plains Shopping Centre.
The assailant is a 16-year-old boy who attacked Ms White in a senseless act of violence by stabbing her in the chest. According to witnesses, the attack occurred suddenly and without provocation.
Days after the incident, the community’s immediate legal action and manhunt for the justice of Ms White’s bereaved family whilst Commissioner Katarina Caroll took to a conference. The authorities urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with their inquiries.
“If anyone thinks that they are going to escape this – they will not escape this – we will not escape this – we will hunt these people down until we bring them to justice to be held accountable for what they have done,” Ms Caroll said.
Following this, the locals of the community extended their condolences to the late grandmother by placing flowers inside the shopping centre where her life was brutally taken. A family friend, Katherine Lameree, also organized a GoFundMe to support Ms White’s family.
As the investigations progressed, Queensland Police called for public assistance in the hunt for the suspect. The community responded with valuable information, leading to a breakthrough in the case.
The police revealed footage of the teenagers who allegedly left Ms White’s car after stabbing her to death that was found in Springfield Lakes.
Police arrested the teenager in his home at Bellbird Park. He was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, and the murder of Ms White.
Four of his companions, ages 15 and 16, were also charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
The arrests brought closure to the grieving family and provided a sense of justice for the Ipswich community. The Ipswich police department commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community in resolving the case.
A new $72 million townhouse development has been approved within an exclusive enclave at Springfield, promising luxury living with direct access to the Brookwater golf course.
The Oakmont development by Azure will comprise 61 luxury townhouses situated along the edge of the 8th hole of the Brookwater golf course designed by Greg Norman. The residences will offer views over the fairways and greens stretching out to the surrounding mountains.
With the aim of cultivating a sense of community living, Oakmont will boast expansive landscaped garden areas, shared amenities and facilities for residents, and a centralised pedestrian pathway linking the different townhomes together.
Photo credit: Azure
Those who will live at Oakmont will have the luxury of utilising an upscale wellness centre featuring a steam room, sauna, magnesium mineral plunge pools, and a fully-equipped fitness centre. Further adding to the resort-like amenities on the 2.36-hectare property is a 20-metre lap pool surrounded by lounge areas and recreational green spaces.
According to Azure Director Trent Keirnan, Oakmont epitomises their philosophy of creating distinguished residences primarily aimed at owner-occupiers and investors seeking a premium residential offering.
Photo credit: Azure
Mr Keirnan stated that at a minimum, each residence at Oakmont would be a high-quality terrace home offering three bedrooms plus a multipurpose room, further enhanced by the desirable open setting provided by being situated adjacent to a championship golf course.
Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2025, with completion expected by the third quarter of 2026. The development has already generated significant buyer interest from the market.
The approval for Oakmont promises a new benchmark in luxury townhouse living nestled alongside one of the region’s most prestigious golf courses at Brookwater.
Meet the women chosen you chose to honour for International Women’s Day! Orion Springfield Central called upon the Greater Springfield community to nominate local women who are making a positive impact, and the response has been incredible!
These remarkable women embody the spirit of resilience, compassion, and dedication, each contributing uniquely to the betterment of our community and beyond.
Lauren Bickley: A Story of Love and Resilience
Lauren, a devoted mother of two and a pillar of support in the local community, shares a profound bond with her husband Shaun. Their lives took an unexpected turn in 2020 when Shaun endured strokes, leaving him visually impaired and grappling with aphasia, a condition affecting his speech. Despite their immense challenges, Lauren and Shaun remained steadfast in their commitment to each other, bravely navigating this new chapter together.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Sarah Knopke: A Beacon of Generosity and Unity
Sarah, a longtime resident of Springfield Lakes, has woven herself into the fabric of our community for over a decade. As a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and cherished Gigi, her impact resonates deeply with all who cross her path. Recognised for her unwavering commitment to good causes, Sarah is a beacon of generosity and compassion.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Kristy and Sarah: Fostering Wellness and Empowerment
Kristy and Sarah, the dynamic duo behind Revive Yoga and Wellness Centre, epitomize dedication to both women’s empowerment and the flourishing of the community. As owners, they’ve meticulously crafted an inclusive haven that transcends the boundaries of traditional yoga studios.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Shelleigh Lole: Empowering Youth and Fostering Community
Shelleigh, a beloved resident of Springfield Lakes, radiates warmth and dedication, particularly in her tireless support of the community’s youth. Together with her husband Fana, they have operated Lole’s Barber Shop in the area for ten years. Shelleigh’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and community enrichment is a shining example of compassionate leadership.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Emma Atherton: Championing Women’s Health and Well-being
Emma is a driving force within the community, spearheading initiatives to enhance women’s health and well-being. As a Co-Founder of iCare4U, Emma is pivotal in orchestrating events, managing social media, and advocating for health and wellness. Her forthcoming Women’s Clinic, staffed by a team of allied health professionals, will serve as a beacon of empowerment and healing for women in need.
