Springfield Archives - Springfield Lakes

Springfield Resident Advocates for Minorities in 2025 Miss Galaxy Australia Pageants

A Springfield resident, who arrived in Australia as an international student, is now a finalist in the 2025 Miss Galaxy Australia Pageants after transforming years of struggle into a platform for advocacy and inspiration.

From Student to Advocate

In 2018, Greta Mukherjee moved to Australia from India at the age of 18 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Edith Cowan University in Perth. Initially supported by her family, her circumstances drastically changed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, cutting off financial support and leaving her to balance full-time work, full-time study, and significant leadership responsibilities on campus.

She worked as a Disability Support Worker while chairing the university’s Equity Department and preparing for the demanding GAMSAT exam to enter medical school.

Despite the challenges, Greta’s determination saw her achieve her dream of being accepted into the University of Queensland’s Doctor of Medicine program in 2022. She also received Permanent Residency as a registered nurse—a milestone for many immigrants pursuing long-term stability in Australia.

Setbacks and Resilience

Within months of moving to Brisbane, Greta’s path took an unexpected turn. She contracted COVID-19 twice while working in healthcare, followed by a car accident that left her with a fractured lower back. The combined health challenges forced her to withdraw from medical school, a decision that initially felt like the end of her aspirations.

However, Greta redirected her energy, achieving a new milestone by purchasing her first home at 23, a reflection of years of tireless work across multiple roles. She now works as a Clinical Coordinator for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) organisation, leading a team of over 60 staff and promoting education and self-care among healthcare professionals.

A New Chapter

At 24, Greta is embracing a new direction as a finalist in the 2025 Australia Galaxy Pageants, representing Springfield and Brisbane. She aims to use the platform to advocate for the rights of minorities, particularly women who have faced the challenges of immigration and starting life from scratch in a new country.

Greta credits her experiences with shaping her passion for creating a more inclusive community. As an Indian-Australian, she reflects on the importance of resilience and finding purpose despite setbacks, hoping her story will resonate with others navigating similar journeys.

Connecting with the Community

Greta’s journey from an international student to a community leader and now a pageant finalist exemplifies the values of Springfield’s growing multicultural population. By openly sharing her story, she hopes to inspire young women to persevere through adversity and find strength in their goals.

Those interested in following her pageant journey can visit her profile on the Miss Galaxy Australia website.

Published 18-Dec-2024

Christmas Beetle Swarms Surprise Residents in Springfield and Camira

Springfield and Camira residents have reported an unusual swarm of Christmas beetles descending upon their neighbourhoods, creating a spectacle with many locals buzzing with excitement and curiosity.

On Monday evening, 11 Nov, hundreds of Christmas beetles appeared in the suburbs of Springfield and Camira. Locals took to social media to share their astonishment as beetles flocked to homes, covering walls, cars, and windows.

Some residents described hearing a constant tapping sound as beetles collided with glass surfaces, mistaking the noise for heavy raindrops. By morning, crows had gathered in the area, feasting on beetles scattered across lawns and driveways.

Beetles Emerge with Warm Weather

Entomologists have linked the sudden emergence of Christmas beetles to the recent heatwave that swept across South East Queensland. Ipswich reached a peak of 38 degrees Celsius last week.

According to Associate Professor Tanya Latty from the University of Sydney, high temperatures help speed up the development of Christmas beetle larvae, causing them to emerge in greater numbers than usual. Ms Latty explains that when conditions are particularly warm, the larvae develop faster, leading to an early metamorphosis from pupae to adult beetles, often synchronising their emergence.

Although Christmas beetles typically begin appearing in mid-November, the recent heatwave may have triggered an early emergence, with reports of the insects appearing as early as October in previous years. This shift may be linked to global warming trends contributing to warmer-than-average spring temperatures across Queensland.

Sightings on the Decline

Historically, Christmas beetles have appeared in such numbers that they covered entire trees and were even noted in early records as swarming over Sydney Harbour, their collective shimmer lighting up the water. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in their numbers, as observed anecdotally by locals and experts alike.

