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Ash Barty to Build ‘Forever’ Home at Brookwater Residential

Newly retired Ash Barty is planning to build her dream home and spend her retirement years in Brookwater Residential.

In a Brookwater Residential video, Ash talks about why she chose Brookwater and what she loves about the community. She purchased the property at Brookwater Residential – which also features the Greg Norman-designed Brookwater Golf Course – last year for $882,000 and is now building her new home.

The tennis icon spent her childhood in Greater Springfield. Living with her mom and dad there her whole life and with her sister also a stone’s throw away, she said that it makes sense to her to think that “this is the destination that I want to live forever.”

Artist impression of what the interior of Ash Barty’s Brookwater Residential home would look like — Artist impression of the *Brookwater Residential home* Ashleigh Barty is building | Photo Credit: REA Group – Brookwater Residential / realestate.com.au

And as to why she chose to live in the community at Brookwater, she said that she loves how “low-key” the lifestyle is at Brookwater.

“It’s quiet, it’s calm, it really suits our lifestyle. Brookwater has so much to offer in all different facets of lifestyle,” she explained.

“They’ve got a golf course, plenty of walking tracks, cafes, they’ve got all of these things that ticks all the boxes for me and that’s where I see myself forever.”

However, the three-time grand slam winner made sure that the design elements of her new home would have plenty of space outside and since she spends a lot of time in the kitchen, she also wants it to be just how she imagined it.

Describing the process of designing her “forever” home, she said that trying to explain what is in her brain and how to get the message across was “quite confronting” at the start. But everyone that she worked with at Brookwater made the whole process seamless and “nailed it.”

“In the end, when you look back at all the decisions you’ve made, there wasn’t one regret – there never will be a regret. And I think that the best part of it is that we’ve done it. This is it! And it’s on the page and I can’t wait to see the process of it being built.”

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A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty)

Ash recently stunned the sporting world when she announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 25. In an emotional video that she shared on social media, she said that she is grateful for everything tennis has given her but she knew that the time is right to “chase other dreams and put the racket down.”

But why retire when she is at the peak of her career?

“To be able to win Wimbledon…the one true dream that I wanted in tennis, that really changed my perspective.

“I just had the gut feeling after Wimbledon – and I have spoken to my team quite a lot about it — and there was just a little part of me that wasn’t quite satisfied, wasn’t quite fulfilled.

“And then came the challenge of the Australian Open and I think that for me just feels like the most perfect way, my perfect way, to celebrate what an amazing journey my tennis career has been.

“As a person, this is what I want. I want to chase after some other dreams.”

St Peters Lutheran College Springfield, Mollie O’Callaghan Triumphs at QGSSSA

Photo Credit: St Peters Lutheran College Springfield / Facebook

Olympic triple medallist Mollie O’Callaghan continued her winning streak as she led St Peters Lutheran College Springfield to an exciting ninth successive Swimming Championship at the QGSSSA held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, Chandler.

On 16 March 2022, St Peters Lutheran College joined Brisbane State High School as QGSSSA’s record holder of nine consecutive Mollie Gould Cup titles.

St Peters’ swim team broke individual records courtesy of O’Callaghan (50m freestyle, 25.69), Ainsley Trotter (15 years 50m backstroke, 29.74) and Isabella Morris (14 years 50m freestyle, 27.81). Annika Silvester (12 years, 50m butterfly, 30.31) of Brisbane State High School also broke an individual record that night.

Meanwhile, the Saints’ 15 Years B Division Team (1:56.26) composed of Gemma Glen, Chloe Cholet, Gabrielle Frisbee and Josephine Illing and 14 Years A Division team (1:53.31) of Kaci Curtis, Isabella Morris, Alexa S and Abby George also broke relay records.

Photo Credit: David Martin: Ipswich / Facebook

St Peters started strong with Jamie Perkins winning the first individual event of the night, the 200m open freestyle. Ella Ramsay and Mollie O’Callaghan followed suit in the 100m breaststroke and the 100m backstroke, respectively.