These unsung heroes exemplify the values of strength, compassion, and resilience. Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts inspire us all to strive for greatness and positive change.
Honouring Contributions with a Special Exhibit
To further honour the contributions of these remarkable women, Orion Springfield Central has curated a special in-centre display showcasing their stories and achievements. This exhibit pays tribute to their indomitable spirit and aims to inspire the community to strive for greatness and positive change.
Photo Credit: Supplied
A Vibrant Community Space
“Orion Springfield Central is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a vibrant community space that thrives on inclusivity and celebration,” said Melanie Hodge, Senior Asset Manager at Orion Springfield Central. “We are immensely proud to showcase the stories of these phenomenal women who embody the values of strength, compassion, and resilience. Their contributions serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all.”
Orion Springfield Central remains committed to fostering an environment where every voice is heard and everyone is celebrated. Please visit Orion Springfield Central’s website for more information about the showcased women and other community initiatives.
A recent asbestos contamination issue from NuGrow’s compromised compost in Ipswich, one of Queensland’s major disposal and recycling entities, has unsettled locals who frequent the Everleigh Dog Park in Greenbank and the Spring Mountain State School community in Springfield.
The discovery has prompted immediate responses from local authorities, leading to the closure of Everleigh Dog Park and the isolation of a recently completed construction site at Spring Mountain State School.
Although the affected area at the school, lying beneath a layer of mulch, is inaccessible to the public or students, the situation has raised significant concerns.
Proactive Measures and Community Safety
In light of these findings, Queensland’s environmental authority and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland have embarked on a mission to ensure public safety through rigorous testing and containment strategies. Asbestos detection, even in small amounts, has necessitated a “very precautionary approach,” intending to maintain transparency and protect community health.
The impact on Greenbank and Springfield underscores a broader crisis, as Queensland grapples with the fallout of contaminated compost that has also affected areas in New South Wales.
With 16 businesses and public spaces potentially exposed to the hazardous material, authorities have halted the movement of NuGrow’s soil products and initiated comprehensive testing across the southeast and beyond.
Reflection: A Call for Vigilance
The situation in Greenbank and Springfield is a wake-up call, urging a reevaluation of environmental safety and waste management standards. As investigations continue, the emphasis remains on minimising risk, reinforcing safety protocols, and ensuring such incidents do not recur, protecting Queensland’s communities and their cherished environments.
“A proactive audit program of Queensland companies that manufacture and supply landscaping products has detected a small amount of asbestos in a stockpile of soil at a business, NuGrow in Ipswich,” Workplace Health and Safety Queensland issued in a statement.
“Given the low level of contamination found in the test sample, Queensland Health has advised that there is minimal risk to public health and safety at this time.
“The fact that this product is for use outdoors also reduces the risk to public health and safety.”
Phone 1300 130 372 for concerns and further information.
Billionaire property developer Maha Sinnathamby is selling a 12.7 hectare mixed-use development site in the Greater Springfield area, located 25 km southwest of Brisbane.
Founder of the Springfield City Group, Sinnathamby aims to “inject a new wave of activity” into the already rapidly growing region with this offering.
Maha Sinnathamby, visionary property developer
Maha Sinnathamby has been developing the Greater Springfield area for over 30 years. His company wants to maintain the momentum of growth in the region through the sale of this site.
The Greater Springfield area has already benefited from $18 billion worth of investment in infrastructure projects. This includes the $1.2 billion Springfield rail network, the $80 million Brighton Homes Arena, and the $85 million Mater Hospital.
