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Church Service With a Side Order of Popcorn!

This cinematic event with a difference has just commenced at Event Cinemas Springfield on a Sunday courtesy of C3 Church, Springfield.

The recurring theme of disruption caused by COVID has stopped so many events that Event Cinemas has reached out to local church C3, based in Springfield, for them to be able to hold their regular Sunday meet ups at one of their theatres.

Matt Hickson, the pastor, stressed how the church community as a whole has struggled with the lack of human interaction. Having such a fun location that can accommodate their community with strict, COVID-safe industry plan guidelines. They are always happy to welcome new members so this has really provided a positive focus on the group at large.

The community has a large following and has been regularly meeting up in the area since 2017. Whilst technology has helped reach a number of individuals, there is nothing like catching up in person to support each other in a space that can provide the required social distancing.

There is spiritual learning as a Church, and a wish to invest in the community and help wherever they can at this time.

There are a number of smaller events that the group regularly holds — from fortnightly youth groups for older children to smaller walking groups and parent groups for those that need human interaction and a chat.

There is still an online outlet that is communicated through social media to keep abreast of current projects and be able to reach members of the group when needed.

Photo Credit: C3 Church Springfield/Facebook

There is also a branch of the church community, known as ‘Beyond,’ which helps those in need by partnering with local organisations to assist practically where possible by providing such things as garden makeovers, providing vouchers to families in need, issuing food hampers to name but a few.

Sundays are their biggest gathering and this helps to bring the community together. While the theatre is occupied with adults, another smaller space opposite it is utilized for children programs including videos and arts and crafts.

This is a welcome relief to people who are struggling alone or in financial distress, struggling with family issues and need support from community members and whilst online has helped to bridge a gap to a degree, the ability to meet up in person through the gesture of Event Cinemas has gone a long way to helping people get through this time.

At a later stage, the church hopes to have a facility of their own, but while COVID is still prevalent, having places available that they can reach as many people as possible is extremely important to them and their community and will continue to do so for some time to come. If you feel that the church can help you at this time, please contact them for further details on some of the activities that they are involved in.

Ipswich Population Rises to Over 228,000; Feedback Needed for ‘Shape Your Ipswich’

About 7,005 new residents moved to Ipswich for the previous financial year, increasing the city’s total population to 3.16 percent or 228,544, latest statistics revealed.

According to the Planning and Regulatory Services Annual report, nearly 2,500 new houses were built in the city from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020. Spring Mountain continues to have the highest population growth with 1,247 new residents followed by Redbanks Plain with 900. South Ripley, Bellbird Park and Ripley also gained new residents and new dwellings.

The increase does not surprise Mayor Teresa Harding who said that many people are slowly recognising the benefits of living in this city.

“Ipswich is one of the most liveable regions in Queensland. Our beautiful parks and natural areas, world-class heritage sites and vibrant local restaurant scene attract a diverse range of new residents every day,” Ms Harding said.

However, with an increasing population, Ms Harding said that Council will need to “gear-up” with developments and improvements with the help of the State and Federal governments.

“Our growing communities will require new infrastructure and services and this Council is committed to ensuring both the State and Federal governments understand the current and future investment opportunities.”

Photo Credit: Vc1988/ CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

In line with this, the Council is asking for inputs from residents on a number of issues, especially for flood control and catchment management.

“The new plan goes above and beyond basic flood mitigation and as such will guide council’s action and future investment in everything from land use planning and new infrastructure, through to community awareness and ecosystem health,” Ms Harding said.

The Council will open public comments for the following topics until October 2020:

Community Awareness and Resilience
Physical Mitigation
Property Specific Actions
Current/Future Flood Risk
Land Use Planning and Emergency Management

Residents can provide their feedback and ideas at Shape Your Ipswich.

Café Kalina Tackles Mental Health Awareness: Have a Cuppa and Chat with No Judgements

Recently recognised for supporting the community and helping to raise awareness of mental health by local dignitaries, Café Kalina by Luvbite Creations — on Panorama Drive, Springfield — is excelling at helping people needing support during this difficult time.

