Prepare to get on board! Translink-operated bus services will be available to Greater Flagstone locals starting late November 2019.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dickannounced that the $19.6-million project is set to activate TransLink bus services running between the Greater Flagstone PDA and Grand Plaza Shopping Centre in Browns Plains.
“Economic Development Queensland and the Department of Transport and Main Roads have worked together to deliver public transport service to Greater Flagstone,” Mr Dick said.
“Our $19.6 million funding agreement over 10 years will see TransLink progressively introduce more bus services as demand increases.”
“As the community grows, TransLink’s services will grow with it,” Member for Jordan, Charis Mullen said.
“This will ensure our community remains liveable, and attractive for people looking to move here.
“Residents will be better connected to employment, education, shops, and recreational spaces.
“It’s about improving lifestyle and opportunity, both locally and across the wider Logan region.”
The new bus route will be classified as Zone 3 from start to finish, according to Member for Logan, Linus Power. This means the cost of the trip will be cheaper — $3.31 from Greater Flagstone to Brown Plans and $6.61 if your heading to the CBD — and even cheaper rates for pensioners, students, and during off-peak times.
The proposed route of the initial services will begin in Trailblazer Drive, Flagstone, and will include stops through to Browns Plains, Monday to Friday between 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Each one-way trip will be about 26 km and travel time will be approximately 40 minutes.
Are you a Springfield Lakes artist or innovator with a unique idea for a product or project who lacks the resources to make your dreams a reality? You can now submit your application for Brisbane City Council’s Creative and History Grant 2019-2020.
Applications have opened in mid-October but if this is your first time seeking a grant, it might help to join the Creative Grant Information Sessions first. Six sessions across different venues will be underway to help Brisbane locals prepare an effective application.
You’ll learn the following at these Creative Grant Information Sessions :
the different creative grant programs available
grant guidelines and application forms
advice on project eligibility and
tips on making an application
These are free sessions hosted by the Council but you will need to register your intent to join online for your ticket.
Date/Time
Location
Monday, 4 Nov 2019 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Brisbane Square Library 266 George Street, Brisbane City
Through these Creative and History Grants, the Council hopes to encourage local artists, innovators, historians and organisations to flourish in their chosen field of expertise. The funding will not just provide the resources to these individuals or groups but it will also bring more opportunities to develop their skills, talents and ideas to help the community.
Did you know that the top two schools with the highest number of enrolments for the Vocational Education and Training in Schools program is found in Ipswich?
Ipswich State High School continues to be Queensland’s top provider of Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program. In fact, according to Principal Simon Riley, the Ipswich State High School offered about 30 certificate courses to its 840 students (Years 10-12) and to those from other schools.
In 2018, the Bremer State High School garnered Queensland’s second-highest number of enrolments for their VETiS courses. Hence, this makes Ipswich home to the top 2 schools in Queensland with the highest number of students enrolled in a VET qualification program.
Photo credit: https://bremershs.eq.edu.au/
Both Members for Ipswich Jim Madden and Jennifer Howard see this fantastic turnout to be beneficial for the future of Ipswich and its locals.
“This is a great achievement and it will mean students will have a bright future ahead of them,” Mr Madden said.
“We need more skilled workers in the growing industries such as healthcare and trades, and I encourage Ipswich students to consider TAFE once they graduate.”
“This means more young people in Ipswich are gaining a valuable qualification before they even finish school,” Ms Howard said.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a learning course that is directly related to work or getting a job. It provides pathways for all young people who are seeking further education, training, or employment-specific skills.
Whether you are a student, a job seeker or already employed, there is a range of training options available at VET accredited schools and organisations to help you achieve your career goals.
Accredited training courses are provided by registered training organisations (RTOs), such as TAFE, private training providers and some universities.
Photo credit: https://ipswichshs.eq.edu.au/
Government Support
Last 9 October 2019, Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman visited Ipswich State High School to speak with students about the many opportunities that lie ahead of them once they graduate by the end of the year.
