Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 33 of 65

Brookwater Golf & Country Club: Gateway to Queensland’s Elite Golfing Experience

Joining the elite ranks of Brookwater Golf & Country Club is not just a matter of wealth or desire. Even for Australia’s sports luminaries, admission to this prestigious golf haven is a feat, hindered by long waiting lists, hefty fees, and exacting standards.

Nestled in the heart of Queensland, Brookwater Golf & Country Club, while a recent addition in the region, has swiftly cemented its status as an 18-hole masterpiece, a creation of Australian golfing legend Greg Norman. This club not only offers a superb golfing experience but also holds a special place in the hearts of sporting icons like tennis superstar Ash Barty.

Upholding Standards & Exclusivity

The membership process to this club is intricate, involving endorsements from current members and multiple interactions with club managers. This meticulous procedure ensures that new members align with the club’s prestigious clientele.

Brookwater Golf & Country Club — Photo Credit: Ben White/Google Maps

Brookwater offers various membership options, with fees varying based on factors such as residency, age, and skill level. Residents enjoy waived joining fees for 7-day memberships, while nonresidents face a joining fee and higher annual costs. The club facilitates online application forms, accommodating different age groups and preferences.

Brookwater maintains a strict dress code for both ladies and gentlemen, ensuring that all members and guests present themselves in a manner befitting the club’s prestigious status. This code excludes casual or offensive attire, emphasizing the club’s commitment to maintaining an environment of respect and professionalism.

Ranked highly by Golf Digest and Top 100 Golf Courses, Brookwater’s reputation extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. It stands as the #1 Public Access Course in Queensland, as recognized by Golf Australia Magazine. This accolade underlines the club’s exceptional quality and its allure for golf enthusiasts.

Ash Barty’s Connection to Brookwater

The club’s prominence is further heightened by its association with Ash Barty, former World No. 1 tennis player and now a golfing marvel. Her victories in the club’s ladies’ competitions, shortly after retiring from tennis, speak volumes of her athletic prowess.

Moreover, Brookwater holds sentimental value for Ms Barty, being the place where she met her husband, Garry Kissick, further intertwining her personal and professional journeys with the club.

Her seamless transition from tennis to golf, exemplified by her success at Brookwater, has garnered admiration from golfing legends like Tiger Woods. Her repeated victories at the club’s tournaments underscore her remarkable adaptability and skill in the sporting arena.

For more about Brookwater Golf & Country Club, check their Facebook page.

Published 22-Jan-2024

Flowers and Coffee Abound at Greenbank’s Adored O’NO Cafe

Do you love flowers, coffee, and that feeling of being a regular at a neighbourhood gem? If so, O’NO Cafe and Flowers in Greenbank is for you.

Read: How Two Sisters, Founders of Injex Springfield Lakes, Built a Thriving Cosmetic Empire in Brisbane

This charming shop at the Greenbank Shopping Centre breathes new life into the suburb’s cafe scene. Best friends and longtime locals Vito and Daniel opened O’NO in early 2023, finally making their dream of owning a warm, welcoming business come true.

After over 20 years building community ties here, their passion for service shines through. O’NO maintains a hyper-local vibe where everyone feels included. Come in for specialty coffee, pastries, unique floral arrangements, gift items, and most of all – that feeling of home.

Vito and Daniel, owners of the cafe (Photo credit: O’NO Cafe and Flowers/Instagram)

Vito brings immense retail experience to managing daily operations and is naturally enthusiastic about food, coffee, and pleasing customers. Daniel oversees customer service with bubbly energy and an eye for quality coffee and team leadership.

Photo credit: O’NO Cafe and Flowers/Google Maps

Together, their know-how and vision breathe new life into the cafe. Though a rebrand of the coffee shop at the Pub Lane Shopping Village on the corner of Teviot Road and Pub Lane, O’NO maintains a hyper-local vibe as a neighbourhood go-to.

Photo credit: Vickie Robinson/Google Maps

Patrons can enjoy cafe favourites like milkshakes and ask about the “bean of the month” specialty coffee. Besides flowers, gift items are also available in the shop. House cookies, scones, and breads are perfect for an afternoon treat or breakfast on the go.

Read: Springfield Grande Shopping Hub Soon to Rise in Springfield Lakes

Beyond quality drinks, food, and florals, O’NO provides an inclusive space where locals and visitors alike feel at home. Vito and Dan’s vision shines through in the genuine welcome they extend to all who stop by. It’s this hospitable spirit that makes O’NO a cherished addition to Greenbank.