All in all, Mollie O’Callaghan finished on top in the 100m backstrokes, 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle, and was part of the Saint’s winning team in the 200m freestyle relay and 200m freestyle relay.

Mollie O’Callaghan OAM finished the 2020 Summer Olympics with two gold medals (4×100 medley relay and the freestyle relay as a heat swimmer) and one bronze medal (as part of the 4×200m relay team).

Before her spectacular Olympic performance in Tokyo, she also beat training partner and fellow Olympic champ and club mate, Ariarne Titmus, in Queensland’s swimming championships. O’Callaghan clocked 1:56.51 to win the 200m freestyle.

QGSSSA Swimming Championship final ranking:

St Peters Lutheran College,
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School
Moreton Bay College
Somerville House
Brisbane State High School
Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School
St Hilda’s School
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
Clayfield College
Ipswich Grammar School

Music to Feel Better? Singing Surgeon Soothes Mater Private Hospital Springfield Patients

Dr Geoff Muduioa of Mater Private Hospital Springfield goes about this workday checking on patients as a breast and endocrine surgeon but everyone looks forward to his daily rounds because he brings something even better — music and songs that put a smile in the staff and soothe his patients.

Dr Muduioa, who is originally from the Solomon Islands, has earned the nickname the “singing surgeon” at Mater Hospital because he loves to sing to his patients to keep them calm prior to their surgery.

“I have always loved music. There’s always music playing in the theatre when I’m operating,” the doctor said.

“Growing up in the Pacific Islands, singing is part of the culture. We sing all the time, even from a very young age.”

Dr Muduioa admitted his singing is not pitch-perfect, but said his patients recovering from breast, thyroid, and general surgical procedures appreciated his enthusiasm.

“It does not matter if we sing out of key, what matters is the joy we experience and the joy the song brings to my patients,” he said.

His choice of tunes has united his colleagues, who also sing along and out loud with Dr Muduioa.

Gavin Daniell, from Wynnum Manly, was nervous about his hernia operation but Dr Muduioa’s became the highlight of his day.

Daniell was also impacted by the recent flooding in Brisbane and his experience and consults with the singing surgeon helped take his mind off things at home.

“All the patients just love it,” Mater Private Hospital Springfield theatre floor coordinator Sue Richardson said.

“They laugh and even request songs. He definitely gives it his all and he’s passionate about how he delivers it.

“You know when Dr Geoff is operating in the theatre as you can hear the reggae music playing. It’s a really good vibe.”

Springfield Lakes Posts 20% Median Growth, Maintains Momentum

With heaps of new infrastructure projects and ongoing developments, including attractive housing for small to large families, Springfield Lakes has exhibited steady, sustained median growth of 20 per cent year-on-year as of the end of 2021.

Highlights

The Springfield Lakes property market showed a 21.61 per cent median house price increase for the period January 2021 to December 2021, with the median ending the year at $529,000.
Springfield Lakes’ median unit price also increased by 17.26 per cent for the same period, at $440,900.
Home values in Springfield Lakes are still very accessible to most families and inventory is available, so the market is tipped for more growth.

Springfield Lakes House Price Growth

From January 2021 to December 2021, Springfield Lakes gained commendable momentum with a 21.61 per cent growth compared to last year, according to figures from Property Market Updates. The median house price for this suburb has reached the half-million mark at $529,000, up from $435,000.

House listings showed brisk and encouraging activity at an average of 29 days on market with 616 homes sold during this period. Most buyers have been quick to close deals for four-bedroom homes but a six-bedroom property was snapped up with the highest price at $1,315,000.

Whilst the general housing market is expected to slow down, Springfield Lakes is projected to enjoy substantial growth in 2022, offering more opportunities for smart investors. House prices in this suburb are still accessible to many families as well, especially for those looking to reside away from the city. Surrounded by parks, schools and booming small businesses, Springfield Lakes provides the perfect lifestyle for those who relish in the outdoors.