If you need to talk or know of someone who does, the cafe welcomes you to become a part of their family. You may grab information and pick up the many leaflets dotted around the cafe, courtesy of Beyond Blue.

No questions, no judgement, just friendly faces — and good food and drinks!

Giving Back to the Community

With his history as a Life Coach with Brisbane City Churches in Fortitude Valley some years ago, the owner, Ché, is only too familiar with mental health issues. In the current climate, Ché is keen to give back to the community that has supported him and the cafe during the pandemic by raising the awareness of mental health.

Again, there is no judgement here. In fact, you can help yourself to information without any questions, for yourself or someone you feel may need the information.

The staff are seen wearing the blue wrist bands from Beyond Blue in support and you may also have the fridge magnets with important contact details.

The atmosphere at the Café Kalina is very friendly, relaxed, and set in a beautiful location with a backdrop looking out towards a nature corridor. You can chat with the very friendly members of the cafe who always have the time to converse and make you feel included in the community.

Ché’s customers are so loyal that he has even had a visit from customers at his old establishment travelling all the way from Townsville to Springfield just to catch up and have a cuppa with them!

The Mental Health Awareness project has been hailed a success in supporting many patrons and was initially only going to run for a month (August). However, this has been rolled over to September due to the number of people who have recognized the importance of the scheme and in a bid to help as many people as possible.

About Café Kalina

The cafe itself opened in November 2019 on the new Stockland Development within Springfield situated on Panorama Drive, next door to Panorama Park. It is currently open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week and is fast becoming one of the most popular places to socialize in the area.

Photo Credit: The Cafe Kalina by Luvbites Creations/Facebook

With an impressive record of between 250-280 breakfasts served on EACH weekend day, together with approximately 150 lunches per weekend day, the owner Ché and his staff, always has a welcoming smile, time for a chat and cooks up a storm!!

All are welcome, including your pooches, with many treats available on site.

Plans Lodged for New Springfield Housing Estate for 800 Families

The Ipswich City Council received a proposal to build a Springfield housing estate for over 800 families in a vegetated land south of Camira and east of Brookwater. Covering 167 hectares, the site will be part of Springview Estate and will cover the boundaries along Mur Boulevard, Telopea Way and Panorama Drive, as well as the Woogaroo and Opposum creeks.

The application (4272/2020/ADP), filed by Cherish Enterprises Pty Ltd on June 2020, seeks to carry out 23 stages of development with 10 to 60 detached houses built per stage, with approximately 821 residential lots. Each of these houses will sit on 250 sqm to 575 sqm lots, which will be properly spaced apart.

The plan, which is part of Village 2, also includes building local parks and open spaces, as well as road network improvements that will connect the new estate to the current housing development on Panorama Drive (Village 1). No natural resources and sites of cultural significance in the land area exist, thus the proposed development won’t impact conserved or protected sites.

Photo Credit: PD Online/Ipswich City Council

A neighbourhood or town centre in this Springfield housing estate is not part of this proposal. The developers’ focus is on building a “safe, attractive and desirable” residential environment.” However, the proposal stated a community centre might be added to Village 3. Detailed planning for Village 3 has yet to be undertaken.

“The layout of the proposed subdivision has had the benefit of civil engineering, stormwater, ecological, traffic and bushfire input,” the design team Reel Planning stated in the proposal. “In our opinion it strikes a balance between maximising the use of an area that is zoned for residential development, protecting significant natural features and ensuring adequate access to nearby services and facilities.”

The proposal falls under the Springfield Structure Plan and will not require public notification. Council is currently assessing the development application.

The Skin Sanctuary Celebrates 10 Years Of Beauty And Wellness

Photo Credit: Leni Images

Good skin care is important to aging gracefully and whilst certain skin conditions may be treated at home, you can take years off your face, achieve a healthy complexion, and gain a boost of confidence by visiting a specialist. Have you considered a relaxing, refreshing, and reviving retreat at The Skin Sanctuary in Brookwater?

