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Mater Hospital Springfield Takes Shape as Doctors Begin Onboarding

Greater Springfield’s long-awaited public hospital has reached a landmark moment, with Mater Hospital Springfield confirming a staged opening schedule and its first staff already on the ground preparing to receive patients.

Read: Springfield Lakes Is About to Get Its First Public Hospital

Medical and non-clinical staff have been moving into the hospital for onboarding, training and service preparation, with the first outpatient appointments commencing on-site on 13 April. Operating theatres and the intensive care unit follow on 20 April, with full maternity services introduced on 27 April.

Among the first clinicians to begin work at the facility was Dr Ben Butcher, Clinical Director of the hospital’s new Emergency Department. Having transferred from Mater Hospital Brisbane, Dr Butcher said he had been involved in recruiting many of the new ED staff and described the team as excellent and enthusiastic. He said the Emergency Department would open with 55 doctors and more than 100 nurses.

Dr Butcher said being among the first team members in a brand-new hospital built in an area of need was a privilege, and that he was honoured to be part of what he considered an essential resource for the Springfield community.

The Emergency Department is scheduled to be one of the last services to open, with a planned date of 25 May. New staff have been recruited from across Australia, as well as from the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Mater Hospital Springfield — Photo credit: Facebook/Charis Mullen MP

Springfield Central MP Charis Mullen also shared on Facebook a sneak peek of the facility, noting that the John Holland Group and Mater teams were working on finishing touches ahead of the opening.

A Building That Is Already Buzzing

Construction contractor John Holland and the Mater team have just handed over the completed facility, and more than 100 staff have already moved in for onboarding, training and simulations. The corridors that were empty building site just months ago are now alive with medical and non-clinical teams running through scenarios in the actual spaces where they will care for patients.

General Manager Suzanne Hawksley said reaching practical completion was a proud milestone for everyone involved in the project. “Reaching practical completion and seeing our teams come together for training and preparation is an exciting step as we prepare to open our doors to the community in the coming weeks,” she said.

Midwifery unit manager Tess Willis, who oversees the birth suites and Pregnancy Assessment Centre, said the chance to train inside the real building had been transformative for her team. “After months of planning, it’s incredibly exciting to finally be inside the hospital and start simulations in the spaces where we’ll be caring for families,” she said. “Mater Mothers’ Springfield is expected to welcome around 1700 babies each year, and we’re now looking forward to welcoming mothers into the new hospital in less than two weeks.”

What the Hospital Will Deliver

The facility represents a $1 billion investment, comprising $393 million in capital funding, a $638 million operational commitment over the first four years, and a $26 million land contribution from Mater. Once fully operational, the hospital will provide 186 public beds, including a 54-bay Emergency Department, and is forecast to handle 185,000 patient presentations a year.

Read: Mater Hospital Springfield Seeks 500 Nurses Ahead of 2026 Opening

More than 1,000 staff will work across the campus, including more than 50 midwives serving six birth suites, a Pregnancy Assessment Centre and a dedicated maternity inpatient ward. The hospital is also expected to increase employment in Greater Springfield by an estimated eight per cent.

Mater has been part of the Springfield community since 2015, when it opened Mater Private Hospital Springfield as the master-planned city’s first hospital. That original facility grew from an 80-bed private hospital into an integrated campus, and the new public hospital on the adjacent site now completes the vision. The expansion will deliver 186 public beds for the community, meeting its health needs for decades to come.

Published 13-April-2026

Greenbank Man Charged Over Alleged $1.1 Million Diesel Theft Operation

Photo Credit: QPS/YouTube

A man from Greenbank has been charged over the alleged theft of more than $1.1 million worth of diesel fuel, following a long-running operation involving unmanned depots across south-east Queensland.

A Pattern Of Fuel Collection Across Multiple Sites

The case centres on allegations that diesel was unlawfully obtained over a 12-month period spanning December 2024 to December 2025. The fuel was reportedly accessed through the use of stolen fuel cards, allowing repeated withdrawals from unmanned diesel depots.

Locations identified in the alleged activity include Parkinson, Bundamba and Karawatha, where the depots operated without on-site staff. The scale of the operation suggests a consistent pattern of access across different sites, contributing to the total value of fuel exceeding $1.1 million.

