Quest Springfield Central has been sold to Serene Capital for $26.7 million, marking one of the most significant accommodation transactions in Springfield’s growing health and education hub.
Savills Australia and New Zealand brokered the sale of Quest Springfield Central, which settled in late September 2025 at a 7.65 per cent yield. Dubai-based Sidra Capital and London’s 90 North Real Estate Partners sold the property after purchasing it for $23.7 million in 2018.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Built in 2018, the four-star hotel at 4 Wellness Way includes 82 serviced apartments and three ground-floor tenancies. Current tenants are Guardian Early Learning Centre and Better Life Pilates, with one tenancy still vacant. The property is leased to Quest Hotels until 2043, with fixed annual rental increases in place.
Strength of the Health City Location
Quest Springfield Central sits within the Health City precinct, a master-planned zone positioned opposite Mater Private Hospital and adjacent to the new 174-bed Mater Public Hospital now under construction.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The hospital network, together with nearby educational and sporting infrastructure, continues to drive demand for short and long-stay accommodation in Springfield.
Local Demand and Community Impact
Springfield’s rapid growth in health and education services is shaping the suburb into a key destination for patients, staff, students, and visitors. The sale of Quest Springfield Central highlights the strong investor interest in accommodation assets that serve these needs.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Local families also benefit from supporting services within the property, such as childcare and wellness facilities, which add to community convenience.
Ongoing Investor Interest in Hotels
According to Savills, the increase in the hotel’s net income from $1.98 million to $2.043 million was an important factor in the transaction. Market specialists note that secure agreements with long-standing brands such as Quest provide confidence for institutional investors seeking consistent returns.
Springfield’s broader development pipeline, including the Brisbane Lions AFL training centre and upgraded transport links, further strengthens the precinct’s position as a regional hub.
The monument was created through a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Greater Springfield and Ipswich City Council’s Provisional Projects program. It carries the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in multiple languages.
A monument for community life
Photo credit: Facebook/Charis Mullen MP
Robelle Domain is a well-known gathering space for Springfield Lakes and surrounding suburbs. The addition of the Peace Pole provides a lasting symbol of peace in the heart of the park.
Peace Poles are part of a global initiative that began in Japan in the 1950s. More than 250,000 have been installed worldwide in schools, places of worship and public spaces. Each pole carries the same message in different languages, promoting the idea of peace across cultures.
Celebrating diversity in Springfield
Springfield and the wider Ipswich region are home to one of the most culturally diverse populations in Queensland, with residents representing more than 160 nationalities. The pole highlights this diversity and acknowledges the importance of continuing to foster harmony.
Rotary’s vision for peace
Photo credit: Facebook/Charis Mullen MP
The Rotary Club of Greater Springfield proposed the installation of the pole and partnered with council to bring the project to life. Rotary International has a long-standing commitment to peace, and the Springfield club viewed the pole as a way to reflect that commitment locally.
Rotary Club of Greater Springfield President Donelle Whiteley said the initiative was intended to serve as a lasting symbol of respect and cooperation.
“The Rotary Club of Greater Springfield proposed the installation of a Peace Pole as a lasting symbol of unity and mutual respect,” Mrs Whiteley said.
“This initiative reflects Rotary’s commitment to fostering understanding, harmony, and cooperation within the community.
The Peace Pole will serve as a visible reminder of the shared aspiration for peace, encouraging reflection, dialogue, and connection among all who encounter it.”
A global message close to home
The unveiling of the Peace Pole took place in time for the International Day of Peace on September 21. Declared by the United Nations in 1981, the day encourages communities worldwide to strengthen ideals of non-violence, respect and cooperation.
By linking this global observance with a local space, the Peace Pole in Springfield Central provides a permanent reminder of the value of peace in everyday life.
As the Springfield community continues to grow, the Peace Pole will remain a feature of Robelle Domain. Its message is clear and enduring, reflecting inclusivity and the aspiration for a peaceful future.
Friends, family, colleagues, and the wildlife conservation community at large are coming to terms with the sudden loss of Peter Luker, a man whose life was defined by looking after others, whether they wore a uniform or had fur and claws.
Peter, who balanced his role as a Queensland Corrective Services supervisor with serving as president of the Ipswich Koala Protection Society, died suddenly on 10 September 2025 just before starting his shift at Wolston Correctional Centre. He was just shy of his 61st birthday.
A generous spirit at home and at work
Friends and family describe Peter as someone who never did things halfway. His daughters, Taylor and Emily, remember birthday traditions that involved breakfast together and visits to wildlife parks, special rituals that showed how much he valued time with them despite long shifts in corrections. They also recall his habit of giving away whatever he had if it made someone else’s day easier. To them, this was just who their dad was: always giving, never keeping score.
