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Auslan Classes to be Offered at New Ripley Central State School

Did you know that a growing number of kids across 14 state schools in Queensland have taken interest in mastering the uniqueness of Australian Sign Language? Based on this trend, the new Ripley Central State School will teach Auslan classes from Prep to Year 6.

The new primary school will mark its commencement for Term 1 2023 with a unique curriculum for Languages.

“Our Year 5 and 6 students will follow the Australian Curriculum achievement standard and will be assessed with their achievement reported in their semester report cards,” the school stated. “Our Prep to Year 4 students will also have weekly lessons, however, these will not be assessed.”

According to the Queensland Department of Education, the number of students learning Auslan doubled in 2020. Aside from Ripley Central State School, Our Lady’s College in Annerley will be the first Catholic school in Brisbane to offer the language class for 2023.

For non-students, Deaf Connect has also noticed a steady rise in Auslan learners who are joining community classes or accredited training courses.

Mike Webb, a familiar Auslan interpreter for the Queensland government’s public conferences, welcomes these developments. He added that it is pretty special to be recognised and approached in public by children who want to learn to sign and know more about his work.

Deaf kids are especially inspired to see Mr Webb and understand that they could have the same opportunities despite their disability.

The Auslan interpreter learned before he could speak through his deaf parents. He has a number of family members from both sides who are a major part of the deaf community in Adelaide. His grandparents, Elaine and Gilbert Girke, founded Deaf Australia (formerly the Australian Association of the Deaf).

Springfield Childcare Worker Injured After Stepping on Lego Awarded $200,000

A former Springfield childcare worker, who suffered ligament damage after stepping on a piece of Lego at work, was awarded nearly $200,000 in damages.

In his 94-page court decision, Ipswich Judge Alexander Horneman-Wren said that Woodcrest Early Education Centre in Woodcrest Way, Springfield was negligent in fixing the lighting inside a storage shed where Chomba Annie Kabwe Nkamba had her accident in August 2017.

Mrs Nkamba was at the shed at 6:00 a.m. to prepare the childcare centre for the day when she stepped on the Lego block, rolled her ankle, and writhed in pain. She alleged that the Lego was not properly packed away after use and she did not see pieces on the floor as it was still dark and the shed had poor light quality.

Although she received treatment for the ligament damage, Mrs Nkamba’s movements remain limited to this day and have led to her depression.

A week prior to her accident, the Springfield childcare worker said she informed the centre’s supervisor about the shed’s defective light. She also discussed the light with a senior employee and was told it was on the maintenance book.

Woodcrest Childcare Centre Springfield — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Queensland Childcare Service, however, argued that Woodcrest Early Education Centre had not been negligent and that Mrs Nkamba tripped after she knocked the Lego blocks off the shelf. They also claimed that the former staff suffered only minor muscle strain.

The judge, however, sided with Mrs Nkamba and ordered Queensland Childcare Service to pay her $197,013.98 in damages.

“Her ankle inverted. She fell. How the block came to be there is central to this case,” the judge said.

The plaintiff and defendant are expected to file submissions of costs in January 2023.

Police Identify Man Killed In Greenbank Dog Attack

Police investigation is currently underway after a man was mauled to death by dogs in a property at Greenbank in Logan.

Read: Australia’s Largest Animal Genomics Lab to Be Established in Ipswich

The man was identified as Kane Minion, 42 years old, a meter reader for Energex. This was confirmed by a spokesperson from the company.

The incident happened at around 10:47 a.m on 3 December 2022, whilst Minion was reportedly doing his job inspecting electricity meters outside the said property. Officers were called to a property off Ison Road and found Minion unconscious.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene due to the injuries he sustained.

Homeowners were not around when the incident happened, though the gate flashed a warning sign that reads “Guard dogs on duty. Do not enter.”

Authorities found three dogs on the Greenbank site, including a Rhodesian Ridgeback cross and a Bullmastiff cross, which were already taken by animal control officers from the local council. Reports indicate that the dogs were already euthanized.

Moments after news broke of Minion’s death, social media was inundated with messages of grief and condolences. There were also concerned individuals who gave their two cents regarding keeping certain breeds as guard dogs.

