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Ipswich Celebrates Heritage Win for Historic Locomotive Factory

The Queensland Museum Rail Workshops have officially claimed the title of the 2026 Icon of Ipswich after a city-wide public vote recognised the former locomotive factory as the most significant contributor to the region’s historical identity.

A Legacy Built on Steam

Locomotive Factory — *Photo Credit:* *River 94.9/ Facebook*

The recognition comes as the city marks its 166th birthday, highlighting a site that once served as the industrial heartbeat of the state. For over a century, the North Ipswich workshops acted as the primary hub for rail construction in Queensland. Between 1877 and 1952, local workers manufactured 218 steam engines on the 60-acre property.

During its busiest years, the facility provided jobs for 3,000 people, making it a central part of daily life for generations of local families. This deep connection to the community is why the site remains a protected landmark on the Queensland Heritage Register today.

Overcoming Recent Challenges

While the workshops represent a proud past, the physical museum is currently navigating a difficult period following a natural disaster. In October 2025, a violent hailstorm caused extensive damage to the roof of the historic buildings.

Because of the scale of the repairs needed to protect the collection, the physical museum site remains temporarily closed to the public in early 2026. Despite the closure of the grounds, the museum team continues to share history through digital platforms, offering virtual tours and a specialised mobile application for those wanting to explore the heritage from home.

Education and Engineering

When the site is fully operational, it will serve as a massive cultural destination that blends heavy industry with interactive learning. The collection is housed within the old Boiler Shop and includes the oldest working steam locomotive in the country, which dates back to 1865.

For younger visitors, the Sciencentre provides over 20 hands-on stations focused on the principles of electricity and engineering. The facility also features the largest model railway in the state and specialised simulators that allow guests to experience the operation of modern tilt trains and diesel engines.

Community Spirit and Future Events

Local leaders and residents recently gathered at the workshops for a special pop-up celebration to acknowledge the new iconic status. During the event, the Mayor and Councillors joined community members to share a birthday cake and reflect on the site’s cultural impact.

Looking ahead, the workshops are scheduled to serve as the primary venue for the Fully Charged event. This gathering is a major part of the Planes, Trains and Autos festival and is set to take place on Saturday, 2 May 2026. The museum also remains a popular spot for school holiday programmes, often featuring miniature train rides and the Nippers Railway play area.

Accessibility and Visitor Care

The heritage site is designed to be inclusive, offering full access for wheelchairs and prams through the use of wide pathways and gentle ramps. While the Dining Hall cafe typically serves meals in a historic setting, the grounds also provide dedicated spaces for families. These include a parents’ room with changing facilities and a quiet room designed for visitors who may need a break from sensory stimulation. Free parking is located on-site to ensure the landmark remains easy to visit for everyone in the region once the restoration work is finished.

Published Date 11-March-2026

Jabiru Spring Mountain OSHC at Spring Mountain State School to Close in September 2026 Amid Space Shortage

Spring State Mountain School/Facebook

Out of School Hours Care services at Spring Mountain State School face closure in September 2026 after provider Jabiru Spring Mountain advised that a shortage of dedicated space on school grounds — a legal requirement for OSHC operations — has left the not-for-profit organisation unable to continue unless a workable solution is found before then.

The closure date, confirmed by affected families as September 2026 rather than end of year, has intensified concern across the Spring Mountain and Springfield Lakes community, where working families including single parents and dual-income households rely on before and after school care to bridge the gap between school hours and standard working hours. Spring Mountain State School gates open at 8:15am and school finishes at 2:30pm — a window of roughly six hours that is incompatible with full-time employment.

Why the Services Are at Risk

Jabiru Spring Mountain CEO Peter Loughnane and board member Sara Harrup confirmed the organisation wants to keep providing OSHC services at the school but is currently hamstrung by the limited space available. Under the National Quality Framework, providers must meet strict minimum space standards for every child in their care.

While schools are not legally required to provide a dedicated space for outside school hours care, any service that does operate must comply with these non-negotiable space requirements. This creates the current legal impasse: there is no mandate for a school to allocate additional rooms, yet a provider cannot legally open its doors if the available footprint falls short of the headcount.