Ms Latty noted that while swarms like the recent one in Springfield and Camira offer a glimpse of their previous abundance, the overall population of Christmas beetles has significantly decreased, likely due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate changes.

Public Reports Aid Research

In response to declining sightings, the University of Sydney launched the Christmas Beetle Count project four years ago, encouraging the public to report their encounters with the beetles. This initiative has provided researchers with valuable data, helping identify regions where Christmas beetle species are thriving or declining.

Ms Latty shared that sightings submitted by the public have revealed information about species that had not been recorded for decades, underscoring the importance of citizen contributions in monitoring and conservation efforts.

Published 13-Nov-2024

Will Woogaroo Forest Survive Brisbane’s Building Boom?

In Springfield, a battle is unfolding between two pressing needs: housing for a booming population and survival space for some of Australia’s most vulnerable wildlife. At the centre of this conflict lies Woogaroo Forest, a pristine woodland that stands as one of the last refuges for the region’s endangered koalas.

Read: Community Rallies to Protect Wildlife in Woogaroo Forest

The community group Save Woogaroo Forest points to a map covered in dots indicating koala sightings, noting that there have been numerous additional sightings since the map’s creation. The group warns that housing developments in the area would spell the end for the local koala population, making their survival impossible.

Photo credit: Save Woogaroo Forest – Ipswich QLD/Facebook

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Southeast Queensland is bracing for a population surge that would make most city planners nervous – an additional 2.2 million residents by 2046, pushing the region’s total to around 6 million. This explosive growth demands roughly 900,000 new homes, a target that already seems daunting given current supply shortages.

But for the Save Woogaroo Forest group, these statistics represent more than just planning challenges – they represent an existential threat to a unique ecosystem. The forest isn’t just home to koalas; it supports more than 130 native species, creating a biodiversity hotspot that once lost, cannot be replaced.

The story of Woogaroo Forest is deeply intertwined with the ambitious Springfield development project. In 1992, a renowned developer acquired 7,000 acres of forested land between Ipswich and Brisbane.

At the time, it might have seemed like an ordinary land purchase, with only 10% zoned for residential use. Today, it represents Australia’s newest emerging city and south-east Queensland’s fastest-growing region, expected to double its current population of 50,000 to 105,000 by 2030.

What makes this rapid transformation possible is a unique planning instrument called the Springfield Structure Plan (SSP), one of just three Development Control Plans operating in Queensland. These DCPs operate like master keys, unlocking development possibilities by bypassing many state regulations – including those protecting vegetation and koala habitats.

The situation highlights a critical failing in current environmental protection frameworks. Despite a chorus of expert voices – ecologists, academics, and wildlife organisations – all warning about the irreversible ecological damage that development would cause, these assessments carry little weight against planning legislation created more than three decades ago.

Read: Mother and Baby Koala’s Death Sparks Urgent Plea from Ipswich Koala Protection Society

As south-east Queensland grapples with its growing pains, Woogaroo Forest stands as a testament to the complex challenges of modern urban development. The question remains: in our rush to house our growing population, what price are we willing to pay in terms of environmental preservation? For the koalas of Woogaroo Forest and their defenders, the answer could mean the difference between survival and extinction.

Published 8-November-2024

Springfield Lakes Mum’s Breast Cancer Battle Inspires Action

A Springfield Lakes police officer has bravely shared her story of confronting an aggressive form of breast cancer, urging other women in the Ipswich and Greater Springfield area to be vigilant about their breast health.

Just over a year ago, Melissa Dickson, a mother of two, received the jarring news that she had breast cancer after discovering a lump during a self-examination. The 49-year-old immediately sought medical advice, leading to a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy.

Days later, she was diagnosed with stage two triple-negative breast cancer and began treatment under the care of Dr Susan Bell at Mater Private Hospital Springfield.