“We know nine out of 10 jobs expected to grow in the next five years will require a VET qualification,” Ms Fentiman said.
“And as students near graduation it’s important they consider their career options once they walk out of the classroom.”
Minister Fentiman also discussed the government’s free apprenticeship initiative— its importance, benefits, and how much the government wants more young Queenslanders to take this course.
Photo credit: https://bremershs.eq.edu.au/
“In August the Premier and I announced free apprenticeships for under 21s which builds on our free tafe for year 12 graduates initiative,” Ms Fentiman said.
“All of these free qualifications on offer are in the industries where we know there will be jobs.”
The fully subsidised traineeships are in industries that show a high demand for workers including:
Electrical
Plumbing
Engineering
Healthcare
Hospitality
Early childhood
“The Palaszczuk Government’s new $32 million free apprenticeship initiative is tipped to help 60,000 young people into an apprenticeship or traineeship,” she said.
“So far more than 12,000 young Queenslanders are taking advantage of free training under these two initiatives.”
A Salisbury-based craft beer brewery expands to Springfield Central as it opens its newest bar and hospitality venue in mid-October 2019.
On the heels of a successful expansion and opening of its first flagship Alehouse & Kitchen in West End, Ballistic Beer Co. is already set to open its third site in Springfield Central this October, with an 800-litre brewery, bar, and kitchen.
Photo credit: Ballistic Springfield Brewery, Bar & Kitchen / Facebook
Ballistic Springfield takes over the former Springfield Central Tavern site with a 350-seat brewpub including function spaces, beer garden, and a full bar and beer tap pouring 18 different types of beers, plus live acoustic music.
Ballistic Springfield is expected to employ 30 people, bringing to the total Ballistic employees across its three venues to around 60.
The 800-litre brewhouse will be used for research and development and for brewing one-off beers for all Ballistic sites. Aside from having its own brewery and bottleshop, the new Ballistic venue will have fully operational kitchen to complete its offering of great food and beer.
Ballistic Beer Co. Springfield Pilsner Photo credit: Ballistic Springfield Brewery, Bar & Kitchen / Facebook
To celebrate its Springfield Central venue’s opening, Ballistic Beer Co. will also be introducing a new beer especially made for Springfield locals — Springfield Pilsner. Ballistic describes the beer as a crisp, clean 4.5% European pilsner made from mostly Australian ingredients.
Ububele is a Zulu word that translates to kindness, compassion and generosity. This is what a Springfield Lakes woman does, through a non-profit organization she also named Ububele.
Tamlyn Moore wanted to help kids who are relocating into foster care by making backpacks for them and filling them with things they might find useful, like clothes, a toy, or a book.
Mrs Moore has a long history of helping foster kids. Back then, she used to help through the Pyjama Foundation, an Albion-based organisation founded in 2004 to give children in foster care the opportunity to change the direction of their lives with learning, life skills, and confidence.
“Through the help of your donations, Ububele will strive to provide starter packs for kids changing carers or entering care for the first time.This charity won’t be able to help all of them but together we may be able to help some,” Mrs Moore said through Ububele’s page.
Last August, Ububele hosted a Collection Drive at Grande Park where they collected new and pre-loved clothing and other essentials for babies and young kids entering the foster care system for the first time.
Her goal is to collect around 30 backpacks by the end of 2019, but as early as September, Ububele has passed their goal and acquired 35 in total, with more stock to be packed.
Every backpack contains stuff that is applicable to the child’s age group. According to Mrs Moore, each backpack holds one book, one toy and clothing to match the child’s age.
In addition to backpacks, books, and toys, Ububele welcomes items like baby bottles, change mats, towels, new or unopened toiletries, sealed formula, wipes, nappy bags, and linen for cots and bassinets.
If you would like to help or if you have any questions regarding donation items they do accept, you can send Ububele a message through Facebook.