The organisation has looked into local community facilities but found them either unavailable or financially out of reach for a not-for-profit. Using the school hall as a temporary fix is an option on the table, though families worry that regular external rentals and school events make it a shaky long-term solution. Ultimately, because there is no law forcing the host site to provide specific areas for care, the final call on space allocation sits with school leadership.

A Wider Problem Across the Springfield Corridor

The Spring Mountain closure is not an isolated case. Springfield Central State School has gone years without offering an OSHC service, leaving families to rely on nearby St Peter’s Lutheran College’s OSHC program. The demand has grown so high that St Peter’s can no longer accommodate Springfield Central students. Springfield State School also does not provide OSHC, an issue community members say they raised more than six years ago but remains unresolved.

The pattern across the Springfield corridor points to a systemic gap between the demand for OSHC services in one of south-east Queensland’s fastest-growing family suburbs and the supply of school-based care. Community members have noted that cleared land near some schools, including land unlikely to be developed following cancelled projects, may offer infrastructure opportunities that have not yet been fully explored. The Springfield Learning Coalition, which connects schools in the area, has been identified by community members as a potential vehicle for a coordinated solution across multiple schools.

What Jabiru Spring Mountain Currently Provides

Jabiru Spring Mountain delivers before school care, after school care and vacation care for students at Spring Mountain State School. The service provides a fully catered menu including breakfast, afternoon tea and a late snack on school days, and morning tea and lunch during vacation care. Families eligible for the Child Care Subsidy pay reduced fees based on combined household income. The programme has operated on the Spring Mountain State School campus since the school opened in 2019.

Families face fewer childcare options after Jabiru Spring Mountain OSHC confirms it will close in September 2026. — *Photo Credit: Jabiru Spring Mountain*

The service has already experienced one significant disruption, when it was forced to close temporarily due to staff departures following uncertainty over contract renewal. Families who lived through that closure say finding suitable alternatives in the area was extremely difficult, with limited options and high demand at existing services.

Why This Matters for Springfield Lakes and Spring Mountain Families

For single parents and dual-income households in Spring Mountain and Springfield Lakes, OSHC is not a discretionary service — it is the practical infrastructure that makes full-time work economically viable. With housing costs and basic living expenses requiring sustained full-time income, working only within the six-hour school day window is not a financially sustainable option for most families in the area.

The closure also falls hardest on those with the fewest alternatives: single parents without multigenerational household support, shift workers whose hours fall outside standard care windows, and families who cannot afford private nanny or babysitting arrangements. Community members have noted that in a cost-of-living environment where both parents are not just encouraged but financially required to work, the absence of mandatory OSHC provision at schools creates a structural disadvantage for families in growth corridors like Springfield and Spring Mountain where services lag behind population.

What Families Can Do

Affected families are encouraged to make their situations known directly, as individual representations carry weight in demonstrating the extent of community need and supporting efforts to find a workable solution before September 2026. Families can also contact Jabiru Spring Mountain directly at springmountain@jabiru.org.au or reach Jabiru’s central office on 07 3269 0044. Further information about Jabiru Community Services and its OSHC programmes is available at jabiru.org.au.

Published 11-March-2026.

Spray-Painted With Warnings and Gutted by Fire — So Why Are Buyers Flooding This Redbank Plains Listing?

A fire-ravaged house in Ipswich’s Redbank Plains has become Queensland’s most viewed residential property listing over the past week — and the fourth most clicked-on home in the entire country.

Read: New Catholic School in Redbank Plains Welcomes Foundation Students

The property at 7 Coolabah Drive is currently on the market with offers invited over $550,000. The 450 square metre block once contained a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home before fire gutted it in late 2024. What remains is structurally compromised, smoke-damaged throughout, and by the listing’s own admission, not habitable. Its facade spray-painted with blunt warnings telling anyone who approaches to stay out.

Listing agent Troy Boettcher of House Property Agents said enquiry had been substantial since the property went live, with calls and emails coming in from builders, first home buyers and investors. Boettcher said the $550,000 price point was the key attraction, even given the near-certain need to demolish what remains of the existing structure.