Springfield Lakes Unit Price Growth

The unit price for apartments or semi-attached properties in Springfield Lakes has also exhibited an uptick of 17.26 per cent from January 2021 to December 2021, with the median unit price at $440,900 by year end.

Market listings, however, stayed an average of 58 days on market, with 127 properties sold for this period. Three-bedroom apartments had the most transactions.

Brisbane’s property market generally shows a wider gap between house and unit prices, making it harder for investors to upgrade. However, in Springfield Lakes opportunities to step up are still attainable with the small difference in prices between an apartment and a detached house.

About Springfield Lakes

Springfield Lakes is part of the Greater Springfield location, the second-largest city to be master planned in Australia. Situated 30 minutes away from Brisbane CBD, this suburb in the western corridor sits on a rapidly developing hilly landscape which was a former eucalyptus foundation.

Developed with families in mind, Springfield Lakes has a lot of young, maturing and established couples who are either setting their roots or enjoying the prime of their lives in a suburb that has every convenience within reach. Schools provide a good selection for primary, secondary or tertiary education, including early education and childcare. Doctor visits are also accessible with established health services and more facilities in the planning and construction phases.

There is always something to do in Springfield Lakes for residents who love walking, biking, kayaking or simply enjoying the tranquil natural surroundings with a picnic. At the parklands, markets, live entertainment, fitness, and crafting events for kids and parents take place regularly as well. The easy commute to the Orion Springfield Centre, the main hub of the community, allows residents to enjoy dining, shopping, and other activities with their families and friends.

“A year ago we moved over from New Zealand. Out of the hundreds of overwhelming Suburbs to choose from we narrowed it right down to Springfield lakes. One main factor was that we didn’t want to be anywhere near the City but wanted ample amenities that allowed us to do so. We were advised that Springfield Lakes was a part of a grand master plan for Ipswich.”
Kristy

“Springfield Lakes is a total package of everything, such as great schools, USQ, TAFE, shopping malls, greenery train service and much more!”
Hasanthi

“I have lived in Springfield from 2010 for a year. Bought a house in Springfield Lakes since 2011 and we live here till now. We love it. The parks are great, nice and big. We have been to many many suburbs and take my daughter with us to the parks, most suburbs parks are just not comparable with Springfield Lakes. So many schools to choose from, no trouble getting to a school, private schools (St. Peters) are cheaper than you pay near the city. Even so, none of them are better schools compared them with schools near Brisbane.”
Gabriel

Gabriel

The Salvation Army Launches Flood Appeal to Assist in Relief Efforts and Beyond

Photo Credit: The Salvation Army / salvationarmy.org.au

Salvation Army Emergency Services teams have currently been deployed in various evacuation centres across the state, including the one at Ipswich Showgrounds. The Salvos have likewise launched “Flood Appeal” with a $1 million contribution towards relief efforts in the areas ravaged by the floods.

The Salvation Army has activated its emergency services teams, working with the evacuation centres across Queensland and NSW to support first responders and evacuees with meals as well as providing them with emotional and practical support. Apart from Ipswich, they are also assisting evacuation sites in Nambour, Gympie (two evacuation sites), Caboolture, Dakabin, Chandler, Logan, Lismore and Tweed Heads.

“Salvation Army personnel are on the ground right now providing thousands of meals for those impacted by floods across the east coast of Australia. In addition to meals, our teams are offering emotional support, which is well received by those displaced from their homes,” Major Bruce Harmer, National Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army said.

So far, Salvos have provided over 12,000 meals to these areas, however, much is still needed to sustain the relief efforts and fund the recovery and rebuilding phase. Thus, the “Flood Appeal” was launched with the aim of raising $10 million that will go directly to the approximately 18,000 homes that are estimated to be impacted by the extreme weather event.

Photo Credit: The Salvation Army / salvationarmy.org.au

To kickstart the fundraising drive, the Salvation Army released $1 million from its Red Shield Appeal funds along with an appeal for public donations “to help ensure we can support those devastated by these floods get back on their feet.”