Follow them on Instagram @onocafenflowers for updates.

Published 10-January-2024

Greenbank Resident Deals with 2nd Home Loss in Sudden Storm Deluge

Photo Credit: Maria Noutsatos/Facebook

A Greenbank resident woke up to disaster when her home was inundated by 131 mm of rain in a matter of hours. Maria Noutsatos described the deluge as a “tsunami” of floodwater and debris that wreaked havoc on her property, leaving her family stunned and overwhelmed.

A Painful Déjà Vu

On 9 Jan 2024, Ms Noutsatos shared heart-wrenching footage of the catastrophe on her social media, capturing the sheer force of nature that struck her home. The day began with heavy rainfall that quickly escalated into a torrential downpour. As she was preparing to leave for work, Noutsatos heard “loud bangs” and witnessed the overwhelming floodwater surging through her shed and house in Greenbank.

“The water has come through the entire property. It was literally like a tsunami hit it … it has never, ever come through here,” she said in the video.

Tragically, this is not the first time that Ms Noutsatos and her husband, David Clarkson, have faced such devastation. In 2021, they lost their home due to floods and water inundation from the roof. However, Ms Noutsatos emphasised that the volume of water they witnessed on Tuesday was unlike anything they had previously encountered.

No Time for Rescue

Ms Noutsatos was visibly emotional as she assessed the damage, expressing concern for her pets. As Mr Clarkson attempted to reach the property, he encountered a formidable blockade of gushing water on the main road leading to Greenbank.

The calamity in Greenbank was part of a slow-moving storm system that unleashed intense rain over parts of South East Queensland on Tuesday. Just 10 minutes away from Ms Noutsatos’ residence, Springfield Lakes recorded a staggering 131mm of rain in three hours.

Ms Noutsatos and her husband, who had been living in a caravan since the previous flood, had recently completed building a living area in their shed last month. They expressed their preparedness this time, having undertaken extensive work to enhance drainage and water diversion on their property. However, Ms Noutsatos remained pragmatic about the road to recovery.

“We didn’t have contents insurance the first time … insurance told us if they were to rebuild our house, they wouldn’t finish for 18 months to two years,” she said.

Rising Insurance Costs

The harrowing experience in Greenbank mirrors a broader trend of rising insurance costs for disaster-prone areas. Recent reports indicate that some residents in these regions are facing exorbitant premium hikes, with increases as high as 500 per cent compared to the previous year.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers weighed in on the issue, urging insurance companies to act responsibly and support disaster victims rather than complicating their already dire circumstances. He emphasised the collective responsibility of governments, corporations, and communities to assist those affected by natural disasters.

Published 10-Jan-2024

Tragedy Strikes Ipswich: Elderly Mobility Scooter Rider Dies in Raceview Collision

Photo Credit: Unsplash

An 80-year-old mobility scooter rider tragically lost his life in a collision with a car in Ipswich. The shocking event has left residents deeply shaken, raising concerns about road safety in the area.

The fateful collision occurred on Robertson Road in Raceview around 1:00 p.m. on 4 Jan 2024, when the 80-year-old scooter rider, whose identity remains undisclosed, collided with an 86-year-old woman driving a Toyota Rav4.

The elderly scooter rider sadly succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the driver of the car was transported to Ipswich Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to one witness, a loud crash sounded like a cargo falling off a truck. The sombre sight of the hurt biker on the road came after this sound. Neighbours’ prompt action and their attempts to support those affected demonstrated the resilience of community spirit in the face of such a tragic incident.

Many locals expressed concern about Robertson Road’s perceived danger, with some stating that speeding has become a common problem. Some residents reported cars reaching speeds of “100km/h at least, sometimes more” on this 60km/h stretch of road.

Longtime resident Berise Jones, who has lived in the area since 1967, has noticed a worrying trend of drivers becoming more aggressive in recent years. Ms Jones and her neighbours believe that the road’s narrowness and the propensity for drivers to exceed the speed limit contribute to its hazardous nature.

Residents have made several proposals to enhance road safety. Suggestions range from reducing the speed limit to 50km/h to installing traffic lights at key intersections, such as Wildey Street, near the Brothers Leagues Club. Others have recommended the creation of a marked pedestrian crossing, or the introduction of a speed camera to deter speeding.

As the Ipswich community mourns the loss of one of its own, investigators from the Forensic Crash Unit are diligently working to uncover the details surrounding this tragic incident. At this point, no charges have been laid, and police continue to encourage any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward.