He noted the fire damage extends throughout the entire property — details he said were based on photographs, having not personally inspected the interior.

The listing is candid about the scale of work involved. It describes substantial fire and smoke damage requiring either major structural repairs or full demolition, and flags that only some fixtures and fittings are likely to be salvageable. Prospective buyers are told they can either knock the structure down and build fresh on the existing slab, or carry out extensive repairs to the existing structure.

The owner, who lives interstate, held an insurance claim that has since been finalised and closed. Rather than manage a rebuild from afar, they chose to sell and let the market take over. According to Boettcher, being interstate and facing a potential rebuild, the owner decided putting the property on the market was the most practical path forward.

The level of interest reflects how dramatically the suburb has changed. The local median house price now sits at $770,000, more than double what it was a decade ago, when homes in the area were changing hands for around $320,000. That kind of growth is precisely what has buyers looking past the spray-painted warnings on the front wall.

Read: Redbank Plains Pug Honey Honoured as National Canine Home Hero

Whether the eventual purchaser reaches for a bulldozer or attempts a restoration, one thing is clear. In Brisbane’s current market, even a burnt-out shell with danger signs on the door is worth a second look.

Published 10-March-2026

$4-M Boost Puts Ipswich’s Second Bremer River Crossing One Step Closer

A long-awaited second crossing over the Bremer River in central Ipswich has moved a significant step closer to reality, with $4 million secured to fund a Detailed Business Case for the proposed new bridge.

Read: Cracks Force Speed Limit Drop on Major Ipswich Highway Bridge

Ipswich City’s local officials welcomed the funding announcement on Friday 27 February, describing it as the commencement of an important project that the community has pushed for over more than a decade.

With a Preliminary and Strategic Business Case already completed, the latest injection of funds secures the critical next planning phase, the Detailed Business Case, which will lay the groundwork for what could eventually become the city’s second inner-city river crossing.

For daily commuters and residents who know central Ipswich well, the need for another bridge is no mystery. The David Trumpy Bridge currently stands as the only inner-city crossing over the Bremer River, carrying the full burden of traffic moving through a city that has grown substantially in recent years. The broader Ipswich corridor has experienced significant population growth in recent years, adding pressure to roads funnelling toward a single crossing point.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the new crossing had been on the community’s radar for a long time. “A second inner city river crossing had been on the Ipswich community’s wish list for more than a decade,” Mayor Harding said.

Beyond easing peak-hour gridlock, Mayor Harding pointed to flood resilience as one of the most compelling reasons to push ahead. Anyone who has lived through Ipswich’s major flood events knows how vulnerable a city can become when it relies on a single crossing. “The second crossing will play a critical role in improving flood immunity and strengthening the resilience of our transport network,” she said.

There’s also a broader vision for what a second bridge could mean for Ipswich’s city centre. Mayor Harding noted it would help “unlock the full potential of our CBD by diverting unnecessary through-traffic and easing congestion on the existing David Trumpy Bridge.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said the funding allows the project to move into the next phase which is the Detailed Business Case.

“Supporting Ipswich City Council’s planning work for a second bridge over the Bremer River in central Ipswich demonstrates our commitment to delivering what we said we would during the election.”

Read: Bremer River Flooding Update: Water Levels Receding After Cyclone Alfred

The $4 million investment forms part of the State’s Safer Roads, Better Transport initiative.

It’s worth noting that a Detailed Business Case is still a planning document. Further planning, approvals, and a construction funding commitment would all be required before any building could begin.

Published 9-March-2026

Woman, 21, Dies After Centenary Highway Crash At Spring Mountain

Photo Credit: myPolice Greater Ipswich/Facebook

A 21-year-old woman has died after a head-on collision between two Toyota LandCruisers on the Centenary Highway at Spring Mountain.

Collision On Centenary Highway

The crash occurred on Friday, 27 February, at about 5.25 p.m. on the Centenary Highway near exit 33 at Spring Mountain, south-west of Brisbane.

Police reported that a purple Toyota LandCruiser and a white Toyota LandCruiser were travelling in opposite directions before the vehicles collided.

