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Radio Host Matty Acton Walks from Bowen Hills to Ipswich, Raises $50k

Photo Credit: Supplied

Matty Acton, a familiar voice on Brisbane radio, has walked 50 kilometres from Bowen Hills to Ipswich to raise more than $50,000 for a cause he passionately cares about.

From the B105 studio complex on Campbell Street, Matty reached the Raceview Hotel in Ipswich all whilst wearing a 10kg weighted vest, symbolising carrying the weight of mental health.

Along the way, Matty was uplifted by heaps of people who tooted their car horns, walked with him, or stopped him to express their support. Raceview Hotel also donated $2,000, as well as its loyal patrons.

Early this year, the B105 breakfast show host spoke to an ambassador of the Top Blokes Foundation who encouraged him to get involved with the charity.

“Top Blokes shines a light on mental health and suicide prevention, and they run workshops in schools to help develop great men for the future,” the radio host said.

“It’s a difficult time for young men who are trying to find their place in the world. The wrong influences can send them on the wrong path. They are helping grow boys into great men, not fix broken men in the future.

He also spoke about this on his radio show weeks before the day he walked for a cause:

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In total, Matty Acton was able to successfully rake in $50,885 for doing this journey.

“It also struck a chord with me when asked, as I lost a cousin to suicide last year. When someone loses their life that way it leaves so many questions and I saw this as an opportunity to honour him and help other young men.

“Being a father of 2 boys, a Foundation like Top Blokes is something I would want for them if they needed it.”

Brisbane Lions Now Occupying New Home in Springfield

Photo Credit: Brisbane Lions

After 30 years in the Gabba, the Brisbane Lions has moved into the Brighton Homes Arena, their new $80-million state-of-the-art facility in Springfield.

The team’s new home, located some 28 kilometres southwest of their former turf, is an eight-hectare sports centre that will be shared with the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Football Club.

The Brisbane Lions expect to play around 20 to 25 major events in their Springfield home every year, thrilling 10,000 spectators during the matches.

The Brighton Homes Arena grandstand can comfortably seat 600 spectators in the permanent shade and has access to disabled seating. Broadcasting night matches will be a breeze as the facility has ample lighting.

Brisbane Lions Brighton Sports Arena — Photo Credit: YouTube screengrab

Visitors to the arena will also be able to use the facilities, such as the pool, the gymnasium and the outdoor lawn, for their community events all year round, including non-sports-related activities. The venue will also be ready for the Modern Pentathlon at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Despite the delays and the economic impact brought on by the pandemic, the construction’s completion was delivered on schedule and within the budget. The multi-million investment should also benefit and uplift the club financially.

The Springfield move is the culmination of a plan to create an elite sport and community centre that was first established in 2013 with the Australian Football League, the Ipswich City Council and the Springfield Land Corporation.

New Primary School Officially Named Ripley Central State School

It’s official! Ripley’s new primary school will be called Ripley Central State School and it will open its doors for the first batch of students in January 2023.

Read: Ipswich Children’s Library Recognised for Excellence in Innovation at LGMA Awards

Construction is well underway for the new primary school in Ripley, which will accommodate Prep to Year 6 students.

Facilities

Photo credit: Ripley Central State School – Opening 2023/Facebook

Upon completion, the school will feature prep and general classroom learning areas, outside learning areas, multipurpose rooms, a Curiosity Centre, play areas, administration, car parking, hall, outside multipurpose court, oval, amenities and facilities for grounds and cleaning.

The school will also have creative and engaging learning areas, unique play areas that will foster curiosity and exploration and also a well resourced Curiosity Centre.

They will have an onsite out of school hours care (OSHC) provider. Later in 2022, they will announce the successful tender and details of how to book in your child’s before school, after school and vacation care.

Term Dates for 2023

Term	Date
Term 1	Monday 23 January – Friday 31 March
Term 2	Monday 17 April – Friday 23 June
Term 3	Monday 10 July – Friday 15 September
Term 4	Tuesday 3 October – Friday 8 December

Foundation Principal

Serving as the foundation principal will be Ms Wuanita Meyrick, who began her career as a teacher at Howard State School in 2003 and has been a principal since 2005.

Ms Meyrick has been principal at a number of schools including Dingo State School, Sarina State School, Maryborough West State School and most recently Browns Plains State School.

She has also had experience as a Head of Curriculum at Torbanlea State School and deputy principal at Stretton State College.

“I am excited to collaboratively build a school environment, culture, community and traditions for the young learners, families, the foundation staff and the wider community, to build a school of excellence. From day one, I will strive to build a learning environment where every child succeeds,” Ms Meyrick said.

For further information and processes for enrolment at the school, visit https://newprimaryschoolripley.eq.edu.au/. You can also check out the Ed Map boundary to check your eligibility to enrol at the school.