High retail demand in region
The site, known as City West, has initial approvals in place for a variety of uses including retail, commercial offices, entertainment, leisure and medium density residential.
According to Colliers agent Lachlan MacGillivray, new retail floorspace in the region needs to grow by 2.2 million square metres over the next decade to meet the demands of population growth. Hence, sites like City West are becoming critical as demand outweighs supply.
The City West site is being marketed through an expressions of interest campaign by Colliers and Stonebridge Property. The campaign closes on March 15.
The newly opened Mater Health Hub in Springfield is giving high school students from Springfield and surrounding Ipswich areas a head start on their health care careers. Students can now gain nationally recognised qualifications in health support and assistance right in their local community.
Mater Education has expanded its renowned Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program to the Springfield hub to help meet substantial growth in demand for qualified healthcare workers in the booming region.
This year, a record enrollment of over 630 students makes this the largest cohort in Mater’s history. From years 10 to 12, students undertake certificates at the state-of-the-art simulation center, graduating job-ready years before completing high school.
Photo credit: Mater Health Hub/Google Maps
Schools participating in the program at Mater Health Hub, Springfield include:
Brisbane School of Distance Education
Bremer State High School
Emmaus College
Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School
Ipswich State High School
St Mary’s College, Ipswich
St Peter’s Lutheran College, Springfield
The Springfield Anglican College
West Moreton Anglican College
Westside Christian College
YMCA Vocational School
Fueling the training push is the impending 2026 opening of the Mater Hospital Springfield Stage 2 – set to make healthcare one of the major local industries and employers.
Toni-Maree Henaway, Mater Education’s Director of Learning and Development, said the new Springfield facilities demonstrate Mater’s commitment to developing the region’s future healthcare workforce. Students can now rapidly gain qualifications, with the Certificate II course fully subsidized to be completed part-time alongside school in just two terms.
“Mater Education remains committed to training future healthcare heroes in Springfield, and our VETiS program provides local high school students the opportunity to pursue their dream career while they are still at high school,” Ms Henaway said.
Those completing the Certificate II also have the option to continue with the Certificate III during a discounted 10-week school break stint, made affordable for families through government funding.
A medical logistics revolution is underway in the country, thanks to the efforts of volunteer bikers from Bloodbikes Australia, an organisation founded by a Springfield Lakes resident.
Bloodbikes Australia provides urgent medical supplies and blood products, bypassing conventional delivery constraints and bridging the gap in our healthcare system.
Peter Davis, a local from Springfield Lakes, founded Bloodbikes Australia in 2019. Similar movements inspired him in the UK, Ireland, Hungary, and Ukraine.
Photo Credit: BloodbikesAustralia/Facebook
A Lifeline on Two Wheels
With the help of hundreds of volunteers across the country, Bloodbikes Australia has made over 7,000 last-resort deliveries to healthcare providers, demonstrating the power of community and volunteerism.
The service operates by integrating technology and goodwill seamlessly. Volunteers receive delivery requests directly on their smartphones through a system developed by a fellow volunteer. This ensures swift and efficient response times, allowing riders to promptly deliver medical supplies to hospitals and patients’ homes.
Photo Credit: BloodbikesAustralia/Facebook
One recipient with lung disease praised Bloodbikes Australia for significantly impacting his medical journey, underscoring the profound difference the organisation makes in the lives of those it serves.
The First Milestone Delivery
The story of Bloodbikes Australia’s first delivery is a tale of determination, innovation, and the resilience of the human spirit. Under the leadership of Mr. Davis, Bloodbikes Australia carefully planned and coordinated its inaugural mission. This pivotal moment set the tone for the organisation’s future.
Critical pathology samples, medicines, and medical equipment were transported for Mater Pathology in Brisbane. The objective of this operation was not solely to deliver these items, but to demonstrate the efficiency, effectiveness, and potential of motorcycle-based medical logistics. The triumph of this first delivery provided opportunities for further collaboration, including a significant partnership with Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics.
Bloodbikes Australia volunteers were responsible for transporting crucial research materials to find cures for debilitating diseases such as melanoma, cervical cancer, and the Ross River virus.
