Springfield Lakes Archives - Springfield Lakes

Springfield Lakes Residents Asked: Is Your Suburb Actually Built for Walking?

Springfield Lakes has been described as a planned active living community, but a new university research project is putting that promise to the test, and local residents hold the key to the answers.

Read: An Updated Guide to the Best Ipswich Walks

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) has launched an online survey asking Springfield Lakes and Spring Mountain residents whether their neighbourhoods actually make it easy to walk, ride, and get around without reaching for the car keys.

The survey is part of the Active Springfield Neighbourhoods Project, a study led by UniSQ researcher Melinda Covey-Hansen, who is undertaking the work through a PhD internship hosted by Queensland Health. The project is supported by Ipswich City, the Office of the Queensland Government Architect and the Heart Foundation.

UniSQ researcher Melinda Covey-Hansen (Photo credit: unisq.edu.au)

Ms Covey-Hansen says the research is grounded in well-established evidence that where people live directly shapes how active they are. Neighbourhoods with good access to walking and cycling paths, parks, schools, shops, public transport, shade and lighting tend to make it much easier for residents to weave physical activity into their everyday routines, she says.

The goal is to find out whether what planners designed is what residents are actually experiencing on the ground. Ms Covey-Hansen says the project will combine resident feedback with mapping and planning data to build a clear picture of whether Springfield’s active living design principles are being delivered as intended and felt that way by the people living there.

Whether that vision has translated into the kinds of connected, walkable streets and accessible parks residents were promised is precisely what this research aims to find out.

Findings from the project will be used to produce a Healthy Places, Healthy People case study through Queensland Health, with the aim of sharing lessons and informing planning, design and advocacy for more walkable communities across Queensland. Resident feedback, including suggestions for improvement, will also be passed on directly to Ipswich City Council to help shape future infrastructure priorities.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding says the council welcomes the research, pointing to the recently adopted Ipswich City Plan 2025 as a sign of the city’s commitment to well-planned, connected neighbourhoods supported by transport, services and local centres. Harding says the council’s city design and planning teams will be watching the findings closely, as real-world resident experiences can help inform how the city continues to deliver quality neighbourhoods for a growing population.

For locals, taking part is straightforward. The online survey takes only a short time to complete and asks residents about their physical activity habits, along with what helps or gets in the way of active living where they live. Residents aged 18 and over from Springfield Lakes and Spring Mountain are encouraged to participate before the survey closes on 10 April 2026.

As an added incentive, participants can opt into a prize draw to win a 200 dollar Healthy and Active pack, which includes a Fitbit and UniSQ merchandise.

Read: Radio Host Matty Acton Walks from Bowen Hills to Ipswich, Raises $50k

If you would like to have your say on what active living looks like in your neighbourhood, this is your chance to make it count. Researchers want to hear from you. The survey is available online through the UniSQ website. Residents can also contact Ms Covey-Hansen directly for more information via the UniSQ project page.

Published 30-March-2026

Springfield Lakes Community Rallies Around Football Icon Jonathan Brown After Successful Surgery

Photo Credit: Jonathan Brown/ Instagram

The Springfield Lakes community is celebrating the news that Brisbane Lions legend and local favourite Jonathan Brown is recovering well following a delicate operation to remove a brain tumour.

Unexpected Discovery and Medical Procedure

The health scare began when a routine medical check-up led to the discovery of a shadow on the former captain’s brain. Medical professionals identified the growth as a low-grade tumour, which required prompt surgical intervention to ensure his long-term wellbeing.

Brown entered the hospital for the procedure mid-week and has since confirmed that the operation went according to plan. The triple premiership player is now focusing on his rehabilitation alongside his family, including his wife Kylie.

A Positive Path to Recovery

While a medical event of this gravity is often met with concern, the outlook for the popular sports commentator is bright. Shortly after the surgery, Brown was reportedly in high spirits and already showing signs of his trademark energy while leaving the hospital.

He has expressed his gratitude for the successful outcome and noted that he intends to discuss the details of his health journey with the public once he has had sufficient time to rest. For now, his priority remains his physical health and spending quiet time at home with his loved ones.

Reflecting on a Decorated Career

The news has prompted many fans to look back on Brown’s significant contributions to the sport. Over a fourteen-year career, he became one of the most respected figures in the game, known for his physical style of play and leadership. He played over 250 games and was a key part of the dominant Brisbane side that won three consecutive flags in the early 2000s.

His decision to retire over a decade ago was largely influenced by the need to protect his brain health following several serious on-field injuries, a choice that remains relevant as he navigates this current health challenge.

