THE Rosewood Show Society dialled up the glamour when they crowned their show ball winners last weekend.
The show ball tradition is generations old and the full ballroomwasexactlywhatthe event’s organisers were hoping for.
This year’s winners are (from left front) Junior Prince Tristan Maloney, Junior Tiny
(from left back) Prince Ryan
Belles and beaus help get ready for shows
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Tots Prince Miles Wise, Junior Tiny Tots Princess Ruby Stokes, Junior Princess Zoe Lewis.
Lewis, Best Dressed
Male Murray Reck, Princess Lillian Maloney, Senior Matron Lynn Jacobs, Queen Mikayla Lenihan and Junior Matron Jahnee Mackenzie.
New rules from Logan raise flood questions
By Byron Peszko
FLOOD mapping is under scrutiny after the Logan Council removed 25,000 properties from its map by adopting new rules that deletes the worst case scenario from flooding predictions.
The move, after consultation with the state, has surprised many, but in Ipswich, Mayor Teresa Harding says the State Planning Policy, which includes mapping the ‘Probable Maximum Flood’ applies.
She says the recently-introduced Ipswich City Plan 2025 meets those requirements.
Earlier flood maps in Logan angered residents who said they caused insurance premiums to go up 200 per cent while their prop-
erty values plummeted.
Mayor Jon Raven said the changes followed public forums and more that 4,000 emailed submissions.
“Today we can bring common sense back into flood mapping, but we do not have a magic wand,” he said.
“It will take time to draft the required changes to our flood policies and present them to the state government for approval.
“The community has been very patient. It’s time to make some decisions.”
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said many flooding-related advances in the state’s planning policies came in direct response to the Flood Commission of Enquiry.
“Ipswich was one of the first to implement the most recent iteration of the State Planning Policy,” the Mayor said.
The Ipswich City Plan 2025, which came into effect on 1 July 2025 includes mapping for both flood and overland flow.
Mayor Harding said Council has worked diligently to balance the risk of flooding.
“Almost 100,000 people were engaged face-to-face, over the phone or online, or in letters,” she said.
“While the mapping is not based purely on historic events, prior flooding scenarios are part of the citywide analysis, and historic events are used to test the scenarios for accuracy,” she said.
THE West Moreton show circuit is heating up with show balls and ambassadors across the district getting sashed up, crowned and lauded. Show balls are the first event for a country show and this week we cover Rosewood show society’s offering of lovely lads and lasses.
The issue of water seepage out of roads in the vicinity of Waight Street in Rosewood has been written about before.
It’s been somewhat of a mystery as to where the water was coming from and whether it was toxic or not.
This week we publish an article that puts the issue to rest and gives local residents an answer to their questions.
Motorists will be happy to read about the official opening of the $7.9-million Purga School Road bridge upgrade project and changes by the council down in Logan habe raised questions about the basis for local flood mapping as part of regional town plans.
Thank you for reading - Lara Hart
Growing queries around flood mapping continue across neighbouring SEQ Councils. (ITT: 558559)
The Ipswich City Plan 2025 which came into effect on 1 July 2025.
Pipe diversion solves mine seepage mystery
By LARA HART
UNDERGROUND water seeping out of Rosewood’s residential roads has been a cause of concern for many, but none more than Waight Street resident Bob Hannah.
Bob’s property bore the brunt of the errant water flow and he was continuously digging trenches to help it cope.
Moreton Border News have reported on the seepage issue before, readers living in the vicinity contacted us to say the water was discoloured and they were concerned it was toxic.
Last year a resident contacted Ipswich West MP Wendy Bourne, who then contacted Urban Utilities.
The water was tested and deemed not harmful, but that didn’t answer the question, ‘where is all this water coming from?’
The answer and subsequent solutions were found by Division 4 Councillors Jim Madden and David Martin.
“It is not a council matter but no one else was helping out so I became involved in October last year,” Cr Madden said.
“We went through a few processes like contacting Urban Utilities.
“We knew it wasn’t a storm water pipe, council water, and Urban Utilities determined it didn’t come from a broken water pipe in the area.
“When you look at the hole where the water is coming from, there are little pieces of sawn timber in it, making it clear that it wasn’t a spring.”
The process of elimination deduced the water came from a disused underground mine.
Cr Madden wrote to the Minister for Mines and was directed to a group that deals with abandoned or old mines.
“The Abandoned Mines Land Program requested tests and it was determined it was an old mine but they couldn’t just cap the mine water,” he said.