Search At Greenbank Property Reveals Further Evidence

The investigation intensified after officers executed a search warrant at a Greenbank address on 24 March 2026. During the search, items believed to be connected to the alleged fuel thefts were located.

Authorities also reported the discovery of additional property suspected to be stolen, along with a homemade taser device. These findings formed part of the broader case now before the court.

Charges Laid And Court Proceedings Underway

A 48-year-old Greenbank man has been charged with seven offences linked to the alleged activity. These include fraud involving a value of at least $100,000, receiving tainted property, entering premises to commit an indictable offence, and unlawful possession of a weapon.

The man first appeared before Richlands Magistrates Court on 25 March 2026 and was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to reappear on 15 May as proceedings continue.

Greenbank diesel theft — *Photo Credit: QPS/YouTube*

Wider Attention On Fuel Theft Activity

The case has drawn attention due to the scale of the alleged losses and the method used to access fuel supplies. Unmanned depots, designed for efficiency and accessibility, have become a focal point in incidents involving fuel card misuse.

At a smaller scale, separate incidents have also surfaced, including a recent case in Sydney involving the alleged theft of several thousand dollars worth of diesel from a service station. Public commentary surrounding such incidents has reflected a mix of concern and casual reaction, highlighting the varied perceptions of fuel-related offences.

Ongoing Case In Greenbank

The Greenbank matter continues to progress through the court system, with further proceedings expected in May. The case remains focused on the alleged long-term misuse of fuel access systems and the significant financial impact linked to the reported activity.

Published 11-Apr-2026

Barossa Vintage or Regional Rebellion? Why the Lions’ ‘Off-Broadway’ Test Still Carries Weight

As the AFL’s Gather Round shifts to the Barossa Valley, the Brisbane Lions find themselves off the main stage. No Adelaide Oval. No big-city backdrop. Instead, Lyndoch.

But the stakes don’t change.

The Lions—back-to-back premiers—enter Round 5 unbeaten in Gather Round history. North Melbourne arrive as one of 2026’s early movers, pushing into the top six and shedding the “easy-beat” label.

This is no longer about whether North can compete. It’s about whether they can sustain it against a team that knows how to win in this setting.

A Record That Still Matters

Brisbane’s Gather Round dominance still frames this matchup. They dismantled North Melbourne in 2023 and 2024 by 75 and 70 points respectively, before that pattern broke with a draw in Hobart last year.

That result matters. It shifted this contest from predictable to competitive. Brisbane still carries the edge—but not the same certainty.

Ins and Outs: What Changes the Game

Brisbane Lions

In: Harris Andrews (suspension), Hugh McCluggage (calf)
Impact: Restores defensive structure and adds midfield polish

North Melbourne

Out: Finn O’Sullivan (fractured jaw)
Impact: Reduces midfield depth and rotation flexibility

Stability Returns at the Right Time

Andrews’ inclusion immediately reshapes Brisbane’s defensive structure. His intercept marking allows the Lions to defend higher and exit cleaner—critical against a pressure-heavy opponent.

Around the ball, Brisbane still leans on Neale, Dunkley and Berry, with McCluggage adding composure. If the Lions win clearance, they don’t just win possession—they control tempo.

The Ashcroft Shift

What’s evolving in Brisbane’s game is how they move the ball.

Will Ashcroft is central to that change, coming off a 36-disposal performance and consistently pushing into elite territory. Levi Ashcroft complements that with balance ahead of the ball, linking phases rather than finishing them.

The shift is subtle but important: Brisbane is moving faster, using uncontested chains rather than grinding purely through stoppage. That’s where they stretch opposition structures.

North Melbourne’s Test Is Different Now

North’s rise under Alastair Clarkson is built on pressure and stoppage control. McKercher, Sheezel and Davies-Uniacke give them genuine drive and creativity.

But this is a different layer. They carry an 18-game losing streak in South Australia, lose midfield depth with O’Sullivan out, and step into a neutral regional setting against a side that thrives in these conditions.

Effort won’t be the issue. Execution will be.

Where It Turns

This game likely breaks at transition. If North controls stoppage, they can stay in the contest. If Brisbane exits cleanly and finds space, they take control quickly.