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Widespread Support from the Football Family

The broader sporting community has moved quickly to offer encouragement to the forty-four-year-old. Fellow commentators and former teammates have shared messages of strength, highlighting Brown’s reputation as one of the most liked and toughest individuals in the industry.

Friends who have spoken with him recently noted that he is already back to his usual self, jokingly annoying his wife and showing the same resilience that defined his time on the footy field. The general consensus among his peers is a wish for a speedy recovery and a quick return to his media duties.

Published Date 30-March-2026

Brisbane Lions and TAFE Queensland Launch Leadership Diploma at Springfield Lakes’ Brighton Homes Arena

The Brisbane Lions and TAFE Queensland have launched a new Diploma of Leadership and Management, giving working professionals across Queensland the opportunity to develop practical leadership skills within the environment of a back-to-back AFL premiership club, with three in-person intensives held at Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield Lakes.

The six-month programme commences on Monday 20 April 2026 and delivers the nationally recognised Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) primarily online, with classes held Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 9pm. The three Saturday intensives at Brighton Homes Arena, the Brisbane Lions’ home base on Centenary Highway, Springfield Lakes, give students direct access to the leadership culture and people behind one of the AFL’s most successful clubs of recent years.

What the Programme Covers

The diploma is designed for emerging leaders, professionals moving into management roles and individuals wanting to build practical leadership skills in a high-performance environment. Students apply their learning to real-world scenarios drawn from the Brisbane Lions organisation and hear directly from senior leaders within the club across both the online and in-person components of the programme.

Entry requires at least three years of professional working experience, making the qualification suited to working professionals, current and former athletes, and career changers who want to strengthen their leadership capability without stepping away from their careers. The online delivery model also opens the programme to students in regional Queensland and interstate who want to engage with the Brisbane Lions’ leadership environment without relocating to south-east Queensland.

Up to 30 places are eligible for Fee-Free TAFE funding, meaning eligible Australian residents may be able to complete the full six-month course at no cost.

The Partnership Behind the Programme

The Brisbane Lions and TAFE Queensland have maintained an education partnership over a number of years, with the new diploma building on that existing relationship and extending it through the Brisbane Lions Institute of Business and Sport. Brisbane Lions CEO Sam Graham said the programme’s online delivery significantly expanded access for Lions members, fans and students with an interest in AFL leadership from across Queensland and Australia.

TAFE Queensland x Brisbane Lions — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Lions*

Graham noted that the club’s journey to back-to-back AFL premierships had demonstrated how important strong leadership was at every level of an organisation, from the playing group through to administration and the broader club structure, and that programmes like this helped develop the leaders who would shape the future of clubs, businesses and communities.

TAFE Queensland Manager of Academy of Sport Partnerships Don Harley said the programme connected leadership education directly to the real-world experience of building a premiership culture, and that students hearing from the people who constructed that culture at the Brisbane Lions represented a genuinely unique learning opportunity. Harley also highlighted the Fee-Free TAFE funding eligibility as a significant feature, removing financial barriers for eligible participants.

Why This Benefits the Springfield Lakes Community

Brighton Homes Arena is the Brisbane Lions’ home base and sits at the heart of Springfield Lakes, one of south-east Queensland’s fastest-growing communities. The three Saturday intensives held at the arena give local residents and professionals in the Springfield Lakes, Springfield and Greater Springfield area direct access to a nationally accredited qualification at a world-class sporting facility in their own suburb.

For the Springfield Lakes community, the programme represents a concrete example of the broader value that the Brisbane Lions’ presence at Brighton Homes Arena brings beyond match days. Residents with professional experience can now pursue a nationally recognised leadership qualification on-site, connected to the leadership philosophy and culture of a club that has won back-to-back AFL premierships.

How to Enrol

The Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) is delivered by TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275) and commences 20 April 2026. Enrolments and further information, including Fee-Free TAFE eligibility criteria, are available at tafeqld.edu.au. The Brisbane Lions Institute of Business and Sport is accessible through here.

Published 11-March-2026.

Jabiru Spring Mountain OSHC at Spring Mountain State School to Close in September 2026 Amid Space Shortage

Spring State Mountain School/Facebook

Out of School Hours Care services at Spring Mountain State School face closure in September 2026 after provider Jabiru Spring Mountain advised that a shortage of dedicated space on school grounds — a legal requirement for OSHC operations — has left the not-for-profit organisation unable to continue unless a workable solution is found before then.