Read: St Augustine’s College Student Helps Queensland Team Win Silver at the NYFC

The school will be located at 103 Binnies Road, Ripley.

St Augustine’s College Student Helps Queensland Team Win Silver at the NYFC

Photo Credit: Michal Jarmalouk/Pixabay

St Augustine’s College is mighty proud of the achievement of its student, Isabela Hoyos, who was part of the Queensland Maroon’s silver win at the 2022 National Youth Football Championships (NYFC) in Coffs Harbour.

The young St Augustine’s College teenager showed strength in the field and an unmatched gift for reading the game well as she represented Queensland at the nationals in September 2022, after a rigorous selection process that saw her chosen for the Under-14s team.

The NYFC resumed the sports competition after two years of pandemic hiatus with more than 350 of the best female players for the Under 14s and Under 16s. The Maroons may have ultimately lost to the NSW Metro with a final score of 1-0, but Isabela and her teammates made quite an impression for their tremendous work ethic, competitive nature, positive mindset, and love for the game.

Girls Squads ranking for Queensland — Photo Credit: Football Queensland

“Congratulations to Isabela Hoyos for representing Queensland at the U14 girls National Youth Football Championships recently held in Coffs Harbour on the 19th – 23rd of September. The U14 Girls were successful in making it through to the grand final and only narrowly missed out on the gold medal to New South Wales by 1 goal. Well done to Isabela Hoyos for proudly representing the state and bringing home a silver medal,” the school shared.

“The National Youth Championships form an important part of the national team pathway and provide a valuable development opportunity for the players who have been selected from around the state,” FQ Academy Director/QAS Head Coach Adam Pengelly said.

2022 National Youth Championships for Girls Finals Results

Under-14s Final – NSW Metro 1 (Talia Younis) defeated Queensland 0
Under-14s Third v Fourth Play-Off – Victoria 1 (Tina Huang) drew Capital Football 1 (Lucy Cameron) Victoria won on penalties
Under-16s Final – Queensland Maroon 1 (Grace Kuilamu) defeated Victoria Blue 0
Under-16s Third v Fourth Play-Off – NSW Metro 1 (Tea Mucenski) defeated NSW Country 0

Award Winners

Under-16s Player of the Tournament – Ischia Brooking (Western Australia)
Under-14s Player of the Tournament – Talia Younis (NSW Metro)
Under-16s Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Jasmine Black (NSW Metro)
Under-14s Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Georgia Ritchie (Capital Football)
Under-16s Referee of the Tournament – Courtney Van Diesen (Football Victoria)
Under-14s Referee of the Tournament – Molly Godsell (Football NSW)

Platypus Population Across Ipswich Waterways Has Severely Declined

Photo Credit: City of Ipswich / ipswich.qld.gov.au

The latest report on the Platypus Monitoring Program across Ipswich’s waterways has revealed a concerning discovery: the platypus population has severely declined and immediate intervention is needed to address threats to the iconic monotreme’s continued survival.

The results of the 2021-2022 Platypus Monitoring Program mark the sixth monitoring event undertaken by the Council across Ipswich’s waterways in the last seven years.

This year’s report noted a “severe decline in the platypus populations” adding that it is “concerning and emphasises some key threats” to the health of the city’s waterways and the importance of the ongoing improvement programs.

Recommendations to implement programs that will help protect the remaining platypus population have been put forward.

*Platypus are rarely successfully bred in captivity, thus, protecting their habitat and their population is extremely important | Photo Credit: City of Ipswich / ipswich.qld.gov.au*

Council has agreed to investigate and support programs that will reduce sediment-laden runoff entering the city’s natural waterways and adversely impacting platypus habitat.

Likewise, the ongoing annual platypus monitoring program, as well as the waterway health projects meant to improve water quality and condition of platypus habitat, will also be continued.

The 2022 February severe weather event that hit South East Queensland and NSW has sparked calls for the platypus to be included in the country’s threatened species list following fears that the monotreme population have been wiped out by the floods.

Ipswich City Council identified the platypus as an iconic species under its Nature Conservation Strategy 2015; Queensland and New South Wales are yet to classify the animal as threatened.

To help better understand the species, following a noticed decline in recorded sightings in recent years, Council partnered with the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland to create a database that contains sightings and eDNA recordings of this egg-laying mammal.

Results of the monitoring program between 2015 and 2020 identified several locations of their within and adjacent to the Ipswich LGA including Sapling Pocket to Kholo Bridge in the mid-Brisbane River; Woogaroo Creek and Opossum Creek; and Sandy Creek, Camira through to BullockHead Creek and Wolston Creek in Brisbane.

