Springfield Archives - Page 3 of 6

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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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

Springfield Lakes Community Transforms Healthcare at Mater Private Hospital

Mater Private Hospital Springfield is set to receive nearly $1 million worth of state-of-the-art medical equipment, thanks to donations from Mater supporters across Queensland.

This substantial contribution is poised to revolutionise patient care at the hospital, enhancing treatment precision and efficacy across various medical disciplines.

The upcoming additions include a sophisticated robotic surgery system designed specifically for knee replacements, alongside advanced imaging technologies tailored to elevate the accuracy of breast cancer and orthopaedic surgeries. These innovations promise not only to streamline procedures but also to significantly improve recovery times and patient outcomes.

Scheduled for Wednesday, 26 June 2024, Mater Giving Day aims to rally further support from the community, leveraging matched donations to maximise impact. Mater Foundation underscores its commitment to funding essential healthcare advancements, with plans to recruit a specialist Breast Care Nurse as its next priority for Mater Private Hospital Springfield.

The General Manager of Mater Private Hospital Springfield highlighted the crucial impact of community-funded equipment in enhancing local healthcare. She pointed out that investing in cutting-edge medical technology is vital for delivering high-quality patient care. The new equipment will support life-saving interventions for breast cancer patients and provide transformative joint replacements, ultimately benefiting the overall health of the community.

Among the new additions is the Velys orthopaedic robot, renowned for its infrared optical tracking system facilitating precise surgical cuts during knee replacements. Additionally, the C-Arm scanner will provide orthopaedic surgeons with real-time, high-resolution images during procedures, while the Faxitron radiography system enhances breast cancer surgery outcomes by delivering detailed intraoperative x-rays.

Mater, Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider, manages an extensive network of hospitals and is currently spearheading the construction of Mater Public Hospital Springfield in collaboration with the Queensland Government.

This initiative, slated to open in 2026, will bolster local healthcare infrastructure with 174 beds, an emergency department, an intensive care unit, and maternity services.

The CEO of Mater Foundation praised the community’s instrumental role in driving healthcare advancements. He noted that Mater Giving Day exemplifies the collective effort to support life-saving medical innovations. This year’s triple matching pledge highlights the profound impact of community donations, moving closer to the goal of providing dedicated support for cancer patients in Ipswich and Springfield.

Donations for Mater Giving Day can be made online at www.mater.org.au/givingday until 26 June, offering individuals an opportunity to contribute directly to vital healthcare initiatives that benefit the entire community.

Published Date 21-June-2024

New Direct Bus Route to Connect Springfield and Ipswich

Photo Credit: Ipswich City Council

Queensland has announced a new direct bus route linking Springfield to Ipswich CBD as part of a $70 million investment in bus network upgrades across the state.

This development was unveiled in the state Budget released on Tuesday, aimed at improving public transportation options and reducing travel times for residents.

Currently, Springfield residents face a lengthy journey of about an hour to reach Ipswich Central via public transport, requiring a transfer and often taking longer than travelling to Brisbane City. The new route will run from Springfield through Redbank Plains to Ipswich, significantly cutting travel time and improving connectivity between the two areas.

This initiative is part of a broader Bus Services Investment Program, which seeks to enhance community travel options through funding for new bus services and infrastructure. The program will be implemented over three years and includes several other improvements:

New services to growth areas including Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park, Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, Springfield, Deebing Heights, and Karalee.
Improved service connectivity to the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area.
Extension of existing routes in areas north and south of Ipswich, Springfield Lakes, Camira, and Spring Mountain.
Enhanced connectivity to rail services and Ipswich Hospital.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick said, “We are doing what matters for the Logan and Ipswich communities by making bus links to their communities stronger with more services and more affordable with our 50c fares”.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential impact. “These initiatives will hopefully attract more and more people to public transport so they can experience the benefits, which in turn eases congestion on our roads,” Mellish said.

Published 14-June-2024

Springfield Nurse Lisa Warburton Celebrates 15 Years of Compassionate Care

Springfield nurse Lisa Warburton, the Medical Rehabilitation Nurse Unit Manager at Mater Private Hospital Springfield, has been honoured for 15 years of exceptional service, embodying the compassionate values that define the Mater’s mission.

Ms Warburton’s journey with Mater began at the Brisbane facility, where she forged a reputation for her steadfast commitment to her patients and esteemed nursing team. Her recent transition to Mater Private Hospital Springfield, which opened in 2015, has allowed her to continue her hands-on approach while managing a large and supportive team.

