Construction Ongoing for New Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield Central

Did you know that the Brisbane Lions, the reigning AFLW premiers, will have a new home in Springfield Central? Construction has started for $70 million Brighton Homes Arena, opening opportunities for 187 tradies jobs and boosting the economy of Queensland.



Brighton Homes Arena, projected for completion in September 2022, will be a modern stadium that can accommodate over 10,000 spectators and 600 fans in the grandstand. The facilities will also include shaded and disabled seats, as well as other features — such as a gym, pool, childcare centre, and lawn for events — that will make this sports centre an all-year-round community hub. 

As the new home of the Brisbane Lions, the arena will have a high-performance training and support centre with specially designed equal features for both the men’s and women’s team. 

“It’s fantastic to see the construction team on-site and delivering jobs for tradies,” Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said. “We’ve always wanted to see access to this important sporting infrastructure investment shared with the whole community and that’s what we’ve achieved. It’s an important win for both women’s AFL and our community.”  

Photo Credit: Brisbane Lions

Funding for Brighton Homes Arena was divided among the State Government ($18 million), the Federal Government ($15 million), the Brisbane Lions and the AFL ($10 million) and the Ipswich City Council ($20 million). Architects from Populous did the design that will be built by Hutchinson. 

“We know this complex will inspire the next generation of young girls to chase their sporting goals,” State Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said. “When girls and women have the infrastructure and coaching support they need to be their best, the sky’s the limit.”



“From community to elite football, Queensland is experiencing phenomenal growth in girls and young women playing AFL. Right now, 42 per cent of AFL players in Queensland are female, up by an impressive 331 per cent in just seven years.”

Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann said that the arena will bring a “transformative impact” to the club, the AFL women’s matches and the supporters of this sport in Queensland. On the other hand, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said that the location is perfect as it is beside the train station and the booming eastern suburbs.

Brighton Homes Arena will also be used for various AFLQ community programs and the NEAF.

Ipswich to Springfield Transport Corridor Moves Forward

The major Ipswich to Springfield transport corridor project moves a step forward as Ipswich City Council prepares to make a submission to Infrastructure Australia in support its implementation. 

The project involves the use of a preserved 25-km public transport corridor to connect Springfield Central to Ipswich CBD via Ripley. 

Due to the increasing population in the areas where the transport corridor will pass through, this infrastructure project is now being considered as high-priority, according to Mayor Teresa Harding. 

“Ipswich is the fastest-growing region in Queensland, with a yearly rate of population increase of more than 4 per cent. That’s approximately 3 per cent above the state and national averages,” said Mayor Harding.



The mayor believes that the development will create more opportunities and connectivity to Ipswich, thereby ensuring that it becomes the most liveable and productive region in the entire state. 

“With approximately 70 per cent of the population growth in Ipswich occurring in the region between Ipswich and Springfield, this public transport corridor will help to ensure that the people of Ipswich keep our great lifestyles as the region grows.”

Next Step: Business Case Development

After six months of study, the council has come up with a final strategic assessment for the corridor. This is the primary stage in the Building Queensland business case development framework. 

Development of the transport corridor is expected to spur creation of economic hubs and improved services that will encourage business and employment opportunities in the area. 

The proposed direction for the business case is to focus on heavy rail, light rail, trackless trams, and rapid bus transport. 

The next step is for the council to work closely with the Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads to implement the upcoming stages of the business case. 



Heads Up! Find Out How To Make Your Lole’s Barber Shop Haircut Matter To Bushfire Relief

As bushfires continue to wreak havoc across Australia, concerned individuals, groups and businesses are doing what they can to help. Lole’s Barber Shop, with locations in Springfield Central and Springfield, is one business working to lend a hand in bushfire relief efforts.

From 13 January to 18 January 2020, Lole’s Barber Shop will be donating $5 from every cut they make as an effort to aid bushfire relief.

“This type of devastation will take years for some people to recover from, and for those of us sitting back watching it from afar, it can leave you feeling a little helpless,” said co-owner Shelleigh Lole.

“By donating a portion of this week’s takings, we are hoping that it will ease the burden for someone, be it a person or animal, in even the slightest way.

“It’s only natural to want to help and it makes you feel like you’re actually doing something to help.”



Giving Back to the Community

Lole’s Barber Shop is not new to charitable acts. The husband-and-wife team of Fana and Shelleigh Lole has constantly participated in charitable events such ‘The World’s Greatest Shave’ and Cuts for a Cure.’ They also shave the local men who participate in the annual Movember movement.