Platypus is considered to be an integral part of Australian freshwater ecosystems but their habitat is prone to threats. They are also rarely successfully bred in captivity which makes it all the more important to protect their habitat and their population.

$10-Million Kerb and Channel Program for Ipswich Suburbs to Go Ahead for 3 Years

A $10-million kerb-and-channel program for various Ipswich suburbs will see various infrastructure improvements being rolled out for the next three years.

Ipswich’s kerb and channel program entail providing rain drainage along the kerb, including repair work of existing concrete structures. During construction work, residents may expect the following activities, along with possible driveway modifications, per Council’s plan:

Some excavation and demolition works (including some driveways that may need to be modified)
Installation of drainage infrastructure (including sub-soil drainage and gully pits)
General earthworks to bring back excavations to correct road levels
Installation of kerb and channel
Installation of existing house stormwater pipes affected by works
Like for like reinstatement of existing driveways and footpaths affected by works
Installation of new road surface for the affected area
Turfing disturbed areas

Councillor Paul Tully said that streets to be added in the kerb and channel program will be determined based on community needs, conceptual design, detailed design, preliminary works, and construction cost. At least 27 roads are on the priority list.

Construction works have already started along Alice Street in Blackstone and Short Street in Walloon.

After the work on Alice and Short streets in Division 1, which has an allocated $1.87 million in funding, at least 11 more projects in the kerb and channel program will follow across Divisions 2,3 and 4.

Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Mayor Teresa Harding targets these projects to be activated in the next two financial years.

“Council has allocated $3 million in the 2022-2023 financial year for kerb and channel works ensuring Ipswich’s established suburbs are not left behind,” Ms Harding said.

“As Ipswich continues to grow at a rapid rate, we want to ensure the city grows together and work on roads, kerb and channel is happening right across the city.”

Meanwhile, roads across the region will also see some more improvements as $31 million has been earmarked for the rehabilitation of 1,710 kilometres of sealed roads and 268 kilometres of gravel roads. More kerb and channel upgrades will be included in this plan, alongside $5.9 million set aside for bridge and culvert works.

Swifts Sports Club Proposes to Buy Cameron Park Land to Proceed with Upgrades

For more than 20 years, the sports facility at Cameron Park in Booval has been the home of the Swifts Sports Club. Plans have now been made to sell the land and buildings so that the club can proceed with some much-needed upgrades.

Ipswich’s Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee has received the club’s expression of interest to buy the property and begin a $7.4 million refurbishment over the next few years.

According to Council, allowing Swifts Sports Club to keep its lease, as per the original arrangement, would mean the use of public funding to complete its refurbishment.

However, the budget allocated for the club’s facilities will not be enough to cover the required construction work.

“The club has made a proposal to purchase the land and will upgrade the facilities at its own cost but if the sale doesn’t go ahead, the Council will have to pay for refurbishment,” per Mayor Teresa Harding, who is also the chair of the Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee.

“The sale would only affect the land on which the club facilities are built – the rest of Cameron Park will remain as it is, owned and managed by Council.”

If the sale pushes through, Swifts Sports Club may be able to file a development application for their new building proposal.

“The community would have further opportunities to comment on any changes the club proposes in their development application which considers building heights, noise, parking and visual amenity,” Ms Harding added.

In November 2021, the Council resolved to sell the property after a series of meetings with the club and consultations with the community. Whilst the public consultation has closed as of 17 Sept 2022, locals may still provide feedback about selling the property to Shape Your Ipswich at communityengagement@wsp.com or via phone at 3368 6693.

Swifts Sports Club, a semi-professional rugby league club, was founded in 1919.

Goodna Charity Builds Sleeping Pods For The Homeless

Hoping to make a difference in the community, charity Goodna Street Life has started building sleeping pods to provide emergency sleeping accommodation for homeless individuals.

Read: Environmentalists Challenge Development of Luxe Retirement Eco-Village Abadi Gaia in Goodna

The sleeping pods were placed at the back of Helen’s Haven, a supported tiny homes community development which combines affordable living and the individual supports people need to gain housing independence.

Inspired by Japan’s capsule hotels, there’s a mattress and bed provided, and they come outfitted with USB charger and lights which are all powered by solar.

The sleeping pods provide immediate access to a safe and secure place, free of charge, to get people off the streets and connected with support immediately.

The organisation, which has already built six pods for the initial stage of the project, is aiming to build 30 pods.

Photo credit: Councillor Nicole Jonic – Ipswich City Council/Facebook

The Japanese-inspired sleeping pods are a big help for those who need them the most, but the group is still hoping these individuals will be given long-term housing.

“We believe everyone has the right to a safe and secure home. When we give people the opportunity and support to build themselves up, they have the best chance to overcome the challenges and obstacles they face,” the organisation stated.