That same generosity carried into his work. As a corrections supervisor, Peter built a reputation for looking out for his team. Colleagues say he restarted a staff welfare fund to help workers in crisis and often stepped in personally, buying equipment for someone in hospital or running raffles to support families facing hardship. It was common for him to notice when a colleague was struggling and quietly find a way to ease the load.
Koalas become his calling
Photo credit: Queensland Corrective Services
Peter’s path into wildlife care started more than a decade ago when friends introduced him to the Ipswich Koala Protection Society. What began as helping out soon became his passion. He was rarely without a joey in care, sometimes cradling one on the couch after a back-to-back 12-hour shift. He even built a custom rehabilitation enclosure at his home, turning part of his private life into a sanctuary for animals in need.
His involvement grew well beyond day-to-day caring. He pushed for the society to be heard at council level, he educated locals about the pressures koalas face, and he backed other carers with supplies and support. When bushfires tore through Queensland in 2019, Peter was among those who responded to injured koalas. A photograph of him holding a rescued joey went viral, capturing a moment of compassion in the middle of devastation.
Practical changes that saved lives
Peter also had a knack for turning ideas into practical solutions. In 2018, he helped organise for inmates at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre to build humane koala traps. Updated versions were later made at Wolston in 2024, and the program is credited with lifting the number of successful rescues by 60 per cent. For carers on the ground, those traps meant safer, quicker captures of sick or injured animals, a lasting legacy of Peter’s ability to bridge his two worlds.
Tributes from two communities
News of Peter’s death has rippled through both corrections and conservation circles. Wolston’s Acting Chief Superintendent Robert Wood described staff as shocked and saddened, calling him a dependable colleague who went above and beyond.
Wildlife carers have also spoken of their grief. The Ipswich Koala Protection Society, where Peter served as president, wrote on Facebook: “It is with broken hearts that we share the sudden passing of our President, Peter Luker.” The Last Governor community page echoed the sentiment: “May you Rest in Peace, Peter. Koala rescue advocate, Peter Luker, dedicated his life to protecting both wildlife and people.”
Former colleagues in corrections recall his distinct laugh, his generosity with time, and his pride in the koalas he cared for, each animal treated as an individual with its own quirks and personality. For carers, he was the one who could be counted on for the unglamorous jobs: fetching leaf, buying formula, or staying up through the night when a joey needed constant attention.
A legacy carried forward
Peter’s funeral, expected to draw a large crowd, will take place on Monday. The turnout will reflect the breadth of lives he touched: officers who worked alongside him, carers who relied on him, and community members who admired him.
What remains is a legacy stitched together from countless small acts of service. The humane traps he helped introduce are still used by rescuers for safe captures. The carers he supported will continue their work. And the welfare fund he revived has already helped staff through difficult times.
Peter Luker’s story is not just about one man’s love of koalas or his dedication to corrections. It is about the way he lived, generous, determined, and always looking out for others.
In Ipswich’s Defence heartland, the suburbs surrounding RAAF Base Amberley are once again at the centre of national attention as the Veteran Games issues its final call for registrations.
Local Air Force teams, 2 SECFOR Alpha and their new Bravo squad, are preparing to carry Ipswich pride into the Games, with Alpha returning as defending champions. Their participation is a point of pride for Yamanto, Springfield, Redbank Plains and Ripley, where many Defence families live and work.
Defending champions return
2 SECFOR Alpha made history last year by winning the Games, and they are now aiming to become the first team to lift the shield twice. Drawn from the No. 2 Security Forces Squadron at Amberley, the squad represents a proud Ipswich tradition of Defence service.
2 SECFOR Alpha Photo Credit: Veteran Games
This year they will be joined by 2 SECFOR Bravo, a younger group of squadron members who are eager to gain experience and show their strength. The presence of both Alpha and Bravo underscores the depth of talent and commitment within Ipswich’s Defence community. Local residents who know the long-standing role Amberley plays in the region have a clear reason to feel invested in the teams’ progress.
2 SECFOR Bravo Photo Credit: Veteran Games
The Ipswich teams will face rivals from across the country. Among them are the Valkyrie Veterans from Brisbane, the all-female team formed to inspire other women, and the Scablifters from Newcastle, made up of Royal Australian Air Force veterans and reservists.
From Darwin, Corporal Joshua Nash will lead his team after winning the Northern Territory heats in August. Each squad brings its own story, reinforcing the Games’ role as a meeting ground for diverse Defence experiences.