Brisbane’s ball movement from defensive 50 remains the pressure point—and the moment where this game can open up.

The Verdict

North Melbourne has improved. The gap is real—but smaller.

Brisbane, though, regains structure, carries midfield depth, and brings a system that travels. Even off the main stage, they remain composed in these conditions.

Prediction: Brisbane win.

Published 10-April-2026

Community Cooking Group Builds Connection Through Shared Meals in Gailes

Photo Credit: Gailes Community House

A long-running cooking group in the Ipswich area is fostering social connection and emotional support, with participants gathering weekly at Gailes Community House to prepare meals and build relationships through shared experiences.

Where Food Becomes Connection

Inside a modest dining space in Gailes, near Ipswich, a weekly rhythm has formed around chopping vegetables, preparing meals, and sharing stories. The cooking group, held between 10am and 12pm each Tuesday, has become a consistent meeting point for locals seeking both nourishment and companionship.

Participants contribute in ways that suit them, creating an inclusive environment where involvement is flexible. Some focus on preparing food, while others engage in conversation over tea and coffee, reflecting a setting that supports connection without pressure.

community cooking group — *Photo Credit: Gailes Community House*

A Community Built Over Decades

The cooking group is one of the most enduring programs at Gailes Community House, which was established in 2002 to support individuals and families across communities on the Brisbane–Ipswich border.

Regular attendee Janet French has been involved with the group for many years, returning more frequently after retirement. Her experience reflects the group’s ongoing role as a source of social connection for those who attend.

The program brings together people from varied backgrounds, each contributing their own cooking knowledge and experience. This diversity supports the group’s ability to turn donated leftovers into healthy meals.

Healing Through Shared Experience

Among those attending is Poutharack Ratsamyvong, who arrived in Australia after fleeing her home country. Living independently in Brisbane, she found a sense of belonging within the group.

Her involvement highlights the broader impact of the program beyond food preparation. For some participants, the group offers emotional support and a sense of community through shared experiences and regular interaction.

The cooking sessions function as more than a practical activity, providing a space where individuals can feel connected and supported.

Growing Interest in Social Connection Programs

Programs like this cooking group align with a growing approach known as social prescribing, where individuals experiencing loneliness are encouraged to engage in community-based activities alongside other forms of care.

Research involving participants in these programs has shown increases in meaningful social connections over time, with sustained engagement observed beyond initial involvement. These findings highlight the role of community initiatives in supporting wellbeing.

Taking the First Step

Despite the benefits, joining community groups can remain a challenge for some individuals. Long-time participant Janet French has observed increasing hesitation among people to attend new activities, particularly when attending alone.

However, the environment at Gailes Community House continues to emphasise inclusivity and support, encouraging newcomers to participate at their own comfort level. The group’s welcoming atmosphere remains a defining part of its role within the Ipswich-area community.

Published 10-Apr-2026

Springfield Lakes Family Among First To Benefit From Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment

A Springfield Lakes family is among those whose lives have been shaped by advances in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition that, until a decade ago when the first effective treatment was approved in the United States, carried a life expectancy of less than two years for its most severe form.

Read: Springfield Lakes Community Rallies Around Football Icon Jonathan Brown After Successful Surgery

Reena McIntosh and her three-year-old sister Willow both have SMA type 1. A framed vial of Spinraza, the drug credited with saving Reena’s life, hangs on the wall of the family’s Springfield Lakes home. Middle sister Tully, also three, does not have the condition.

What is spinal muscular atrophy?

SMA is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene, which is responsible for producing survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. This protein is critical for the motor neurons that control muscle movement. Without sufficient SMN protein, motor neurons deteriorate and muscles progressively weaken.

SMA type 1 is the most severe form of the condition. Before effective treatments became available, most children diagnosed with it did not survive beyond their second birthday.

What is Spinraza?

Spinraza, the brand name for nusinersen, is an antisense oligonucleotide therapy developed by Biogen. It works by increasing the production of SMN protein, which is critical for motor neuron function. It is delivered by injection into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and carries broad label approval for patients of all ages across all SMA types.

Spinraza was the first effective treatment approved for SMA, receiving approval from the US Food and Drug Administration approximately a decade ago.