This year, The Skin Sanctuary is celebrating 10 years of helping customers rejuvenate worn-out skin due to age and sun exposure. Sarah Hall, the owner and specialist, has 26 years of experience as a qualified Beauty Therapist, advising clients of all skin types on various skin issues.

Image from: https://www.facebook.com/theskinsanctuary/

From her clinic within the home she shares with her husband, Sarah provides holistic body therapies and advanced skin treatments to help clients relieve skin problems and reduce tension.

Her gentle demeanour, calming personality, and eagerness to listen to clients are definitive assets. If you’re concerned about results and the procedures’ effects on your skin, Sarah’s helpful guidance and careful handling will help you relax.

Here are some of The Skin Sanctuary’s services .

Full body wraps, such as the 2-hr holistic marine full body wrap with massage (not in photo).

Signature facials

Lymphatic therapy facial is a holistic approach to rejuvenating the skin.

Cosmelan is an intensive chemical peel for pigmentation.

Dermal lift microcurrent facial for a “facelift”

LED Light skin treatments

For a fully rejuvenating experience, Sarah especially recommends the pamper packages at her clinic. The Sanctuary Signature is most in-demand, providing two hours of blissful pampering of the face, back, and feet.

Check out their pamper packages here.

The Skin Sanctuary also offers Sarah’s own products for beauty and wellness.

New product alert! Skin Polish multi-action exfoliant with bamboo powder plus AHA/BHA blend of plant acids to gently refine and smooth the skin. Great step before a mask. Used 2 x weekly, it aids other skincare products absorb better. Fresh green tea scent.
Image from https://www.facebook.com/theskinsanctuary/

Her personal favourites are the cleansing oil, peptide youth elixir, and skin dew.

She has her own line of skincare items, herbal teas, and essences.

CALMING skin range: (normal, dry & sensitive skin types) milk thistle, elderflower, jacaranda flower, calendula, gotu kola are a few of the botanicals used. Enjoy the divine smell of patchouli & jasmine. Image from https://www.facebook.com/theskinsanctuary/

For its 10-year anniversary, The Skin Sanctuary is shaving $20 off the skincare package consisting of the cleanser, toner, and moisturiser.

Clients availing of the introductory facial will also get a free trial pack of products as it’s a great place to start when unsure of what products to use or what professional treatments to take on.

Click here for the pamper packages.

The Skin Sanctuary also observes COVID-19 protocols.

Pay It Forward in this Pandemic with Two Butchers

The coronavirus spread across the globe might bring disheartening news but it’s also highlighting how communities are coming together. If you need a burst of inspiration or good news, then this initiative from Two Butchers is guaranteed to make you smile.

This butcher shop located on Main Street, Springfield Central, recently launched a “Pay It Forward Meat Packs” donation drive, where you can help provide meals for families supported by Westside Community Care.

Every week, the community care distributes free bread, vegetables, grocery and other essential items to the needy. If you’d like to make their meals more nutritious and filling, Two Butchers came up with two types of meat packs specifically created for this food drive.

A $30 pack can feed a family for 3 days, while the $65 pack is good for a week-long meat supply. These may only be purchased as vouchers in-store or online for easier distribution.

First Donation

On Aug. 14, Two Butchers completed the first set of meat pack deliveries.

“A heartfelt THANK YOU to all our amazing customers, community and businesses that stepped up and joined forces with Orion and Two Butchers to help make a difference to families in need,” the butchers said in a Facebook post.

“COVID-19 has impacted our community greatly and there are many who are doing it tough. Pastor Phill Cutcliffe and the hardworking volunteers of Westside Community Care are wonderful! We are proud to be part of such an amazing community and proud to support Westside Community Care.”

But this is not all that you can do to pay it forward. Two Brothers also set up a donation box at the entrance of Coles and Woolworths in the Greater Springfield where you can drop food items like canned goods, noodles, sauces and spreads, or baby food.