Purpose and resilience
The Games are run by the Veteran Support Force, established in 2021 by retired Special Forces Major Heston Russell. His focus has been on building connection and resilience in the veteran community, particularly around mental health. Through outreach and events, the organisation provides veterans with the opportunity to stay connected and supported.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Russell has described the Games as a chance to challenge veterans physically and mentally while reinforcing bonds that last beyond service. For Ipswich, a city long defined by its Defence base, this message carries special weight. The Games provide a way for current and former Defence members to demonstrate their strength while also showing younger recruits that service is about community as much as it is about operations.
Local impact
The Games are more than just a competition. They are a chance for families and communities to come together in support of their Defence neighbours. Many households in Yamanto, Springfield, Ripley and Redbank Plains have direct ties to Amberley, making the success of Alpha and Bravo teams a shared local story. The Games provide visibility and pride for these suburbs, reinforcing their identity as part of Australia’s Defence landscape.
Teams have until 26 September to register, with the finals to be staged on 11–12 October at Numinbah Valley on the Gold Coast. The event will bring together more than 500 veterans, serving personnel, families and supporters, with competitions including obstacle courses, stretcher carries and tug-of-war. Each squad must field eight competitors and two reserves.
With registrations closing soon, organisers are urging current and former Defence members to gather teams of eight with two reserves and sign up via veterangames.com. The finals are free to attend, giving families and communities a chance to witness the competition firsthand.
Transit Systems has been awarded the contract to operate new public transport services in Ipswich, with expanded routes, new stops, and a major depot upgrade planned.
On 3 September 2025, authorities confirmed that Transit Systems would operate the Ipswich and Logan Bus Services Improvement Package. This is the first new public transport bus service contract in South East Queensland to be released to open market in five years.
The $70 million package will be delivered in three stages over three years, with the first stage scheduled to begin on 17 November 2025.
Photo Credit: Transit Systems
Stage One Service Expansion
Stage one will introduce four new routes, supported by 97 new bus stops and about 1,000 additional trips each week. More than 42,300 residents are expected to benefit from improved services, with around 8,200 residents gaining access to bus services for the first time.
The new routes are:
501: Springfield to Ipswich
520: Goodna station to Eden’s Crossing
522: Redbank station to Springfield Central station
523: Redbank Plains through Augustine Heights to Springfield Central station
Infrastructure and Depot Development
A new state-managed bus depot is being established at New Chum. In its first stage, the facility will support 14 state-owned buses and the initial four routes. By 2026, the depot will expand to accommodate more than 240 buses, making it the largest of its kind in Australia.
Construction of new bus stops across Ipswich began in September 2025, with works underway on both new and upgraded facilities to match the planned service expansion.
Photo Credit: Transit Systems
Employment and Community Impact
Transit Systems will employ 36 staff during the first year of operations. The improved connections will link Springfield with Ipswich and Redbank Plains, while additional services between Browns Plains and Springfield will provide stronger links to train services at Springfield Central.
These changes are designed to improve access to jobs, healthcare, and education, while supporting growth in some of Ipswich’s fastest-developing communities including Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, Collingwood Park, Redbank Plains, Deebing Heights, Karalee, and Springfield.
Stage two of the depot development is due in 2026, with further stages of the service improvement package to follow over the next three years. Details for later stages will be released closer to their commencement.
A 45-year-old Riverview man has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison following the tragic death of an eight-month-old baby in his care during 2019.
Andrew William Campbell appeared before Brisbane Supreme Court this week where Justice Catherine Muir handed down the sentence for manslaughter. Campbell will be eligible for parole in one year, with time already served taken into account.
The court heard devastating details about the death of baby Dexter, who died from severe neglect at a home in nearby Ipswich during June 2019. Campbell had been living with the child’s mother, Natalie Jade Whitehead, for approximately one month before the tragedy occurred.
Justice Muir described the circumstances as “tragic and utterly heartbreaking” during the sentencing hearing. The court was told that both Campbell and Whitehead had been using illegal drugs for several days prior to the infant’s death, during which time they failed to provide basic care for the child.
Medical evidence presented to the court indicated that Dexter suffered from acute dehydration and malnutrition in the period leading up to his death. The specialist paediatrician’s report suggested the baby’s final hours would have been extremely distressing.
Crown prosecutor Matt Le Grand told the court that in the 21 hours before Dexter’s death, the infant had been left in a cot with only a single bottle. The baby was also found to be suffering from severe nappy rash and associated injuries.