On 30 March 2026, the FDA approved a high-dose regimen of Spinraza. Biogen said the higher dose is designed to further increase SMN protein levels. Advocacy group Cure SMA welcomed the decision, describing it as an excellent result for the SMA community and noting that the new regimen has the potential to offer improved outcomes and quality of life for patients across all SMA types.

Read: St Augustine’s College in Augustine Heights Leads Regional Shift Toward Global Learning

The role of newborn screening

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Australia highlighted the McIntosh family’s experience as an example of the importance of newborn screening and early intervention, describing early intervention as having a life-changing impact on children with the condition. The organisation also noted the hope that advanced therapies bring to families facing rare diseases.

Published 9-April-2026

Brookwater Art In Bloom Event Raises Funds For Mater Foundation

An art exhibition and fundraising event in Brookwater has brought together artists, businesses and community members, raising more than $5,600 for the Mater Foundation.

Brookwater Gallery Hosts Community-Focused Fundraiser

The Art in Bloom fundraising event, held on 26 March 2026, brought together the Greater Springfield community for an evening centred on art and shared purpose. Hosted by Creative Hearts Co. in collaboration with Kalbar Sunflowers, the event combined a themed exhibition with a fundraising effort supporting the Mater Foundation.

The exhibition, which opened earlier in March 2026, explored themes of florals, growth and renewal, with guests moving through the gallery while connecting with artists, business owners and other attendees. Participants attended from across the Greater Springfield area and surrounding communities.

Creative Hearts Co — Photo By: Rod Noendeng Photography
Photo Credit: Supplied

Art Sales Contribute To Brookwater Fundraising Effort

Artworks from the exhibition were purchased during the evening, contributing to the overall fundraising outcome. The event raised more than $5,600, with funds directed towards equipment for cancer patients at Mater Hospital Springfield.

Additional activities, including auctions and raffles, formed part of the event, supporting the fundraising outcome alongside ticket sales and artwork purchases.

Brookwater Art in Bloom — Photo By: Rod Noendeng Photography
Photo Credit: Supplied

Collaboration Shapes Brookwater Event

The Brookwater event brought together artists, sponsors and community contributors, reflecting a collaborative approach to the evening. The gallery was filled with flowers and artworks, creating a setting for conversation and interaction among attendees.

Creative Hearts Co., based in Brookwater, operates as an art gallery and creativity hub supporting both emerging and established artists. Its activities include exhibitions, workshops and community-led programs designed to encourage creative participation.

Art In Bloom Exhibition Continues In Brookwater

Following the fundraising event, the Art in Bloom exhibition remains open to the public until 24 April 2026 at the Brookwater gallery. The exhibition features artists from across South East Queensland and continues to be accessible to visitors during regular opening hours.

The ongoing display allows visitors to view the exhibition beyond the event itself.

Published 9-Apr-2026

Mi Hi Grove Ipswich Demolition Begins After Flood Buyback Program Secures All Units

Excavators have moved on the Mi Hi Grove unit complex in Brassall, Ipswich, bringing a long and emotionally charged chapter to a close for the 42 households who once called the flood-ravaged site home.

Read: Platypus Numbers Show Signs of Recovery After 2022 Floods

The demolition, which began in early April 2026, marks the end of a four-year process that began with the devastating 2022 floods and stretched through years of negotiations, disputed valuations, and a hard-fought community effort to have the complex included in a state and federal buyback scheme.

Photo credit: Facebook/MiHi Grove Complex Brassall

For former resident Odette Summers, watching the excavators move in stirred mixed emotions. She described the moment as bittersweet, saying the complex had once been a tight-knit community, and that sense of belonging was now gone. But she acknowledged that the site had been completely inundated during both the 2011 and 2022 floods, and that selling up and moving on had been the right call. She said she took some comfort knowing no family would ever have to go through flooding at Mi Hi Grove again.

The buyback of all 42 units was completed through the Resilient Homes Fund Voluntary Home Buy-Back Program, an initiative that allowed councils to acquire homes built within flood zones following the 2022 flood events.