Whilst they can offer help as much as they can, the group only relies on funds through donations, op shop sales, contributions from tenants and services offered by volunteers.

The Complex Causes of Homelessness

Goodna Street Life shared that the leading cause of homelessness is accommodation issues (34 percent), which already covers housing crisis and inadequate or inappropriate dwellings.

The latest figures by the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy revealed the Queensland government has built 326 new social homes in the latest financial year, which is only half from what was built from the 2020-2021 fiscal year, with around 631 homes completed.

Read: Landfills in Ipswich Under Investigation as Residents Fight for Clean Air

In relation to housing concerns, CHDE released a Strategic Plan for 2022-2026, which highlights their objectives like creating jobs, increasing the supply of social and affordable homes through new investment, and partnering with the community housing sector and private industry.

To see how you can help Goodna Street Life with their project, visit goodnastreetlife.org.au.

Foul-Smelling Cell Within New Chum Landfill to Shutdown in 2023

Cleanway Waste Management has decided to shut down a foul-smelling cell within the New Chum landfill in 2023, following orders to reduce the volume of its intake and rehabilitate the area.

In June, Cleanway was slapped with an Environmental Protection Order to assess its gas management for Cell 3B and come up with a plan to reduce its emissions after residents complained of the odour reaching their homes.

The New Chum landfill was heavily affected during the February floods and had to undertake excessive remediations. More rains, however, impacted the facility and added to the damage of a new cell, which was yet to finish construction.

According to the State Government, 4.9 ML of water still remains in the new cell as of the end of August 2022, which is roughly the size of two Olympic-sized swimming pools. Cleanway has until the 6th of September 2022 to comply with the Notice of Proposed Amendment with the Department of Environment and Science before the company will be cleared for expansion.

Cleanway has been pumping and dosing the water, whilst aeration and deodorising have continued. These remediations have apparently cost the company millions in expenses.

“As a result of the extended timeframe for remediation, the site is likely to be closed throughout FY23,” the company said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Teresa Harding said that whilst Cleanway has been working closely with Council, the Department and the community, the State Government’s action is already a win for Ispwich.

“Unfortunately, our residents are all too familiar with the offensive odours that arise from private landfills sites in Ipswich,” Mayor Harding said.

“The extreme rainfall from Ipswich’s February floods had pooled in a landfill cell at the Cleanaway site which has contributed significantly to a powerful odour blanketing several suburbs.

“Residents will no doubt be relieved to hear that the State intends to direct Cleanaway to permanently close the landfill cell and fully restore it.”

‘The World’s Greatest Freakshow’ Is Coming to Springfield Lakes

Photo Credit: World's Greatest Freakshow / Facebook

‘The World’s Greatest Freakshow’ is coming to Springfield Lakes! After successfully staging sold-out shows in Melbourne, this unique production will tour Queensland and New South Wales throughout spring and summer.

Inspired by the Hollywood mega-hit “The Greatest Showman”, Play Nation Events and Big Deal Touring are bringing to Australia a one-of-a-kind freaky production that showcases unrivalled talents from some of the most unique, freakiest acts around.

The World’s Greatest Freakshow is currently being staged in Las Vegas where it enjoys sold-out performances. Now, this mind-blowing theatrical piece is coming to Queensland and New South Wales beginning in late August touring multiple venues in major cities and regional towns.

So, who’s headlining the Springfield Lakes performance?

The Great Gordo Gamsby

Gordo has performed on TV shows around the world, from the little sideshow to the big stage. With Guinness World Records tucked under his belt, why wouldn’t anyone be impressed?

Samora Squid

Prepare yourself for some mesmerising performance from Samora as this stretchy, slimy and sexy sweetheart of the sideshow delivers stunts that will leave you breathless.

Sian Brigid

Dancing on glass, laying on nails and other thrilling and unimaginable stunts. Who would have thought that these performances would come from a former ballerina? Witness why Sian is one of Canberra’s most celebrated circus acts.

Aleksandra The Great

The Advertiser dubbed Aleksandra The Great as “gruesome yet oddly sexy”. Celebrated for their deadly talents and sensual striptease, this act is a definite must-see.

Miss Friby

Expect this modern-day Lucille Ball to deliver the most hilarious gags that earned this wise-cracking satirist a spot in the 2013 Australia’s Got Talent Finals and nominations for Green Room Awards and Field Awards.

This epic theatrical show is scheduled to perform in Springfield Lakes at the Springfield Lakes Hotel this Friday, 9 September 2022. Doors will open at 8 pm, the show starts at 8.30 pm

Get your tickets here

For a full list of other performance dates and venues, click here.

1 Springfield Lakes Blvd, Springfield Lakes, Qld