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Ipswich State Schools Among List of Schools to Receive Air-Con Funding

Photo Credit: Springfield Central State High School/Facebook

Around 300 schools across Southern Queensland will benefit from the State Government’s air-conditioning program, and 26 of them are state schools in Ipswich.

The government will be fast-tracking the release of $50 million to give hundreds of schools the opportunity to start air conditioning their classrooms over the summer school holidays.

“By fast-tracking this funding, work that had been planned in future years can begin now, providing a valuable boost to our economy,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said during her visit to the Centenary State High School, one of the recipients of the air-conditioning project.

The 26 Ipswich state schools to get fast-tracked school air-con funding are:

Amberley District State School	Ipswich North State School
Brassall State School	Ipswich Special School
Bremer State High School	Ipswich State High School
Bundamba State Secondary College	Leichhardt State School
Bundamba State School	Redbank Plains State High School
Camira State School	Redbank Plains State School
Collingwood Park State School	Raceview State School
Fernbrooke State School	Richlands East State School
Goodna Special School	Silkstone State School
Goodna State School	Springfield Central State High School
Grandchester State School	Springfield Central State School
Ipswich Central State School	Springfield Lakes State School
Ipswich East State School	WoodLinks State School

As with the previous Cooler Schools Program, these schools have been selected using heat discomfort data, based on a combination of the highest average apparent temperature data and the highest number of school days in Term 1 and Term 4 above 30°C.

According to Education Minister Grace Grace, an audit of every school outside the ‘Cooler Schools Zone’, is expected to be completed by the end of 2019. Spaces including classrooms, libraries and staff rooms will be air conditioned under this accelerated program.

“Today’s announcement will ensure classrooms in places like Charleville, Gympie and Ipswich will now be air-conditioned, along with schools in our hottest suburbs in Brisbane,” Ms Grace said in a media statement.

Springfield Central State High School’s $9.89-Million Sport & Community Hall Unveiled

The Springfield Central State High School Sport & Community Hall has been officially opened.

“I’m so proud that this hall has come to fruition after consulting with the school and Council to provide a space that was suitable for both students and the Springfield public,” Jordan MP Charis Mullen said.

The $9.89-million sports hall will not only benefit the students but it’s also a community asset, with the wider Ipswich community welcome to use it for local events, Mrs Mullen furthered.

“Construction of the hall also supported 30 local jobs which is a fantastic outcome.”

The hall features two multi-purpose courts, two kinesiology classrooms, staff room, kiosk, change rooms and amenities. There are also meeting rooms and office spaces to “service the school and community,” she said.

“It truly is a state-of-the-art facility.”

Springfield Central State High School's $9.89-Million Sport & Community Hall Unveiled — *Photo credit: Grace Grace MP / Facebook.*

“Our investment in education and training this year is a record $14.9 billion,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

The State Government has since 2015 built or started work on 18 new schools in areas of some of our highest population growth including Calliope, Pimpama and Coomera, Baringa and Palmview.

“And we’ve been delivering new school halls like the one the Minister is opening today.”

Minister Grace Grace, on the other hand, confirmed that the State Government is also investing $11 million in 16 new classrooms at Springfield Central. The new learning facility will be two-storeys high and will include specialist spaces, amenities and a lift.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing schools with modern facilities such as this learning centre and the hall that we opened today.”

“The completion of this project is a dream come true for our community,” Ms Lawson said.

“We will not only have state-of-the-art facilities to enhance students’ learning, but an undercover space to conduct whole of school assemblies, something which previously was not possible.

“A school hall is often the heart of a school and we embrace the opportunity for our school to continue our strong relationship with the surrounding community.”

Springfield Lakes to Pilot Test Energex’s New Energy-Saving Systems

Some homes in Springfield Lakes are going to get the chance to test Energex’s new home energy management systems (HEMS) to improve their energy use. The energy company is set to conduct a seven-month pilot test phase in selected households, including those in Chapel Hill, North Lakes, Wakerley, from mid-2020 until April 2021.

Residents of these four suburbs may voluntary sign up online to be considered for the pilot test. Only 500 homes will be selected and provided with the new cutting-edge technology, which should be physically installed at home.

The HEMS are smartphone-controlled via an app to allow homeowners to switch household devices on and off remotely, such as air conditioners, pool pumps, and hot water systems. The device may also monitor the household’s solar panels’ efficiency.