Ipswich City Council now owns the entire complex, with 40 units purchased under the voluntary scheme and two compulsorily acquired after their owners declined to sell. Across the city, the program has facilitated the buyback of more than 200 homes, creating over 500,000 square metres of new greenspace across 16 suburbs.

The road to demolition was not without its difficulties. Mi Hi Grove was initially deemed ineligible for the program, and it took sustained pressure from council and the community to have that decision reversed. Many former owners felt the valuations they received fell short of what their properties were worth, and with property prices rising sharply in the years since 2022, some found they could no longer afford to buy back into the same area.

That was the reality for Alannah Lewis-Stafford, who said her mother had saved her from homelessness after the settlement left her without enough to purchase elsewhere. Adding to her frustration, she continued to receive water bills for the property for two years after she had moved out. Still, watching the demolition in early April 2026, she said she hoped the site would be transformed into something the whole community could enjoy.

Read: Flood Tuff Devices Installed in Goodna

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding acknowledged it had been a long and drawn-out process for everyone involved, and said she hoped future buyback programs could move more quickly to help residents get back on their feet sooner, particularly as property prices continue to rise.

Division 4 Councillor Jim Madden said it had been a long road for former owners and residents, and welcomed the start of demolition as a positive step forward.

From Flood Zone to Green Space

Demolition and land rehabilitation are expected to take around six months. Once complete, the site will be rezoned for greenspace at a future council meeting. Mayor Harding said she envisioned the area becoming a welcoming public space with bushland where families and pets could walk and relax.

For Ms Lewis-Stafford, that vision offered a measure of peace. She said she hoped people would be able to come and relax there, and that the space would become something genuinely good for the community.

Published 6-April-2026

Springfield Lakes Harmony Day Brings 500 Meals and a Message of Belonging

Photo Credit: Facebook / Senator Paul Scarr

The Vedanta Centre in Springfield Lakes became a hub of colour, conversation and community on 21 March, when a Harmony Day Springfield Lakes celebration brought together hundreds of locals, elected representatives and cultural groups for a day of food, performances and reflection on what it means to belong in Australia.

More than 500 meals were served by the event’s volunteer-run kitchen, Maa Sarada’s Kitchen, with over 60 volunteers contributing their time on the day. The effort raised more than $4,500 to support initiatives connected to the centre.

The keynote address was delivered by Giridharan Sivaraman, who drew on his personal history and his long association with the Vedanta movement to speak about the broader challenges facing Australian society, including racism. Despite the weight of the subject, his message was one of optimism — that Australia has the capacity to respond constructively to social tensions and move towards a more inclusive future.

A panel discussion followed, featuring a broad cross-section of political representatives. Speakers included federal members Shayne Neumann and Paul Scarr, state representatives Fiona Simpson and Charis Mullen, Ipswich City Councillor Paul Tully, and community figure Pye Augustine. The conversation ranged from personal reflections on Harmony Day to the role cultural identity plays in public life.

Beyond the formal programme, attendees were treated to cultural performances, market stalls, face painting and a petting zoo — with many choosing to linger well after the scheduled activities had wrapped up.

Swami Atmeshananda, President of the Vedanta Centre, reflected on the spirit behind the event, saying that Harmony Day is a reminder of the shared humanity that connects people across their differences, and that when communities come together with respect and openness, everyone feels at home.

The event formed part of Harmony Day activities held across Australia on 21 March, a national occasion dedicated to promoting multiculturalism, inclusion and social cohesion.

Published 30-March-2026

Springfield Lakes Residents Asked: Is Your Suburb Actually Built for Walking?

Springfield Lakes has been described as a planned active living community, but a new university research project is putting that promise to the test, and local residents hold the key to the answers.

Read: An Updated Guide to the Best Ipswich Walks

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) has launched an online survey asking Springfield Lakes and Spring Mountain residents whether their neighbourhoods actually make it easy to walk, ride, and get around without reaching for the car keys.

The survey is part of the Active Springfield Neighbourhoods Project, a study led by UniSQ researcher Melinda Covey-Hansen, who is undertaking the work through a PhD internship hosted by Queensland Health. The project is supported by Ipswich City, the Office of the Queensland Government Architect and the Heart Foundation.