Centenary Highway collision — *Photo Credit: myPolice Greater Ipswich/Facebook*

Woman Dies In Hospital

The driver of the purple LandCruiser, a 21-year-old woman from Purga, sustained critical injuries in the crash. She was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital for treatment.

She died in hospital on Saturday, 28 February, as a result of her injuries.

Second Driver Treated

The driver of the white LandCruiser, a 23-year-old man from Greenbank, sustained minor injuries. He was also taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Spring Mountain crash — *Photo Credit: myPolice Greater Ipswich/Facebook*

Investigation Ongoing

The Forensic Crash Unit of the Queensland Police Service is investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Police have asked anyone with relevant information to contact authorities and quote reference number QP2600390172.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Published 2-Mar-2026

Lions Overrun Suns in Heated Springfield Shootout as MRO Spotlight Looms

It might have been pre-season on paper — it didn’t feel like it.

In a fiery AAMI Community Series clash at Brighton Homes Arena on February 26, the Brisbane Lions shook off an early Gold Coast blitz before exploding late to claim a 19.12 (126) to 15.11 (101) victory in a match that had everything: momentum swings, young guns rising, big names firing — and a couple of incidents that will have the Match Review Officer on alert.

If this was a “dress rehearsal”, Brisbane delivered it with finals-level edge.

Suns Strike First — Lions Strike Harder

Gold Coast came out breathing fire.

Five first-quarter goals stunned the home crowd as Jarrod Witts dominated the ruck early and Christian Petracca powered through stoppages. For a moment, the Suns looked sharper, cleaner, hungrier.

Then Brisbane’s engine room went to work.

Lachie Neale turned the tide with a masterclass in clearance work — 31 disposals and 10 clearances. Zac Bailey injected spark and dare, finishing with 25 touches and two goals, while Josh Dunkley went to the coalface and refused to give ground.

By half-time, the contest had levelled. By three-quarter time, Brisbane had edged ahead. In the final term, they slammed the door shut — six goals to three to run away 25-point winners.

That’s not pre-season complacency. That’s control.

Morris Monsters His Opponent

If there was one Lion who stamped his authority, it was Logan Morris.

Four goals. Relentless leading. Aerial strength. Physical presence.

Morris consistently got the better of Mac Andrew in one-on-one contests, forcing errors and capitalising inside 50. With several key forwards unavailable, he looked every bit a player ready to shoulder responsibility in 2026.

Charlie Cameron buzzed back into action with two goals and trademark defensive pressure, while Lincoln McCarthy and Kai Lohmann added forward-half heat.

Brisbane’s forward line, even undermanned, looked potent.

Young Lions Roar in the Ruck

With Darcy Fort rested and Sam Draper sidelined, Zane Zakostelsky and Cody Curtin were thrown into the deep end against Witts.

Zakostelsky didn’t just survive — he competed. His follow-up work and mobility stood out, particularly through the middle quarters when the Lions began to assert dominance. Curtin showed flashes of athleticism and intensity, underlining the club’s growing depth.

Bruce Reville also caught the eye with 20 composed disposals, continuing to press his case ahead of Opening Round.

Brisbane didn’t just win. It found options.

Late Hits and Nervous Waits

The temperature spiked late.

Gold Coast forward Jed Walter was reported for high contact on Zakostelsky after a late incident, while Jy Farrar’s heavy collision with Darcy Wilmot — collecting the Lion when he wasn’t looking — is likely to draw scrutiny.

It added genuine spite to a contest that had already lifted beyond typical pre-season intensity.

Hugh McCluggage’s night ended early with a corked calf, though the club expects him to be available for Opening Round. Luke Lloyd hobbled off with an ankle concern.

Otherwise, Brisbane escaped largely intact — and with reinforcements to come.

Harris Andrews, Dayne Zorko and Darcy Fort were rested. Cam Rayner trained earlier in the day. Oscar Allen and Ryan Lester continue through concussion protocols.

Suns Show Firepower — But Lions Show Authority

Gold Coast had its highlights. Petracca (24 disposals, nine clearances) looked every bit the midfield upgrade the Suns craved, while Leo Lombard’s three goals showcased emerging class.

But when the pressure rose, Brisbane responded.