Mrs Dickson underwent 12 weeks of intensive chemotherapy at Springfield’s Mater Cancer Care Centre, followed by a lumpectomy and the removal of 34 lymph nodes. Undeterred, she then faced 25 rounds of radiation treatment and is currently receiving immune therapy.

Despite the whirlwind of emotions and challenges, Mrs Dickson remains positive and focused on raising awareness. She emphasised self-checks’ importance and encouraged women to remind their friends and family to do the same. Genetic testing has thankfully revealed that she does not carry the breast cancer gene, easing concerns for her daughter, siblings, and sister.

Dr Bell, a renowned breast and endocrine surgeon at Mater Private Hospital Springfield, praised Mrs Dickson’s strength and highlighted the transformative power of overcoming breast cancer. She stressed the importance of early detection through regular self-examinations and screening.

Dr Bell ensures her surgical cancer patients have a minimal wait time of less than a week.

While acknowledging the strong awareness of breast cancer in Australia, Dr Bell believes more can be done to educate women about available screening and preventative measures.

She reinforced the crucial role of regular breast self-examination in early detection, potentially saving lives.

Published Date 07-October-2024

Stockland-Supalai Set to Take Over Springfield Rise in Major Property Deal

Springfield Rise, one of Ipswich’s largest master planned communities, is set to change hands after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) approved a $1.3 billion acquisition by property giants Stockland and Supalai.

ACCC Greenlights Deal

The acquisition, which is expected to be finalised by the second quarter of 2025, will see 12 Lendlease master planned communities across Australia, including Springfield Rise, transferred to the joint venture between Stockland and Thai-listed developer Supalai. This deal follows a five-month investigation by the ACCC, initially raising concerns about competition in areas like Ipswich.

Stockland is already the dominant developer in Ipswich, controlling communities such as Kalina, Providence, and Botanica.

Despite initial concerns, the ACCC concluded that the acquisition would not significantly reduce competition in Ipswich, with sufficient alternative developers in the area to keep the market balanced. However, as a condition of the approval, Stockland will be required to divest its Forest Reach project in New South Wales to address competition issues in the Illawarra region.

Impact on Ipswich and Springfield Rise

Springfield Rise, currently owned by Lendlease, is one of Ipswich’s most established master planned communities. The deal will likely shift Stockland’s market power further in Ipswich, where it already owns significant developments.

The ACCC had initially feared that removing Lendlease as a competitor might give Stockland more control over housing prices and supply in the region. However, the commission ultimately found that competition would remain sufficient to safeguard consumers.

Stockland’s expanded portfolio will include Springfield Rise, Kalina, Providence, and Botanica in Ipswich and other major estates in Moreton, Logan, and Redland. Once fully developed, these estates will collectively house over 200,000 residents.

Broader Queensland Housing Market

This acquisition comes amid a broader housing crisis in Queensland, where property developers are grappling with constrained land supply and increasing demand. The Property Council of Australia recently released a report highlighting that Queensland has missed out on 33,000 new homes over the past eight years due to unfavourable tax policies for developers.

The Property Council has called for a review of state taxes on property developers, arguing that current taxes have deterred international investment and slowed the pace of housing construction. According to the report, developer taxes introduced in 2016 have caused an 83.9 per cent drop in overseas investment, costing the state $17.8 billion in housing investment.

Future Developments

Stockland’s acquisition is part of a broader strategy to increase its focus on residential development. The company is shifting a larger portion of its portfolio towards housing projects, particularly in Queensland, where demand continues to outpace supply.

Stockland’s CEO has stated that the company plans to move away from single-dwelling homes and towards high-rise developments to meet the needs of Baby Boomers who are downsizing. With Springfield Rise now part of Stockland’s expanding portfolio, the company is positioned to significantly address the region’s housing needs.

Published 1-Oct-2024

New Mater Public Hospital in Springfield: A Boost for Healthcare and Real Estate

Photo Credit: Mater

Construction on the highly anticipated Springfield Mater Public Hospital is progressing steadily, bringing the Greater Springfield region closer to enhanced healthcare services and potential real estate growth.

