Springfield rail revolution right on track

An artist’s impression of the
 Springfield  Central  train station
 which will connect the master-
 planned  community with Brisbane.

IT IS the final stage of the $1.2 billion rail project that is set to change the face of Springfield forever.

The 9.5km rail link from Richlands to two new Springfield stations - Springfield Lakes and Springfield Central - is just over 15 months from opening.

The line is stage two of a rail development that will connect Darra to Springfield Central.

The earliest projected opening of the Springfield link is July 2013, but it will be up and running by the end of next year at the latest.

Springfield Lakes station will be located near Woodcrest College while the showpiece of the development is the double-level $60 million state-of-the-art Springfield Central station, across the road from Orion Shopping Centre.

The shopping centre is on the other side of the road to the station but there will be an underground carriage that will provide ease of access for commuters.

Increased bus services will bring residents from nearby areas to and from the station and 100 all-day car parking spaces provided for those who need to drive to the stations.

Springfield Land Corporation (SLC) marketing and communications director, Naren Sinnathamby, said the rail project was "the development that will change the face of Springfield".

"And I think it will encourage a lot more development to be brought to the area," Mr Sinnathamby said.

"We've had families with us for 20 years who we sold this dream to, so we are so happy to announce this victory for the whole of greater Springfield - and we hope the residents embrace it.

"The kids, students, young people and elderly who don't have access to a car will have full transport facilities through the new rail network that will take them to Brisbane or anywhere they want to go.

"The design of Springfield Central is unique and upmarket and the way it integrates with the town centre was fundamental. Council, government and the SLC all came together to work on the project."

The Greater Springfield area is expected to grow from a current population of 22,000 to 105,000 over the next 30 years so the project is much needed infrastructure.

The train line in its current format will stop at Springfield Central and in future will extend to Ripley Valley and Ipswich and then circle back to the Brisbane CBD.

SLC chairman Maha Sinnathamby said the completed rail project would reduce the traffic congestion on the Centenary Hwy and draw commuters from Springfield and surrounding areas.

It is expected the new rail line will take 2500 cars off the road.

"Nowhere in Australia has a suburban railway of $1.2 billion been undertaken for a very long time," Mr Sinnathamby said.

"What it does show is the huge population explosion that is expected for Springfield and the western corridor. One thing we do here at Springfield is to plan for the next 30 years."

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce president, Ralph Breaden, owns a financial planning business and said the railway line would draw people from far and wide and be a massive boost for business by making it far easier for consumers to access shops and services.

www.QT.com.au

7.4.12

Ram-raid gang strikes again at Collingwood Park

POLICE believe a break and enter at a Collingwood Park supermarket is linked to similar offences at Fernvale and Karalee.

Four people used rocks to break into the Woolworths at Collingwood Park about 4.15am yesterday.

The offenders, who wore tracksuits and had their heads covered, gained access to cash tills inside the store, but no money was kept at the premises and they left empty handed.

The Criminal Investigation Branch is investigating the break-in, along with two others which were committed at Woolworths supermarkets at Fernvale and Karalee in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

They said a red Ford sedan had been used in each of the offences.

Police said a group of youths wearing masks smashed a glass window at the Fernvale supermarket, obtaining an undisclosed sum of cash and cigarettes before fleeing in the red Ford.

No more than half an hour later, the same group of tracksuit-wearing crooks was thought to have driven the red sedan to Junction Rd, Karalee, where they were disturbed by witnesses after breaking into another supermarket.

They fled without stealing property.

Police have also linked the group to the burglary of a bottle shop in the Brisbane suburb of Mansfield, which occurred about 2.30am Wednesday.

Investigations into each of the break and enter offences is continuing.

Police are yet to provide detailed descriptions of the offenders or the vehicle they were seen driving.

As of yesterday, there was no CCTV footage available from the latest break-in.

Anyone with information that could assist police should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

www.QT.com.au

7.4.12

Ipswich City Council programs and activities for April

The following are the programs and activities being delivered during April by the Ipswich City Council. 

 

 

Ageing Stronger Active Longer Program

 

The launch of the Ageing Stronger Active Longer Program in Camira will follow on from successful programs currently running in Ipswich.