Published 9-Jan-2024

E-scooter Trial Extended in Springfield Central

The Beam e-scooter trial scheme, currently underway in Springfield Central and the surrounding areas, is set to continue its operations for another six months.

The extension of the pilot program, aimed at gathering additional data to assess the long-term feasibility of micro-mobility services, will run until July 2024. This trial period is poised to offer valuable insights into whether e-scooters could become a permanent and advantageous mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike.

Beam has been entrusted to operate up to 125 e-scooters within Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, and Spring Mountain throughout the trial’s duration.

e-scooter trial springfield — Photo Credit: Shape Your Ipswich

Growth, Infrastructure, and Waste Committee Chair, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has reported that e-scooters have been met with enthusiasm by Springfield Central residents during the initial six-month trial period, which commenced on 1 July 2023.

“More than 3,000 users have embraced e-scooters during the trial’s course, showcasing the rapid adoption of this eco-friendly mode of transport,” Mayor Harding stated.

“Collectively, scooter users have covered a distance of 30,000 kilometres so far this year, highlighting the potential impact of micro-mobility in facilitating suburban transportation, especially for ‘last mile’ connectivity to and from public transport hubs, workplaces, and educational institutions.”

Ipswich residents have collectively spent over 3,000 hours on e-scooters since its launch. Andrew Dodd, Beam’s Regional Operations Manager, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Ipswich trial and emphasised the continued collection of data over the upcoming months.

“The data gathered thus far underscores the enormous potential of shared micro-mobility in connecting Ipswich residents and visitors while reducing the need for car trips,” Mr Dodd said.

“We have maintained regular communication with the council to address community concerns and implement changes that benefit both users and residents. We are delighted to see the trial extended for an additional six months and look forward to further collaboration with Ipswich City Council and the Springfield Central community in advancing micro-mobility.”

Residents can share their feedback on the extended trial via Shape Your Ipswich.

Published 2-Jan-2024

Fire Investigation Underway at Western Spirit Football Club in Camira

An overnight fire has caused significant damage to the Western Spirit Football Club in Camira and authorities are conducting an investigation amidst allegations that this was the second deliberate act at the club’s grounds.

The Ipswich Police received an emergency call around midnight of 29 Dec 2023, prompting their immediate response to the Western Spirit Football Club. Upon arrival, they declared the area a crime scene, indicating the severity of the situation. Multiple buildings within the club’s facilities have been ravaged by the blaze, resulting in extensive damage.

One community member shared on social media that they had heard “three loud bangs” just before the facilities went “up in flames.” This recent incident closely follows a similar act in February 2023 when a storage container containing essential equipment such as mowers, line markers, goal nets, and balls was deliberately set on fire.

Whilst the specifics of the blaze’s origins are still being determined by fire investigators, initial findings strongly suggest a deliberate act of arson.

A spokesman for the Western Spirit Football Club expressed their dismay over the incident, revealing that the blaze destroyed the club’s changing rooms and toilet facilities. This loss not only disrupts the club’s operations but also affects its members and the broader community that relies on these amenities.

The financial burden of replacing damaged equipment diverts funds that could otherwise be invested in supporting junior players and reducing fees, directly impacting the club’s ability to serve the community.

The Ipswich police, alongside the football club and the community, are eager to uncover the truth behind these deliberate acts and ensure the safety and vitality of the Western Spirit Football Club for generations to come.

Published 2-Jan-2024

Springfield Central Station Park ‘n Ride Recognised with International Design Award

Did you know that the Springfield Central Station Park ‘n’ Ride received an Award of Merit in the Rail/Transit category, a global recognition from the US-based magazine Engineering News-Record?

Read: Multi-Storey Mega Park ‘n’ Ride Now Serving Springfield Central Commuters

Engineering News-Record (ENR) honoured 31 winning projects from 23 countries through the Global Best Projects Awards, which were judged by industry leaders on criteria including quality, innovation, safety, collaboration, and community benefit.

The Springfield Central Park ‘n’ Ride was praised for its innovative design, striking visual impression, and accessibility.

Opened to the public in May 2022, the $44.5 million multi-storey parking facility was designed by GHD and built by ADCO for the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

With five parking levels, it brings total customer parking at Springfield Central Station to around 1,100 spaces, part of the Queensland government’s $160 million park-and-ride upgrade program.