*Photo Credit:* *MPCharisMullen/ Facebook*

The nine-level, 38,000 square-metre facility, set to open in phases starting in early 2026, is poised to be a landmark in sustainable architecture, aiming for a Green Star Rating with its energy-efficient design and state-of-the-art central energy plant.

The hospital’s 174 additional beds will significantly expand healthcare capacity in the area, and its inclusion of Australia’s largest maternity service with a Pregnancy Assessment Centre and six modern birthing suites underscores its commitment to comprehensive care.

This state-of-the-art facility, including two birthing suites with mood lighting and Bluetooth-enabled birthing baths, will offer Springfield residents top-tier maternity care close to home.

For landlords and investors, the Mater Public Hospital represents a significant milestone in Springfield’s growth. Enhanced healthcare infrastructure attracts new residents, bolstering property values and rental demand. With the hospital’s focus on family-centric services like the maternity ward, Springfield’s appeal to families and professionals is set to increase further.

Springfield’s rapid development, which is evident in initiatives like the Mater Public Hospital, is reshaping its real estate market and providing investors with exciting opportunities. The influx of new residents seeking proximity to modern medical services is expected to drive long-term growth and stability in the area.

Springfield is poised to become an even more desirable destination as the hospital’s opening approaches, enhancing its community appeal and real estate potential. Industry experts advise prospective investors and current property owners to stay informed about the hospital’s progress and other developments in the Greater Springfield area.

With its expanding healthcare infrastructure and focus on sustainable growth, Springfield is set to be a key player in the region’s future.

Published Date 18-September-2024

Mollie O’Callaghan – The World’s Best Leg Kick Born in Springfield

Photo Credit: Mollie_Ocal/Instagram

When Mollie O’Callaghan delivered a devastating burst on the final 50m of the 200m Free in Paris, to launch from 3rd place behind Siobhan Haughey of Hong Kong and Mollie’s training partner at St Peters Western, Ariarne Titmus, the outboard motor that she engaged to produce a final lap of 27.98 was built in Springfield.

Mollie’s 27.98 final 50m took 0.66 seconds out of Arnie in the 200m Free. Arnie was the defending champion and she was not someone you’d ever want to take on but against Mollie’s gold medal-winning performance, Arnie had to accept silver. Canadian 17-year-old superstar Summer McIntosh made a very sensible decision to ditch the 200m Free because, frankly, she would have been battling for bronze when her extraordinary talent was acquiring gold in the 400 IM.

So Mollie can reflect that she has climbed the highest mountain in Paris, beating arguably the greatest freestyle swimmer at the Paris Olympics.

Yet the story of Mollie’s mind-blowing engine “Made in Springfield” needs telling.

The story’s venue was the Waterworx Swim Club, an operation so humble that their Facebook page has very little “Mollie” cheering, rather a list of updates on Aqua aerobics classes.

The sort of unheralded operation that lives and breathes what it does, and relies on people whose passion for teaching and coaching is far greater than their desire to be paid accordingly.

It’s a long way from the glamour of Paris, but Waterworx Swim Club was where Mollie built her outboard engine, her leg kick.

Nicholas Smith of the Queensland Academy of Sport pointed out that Mollie’s underwater turns and her underwater kick are where she gets her edge.

He explains that in the context of Mollie’s World Record 200m Free in the 2023 Fukuoka World Championships in this video:

Paul Sansby

Paul “Cowboy” Sansby’s passion for coaching young swimmers would be tough to beat. His coaching journey started in the 1970s when he emigrated from the UK to Bundaberg as a competitive swimmer, based at the Fairymead Swimming Club. His move to Brisbane a few years later, to be coached by Bill Sweetenham and Ken Wood, considered legends of the swim coaching world.

Under Sweetenham and Wood, Paul improved his PBs but also developed and sharpened his coaching skills. His first coaching gigs were at Lawnton and Jindalee swimming clubs until he was made head coach at St Peters Western in the late 1980s, the club that Mollie now swims for under Dean Boxall.

