ipswich Archives - Springfield Lakes

Spray-Painted With Warnings and Gutted by Fire — So Why Are Buyers Flooding This Redbank Plains Listing?

A fire-ravaged house in Ipswich’s Redbank Plains has become Queensland’s most viewed residential property listing over the past week — and the fourth most clicked-on home in the entire country.

Read: New Catholic School in Redbank Plains Welcomes Foundation Students

The property at 7 Coolabah Drive is currently on the market with offers invited over $550,000. The 450 square metre block once contained a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home before fire gutted it in late 2024. What remains is structurally compromised, smoke-damaged throughout, and by the listing’s own admission, not habitable. Its facade spray-painted with blunt warnings telling anyone who approaches to stay out.

Listing agent Troy Boettcher of House Property Agents said enquiry had been substantial since the property went live, with calls and emails coming in from builders, first home buyers and investors. Boettcher said the $550,000 price point was the key attraction, even given the near-certain need to demolish what remains of the existing structure.

He noted the fire damage extends throughout the entire property — details he said were based on photographs, having not personally inspected the interior.

The listing is candid about the scale of work involved. It describes substantial fire and smoke damage requiring either major structural repairs or full demolition, and flags that only some fixtures and fittings are likely to be salvageable. Prospective buyers are told they can either knock the structure down and build fresh on the existing slab, or carry out extensive repairs to the existing structure.

The owner, who lives interstate, held an insurance claim that has since been finalised and closed. Rather than manage a rebuild from afar, they chose to sell and let the market take over. According to Boettcher, being interstate and facing a potential rebuild, the owner decided putting the property on the market was the most practical path forward.

The level of interest reflects how dramatically the suburb has changed. The local median house price now sits at $770,000, more than double what it was a decade ago, when homes in the area were changing hands for around $320,000. That kind of growth is precisely what has buyers looking past the spray-painted warnings on the front wall.

Read: Redbank Plains Pug Honey Honoured as National Canine Home Hero

Whether the eventual purchaser reaches for a bulldozer or attempts a restoration, one thing is clear. In Brisbane’s current market, even a burnt-out shell with danger signs on the door is worth a second look.

Published 10-March-2026

Ed Sheeran Signs Ipswich Mural, Performs to Sold-out Crowds

Suncorp Stadium/Facebook

Ed Sheeran made a surprise visit to Ipswich on Friday 20 February, quietly signing a mural of himself in the city’s CBD before heading to Suncorp Stadium for the first of three sold-out Brisbane concerts, capping a 10-month community campaign that put the Queensland city on the global map and generated an estimated $3 million in earned media value.

The visit delivered exactly what the residents of Ipswich had been working toward since May last year. The Get Ed to Ipswich campaign drew in local businesses, schools and residents, with a bakery producing Ginger-Ed cookies and the local pub pouring a custom Ed Beeran Brew among dozens of community-led activations. When Sheeran finally pulled up to the Hotel Commonwealth on Nicholas Street and uncapped a marker, the result of all that effort became real in about 30 seconds.

For Springfield Lakes and the broader Ipswich community, the moment landed as something beyond a celebrity sighting. It was a reminder that a city often overshadowed by its larger neighbour to the east can generate its own global story when its community commits to one.

Understanding the $3 Million Earned Media Impact

Earned media refers to publicity generated organically through news coverage, social sharing and third-party conversation rather than paid advertising. Unlike traditional marketing spend, it reflects independent coverage that audiences tend to perceive as more credible and authentic.

In Brisbane’s case, the campaign attracted state, national and international attention across broadcast, digital and print platforms, amplifying the city’s profile well beyond Queensland and creating exposure that would have cost significantly more if purchased as advertising space.

The Mural That Started It All

The campaign’s centrepiece was a large mural commissioned by Warner Music Australia and painted by Brisbane-based artist Duncan Mattocks between the Hotel Commonwealth and 1 Nicholas Street in Ipswich Central. Mattocks spent six days and approximately 10 litres of paint across 12 colours to bring the 11.5-metre by 4-metre artwork to life, with curious locals dropping by throughout the week to ask questions and photograph the work in progress.