“They couldn’t just drop a load of concrete in there and seal
it up because it would just permeate through Bob’s yard.
“They put a very simple device in, it’s a 12-inch water pipe that’s about four metres long.
“They drilled a hole down and put gravel around the hole, then put in a pipe system.”
The piping system went through Mr Hannah’s property and connected to his stormwater pipe near his fence line.
Now rather than having water
gushing through his land, the water is caught by the device, channelled through a 100 meter storm water pipe, then out and under the footpath and into the curb as storm water would.
“Prior to that Bob had a big water hole in his land that was about two metres wide, that was percolating and bubbling up,” he said.
“He was continuously digging a trench around the edge of his yard and out to the footpath.”
Water bubbled out of the road and onto Bob Hannah’s Waight Street property
Bob Hannah is happy to finally have a solution to the mine water flow that was damaging his property.
Division 4 Councillor Jim Madden inspects water that flowed across Waight Street resident Bob Hannah’s drivewauy.
Show ball boogie as winners’ titles awarded
By LARA HART
Glamour gathered at Rosewood last week, as guys and gals dressed to impress while hoping to snag a coveted title at the annual Rosewood Show Ball.
Renea Lenihan is one of the event’s organisers and said it was wonderful to see so many younger people taking part in the tradition because it offered hope for its longevity.
“We had around 200 people attend the Saturday night event,” Renea said.
“Our entrants were in age groups from tiny tots to more senior competitors and matrons.”
Guests enjoyed an evening of dancing, music and socialising while celebrating the spirit of the Rosewood Show and its agricultural traditions
“We enjoyed a beautiful hot smorgasbord meal and music by DJ Frankie who provided a lot of old time music as well as new vogue, it was a good mix and fan-
tastic for all ages,” Renea said.
“Our judges came from the Toowoomba Show Society, and this was their first experience of Rosewood’s show ball.
“They returned with feedback for their show ball committee and were impressed with the high
“We like to encourage the younger generation to keep taking part and give them gifts as a little thank you because not everyone is a winner on the night.”
The strong turnout was a positive sign for this year’s show, with
excitement already building in the community.
For many, the ball was also an opportunity to reconnect with friends.
Planning and preparations for the Rosewood Show are now well underway, with committee members and volunteers hard at work.
2026 Rosewood Show Society winnersare:
• Queen – Mikayla Lenihan
• Prince – Ryan Lewis
• Princess – Lillian Moloney
• Junior Prince – Tristan Moloney
• Junior Princess – Zoe Lewis
• Junior Tiny Tot Princess –Ruby Stokes
• Junior Tiny Tot Prince – Miles Wise
• Junior Matron – Jahnee Mackenzie
• Senior Matron – Lynn Jacobs
• Best Dressed Male – Murray Reck
calibre of what we do.
Judges Kelly and Emily with Best Dressed Male Murray Reck (middle).
School Rd bridge opens after $7.9M project
By BYRON PESZKO
A boost to connectivity in rural Ipswich has now been made easier, thanks to the official opening of the $7.9 million Purga School Road bridge upgrade project.
The new modern two-lane concrete structure replaces the ageing, 36-metre single lane timber bridge that has plagued commuters in years gone by.
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP said it is a fantastic milestone for the Purga community.
“This will ensure motorists, heavy vehicles and local families can travel more safely, efficiently and reliably for decades to come,” Ms McBain said.
As part of the upgrade which began in August 2025, Purga School Road has been widened to two lanes along the 1.4-kilometre stretch linking Morgans Road and Ipswich Boonah Road.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann
saidthathewasdelightedtowork with Ipswich City Council to ensure the local road network is up to scratch.
“This $5 million contribution we are providing through the Federal Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to the council will see a more durable and safer structure, help improve the flood resilience of this vital crossing and keep
people safer on our roads,” Mr Neumann said.
Division One Councillor Pye Augustine said the reopened bridge said it was a wonderful outcome for the region.
“This is not just an investment in southeast Queensland’s infrastructure, but in the local community - and this is the type of practical infrastructure our com-
munity has been calling for,” Cr Augustine said.
Division One Councillor Jacob Madsen thanked residents for their patience
“This much-needed upgrade will deliver improved connectivity for Ipswich and make a real difference for Purga residents who rely on this connection every day,” Cr Madsen said.
Local representatives with Purga residents Graeme and Jan Sharpe on the newly upgraded bridge.
RAMBLINGS
Chicken fears, pool denizens, scary clowns
By LARA HART
THERE are certain fears we are supposed to outgrow as adults.