After quarter-time, the Lions controlled territory, controlled stoppage, and ultimately controlled the scoreboard.

Pre-season doesn’t hand out premiership points. But it does send messages.

On Thursday night, against the Suns, Brisbane sent one loud and clear.

Message received.

Published 27-Feb-2026

Ed Sheeran Signs Ipswich Mural, Performs to Sold-out Crowds

Suncorp Stadium/Facebook

Ed Sheeran made a surprise visit to Ipswich on Friday 20 February, quietly signing a mural of himself in the city’s CBD before heading to Suncorp Stadium for the first of three sold-out Brisbane concerts, capping a 10-month community campaign that put the Queensland city on the global map and generated an estimated $3 million in earned media value.

The visit delivered exactly what the residents of Ipswich had been working toward since May last year. The Get Ed to Ipswich campaign drew in local businesses, schools and residents, with a bakery producing Ginger-Ed cookies and the local pub pouring a custom Ed Beeran Brew among dozens of community-led activations. When Sheeran finally pulled up to the Hotel Commonwealth on Nicholas Street and uncapped a marker, the result of all that effort became real in about 30 seconds.

For Springfield Lakes and the broader Ipswich community, the moment landed as something beyond a celebrity sighting. It was a reminder that a city often overshadowed by its larger neighbour to the east can generate its own global story when its community commits to one.

Understanding the $3 Million Earned Media Impact

Earned media refers to publicity generated organically through news coverage, social sharing and third-party conversation rather than paid advertising. Unlike traditional marketing spend, it reflects independent coverage that audiences tend to perceive as more credible and authentic.

In Brisbane’s case, the campaign attracted state, national and international attention across broadcast, digital and print platforms, amplifying the city’s profile well beyond Queensland and creating exposure that would have cost significantly more if purchased as advertising space.

The Mural That Started It All

The campaign’s centrepiece was a large mural commissioned by Warner Music Australia and painted by Brisbane-based artist Duncan Mattocks between the Hotel Commonwealth and 1 Nicholas Street in Ipswich Central. Mattocks spent six days and approximately 10 litres of paint across 12 colours to bring the 11.5-metre by 4-metre artwork to life, with curious locals dropping by throughout the week to ask questions and photograph the work in progress.

The mural was commissioned in September 2025 to celebrate Sheeran’s eighth studio album PLAY, and quickly became the focal point of the community’s push to attract the star during his 2026 Australian Loop Tour. The connection between Ipswich, Queensland and Ipswich, England is not incidental. Ed Sheeran grew up in the Suffolk town and has a well-documented habit of visiting cities around the world that share his hometown’s name, including Ipswich in Massachusetts. The campaign in Queensland started in earnest after Sheeran’s record of visiting namesake cities was noted by a Brisbane radio host, who reached out to the Ipswich community last May.

Ed Sheeran mural — *Photo Credit: Book An Artist*

When Sheeran signed the mural on Friday afternoon, he wrote a message and quipped to those around him: “There’s a new mayor in town.” The remark set up what was to follow.

The Mayoral Chains and a Signed Jersey

At Sunday night’s final Brisbane concert at Suncorp Stadium, Ipswich’s community representative attended backstage and presented Ed Sheeran with the official mayoral chains of office, formally naming him honorary co-mayor of Ipswich. Sheeran wore them and later acknowledged the moment from the stage, telling the crowd that the Ipswich mayor had put the mayoral necklace on him before the gig and that he was now unsure whether he was technically a mayor.

As a parting gift, Ed Sheeran signed an Ipswich Town FC jersey, the English football club from his hometown, and addressed it to the “Mayor of the 2nd best Ipswich.” The community representative responded that she was more than happy to share the role, and that Sheeran was welcome back any time.

What the Visit Meant for Local Business

The mural on Nicholas Street became an immediate tourist magnet, with fans travelling from as far as Hervey Bay to photograph themselves in front of it after Ed Sheeran’s signature was confirmed. Local hospitality venues reported strong trade in the nights leading up to and during the Brisbane concert run, with dozens of businesses having participated in Ed-themed promotions and content throughout the campaign period.