“We have seen in the past two years, through bushfires, floods, drought and COVID-19, the spirit of generosity shown in times of hardship. We are calling again on the Australians to help us be there for the incredible number of people displaced by the floods. Please, if you are able, give to “The Salvation Army’s 2022 Flood Appeal”, Major Harmer said.

After the initial emergency response, Salvos will remain in the communities for the long term for the recovery and rebuild phase. During this phase, teams of caseworkers will be mobilised to reach out to affected communities, providing grants, financial support and acute care.

Visit the Salvation Army website to donate to “The Salvation Army’s Flood Appeal”. You can also round up your purchase at any Woolworths checkout in NSW and QLD, donate at any register throughout the country, or round up your in-store purchases at any Myer retail outlet nationally.

St Peters Springfield’s Mollie O’Callaghan to Headline 2022 QGSSSA Swimming Championships

Photo Credit: St Peters Lutheran College Springfield / Facebook

St Peters Lutheran College Springfield’s pride, Olympian Mollie O’Callaghan, is set to make waves once more as she headlines the 2022 QGSSSA Swimming Championships.

Fresh from her successful Tokyo Olympics stint, O’Callaghan will be competing for the Mollie Gould Cup on the 16th of March 2022 at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. Joining her in the Saints’ elite girls swimming squad are Ainsley Trotter, Amelia Weber, Ella Ramsay, Jaclyn Barclay, Jamie Perkins, and Semra Olowniyi.

O’Callaghan was recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day in recognition of her two gold medals and one bronze finish at the 2020 Summer Olympics; she was the youngest member of the Australian swimming team.

O’Callaghan bagged the gold medal in the 4×100 medley relay and the freestyle relay as a heat swimmer and was also part of the 4×200-m relay team that took home the bronze medal. She also broke the world junior record in the 200m freestyle.

But whilst the odds are in favour of St Peters Lutheran College given their formidable lineup, other stellar athletes and rising stars including the likes of Tribeca Liu of St Hilda’s, Brisbane State High School’s Hannah Allen and St Margaret’s Sophie Martin are sure to give the Saints some fierce competition.

The 87th Annual Swimming Championships will also feature for the first time, four open multi-class events for swimmers with a disability. The four events are the Open 50-m Freestyle Multiclass, Open 50-m Breaststroke Multiclass, Open 50-m Butterfly Multiclass, and Open 100-m Freestyle Multiclass.

The 2022 QGSSSA Swimming Championships will be streamed live via Clutch. Triple Australian Olympian and St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School Alumni, Bronte Barratt, will be co-commenting with Joel Murray this year’s live stream production.

Bottle Alley in Ipswich Set for Artistic Transformation

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Expressions of interest to re-imagine Bottle Alley in Ipswich are now being accepted. This unique opportunity is open to local, interstate and international creatives until 15 March 2022.

The Bottle Alley public art project has the theme ‘Lost Buildings of Ipswich Central’ and will provide individual artists as well as consortiums of creators with a unique canvas to display their artwork.

Artistic concepts may come in a combination of mediums including mural, sculpture, digital, and light.

“Bottle Alley is a laneway that joins Ellenborough Street with the Nicholas Street Precinct, parts of which date back more than 150 years,” Deputy Mayor and Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic said.

“Our city has a rich heritage, and this theme is to guide the artwork in connecting our history with the future using modern and innovative techniques to create an artwork that will appeal to our community.

Video Credit: Ipswich City Council TV / YouTube

Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson Councillor Marnie Doyle said that Council recognises that art “improves our public spaces, strengthens local identity, and cultivates a sense of place.”

“In recent years, public art has been a key focus of the Ipswich Central revitalisation with several new works from artists including Lincoln Austin, Rachael Sarra, Kim Ah Sam and Kyra Mancktelow and Fintan Magee,” said Cr Doyle.

“Art is also a significant contributor to our local economy that draws people to local businesses and galleries and fosters cultural tourism through regionally significant events like SPARK Ipswich.”

