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Camira Teen Imogen Ross Chasing an International Cheer Goal

Imogen Ross, a young cheerleader from Camira, is turning an undefeated season into an international chance to compete, and she is now calling on the local community to help cover the travel costs to get there.

According to her fundraising page on the Australian Sports Foundation, Ross’ team were the undefeated 2025 state and national cheer champions and have been selected to represent Australia at their first international competition in Canada.

The team is set to compete at the Association for International All Star (AIA) Global Tournament in Montreal from July 15 to 20, 2026, as listed on AIA’s official event information.

A Trip Earned Through Competition

Imogen has trained in cheer for more than five years and hopes the trip will help her keep improving as an athlete. The campaign describes the Canada event as a rare opportunity for the team to compete internationally and share what they can do on a global stage.

A community social media post supporting the fundraiser also points to the workload Imogen has carried alongside cheer, describing her as balancing training with being a school captain and staying active in school programs, including dance, senior strings and choir.

What the AIA Global Tournament Is

AIA describes itself as an international organisation working to build a more inclusive and transparent community for All Star cheer and dance, with a focus on bringing together gym owners, event producers and athletes worldwide.

The organisation says its international tournament rotates across hemispheres every 18 months, with regional competitions held more regularly. AIA also states it aims to support long-term growth in the sport by creating a structure that allows different stakeholders to have a say in its direction.

AIA says its mission is to unite the future of All Star cheer and dance through a “For All Star, by All Star” approach, working with nearly 30 independent event producers and inviting teams from more than 15 countries through 85 qualifying events, covering a wide range of levels and styles in the sport.

How Locals Can Help

Imogen’s fundraising appeal asks for donations of any size to help cover the costs associated with travel and competition in Canada. Donations are being collected through the Australian Sports Foundation page, with the campaign focused on helping her take up the team’s place at the international competition.

SUPPORT IMOGEN ROSS

Published 15-Jan-2026

Young Drivers Take the Wheel at Queensland Raceway in Police-Led Safety Program

Photo Credit: QPS

Queensland Raceway becomes the centre of a practical road safety program as police work with young drivers on real-life emergency scenarios.

At Queensland Raceway in Willowbank in Ipswich, young drivers are being placed in a rare real-world situation most only face under pressure, learning how to respond safely when police lights appear behind them, as Queensland Police run live night-time driving sessions on the circuit to reduce serious crashes on local roads.

The Learner Drive Night will take place on Thursday, 5 February 2026.

Community Road Safety in Focus

The program is part of an ongoing partnership between the Queensland Police Service and Queensland Raceway, designed to give young drivers hands-on experience in a controlled environment rather than learning through trial and error on public roads.

Police work directly with participants during nighttime sessions, using real emergency vehicles to simulate common traffic encounters that can cause confusion or panic for inexperienced drivers.

Drivers take part in short safety briefings before heading onto the Queensland Raceway circuit in their own vehicles. Police guide them through what happens when emergency vehicles approach, how drivers are expected to respond, and the safest ways to slow down, pull over or allow emergency vehicles to pass without creating further risk.

Learning What to Do Before it Matters

Queensland Police describe the sessions as an opportunity for drivers to build confidence and understanding before facing these situations on busy streets. The experience includes simulated roadside stops, interactions similar to random breath testing, and practice responding calmly to flashing red and blue lights while driving at night.

While learner drivers are encouraged to attend, the program is open to all young drivers, including those on provisional licences. Learner drivers must attend with a supervising passenger who holds an open licence and is over the age of 25. Organisers note that bookings must be made in the name of the driver taking part, not the supervisor.

Reducing Serious Crashes Through Education

Queensland Police state that education programs like Learner Drive Nights support broader efforts to reduce road trauma across the state. Police data shows serious crashes are often linked to what they describe as the Fatal Five behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, failing to wear seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.

Police aim to reduce panic-driven decisions that can lead to collisions if learners have direct exposure to emergency scenarios in a safe setting. The program also allows young drivers to ask questions and interact with police in a non-enforcement setting, helping build understanding and trust.

Queensland Police also encourage road users to learn more about staying safe on state roads through their Fatal Five road safety information.

Published 8-Jan-2026

Goodna Operator to Continue Running Rosewood Aquatic Centre for Another Decade

Local families can look forward to another ten years of swimming lessons and aquatic fitness classes at the Rosewood Aquatic Centre, following Ipswich City’s approval of a major lease extension with Goodna-based operator Australian Crawl.