A significant amount of funding was handed over to the Ipswich Turf Club as it seeks redevelopment of its overall infrastructure, amenities and equipment.
In early September 2019, Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe announced that the scheduled upgrade of the historic Ipswich Turf Club is on track. The Ipswich Turf Club will receive $24.8 million of state government funds for its redevelopment project.
According to Mr Hinchliffe, included amongst the list of upgrades needed by the club are the following:
A function centre
New tie-up stalls
Carpark
Widening works to T.L. Cooney Avenue
Replacement of the decades-old irrigation infrastructure and drainage
Given the anticipated refurbishment of the Bundamba club, a cross-section of replacement clubs will be utilised. These clubs include Doomben, Beaudesert, Toowoomba, and Lockyer.
Photo credit: Ipswich Turf Club /Facebook
Mr Hinchliffe confirmed that the stewards and jockeys had already commenced in accessing the club’s new purpose-built function centre on race days.
“The new racing amenities include an expanded female jockeys’ room that replaces the cramped and outdated quarters at Bundamba,” he said.
“To help with race day operations, stewards will have high-tech equipment and there’s also a dedicated media centre.”
The Ipswich Turf Club is considered to be a critical component of the state’s racing infrastructure. Since its establishment in 1848, the club has been hosting almost 50 race meetings a year, and it also serves as a training facility for thousands of Queenslanders to enjoy.
Photo credit: Ipswich Turf Club /Facebook
Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard and Member for Bundamba Jo-Anne Miller express their support for the redevelopment of the Ipswich Turf Club by sharing how the club’s upgrade would serve as a great asset for the region.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see the progress that’s being made on this much-anticipated upgrade to our turf club. The Ipswich Turf Club is a rich part of our history and now, with the upgrade, an exciting and important part of our future,” Jennifer Howard said.
“This project will help future-proof the Ipswich Turf Club and will continue to be a facility enjoyed by thousands of Queenslanders each year,” Jo-Anne Miller said.
The transformation of Small Creek in Ipswich into a living waterway is now more evident as it progresses halfway through its project timeline.
What was once a concrete drain is now slowly transforming into a thriving natural waterway. The Small Creek Redevelopment Project of the Ipswich City Council aims to evolve the 1.6-km Small Creek into a living waterway with native vegetation, pools, and ripples of shallow, clean running water, and habitat for wildlife.
This project is divided into four stages. At present, stages 1 and 2 have been completed.
Construction began in 2018, and is expected to be completed by 2023. Funding for Small Creek’s redevelopment came from developer contributions under the Council’s water quality offsets scheme.
Here is an overview of the project’s 4-stage timeline:
Stage 1- Warwick Road to Sapar Landscapes:
The removal of 30,000 cubic metres of soil and installation of over 150,000 plants resulted into having a channel with pools and riffles (rock ramps).
Within 18 months the 30 cm tall saplings planted were already as tall as 5 m and an abundance of bird and aquatic life had returned to the creek.
A fish survey in 2019 confirmed Small Creek had become a functioning ecosystem with numerous native fish and other aquatic species detected.
Photo credit: https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/
Stage 2- Sapar Landscapes to Briggs Road:
Completion of Stage 2 in early 2019 marked project halfway point, with 800 metre of naturalisation in place.
The project revolves around its theme of sustainability by having sections of the concrete channel be broken up and repurposed in place of rock to eliminate the need for the old channel to be sent to landfill.
The shared pedestrian path and bikeway is frequently used by school students and residents of Ipswich.
Photo credit: https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/
Stages 3 and 4- Briggs Road to Poplar Street Park and Poplar Street Park to Whitehill Road:
The design process for Stages 3 and 4 will include further community and stakeholder consultation to help inform the final design of the Small Creek.
One of the major focuses for these stages will be incorporating Poplar Street Park into the design.
The shared pathway will also continue through the development and link to Whitehill Road.