“I think it’s time for the Logan Council to review the breeds of dogs it deems acceptable. Not just for metre reader’s safety but the general community. The origins of these breeds may make them great guard dogs but not good neighbours,” one Facebook user commented.

“Dangerous breeds should be banned for sale and forced to be restrained even at home if metre readers or charity door knockers are put at risk. People who want vicious animals are the problem,” another one said.

Read: No Poison in Animal Tongues Found at Pebbles Park in Ecco Ripley

Meanwhile, Work Safe Australia, an organisation which aims to reduce workplace harm and improve outcomes for injured workers, will also run a parallel investigation with the police.

Man Crashes Ute into Raceview Home, Medical Episode Suspected to be the Cause

A man in his 50s may have been suffering a medical episode when he crashed his ute into a house in Raceview.

According to a Queensland Fire and Emergency spokeswoman, a call came in at 7:00 a.m., Monday, the 12th of December 2022, regarding a driver who lost control and crashed into a house on the corner of Mahogany Street and Whitehill Road. He apparently rammed his car onto the brick wall of the master’s bedroom.

Queensland Ambulance confirmed extracting the man from the car wreck as part of the house collapsed onto the driver. A spokesperson also confirmed that the man, who was in serious but stable condition, was brought to Ipswich Hospital.

No other injuries were reported from the incident and the car wreck was cleared from the house around 9:00 a.m.

Ipswich Launches Green Street Art Competition for All Ages

Calling artists of all ages in Ipswich! Here’s your chance to have your work on display for the public to appreciate. Join the Green Walkable Streets art competition.

Across Ipswich Central, 11 Energex boxes will be painted with unique works of art based on original designs from local creatives as the Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee launches the Green Walkable Streets Artwork Project.

The project aims to revitalise public spaces with creative artworks that bring out the “vitality into the heart of the city,” per the project’s chairman, Councillor Marnie Doyle.

“Council invites artwork based around the concept of ‘green street art’ with urban art designs that incorporate or reimagine trees, leaves, grass, flowers and flora,” Cr Doyle said.

“Local artists should look to Ipswich’s dozens of native species of flora and fauna for inspiration.

The artists who wish to submit their design ideas have until Wednesday, 18th of January 2023, with a brief description of themselves and their work, as well as how their design incorporates the theme of Green Walkable Streets. They may also choose a particular Energex Box from which their designs will appear if their entry has been picked as one of the 11 creative choices.

Energex Green Street Art — Photo Credit: Green Walkable Streets Artwork

The contest is open to both individuals or groups who may want to collaborate together. Aside from getting their work public, the winning entries will receive a $250 gift card.

Be sure to read the competition guidelines carefully before submission. Winning entries will be judged based on design, artwork statement, and the green theme.

Sydney Biotech Aegros to Build $352-Million Manufacturing Hub in Greater Springfield

Did you know that Aegros, a Sydney-based biotech company, is building a new $352-million manufacturing hub at BioPark Australia in Greater Springfield?

Once opened, the facility is expected to increase output for blood plasma products by one million litres a year through its patented Haemafrac plasma fractionating process.

Aegos founder Professor Hari Nair said that his method is twice as effective as the process traditionally used. It’s also more cost-effective and can be delivered at a faster rate than overseas supply chains. Currently, only 53 per cent of plasma products used in Australia are manufactured in the country whilst the rest are imported.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick confirmed that the plasma therapeutics company wants to establish its global headquarters in Queensland, which will provide more jobs for highly-skilled Queenslanders.

“Once Aegros has secured all necessary approvals and finance, the two-year construction will support an estimated 230 jobs,” Mr Dick said.

“Aegros estimates that its facility will create 348 long-term jobs across its first four years of operation.

“The company aims to use its unique advanced technology to develop and manufacture lifesaving therapeutic blood products.

“Therapies produced from the plasma in the blood can help fight infection or diseases such as Lupus and Type 1 diabetes, can promote blood clotting, prevent shock and assist with post-surgical recovery.

“The Springfield facility will have the capacity to process one million litres of human plasma per year.