Just five days before his death, extended family members had reported that Dexter appeared healthy and well-nourished, highlighting the rapid deterioration in his condition.
When emergency services were called on the evening of 21 June 2019, paramedics found the Riverview home in poor condition. Despite attempts to resuscitate Dexter, he had already been deceased for several hours.
The court heard that Campbell had refused to perform CPR when emergency responders requested assistance. Prior to their arrival, he had disposed of evidence including soiled baby clothes and drug-related items at a neighbour’s property.
Justice Muir noted that Campbell had taken on a parenting role when he moved in with Whitehead, creating a legal duty of care towards the infant. She emphasised that he had been aware the child was not receiving proper care but had prioritised his drug use over the baby’s welfare.
The judge found little evidence of genuine remorse from Campbell, despite his guilty plea to manslaughter charges. Both Campbell and Whitehead had initially been charged with murder before the charges were downgraded.
Campbell’s defence counsel explained that his client had struggled with substance abuse from a young age, beginning with heroin as a teenager and progressing to methamphetamine use while working as a truck driver from 2017.
The court was told that since being granted bail in mid-2023, Campbell had made no efforts to seek drug rehabilitation treatment.
Whitehead had previously been sentenced to nine years imprisonment for her role in Dexter’s death.
The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about child protection and the devastating impact of drug abuse on vulnerable families in the local community.
The stage is set at Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich as CMC Rocks QLD prepares to return from 20–22 March 2026. Now in its 19th year, the festival is expected to draw more than 23,000 fans for a weekend of country music, community spirit, and major celebrations.
Since its beginnings, CMC Rocks has grown into one of the premier country music events in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting fans from across Australia and abroad. Organisers anticipate nearly half of the attendees will travel from interstate, reinforcing its reputation as a must-do annual pilgrimage for country enthusiasts.
A line-up of international stars and local favourites
Photo credit: CMC Rocks/Facebook
Leading the 2026 bill are three of the genre’s most recognised names: Jordan Davis, Old Dominion, and Riley Green. The trio headline a stacked program featuring chart-toppers, emerging voices, and local talent.
International acts confirmed for the festival include Carly Pearce, Tucker Wetmore, Dasha, Gavin Adcock, Tyler Braden, Hudson Westbrook, Josh Ross, Waylon Wyatt, The Castellows and Jake Worthington. Australian favourites such as Casey Barnes, James Johnston, Alexandra Kay, Hayley Jensen, Robbie Mortimer and Jade Gibson will also take the stage.
The festival is equally dedicated to showcasing the next generation of artists. Rising performers including Wade Forster, Sara Berki, Bella Mackenzie, Tyla Rodrigues, Mackenzie May and Briana Dinsdale will be given a platform to share their music with thousands of festival-goers.
More than music
Photo credit: CMC Rocks/Facebook
CMC Rocks has long been celebrated for more than just its impressive line-ups. The event contributes significantly to Queensland’s cultural and tourism economy, generating millions of dollars each year and attracting visitors who spend across the region.
For Ipswich, the return of the festival signals not only a boost for local businesses but also a chance to showcase the city’s ability to host large-scale events. With past editions drawing record crowds and selling out in advance, the 2026 festival is expected to deliver another vibrant weekend of entertainment and community spirit.
Tickets for CMC Rocks QLD 2026 go on sale at 10:00 am on Thursday, 4 September 2025, through axs.com.au. Given the event’s history of selling out, fans are encouraged to secure their spots early.
Four local initiatives in Springfield Lakes and Ipswich are among the successful Greater Brisbane recipients of the Kickstarter grants, part of the state’s Gold Standard Early Intervention commitment.
In its first round, the program has provided $2.7 million to 11 community-driven projects designed to support at-risk young people and break cycles of offending.
Legacy Cultural Youth Program – Springfield Lakes
Photo credit: Legacy Connect/Facebook
Delivered by Legacy Connect (Cultural Wellbeing Services), this two-year initiative is centred on at-risk Pasifika, CALD, and Indigenous youth. It provides culturally grounded workshops alongside one-on-one mentoring, helping participants strengthen cultural pride, improve school attendance, and develop healthy coping strategies. By addressing trauma, disengagement, and complex social needs, the program aims to foster a stronger sense of belonging and community resilience.
The Durungal Program – Ipswich
Photo credit: Dynamic Community Care/Facebook
Run by Dynamic Community Care, The Durungal Program focuses on reducing aggression and teaching non-violent conflict resolution skills. Delivered over eight weeks, it engages young people aged 10–17 in personalised sessions held in schools, homes, or community spaces. Each participant follows a tailored learning plan designed to strengthen social skills and improve relationships, equipping them with practical tools to manage challenges without resorting to violence.