The project will allow large pieces of artwork to be displayed on more than 60 metres of open-air wall space that can stretch up to three metres high. More space is available inside the tunnel in which an outdoor dining area is also proposed.

Photo Credit: Ipswich First / ipswichfirst.com.au

“Sitting alongside new restaurants in the proposed Eats building, and as a gateway to Tulmur Place, this public art will help set the mood when entering the Nicholas Street Precinct.

Councillor Doyle added that Council is also in the process of exploring improvement opportunities for Bottle Alley including “additional wayfinding, new screening to replace the existing Queensland Rail security fence, and a potential widening of the alley.”

Artists and designers across Australia and internationally are encouraged to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) by 2:00 p.m. Tuesday 15 March 2022. The EOI process will provide Council with information and concepts from artists necessary to evaluate the most appropriate concept for Bottle Alley.
More information is available at this link.

Springfield Lakes Property Market Carry On With its Fast-Paced Growth

The rapid growth and increasing number of infrastructure projects in Springfield Lakes have given first-home buyers more options to become property owners. Buyers are spoilt for choice in this suburb with a wide range of house sizes, which means there is something here for every potential property hunter.

Highlights

Springfield Lakes has carried on with its rapid growth for the period of October 2020 to September 2021 with a 13.95 per cent house price increase.
Its unit market has gained a 16.99 per cent growth.
There were 509 houses and 110 units sold in Springfield Lakes within this 12-month period.

Springfield Lakes House Price Growth

Springfield Lakes’ growth, coupled with the current condition of the region’s property market, which has been described by industry experts as the “perfect storm” with historically low interest rates and stock shortages, have driven prices upward at its fastest rate as buyers scramble to acquire the home of their choice.

Data from Property Market Updates shows Springfield Lakes pulling a 13.95 per cent house price growth for the period of October 2020 to September 2021, with the median house price nearly reaching the half-million mark at $490,000.

For this period, 509 houses were sold within an average of 38 days on the market and more than half of the sales have been for four-bedroom houses. Springfield Lakes buyers get more bang for their buck as most of the houses are still within reach of a single-income earner eager to invest in a property.

Springfield Lakes Unit Price Growth

The unit market in Springfield Lakes is as equally attractive as the housing market with a 16.99 per cent growth from October 2020 to September 2021. The unit median price is nearly the same as the house median price at $439,000.

However, unlike house sales, there were just 110 units sold for this period within 68 days of listing on the market. Most unit buyers have preferred to acquire three-bedroom properties in luxury property developments, with some seeking investor-type apartments for future income incentives.

About Springfield Lakes

Springfield Lakes is one of the fastest-growing communities in Australia with a population of 30,000 and a projected population increase of 138,000 by 2030. This astounding increase shows the popularity of the area for homebuyers.

Both young and established families love the lifestyle offered in Springfield lakes, where outdoor recreational activities are abundant. The suburb provides biking and walking trails next to a beautiful lakeside park whilst schools, playgrounds, dining options, and essential shops are all within easy reach. Commute to the city using public transportation is also accessible via the train station at Springfield Central.

As part of a masterplanned community created within Greater Springfield, this suburb has a carefully developed mix of suburbian lifestyle, high-tech industries, and heaps of green spaces. Now, nearly two decades since its development, the suburb has also attracted stakeholders and investors in both the private and public sectors, providing more employment opportunities for the residents.

“We’ve lived in Springfield Lakes since October 2005 and now own two houses here. We love the parks, the trees, the layout of the suburbs and the shopping has everything you really need, with more on the way. There’s a good selection of primary, secondary and tertiary education facilities. The train will service the suburb by the end of 2013, so the public transport challenges will be resolved. In the meantime, we commute by car to the CBD every weekday and it takes between 35-45 min each way, and that’s door to door. With the Centenary Hwy duplication, it may be even quicker.”
Chrissy

“Lively and lovely suburb to live in. I have never heard of any crime in the area and statistics show that there is a low crime in the area. Very convenient good schools gd uni and hospital.”
Jek

“A year ago we moved over from New Zealand. Out of the hundreds of overwhelming Suburbs to choose from we narrowed it right down to Springfield lakes. One main factor was that we didn’t want to be anywhere near the City but wanted ample amenities that allowed us to do so. We were advised that Springfield Lakes was a part of a grand masterplan for Ipswich.
Kristy

Ipswich In Talks with Ash Barty for Statue Honouring World No.1

Tennis superstar Ash Barty will be honoured with her very own statue in Ipswich after her victorious performance to end a 44-year drought and win the Australian Open.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding confirmed in a press conference that they have been in discussions with Ms Barty’s team about creating a statue for the World No. 1.

