Moreton BorderNews
CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL THE BIGGEST, PAGE 4
SPECTACULAR SKY
A flying fox cast a spooky figure as it explored the night sky over Rosewood last week. Its illumination from the splendour of a cold moon made the viewing even more spectacular. The image was captured by Moreton Border News photographer Lyle Radford.
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Historical railway given $20K grant
By LARA HART
THE Australian Railway Historical Society Queensland was given a $20,000 grant to buy a heritage themed food truck that caters for tourists visiting the historic Grandchester station.
The heritage grant program is part of Queensland Rail’s 160th birthday celebrations and the grants were given to help heritage rail operations to remain or become viable.
“We were given the money under the Queensland Rail Q160 grant program where $160,000 was made available to heritage railway organisations in Queensland,” society president Steve Lamprecht said.
“We bought a food truck because when visitors are able to have a bite to eat they stay longer.
“When people don’t have that option we become a pit stop and not a destination.
“A heritage themed food truck will turn a short visit into a day out.”
The food truck also opens an alternative revenue pathway and will continue making money into the future.
Steve said the society had a
10 year license agreement with Queensland Rail for Grandchester station.
Part of that commitment meant opening the station a minimum of one day a month.
“The station is relatively small and we came up with the idea of having a food truck we can reposition,” he said.
“The truck we chose is a tandem axle trailer with a window.
“The idea behind its mobility
is we can reposition the van between our two sites and if something is happening at Kunkala for the Rosewood railway, we can move it there.
“Then when it is needed at Grandchester we can run it out there.”
Volunteers are already hard at work compiling a display that will be inside the old station master’s office.
Inside it will be railway mem-
orabilia and items from the very early days of Queensland rail.
“We are in the process of returning some of what is called railway safe working items back to the station as well as a staff machine and a few other bits and pieces.,” he said.
“The society will contribute another $5000 in terms of fit out and buying things like a coffee machine and a few other bits and pieces.
Cold moon lights up Rosewood night sky
By LARA HART
A flying fox cast a spooky figure as it explored the night sky over Rosewood last week.
Its illumination from the splendour of a cold moon made the viewing even more spectacular.
The image was captured by Moreton Border News photographer Lyle Radford.
5 December was the final supermoon of the year and the third of four consecutive supermoons.
The moon was given its name because in the northern hemi-
sphere it marks the beginning of winter and is close to the winter solstice.
Super moons appear up to 14 percent bigger and 14 percent brighter because they are closer to Earth.
This year’s supermoon season has wowed sky gazers with last
month showcasing the brightest andbiggestofthepast12months.
December’s moon is paving the way for a fourth consecutive supermoon in early January.
After that earthlings will need to wait until 24 November next year to see another one.
The rail museum will soon welcome a food truck, courtesy of a 20,000 grant.
Beware: Bitumen bandits back at it again
By LARA HART
WALLOON, Rosewood and Marburg residents have warned others of bitumen scammers after being approached by the confidence tricksters.
People have posted on social media that they’ve been approached by the scammers, who come on to their property uninvited.
Queensland Police Service (QPS) reported the conmen try to convince their victims to employ
them to reseal their driveways.
They often use fake identification and will not be part of a legitimate business.
They also will either demand payment upfront and then refuse to do the work or complete the work to a very poor quality and use threats and intimidation to obtain payment.
QPS has issued these tips to residents if they think they are being scammed:
1. Give a firm refusal; a reputable business won’t be upset if you
Tyre trees a delight
By LARA HART
A Mutdapilly local had the crazy idea to build faux Christmas trees using tyres of differing sizes.
They were painted green and once assembled, on went the tinsel and a star was placed at the top.
And just like that ... voila,
delightfully creative Christmas trees appeared.
The two tyre trees are on Seppanen Road and they’ve become the main character in photographs taken by passersby.
(Lyle Radford: 522963)
refuse their services.
2. Seek more information from independent sources such as family, friends, websites or past clients.
3. Reputable businesses will be happy to provide you with full contact details so that you can follow-up on their services.
4. Obtain a written quote.
5. Seek an agreement with the person offering the service that all monies will be paid at the satisfactory completion of the job and not up front.
Regulatory authorities who are responsible for license and regulation of various trades such as plumbing, building and electrical etc, should be contacted to ascertain if the person is currently licensed.