Read: Play, Fitness, and Heritage: Inside the Reimagined RJ Richardson Park in Goodna

Ipswich has agreed to renew the lease for the Mill Street facility until December 2035, ensuring continuity for the popular learn-to-swim programmes and group fitness classes that serve the local community.

Australian Crawl (Goodna) Pty Ltd, which oversees other leisure and fitness centres in the region, will continue operating the Rosewood facility under the extended agreement.

Photo credit: Facebook/Rosewood Aquatic Centre

Crr Paul Tully, who chairs the Finance and Governance Committee, confirmed that council had endorsed the recommendation to renew the lease with the Goodna-based company. The operator will remain responsible for maintaining the premises throughout the ten-year term, excluding fair wear and tear and deterioration due to age.

The Rosewood Aquatic Centre operates primarily during summer and offers two heated pools, a children’s splash zone, and an outdoor gym area.

Division 4 Cr David Martin noted that the community will welcome news that they can continue to have public swimming facilities close to home. The ten-year lease renewal will ensure that Rosewood families can continue to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle in the water, with modern facilities and programmes that cater to swimmers of all ages.

The significance of the centre extends beyond recreation. Division 4 Cr Jim Madden highlighted the important role the facility plays in water safety education. The partnership will ensure that the next generation of Ipswich children can access learn-to-swim classes and become stronger swimmers.

The lease was due to expire, making the renewal critical for maintaining continuity of aquatic services in the growing Rosewood area. Without the extension, families would have faced uncertainty about access to local swimming facilities and water safety programmes.

The arrangement allows Australian Crawl to continue delivering its swimming programmes at the Rosewood centre, providing convenient options for families in the western suburbs who rely on the facility for both recreation and essential water safety education.

Read: Goodna Athlete Rhani Hagan Making Her Mark in Australian Rugby

With the lease now secured until 2035, the Rosewood Aquatic Centre will remain an important hub for community health and recreation for the next decade.

Published 6-January-2026

Frontline Police Deployment Boosts Springfield and Nearby Suburbs

Photo Credit: QPS

Springfield has received an additional frontline police officer following the graduation of 118 new constables, with further deployments also made across Ipswich and Goodna.

Graduation Marks Major Intake

A graduation ceremony held on 5 December, 2025 welcomed 118 new officers into the Queensland Police Service. The intake forms part of a high-volume recruitment year, bringing the total number of officers sworn in during 2025 to almost 1,200.

The graduates join more than 1,000 First Year Constables already inducted this year, with a final cohort scheduled to graduate later in December.

Deployments Across Ipswich and Springfield

As part of the Southern Region deployment, five officers have been assigned across the Ipswich district, with one officer allocated to Springfield, Ipswich, Goodna, Karana Downs and Yamanto. The placements contribute to increased frontline coverage across established and growing residential areas.

The wider Southern Region distribution also includes placements in Toowoomba, Gatton, Kingaroy, Dalby and St George, contributing to increased frontline coverage across both urban and regional areas.

Diverse Experience Among Recruits

The graduating officers range in age from 18 to 54 and bring experience from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including education, healthcare, defence, social services, hospitality and trades.

Recruitment activity during 2025 included record attendance at academy open days in Brisbane and Townsville, alongside the largest graduating cohort recorded in more than three decades earlier in the year.

Springfield police deployment — *Photo Credit: QPS*

Ongoing Recruitment and Training

Recruitment remains active, with more than 840 recruits currently undergoing training and over 1,160 applicants progressing through the recruitment process.

Future graduations are expected to continue increasing frontline capacity across Queensland, including Springfield, Ipswich and Goodna.

Published 5-Jan-2026

From Ipswich Skies to Centre Stage: Scott Wood’s Super Hornet Story

Photo Credit: Australia - Defence

From the flight line at RAAF Base Amberley on the outskirts of Ipswich, the Queensland sky has long been a place of noise, speed and possibility. For Squadron Leader Scott Wood, it is also where a childhood fascination finally caught up with him.

Long before he wore a flying suit or climbed into the cockpit of a F/A-18F Super Hornet, Wood was just a Brisbane kid looking up. He remembers being about 10 years old when fast jets overhead—especially the thunder of F-111s—captured his attention. At the time, it was only curiosity. Flying felt distant, almost abstract. He had never even been in an aircraft cockpit and admits he wasn’t sure he would like it, let alone build a career around it.

Scott Wood — *Photo Credit: Australia – Defence*

That uncertainty followed him into training. Wood still recalls his first solo flight in a CT-4 trainer, when the aircraft felt enormous and the responsibility suddenly very real. Alone in the sky, he looked out across the wings and realised he was truly in control. It was exhilarating—and confirming.