The 10-month campaign is estimated to have generated around $3 million in earned media value through coverage across Australia and internationally, shining a sustained spotlight on Ipswich well beyond the weekend of the concerts. The economic ripple across Springfield Lakes, Ipswich Central and surrounding communities reflected what happens when a city backs itself.

Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour continues with shows at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on 26, 27 and 28 February, followed by a final Australian date at Adelaide Oval on 5 March. The signed mural at Nicholas Street, Ipswich Central remains open to visitors at all hours.

Published 26-February-2026.

Springfield Lakes Nursing Graduate Completes Mater Education Diploma

Photo Credit: Mater QLD/Instagram

A 21-year-old from Springfield Lakes has completed Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing and secured her first role at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane after overcoming childhood leukaemia.

Health Journey Inspires Nursing Path In Springfield Lakes

Lucy Newman was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at nine years of age after experiencing fatigue and pain for about six months. Following repeated medical visits without clear answers, she later collapsed at home and was taken to hospital, where tests confirmed the diagnosis.

She underwent three years of treatment and went into remission after a bone marrow transplant. Her experience receiving care during that period influenced her decision to pursue nursing as a career.

On January 22, Newman graduated as part of a record cohort of 173 students who completed the Diploma of Nursing through Mater Education.

Training Pathway And Workforce Demand

The qualification was completed fee-free over 18 months under Queensland’s Free Nursing initiative. The program is offering 2000 fee-free Diploma of Nursing training places this year.

Health workforce projections estimate that 21,300 additional nurses will be required by 2032. In 2026, around 940 trainee nurses are expected to study with Mater Education across Brisbane, Springfield and Townsville.

Eligibility for the fee-free initiative requires Queensland residency and Australian citizenship or permanent residency.

Springfield Lakes nursing diploma graduate — *Photo Credit: Mater QLD/Instagram*

Clinical Placement Experience

During a placement on the oncology ward at Mater Hospital Brisbane, Newman said her personal medical history helped her relate to patients undergoing treatment. She has secured a position as an Enrolled Nurse at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane following graduation.

Mater Education Diploma of Nursing Senior Manager Clare Cureton said Newman demonstrated empathy and clinical capability throughout her training and noted there are nursing opportunities across Queensland.

Published 24-Feb-2026

Nicholas Street Precinct Wins Silver at 2026 World Design Awards, Capping a Strong 2025 Awards Run

Ipswich’s Nicholas Street Precinct has added an international accolade to its list of industry recognition, winning Silver in the wayfinding category at the Better Future World Design Awards 2026. The win follows five major awards received by the precinct throughout 2025, spanning property, construction, hospitality and urban design.

Read: HOYTS Named Flagship Cinema for Nicholas Street Precinct

The Better Future World Design Awards draw entries from the world’s largest network of design award programs, covering regional, sector and design capital competitions. The awards recognise the work of both commissioning clients and design professionals on built environment projects.

The Nicholas Street Precinct was recognised in the wayfinding category for a design that, according to the award’s project brief, supports intuitive exploration of the revitalised area, helps users navigate independently, fosters a sense of place, and extends the experience of the surrounding urban environment. The precinct recorded more than two million visits over the past year.

The $311 million precinct includes a council administration building, two libraries, Tulmur Place civic square, a zero-depth water play area, and a range of dining and entertainment venues.

The 2026 World Design Silver follows a series of awards received by the precinct throughout 2025. The Property Council of Australia named the precinct winner of the Best Public Building or Social Infrastructure Development Award at its 2025 Innovation and Excellence Awards. At the 2025 Urban Developer Awards, it took out Development of the Year in the Urban Regeneration category.

Photo credit: Google Maps/Nicholas Street Precinct

The Venue Building was awarded Best Commercial Refurbishment/Renovation over $30 million at the 2025 Master Builders Queensland Awards. The precinct’s wayfinding design had already earned a Gold medal at the 2025 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards — in the same category that has since been recognised at the world level. The Hotel Commonwealth, located within the precinct, was named Best Redeveloped Hotel in the General Division at the 2025 Queensland Hotels Association Awards.