Who are the Two Butchers?

Two Butchers is an award-winning meat retailing shop owned and managed by Steven McMeniman and Kenneth Kearney. They commit to the highest standard of supplyinh grass fed, antibiotic free and farm fresh meats, as well as support ethical practices in raising farm animals.

For store hours, product availability and news about their donation drive, follow Two Butchers on Facebook.

7 Ipswich Artists Debut At Brisbane Street Art Festival

Seven talented Ipswich artists will be making their debut at the Brisbane Street Art Festival and their murals will be showcased across the city for two days this August 2020.

Fintan Magee, Emily Devers, Ash Taylor, Gus Eagleton, Jordache, Styna and Rachael Sarra are the first group of artists to get involved in this festival’s five-year history. They’ve been painting in different areas around the city from 27 July until 2 Aug 2020.

If you’re keen to check out their work, mark these sites for the public viewing on 8 to 9 Aug. 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The artists will also be on-site to engage the viewers. However, everyone is expected to observe social distancing and other safety protocols against virus transmission.

ARTIST	LOCATION
Fintan Magee @fintan_magee on Instagram	Limestone St Centre, Ipswich (facing South St)
Gus Eagleston @instaguss on Instagram	Nicholas St Precinct
Emily Devers @emily.devers on Instagram	Ipswich Art Gallery, d’Arcy Doyle Place
Ash Taylor @ashtaylr on Instagram	Circa 160 Dancing Bean, 164 Brisbane Street
Jordache @itsjordache on Instagram	Fire Station 101, 101 Limestone St
STYNA @stynabyna on Instagram	Studio 188, 188 Brisbane St
Rachael Sarra @sar.ra__ on Instagram * She will begin painting 10 Aug 2020	Ipswich Health Plaza, 15 Bell St (Visible from East Street)

To check the artists’ profiles, visit the Ipswich Festivals official site. Follow Ipswich Festivals on Facebook for the artists’ interviews and upcoming socially-distanced workshops.

Photo Credit: STYNA/Ipswich Festival/Facebook

Lincoln Savage, the Brisbane Street Art Festival director, said that Ipswich’s urban spaces provide these artists “a unique canvas” to “highlight the local culture and history” as well as develop new stories that will enhance and reinvigorate the CBD.

Ipswich to Springfield Transport Corridor Moves Forward

The major Ipswich to Springfield transport corridor project moves a step forward as Ipswich City Council prepares to make a submission to Infrastructure Australia in support its implementation.

The project involves the use of a preserved 25-km public transport corridor to connect Springfield Central to Ipswich CBD via Ripley.

Due to the increasing population in the areas where the transport corridor will pass through, this infrastructure project is now being considered as high-priority, according to Mayor Teresa Harding.

“Ipswich is the fastest-growing region in Queensland, with a yearly rate of population increase of more than 4 per cent. That’s approximately 3 per cent above the state and national averages,” said Mayor Harding.

The mayor believes that the development will create more opportunities and connectivity to Ipswich, thereby ensuring that it becomes the most liveable and productive region in the entire state.

“With approximately 70 per cent of the population growth in Ipswich occurring in the region between Ipswich and Springfield, this public transport corridor will help to ensure that the people of Ipswich keep our great lifestyles as the region grows.”

Next Step: Business Case Development

After six months of study, the council has come up with a final strategic assessment for the corridor. This is the primary stage in the Building Queensland business case development framework.

Development of the transport corridor is expected to spur creation of economic hubs and improved services that will encourage business and employment opportunities in the area.

The proposed direction for the business case is to focus on heavy rail, light rail, trackless trams, and rapid bus transport.

The next step is for the council to work closely with the Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads to implement the upcoming stages of the business case.

An Updated Guide to the Best Ipswich Walks

Ipswich has some of the most incredible but underrated walking trails in Queensland that both casual and experienced walkers. Only less than an hour’s drive from Brisbane CBD, Ipswich walks are family-friendly and well-suited for prams and wheelchairs.