“Australia imports almost half of the essential plasma and blood products used to develop biopharmaceuticals, so this new facility will position Aegros to meet the needs of the domestic market.

“Aegros also aims to capture some of the $19 billion global export market for therapeutic plasma products.

Aegros Greater Springfield — Photo Credit: CharisMullenMP/Facebook

Member for Jordan Charis Mullen hailed Aegros choice to set up a facility in Greater Springfield as its underscored a vote of confidence in the region. The new industry could also attract and create hundreds of skilled jobs locally.

Meanwhile, Prof Nair is also looking forward to forge a relationship with the region’s medical community and universities to develop better plasma therapies for a myriad of diseases.

“In this way, Aegros is also proud to be able to contribute to the country’s future pandemic preparedness.

“The support of the Queensland Government’s Invested in Queensland program and Springfield City Group has been invaluable to Aegros in moving forward with this project here in Queensland.”

Opening Soon in Springfield: Innovative Mater Health Hub for the Whole Family

Mater has announced its plans to open an innovative Mater Health Hub in Springfield, designed to cater to the health and wellness needs of the whole family.

Scheduled for a July 2023 inauguration, Mater Health Hub, Springfield offers services like GP clinics, consulting rooms, a new Mater Pathology department, a chemist, a childcare centre, a cafe and a gym.

The facility will run allied health services, including women’s healthcare, pediatric and child development care, group therapies, diet and nutrition programs, and corporate wellness services. Some services currently delivered at Brookwater Health Clinic will be incorporated into the health hub when it opens.

Dr Fiona Hinchliffe, Mater Executive Director of Residential Care and Community Services, said that this facility is a deviation from traditional hospitals but it will still provide families access to health care services that are otherwise out of reach or require them to travel to Ipswich, Brisbane or Gold Coast.

The new building will also serve as the centre for Mater Education for the Diploma of Nursing program, as well as provide practical training for students gaining experience at the nearby Mater Private Hospital Springfield and Mater Hospital Springfield. Thus, providing more options for the young people of Springfield who are looking for the right career path.

In line with this, Mater has also enlisted HealthCo Healthcare & Wellness as the anchor tenant of the Mater Health Hub for 10 years. More healthcare service initiatives will be developed as a result of this strategic partnership.

Council Approved Hundreds of Homes as Ipswich’s Population Grew 27 % Last Quarter

Photo credit: Ipswich First / ipswichfirst.com.au

Ipswich City Council approved 1,033 homes over the September quarter as the city’s population grew 27 per cent to 243,588, latest report says.

“As Queensland’s fastest growing city, Ipswich continues to lead the charge in catering for the south-east’s growing population by ensuring we have more land coming to market,” Mayor Harding said about the total lot approvals during the past quarter which saw an increase of 1,145 per cent or 1,033 lots.

The data is included in the Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Quarterly Report from 1 July to 30 September 2022 which provides a glimpse into the development activity and population growth across Ipswich.

“That growth from the previous quarter is largely because we had two large housing estates approved this quarter with 799 lots for an estate in Spring Mountain and 184 lots for an estate in Ripley.

“While Brisbane will run out of available land to build new homes in less than three years, Ipswich goes from strength to strength with 7.3 years’ worth of approved lots – land that is ready to go to market for housing.

“Council continues to work with all levels of government to secure the critical funding needed to deliver community and transport infrastructure to support our rapidly growing population.”

Ipswich City Council Addresses Growing Population With Hundreds of Lot Approvals Over the September Quarter — Photo credit: Ipswich First / ipswichfirst.com.au

According to Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully, the quarterly report also shows that the city grew to an additional 1,218 residents that moved to the city during the period. That equates to a 27 per cent rise compared to the June quarter bringing Ipswich’s population to 243,588.

Most of those residents, Cr Tully said, are moving to the suburbs of Ripley, Spring Mountain, Redbank Plains, South Ripley and Springfield. These are also the top five suburbs for new dwellings and additional population.

“New dwellings overall increased 35 per cent, lots created increased 7 per cent, while development applications also went up by 7 per cent in the September quarter.”