If your inquiries reveal the business is legitimate, you can always contact them later.
QPS advise if you feel threatened by a person claiming to be from a company, to tell them to leave, close the door and call 000 immediately.
Santa queue... and ham
By LARA HART
THIS year’s Marburg Christmas Carnival was the biggest yet, said show society vice president Barb Froloff.
The carnival is run from the showgrounds and it attracts hundreds of people who are keen to celebrate the festive season without breaking the bank.
“There were a lot of free goodies anditwasawonderfulnightoutfor families,” Barb said.
“The line to meet Santa was rather long but people waited because their children didn’t want to miss an opportunity to meet him.
“Hehandedoutgiftbagsandinside each one were about $30 retail value in gifts and goodies.”
Another highly anticipated experience was the ham wheel that gave Christmas hams to lucky spinners. “There were 60 hams on offer and ticket cost a dollar each,” she said.
“Spinning started as soon as the ticket sellers sold 100 tickets.
“One customer bought half the tickets in a round, so 50 tickets, but as far as I know he didn’t win.”
There was plenty to eat, on sale were ice-cream, pancakes, iced tea and the usual hot dogs, chips and burgers.
“The weather was perfect and luckily the storms held off until the next day,” she said.
The event officially closed at 8pm but Barb said the lights were only turned off once everyone was satiated.
The Marburg Christmas Carnivalbeganmanyyearsagotogivelocalfarmersandtheirfamiliessomething to look forward to off farm.
In those days farm life kept families very busy and kid focused outings were rare. It’s a tradition that continues today and is a welcome distraction for families during what is inarguably the most expensive time of year.
Piper Mae entertained the kids with her balloon creations. (Lyle Radford: 52288)
Keira Blaney used magic and soapy potions to create big, beautiful bubbles. (Lyle Radford: 522889)
Tim Krause from Marburg helped out by cooking the hamburger patties. (Lyle Radford: 522889)
Families enjoyed the cool afternoon change and took their time exploring Marburg Showground. (Lyle Radford: 522889)
Keira Blaney’s giant bubbles were as much a hit with the adults as they were for the children at the Marburg Christmas Carnival. (Lyle Radford: 522889)
High tea celebration for Cabanda Care
By LARA HART
FINE china topped with an array of delectable delights rung in the festive season at Cabanda Care’s retirement village in Rosewood.
The tea was baked and prepared in a communal kitchen by a small team of residents who also organised the event.
One of them was Joyce Rieck.
“Some of the tableware was more than 65 years old,” Joyce said.
“We spent a lot of time planning, then preparing sandwiches, cakes, slices and other finger food.
“There was tea and juice served with it and many people dressed in festive patterns and colours.”
Long standing member of the district Hazel Johnston was there and everyone was delighted to see her.
“Hazel was born and raised in the district,” Joyce said.
“She was married here too and this is where she raised her children.
“Hazel is also a staunch supporter of the Baptist church and many people’s favourite person.
“She is someone I call into whenI’mfeelingabitlowbecause she always boosts my spirits.”
Spencer and Wendy Yarrow have lived at the village for 17 months and the high tea was a way for the other residents to get to know them better.
“Most people at the high tea are residents of the village, except for one who is the daughter of a resident,” Joyce explained.
“There was a good turnout
1–3 Queen Street, Walloon, Queensland 4306
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with 30 people filling the hall, chatting, laughing and filling up on delicious food.”
Something Joyce enforces is only helpers are to clear tables and wash up.
“I’ve found when someone begins to clear plates the other guests take it as a signal to wrap things up,” she said.
“That is one of the reasons we like them to stay seated chat and
enjoy themselves.”
Cabanda Care is an important part of the Rosewood community.
It was built in the late 1970s by the people who lived around it.
The hard work paid off and today’s village has a reputation as being an excellent fit for the district.
Joyce told Moreton Border News she was astonished how
few people knew the origins of Cabanda Care.
Supporters fundraised and through team work the retirement home was established.
By September 20, 1987, the first residents moved in and in October it was officially opened.
Back then it was called Rosewood Aged Peoples Home and it changed to Cabanda in May 1990.