The closure date, confirmed by affected families as September 2026 rather than end of year, has intensified concern across the Spring Mountain and Springfield Lakes community, where working families including single parents and dual-income households rely on before and after school care to bridge the gap between school hours and standard working hours. Spring Mountain State School gates open at 8:15am and school finishes at 2:30pm — a window of roughly six hours that is incompatible with full-time employment.

Why the Services Are at Risk

Jabiru Spring Mountain CEO Peter Loughnane and board member Sara Harrup confirmed the organisation wants to keep providing OSHC services at the school but is currently hamstrung by the limited space available. Under the National Quality Framework, providers must meet strict minimum space standards for every child in their care.

While schools are not legally required to provide a dedicated space for outside school hours care, any service that does operate must comply with these non-negotiable space requirements. This creates the current legal impasse: there is no mandate for a school to allocate additional rooms, yet a provider cannot legally open its doors if the available footprint falls short of the headcount.

The organisation has looked into local community facilities but found them either unavailable or financially out of reach for a not-for-profit. Using the school hall as a temporary fix is an option on the table, though families worry that regular external rentals and school events make it a shaky long-term solution. Ultimately, because there is no law forcing the host site to provide specific areas for care, the final call on space allocation sits with school leadership.

A Wider Problem Across the Springfield Corridor

The Spring Mountain closure is not an isolated case. Springfield Central State School has gone years without offering an OSHC service, leaving families to rely on nearby St Peter’s Lutheran College’s OSHC program. The demand has grown so high that St Peter’s can no longer accommodate Springfield Central students. Springfield State School also does not provide OSHC, an issue community members say they raised more than six years ago but remains unresolved.

The pattern across the Springfield corridor points to a systemic gap between the demand for OSHC services in one of south-east Queensland’s fastest-growing family suburbs and the supply of school-based care. Community members have noted that cleared land near some schools, including land unlikely to be developed following cancelled projects, may offer infrastructure opportunities that have not yet been fully explored. The Springfield Learning Coalition, which connects schools in the area, has been identified by community members as a potential vehicle for a coordinated solution across multiple schools.

What Jabiru Spring Mountain Currently Provides

Jabiru Spring Mountain delivers before school care, after school care and vacation care for students at Spring Mountain State School. The service provides a fully catered menu including breakfast, afternoon tea and a late snack on school days, and morning tea and lunch during vacation care. Families eligible for the Child Care Subsidy pay reduced fees based on combined household income. The programme has operated on the Spring Mountain State School campus since the school opened in 2019.

Families face fewer childcare options after Jabiru Spring Mountain OSHC confirms it will close in September 2026. — *Photo Credit: Jabiru Spring Mountain*

The service has already experienced one significant disruption, when it was forced to close temporarily due to staff departures following uncertainty over contract renewal. Families who lived through that closure say finding suitable alternatives in the area was extremely difficult, with limited options and high demand at existing services.

Why This Matters for Springfield Lakes and Spring Mountain Families

For single parents and dual-income households in Spring Mountain and Springfield Lakes, OSHC is not a discretionary service — it is the practical infrastructure that makes full-time work economically viable. With housing costs and basic living expenses requiring sustained full-time income, working only within the six-hour school day window is not a financially sustainable option for most families in the area.

The closure also falls hardest on those with the fewest alternatives: single parents without multigenerational household support, shift workers whose hours fall outside standard care windows, and families who cannot afford private nanny or babysitting arrangements. Community members have noted that in a cost-of-living environment where both parents are not just encouraged but financially required to work, the absence of mandatory OSHC provision at schools creates a structural disadvantage for families in growth corridors like Springfield and Spring Mountain where services lag behind population.

What Families Can Do

Affected families are encouraged to make their situations known directly, as individual representations carry weight in demonstrating the extent of community need and supporting efforts to find a workable solution before September 2026. Families can also contact Jabiru Spring Mountain directly at springmountain@jabiru.org.au or reach Jabiru’s central office on 07 3269 0044. Further information about Jabiru Community Services and its OSHC programmes is available at jabiru.org.au.

Published 11-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.

Springfield Lakes Nursing Graduate Completes Mater Education Diploma

Photo Credit: Mater QLD/Instagram

A 21-year-old from Springfield Lakes has completed Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing and secured her first role at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane after overcoming childhood leukaemia.

Health Journey Inspires Nursing Path In Springfield Lakes

Lucy Newman was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at nine years of age after experiencing fatigue and pain for about six months. Following repeated medical visits without clear answers, she later collapsed at home and was taken to hospital, where tests confirmed the diagnosis.