 

Date:        Tuesday 10 April

Time:         9: 00 am -  2:00 pm

Venue:       Langley Park Hall, Langley Road, Camira

 

 

National Youth Week - Redbank Plaza Activity

 

Ipswich City Council in partnership with Redbank Plazawill be celebrating National Youth Week with a series of performances by local young people from Redbank Plains State High School and Hip Hop Crew MnB Entertainment. The event will showcase local young people's music, dance and performance skills and promote National Youth Week

 

Date:         Thursday 19 April

Time:         6:00pm to 6:30pm

Venue:       Redbank Plaza

    

 

Art Beat Festival incorporating National Youth Week Activities

 

The 2012 Art Beat Festival showcases and celebrates the arts in Ipswich, including contempary arts, craft, performances and arts information.  This year the Festival will also incorporate a National Youth Week activities which will showcase and provide youth focussed activities, workshops, displays and performances incorporating hip-hop/street dancing, street art, murals, trash/upcycled fashions, street theatre, music, multi-media productions, and other youth arts related activities

 

Date:         Saturday 21 April 

Time:         10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Venue:       Browns Park, 29 Downs St, North Ipswich

    

              

Skills Development Workshops- Volunteer Management and Recruitment and Business Planning

 

 A Skills Development Workshop to enhance the skills, capacity and sustainability of local community members and organisations, will be held at the Civic Centre. 

 

This Workshop ison Marketing, Media and Communication and details are as follows:

 

Date:        Tuesday 24 April 

Time:        9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Venue:      Ipswich Civic Centre 

 

 

Ipswich City Council Seniors Concert 

 

The first Seniors Concert for 2012 is L'Amour de Paree, performed by the Senior's Concert Partry.  Details of the session times are as follows:

 

Date:        Tuesday 24 April 

Time:        10:am -  11:40 am 

Venue:      Ipswich Civic Centre 

 

Date:        Tuesday 24 April 

Time:        1.30:pm -  2:40pm 

Venue:      Ipswich Civic Centre 

 

 

Morning Melodies Seniors Concert

 

The annual Morning Melodies Seniors Concert is being held in conjunction with the Ipswich Festival, and will be held under the sails at the Ipswich Mall.  The concert will include various local performers, and previous attendance by members of the community has exceeded 300.

 

Date:        Friday 27 April 

Time:        9.00am -  11.00am

Venue:      Ipswich  Mall 

 

For more information, contact Ipswich City Council on 07 3810 6666. 

Free Immunisation: Additional Ipswich School Catch Up Clinic

SATURDAY 21ST APRIL 2012

RIVERLINK SHOPPING CENTRE, NORTH IPSWICH

9AM - 3PM

Ipswich City Council will be operating an additional free clinic for those students who may have missed a free vaccination at their school during the year. Eligibility requirements for this free clinic are below.


WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any student in Years 8 to 11 who have missed a school vaccination are eligible.

Yr 8 & 9: Hepatitis B doses 1 and 2; HPV (girls only) dose 1, 2 and 3; Chickenpox

Yr 10 & 11: Boostrix (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)


WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
For those students who have commenced an immunisation program with Ipswich City Council (via Ipswich schools) will not need to bring any paperwork to the catch up clinic as we already have your consent form on record.

For those students who haven't commenced an immunisation program with Ipswich City Council forms will be available for parents/guardians to complete on site. Dates of when you have been vaccinated previously should be brought with you (only those dates that relate to the above vaccines).


NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Please don't hesitate to call Ipswich City Council's Immunisation Services Team if you need more information. Assistance will be provided by staff on the day.


Immunisation Services Team
Ipswich City Council
Phone: 07 3810 6666

Ipswich Seniors concert April 24

SENIORS are encouraged to mark their diaries for the Ipswich City Council’s annual seniors’ concert.

This show, L’amour de Paree, is written and directed by Ipswich local Kevin Hallewell and promises not to disappoint.

The Seniors’ Concert Group wows audiences each year and will be held on April 24 from 1-2.45pm.

The event will be held at the Ipswich Civic Centre and costs $8 per person. To book, phone 3810 6100.

http://www.qt.com.au/

5.4.12

Free microchipping when registering your cat in Ipswich

IPSWICH cat owners will be able to microchip their feline friends for free when registering them for the first time during April and May.

Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said the combination of registering and microchipping cats meant owners would have a better chance of having their beloved pets returned if they ever go missing.

"Microchipping gives pet owners greater peace of mind that they can be reunited with their animal friends should they ever be separated," Cr Tully said.

In July 2009, the state government made it a requirement for residents to register their cats with the local council. 

"Overall Ipswich residents have done well registering their cats," Cr Tully said.

"To encourage more first time registrations council has kept the original introductory price for registering to $21 per cat, or $14 per cat for pensioners, which includes microchipping."