MONDAY - PUB CLASSICS $20 – 200g Rump, Chicken Schnitty or Grilled Barra, all served with chips and salad (Dinner only)
TUESDAY - TWO FOR ONE – Purchase two mains off our selected menu and receive the lesser value meal for free (Dinner only)
WEDNESDAY - PARMY PARTY $20 – Your choice of 6 different Parmy’s served with chips and salad. (Dinner only)
THURSDAY – BLACK ANGUS $20 – 250g Black Angus rump served with chips, salad and sauce. (Dinner only)
FRIDAY/SATURDAY/SUNDAY – ALL DAY DINING LUNCHES FROM $15 MONDAY-FRIDAY
Moreton Border News | Friday, 12 December, 2025
Joyce Rieck (back right) was one of the residents who planned and catered for the Christmas High Tea event. She is joined by Olive Claydon, Marjorie Desbrow and Gwen Davenport.
Enjoying the festive high tea was (from left) Stan Krause, Pat Lenihan and Bernadette Lenihan.
The Christmas high tea at Cabanda Care’s retirement village was enjoyed by 30 of its residents.
Skippy and Sonny off on another adventure (Channel 9)
70s TV shows sold a pack of lies
By LARA HART
THERE are skills I learned as a child that I expected to use as an adult but never did, for example … quicksand.
There were several movies and television programs where the hero or protagonist was caught in quicksand.
The musical score built until the tension was so tight viewers held their breaths.
I am a kid from the 70s and early 80s, that means many of the tv shows were westerns or shows where kangaroos or dogs saved the day.
We watched Bonanza and High Chaparral, and I learned how to survive through careful study.
I’ll share two tips with you because keeping them to myself would be selfish.
When stuck in quicksand, don’t move around too much because you will be sucked in faster.
If someone is with you then tell them to find a long stick and slowly pull you out.
People who have horses that can understand ‘human’ need to
make silly noises and the animal will lower its head just enough that you can grab the bridle and be pulled out.
Dogs can help too but you’d need to call yours Lassie because that’s the only dog I’ve seen pull someone out of quicksand.
Wait, did someone say Skippy?
The last two tips are completely nonsensical, but it was television in the 70s so what do you expect?
We also watched cop shows like Chips, Starsky and Hutch and Magnum Pi.
Crooks were caught when police dogs tore up the countryside looking for them.
I watched enough cop shows to know the best way to lose a ‘tail’ was to go into the water.
My 10-year-old self watched how those on the lamb purposely ran though creeks and rivers to escape.
There were dogs tracking them and the water washed away the scent.
The man being chased ripped a reed from the riverbank and used it as a straw to draw air while hiding underwater.
Note to self, if chased by police hide underwater.
Fast forward to December 2025 and I read the story of a crim in Queensland who was tracked and found hiding underwater by a police dog.
The report even stated there were reeds in that water … reeds!
With that my plan of outfoxing the law disappeared as quickly as a criminal in quicksand.
Luckily 2025 Lara has something 1970 Lara never had and that’s the internet.
‘Can a dog track through water?’ was my search term.
I discovered dogs are so well
attuned to smell that they track specific scents through different materials, including water.
That’s one of the reasons why they are successful when searching for missing people or hunting down criminals.
But that was my plan for escape and I had no plan B, thankfully I have no desire to commit a crime either.
I also watched television programs like Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica.
I loved the idea of using handheld communication devices and being transported onto a strange planet.
There’d be alien people there and I’d learn all about their way of life.
If I was under attack, I’d tap my communicator and a starship officer named Scotty would beam me up.
Very enterprising that one.
If he’s unable to, well that’s okay too because I have a plan that involves hiding underwater and I’m fairly certain dogs exist only on Earth.
NowwheredidIputthatreed?
Santa encounters nemesis in Grandchester
By MICHAEL R WILLIAMS
A Western Corridor school was visited by both Santa and his nemesis on Thursday, 4 December, causing an uproar among students and parents alike.
Each year, Grandchester State School hosts a Christmas event with a theme, and this year it saw the Grinch make his creepy appearance for Grinchmas.
The school grounds were a riot with food trucks, raffles, an awards ceremony, and musical performances.
Parents and Citizens’ Association president Willow Waltz said the community looked forward to the event each year, noting it had become an important tradition for the school.
“We got our Christmas concert breakup,“ she said.