Unwavering Commitment to Patient Care

“The work culture at Mater has really kept me here,” the Springfield nurse expressed. “I have an amazing nursing team, and we are all supportive of each other. Mater’s values and missions really resonate with me – compassionate care is vital for our patients.”

Mater Private Hospital Springfield plays a pivotal role in the region’s healthcare ecosystem, welcoming patients from various local facilities who require rehabilitation or specialized care before returning home. Ms Warburton’s expertise extends to treating infections, administering intravenous antibiotics, and guiding patients through rehabilitation, ensuring their comfort and well-being remain the top priority.

Mater Private Hospital Springfield Medical Rehabilitation Nurse Unit Manager Lisa Warburton with her adored team. Photo Josh Woning — *Photo Credit: Josh Woning/Supplied*

Recognizing a Decade of Community Service

Alongside Ms Warburton’s milestone, Camira resident Jocelyn Ball, the Mater Hospital Springfield Stage 2 Project Coordinator, was also honoured for her decade-long contribution to the growth of local healthcare services in Springfield.

“Greater Springfield is a wonderful community – it’s where I live, where I work, where my kids go to school and play for local sporting clubs,” Ms Ball shared. “It’s really special knowing that as this community grows, I’m part of a team that is working hard to grow the future healthcare services and ensure the needs of the community will be met.”

Mater Hospital Springfield Stage 2 Project Coordinator Jocelyn Ball. Josh Woning — *Photo Credit: Josh Woning/Supplied*

Ms Warburton and Ms Ball were among eight Mater Private Hospital Springfield staff members celebrated at the Long Service Award event held at The Princess Theatre in Woolloongabba on Tuesday, May 28th, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the health and well-being of the Springfield Lakes community.

Landmark Partnership

The Mater Hospital Springfield Stage 2 project, a landmark partnership between Mater and the State Government, represents a significant expansion of the existing private hospital, poised to deliver an additional 174 overnight beds for the Greater Springfield region. For the first time, local families will soon have access to an Emergency Department, an Intensive Care Unit, and maternity and birthing services, ensuring comprehensive healthcare within their community.

Published 29-May-2024

Springfield Launch: Veterinarians Lead World-First Program to Tackle Climate Change

A coalition of veterinarians has made a groundbreaking move by launching the world’s first Climate Care Program in Springfield. The program empowers vet practices in Australia to care for pets while taking tangible action against climate change, reducing their carbon footprint and waste.

The Climate Care Program, the world’s first sustainability initiative designed specifically for veterinary practices, officially launches on the 8th of May 2024 at the Greater Springfield Veterinary Practice on Commercial Drive.

Guiding Practices to Sustainability

The program has demonstrated impressive results at 20 sites nationwide during its pilot phase.

Melbourne vet Dr Jeremy Watson saved over $6,000 annually by switching off gas and installing solar panels at his Brimbank clinic. He also upgraded to energy-efficient appliances and reduced water usage. Meanwhile, Greater Springfield Veterinary Practice reduced its waste by 37%.

“The Climate Care Program offers a comprehensive digital toolkit and educational course, structured in six modules to help practices become more sustainable,” Springfield’s Dr Jeannet Kessels said. “This self-paced program was developed by veterinary professionals, researchers, and educators to provide step-by-step support in reducing energy consumption, waste, and water usage. This ensures that even the busiest clinics can maintain their sustainability goals.”

*Photo Credit: Greater Springfield Veterinary Practice*

Adopting environmentally friendly practices benefits the environment and recruits staff. Dr Watson has noticed a trend among young professionals, with recent hires citing the clinic’s environmental credentials as a key factor in their decision to join the team.

The program’s impact has extended beyond Australia, attracting international attention, as highlighted by Vets for Climate Action Chair Dr. Jeannet Kessels, who recently presented the initiative at the World Veterinary Association conference in South Africa.

About Vets for Climate Action

Vets for Climate Action represents a coalition of veterinary professionals and animal lovers advocating for urgent action on climate change. Their goal is to promote sustainability in veterinary care, foster awareness, and advocate for impactful policies that recognize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Published 7-May-2024

Townhouses with Brookwater Golf Course Access Green-Lit in Springfield

A new $72 million townhouse development has been approved within an exclusive enclave at Springfield, promising luxury living with direct access to the Brookwater golf course.

Read: Brookwater Golf & Country Club: Gateway to Queensland’s Elite Golfing Experience

The Oakmont development by Azure will comprise 61 luxury townhouses situated along the edge of the 8th hole of the Brookwater golf course designed by Greg Norman. The residences will offer views over the fairways and greens stretching out to the surrounding mountains.