Fana and Shelleigh also make it a point to offer free hair cut vouchers to fundraising campaigns and raffles and other little contributions that go a long way.

Photo credit: Lole’s Barber Shop

Aside from raising funds for a good cause, the Fana and Shelleigh also love getting involved in local sports, particularly those involving the young kids. Fana used to coach his sons at Springfield Lakes Hawks Rugby Union Club. Since then, they have launched Springfield Stingers Touch Football and both now oversee the running of the Senior and Junior module, which now has 400 kids.

To Fana, the barber shop is more than just about making great haircuts or making money. It’s having a platform to give back to the community that inspires him to work every day.

Photo credit: Lole’s Barber Shop

You can take part in Lole’s Barber Shop’s fundraiser for bushfire relief by getting a cut at any of its locations at 1/1 Ian Keilar Drive in Springfield Central and 5/23 Commercial Drive in Springfield. The barber shop offers men’s cuts, student cuts, kid’s cuts, cut throat shave, pensioner cuts, or you can also bring your own design or get a custom-design from the barbers.



Ballistic Springfield Brewpub is Coming to Springfield Central

A Salisbury-based craft beer brewery expands to Springfield Central as it opens its newest bar and hospitality venue in mid-October 2019.

On the heels of a successful expansion and opening of its first flagship Alehouse & Kitchen in West End, Ballistic Beer Co. is already set to open its third site in Springfield Central this October, with an 800-litre brewery, bar, and kitchen. 

Ballistic  Springfield Central
Photo credit: Ballistic Springfield Brewery, Bar & Kitchen / Facebook

Ballistic Springfield takes over the former Springfield Central Tavern site with a 350-seat brewpub including function spaces, beer garden, and a full bar and beer tap pouring 18 different types of beers, plus live acoustic music.

Ballistic Springfield is expected to employ 30 people, bringing to the total Ballistic employees across its three venues to around 60. 



The 800-litre brewhouse will be used for research and development and for brewing one-off beers for all Ballistic sites. Aside from having its own brewery and bottleshop, the new Ballistic venue will have fully operational kitchen to complete its offering of great food and beer. 

Ballistic  Springfield Central
Ballistic Beer Co. Springfield Pilsner 
Photo credit: Ballistic Springfield Brewery, Bar & Kitchen / Facebook

To celebrate its Springfield Central venue’s opening, Ballistic Beer Co. will also be introducing a new beer especially made for Springfield locals — Springfield Pilsner. Ballistic describes the beer as a crisp, clean 4.5% European pilsner made from mostly Australian ingredients. 



Ballistic Springfield Brewery, Bar & Kitchen | 37 Sinnathamby Blvd, Springfield Central QLD 4300, Australia

Hudsons Circus At Orion Shopping Centre In Springfield Central

One of Australia’s travelling circuses is now in Springfield. Running from 20 September to 14 October, the Hudsons Circus will be enchanting you at the Orion Shopping Centre with nearly four weeks of magical entertainment!

Don’t miss the red and yellow circus tent and quality show from some of the best circus performers such as the flying trapeze artists, Goldie the Clown, and the beautiful blue and gold macaws!

The circus is named after a six-year-old Hudson who has learned amazing circus skills. The cast is pretty much made up of families. Goldie the Clown also has a daughter in the show that is currently training as a clown whilst his wife is this year’s ringmaster.

Hudsons Circus
Photo credit: Hudsons Circus / Facebook

The animals that are p[art of the show are taken care of well by Belinda and Rob, who are professional animal trainers. These animals only take the stage for use a new minutes.

You can also see international circus performers at the show such as the Diego Bonaldo and Charles Diego Silva.

On 3 October, there will be a special autism-friendly performance. The show will be set in an environment with reduced sensory triggers and improved accessibility. For Sensory Circus Bookings, you can all at 0458 483 766.

For tickets and show schedules, click here.

For a More Harmonious Community: Harmony Day Festival in Springfield Central

On 24 March, celebrate Harmony Day Festival at Robelle Domain Parklands in Springfield Central from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The aim of the event is to connect multicultural and main stream communities and organisations as well as enhance and develop more harmonious communities.

A Family Event

There are many activities for kids and adults, so make it a family affair. Enjoy the fun rides as well as the free face painting. For $10, you get yourself unlimited rides already.

You can also join in several workshops such as the martial arts and the lion dance workshops.

It wouldn’t be a festival without some great entertainment. There will be multicultural performances by The Studio of Performing Arts, Showbiz Express Circus & Dance, and young vocalist Paris Morgan.