UniSQ researcher Melinda Covey-Hansen (Photo credit: unisq.edu.au)

Ms Covey-Hansen says the research is grounded in well-established evidence that where people live directly shapes how active they are. Neighbourhoods with good access to walking and cycling paths, parks, schools, shops, public transport, shade and lighting tend to make it much easier for residents to weave physical activity into their everyday routines, she says.

The goal is to find out whether what planners designed is what residents are actually experiencing on the ground. Ms Covey-Hansen says the project will combine resident feedback with mapping and planning data to build a clear picture of whether Springfield’s active living design principles are being delivered as intended and felt that way by the people living there.

Whether that vision has translated into the kinds of connected, walkable streets and accessible parks residents were promised is precisely what this research aims to find out.

Findings from the project will be used to produce a Healthy Places, Healthy People case study through Queensland Health, with the aim of sharing lessons and informing planning, design and advocacy for more walkable communities across Queensland. Resident feedback, including suggestions for improvement, will also be passed on directly to Ipswich City Council to help shape future infrastructure priorities.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding says the council welcomes the research, pointing to the recently adopted Ipswich City Plan 2025 as a sign of the city’s commitment to well-planned, connected neighbourhoods supported by transport, services and local centres. Harding says the council’s city design and planning teams will be watching the findings closely, as real-world resident experiences can help inform how the city continues to deliver quality neighbourhoods for a growing population.

For locals, taking part is straightforward. The online survey takes only a short time to complete and asks residents about their physical activity habits, along with what helps or gets in the way of active living where they live. Residents aged 18 and over from Springfield Lakes and Spring Mountain are encouraged to participate before the survey closes on 10 April 2026.

As an added incentive, participants can opt into a prize draw to win a 200 dollar Healthy and Active pack, which includes a Fitbit and UniSQ merchandise.

Read: Radio Host Matty Acton Walks from Bowen Hills to Ipswich, Raises $50k

If you would like to have your say on what active living looks like in your neighbourhood, this is your chance to make it count. Researchers want to hear from you. The survey is available online through the UniSQ website. Residents can also contact Ms Covey-Hansen directly for more information via the UniSQ project page.

Published 30-March-2026

Springfield Lakes Community Rallies Around Football Icon Jonathan Brown After Successful Surgery

Photo Credit: Jonathan Brown/ Instagram

The Springfield Lakes community is celebrating the news that Brisbane Lions legend and local favourite Jonathan Brown is recovering well following a delicate operation to remove a brain tumour.

Unexpected Discovery and Medical Procedure

The health scare began when a routine medical check-up led to the discovery of a shadow on the former captain’s brain. Medical professionals identified the growth as a low-grade tumour, which required prompt surgical intervention to ensure his long-term wellbeing.

Brown entered the hospital for the procedure mid-week and has since confirmed that the operation went according to plan. The triple premiership player is now focusing on his rehabilitation alongside his family, including his wife Kylie.

A Positive Path to Recovery

While a medical event of this gravity is often met with concern, the outlook for the popular sports commentator is bright. Shortly after the surgery, Brown was reportedly in high spirits and already showing signs of his trademark energy while leaving the hospital.

He has expressed his gratitude for the successful outcome and noted that he intends to discuss the details of his health journey with the public once he has had sufficient time to rest. For now, his priority remains his physical health and spending quiet time at home with his loved ones.

Reflecting on a Decorated Career

The news has prompted many fans to look back on Brown’s significant contributions to the sport. Over a fourteen-year career, he became one of the most respected figures in the game, known for his physical style of play and leadership. He played over 250 games and was a key part of the dominant Brisbane side that won three consecutive flags in the early 2000s.

His decision to retire over a decade ago was largely influenced by the need to protect his brain health following several serious on-field injuries, a choice that remains relevant as he navigates this current health challenge.

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Widespread Support from the Football Family

The broader sporting community has moved quickly to offer encouragement to the forty-four-year-old. Fellow commentators and former teammates have shared messages of strength, highlighting Brown’s reputation as one of the most liked and toughest individuals in the industry.

Friends who have spoken with him recently noted that he is already back to his usual self, jokingly annoying his wife and showing the same resilience that defined his time on the footy field. The general consensus among his peers is a wish for a speedy recovery and a quick return to his media duties.

Published Date 30-March-2026