Years later, that feeling returned with greater force. His first solo in a Super Hornet was, in his words, “next level”. The scale was different, the power unmistakable, but the sense of awe was the same. Even now, he says, flying solo hasn’t lost its impact.

That mix of wonder and discipline eventually led Wood to one of the Air Force’s most visible roles: display pilot. When the opportunity came, he didn’t hesitate. It felt like a conversation across time—the 10-year-old who once watched jets overhead finally answering back. Every display since, he says, has carried that same joy.

The role took on extra meaning when Wood flew in front of Queensland crowds, particularly at Pacific Airshow Gold Coast. Flying along the coastline at Surfers Paradise, skyscrapers rising behind the aircraft and thousands of spectators lining the beach below, he found himself with a view the crowd never sees—the full scale of the moment, and the people it reaches. After landing, walking through the crowd and hearing reactions from strangers brought home just how powerful those few minutes in the sky could be.

For one spectator, the experience was deeply personal. Volunteering at Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, Kellie Wood stood among the crowd watching the Super Hornet split the sky—knowing her son was at the controls. Pride mixed with nerves as she watched him climb until he disappeared from view, then return in a display that included fast, low passes, flares and manoeuvres pulling up to 7Gs, at speeds of up to 1100 kilometres per hour and down to 50 metres over water.

“That’s my Top Gun son,” she thought, as the crowd fell silent and then erupted.

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A post shared by Pacific Airshow (@pacificairshow)

For Wood, now with 1 Squadron at Amberley, the spectacle has never been just about performance. He often says the most important people in the audience are the ones looking up and wondering if they could ever do the same. He knows that feeling well. He was once that kid—never imagining he’d one day be flying displays over his home state, let alone from a base just outside Ipswich.

That sense of connection is why he believes aerobatic and handling displays matter. Visibility matters. Seeing Air Force aircraft in the sky matters. Many pilots, he says, trace their career choice back to a single moment—an airshow, a formation overhead, a jet tearing across the beach.

Soon, Wood will hand over the display role to the incoming 2026 Super Hornet display pilot, passing the baton to the next aviator who will carry that responsibility. Until then, every crowd is a reminder of why he flies.

At the end of the day, he says, it’s some of the best flying you can do. And if even one young person walks away dreaming a little bigger, then every second in the sky is worth it.

Published 31-Dec-2025

New HOPE Hub Planned At Springfield Central

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A new HOPE Hub is planned for Orion Springfield Central, with a dedicated support service set to assist people affected by domestic and family violence.

Expanding Access To Local Support

The HOPE Hub will be established at Orion Springfield Central and is scheduled to open in early 2026. It will be the first of three new hubs supported under a $7.8 million funding package allocated across five years, with two additional locations expected to open during the 2026–27 period.

The Springfield Central site is intended to provide a central access point for support services within a well-used retail environment, allowing people to seek assistance in a familiar and discreet setting.

domestic violence support — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Services And Delivery Model

The hub will be operated by Beyond DV, a community-based organisation that supports victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. The service model focuses on wrap-around support, including trauma-informed programs and pathways to social, health, housing, legal and financial assistance.

Locating the hub within a shopping centre is designed to reduce barriers to access by providing a safe and private entry point for people seeking help.

Building On An Established Approach

The Springfield Central hub follows an existing HOPE Hub model that has been operating in Brisbane for several years. The model brings multiple recovery-focused services together in one location, enabling people to access information, referrals and longer-term support through a single service point.

Services are expected to be available seven days a week once the hub becomes operational.

Springfield Central HOPE Hub — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Response

Management at Orion Springfield Central has welcomed the introduction of the HOPE Hub, noting its role in providing a safe and inclusive space to address domestic and family violence and related wellbeing concerns within the Springfield community.

What Happens Next

Planning and site preparation for the Springfield Central HOPE Hub will continue ahead of its early 2026 opening. Once operational, the hub will form part of a broader network of HOPE Hubs designed to improve access to recovery and support services for people affected by domestic and family violence across Queensland.

Published 29-Dec-2025

Eight Hospitalised After Boxing Day Fire Destroys Springfield Family Home

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A Springfield family’s Christmas celebrations turned to catastrophe early on Boxing Day morning when a fire tore through their Peachface Crescent home, sending eight people to hospital.

Emergency services responded to the single-storey residence just after 5am on 26 December, where flames had already engulfed the property. The eight occupants, including extended family who had gathered for the holidays, managed to escape the inferno.

Five adults were transported to Ipswich Hospital, with two treated for smoke inhalation. Two others were taken to the Mater Hospital, whilst another person was admitted to Queensland Children’s Hospital. All patients were reported to be in stable condition.