Joining the Ranks of Bloodbikes Australia: A Guide for Aspiring Volunteers
The organisation’s impact on healthcare logistics and patient care has been profound, largely thanks to its dedicated volunteers. If you’re inspired by the stories of life-saving deliveries and community service and have a passion for motorcycling, joining Bloodbikes Australia as a volunteer could be a fulfilling opportunity. Here’s how you can become part of this incredible team:
Step 1: Meet the Requirements
Before you can join the ranks of Bloodbikes Australia, there are several requirements you must meet to ensure safety and reliability:
Motorcycle License: You must have a valid motorcycle license with at least three years of riding experience. This ensures that all volunteers are skilled riders, capable of navigating various road conditions safely.
Motorcycle and Gear: Your motorcycle should be reliable, well-maintained, and fully registered. Additionally, you’ll need a secure method of transporting medical supplies, such as a hard-sided pannier or a top box. Safety gear is also a must, including a helmet, gloves, and appropriate riding attire.
Insurance: Comprehensive motorcycle insurance is required to protect yourself and the precious cargo you’ll be transporting.
Photo Credit: BloodbikesAustralia/Facebook
Step 2: Complete a Blood Transportation Course
Bloodbikes Australia requires all volunteers to complete an online course in blood transportation. This course covers the handling and transporting blood and other medical supplies, ensuring all volunteers understand the protocols and procedures to maintain safety and integrity during deliveries.
Step 3: Participate in an Induction Run
Once you’ve met the initial requirements and completed the necessary training, you’ll be invited to join an experienced volunteer on an induction run. This is more than just a training exercise; it’s an opportunity for new volunteers to familiarise themselves with the process, ask questions, and understand the expectations and responsibilities of being a Bloodbikes volunteer.
Photo Credit: BloodbikesAustralia/Facebook
Step 4: Join the Community
After completing your induction run, you’ll officially join Bloodbikes Australia. You’ll gain access to the volunteer network and the real-time cloud-based system that alerts volunteers to delivery requests. This system allows healthcare providers to see which volunteers are available anytime, ensuring efficient and timely deliveries.
Photo Credit: BloodbikesAustralia/Facebook
To begin your journey with Bloodbikes Australia, visit their website at www.bloodbikesaustralia.org.au for more information and to fill out a volunteer application.
A recent decision by the Queensland Girls’ Secondary Schools Sports Association has altered the landscape for girls participating in sports competitions under the banner of St Peters Lutheran College Springfield.
Despite efforts to reverse the school’s membership to the Queensland Girls’ Secondary Schools Sports Association (QGSSSA), St Peters Lutheran College Springfield. will no longer be recognised as a member starting from 2026.
This change will impact the school’s participation in the competition under the broader St Peters banner.
Tim Kotzur, the Head of College of St Peters Lutheran College, confirmed this decision in an email sent to the St Peters community. Mr Kotzur did not elaborate on the reason for the decision.
Photo Credit: St Peters Springfield
Whilst this brings disappointment, it also heralds a period of reflection and strategic planning for the Springfield campus.
Administrators, teachers, and students alike are exploring alternatives to ensure that the girls of St Peters Lutheran College Springfield can continue to engage in quality sporting activities beyond 2025. This exploration includes assessing options for participation in other school sports associations or leagues, as well as potentially developing inter-school competitions within the local community.
Amidst this transition, St Peters Lutheran College Springfield remains committed to providing a holistic education that encompasses academic excellence and opportunities for physical development and teamwork through sports. The Leadership Team is diligently working to mitigate disruptions and ensure a seamless transition for students, parents, and coaches involved in the sporting programs.
Ipswich Hospital has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first public facility in the state to initiate trials of an innovative breast cancer technology known as SCOUT. This breakthrough technology is being hailed as “revolutionary” and promises to redefine breast cancer surgery, offering hope to patients and medical practitioners alike.
A New Era for Breast Cancer Treatment at Ipswich Hospital
In a pioneering move, Ipswich Hospital has commenced trials of the SCOUT Wire-Free Radar Localisation System. The primary objective of this cutting-edge technology is to assist surgeons in precisely locating breast cancers during surgical procedures, significantly reducing the likelihood of missing cancerous tissue, and thereby enhancing patient outcomes.