The fear of the dark, monsters under the bed, clowns and accidentally stepping on a crack and breaking your mother’s back.
We are expected to become rational, sensible grown-ups who pay bills, discuss mortgage rates and no longer believe there is a crocodile in the deep end of the swimming pool.
Unfortunately, some childhood fears don’t leave quietly, they unpack their bags and move in permanently.
Take clowns, for example.
Children are told clowns are funny but there is something deeply unsettling about a grown adult wearing size 48 shoes, excessive face paint and a fixed smile.
My parents treated me to a circus outing on my third birthday that ended in disaster because I was so afraid of the clowns I cried and hid my face in my mama’s lap for the whole session.
Then there is my completely irrational fear of swimming pools at night.
This comes from watching the movie Alligator far too young.
Specifically, the scene where someone jumps into a pool at night only to discover there is a gigantic alligator already in it.
That film permanently altered my relationship with dark water.
Logically, I know there are no alligators or crocodiles lurking in suburban Queensland swimming pools yet logic disappears the second my feet leave the pool steps after sunset.
(AI generated image)
Now when I slip into the water I mentally hear dramatic movie music and every shadow is shark or crocodile shaped.
Another childhood fear that followed me into adulthood is oddly specific and that’s aquariums.
Not the fish themselves, just the top section above the giant viewing windows.
You know the part, the open waterareaatthetopwherepeople lean over railings to look down into the enormous tank below.
Every single time I stand near one, my brain immediately whispers, “What if someone pushes you in?”
Not loudly, not dramatically, just enough to ruin the entire experience.
While everyone else is admiring graceful stingrays, sharks and giant groupers, I’m standing three metres back from the railing clutching it like I’m on the Titanic during a storm.
.No one in my life has ever shown the slightest inclination to shove me into a shark tank yet my brain treats aquariums as though they are one poorly timed sneeze away from disaster.
Then we come to perhaps the strangest lingering fear of all ... fried chicken.
When I was a child, I heard the urban legend about a woman who was eating fried chicken and discovered midway through the meal that it was actually a rat.
I’m uncertain of the veracity to the rumour but uncertainty did nothing to stop my young brain from accepting it as absolute fact.
To this day, I still occasionally examine my take-away chicken like a forensic investigator.
I peel back the coating, inspect the shape, analyse the fibres and sometimes hold it up to the light as though I’m expecting a tiny rodent passport to fall out.
Meanwhile other people are happily eating family buckets
without concern.
The ridiculous thing is that adulthood doesn’t really eliminate irrational fears, it just teaches us how to function around them.
Children scream and run away while adults quietly laugh nervously while avoiding swimming pools at night, clown sightings and aquarium railings.
Deep down, many of us are still carrying around strange little fears planted in childhood by movies, urban myths and overheard conversations from adults who probably should have known better.
And honestly, maybe that’s part of growing older.
You become wiser, calmer and more experienced but somewhere inside you is the child who thinks there is a crocodile in the swimming pool after dark and a suspiciously rat-shaped piece of chicken in the takeaway box and no amount of maturity can fix that.
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 LUNCHES FROM MONDAY-FRIDAY
EARLY INTERVENTION AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS FOR AT-RISK YOUTH
DELIVERED MORE THAN STRONGER YOUTH BAIL MONITORING LAWS LAWS
VICTIM NUMBERS DOWN SERIOUS REPEAT OFFENDERS DOWN
The new Queensland Government is driving down crime and restoring safety where you live.
Victim numbers are down 7.2%* and serious repeat offenders are down 17%^ under Adult Crime Adult Time, but there’s more to be done.
Authorised by the Queensland Government, Brisbane. Making QLD Safer
Historic Lily project to transform river banks
By WENDY CREIGHTON
THE white-flowering lilies that once flourished along the waterways in the Bremer catchment received little mention in news reports from the colonies
It’s likely the long strappy leaved member of the Crinum family was in such abundance that like so many things in our past, it was thought the lilies would always be there.
Not so, as we have learned.
But now, the Ipswich City Council plans to turn the rarity into abundance through a project made possible by the Ti Tree Bioenergy Funding program.
A total of 1,800 swamp lilies (Crinum pedunculatum) will be planting along the banks of the Bremer River through the project.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding gave credit to local resident Jesper Nielsen for proposing the project.
“It will help restore a species once familiar along the Bremer River, while also improving the health and appearance of the riverbank,” Cr Harding said.
Mr Nielsen said he proposed the project to both protect and
beautify the river banks.
