Springfield Central State High School Archives

2025 Greater Springfield Business Awards Spotlight Community Success Stories

The 2025 Greater Springfield Business Awards brought together community leaders, small business owners, and educators to recognise outstanding achievements across the region. Held at the Springlake Hotel, the awards highlighted the breadth of talent shaping the city’s growth, from innovative education programs to small businesses providing vital services.

Celebrating education and community leadership

On Saturday, September 20, Springfield Central State High School earned the Education and Training Award, recognised for its commitment to innovation in learning and preparing students for diverse pathways. School staff credited the achievement to a collective effort, with particular acknowledgment of the work behind the award submission that demonstrated how the school empowers students to succeed.

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Local businesses making their mark

The awards highlighted the significant contributions of small businesses to the local economy. Mortgage brokerage Zest Mortgage Solutions secured two honours: the Outstanding Small Business Award and the Financial Services Award, reflecting its role in helping residents achieve home ownership with tailored lending solutions. APAR Hair Studio, a boutique salon in Augustine Heights, received the Best Customer Service Award for its emphasis on personalized care and community engagement.

Hospitality was also in the spotlight, with Quest Springfield Central recognised for its role in supporting visitors to the region. In the professional services sector, VM Family Law was commended for its support of families navigating complex legal matters, while BizGuard received the Media and IT Award for enhancing digital security within the business community.

The Little Guy Pest Control was awarded in the Real Estate and Property Maintenance category for its service to local households, and Western Spirit Football Club was acknowledged with the Lifestyle Award for encouraging participation in community sport.

Standout achievements recognised

Xperion, a Brisbane-based accounting firm with a strong local presence, was named Business of the Year. Its director, Petra King, was also awarded Business Person of the Year for her leadership and contributions to the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Farfalla Interiors and Events, founded by Brookwater designer Joanne Steel, received both the President’s Award and the Members’ Choice Award, reflecting the respect and support it has earned within the community.

Community spirit at the forefront

The event was not only a celebration of winners but also a recognition of the diverse businesses that sustain the Greater Springfield area. From family-owned enterprises to larger institutions, the awards highlighted the collaborative spirit that continues to drive growth in Queensland’s newest city.

Published 3-Oct-2025

Three School Projects Planned in Springfield and Ripley Valley

Photo Credit: Pexels

A campus addition to Springfield Central State High School and a new special school for the Springfield-Redbank area are part of education expansion plans for 2028 and beyond in high-growth areas.

School Projects in the Springfield Region

New Secondary Campus at Springfield Central State High School

A new secondary campus for Springfield Central State High School is planned to open between 2029 and 2030. The project, first planned for 2024, was postponed after enrolment growth stabilised. The site has been identified and planning work is under way, including design for additional classrooms and facilities. The opening year will be set in line with student demand.

Ripley Valley Primary School

A new state primary school in Ripley Valley is scheduled to open in 2028. It was originally planned for 2025 but delayed after enrolment growth and housing development progressed more slowly than expected. The project is in the planning phase, with the site identified and a design contract to be awarded. A budget allocation was made in the 2025–26 state budget to progress delivery.

Springfield–Redbank Special School

A new special school serving the Springfield–Redbank area is planned for 2028 and beyond. It is in the early stages of planning, with the final site and design yet to be confirmed. A budget allocation for this project was included in the 2025–26 state budget.

Springfield new schools — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Planning Context

The Queensland Department of Education monitors enrolment growth across the state to determine when and where new schools are required. This includes assessing the capacity of existing schools, potential for expansion, population forecasts, and site availability.

The Springfield and Ripley Valley projects form part of a wider program of new schools planned for 2028 and beyond, aimed at meeting future demand in high-growth areas.

Queensland school projects — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Next Steps

For Ripley Valley Primary School, design work will follow the awarding of a contract, with assessments to consider factors such as traffic, environmental impacts, and site conditions. The Springfield secondary campus and Springfield–Redbank Special School will continue through planning, with construction timelines to be set when enrolment demand meets required levels.

Published 12-Aug-2025

Springfield Central State High School’s $9.89-Million Sport & Community Hall Unveiled

The Springfield Central State High School Sport & Community Hall has been officially opened.

“I’m so proud that this hall has come to fruition after consulting with the school and Council to provide a space that was suitable for both students and the Springfield public,” Jordan MP Charis Mullen said.

The $9.89-million sports hall will not only benefit the students but it’s also a community asset, with the wider Ipswich community welcome to use it for local events, Mrs Mullen furthered.

“Construction of the hall also supported 30 local jobs which is a fantastic outcome.”

The hall features two multi-purpose courts, two kinesiology classrooms, staff room, kiosk, change rooms and amenities. There are also meeting rooms and office spaces to “service the school and community,” she said.

“It truly is a state-of-the-art facility.”

Springfield Central State High School's $9.89-Million Sport & Community Hall Unveiled — *Photo credit: Grace Grace MP / Facebook.*

“Our investment in education and training this year is a record $14.9 billion,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

The State Government has since 2015 built or started work on 18 new schools in areas of some of our highest population growth including Calliope, Pimpama and Coomera, Baringa and Palmview.

“And we’ve been delivering new school halls like the one the Minister is opening today.”

Minister Grace Grace, on the other hand, confirmed that the State Government is also investing $11 million in 16 new classrooms at Springfield Central. The new learning facility will be two-storeys high and will include specialist spaces, amenities and a lift.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing schools with modern facilities such as this learning centre and the hall that we opened today.”

“The completion of this project is a dream come true for our community,” Ms Lawson said.

“We will not only have state-of-the-art facilities to enhance students’ learning, but an undercover space to conduct whole of school assemblies, something which previously was not possible.

“A school hall is often the heart of a school and we embrace the opportunity for our school to continue our strong relationship with the surrounding community.”

Plans for the Shared Springfield Multi-Purpose Hall Revealed

Designs for the multimillion-dollar, multipurpose hall that would be shared by Springfield Central State High School and Ipswich City Council are currently being reviewed.

The project is a part of the government’s Advancing Queensland State Schools initiative where the government has allocated $200 million to fund land acquisitions for new schools, along with 30 new and refurbished school halls.

An artist’s impression for a multipurpose hall at Springfield Central State High School. Photo credit: epathway.ipswich.qld.gov.au

The state government has committed a $6.9-million funding for the project and following Division 9 – Councillor Sheila Ireland’s campaign for council funding last year, the Council is expected to provide an additional $2 million towards the project.

Councillor Sheila Ireland said that “When completed this new multi-purpose hall would also allow for the not for profit sector to undertake important outreach services.”

The 3,566 sqm multi-purpose hall will be built on campus with the help of Education Queensland.

According to Charis Mullen MP – State Member for Jordan, the hall is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2019 school year.

Plans for the multi-purpose hall include retractable basketball backboards, a scoreboard, and sprung sports floors. The hall will also have various amenities, an office, and meeting rooms.