Events will be held at the Ipswich City Council pound and a number of other locations across the city over the next two months. 

Details will be released closer to the dates and will be announced in the local media.

For more information on cat registrations, go to www.ipswich.qld.gov.au

5.4.12

New powers allow council officers to tackle littering and illegal dumping

IPSWICH City Council officers will now be able to act against those caught littering or illegally dumping items under new powers granted by the Queensland Government.

The Queensland Government recently granted new powers to Ipswich City Council for the management and enforcement of litter and illegal dumping.

These penalties include an on-the-spot fine of at least $200 for a small amount of litter, and up to $6400 for a corporation illegally dumping a large amount of waste. If the offence is dealt with by the courts the maximum penalty is $100,000. 

Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said littering and dumping items anywhere other than at a refuse transfer station had a significant impact on the city's economy, aesthetics, environment and health.

"Littering and illegally dumping items is negative behaviour and affects the city in a number of ways - it pollutes our waterways, hurts animals who mistake items for food and attracts rodents and other vermin. It increases the risk of fire and also creates unsightly areas within our city," Cr Tully said.

"It also hits the hip pocket through clean-up costs and a possible decrease in property values in affected areas."

The spokesperson said the correct way to dispose of rubbish was to use a rubbish bin, take waste home to place in wheelie bins or take large items to one of council's waste refuse and recycling centres.

Council also uses cameras at a number of locations to detect violations, however encourages the community to be proactive and report any instances of littering and illegal dumping. 

A new online reporting system is now available through the State Government's website where concerned residents can provide details of an offence they've witnessed.

5.4.12

Home security advice for Ipswich seniors to be available at seminars

IPSWICH City Council will join with the Ipswich Community Aid to deliver more Safer Seniors Program Workshops throughout Ipswich and surrounding areas.

Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said council was pleased to be able to join forces again with Ipswich Community Aid's Active Living Program for Seniors (ALPS) program.

"The program will be delivered by Ipswich Community Aid in Ipswich, Camira, Rosewood, Fernvale, Boonah and Laidley," Cr Tully said.

"This follows on from the eight workshops which were held throughout 2010 and 2011.

"These workshops provided personal safety strategies and information and advice on security for seniors. 

"The workshops were delivered with the support of key community partners including Safe City, the Ipswich District Crime Prevention Unit, Home Assist, Bendigo Bank and the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit.

"These workshops proved very successful during this period and were well attended with more than 400 residents participating in the program.

"Council is once again inviting local residents to take part in this program which will provide vital information about home security issues and offer invaluable advice to participants on techniques and tips they can implement at home," Cr Tully said.

Information will be provided on home and property security, safe banking, fraud and scam awareness and personal safety strategies.

The following personal safety strategies workshops will be held in Ipswich and surrounding council areas:

Fernvale - May 10, 2012;

Ipswich - May 17, 2012;

Boonah - May 31, 2012;

Camira - June 14, 2012;

Laidley - June 21, 2012 and;

Rosewood - August 27, 2012.

People aged over 55 and those who receive a government pension card are welcome to complete a free workshop and, if eligible, receive a key safe supplied and installed at no cost.

For more details or to book into one of the workshops contact the Community Development Branch on 3810 6655.

5.4.12

Larger wheelie bins to be offered free to Ipswich residents

IPSWICH ratepayers will be offered the option of upsizing their current recycling bins to a 360 litre bin for free following a successful local trial.

Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said a small trial of a larger recycling bin with a 360 litre capacity had been undertaken by Ipswich Waste Services for approximately eighteen months.

"The purpose of the trial was to determine whether the larger bins are preferred among residents and whether there are any issues associated with their use," Cr Tully said.

"Trial participants primarily were selected because they had previously contacted council about insufficient space in their 240 litre recycling bin and had been provided with a second recycling bin.

"During the trial these households were provided with the larger recycling bin and their usual recycling bins were removed."

Cr Tully said the majority of the trial participants had found it extremely beneficial to have access to a larger recycling bin.

"Given the success of the trial we are now giving all Ipswich residents the chance to upgrade their recycling bins to a larger size for free."

Cr Tully said council hoped access to the larger bins would encourage the community to recycle more.

"This has been the demonstrated result in other areas of Australia.

"A trial of 586 households in Melville, just across the river from the Perth CBD, found that the use of a 360 litre recycling bin increased the volume of collected recyclables by 30% and reduced municipal waste volumes by 18%.

"We hope to achieve similar results in Ipswich."

To organise delivery of a larger recycling bin contact council on 3810 6666.