“So at the moment, everyone’s just getting food from the food trucks, and we’ve got little show bags and raffle tickets for sale,” she said.
“Changing the theme each year is great for keeping it fresh.
“It’s something for the kids to get excited about.“
The concert also marks an important milestone for students, with academic and achievement awards handed out and next year’s school captains announced — a highlight for many families attending.
For Ms Waltz, the heart of the
night is the sense of connection it fosters.
“I think it’s just good for
everyone to get together, catch up out of school, and for parents to see each other and talk to the
teachers and just a cruisy night, really, for everyone to catch up,“ she said.
Students dragging their parents up to dance.
The Grinch startling Santa.
Summer, Sheri, and Sophie Elliott doing the Nutbush.
Students performing Snappy. Chloe, Chloe, and Tilly Schulz dancing to Taylor Swift.
Santa handing out presents and the Grinch handing out onions. (Michael R Williams)
Summer fest already punches above weight
By MICHAEL R WILLIAMS
A SOMERSET festival returned Friday, 5 December, owing the the hard work of the Minden State School P&C.
Summer Festival is an event that punches above its weight, set up at the small school of Minden it has been bringing together families for four years running.
PNC president Beth O’Brien said the event has continued to grow, with this year shaping up to be the biggest yet.
“The Summer Festival is really all about families,” Ms O’Brien said.
“We’ve got rides, face painting, a petting zoo, market stalls, food vendors and live performances — it’s a fantastic end-of-year event.”
She said the P&C works hard to keep entry costs low so families in the region can enjoy an experience comparable to larger city school festivals.
“We’re in a low-economy area, so it’s important to offer something affordable but still highquality,” she said.
“It takes a lot of hard work and determination, but it’s worth it.”
While the festival had only just begun, Ms O’Brien said turnout was already strong, and community feedback remained overwhelmingly positive.
Ignite Dance 12s performing. (Michael R Williams)
Ken Hunter and grandson Cannon Pearce enjoying hot dogs.
Stormy in the petting zoo.
Reya coming down the slide.
Maddy Buckley and Theo Martin on the giant slide.
The U12s from Ignite Dance.
Shopfront magic lights up Rosewood
A burst of festive colour has lit up Rosewood, with Rosewood Hardware unveiling its most elaborate Christmas window display yet.
The window features a “very colourful display” complete with “a 2m inflatable Santa truck, Merry Christmas backdrop, full fake snow covering the entire floor, light up fence and much more,” along with 4800 lights draped across the eaves.
Business owner Kathy McLeod said the display was created to give something back during a challenging year.
“I wanted to give back to the community and thank them for their ongoing support as we expand our store and range,“ she said.
“Also to bring a smile to everyone’s face and to bring some colour into everyone’s life, as I think everyone has struggled a little bit this year.”
Around 70 people attended the reveal, which
many felt rekindled the local spirit. “I think everyone misses
the old street festival, and this brought back a bit of that Christmas spark in everyone.”
Kathy McLeod in front of the new display. (Supplied)
DV Safe Phone can make a difference
SADLY, by the age of 16, at least one in five girls has already experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse - and they are up to 58 per cent more likely to face tech-facilitated abuse such as harassment, image-based exploitation, or stalking.
During the recent 16 Days of Activism, DV Safe Phone urged Australian businesses and community group to join the 16 Day Challenge by making a tangible 16 themed pledge to help minimise gender-based violence.
Every pledge helps break the cycle of abuse and brings us closer to a world where girls and women feel safe -everywhere, always.
The recent Social Media Minimum Age (SMMA) trial introduced in the Federal Online Safety Act will raise the minimum age for social media access from 13 to 16 from the 10 December this year.
This policy amendment is the recognition of the harms associated with social media use, suggesting that by 16, young Australians are beyond the most vulnerable stage of adolescence.
While age restrictions aim to help reduce exposure to harm in the long term, the immediate issueremains:abuseisalreadyhappening, and it is becoming more digitally entrenched.
In fact, 16 per cent of child sexual abuse victims who face frequent harassment even change how they express themselves online to avoid abuse.
Furthermore, Australian women who experience multiple forms of childhood abuse - such as physical or sexual abuse or witnessing domestic violence - face up to 10 times the risk of being revictimised by violence as adults.