The mural was commissioned in September 2025 to celebrate Sheeran’s eighth studio album PLAY, and quickly became the focal point of the community’s push to attract the star during his 2026 Australian Loop Tour. The connection between Ipswich, Queensland and Ipswich, England is not incidental. Ed Sheeran grew up in the Suffolk town and has a well-documented habit of visiting cities around the world that share his hometown’s name, including Ipswich in Massachusetts. The campaign in Queensland started in earnest after Sheeran’s record of visiting namesake cities was noted by a Brisbane radio host, who reached out to the Ipswich community last May.

Ed Sheeran mural — *Photo Credit: Book An Artist*

When Sheeran signed the mural on Friday afternoon, he wrote a message and quipped to those around him: “There’s a new mayor in town.” The remark set up what was to follow.

The Mayoral Chains and a Signed Jersey

At Sunday night’s final Brisbane concert at Suncorp Stadium, Ipswich’s community representative attended backstage and presented Ed Sheeran with the official mayoral chains of office, formally naming him honorary co-mayor of Ipswich. Sheeran wore them and later acknowledged the moment from the stage, telling the crowd that the Ipswich mayor had put the mayoral necklace on him before the gig and that he was now unsure whether he was technically a mayor.

As a parting gift, Ed Sheeran signed an Ipswich Town FC jersey, the English football club from his hometown, and addressed it to the “Mayor of the 2nd best Ipswich.” The community representative responded that she was more than happy to share the role, and that Sheeran was welcome back any time.

What the Visit Meant for Local Business

The mural on Nicholas Street became an immediate tourist magnet, with fans travelling from as far as Hervey Bay to photograph themselves in front of it after Ed Sheeran’s signature was confirmed. Local hospitality venues reported strong trade in the nights leading up to and during the Brisbane concert run, with dozens of businesses having participated in Ed-themed promotions and content throughout the campaign period.

The 10-month campaign is estimated to have generated around $3 million in earned media value through coverage across Australia and internationally, shining a sustained spotlight on Ipswich well beyond the weekend of the concerts. The economic ripple across Springfield Lakes, Ipswich Central and surrounding communities reflected what happens when a city backs itself.

Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour continues with shows at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on 26, 27 and 28 February, followed by a final Australian date at Adelaide Oval on 5 March. The signed mural at Nicholas Street, Ipswich Central remains open to visitors at all hours.

Published 26-February-2026.

Nicholas Street Precinct Wins Silver at 2026 World Design Awards, Capping a Strong 2025 Awards Run

Ipswich’s Nicholas Street Precinct has added an international accolade to its list of industry recognition, winning Silver in the wayfinding category at the Better Future World Design Awards 2026. The win follows five major awards received by the precinct throughout 2025, spanning property, construction, hospitality and urban design.

Read: HOYTS Named Flagship Cinema for Nicholas Street Precinct

The Better Future World Design Awards draw entries from the world’s largest network of design award programs, covering regional, sector and design capital competitions. The awards recognise the work of both commissioning clients and design professionals on built environment projects.

The Nicholas Street Precinct was recognised in the wayfinding category for a design that, according to the award’s project brief, supports intuitive exploration of the revitalised area, helps users navigate independently, fosters a sense of place, and extends the experience of the surrounding urban environment. The precinct recorded more than two million visits over the past year.

The $311 million precinct includes a council administration building, two libraries, Tulmur Place civic square, a zero-depth water play area, and a range of dining and entertainment venues.

The 2026 World Design Silver follows a series of awards received by the precinct throughout 2025. The Property Council of Australia named the precinct winner of the Best Public Building or Social Infrastructure Development Award at its 2025 Innovation and Excellence Awards. At the 2025 Urban Developer Awards, it took out Development of the Year in the Urban Regeneration category.

Photo credit: Google Maps/Nicholas Street Precinct

The Venue Building was awarded Best Commercial Refurbishment/Renovation over $30 million at the 2025 Master Builders Queensland Awards. The precinct’s wayfinding design had already earned a Gold medal at the 2025 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards — in the same category that has since been recognised at the world level. The Hotel Commonwealth, located within the precinct, was named Best Redeveloped Hotel in the General Division at the 2025 Queensland Hotels Association Awards.