5.4.12

Moves to stamp out puppy farms

DANGEROUS dogs and puppy farms will be brought to heel under an Ipswich City Council plan to protect people and dogs.

One suggestion in its submission to the State Government aims to steer buyers away from pet shops stocked by puppy farms and towards animal shelters.

It involves a program where animals are registered when they go to a new owner and pet shops and animal shelters register them at the point of sale or transfer.

The council says it supports the Regulation of Dog Breeders Draft Regulatory Impact Statement (RAS) as long as it is enforced by the state.

"The purpose of the RAS is to address the care and protection of animals through the RSPCA and bring an end to the breeding of dogs in puppy farms," a council spokesman said.

The spokesman also said the council would make a submission to the State Government outlining its position on dangerous dogs.

"The main issue is penalty enforcement. Currently the only tools available to council are to issue a penalty infringement notice or to prosecute," he said.

"Councils need a wider range of options for dealing with dangerous dogs and irresponsible pet owners. They should include the ability to cancel or revoke the registration of an animal, or impose specific enforceable animal ownership conditions for owners where their dog has been declared dangerous."

The council agreed a dog owner should be convicted of an attack offence if his dog killed someone, and the dog was a declared dangerous or restricted animal, the spokesman said.

www.QT.com.au

5.4.12

40kmh zones planned outside Ipswich's 80 kindies

Ross Dionysius with his son Rhys outside the Winston Glades

 Early Education Centre. Ipswich City Council is looking to

 introduce 40km/ph speed limits outside childcare centres in the region.

IPSWICH drivers will have to stay under a 40kmh limit outside all child care centres and kindergartens if the council gets its wish.

Mayor Paul Pisasale said the council planned to write to the State Government about the proposed zones and expected a good hearing from the new Premier Campbell Newman.

Ipswich has more than 80 child care centres.

Under State Government safety measures announced in February, Ipswich drivers face having to stay under the 40kmh speed limit all day outside some schools.

For split-campus schools, where children have to cross a road to access facilities, the school zone will be in place from 7am to 4pm.

But the Mayor said it made sense to force drivers to slow down outside the centres the same way they had to brake around schools.

"The State Government puts 40kmh zones outside schools; we're neglecting kindergartens and daycare centres," Cr Pisasale said.

"I'm sure when Campbell hears about this he'll be supporting it 100%. Let's start realising that a car is a lethal weapon and all of us can improve our driving and be safer around schools."

The council proposal has been backed by the RACQ and child care centres in Ipswich.

Spokeswoman Lynda Schekoske said the RACQ "certainly supports putting 40kmh zones around kindergartens and day care centres".

"We're talking about protecting the youngest members of our community. Their lives are much more important than any inconvenience that might be felt by motorists," Ms Schekoske said.

Raceview Community Early Childcare Centre assistant manager Tammy Harm said the centre was off the road but some parents walked their children to school and a 40kmh limit would make them feel safer.

Goodstart Early Learning Centre at Yamanto is included in the 40kmh zone outside nearby Amberley District State School and centre manager Ellen Nolan said children, parents and staff felt safer with the lower limit.

A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman said the department was "working hard to improve road safety for kids".

The spokeswoman said the department expected standardised school zones to be implemented in south-east Queensland by April 16.

"The installation of any flashing light all day school signs at split-campus schools is due to be completed by December 14," she said.

"The department sets speed limits on our roads in accordance with guidelines. Councils set speed limits on their roads."

www.QT.com.au

5.4.12

COMMENT: Let's hope the DTMR "all-day" signs are not the sub-standard, idiotic ones on trial on Brisbane Road Bundamba but are the purposeful, continuously-flashing ones used by Ipswich City Council across Ipswich during the past 5 years. - PaulGTully@gmail.com 

Ipswich families to back bilbies at Easter

Frank Manthey asks people to reject Easter eggs and buy chocolate bilbies.

THEY'VE got two long ears, they're cute and fluffy and they live in burrows.

And no, they're not rabbits.

Bilbies are an endangered Australian animal, and Save the Bilby Fund co-founder Frank Manthey believes Easter should support them, rather than their European competitors.

Mr Manthey sees the holiday season as an opportunity to raise awareness about the endangered animal by giving chocolate bilbies rather then bunnies.

He said the promotion of Easter bunnies frustrated him.

"It makes me feel sad; we should be supporting Australian animals, not introduced animals that have helped to endanger the bilby," Mr Manthey said.