With perpetrators exploiting the digital landscape to exert control, mobile phones are increasingly weaponised through spyware and location tracking, cutting victims and survivors off from support networks and maintain control.
DV Safe Phone founder and chief executive officer Ashton
Wood said the statistics paint a disturbing picture of how early coercive control begins.
“Abuse is terrible at any age, but knowing young girls are experiencing this before finishing high school is deeply concerning,” he said.
“By 16, technology that should connect them to friends and family positively, is instead being used to monitor, track, and isolate them.
“Without access to safe, private device, victims cannot call for help, access support services, or even communicate with people they trust.
“This leaves young girls feeling trapped and perpetuates the cycle of abuse.”
This was the case for a teenage victim who received a refurbished safe phone from one of DV Safe Phone’s agency partners.
“After discovering that her perpetrator was tracking all her devices and the vehicles she travelled in, she was left isolated and vulnerable.
“Receiving a safe phone allowed her to stay connected with family and support networks without fear of being monitored.
“Stories like hers are a powerful reminder that a safe phone is more than just a device - it’s a lifeline.”
Launched in 2020, DV Safe Phone has just achieved a timely milestone, distributing over
16,000 safe phones to victims and survivors escaping domestic violence.
They are now striving to reach a milestone of 18,000 phones, 18,000 lifelines distributed by year’s end, to help address the urgent need to protect the next generation of vulnerable girls.
This year, the charity is inviting Australian businesses and community groups to Join the 16 Day Challenge by pledging their support to help the charity reach this goal.
Companies can make a tangible, 16-themed commitmentdonating 16 phones, contributing $1,600, signing up 16 staff or club members as monthly donors, and walking or cycling 16 kilometres to help break the cycle of gender-
based violence.
As technology becomes an increasingly common weapon in domestic violence, with over one quarter (27 per cent) of cases involving the technology-facilitated abuse of children, DV Safe Phone is calling on Australian organisations and individuals to donate their old, unused phones to protect their daughters, nieces, sisters and granddaughters from becoming another statistic of lifelong domestic and family violence.
To find out more about how individuals and workplaces can get involved, head to dvsafephone.org/16days
“A safer future for our girls isn’t just a hope, it’s a responsibility.”
DV Safe Phone founderAshton Wood. (Supplied)
Repaired phones ready for distribution to those in need.
Rare birth celebrated at Ipswich Hospital
WEST Moreton Health is celebrating the rare and culturally significant birth of baby Ally Osborne, born ‘en caul’ at Ipswich Hospital in September.
Born 2 September 2025, Ally was born still inside her amniotic sac, which is a rare occurrence that happens in fewer than one in 80,000 births.
It means when mum Dani Fitzgerald’s gave birth naturally, her “waters” never broke.
Dani said learning of the birth’s significance was deeply spiritual and moving.
“An Aboriginal Elder told me that being born ‘en caul’ means Ally is connected to the ancestors and came into the world with their protection to heal. It gave me instant chills,” she said.
Ally is the third child in the family, joining siblings Olivia, aged 10, and Lachlan, aged seven, alongside dad Daryl Osbourne who are thrilled with her arrival.
The birth was supported by the Jaghu Maternal and Infant Care team, with midwife Jazz Turner.
Dani said the continuity of care through Jaghu’s Midwifery Group Practice program made a profound difference.
“I didn’t realise there was a First Nations-specific program until a friend told me,” she said.
“I applied and couldn’t believe I got in. I cannot speak highly enough of the Jaghu team. I had the birth I wanted and felt supported every step of the way.”
Having experienced multiple miscarriages, Dani said the reassurance and cultural safety provided by the Jaghu team helped ease her anxiety throughout the pregnancy.
“I could message Jazz at any time and she’d reply.
“Thatkindofsupportissoimportant for women.“
Jaghu Midwifery Unit Man-
ager Nicole Moller said the program expanded in January this year, with three midwives joining the team to deliver MGP care to more First Nations families.
It offers holistic, culturally safe care from pregnancy through to two years, supported by a dedicated Child Health Nurse, Social Worker, Aboriginal Health Worker and Social Emotional Wellbeing Officer.
MP pledges support for first homebuyers
MORE support for prospective home owners across the Ipswich region is on the way, thanks to the opening of the Australian Government’s Help to Buy program.