After a decade at St Peters Western, he and his business partner, Greg Fasala, established Waterworx Swimming Club.

They have produced a long line of great swimmers but it was when Sansby teamed up with another coaching legend, that things went to a new level.

Pete Cherry

When Pete Cherry arrived to help Sansby at Waterworx in 2007, he came with a great reputation.

Gina Rinehart’s profile on Mollie, which you can read here, lays out the respect that Sansby had for Cherry.

“We had been together ever since (until Pete passed in 2021). We were like brothers, and he has developed the skills of so many great champions, including kids like Mollie,” said Sansby.

Cherry’s particular focus was the underwater kick.

Sansby said Cherry would really accentuate the kicking part of training and would break it down in great detail, in a way that was ahead of his peers.

Mollie O’Callaghan started at Waterworx in 2012 when she was eight. She started to swim at four and competed from the age of seven. When she moved on in 2019 at the age of 15, the outboard engine that powered Mollie past Arnie in Paris was fully in place. Her ankle flexion had developed and State Championships and a National Championship were the results.

Dean Boxall has taken Mollie to the next level and bringing 11 Olympians through the St Peters Western program is an enormous feat in itself (surely, the world’s #1 swim club) but Sansby and Cherry and the team at Waterworx Swim Club delivered a massive contribution towards Mollie’s devastating finish.

In 2021, Pete Cherry passed away but his legacy was that 0.66 of a second that Mollie took out of Arnie in the final 50m of the 2024 Olympics 200m Freestyle.

Published 30-July-2024

Sight-Saving Surgery in Springfield Transforms Lives of First Nations People

Over 1000 First Nations Queenslanders have successfully had their eyesight restored through cataract surgeries, as part of a groundbreaking partnership between the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health and Mater Private Hospital Springfield.

The program began in 2016 and now facilitates about 150 publicly-funded operations annually at Mater Private Hospital Springfield. It aims to address the higher rate of severe sight deterioration among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who often experience vision loss earlier than non-Indigenous Australians.

Holistic Approach to Eye Care

IUIH CEO Adrian Carson highlighted the program’s comprehensive support system: “By working collaboratively across the region and health system to ensure our people are diagnosed and well supported before, through and after treatment, we have reduced demand on the system since patients can be treated earlier, supporting better long-term health and community outcomes.”

The program offers:

– Pre and post-operative care
– Transport
– Personal support on surgery day
– No additional cost to patients or the healthcare system

Mater Private Hospital Springfield — *Photo Credit: Peter Wallis/Supplied*

Improving Access and Outcomes

Dr Sunil Warrier, Director of Ophthalmology at Mater Hospital Brisbane, explained the program’s significance.

“We know a lot of First Nations people lose their vision around the age of 50 to 60 years, a lot earlier than Caucasian people, who tend to be around the age of 60 to 70.”

“Our patients already know and feel comfortable with our team because they’ve been engaged with their local clinic and optometrist, and the opportunity to be together and connected with each other and us throughout the day makes it a positive shared experience,” Celia McCarthy, IUIH Eye Health Services Manager, added.

“Watching television and doing simple household chores including cleaning have become frustrating due to my deteriorating vision. I’m looking forward to seeing normally again,” Gordon Cowburn, 75, a Wakka Wakka Elder, said prior to the cataract procedure.

“I had a check-up the other day and things are great. My life has improved and I’m much happier now,” Ian Delaney, 70, a Quandamooka man, said.

The program continues to significantly impact the lives of First Nations Queenslanders, restoring not only their sight but also their independence and quality of life.

Published 13-July-2024

New Report Reveals Queensland Schools with High Exclusion Rates

A recent annual report revealed that primary schools in South East Queensland issued 155 exclusions to students, with Springfield Central State School ranking among those with the highest exclusion rates.

Read: Scott’s Farm in Ripley: A Century-Old Legacy Hangs in the Balance Amidst School Development Plans

The school reported 10 exclusions, a significant 244 short suspensions, and 10 long suspensions, based on the 2023 School Disciplinary Absence (SDA) data released by the Queensland Government.