"I want little kids to recognise bilbies and talk about them for the next 100 years, and giving a bilby instead of a bunny is a good way of encouraging that."

"Kids are learning about endangered animals in schools and Easter is a good time to reinforce that education."

Save the Bilby Fund benefits from the sale of Darrell Lea chocolate bilbies.

"The money's a great help and Darrell Lea has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars, but it's also to do with just celebrating the bilby and raising awareness."

Mr Manthey co-founded Save the Bilby Fund with zoologist Peter McRae in l999, and has since campaigned for funds to build a predator-proof fence and toured Australia to raise awareness about the bilby's plight.

Chocolate bilbies are available at Ipswich Darrell Lea stockists.

For more information, visit savethebilbyfund.com.

ABOUT BILBIES

• Bilbies are listed as endangered in Queensland.
• Introduced predators like cats and foxes have decimated bilby numbers.
• The fully-fenced Currawinya National Park is a safe haven for bilbies.

www.QT.com.au

5.4.12

Fran Bloom celebrates 10 years with Cr Paul Tully

 Fran Bloom, left, receives her 10 year Certificate of Service
 from Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully and his wife Liza at the
 Drift Restaurant at Brookwater Golf Club.

Fran Bloom tonight celebrated 10 years as the popular Electorate Secretary for Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully.

Fran - herself a former Moreton Shire and Ipswich City Councillor - commenced work for Cr Tully in his Queen St Goodna office in 2002.

"Fran has been the backbone of my office for the past decade and I congratulate her on this 10-year milestone," Cr Tully said.

4.4.12

Redbank Plains artist Suezan Cunningham to open first exhibition

Suezan Cunningham shows her art at the Old Ipswich Courthouse.

REDBANK Plains artist Suezan Cunningham is staging her first exhibition of paintings until April 16 at the Old Ipswich Courthouse, cnr East and Roderick Sts.

The 25 big, acrylic artworks on show are vibrant and colourful, with themes such as fireworks, flowers, fish and abstract.

The Ipswich Art Society exhibition, Art by Suezan, will be open from 10am-4pm every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Ms Cunningham said she had been painting "seriously" for only a year.

"I've had the God-given talent all my life," she said.

"I didn't want to waste something I've been given.

"It's my time to do my art.

"I had to work and feed the four kids.

"It's only now I've got space in the house that I can pursue my art."

Ms Cunningham has had no formal training as an artist, apart from a class last year at the gallery.

She has painted backdrops for church plays. 

www.QT.com.au

3.4.12

Good time at Goodna businesses

Superwoman Kayla Bennett with brothers Mitchell Weinberg 

and Jack Mason at the Goodna Gala Day on Saturday.

LOCALS had a Goodna Gala Day out on Saturday as businesses celebrated a return to normal with entertainment and specials, after prolonged rebuilding work in the wake of last year's floods.

McDonald's community marketing manager Annette Taylor said the businesses along the Church St precinct had been affected by the floods and motorway roadworks.

"For many months access to this area has been closed because of roadworks, but two weeks ago the barriers came down and people are coming back," she said.

"We also want people to know we're giving back to the community through a huge raffle for Goodna Special School."

Caltex manager Nick Young said the day was fantastic for the business and wider community.

Goodna mum Shelly Millard said, "The kids had a really good day with face-painting and the jumping castle. They came home really tired."

www.QT.com.au

2.4.12

Free Movie in the Park - Easter Saturday

Free Movies in the Park

Easter Saturday 7 April 2012

Robelle Domain

(off Sinnathamby Boulevard)

Springfield Central

All the fun starts at 4.00pm.

Bring the kids to Robelle Domain this Easter Saturday for the free screening of the movie Hop.

The Cadbury Bunny will be handing out free Easter Eggs and there's free face painting for the kids!

Bring a chair or rug and pack a picnic. Food and drinks available for purchase.

Please note that if it's raining on Saturday check the Greater Springfield  Facebook page for notifications. If the event is cancelled owing to the weather and it is fine on Easter Sunday, the movie will screen then.

Hope to see you all there!

Consumer Alert: InsuranceLine funeral policy a dead end for Goodna couple

Matthew and Helga Cashen have had to cancel their
 funeral insurance because they can no longer afford
the premiums. They've invested $17,000 over 11 years
 and now it's for nothing. The couple took out the
 insurance after Matthew had to cash in his long
 service leave to pay for his two sons' funerals
 11 years ago after they died rock fishing.

ELEVEN years and $10,000 after Matthew and Helga Cashen invested in a funeral plan, skyrocketing premiums have forced them to cancel the plan and forfeit their money.