Prior to 2025, the precinct received the Queensland Minister’s Award for Urban Design and the Movement and Place Award in 2024, along with multiple industry awards dating back to 2021.

Read: Two Million Visits Mark Revitalised City Precinct in Ipswich

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding described the Silver award as an honour for the city, saying the precinct represented a triumph of urban renewal and a model for people-first public spaces, where pedestrians are prioritised over vehicles.

Published 24-February-2026

Young Leaders at the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society Are Connecting Communities Through History

Did you know that the president of one of Ipswich’s long‑standing local history societies is just 26 years old? Alice Sippel is the youngest president in the 47‑year history of the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society, a volunteer organisation usually led by older members.

Read: Bottle Alley Reopens To Pedestrians With Striking Tribute To Ipswich History

Ms Sippel says that working alongside volunteers in their 80s and 90s has shown her the value in traditional methods of preserving history, while also highlighting opportunities to try different approaches to documenting the past. She emphasises the importance of learning from experience while finding new ways to share stories from the region.

In early 2025, Ms Sippel was selected as president after several years volunteering at the Society, including serving as Treasurer the year before. She took over from Susanne Rijs, who had led the Society for 19 years. By profession, Ms Sippel is a librarian and previously worked as a library technician in Lowood, giving her skills that complement the Society’s archival work.

Joining her in this work is 25‑year‑old Mr Montgomery, who spends much of his spare time researching historic buildings in Ipswich. Some of his friends do not share his interest, but Mr Montgomery has explained that he finds compelling stories in places such as the 150‑year‑old St Paul’s Anglican Church and local sites like Limestone Park, where community folklore suggests an elephant is buried. He sees these places as narratives that connect people across generations.

Why Young Volunteers Are Key

Local history and heritage organisations across Australia are facing an ageing membership and challenges in attracting younger volunteers. Leaders in the field emphasise the importance of young people stepping in to sustain these societies. Volunteers like Ms Sippel are seen as important for encouraging others of their generation to get involved and contribute energy and new perspectives to preserving local history.

This work is particularly vital in a region like Ipswich, which is undergoing rapid development. As new housing and commercial developments transform the landscape, historic homes, churches and community buildings stand side‑by‑side with modern structures. Local historians play an important role in explaining why preserving these older streetscapes matters, both for cultural identity and community memory.

Photo credit: Rosewood Scrub Historical Society

Ms Sippel also points to lessons from the past that resonate today—for example, how her regional hometown of Marburg faced pressures during World War I that led to changes in the town’s name due to its German heritage. She believes that dedicating time to community work helps people value their heritage and contribute meaningfully to society. Mr Montgomery similarly sees history as a way to inspire, educate and connect people across generations.

A History of the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society

The Rosewood Scrub Historical Society was formed in 1979 as a volunteer association to preserve a range of historical documents gathered during school centenaries across the region. The name describes the area it serves, which includes Ashwell, Fernvale, Glamorgan Vale, Haigslea, Lowood, Marburg, Minden, Mt Marrow, Prenzlau, Rosewood, Tallegalla and Tarampa. Its focus from the outset has been on preserving documents and photographs, which the Society believes are powerful tools for telling local stories.

The Society’s archives have grown to include more than 4,000 items, including family histories and community photographs. Volunteers work to catalogue and maintain these collections, ensuring they remain available to community members, researchers and future generations.

Today, the Society operates entirely through volunteer efforts, funded by membership fees, donations, grants, sponsorships, research services and the sale of photographs and publications. Its hall, located in Marburg and maintained by Ipswich City Council, serves as a hub for research and community engagement, where locals can explore and learn about their shared past.

Keeping Local Stories Alive

Under the leadership of volunteers like Ms Sippel and Mr Montgomery, the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society shows that local history remains a living narrative, not just a record of things past. Their work helps ensure that the stories, traditions and memories of Brisbane’s outer suburbs continue to be preserved and shared even as the region evolves.