“This pilot will test just how much impact HEMS has on householders’ energy behaviour and if they save money on their power bills,” Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said.

“Energex is also trialling HEMS systems to see how they can help Energex deal with peak demand, with managing solar energy coming into the network and also provide important data to help develop new pricing options for the future.”

Energex has been looking into a range of devices and configurations for the trial through a tender. Included in the tender bids are perks and benefits to the consumer, such as cashback offers, free or discounted HEMS systems, or discounted solar and battery storage systems.

The trial phase will be funded by the Australian Energy Regulator.

Timezone Is Coming to Orion Springfield Central

Hold on to your hats and get your game faces on as Timezone is set to open at Orion Springfield Central by 2020.

Who’s in for some fun games at the arcade? Well, Springfield locals are in luck because the long wait is finally over—Timezone is on its way to Orion Springfield Central!

Initial works have already started last October 2019, and construction has finally commenced a month after its preparatory stage. However, all work will be paused for the busy Christmas trading period, and it is expected to pick up its pace again early in the New Year.

*Photo credit: https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/*

Orion Springfield Central’s new entertainment precinct has a size of 1,231 square metres, and it is located near the Target loading dock in the southern car park of the centre. With weather permitting, Timezone is set to open by mid-2020.

Here are the expected features of Timezone at Orion Springfield Central:

Four lanes of tenpin bowling
Dedicated party room
Laser tag arena
Spin zone bumper cars
Arcade games
Chill out zone

Other Expansions at Orion Springfield Central

*Photo credit: Orion Springfield Centra/ Facebook*

Aside from the centre’s new entertainment precinct, Orion Springfield Central also recently refurbished Aldi and opened up a new three-storey adventure playground last November and October 2019, respectively.

The shopping centre will also be constructing a new food court with an alfresco area, providing extra seating, new furnishings, family-friendly pods, and pet-friendly dining areas. Construction for the new food court is expected to start in the new year and be completed by Spring 2020.

Find Santa and His Magical Helpers Across Ipswich This December

Get a glimpse of Santa and his helpers hiding across Ipswich by downloading the Finding Santa app on your digital device today.

Listen up kids! If you’ve been dreaming of catching Santa together with his magical helpers roaming around and preparing Christmas gifts for everyone, now is your chance to do so.

How to find and catch Santa? Well, the good news is, there is no need for you to stay up at night anymore since you can find Santa at any time of the day using the Finding Santa app on your digital device.

Finding Santa

Finding Santa is an interactive augmented reality trail spanning 40 locations across Ipswich. By downloading this application, you will be able to discover different animated Christmas characters, step into the live photo with them, and upload it on your social media accounts for everyone to see.

*Photo credit: https://www.christmasinipswich.com.au/*

When you upload your photo online, make sure to use #findingsanta. You may also enter the Finding Santa photo competition to win some awesome prizes.

How to Download and Use Finding Santa

If you’re interested in using the Finding Santa app, here is a step-by-step guide that you may follow:

Watch the Finding Santa instruction video above and have a read over the Finding Santa FAQs.
Download the Finding Santa app from the Google Play or App store.
Use the online Finding Santa Locations Map or Finding Santa Locations PDF, visit various locations across the city and find the festive pavement markers.
Simply launch the app, scan the marker and watch the magic of Christmas come to life all around you.
Can’t get to a location? No worries – simply bring Rudolph right into your home by downloading the Finding Santa Print at Home Marker!

Finding Santa is available for use and download until Tuesday, December 31st 2019.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to download the app, get out, follow the festive trail, and start finding Santa!

Ipswich Is Set to be Home of Queensland’s New Office for Veterans

As announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in October 2019, Queensland’s new Office for Veterans will be based in Ipswich.

After the extensive lobbying efforts made by Jennifer Howard (Member for Ipswich), the Premier has finally agreed to set up the Office for Veterans in Ipswich.

According to the Premier herself, Ms Howard made clear the advantages of having the office at Ipswich instead of any other regions in Queensland.

“Ipswich is a well-established defence hub and home to Australia’s largest RAAF base and Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s new headquarters, making it an ideal location to lead whole-of-government coordination on veterans’ matters,” the Premier said.

Ms Howard supported the Government’s decision by stating how this move is ideal considering the rapid growth of the region.