With the aim of cultivating a sense of community living, Oakmont will boast expansive landscaped garden areas, shared amenities and facilities for residents, and a centralised pedestrian pathway linking the different townhomes together.

Those who will live at Oakmont will have the luxury of utilising an upscale wellness centre featuring a steam room, sauna, magnesium mineral plunge pools, and a fully-equipped fitness centre. Further adding to the resort-like amenities on the 2.36-hectare property is a 20-metre lap pool surrounded by lounge areas and recreational green spaces.

According to Azure Director Trent Keirnan, Oakmont epitomises their philosophy of creating distinguished residences primarily aimed at owner-occupiers and investors seeking a premium residential offering.

Mr Keirnan stated that at a minimum, each residence at Oakmont would be a high-quality terrace home offering three bedrooms plus a multipurpose room, further enhanced by the desirable open setting provided by being situated adjacent to a championship golf course.

Read: Springfield Central Station Park ‘n Ride Recognised with International Design Award

Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2025, with completion expected by the third quarter of 2026. The development has already generated significant buyer interest from the market.

The approval for Oakmont promises a new benchmark in luxury townhouse living nestled alongside one of the region’s most prestigious golf courses at Brookwater.

Published 28-March-2024

Uncovering a Hazard: Asbestos Found in Springfield School, Greenbank Dog Park

A recent asbestos contamination issue from NuGrow’s compromised compost in Ipswich, one of Queensland’s major disposal and recycling entities, has unsettled locals who frequent the Everleigh Dog Park in Greenbank and the Spring Mountain State School community in Springfield.

The discovery has prompted immediate responses from local authorities, leading to the closure of Everleigh Dog Park and the isolation of a recently completed construction site at Spring Mountain State School.

Although the affected area at the school, lying beneath a layer of mulch, is inaccessible to the public or students, the situation has raised significant concerns.

Proactive Measures and Community Safety

In light of these findings, Queensland’s environmental authority and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland have embarked on a mission to ensure public safety through rigorous testing and containment strategies. Asbestos detection, even in small amounts, has necessitated a “very precautionary approach,” intending to maintain transparency and protect community health.

The impact on Greenbank and Springfield underscores a broader crisis, as Queensland grapples with the fallout of contaminated compost that has also affected areas in New South Wales.

With 16 businesses and public spaces potentially exposed to the hazardous material, authorities have halted the movement of NuGrow’s soil products and initiated comprehensive testing across the southeast and beyond.

Reflection: A Call for Vigilance

The situation in Greenbank and Springfield is a wake-up call, urging a reevaluation of environmental safety and waste management standards. As investigations continue, the emphasis remains on minimising risk, reinforcing safety protocols, and ensuring such incidents do not recur, protecting Queensland’s communities and their cherished environments.

“A proactive audit program of Queensland companies that manufacture and supply landscaping products has detected a small amount of asbestos in a stockpile of soil at a business, NuGrow in Ipswich,” Workplace Health and Safety Queensland issued in a statement.

“Given the low level of contamination found in the test sample, Queensland Health has advised that there is minimal risk to public health and safety at this time.

“The fact that this product is for use outdoors also reduces the risk to public health and safety.”

Phone 1300 130 372 for concerns and further information.

Discontinuation of QGSSSA Membership for St Peters Lutheran College Springfield Confirmed

A recent decision by the Queensland Girls’ Secondary Schools Sports Association has altered the landscape for girls participating in sports competitions under the banner of St Peters Lutheran College Springfield.

Despite efforts to reverse the school’s membership to the Queensland Girls’ Secondary Schools Sports Association (QGSSSA), St Peters Lutheran College Springfield. will no longer be recognised as a member starting from 2026.

This change will impact the school’s participation in the competition under the broader St Peters banner.

Tim Kotzur, the Head of College of St Peters Lutheran College, confirmed this decision in an email sent to the St Peters community. Mr Kotzur did not elaborate on the reason for the decision.

Whilst this brings disappointment, it also heralds a period of reflection and strategic planning for the Springfield campus.

Administrators, teachers, and students alike are exploring alternatives to ensure that the girls of St Peters Lutheran College Springfield can continue to engage in quality sporting activities beyond 2025. This exploration includes assessing options for participation in other school sports associations or leagues, as well as potentially developing inter-school competitions within the local community.

Amidst this transition, St Peters Lutheran College Springfield remains committed to providing a holistic education that encompasses academic excellence and opportunities for physical development and teamwork through sports. The Leadership Team is diligently working to mitigate disruptions and ensure a seamless transition for students, parents, and coaches involved in the sporting programs.

Published 14-Feb-2024