Read: A Piece of Ipswich History: Historic CWA Property Set for Auction

Together, their commitment demonstrates that passion for preserving the past is not limited by age, and that local history will thrive when diverse voices and generations are part of the conversation.

Published 19-February-2026

Ipswich Population Boom: Springfield, Springfield Lakes Lead Growth Past 270,000 Milestone

Springfield, Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, and Spring Mountain are among the key growth areas as Ipswich City officially recorded 270,624 residents as of 1 January 2026.

Read: Springfield Parkway Upgrade Stage 2 Moves Closer as Long-Term Road Expansion Continues

According to data released on 2 February, Ipswich City has experienced remarkable growth over recent years, adding close to 10,000 people in the past 12 months alone. Over a four-year period, the population has swelled by approximately 30,000 residents.

Springfield, Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, and Spring Mountain have emerged as key drivers of this expansion. The broader Springfield area has welcomed over 5,000 new residents since January 2022, growing from 33,333 people to 38,415. The precinct now accommodates more than 12,000 dwellings across its master-planned estates.

Meanwhile, the Ripley and South Ripley corridor has experienced even more dramatic growth, with the population nearly doubling from just over 10,000 residents to more than 19,000 during the same timeframe.

The rate of population increase has been accelerating, with annual growth jumping from around 8,000-9,000 people to nearly 10,000 in the most recent year. People are relocating to Ipswich from across Queensland, Australia, and internationally, with 300 new migrants becoming citizens in the past year.

Spring Mountain, Springfield Lakes, Ripley, South Ripley, White Rock, Deebing Heights, and Redbank Plains continue to be the fastest-growing suburbs in the region. Total dwellings citywide have reached 98,313, edging close to six figures.

While the population growth has brought new residents to the area, it has also placed pressure on existing infrastructure. The need for improved roads, expanded public transport options, and additional community facilities has become increasingly apparent.

Looking ahead, projections indicate Ipswich will reach 530,000 residents within two decades, necessitating an additional 100,000 homes. This growth trajectory underscores the urgent need for improved transport links, particularly enhancements to the Cunningham and Centenary highways and a dedicated public transport corridor connecting Springfield Central with Ipswich Central.

Data from the October to December 2025 quarter shows the city approved 877 new dwellings and created 725 new lots during that period. A total of 433 development applications were processed, while more than six kilometres each of new pathways and local roads were added to accommodate the growing population.

For residents of Springfield Lakes and neighbouring communities, the statistics reflect what they see daily: construction cranes dotting the skyline, new schools opening their doors, and shopping centres expanding to meet demand.

The challenge now lies in ensuring that essential infrastructure keeps pace with the residential boom. Transport capacity, particularly road networks and public transport frequency, will need to expand significantly to accommodate the growing population.

Read: More Springfield Lakes Roofs are Storing Solar and Saving Power

As Springfield Lakes and its neighbouring suburbs continue their remarkable growth trajectory, they represent both the potential and the pressures of rapid urban development in modern Australia. The coming years will prove critical in determining whether infrastructure investment can match the pace of population growth, ensuring the region’s transformation remains sustainable for current and future residents alike.

Published 5-February-2026

Redbank Plains Pug Honey Honoured as National Canine Home Hero

Photo Credit: Elfie96/Instagram/Puppy Tales

Honey doesn’t look like a hero. She’s a pug from Redbank Plains. She’s small and snuffly, the kind of dog you expect to see trotting down the footpath or snoozing on a lounge, not walking into an intensive care unit day after day. But that’s where Honey did her most important work: during the final months of her human Vanessa’s life, she visited the ICU daily for three months, offering calm companionship in a place defined by alarms, bright lights, and uncertainty.

In January 2026, Honey’s story reached well beyond Ipswich’s western suburbs when she was named the Canine Home Hero Medal recipient at the 2026 Australian Dog of the Year Awards. The medal recognises dogs whose intuition, courage or companionship makes a life-changing difference at home.

For locals, it’s not hard to understand why this story is landing. Most people in our community have had some brush with hospital corridors — visiting relatives, sitting through long nights, holding their breath for good news. Puppy Tales, which runs the national awards, describes those final three months for Vanessa as time spent in ICU, with Honey there to help make a clinical space feel like home.