According to Joshua Rhodes, GHD Design Senior Designer, the concept for the carpark form was inspired by nature’s ability to create organic symmetry and efficiency within irregular shapes.

“The car park is conceived as an object within the landscape, formed by the natural forces around it, which are also evident in the existing urban response. The design attempts to balance creating a building of its place, inspired by the site’s geology and hydrology, while also creating a distinctive landmark that signals the gateway to the greater Springfield area,” Rhodes stated.

This was not the first recognition for the Springfield Central Station Park ‘n Ride structure. Earlier in 2023, it also received the Queensland Major Contractors Association Design Excellence Award. This award honours projects with innovative contributions to civil construction that can be broadly applied.

About the ENR Global Best Projects

The competition honours outstanding global construction projects and the companies behind them. It recognises projects built anywhere in the world, focusing on the unique challenges, risks, and achievements of designing and constructing in diverse, remote locations worldwide.

Eligible projects are judged on several criteria, including how teams overcame challenges, embraced safety (meeting or exceeding local and international standards), demonstrated innovation and industry contribution, and exhibited quality construction and craftsmanship.

For the Springfield Park ‘n Ride, COVID-19 supply chain issues required the team to pivot from the original precast concrete structural design. The engineer devised a hybrid system using post-tensioned slabs and beams for most of the structure, along with a reinforced concrete beam-and-slab system for the more complex corners and helix.

Read: Springfield Lakes Property Market Continues to Surpass Previous Records

Receiving the ENR Global Best Project Award of Merit highlights the project’s success in overcoming challenges like supply chain disruptions whilst exemplifying safety, sustainability, and quality craftsmanship.

Published 26-December-2023

Severe Storm Causes Havoc in Springfield Lakes

Photo Credit: Facebook / Brisbane Weather

A severe storm unleashed widespread damage in Springfield Lakes and nearby suburbs one week before Christmas.

Tragically, a 30-year-old man lost his life during the storm, found unconscious near fallen power lines on Murarrie Road. Despite efforts to save him, his injuries proved fatal.

Residents were alerted by the Bureau of Meteorology on Friday, December 15, 2023 about the impending severe thunderstorm, warning of destructive winds, large hailstones, and heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding.

Photo Credit: Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

The storm’s intensity was staggering, with winds reaching speeds of up to 169 km/h.

It rampaged through Brisbane’s CBD, Brisbane Airport, Ormiston, Moreton Bay, and Mud Island before striking Springfield Lakes. Hail suddenly blanketed the yards of Springfield Lakes residents.

Furniture became airborne, trees toppled, and in Brookwater, a tree narrowly missed houses and people but destroyed a car.

The aftermath was starkly visible, leaving a trail of destruction and plunging over 14,000 residents in the state’s southeast into darkness without power.

Published 18-December-2023

Springfield’s Centenary Motorway Exit 32 Reopens

In a major development for the Springfield community, the Centenary Motorway’s Exit 32, a crucial junction that had been closed for extensive roadworks, has reopened after six months.

This reopening, on 11 Dec 2023, marks a significant milestone in Springfield’s infrastructure development, aimed at accommodating the area’s booming population and reducing congestion on one of the region’s key motorways.

Months of Closure to Fast-Track Roadworks

The closure of Exit 32, which began on August 21, was part of a strategic decision to expedite the construction work in the Springfield area. This move was intended to improve safety for workers and save months of roadwork for the community.

The decision was pivotal in allowing uninterrupted work on the upgrade from a single-lane exit to a four-lane configuration.

Significant Upgrades for Improved Traffic Flow

“Commuters stuck in daily queues down the Centenary Motorway between Ellen Grove and Yamanto have been telling us for a long time that this section needs to be significantly upgraded to support Springfield’s booming population.” Charis Mullen, State Member for Jordan, said.

Ms Mullen also noted the commitment of $6.5 million by the State Government for this major entry point into Springfield to reduce peak hour congestion and improve safety.

Centenary Motorway Exit 32 — Photo Credit: Charis Mullen MP/Facebook

Mayor Teresa Harding of Ipswich commented on the larger implications of the project, tying it with the council’s current expansion of Springfield Greenbank Arterial to four lanes.

“The expansion of Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial from two lanes to four lanes is council’s biggest-ever roadwork project, and it is vitally necessary we complete it as quickly as possible,” she said.

The mayor emphasised that closing Exit 32 saved months in construction time and millions in overall project cost, fast-tracking its reopening.