They were recently informed their premiums, which began at $20 a fortnight for two $6000 funerals would rise from $51.34 a fortnight to $71.33 a fortnight. The rise of nearly 40% was the last straw for Mr Cashen who decided they'd had enough.

The 65-year-old described the policy as a "rip-off" that had very little to do with "planning" for your funeral.

"It (the premiums) just kept going and going," Mr Cashen said.

"I was under the impression when we got to the funeral cost it was automatically stopped and kept as savings for us.

The Goodna couple invested in the InsuranceLine plan only after having to cash in Mr Cashen's long-service leave to pay for their oldest son's funeral, before having to refinance their house to cover the costs of burying two other sons.

The pensioner couple received national media attention last year in a 60 Minutes report on the dangers of rock fishing after the ocean claimed their two sons who were fishing at Double Island Point in 2001.

The couple confirmed InsuranceLine recently offered them a fixed premium option with a greatly reduced benefit amount, but they chose not take it up because of their frustration with the company.

A statement from Tower Insurance that underwrites Insuranceline policies said their Funeral Plans were a good option for many people.

"We recognise there are both advantages and disadvantages to funeral insurance versus other savings. It is our experience that the vast majority of our claims are paid many years before the customer has paid the same in premiums as their benefit amount," the statement read.

Ipswich financial adviser Dave Dobbrick said these types of plans were stacked in the favour of the insurance company.

"At that end of your life your income is at a low level and your ability to service the payments reduces," he said. "You'd have to wonder how many claims they have to pay.

"Some funeral directors have all of the sudden become insurance agents. I sure wouldn't be going to a funeral director to get my financial planning advice."

www.QT.com.au

4.4.12

Ipswich Awakening's Easter Monday Funday at Queens Park set to attract 15,000 to free day out

Busy times: Hans Booij, Narelle and Ron Lambert
 prepare for the Easter Monday Funday at Queens Park

.

Easter treat: Jason Winton, at Shingle Inn,
 says hot cross buns are a family favourite.

More than 500 volunteers will help cook 10,500 hot dogs for an expected crowd of 15,000 at the Easter Monday Funday. 

Co-ordinator Hans Booij said the volunteer army would also prepare 1000 pieces of fish, snow-cones, popcorn and fairy floss all free to the public.

But Mr Booij warned fun seekers against over indulging before they jumped on rides, including the Gravitron.

Mr Booij reflected on how the Funday had grown from 12 volunteers entertaining 200 people in 1993 to a logistical operation involving many churches across Ipswich, businesses and Ipswich City Council. 

Mr Booij said the fun day was the largest free event in Ipswich. It starts at 10am in Queens Park and runs until 4pm.

Meanwhile, hot cross buns are still a favourite during Easter.

Shingle Inn Ipswich franchisee owner Jason Winton said hot cross buns are an excuse to ``indulge a little bit'' over Easter.

``I just love how all the flavours come together, and it's a melt-in-your-mouth sensation,'' he said of the buns traditionally eaten hot on Good Friday.

``We firmly believe that the tradition of hot cross buns has evolved into being about spending quality time with family and friends, and I really love that I'm able to offer my customers a delicious treat to enjoy over the Easter holiday.

``Customers really enjoy our hot cross buns and appreciate that we've been staying true to our recipe for over 75 years, using only the freshest and genuine ingredients.

``A great hot cross bun experience is about that fullness of flavour with lots of fruit and filling in it'' 

And while hot cross buns and chocolate are seen as a treat during Easter, vets are warning pet owners not to give chocolate to cats and dogs.

They say chocolate can be toxic for pets.

EASTER HOURS:

Supermarkets: Closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday 

Public transport: Services will generally operate to a public holiday or Sunday timetable from April 6-9

Shopping centres: Closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday

Post office: Closed Friday and on Monday

Editorial by Brian Semmens:

Ipswich Awakening's Easter Monday Funday epitomises true Christian values of giving over the holiday break.

While many residents will head to the coast and dig into chocolate, the fun day will be a great way to celebrate the true Easter spirit.

After all, in the ultimate act of giving, Christians believe God gave them a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus.

Yes, it's a holiday to many people, but also a time to reflect on worthwhile values. About 15,000 people are expected at Queens Park for a free day of food, rides and entertainment.