Spend an easy breezy afternoon and relax amongst your friends or family at the biggest outdoor picnic in town, the Ipswich Street Food, Beer & Music Fest!
Happening on Sunday, the 8th of Sept. 2019, this event will be elevating the Ipswich Sports Club as the ultimate foodie scene you shouldn’t miss.
Food trucks featuring 26 mobile chefs will be setting up shop at the greens. They’ll serve up food choices from different cuisines and some sweet treats that you won’t regret ruining your diet for.
Photo Credit: The Design Collective Markets & Events/Facebook
Photo Credit: The Design Collective Markets & Events/Facebook
Of course, the Ipswich Street Food, Beer & Music Fest won’t be a party without the booze. Expect heaps of drinks to choose from at the outdoor pop-up bar.
Come and wear your most comfortable bottoms as this event is going to be a feast. However, there will be gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options as well because you can still enjoy a food fest whilst eating healthy.
Photo Credit: The Design Collective Markets & Events/Facebook
In between your binge, you can browse at the maker market stalls or enjoy the live performances on stage.
The Ipswich Street Food, Beer & Music Fest will run from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is a free-entry and dog-friendly event. Don’t forget your picnic blanket or camping chair to be more comfortable as you eat, drink and dance!
The event is organised by The Design Collective Markets & Events. Follow the updates on which establishments and performers are going to be at the fest on their official site.
Whilst babies are a blessing, becoming a parent carries huge responsibilities. Every year, Greater Springfield recognises the significant role of parents in raising members of the community as new babies under 18 months are received with open arms in the annual “Welcoming the Babies” ceremony.
The event, which takes place on Sunday, the 8th of Sept. 2019, has moved to a bigger venue at the Robelle Domain Parklands on Southern Cross Circuit. As a large community affair, families are enjoined to bring every member to witness the ceremony — from siblings to grandparents, to aunts or uncles or cousins.
“We’re expecting a big turnout from the local community and I’m looking forward to welcoming our newest little arrivals,” Milton Dick, the Federal ALP MP for Oxley said.
Photo Credit: Facebook
New babies and their parents who have registered for this event will receive a certificate, a commemorative photo, and a goodie bag. Registration is free and parents need to bring a printed or digital copy of their ticket as validation.
After the ceremony and the photo-op, families and guests may enjoy and learn from the activities and learning sessions scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the stalls of the different participating organisations, such as:
The Ipswich City Council Libraries will have a special corner for storytime with the kids whilst Revive Yoga will conduct a baby yoga class. Toddlers and big kids will also have their own area for playdough and crafting.
A light and airy home in New Beith has been awarded top marks in the best use of steel frame housing category at the 2019 Master Builders Queensland regional award ceremonies.
The Montego 393 by Stroud Homes Brisbane has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two car garages, a media room, a study area, and a gym. It’s perfect for those with big blocks of land, big families and want the best in acreage living.
Renee Carty of Stroud Home Brisbane South said the Montego design has always been a very popular design among their clients, regardless of the size. It’s one of the larger designs from the Montego series, making it ideal for second home buyers to up-size, or older couples wanting to wow everyone with their forever home.
“At the very end of the cul-de-sac, elevated slightly above the rest of the Estate, we knew the Montego’s unique and striking design would stand out from the rest while still looking and feeling completely at home in this Boutique Acreage Estate,” Ms Carty said.
Located at 128 Melrose Place The Lanes Estate, the Montego display house can be viewed seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
About the Award
Master Builders’ Best Use of Steel Frame Housing is judged based on the housing project’s liveability and design, innovation, workmanship, and degree of difficulty. The use of the steel frames is to be provided in the form of photographs during build, in addition to the photos provided of the finished product.
Montego 393 won because of the quality of the builder’s attention to detail in finishes and overall craftsmanship, in addition to the technical ability of the builder to overcome challenges in construction.