Ms Harding said that Ipswich City Council is planning to put in an application for an Ash Barty statue after the Queensland Government established the Framework for Considering Proposals to Establish Memorials and Monuments of Significance.

“People are very keen to do a statue…so we’ll certainly put in a great application for that,” the mayor said. “Again, we’ll work with Ash’s team to make sure that it’s respectful and it’s something that’s really great.”

Ms Harding said that the community will also be involved in planning the statue. On her Facebook page, hundreds of Ipswich locals have shared their ideas on how best to honour Ms Barty.

I’m so proud to be an Aussie 💙 pic.twitter.com/ELbsqR4Vv8
— Ash Barty (@ashbarty) January 29, 2022

Following her epic win, Ipswich installed five electronic billboards to honour their homegrown talent. Ms Harding said that Barty’s success is an inspiration to the community and described the tennis champ as “down-to-earth and hardworking.”

“She is quintessentially Ipswich; down-to-earth, focused, works hard and she has achieved her dream.”

Ms Harding also said they are considering renaming a road after Ms Barty, depending on how the talks with her team work out.

In 2017, Ipswich gave Ms Ash Barty the key to the city for her outstanding contribution to tennis, besting Grand Slam singles results in the 2017 Australian Open and the 2017 US Open. This was also the year Ms Barty climbed the WTA Top 100 world rankings to end at 17. Tennis centres across Ipswich have also been named after her.

Ms Barty’s accomplishment also brings pride to the First Nations people. The 25-year-old is a proud Ngarigo woman.

Last year, two petitions were opened for an Ash Barty bride and an Ash Barty statue in Springfield Central in Ipswich, where she grew up.

“Ultimately, whatever Council and the community come up with, we will need to see what Ash feels comfortable,” Ms Harding said.

Ipswich Excavation Unearths 120-Yr-Old Handmade Brick Drain on Milford Street

Photo credit: Ipswich First / ipswichfirst.com.au

A handmade brick drain believed to be over 120 years old has been unearthed during an excavation carried out along Milford Street near Queens Park.

The historical find appears to be in great condition. The discovery of the clay brick arch stormwater drainage system happened whilst Ipswich City Council field crews were working on the site as part of the Eastern Ipswich Bikeway Link project.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding explained that a section of the artefact was exposed during the excavation. Realising the historical significance of the discovery, the field crews handled the brick drain with extra care whilst successfully connecting the new pipes into the existing and still fully functioning brick drainage network.

A 1947 ‘The Queensland Times’ article with a photo showing replacement work being undertaken on the old brick drainage structure

Photo credit: Trove / trove.nla.gov.au/

“I would like to acknowledge the staff that uncovered the drain, recognising they had dug up something special,” Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chair Councillor Marnie Doyle said.

“Council officers trawled through the history books to discover when the drain was built and unearthed the whole story behind it, which speaks volumes about our city pride and commitment to preserving local history.

Council research revealed that drainage works were carried out at the site in the 1880s and in 1910. At the time, the most prominent brick maker in Ipswich was the Welldon Company which was established in the 1860s by Thomas Welldon – acknowledged as a pioneer in the brick-making trade in Ipswich.

“While we may be the state’s fastest-growing city, we are also a city steeped in heritage and it is vitally important to protect historical artifacts where possible, “ Cr Doyle said.

“This wonderful piece of history is now part of a future bikeway and it is an example of how the future and past can sit together when both are valued.”