Well done to Ipswich Awakening and their volunteers for reinforcing the Easter message of giving of oneself.

www.CourierMail.com.au

Grant Writing Workshop at Ipswich Civic Centre

REMINDER TO CLUBS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS

Ipswich Grant Writing Workshop

Presented by Krista Hauritz

Krista has been writing grant applications for over twenty years as part of her roles in the tourism industry which have included Regional Director for Tourism Queensland and General Manager for Toowoomba & Golden West Regional Tourism. 

Over the years she has worked on many community and industry projects that have been successful in gaining local, state and federal funding for the Great Bunya Drive, Fish Inland Qld, Drive Inland Queensland and the Xstrata Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo, to name a few. 

In this workshop you will learn about:

*   Insider trade secrets and myth busting for applying for grant funding
*   Help on where to find grants
*   Getting the concept right
*   Developing your budget
*   Calculating in-kind support
*   Real life examples

Participants will gain practical, first-hand knowledge on grant writing; from where to look for funding, to hints on promoting your project, to getting the budget right. Krista hopes to give participants, whether new or experienced in the grant arena, real life examples of what she's done right and what she's done wrong in her grant application experience.


When and where:  6pm – 9pm
Monday 16 April 2012
Ipswich Civic Centre, Cunningham Room
Cnr Limestone & Nicholas Street, Ipswich
RSVP: Monday 9 April 2012
Light refreshments provided
Register online at:
www.communities.qld.gov.au/sportrec/community-programs/education-and-training/regional-workshops<http://www.communities.qld.gov.au/sportrec/community-programs/education-and-training/regional-workshops>  or the Event Calendar.

For more information contact your local office:
emailSouthWestSportRec@communities.qld.gov.au<mailto:SouthWestSportRec@communities.qld.gov.au>  or phone: 07 4615 3600

Titans' troubles won't touch Western bid

Western Corridor bid chairman Steve Johnson. 

THE financial dramas of the Gold Coast Titans won't impact negatively on the Western Corridor's quest to be included in the 2015 NRL competition. 

In fact, it could be a positive. That is the clear position of Western Corridor bid chairman Steve Johnson. 

 The Titans, a privately owned club, are in such financial straits that the very survival of the club is in jeopardy. 

There is a view amongst some in the game that the Gold Coast's tribulations will cause the Australian Rugby League Commission to think twice about electing to expand the competition to 18 teams in 2015. 

The view is based on the assumption that solidifying clubs that are in financial turmoil will be first up on the commission's agenda, rather than adding others to the mix. 

But Mr Johnson said the ARLC would be able to see the wisdom of the Western Corridor ownership structure, as opposed to the Titans. 

As previously reported in the QT, the Western Corridor ownership model will be set up in a similar way to the Green Bay Packers model in the NFL. 

"I think what has happened to the Titans will affect us, but in a positive way," Johnson said. 

"What it will reinforce to the commission is the value of a football club that truly engages with the community. 

"There can be no better way of engaging in your community than through our ownership model. Our fans will be our owners and they will have a valid input and a voice in the club. 

"The Titans ownership model is that Michael Searle owns the club. 

"In our model the fans have the ability to buy shares in the club and be owners. That is a massive difference," Mr Johnson said. 

"In our entity they are buying shares. In the Green Bay Packers NFL model they are buying units, but it is the same net result. 

"We have a vertically integrated football club and it involves the continued input of the community in what we are doing." 

The Titans are run by Searle - virtually a one-man band. The Western Corridor side will be run by a board. 

"That board will be elected by the community and it will be accountable to the community," Mr Johnson said.

www.QT.com.au

Extra swim pools plan to open - Goodna open all year round

Goodna Aquatic Centre Brisbane Terrace Goodna

ROSEWOOD and Bundamba swim centres will trial opening during the cooler months.

An Ipswich City Council spokesman said the two swim centres traditionally closed just after the Easter holiday, reopening around the September school holidays.

However, this winter the Bundamba and Rosewood pools will stay open for longer, depending on how much support the new opening hours get from the community.

"The Leichhardt and Goodna swim centres are open every day of the year except public holidays over Easter and Christmas, with the pools heated during the cooler months so residents can continue their training and health routines," the spokesman said.

"Now the Rosewood and Bundamba pools will also remain open during winter."

The Rosewood pool is solar-heated, while at the Bundamba swim centre the 25m pool will be heated.

The Bundamba facility also has a gym which is open year round.

All Ipswich pools will be closed on Good Friday.