The introduction of the SCOUT technology has already begun to make a positive impact on breast cancer patients like Tarampa resident Cathy Grant. For many patients, the traditional hookwire procedure on the day of surgery can be distressing and uncomfortable. However, with SCOUT, patients can now avoid this discomfort, as Ms. Grant attested.
How SCOUT Works
The SCOUT Wire-Free Radar Localisation System represents a significant advancement in the treatment and surgical management of breast cancer. Here’s an overview of the technology behind it and how it benefits both doctors and patients:
Technology Overview
Radar Localization: The SCOUT system utilises a unique radar signal to locate a reflector, which is about the size of a grain of rice, implanted in the breast tissue. This reflector can be placed at any time during treatment, well before the surgical procedure.
True Distance Measurement: It offers true distance measurement capabilities, which help overcome challenges associated with estimating tumor depth and location during surgery. This is particularly useful in supine surgical procedures where the breast anatomy can shift, making precise localisation critical.
Benefits for Doctors and Patients
Eliminates Wire Localisation: Traditionally, wire localisation was used to mark a tumor’s location before surgery, which could cause discomfort and anxiety for patients. The SCOUT system eliminates the need for this by using the radar-localized reflector.
Increased Precision and Flexibility: By providing accurate, real-time localisation of the tumor, SCOUT allows surgeons to precisely target and remove the tumor while minimizing the removal of healthy tissue. This precision supports better cosmetic outcomes and potentially reduces the need for additional surgeries.
Enhanced Patient Comfort and Experience: Since the reflector can be placed well in advance of the surgery and does not require the physical presence of a wire protruding from the skin, patients experience less discomfort and anxiety leading up to their procedure.
Operational Efficiency: The ability to place the reflector at any point during treatment and its compatibility with various imaging modalities (like mammography) streamlines the surgical process, making it more efficient and flexible for healthcare providers.
Successful Trial Launch at Ipswich Hospital
The SCOUT Wire-Free Radar Localisation System was initially trialled in December 2023, marking the commencement of a 10-patient trial. Dr. Susan Bell, a breast and endocrine surgeon at the hospital, emphasized the potential benefits for patients’s comfort and the surgery’s success.
Compared to the existing hookwire procedure, SCOUT offers several advantages. Patients no longer require wire insertion shortly before surgery, eliminating the need for both a radiologist and a surgeon on the day of the operation. Dr Bell said that SCOUT is also faster and more efficient than current surgical methods.
Families of students at Springfield Central State School have launched a petition calling for the school to open its own outside school hours care (OSHC) facility.
The Change.org petition was started by parent Teresa Le Lievre after a longstanding OSHC arrangement with neighbouring Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School ended in late 2023.
“As parents of students attending Springfield Central State School, we were left in a difficult situation when our permanent care of 5 years at the neighboring Catholic Primary school was abruptly terminated,” she wrote.
Photo credit: Sally Wasef/Google Maps
“In November 2023, we received an email informing us that our ongoing enrolment for Afterschool care would not continue into 2024.
Ms Le Lievre said the sudden termination meant she lost 16 working hours per week. Other parents have also reported major disruptions due to the lack of OSHC at Springfield Central.
Previously, Springfield Central students could access Good Shepherd’s OSHC as it was directly across the road. But Good Shepherd had to prioritise care for its own students amid booming enrollments.
Outside the neighbouring Good Shepherd (Photo credit: Google Street View)
Ms Le Lievre said around 50 Springfield Central students were affected. Those who signed the petition argued every school, especially large ones, should provide OSHC to support working families.
An Education Queensland spokesperson acknowledged parents’ concerns and said the school has advised OSHC providers can do pick-ups and drop-offs at Springfield Central.
But with heavy demand, many off-site OSHCs now have waiting lists. The school’s P&C was notified of the issues at recent meetings.
Parents signing the petition say on-site OSHC is urgently needed at the rapidly growing school. They want the facility in place to support working families and prevent disruptions.
The Queensland education department said Springfield Central will continue working with outside school hours care providers to meet family needs. But parents argue the school itself needs to provide the service.