Launched last Friday, the Help to Buy shared equity scheme will give up to 10,000 eligible low-and middle-income first home buyers a year the opportunity to own their own home with just a two per cent deposit and an equity contribution of up to 40 per cent.
For the Greater Brisbane area, which includes Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area, the price cap under the scheme is $1 million.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the Australian Government was providing a new way for locals to buy their own home with the Help to Buy Scheme.
“We know many locals are still doing it tough. That’s why we’ve got the most ambitious housing
Blair MP Shayne Neumann with a familyinRipley.(Supplied:523492)
agenda since the post-war erabuilding more homes, supporting renters, and helping more people get into the market,” Mr Neumann said.
“Together with five per cent deposits,we’renowmakingiteas-
The recently launched Help to Buy shared equity scheme will help first home buyers from the Ipswich region to own their first home quicker.
ier for people in Blair to buy their first home - while also building more homes in the region.
Under the program, participants will need to save a minimum two per cent deposit and obtain a home loan from a participating lender.
Once the home is purchased, participantswillneedtomaintain the home and keep it insured.
For a homebuyer like Michael, who earns $90,000 and
buys a $600,000 home, Help to Buy means he would only need a $12,000 deposit, a smaller bank loan, and the Government would contribute the rest.
Mr Neumann said Help to Buy built on other initiatives to support homebuyers, including the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme, which has been hugely popular in Blair and had already helped many people into home ownership..
“This is about getting more people in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area into their own home quicker, while saving them money along the way,” he said.
Income caps are $100,000 for individuals and $160,000 for joint applicants and single parents.
The scheme will operate in Queensland from 5 December, with CBA and Bank Australia as the first participating lenders.
Dani Fitzgerald with baby Ally Osborne. (WMH: 519983)
RBA plays a straight bat on interest rates
By ERLE LEVEY
AS the Reserve Bank of Australia keeps the cash rate on hold at 3.6 percent for December, economists remain divided as to whether the next move will be a cut or a rise.
Emily Stewart of ABC News said economists were divided on higher interest rates or higher inflation.
Asia Pacific economist Callam Pickering at Indeed believes if inflation persists, they may have to hike rates at the next board meeting in February.
The RBA may have no choice but to hike rates, he said. A failure to do so would ultimately undermine their credibility as an inflation targeting central bank.
“High inflation is incredibly damaging to an economy, impacting every business and household, but the burden falls primarily on lower income households and small businesses.
“Higher interest rates won’t be welcomed - they never are - but at least the burden of higher rates primarily falls on middle and higher income earners.’’
The ABC’s Michael Janda said the Bank’s monetary policy board playedaboutasmuchofastraight bat as it could on the outlook for interest rates.
In a statement, the RBA board said it was appropriate to remain cautious on rates.
“The recent data suggest the risks to inflation have tilted to the upside, but it will take a little longer to assess the persistence of inflationary pressures,“ the postmeeting statement notes.
“Private demand is recovering. Labour market conditions still appear a little tight but further modest easing is expected.
“The board therefore judged that it was appropriate to remain cautious, updating its view of the outlook as the data evolve.
“The board will be attentive to the data and the evolving assessment of the outlook and risks to guide its decisions.“
As Janda simplifies it: “There’s a chance inflation is getting a bit
out of hand, but we’ll want to wait until at least the December quarter inflation data comes out in late January to be more certain.
A rate hike in February is a possibility, but it doesn’t feel like the RBA board is itching to press the trigger.
It all depends on the economic data between now and then.
ABC’s Stephanie Chalmers asked at the press conference if the RBA cut rates too many times in 2025.
“You could read it that way,” RBA governor Michele Bullock said, “but a lot has changed.
“You go back six or seven months and a lot of people were saying we needed to drop interest rates quite a lot because things were very, very soft.
“The board has been cautious, I think that has been borne out.“
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said while millions of Australians would have preferred more rate relief, this decision was widely anticipated by economists and markets.
Growth in house prices could flatten as a result of the rates hold, according to Cotality’s research director Tim Lawless.
He told ABC’s Emily Stewart an extended period of stable
interest rates against a backdrop of rising home values was likely to temper home purchasing demand.
“Households on the median income have already seen their lift to borrowing capacity eroded by higher home values.