Prior to 2025, the precinct received the Queensland Minister’s Award for Urban Design and the Movement and Place Award in 2024, along with multiple industry awards dating back to 2021.

Read: Two Million Visits Mark Revitalised City Precinct in Ipswich

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding described the Silver award as an honour for the city, saying the precinct represented a triumph of urban renewal and a model for people-first public spaces, where pedestrians are prioritised over vehicles.

Published 24-February-2026

Young Leaders at the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society Are Connecting Communities Through History

Did you know that the president of one of Ipswich’s long‑standing local history societies is just 26 years old? Alice Sippel is the youngest president in the 47‑year history of the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society, a volunteer organisation usually led by older members.

Read: Bottle Alley Reopens To Pedestrians With Striking Tribute To Ipswich History

Ms Sippel says that working alongside volunteers in their 80s and 90s has shown her the value in traditional methods of preserving history, while also highlighting opportunities to try different approaches to documenting the past. She emphasises the importance of learning from experience while finding new ways to share stories from the region.

In early 2025, Ms Sippel was selected as president after several years volunteering at the Society, including serving as Treasurer the year before. She took over from Susanne Rijs, who had led the Society for 19 years. By profession, Ms Sippel is a librarian and previously worked as a library technician in Lowood, giving her skills that complement the Society’s archival work.

Joining her in this work is 25‑year‑old Mr Montgomery, who spends much of his spare time researching historic buildings in Ipswich. Some of his friends do not share his interest, but Mr Montgomery has explained that he finds compelling stories in places such as the 150‑year‑old St Paul’s Anglican Church and local sites like Limestone Park, where community folklore suggests an elephant is buried. He sees these places as narratives that connect people across generations.

Why Young Volunteers Are Key

Local history and heritage organisations across Australia are facing an ageing membership and challenges in attracting younger volunteers. Leaders in the field emphasise the importance of young people stepping in to sustain these societies. Volunteers like Ms Sippel are seen as important for encouraging others of their generation to get involved and contribute energy and new perspectives to preserving local history.

This work is particularly vital in a region like Ipswich, which is undergoing rapid development. As new housing and commercial developments transform the landscape, historic homes, churches and community buildings stand side‑by‑side with modern structures. Local historians play an important role in explaining why preserving these older streetscapes matters, both for cultural identity and community memory.

Photo credit: Rosewood Scrub Historical Society

Ms Sippel also points to lessons from the past that resonate today—for example, how her regional hometown of Marburg faced pressures during World War I that led to changes in the town’s name due to its German heritage. She believes that dedicating time to community work helps people value their heritage and contribute meaningfully to society. Mr Montgomery similarly sees history as a way to inspire, educate and connect people across generations.

A History of the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society

The Rosewood Scrub Historical Society was formed in 1979 as a volunteer association to preserve a range of historical documents gathered during school centenaries across the region. The name describes the area it serves, which includes Ashwell, Fernvale, Glamorgan Vale, Haigslea, Lowood, Marburg, Minden, Mt Marrow, Prenzlau, Rosewood, Tallegalla and Tarampa. Its focus from the outset has been on preserving documents and photographs, which the Society believes are powerful tools for telling local stories.

The Society’s archives have grown to include more than 4,000 items, including family histories and community photographs. Volunteers work to catalogue and maintain these collections, ensuring they remain available to community members, researchers and future generations.

Today, the Society operates entirely through volunteer efforts, funded by membership fees, donations, grants, sponsorships, research services and the sale of photographs and publications. Its hall, located in Marburg and maintained by Ipswich City Council, serves as a hub for research and community engagement, where locals can explore and learn about their shared past.

Keeping Local Stories Alive

Under the leadership of volunteers like Ms Sippel and Mr Montgomery, the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society shows that local history remains a living narrative, not just a record of things past. Their work helps ensure that the stories, traditions and memories of Brisbane’s outer suburbs continue to be preserved and shared even as the region evolves.

Read: A Piece of Ipswich History: Historic CWA Property Set for Auction

Together, their commitment demonstrates that passion for preserving the past is not limited by age, and that local history will thrive when diverse voices and generations are part of the conversation.

Published 19-February-2026