Other highlights of the quarterly report card include:

415 new dwellings (35 per cent increase from June 2022)
88,653 total dwellings
8.4km of additional pathways and bikeways
4.45km of additional local roads
1.32ha of additional local parks
32 new food businesses started up
Almost 30,000 animal registrations
8.4km of additional pathways and bikeways created
4,175 customer service requests lodged with the council
More than 2,400 parking infringements

You can read the full Planning and Regulatory Services Quarterly Report here.

Springfield Anglican College Proposes New Facility for Sports and Learning

Photo credit: Google Maps

Springfield Anglican College plans to construct new learning environments, a multi-purpose hall to accommodate a range of indoor sporting activities, and undercroft parking facilities.

The proposal seeks If approved, the two-storey development proposal will add a 2,623-sqm extension to the existing campus. It will include a multipurpose hall and learning environments along with associated amenities, staff areas and storage. The undercroft parking provisions will add 180 spaces on site including space for disability parking.

Photo credit: City of Ipswich / developmenti.ipswich.qld.gov.au

“This multipurpose hall structure has been designed to respond to the natural topography of the site with a single level presenting internally to the school campus with an undercroft area below that accommodates for parking areas and associated storage and maintenance areas,” planners at Land Partners stated.

The primary upper level of the building is where the learning rooms will be contained and will have an entry foyer and pedestrian apron that are accessible both internally and externally.

The main space, on the other hand, will feature a double-height internal void to accommodate a range of court-based sporting activities, a stage, and a back-of-house area where there will be toilets, change rooms and storage.

The facility is expected to start construction in 2023 to coincide with the 25th anniversary celebration of The Springfield Anglican College.

Established in 1988, The Springfield Anglican College is a non-selective Christian co-educational school that caters to students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

The school has three campuses: The Tiny Tartan Kindergarten, The Springfield Anglican College Primary (primary schooling) and Secondary (secondary schooling) campuses.

New Woogaroo Creek State School to Open Next Year

Photo credit: Facebook / Woogaroo Creek State School

Four new state schools that are now being built have been named, including one state school for Augustine Heights which will be named Woogaroo Creek State School. These new schools are expected to open next year.

Announced last October 2022, Education Minister Grace Grace named the four new schools currently undergoing development in Augustine Heights, Palmview, Ripley and Yarrabilba costing a total investment of $330 million.

These schools will be known as:

Woogaroo Creek State School;
Palmview State Secondary College;
Ripley Central State School; and
South Rock State School

Woogaroo Creek State School will serve the growing area of Augustine Heights and will open for Prep to Year 6 students for Term 1, 2023. The project features an administration block, student support and staff building, information and resource centre, a multi-purpose hall, canteen, prep/junior general learning areas, sporting field, multi-purpose courts, general and student amenities, and internal roads and car parking.

The $85 million Woogaroo Creek State School will support more than 230 local jobs, increase the area’s schooling network capacity and provide enrolment relief to neighbouring Fernbrooke State School, Augusta State School and Redbank Plains State School.

Foundation Principal Ms Seccombe and Deputy Principal Mrs Cameron | Photo credit: Facebook / Woogaroo_Creek State School

Ms Kendall Seccombe was appointed the state school’s foundation principal and she will be working with Deputy Principal Mrs Lisa Cameron. Ms Seccombe began her teaching career at Murgon State School in 2006. Since 2014, she has been principal to a number of schools including Gindie State School, Cooyar State School, Millchester State School and most recently at Ipswich East State School.

“It is a privilege to accept the position as Foundation Principal of the new school being built at Augustine Heights. I look forward to building a legacy with the local community and creating and empowering futures for our students.”
Ms Seccombe

“Woogaroo Creek has geographical, cultural and environmental significance for our local area and the land on which our school is being built,” Ms Seccombe said about the new school’s name which was chosen by 80 per cent of participants in the final round of online voting.

“This name is a reflection of who we are and what we value at our new school – students will reach new heights at Woogaroo Creek State School.”

The four new schools will feature solar panels and LED lights on timers and as well as a 4,000L rainwater tank at the Woogaroo Creek State School to water the school’s garden.

Augustine Heights’ new primary state school is located at 12 Purser Road, Augustine Heights. It will be able to accommodate 1,000 students once all stages of construction are completed.