For more information on any Ipswich City Council-owned pool and the facilities available, go to ipswich.qld.gov.au

www.QT.com.au

2.4.12

Goodna parking shows how Translink has let our area down

WITH reference to Commuters cop it', QT 30/3, over the past weeks I have been monitoring car parking at Richlands, Darra, Wacol, Gailes and Goodna railway stations. All stations are parked out early with the exception of the verge parking at Gailes. Many drivers are being forced to park illegally. The other day there were about 400 cars parked at Gailes. Gailes is sometimes regarded as an unimportant station, but at the moment it is acting as a significant car parking overflow for the other stations. I suggest if late arrivals at Goodna cannot find a legal car park, drive to Gailes and park on the verge. At least you won't get fined. Cr Tully is correct when he says TransLink has let the people of Goodna down. We are still fighting to have a modified 523 bus returned to service for the good people of Goodna. The 523 bus was removed when the FlexiLink debacle was rolled out for Ipswich. The frequency and hours of operation of buses to feed the railway stations needs radical improvements. By doing that more people can then use public transport rather than being forced to drive and run the car parking fine gauntlet. Some expansion of park n' ride is needed, but importantly, decent feeder bus services will mean that parking will not be so problematic. ROBERT DOW, Rail Back on Track www.QT.com.au 2.4.12

Cr David Pahlke at Brookwater today

Resplendent in his fiery red Labor outfit, Rosewood's Cr David Pahlke came to Brookwater Golf Club this morning to listen to Springfield Land Corporation Maha Sinnathamby's future plans for his Greater Springfield project.

Cr Pahlke said he had a vision for his own "Springfield" in the future around Rosewood.

Local Councillor for Greater Goodna Paul Tully welcomed Cr Pahlke's visit to the area saying it was important that a strong east-west connection existed in the City of Ipswich.

Family duel to fire up season Goodna Rugby League

Goodna coach Shaun O’Loan makes it
 clear who’s boss in the family with son
Blake being Brothers captain in
 tomorrow’s IRL opener. 

BLAKE and Shaun O'Loan could be forgiven for feeling a little nervous on the eve of the 2012 Ipswich Rugby League season. 

Taking over the captaincy of a Brothers team missing half of last season's championship line-up, as Blake has done, is a big ask. 

Shaun has returned to coach Goodna, the club he led to the 1989 A-grade title. 

But with the club in its centenary season, expectation is higher than usual. 

Raising the stakes further, the two teams meet in the opening round of the IRL at Brothers tomorrow. 

But if either O'Loan were worried, there was no sign of it as they wrestled like any father and son on Blake's 27th birthday this week. 

There was certainly less tension than back in 2006 when then Brothers A-grade coach Shaun dropped Blake from A grade a month before finals. 

Brothers went on to claim the title, with Blake playing in the Reserve grade grand final. 

Even then the tension was greater between Shaun and Mrs O'Loan than it ever was between Blake and Shaun. 

While the relationship between father and son is strong, it doesn't mean they have divulged any footy secrets to each other this week. 

"He keeps everything tight to his chest," Blake said of Shaun. 

"He talks everything down. 

"He knows what he's doing." 

Which means we'll have to wait until 3pm tomorrow to find out exactly what the 2012 model Eagles are like. 

"It'll be the same," Blake said with the air of one who has regularly been pummelled by Eagles teams down the years. 

"Big boys straight up the middle. They'll be solid up the middle and when they get field position, they'll move it to the edge." 

Shaun was keen to ensure everyone knows his team are the underdogs. "Brothers are the form team, having lost only one of the last six grand finals," he said. 

Blake himself won't be burdened with complexities as Brothers follow the Heath McQueen school of keeping it simple. 

"The same old game plan," Blake said. "We'll stick to the basics pretty much. We don't want to over-complicate things." 

He knows there is no point in it. 

Nor is there any point worrying about what Goodna might bring to the clash. 

"In the first couple of weeks, you concentrate on your own backyard," Blake said. 

"Because if you're not playing good football, it doesn't matter what others are doing." 

It will be a big test for Brothers five-eighth Sam Krueger, who gets the chance to establish himself at number six as the long-term replacement for Fili Notoa. 

Shane Picker also finds himself in the spotlight in his first game since leaving Swifts, starting at centre alongside last year's leading try scorer Brooke Alofipo. 

As for Goodna, we'll have to wait and see.

www.QT.com.au

31.3.2012

Ipswich waste pick-ups normal over Easter break

Rubbish and recycling pick-ups over Easter will be on the usual day in the City of Ipswich.

On Good Friday and Easter Monday, residents should leave their bin out as normal.

The actual pickup time might be earlier than normal on those 2 days.

Have a Happy Easter.