Exclusion, the most serious disciplinary action, involves a student being required to leave a school or specific state schools in Queensland for a period of up to one year, or permanently.

It’s reserved for instances where other consequences fail to address persistent disobedience or behaviour that threatens the well-being of other students or staff. This measure, though severe, is sometimes necessary to maintain the integrity and safety of the school environment.

Suspensions, on the other hand, serve a dual purpose: they act as a consequence for inappropriate behaviour and provide a valuable period for school staff to devise strategies to help students re-engage positively with their education. A short suspension ranges from 1 to 10 days, while a long suspension spans 11 to 20 days, both aimed at addressing and mitigating the underlying issues contributing to disruptive behaviour.

The Queensland Association of State School Principals highlights that physical violence and bullying are primary reasons for suspensions in the State.

The professional association assures the public can be confident that principals will make decisions in the best interests of the entire student body and, in certain cases, to ensure their safety.

Proactive Measures at Springfield Central State School

Springfield Central State School is tackling these issues head-on with initiatives like the ANCHOR program. After play breaks, students participate in a 10-minute self-directed activity to refocus on learning and report any bullying to their teachers. This approach empowers students and helps address issues before they escalate.

Although the data on exclusions and suspensions might initially appear concerning, they reflect a broader commitment to safety and positive student engagement.

Read: Ipswich Incident: An Elderly Woman Killed in Random Car Park Attack by a Teenager

Springfield Central State School’s efforts to address and prevent bullying through programs like ANCHOR show a dedicated approach to fostering a nurturing and secure educational environment.

Published 23-June-2024

Wimbledon Welcomes Back Springfield Tennis Legend Ash Barty

Former world No. 1 and Springfield-raised Ash Barty is set to make a highly anticipated return to Wimbledon this July, nearly two years after her shock retirement from professional tennis. The 28-year-old Australian tennis legend will participate in the invitational doubles event, marking her first appearance on the hallowed grass courts since her triumphant singles victory in 2021.

Read: Springfield Lakes Mum Raises Over $4500 in Fundraising Concert for Cancer Research

Invitational Doubles comeback

Wimbledon officials recently announced Barty’s participation in the legends invitational doubles event, scheduled to begin on July 9.

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Barty will team up with her former doubles partner and close friend, Casey Dellacqua. The pair, affectionately known as “ABCD” (Ash Barty and Casey Dellacqua), have a history of success, including reaching three grand slam finals together.

The legends tournament will feature two groups of eight pairs competing in a round-robin format. The top pairs from each group will advance to the final, vying for a share of the ~$64,800 first-place prize. All participating pairs are guaranteed a minimum of ~$45,800 between them.

Ash Barty, legend of tennis

Ash Barty’s 2021 Wimbledon victory ended a 41-year drought for Australian women at the tournament, following in the footsteps of her mentor and idol, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, who won in 1980.

The Woodcrest State College alum also claimed grand slam titles at the 2019 French Open and the 2022 Australian Open before her surprise retirement announcement in March 2022.

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A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty)

Since stepping away from professional tennis, Barty has embraced family life. She married her partner Garry Kissick and welcomed their son, Hayden. Despite occasional calls for her return to the professional circuit, Barty has consistently expressed contentment with her current priorities. “I absolutely love being a mum. There’s nothing else that I prefer to do,” she said.

Dual role at Wimbledon

In addition to her participation in the invitationals, Barty will also serve as a commentator during the Wimbledon tournament.

This dual role allows her to remain connected to the sport while maintaining her retirement from professional play.

Read: Scott’s Farm in Ripley: A Century-Old Legacy Hangs in the Balance Amidst School Development Plans

The Wimbledon tournament, including the legends invitational event, is set to begin on Monday, July 1, offering fans a chance to see their hometown hero back in action on one of tennis’s most prestigious stages.

Published 22-June-2024