Nervous Dog to Support Dog

Honey was once a timid rescue, but grew into an assistance dog whose steadiness became a comfort not only for Vanessa, but for Vanessa’s husband Joel and even hospital staff who saw her gentle resolve up close – from nervous beginnings to a grounded presence during the hardest chapter.

That “now” matters, because the story doesn’t end when the hospital visits do. Honey continues to support Joel now. Vanessa has since passed away, but Honey continues forward as Joel’s assistance dog — a living thread of routine and companionship in the wake of grief.

It’s a detail that shifts the story from a snapshot of devotion to something longer: what happens after the casseroles stop coming, after the messages slow down, after the world moves on, and a person is left learning how to keep moving too.

Joel describes Honey as the reason he keeps going, not with grand statements, but with ordinary anchors and routines. It’s the kind of line many readers will recognise, even if their “Honey” looks different: a pet that insists the day begin, a lead that needs clipping on, a warm body that doesn’t ask for explanations.

Honey’s recognition also nudges at something else: the assumptions about what a “working dog” looks like. In Australia, people tend to picture Labradors and German Shepherds first — big, capable silhouettes. Honey is proof that support can arrive in small packages, and that assistance isn’t only about dramatic tasks. Sometimes it’s the steady presence; sometimes it’s the reason someone gets out of bed; sometimes it’s a dog who keeps turning up, even when the place is frightening, and the future is unclear.

Who else was recognised in the 2026 awards

Honey’s recognition sits alongside a diverse group of dogs honoured nationally in the 2026 Australian Dog of the Year Awards, run by Puppy Tales. This year’s winners reflect the many ways dogs support Australians — from therapy and assistance work to advocacy, sport and community wellbeing — often in roles that unfold quietly and far from public view.

The overall Australian Dog of the Year was Louie, a Border Collie from the Gold Coast who works as a certified therapy dog supporting survivors of sexual violence.

Other major award recipients included Isla, a guide dog whose partnership restored independence and confidence for her human in Sydney, and Willow, a deaf rescue dog from Victoria who has helped change perceptions about deaf dogs through advocacy and education.

Further honours went to Gus, a long-serving comfort dog at Ronald McDonald House WA, and Puck, a Saluki recognised for exceptional achievements across multiple canine disciplines and for school wellbeing work.

Together, the recipients highlight that while their work may look different, each dog’s contribution is rooted in connection, trust, and showing up when it matters most.

Published 27-Jan-2026

More Springfield Lakes Roofs are Storing Solar and Saving Power

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Springfield Lakes has become Queensland’s hottest spot for home batteries, with local households installing more new storage than anywhere else in the state in just six months — turning sunny rooftops into round-the-clock power for kitchens, air-cons and school-night routines.

New data released in January 2026 by the Clean Energy Regulator and analysed by the Queensland Conservation Council shows postcode 4300 (Springfield) ranked No.1 in Queensland for home battery installations since July 2025, with 13.4 MWh installed across 520 homes.

Across Queensland, the same analysis found 777 MWh of home battery storage has been installed across more than 32,000 homes in the six months to January, following the rollout of the national Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

For families in fast-growing suburbs like Springfield Lakes, a home battery can mean using more of their own solar power at night — when lights, cooking and cooling are often at their peak. It also helps cut reliance on grid electricity during expensive evening hours.

Queensland Conservation Council campaigner Clare Silcock said the surge shows people are choosing clean tech because it’s a practical way to manage the cost of living — especially in outer suburban and regional communities.

But while home batteries are spreading quickly from house to house, the group says big, grid-scale battery projects in Queensland have not kept pace, and renters are still missing out on the benefits.

Where else are batteries taking off?

Springfield wasn’t the only area charging ahead. The other top postcodes for battery installs since July were:

The Clean Energy Regulator notes solar battery postcode data has only been available since 1 July 2025, when batteries became eligible under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, meaning the state-by-state picture is now coming into sharper focus.

Why the rush now?

The battery boom is being linked to the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, designed to make storage more affordable for households already using rooftop solar.