STRONG Futures – Ipswich
Photo credit: VITAL ProJeX/Facebook
V.I.T.A.L. Projex is leading the STRONG Futures program, which supports 80 young people across four 10-week cohorts. The initiative blends mentoring with innovative approaches such as adventure-based therapy, virtual reality self-reflection, and neurofeedback brain training. Designed to reduce anti-social behaviour and reoffending, the program combines cutting-edge technology with culturally safe, trauma-informed support to build resilience and prepare participants for education, training, or employment pathways.
Reconnect with Culture and Community – Ipswich
Photo credit: Afta Putta Gunawan/Pexels
The Youth Retreat Centre’s program works intensively with young people aged 14–17, with a strong emphasis on cultural reconnection. Participants receive case management, mentoring, and tailored referrals, while also engaging in life skills development and education support. The approach is particularly focused on First Nations youth, helping them rediscover cultural identity and build positive community ties that reduce the risk of offending.
Together, these four initiatives represent a shift towards prevention and support rather than punishment. By combining cultural knowledge, practical skills, and innovative methods, they are giving young people in Ipswich and Springfield Lakes the chance to find new directions and stronger connections.
Lions fans trooped to the Brighton Homes Arena hoping for a second big result of the AFLW season, and the Lions delivered in spirit if not the final score. They went down to Carlton 6.8 (44) to 9.4 (58), but by the final siren the 14-point margin did little to reflect the gritty contest on display.
The Blues claimed the game in a blistering second term, posting five unanswered goals that threatened to ruin the night for Brisbane. Yet the Lions rallied—it was their third term that carried the roar, as they outpaced Carlton with repeat inside-50 entries, bridging the gap to under 10 points when the siren sounded for three-quarter time.
Inside-50s were clearly in Brisbane’s favour, winning 49 to 31, a telling indicator of their intent—if only those entries had produced more majors. Courtney Hodder’s goal-line volley in that third term sparked the crowd. Orla O’Dwyer’s running finish followed, both serving as reminders that the Lions weren’t going down without a fight. Sleek forward pressure and strong midfield runs from Belle Dawes, Breanna Grider, Tahlia Hickie, and Jade Ellenger kept belief alive to the last.
Photo Credit: Lions.com.au
The second-quarter blow landed just after an early goal from Dakota Davidson, and Carlton cashed in through Keeley Sherar, Dayna Finn, and Breann Harrington, building a 29-point lead by half-time. Still, the Lions pressed on until eventually it ran out of clock.
Goal scorers for Brisbane were Hodder, Davidson, Poppy Smith, O’Dwyer, Ruby Svarc, and Charlotte Davison. Carlton’s goals came from Tara Bohanna (3) and Erone Fitzpatrick (2)—the latter hobbling from the field late with a leg injury. The home crowd numbered 2,805, and many of those left believing the performance yet pointed toward promise.
AFLW Match Data shows Belle Dawes with 20 disposals—the highest for Brisbane. Tahlia Hickie pulled down 13 hitouts, anchoring the ruck. O’Dwyer gathered 9 touches and laid 2 tackles. Hodder had 11 disposals and 3 tackles. Davidson added 10 disposals and a goal.
“There was some good energy and we showed excellent fight in that third quarter. It gives us something to build on, but the scoreboard is the scoreboard,” Brisbane Lions AFLW coach Craig Starcevich commented.
“We’ll look back at the inside‑50 conversion and see where we missed opportunities. Overall, pleased with the response, but keen to improve execution going forward,” he added.
What’s Next – Round 4: Lions vs Kuwarna
Brisbane now sets its sights on a road trip to Norwood Oval to face Kuwarna (Adelaide Crows)—named in honour of the Kaurna people during Indigenous Round. The match is scheduled for Sunday 7 September at 12:35 pm ACST.
The Crows will be a stern test. Still, if Brisbane can secure more clean inside-50 entries and keep up their third-term pressure, they can run with one of the season’s heavyweights. Fan voices already reflect quiet optimism: this clash offers a chance to convert promise into tangible results away from home.
The scoreboard may show a loss, but Lions supporters and players alike left Brighton Homes Arena feeling they’re still very much in the hunt. The structure, effort, and field position were there—now it’s just the finishing touches they need. As one fan put it, “I’ll keep singing the chant—because that’s what we do,” and with another week’s work behind them, Brisbane will be ready to roar again.