“Any hawkish shift in the RBA’s tone toward the outlook for interest rates would weigh on confidence and dampen transaction activity.“
Mr Lawless said the most activity would probably remain in the lower end of the market.
With rates on hold for the foreseeable future, lower end home values are likely to remain the stronger segment of the market, as mainstream demand is deflected towards the lower price points amid affordability and serviceability constraints.
“Competition among first home buyers and investors is already seeing values rise faster across the lower price points of the market.’’
Banks, insurance companies and miners are tipped to be among key winners on the Australian Stock Exchange if the Reserve Bank raises official interest rates next year, according to the Sydney Morning Herald’s Clancy Yeates and Millie Muroi.
This is a scenario money markets have priced in after higherthan-expected inflation figures.
Experts said that any such increase in interest rates could help to widen banks’ profit margins, while insurance companies also tend to make higher returns from their investment portfolios when interest rates rise.
Miners could also be viewed more favourably in an environment of rising rates, while adding that real estate stocks and infrastructure were more likely to struggle.
Meanwhile, companies that tend to rely on more borrowing, such as those in infrastructure and real estate investment trusts, will probably feel the squeeze as interest rates rise or stay higher, Michael McCarthy, a market strategist at online share trading platform Moomoo, said
Financial markets have priced in one RBA rate rise over 2026 after the monthly consumer price index showed inflation rose to 3.8 percent in the year to October, up from 3.6 percent in September.
The RBA targets inflation of two to three percent, and various bank economists have recently changed their forecasts, no longer predicting cuts from the RBA.
Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock. (AAP Image/Steve Markham)
High water mark for sporting venues
RECORD-BREAKING attendance at the Lowood Swimming Pool and other sporting venues has been welcomed by Somerset Regional Council as it progresses upgrades to other recreational facilities across the region.
Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said Council recorded strong attendance at its libraries and recreational facilities in the Corporate and Community Services Monthly Report - October 2025.
“We had record attendance for the month of October at the Fernvale Indoor Sports Centre, Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre, Kilcoy Aquatic Centre and Lowood Swimming Pool,” Cr Brieschke said.
“On top of this, Lowood Swimming Pool broke its all-time record with 7,253 attendees to the facility in October, more than double Council’s attendance average,“ she said.
Cr Brieschke said building
and pool refurbishments done between 2022 and 2025 have attracted more users to the Lowood facility.
“We try not to say ‘build it and they will come’ but the community has certainly proved it in this case,“ Cr Brieschke said.
“We’re excited to see similar increases in attendance at the Toogoolawah Swimming Pool when it reopens after its own upgrades.
“I’ve stood at the fence of the
Toogoolawah Swimming Pool and watched the progress and it looks incredible.
“Tiling and concreting works are complete and Council is planning to open the pool in time for Christmas,“ she said.
Somerset Regional Council received $2.64 million from the Queensland Government through the 2024-27 South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program towards the Toogoolawah Swimming Pool Upgrade.
Cr Brieschke said building and pool refurbishments done between 2022 and 2025 have attracted more users to the Lowood facility.
Rosewood’s amazing little A’s
By CLANCY NUGENT
ROSEWOOD Little Athletics has had a big few months, with eight meets before they break for Christmas after this coming Saturday.
The club has around 80 athletes and is built on community, not only letting kids compete alongside one another and enjoy sport on their weekends but also creating a connection between families in the area.
Athletics is an individual sport for the most part but so far the 2025/26 season has been just as much about the fun off the track as it has on it.
President of Rosewood Little Athletics, Kyrlie Thomson, commended the athletes for giving it their all across the first portion of the season and said she appreciates the impact made by all involved.
“We have such an amazing club,“ Thomson said.
“Our athletes are very inspiring and are always trying to better themselves every week.
“It’s great to see our athletes and parents cheering from the sideline to encourage the other athletes.
“I couldn’t be prouder to be part of such a great committee who help week-in week-out to make our club a success and of our amazing parents and athletes who make this club special,“ she said.
Recently their line marking machine stopped working and
Rosewood United Soccer Club helped them mark their track lines for a meet, an example of
the close sporting community in Rosewood. It has been a great season of athletics so far, with even more fun to be had after the Christmas break.
The young athletes compete across so many events.
There are so many smiling faces on the track.
Coles community day is always a hit.