Tanya Daylight, who has lived at the address for 10 years, described the terrifying moments as the fire took hold.

She recalled feeling the flames overhead and struggling to breathe as the fire consumed oxygen from the air around her. Ms Daylight said the family felt fortunate to have made it out alive, as she had feared they wouldn’t escape.

A family member indicated the fire may have been sparked by an e-scooter battery that was charging overnight. Two people reportedly arrived home in the early hours to discover the charger sparking and catching alight.

However, a Queensland Fire Department spokesman stated that the extent of damage to the property made it impossible to confirm the cause at this stage.

Ms Daylight issued a warning to others about the dangers of charging personal transport devices indoors.

The blaze claimed the lives of two family cats, Lexi and Amber, though three dogs—Marshmallow, Franklin and Rex—were found safe after initially being feared lost. Video footage captured the moment 18-year-old Chamerkah Turner was reunited with Franklin, a sausage dog who had crawled out of the wreckage.

Neighbours who were woken by screaming and explosive sounds rushed to assist the trapped family members.

Jack Houston, who lives next door, attempted to fight the flames with a hose before realising some family members remained in the backyard, unable to scale the fence. He and his partner Holly Hamlyn-Harris located a sledgehammer for the family to break through the fence panel.

Mr Houston explained that the mother couldn’t climb over the fence, prompting one of her daughters to use the sledgehammer to tear down a section so she could escape.

Ms Hamlyn-Harris described the experience as incredibly stressful and praised the daughters as heroes for their quick action in waking everyone and helping them escape. It’s understood one person suffered cuts after punching through a window to flee the burning home.

Another neighbour, Peter Spethman, said he was woken by screaming and popping sounds. He described seeing frantic people in the front yard before witnessing the entire roof collapse. Mr Spethman said the house went up extremely quickly, with nothing visible except smoke and flames.

The displaced family now faces the challenge of finding accommodation, with relatives noting they’ve lost phones, clothing and even shoes in the fire.

Understanding e-scooter battery risks

Lithium-ion batteries, which power e-scooters and similar devices, have become a growing fire concern across Australia. According to the Queensland Electrical Safety Office, these batteries should only be charged with approved chargers displaying the regulatory compliance mark, as using incorrect chargers can cause overheating and fires.

Fire and Rescue NSW data shows lithium-ion battery fires are amongst the fastest-growing fire risks, with authorities across multiple states reporting increased incidents involving e-mobility devices. Safety authorities recommend charging these devices during daylight hours when users are home and alert, rather than overnight or whilst unattended.

The Electrical Safety Office advises checking both the device and charger for any signs of damage before use, including cracked casings, discolouration or damaged cords.

Published 26-December-2025

Ipswich School Drives Female Rugby League Growth with Elite Excellence Program

Photo Credit: Ipswich State High School/ Facebook

Ipswich State High School has become a major hub for aspiring female athletes since the establishment of a dedicated rugby league academy that now sees more than 150 girls trial annually for a chance to train at an elite level.

From Sidelines to Centre Field

The program has grown significantly since it began more than a decade ago. It started with just 16 players and has expanded into a highly competitive pathway for students in years 7 to 12. NRL Hall of Fame recipient Veronica White, who established the initiative, said her main goal was to provide equal opportunity for girls who often asked why boys were the only ones playing the sport.

She explained that the program aims to build self-esteem and confidence in young women, teaching them to be sure of themselves both on the field and in their personal lives.

Education Comes First

While the training is rigorous, the school places a heavy emphasis on academic success. Coach Alex Nicholson, who heads the rugby league program, stated that football is important to the students, but their education remains the priority. He noted that students must maintain an 85 per cent attendance rate to keep their spot in the squad.

According to Nicholson, the school defines excellence not just by training performance but by the quality of people the students become. He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to set these young women up for a successful life after they graduate.

A Full Circle Moment

For teacher Nikki Cox, the program represents a major shift from her own school days. A former student of the school and an ex-Ipswich Jets player, Cox recalled that she used to be the only girl on the team. She noted that while she could participate in fitness and touch games, she missed out on the contact aspects of the sport.

Cox said returning to teach at her former school feels like destiny. She expressed that rugby league is the ultimate team sport and that the connection formed with teammates is difficult to compare to anything else. She is now motivated to help current students experience the opportunities she missed as a teenager.