Time to put on your most comfortable shoes and check out these best sites to visit:

Springfield Lakes Promenade

The Promenade is an easy stretch that features a section of the Springfield Lakes. It starts off on Springfield Lakes Blvd and down to the Waterside Reserve.

Public artworks of metal crocodiles and other designs are scattered all around the walking paths so it makes for a nice and interesting walk with the little ones. There’s a barbecue area and a fenced playground at the Promenade Park and it’s a lovely place to rest or cap off a Sunday afternoon romp with family.

Nerima Gardens

Within the eastern section of Queens Park is a Japanese garden, an ideal place to find your zen and solace. Nerima Gardens has a few winding paths surrounded by native Australian plants and fir trees, some Japanese-styled bridges across calming ponds, and a verandah overlooking a lake filled with ornate flowers and greens.

If walking helps you think, this is where to go to get those creative juices flowing. This garden is well-maintained and has benches all around if you’d like to just sit, relax, breathe fresh air and relish in Mother Nature’s beauty.

Denmark Hill Conservation Park

Set at the heart of the city, this Ipswich walk delivers the best views from the west. The old quarry in this area has been closed since 1952, leaving an abundance of natural places to explore for day-trippers, pet owners, birdwatchers and families or groups.

Pick from three different walking tracks — the Waterfall track (200m), the Circuit track (800m) and the Water Tower track (800m). The old water reservoir towers now serve as a climbing spot for visitors to view the best landmarks of Ipswich.

Denmark Hill Conservation Park is also home to the Triassic park, where dinosaur footprints on preserved sandstones are found.

Kholo Botanic Gardens

A short drive north of Ipswich city is this gorgeous nature reserve that may be the best place to reset, rejuvenate and recover a peaceful mental state. If you need a break from your hectic life, reconnecting with nature at the Kholo Botanic Gardens should be the fix.

The Kholo Botanic Gardens is a paradise of flora and fauna amidst a spacious green open space. This subtropical bushland offers heaps of walking paths, varying from 400m to 800m.

There’s a bit of history here, too, with the restored and preserved structure of the Redbank Uniting Church from 1904. This is actually a favourite spot for small weddings.

The botanic gardens provide public toilets, drinking water stations, BBQ and picnic areas.

Ipswich Heritage Trail

If you have a full day to spare, reconnect and rediscover the city and join the Ipswich walk through the heritage trail. The “Then and Now” series come highly recommended for both kids and adults who want to learn more about the people, places and events that shaped Ipswich.

You’d surprised at how much fun, educational, and physically rejuvenating the heritage trail walk can be. Secure the maps at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre at Queens Park if you’d like to set your trail at your own pace.

About 700 Jobs to Open at New Ipswich Call Centre

Stellar Asia Pacific, a business processing outsourcing provider with a global presence, is set to open 700 call centre jobs for Ipswich residents, who will handle queries for the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

A spokesman for the ATO said that its new call centre will be housed at the GE Building at Springfield Central, where workers are expected to “to provide appropriate levels of service and support to the community.”

The ATO has been receiving an increasing number of enquiries about superannuation benefits and the government’s stimulus package for the coronavirus crisis.

The job opening comes as thousands of Ipswich workers have become unemployed due to the shutdown of businesses, especially in the retail, travel, and hospitality industries.

Currently, the call centre is hiring Australian citizens on a contractual basis but employment prospects may extend after October 2020.

“We need people who are committed to working as a team providing outstanding customer service over the phone to our clients customers, whilst demonstrating a high level attention to detail, taking accountability for their actions and displaying an enthusiastic attendance at work ethic,” the job announcement stated.

Stellar Asia Pacific CEO Kelli Hayes said that they have been looking forward to operating the call center in the Springfield area because of its quality facilities and the city’s growth rate.

Job applications may be coursed online via the job ad on Seek.