“Around 5000 people are employed at Amberley airbase and this will allow greater support for our growing defence community,” Ms Howard said.

About Queensland Office for Veterans

The Queensland Office for Veterans is the central point of contact and coordination for all policy issues and Queensland Government commitments relating to veterans.

The functions and services of the office include the following:

Provision of policy advice on veterans’ matters
Supporting employment of ex-Australian Defence Force members within the Queensland public service
Delivering the Queensland Veterans’ Memorial Grants Program
Leading whole-of-Government coordination on veterans’ matters
Providing a mechanism for veterans’ organisations to communicate with the Queensland Government.

Continuous Support for Queensland Veteran’s Program and Grants

The Palaszczuk Government is pleased with the overwhelming success of the Veterans’ Employment Pathway Program. Ever since this program started in July 2018, a total of 388 veterans have been employed in the Queensland public service, with nine of those positions in Ipswich.

Given its success, the Office for Veterans vows to continue and expand this program even more.

The Office for Veterans will also continue to deliver the Queensland Veterans’ Memorial Grants Program. This program aims to provide funding in order to restore, conserve and create monuments, memorials and other sites that acknowledge the contribution of our veterans.

Ipswich Tennis Champion Ashleigh Barty Wins 2020 QLD Young Australian of the Year Award

Following an impressive year on and off the court, tennis star Ashleigh Barty was named the winner of the 2020 Queensland Young Australian of the Year Award. The 23-year-old athlete from Ipswich recently impressed tennis fans after winning her first Grand Slam singles title at this year’s French Open.

Ms Barty climbed the ranks to become the current number one singles tennis player in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). She is the second Australian to hold such an honor after Evonne Goolagong Cawley.

A former cricket player before shifting to tennis, Ms Barty previously won six singles titles at the WTA and won one Grand Slam doubles title with co-player Coco Vandeweghe at the U.S. Open in 2018.

The tennis superstar is loved by fans, not just for her skills on the court. She is also an inspiration and a positive role model to many because of her down-to-earth attitude.

Ms Barty is also a National Indigenous Tennis Ambassador for Tennis Australia as a First Nations woman.

“From humble beginnings as a young tennis player from Ipswich to the top of the tennis world, her professionalism on and off the court, her dogged determination, her talent and skills are second to none,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said of Barty’s win as Queensland Young Australian of the Year.

“Ash is an inspirational young Queenslander and a fantastic role model for other young Queenslanders, and is highly deserving of this special commendation.”

Ms Barty wasn’t able to personally receive the award during the ceremony in Brisbane. Her father, Robert Barty, got on stage on her behalf.

*Photo Credit: Australian of the Year/Facebook*

“If someone would have said to me at the start of the year that your daughter’s going to be number one in the world, then I would have said, ‘Wake up to yourself she’s not that good’. But she’s just done some incredible stuff,” Mr Barty said.

“I had to go to Cairns with her recently to help some young indigenous kids get into the sport, and she said to me up there when we jumped on the plane to come home, ‘Dad I could do this every day, this is what really matters. This is great stuff, this is so much better than playing tennis’,” he added.

Springfield Lakes Family Pest Fishing Classic: Help Remove the Cane Toad of the Waterways

Spend a fun and enriching morning outside with your children as the third Springfield Lakes Family Pest Fishing Classic gets underway! Happening on Sunday, the 17th of Nov 2019, the event will help rid Spring Lakes of tilapia, the cane toad of the waterways, whilst participants may get a chance to win prizes.

The schedule of activities for the Springfield Lakes Family Pest Fishing Classic is as follows:

7:00 a.m.	Sign in and briefing
7:30 a.m.	Fishing commences
12:30 p.m.	Fishing ends; Weigh-in and prize giveaways begin

Fishing at Spring Lakes is not permitted unless through this regulated event. This is your chance to expose your children to create awareness about the local biodiversity. Engaging the kids in this outdoor activity is also a good idea for them to learn valuable life skills and sustainability.

The Springfield Lakes Family Pest Fishing Classic is organised by Brisbane Valley Anglers Fishstocking Association (BVAFA) with 2 Bent Rods leading and teaching the participants. Whilst fishing, both children and adults will be able to:

learn about the pest species that affect the local waterways
help prevent an infestation
meet people and families who share a common goal and interest
give back to the community

According to the rules of handling invasive pest fish, tilapia or similar species “are to be euthanised humanely as soon as they are caught.” These are not supposed to be sold or given away. All measures must be taken to “minimise the risk of these fish from escaping.”