Win a Prize

There will also be a Lucky Door draw. Who knows? You might just win a Nintendo Switch Console. All you need to do is fill up the raffle ticket and submit it to the Festival Information Stall. You have to be present during the raffle time, which will start at 7:50 p.m.

Don’t miss out on the Free Red Bag, which will be distributed at 5:30 p.m. and the $2 unlimited land train, a Westside Community Care fundraiser.

The WCC is a not-for-profit organisation in Greater Springfield that provides programs and services to the meet the needs of the community. They reach out to struggling individuals and families not only in Springfield but across Queensland as well.

At 8:00 p.m., end the night with fireworks!

The event is organised by the World Harmony Society. Established in 2012, they aim to promote universal harmony through intercultural understanding. They also provide assistance, relief, support, education, and care to any person in distress.

Driverless Bus in Greater Springfield: A Peek Into Autonomous Transportation In the Area

Springfield Central becomes smarter with their smart buses that drive themselves. The trial period runs from 26 February to 3 March.

Called EasyMile EZ10, the driverless shuttle operates from Orion Lagoon to USQ Springfield.

Everybody is welcome to ride the bus during public demonstration times. Demonstration times are as follows:

Monday-Thursday

  • 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday

  • 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Saturday

  • 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Designed by French company EasyMile, the EZ10 reaches speeds up to 40 kmh. It has a capacity for 12 people and is accessible for people with disabilities.

The bus is designed to cover short routes that are predefined. It can also detect environmental changes such as cyclists, other vehicles and pedestrians.

Transportation of the Future

USQ Springfield students have already tried riding the bus. The students were very pleased with the ride. Upon experiencing what it could do, they were more eager to see this kind of transportation system in the future.

Australian Electric Infrastructure Transport (AEIT), a Springfield-based manufacturer of driverless electric vehicles, welcomes the EZ10 trial and does not see the driverless shuttle as competition. AEIT is focused on developing a driverless bus in Greater Springfield or a tram public transport system. They aim to launch their transport system by December this year.

New Pet Deck Application at Orion Springfield Central Under Scrutiny By Locals

While the planned on-site off-leash dog park is still underway at Orion Springfield Central, the shopping centre is showing more love to animals as they submitted a new development application for a pet-friendly dining deck.

The application has received several feedback from locals. Residents expressed their views on The Springfield News Facebook page. Some are not keen on the application as they fear that the dogs might hurt people whilst others are concerned about the smell. On the other hand, there are also a lot of people who have expressed enthusiasm over the application.

Photo credit: The Springfield News / Facebook

The deck will be an extension of the existing food court at the shopping centre. Detailed plans to develop a new structure for the deck have been submitted for approval. Plans will ensure that it will only have a minimal impact on the turtle pond landscape.

Photo credit: Ipswich City Council

A spokeswoman for the shopping centre said that although animals will be welcome at the centre, there will be certain restricted areas. Also, dogs must always be under the close supervision of their owners and leashed at all times unless in the off-leash dog park. There will be dog services and facilities available in the area.

The shopping centre also assures that dog areas in the centre will be clearly marked.

Along with a new pet deck, the new application also includes seating pods, lounges, cabanas and other pet-friendly areas. The new dog park, which is currently under construction is at the top of Main Street, is set to open in early 2018.

Home Consortium Submits Application for the Masters Springfield Central Site

Plans to transform Masters Springfield Central into a Homemaker Centre have recently been submitted to the Ipswich City Council for approval.

Home Consortium has submitted a DA to the Ipswich City Council last week showing plans to have 10 tenancies and a small cafe onsite. The location is one of 40 of the former hardware centres which they plan to transform into hypermarkets that will feature various brands for lifestyle, health and appliance. Depending on the location, possible tenancies include gyms, medical centres, childcare services, and children’s play centres.

Photo credit: Ipswich City Council

The development at Masters Springfield Central represents a huge opportunity for the developer, given the growing population in the Springfield area. “The proposed development represents an enhanced retail offer for residents, repurposing a vacant site that if not fully occupied or underutilised could detract from success story,” the developer said.

“The site is in a highly accessible location and the specialty tenants envisaged are not expected to affect the local activity centre hierarchy, being a complementary offer to that within the balance of the Springfield Town Centre,” the development application states.

Should it be approved, the development is expected to create over 100 jobs.

When completed, this project will provide residents better access to retail stores in a highly accessible location. Established chains will be opened in these stories with expected retailers like the Good Guys, Spotlight, Woolworths, and Chemist Warehouse possibly occupying tenancies in the location.