The federal government has also flagged updates to the program from 1 May 2026, subject to regulations being made.

In simple terms: more people are deciding it’s worth storing the solar power they already generate — rather than sending it back to the grid and buying electricity later at higher prices.

What it means for the local community

For many Springfield Lakes households, home batteries aren’t about gadgets or trends — they’re about control.

The benefits are easy to explain around the dinner table:

More solar used at home after sunset
Lower power bills over time (depending on usage and tariffs)
Less pressure on the local grid during peak times
A step toward a suburb that can better handle hotter summers and growing energy demand

With Springfield Lakes continuing to grow, the jump in battery installs also shows how quickly a community can shift when the numbers stack up — especially when families are already used to rooftop solar.

The bigger question: who gets left behind?

Energy groups say the next challenge is making sure renters and social housing residents can share in the savings, not just owner-occupiers.

Queensland Conservation Council argues that programs for renters remain small compared with the pace of battery installs happening in private homes, and is calling for more support so the energy transition feels fair across all neighbourhoods.

Published 15-Jan-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

Tivoli Site Shift Prioritises Community Services and Food Relief in Ipswich

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Goodness Enterprises has shifted its focus toward community support in Ipswich, following the closure of the Tivoli Drive-In and the sale of part of its Chuwar property.

Community Focus Takes Priority in Ipswich

Goodness Enterprises and Tivoli Social Enterprises are now directing their efforts toward community needs, moving away from entertainment after the Tivoli Drive-In ended operations. The organisation is prioritising food assistance, youth employment pathways, koala conservation and support for vulnerable residents across the region.

This change in direction follows operational pressures that affected the venue’s long-term viability, including increasing costs, reduced attendance and extended periods of wet weather.

Background and History of the Tivoli Site

The Tivoli Drive-In opened in 1976 in Chuwar and operated until 2000. It was later purchased and reopened in 2008 with a focus on affordable family entertainment. Earlier weekly attendance exceeded 300 families, though recent numbers had fallen below 100.

The cinema’s closure was confirmed in November after identifying close to $1 million in required maintenance and upgrades, including ageing projection equipment and carpark works. A run of storms and forecasts of a wet summer contributed to the decision.

*Photo Credit: Tivoli Drive-in Theatre/Facebook*

Industry Pressures and Changing Habits

Reduced new cinema releases and the growing popularity of streaming services affected audience numbers in recent years. These pressures reflect wider industry changes, with five drive-in cinemas remaining across Queensland compared with more than 50 during the 1960s.

Land Sale and Plans for a Central Ipswich Hub

To support community programs, eight acres of the 20-acre Tivoli site have been sold to help fund a new centrally located community centre in Ipswich. The hub will provide space to warehouse food supplies, operate a community supermarket and expand outreach efforts. The shift positions the organisation closer to the Ipswich CBD, with the new centre planned for 2026.

The remaining 12 acres of the Tivoli property, together with an additional 30 acres of neighbouring land purchased by the organisation, will support koala conservation and a First Nations heritage area. Employment training for young people, including those facing barriers to work, will continue.

community services — *Photo Credit: Goodness Enterprises*

Community Need in the Ipswich Region

The Tivoli food co-op currently supports between 3,000 and 5,000 people each week. The greater Ipswich and West Moreton area is estimated to have between 138,000 and 145,000 food-vulnerable residents. Homelessness in the region has risen at a rate higher than elsewhere in Queensland.

Local Sentiment

Residents who regularly visited the Tivoli Drive-In expressed disappointment at the closure, noting its accessibility and suitability for families. Many had attended for years and viewed it as a convenient community activity.

Ongoing Operations on Site

The Tivoli food co-op continues to operate from Tuesday to Saturday. The organisation is also selling remaining memorabilia from the drive-in, including speakers. Public garage sales will be held at 50 Coal Road, Chuwar, on 29 November, 6 December and 13 December.

What Lies Ahead

Goodness Enterprises will continue expanding its community programs, with further updates expected on the koala conservation park and the opening of the new Goodness Centre in 2026. Long-term plans include supporting up to 100,000 people weekly through expanded food distribution.

Published 25-Nov-2025