She underwent three years of treatment and went into remission after a bone marrow transplant. Her experience receiving care during that period influenced her decision to pursue nursing as a career.

On January 22, Newman graduated as part of a record cohort of 173 students who completed the Diploma of Nursing through Mater Education.

Training Pathway And Workforce Demand

The qualification was completed fee-free over 18 months under Queensland’s Free Nursing initiative. The program is offering 2000 fee-free Diploma of Nursing training places this year.

Health workforce projections estimate that 21,300 additional nurses will be required by 2032. In 2026, around 940 trainee nurses are expected to study with Mater Education across Brisbane, Springfield and Townsville.

Eligibility for the fee-free initiative requires Queensland residency and Australian citizenship or permanent residency.

Springfield Lakes nursing diploma graduate — *Photo Credit: Mater QLD/Instagram*

Clinical Placement Experience

During a placement on the oncology ward at Mater Hospital Brisbane, Newman said her personal medical history helped her relate to patients undergoing treatment. She has secured a position as an Enrolled Nurse at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane following graduation.

Mater Education Diploma of Nursing Senior Manager Clare Cureton said Newman demonstrated empathy and clinical capability throughout her training and noted there are nursing opportunities across Queensland.

Published 24-Feb-2026

Springfield Lakes Scout Group Programs Face Collapse as Volunteer Numbers Hit Record Lows

Photo Credit: Springfield Lakes Scout Group/ Facebook

The Springfield Lakes Scout Group has temporarily paused two of its primary youth programs due to a shortage of adult volunteers, and will resume operations once sufficient volunteers are available to ensure safe supervision.

The group operates five youth sections: Joey Scouts (ages 5–8), Cub Scouts (8–11), Scouts (11–14), Venturer Scouts (15–18) and Rover Scouts (18–25). Each section must meet strict youth-to-leader supervision ratios under national Scouting requirements.

At present, the Cub Scout and Scout sections are paused because the group does not currently have enough trained adult leaders to meet those supervision requirements. These sections will resume once additional adult volunteers come forward.

A Community Program Under Pressure

*Photo Credit:* *Springfield Lakes Scout Group/ Facebook*

While interest from local families remains high, the lack of adult supervision has created a gap that the group can no longer fill. National safety rules require a specific number of adults to be present for every child involved. Because these ratios cannot be met, the sections for children aged eight to fourteen have stopped running.

This means many young people in the area are missing out on the chance to build life skills and friendships through outdoor activities.

Leadership Gaps Stall Local Activities

The situation worsened recently when two key leaders had to step away from their roles. One leader left for personal reasons while another is managing a medical condition. Without these individuals, the group cannot legally run camping trips or basic outdoor lessons.

Brendan Kross, the Group Leader, explained that the organisation relies entirely on the presence of adults to function. He noted that even though many children want to join, the program must stop if there are not enough mentors to guide them.

The Search for a Permanent Home

Operational struggles are made harder by the fact that the group does not have its own building. For the past four years, they have moved between different hired spaces like the local YMCA. Mr Kross mentioned that having a permanent spot to meet would help the group grow and feel more stable. He believes a dedicated space would make it easier to recruit new volunteers and keep the program running smoothly for the long term.

An Urgent Call for Local Support

The group is now looking for residents who can give some of their time to help lead the youth. They are also asking local businesses if they can help find a permanent meeting location. Mr Kross stated that the current leaders are working very hard, but they cannot manage the entire workload alone. The future of the program now depends on whether enough people in the neighbourhood step forward to help.

Published Date 05-January-2026

Springfield Lakes House Fire Guts Oakmoss Drive Home

Queensland Fire Department

A Springfield Lakes house fire has destroyed a single-storey home on Oakmoss Drive, with the roof collapsing as flames tore through the property on Wednesday.

Emergency crews responded to the Springfield Lakes address at midday after receiving reports of the blaze. Firefighters battled for more than 30 minutes before bringing the fire under control.

Extensive Damage to Property

The Springfield Lakes house fire caused severe structural damage to the Oakmoss Drive home. The intensity of the blaze left the roof caved in as flames engulfed the property, while several windows were smashed during the emergency response.

Contents of the home sustained significant damage. The extent of the damage has left the single-storey residence gutted.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.

Investigation Underway

Queensland Fire Department investigators are now examining the scene to determine what sparked the fire. The cause remains unknown as investigators work to piece together how the blaze started.

For Springfield Lakes residents, the house fire serves as a reminder of the importance of working smoke alarms and fire safety plans, particularly during the summer months when fire risk increases. In case of emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Published 23-January-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

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