“These types of events are a lot of fun for the kids while also educating the community as well as the entrants. Tilapia is prevalent in many of our waterways and people need to be made aware of the best practices for dealing with them,” said Sam Beckmann of 2 Bent Rods.

A Psychic Tent is Popping Up at the Orion Central Shopping Centre in Springfield Lakes

The stars have aligned and opened a chance for you to know what’s in the cards for 2020 as a tent featuring psychic mediums, tarot card readers and healers will be popping up at the Orion Central Shopping Centre in Springfield Lakes on Sunday, the 17th of Nov. 2019.

Five professionals in the psychic field will be at the Pennies Bazaar Psychic Tent from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for consultations about your future for your amusement. Aside from tarot card reading, they also do palm reading, angel card reading, pendulum interpretations, personal energy clearing, and psychic intuitive one-on-one sessions.

*Photo Credit: Pennies Bazaar Psychic Tent/Facebook*

Teresa has been a professional tarot reader, palmist and psychic since 1991. She can provide insights and guidance about relationships, money, career and wellbeing.

Brett is from the International Psychics Association who can connect with spirits and have proven his psychic reading accuracy for years as a preferred guest for psychic interpretations on television.

Natasha of Old Sea Hag Tarot is a regular at Brisbane Night Markets and interstate mind, body and spirit events. She has helped numerous clients find clarity in solving their problems.

Morticia is a psychic intuitive who provides spiritual guidance through tarot and the pendulum. She is also a lightworker who advocates for positive living.

Debbie has been a medium for over 30 years. She is a tarot card interpreter and a clairsentient who can provide healing.

Spot the purple tent at the pop-up venue next to other new-age retailers and artisans, as well as heaps of food stalls of the Orion Central Shopping Centre. You may also pre-book your appointment for Saturday via their Facebook page.

Two New State Schools Are Soon Set to Rise at Ripley Valley in Ipswich

Two new state schools are being built at Ripley Valley in Ipswich and are expected to be fully operational by 2020.

The State Government has announced that the names of these two new state schools are Ripley Valley State Primary College and Ripley Valley State Secondary College, respectively.

Ripley Valley State Primary College can cater a total number of 1000 students from Prep to Year 6; whilst, Ripley Valley State Secondary College can accommodate up to 1500 students of Year 7 and Year 8. New year levels will be added to the secondary school each year as students’ progress.

The local catchment area for both schools can now be viewed on EdMap.

Ripley Valley State Primary College

This $50-million primary school is located at the corner of Providence Parade and Botany Drive. The school is strategically placed adjacent to the new state high school—Ripley Valley State Secondary College.

At present, the administration building is on track and taking shape. This two-level building is expected to be finished by early December 2019 in order for the team to establish an office for the new primary school. With weather conditions permitting, the school will open to the public in late December of 2019.

Ripley Valley State Primary College will open in 2020 with the following facilities:

Administration building
Prep learning areas
General learning areas
Canteen and resource centre
Multipurpose hall
Oval/green space

The State Government has also announced that Ms Naomi Meerwald is Ripley Valley State Primary College’s foundation principal. For more information and updates, you may visit the school’s website and Facebook page.

Ripley Valley State Secondary College

Ripley Valley State Secondary College is a $70 million worth project of the State Government. It is currently being constructed at the corner of Providence Parade and Parkway Avenue, adjacent to Ripley Valley’s primary school.

The school master plan identifies further stage development as the school grows to accommodate the full Year 7 to 12 enrolments.

Similar to Ripley Valley’s primary school, the high school is expected to open in 2020 with:

Administration building
Junior general learning areas
Junior applied technology and design graphics centre
Robotics centre
Business fashion and design graphics centre
Sports field

The first stage will also deliver a hospitality centre, art and design centre, senior applied technology centre and indoor and outdoor sports courts.

Future stages of the high school will deliver:

Additional general learning areas
A science centre
A performing arts centre

The State Government has also announced that Mr Brendan Krueger is Ripley Valley State Secondary College’s foundation principal.

For more information and updates, you may visit the school’s website and Facebook page.