Celebrating the Reopening in Time for the Holidays

The timing of the reopening was especially noteworthy, coming just before the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Mayor Harding expressed her gratitude for the community’s patience during the construction period. She also pointed out the convenience the reopening would bring for holiday shopping and activities in the area, including easier access to Orion Springfield Central, Robelle Domain, and Orion Lagoon.

With the completion of these upgrades, residents and commuters in Springfield can look forward to a smoother and safer travel experience. The expanded Exit 32 is expected to significantly reduce congestion on the Centenary Motorway and improve ease of access into Springfield.

Published 12-Dec-2023

Springlake Hotel Has Re-Opened After $3 Million Renovation

Did you know that Springlake Hotel has re-opened following a multi-million-dollar renovation?

Surrounded by natural bushland and overlooking the neighbouring lake, the pub has undergone an extensive facelift to modernise its offering for patrons of all ages, with a focus on live entertainment, casual dining and live sports. The renovations include a family friendly bistro, outdoor terrace with a huge playground, revamped sports bar and expansive functions space that has been brought back to life.

Designed by Farrago, the interiors highlight natural wood and orange tones, with brown leather banquettes, relaxed tan leather armchairs and mid-century vibes.

Springlake Hotel — Photo Credit: Supplied

Ensuring that the most can be made of Queensland’s warm weather and native surrounds, a new wrap-around alfresco terrace has been added that offers a mix of high and low tables for guests to soak up the sun. Attached, is a huge kids playground that will keep the little ones entertained for hours, so the adults can kick-back and relax.

Sports lovers will love the revamped Sports Bar with six-metre screen showing all the sporting action live and loud, and with a state-of-the-art TAB. A weekly schedule of live music will add to the entertainment for those in the Sports Bar.

The new-look family friendly bistro is serving up a delicious menu created by Executive Chef Dylan Kemp. Offering a range of elevated pub classics and a brand-new Smokehouse offering, serving up specialty dishes prepared in the smoker daily, like the Low & Slow Beef Brisket and the Butcher’s Board, which gives customers the opportunity to sample a range of smoked items from Cheese Kranskies, pulled pork and lamb ribs.

A range of house-made BBQ sauces have also been created to compliment the smoked menu including the Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, Alabama White Sauce and Dan’s House BBQ Sauce.

Springlate Hotel Food — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

There’s also a dedicated Kids Platter to keep the younger tummies happy with a choice of seven mains served with a drink and a dessert.

Those looking for a destination to host an event need look no further than the fully equipped, large scale function rooms. Perfect for weddings, christenings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events and parties and any other style of event. The spaces will also be converted for frequent large live entertainment events for the community to enjoy.

A series of weekly specials and events is sure to keep locals happy, whatever the day of the week:

Mondays: $25 Steaks & Poker
- 250g rump steak, chips and salad
Tuesdays: $20 Pub Classics
- Beef Burger, Chicken Schnitzel, Caesar Salad, Fish & Chips or Ricotta Gnocchi
Wednesdays: Feed The Family
- Two Brisket Burned End Sandwiches with slaw & cornbread, plus two kids meals
- $1 from every Parmi sold will be donated to MS Queensland through Spinglake Hotel’s ongoing Local Heroes charity partnership program
Thursdays: Parmi Thursdays
- Chicken or Vegetarian Parmigiana served with crispy chips and fresh salad
Fridays: Meat Tray Raffle, Live Entertainment, Tradie Club, Jag the Joker
Saturdays: Live Entertainment
Sundays: Kids Eat Free & Kids Entertainment
- Free kids meal with every full-priced main meal purchased
- Free Animal Zoo between 12pm – 3pm
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday, 3pm – 5pm

Springlake Hotel will celebrate its re-opening with a Locals Weekend 15th – 17th December, packed full of giveaways, live music, activities and tasters:

Friday 15th December
- Tradie Club, Smoker Lesson giveaway, BBQ tasters and live music
Saturday 16th December
- Kids entertainment and free petting zoo, live music, BBQ tasters, and TAB Sports Bar take-over
Sunday 17th December
- Kids entertainment and free petting zoo, BBQ tasters and UFC296 in the Sports Bar

Springlake Hotel Venue Manager Adam Fuller is thrilled to be welcoming local residents and workers back to the pub.

“We’re extremely proud of Springlake Hotel’s revamp and the wide offering it now brings to our community. There truly is something from everyone, from casual get-togethers, mid-week dinners, live sport, and entertainment – we can’t wait to see everyone back enjoying our local.”