Building Future Goals

The program is already making an impact on the younger students. Year 7 student Aniela Leo’o said she was surprised to be selected after trialling against many girls from different schools. She mentioned that she had played rugby league her whole life and heard about the opportunity through her parents and social media. Leo’o, who hopes to work in bio-medicine one day, said the program helps her stay focused on her classes while training to achieve her athletic goals.

Published Date 17-December-2025

Goodna Athlete Rhani Hagan Making Her Mark in Australian Rugby

Photo Credit: QRSS

Winning gold for Australia doesn’t happen by accident — and for Goodna’s Rhani Hagan, it’s the result of years of dedication across multiple sporting codes.

Rhani has competed across touch football, rugby league and rugby 7s, progressing from school sport pathways to international competition. She represented St Francis Xavier School, Goodna, before continuing her development at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School through the Queensland Representative School Sport (QRSS) system.

For more than 100 years, QRSS has provided competitive pathways across 21 sports, supporting students to access high-quality sporting opportunities each year. Its athlete portal serves as a central hub where school-aged athletes can learn, celebrate achievements and develop along representative pathways that have produced Olympic champions and elite athletes across multiple sports.

Through QRSS, Rhani progressed through district, regional and state pathways, earning selection for Queensland and Australian teams in touch football and rugby 7s.

In rugby 7s, Rhani represented Australia at the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games, where the team won gold, marking a significant milestone in her representative career.

The achievement added to her growing list of honours and further established her presence within national school sport and youth representative pathways. That pathway is supported statewide by thousands of officials and school sport staff, helping create representative opportunities for students across Queensland.

*Australian women’s team win the Dubai Invitational with QAS supported athletes Rhani Hagan, Emmisyn Wynyard and Zoe Waters — coached by QAS Gen32 graduate coach Shannon Parry.*
*Photo Credit: Queensland Academy of Sports/Facebook*

Rhani, a young woman of the Quandamooka, Kullilli and Turrbal peoples, has also spoken publicly about her First Nations identity and the importance of her school and community connections. Her story reflects how cultural pride and sport can coexist throughout an athlete’s development.

Rhani has said she aspires to join the Australian Women’s Rugby 7s program and pursue an Olympic dream, continuing the progression that began through school sport in Goodna.

Published 15-Dec-2025

Springfield Lakes Teen Aiyana Pritchard Selected for Historic International AFL Camp

Photo Credit: St Peters Lutheran College Springfield/ Facebook

A Springfield Lakes rising star, Aiyana Pritchard, has cemented her status as one of Australia’s most promising young athletes by earning selection into the prestigious national academy that will see her train at a world-class facility in New Zealand.

Elite Selection

Aiyana Pritchard, known to her teammates as ‘Narni’, was officially named as part of the 2026 Marsh AFL National Academy. This program identifies the top 50 footballers across the country who are approaching their draft year. The intake includes 25 girls and 25 boys born in 2008, positioning them as top prospects for the 2026 Telstra AFLW and AFL Drafts.

The program kicks off in December. Aiyana will travel to Wellington for a high-performance camp at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport. This facility is the training ground for major teams like the All Blacks and the Wellington Phoenix. This trip marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time the AFL National Academy Girls program has travelled overseas for training since 2018. The girls’ camp runs from December 17 to December 21.

A Talent on the Rise

Aiyana has built a reputation for her agility and versatility as a tall forward and midfielder. Her unique playing style is often credited to her background in rugby. She currently plays for the Brisbane Lions Academy and the University of Queensland team. Additionally, she attends St Peters Lutheran College, where the school community has celebrated her national selection.

Her track record on the field is impressive. While playing for the Sherwood Football Club, also known as the Magpies, she was a key part of the Under 17 Division 1 Premiership team. In a display of her advanced skill level, she won the Division 1 League Best and Fairest award while she was still young enough to play Under 15 football. More recently, she gained selection in the Queensland Under 18 team after shining in the Brisbane Lions Academy program.

Returning to the Nest

The Sherwood Football Club recently confirmed that Aiyana will return to play for the Magpies in the 2026 season. The club expressed their excitement to have her back at her junior club whenever she is not busy with her extensive representative duties.

AFL National Academy Manager Tarkyn Lockyer noted that the program aims to provide these up-and-coming stars with experiences that go beyond what they receive in their state programs. He added that the camp in New Zealand offers a unique opportunity for the players to challenge themselves in an elite international environment.

Future Opportunities

Beyond the trip to New Zealand, the academy schedule includes high-performance camps in Melbourne during April and June of 2026. These camps will feature showcase matches where the academy squad will compete as the Australia Under 18 team. Players will also get the chance to train directly with AFL and AFLW clubs to prepare for the next step in their football careers.

Published Date 05-December-2025