“The mass planting will help improve bank stability, reduce erosion, offer habitat for aquatic and terrestrial fauna, and compete with aquatic weed species.
“As well as the environmental
benefits, these hardy plants produce striking white flowers in spring that will bring colour and vibrancy to the riverbanks.”
Excerpts from ‘The Bremer River’ by Robyn Buchanan include reflections from early residents.
An entry from Tom Barker recalled that “the most prominent trees in the Town Reach in the 1850s and 1860s were Eucalypts and Crow’s Ash … lilies grew along the water’s edge, and creepers trailed into the river.”
And in announcing the lily project, Cr Harding spoke of the projects which will receive funding in the future.
“In the coming financial year, council has approved 20 new projects under the program,” she said.
“A further $1 million has been allocated to Heit Family Park in Willowbank, to develop and implement a masterplan for the park.
The white flowers of the swamp lily rise high above the plant’s strappy green leaves. (John Hill Wikipedia)
Friday 19 June from 8 am
* Championship Dog Show
* Pavilion judging
Saturday 20 June from 8 am Dino Encounters
meet Rusty the Raptor, have a
• Juggling Liam - magic shows and clowning around
• Urban Reptiles native wildlife, scaly friends, lots to learn
• Amazing Animals to Youanimal nursery • Old tractors, vintage machinery… and so much more • 2026 QLD Whip
Cracking Titles – heats held throughout the day • Horses,
poultry – judging • All your
• Boonah High School and Community Band throughout the day – with ABBA GIRLS
From 5 pm – check out the Peak dash heats • Aussie FMX and the Bendigo Community Bank Fireworks at 7 pm
Oxley’s freshwater shark: a cod, now extinct
By WENDY CREIGHTON
EXPLORERS John Oxley and Alan Cunningham were on their trek up the Brisbane River in September 1824.
Near today’s Mt Crosby – Pine Mountain area Oxley wrote: “Since we had been among the rapids, several fish of very large size, some measuring more than four feet [1.2m] have been seen by us all in the deep pools under the steep banks. These we called the freshwater shark, having only an imperfect view of them through the dark shade of the waters.”
But that first surmise was incorrect: “We fell in with an old native, who had been fishing. When we had crossed the river, he sat down by Mr Cunningham, who, seeing the tail of the fish protruding from the mouth of his bag … he exclaimed ‘This is a Bathurst cod-fish’.
It’s the one we know today as the Murray cod.
At the time, the Brisbane, Bremer and Lockyer catchments contained a native freshwater species of cod, believed to be similar but distinct from the Murray cod, the Eastern cod (from the Clarence River system) and the Mary River cod.
It is thought that the Brisbane River cod became extinct between the 1930s and the 1950s. Remarkably, no specimens are held by the Queensland Museum, but as the Murray, Eastern and Mary River cod are all distinct species, it is believed that so too, was the Brisbane River cod.
In ‘The Queenslander’ newspaper on August 9, 1879, there is an article by a noted angler whose nom de plume was ‘Fishhook’.
“The Brisbane River and the Stanley, Lockyer, and the smaller creeks falling into them, all contain this splendid fish; in any of these rivers and creeks, and even up to their headwaters, wherever there is a waterhole 10ft or 12ft deep, the cod take up their quarters,” he wrote.
“I have caught them at Rosevale almost at the head of the Bremer, in various parts of War-
Bill Leitzow caught this cod in the Logan River, near the new Waterford bridge in 1953. The ‘South Coast Bulletin’ newspaper reported that it weighed 169 pound [76.65kg] and assured readers that the weight was not exaggerated. While the Brisbane River cod and the Teviot cod in the Logan are believed to be different species, there are distinct similarities. (State Library of Qld)
rill Creek, in the Lockyer Creek, and in the Brisbane River.
“The Stanley River and Lockyer creek are both noted for the fine cod found in them; being both rapid running streams, with steep banks and plenty of shade overhanging the water. “These fish have plenty of nooks and corners wherein they can hide and lie in wait for their food; for as a rule the deeper and larger the extent of the water, the heavier the fish of most kinds found in it.
“Still very large cod are sometimes to be met within comparatively small creeks - mostly, however, when the banks are steep and overhung with banksia, as this fish does not like too much daylight; in deep corners, under old logs, or under over-hanging banks are their favourite resorts.
“They do not go in ‘schools’, but are often found in pairs, and the angler, when he has caught one fish in a waterhole, will often catch a second about the same size in the same place.
“The Brisbane has some very fine cod in it.
“The largest I have seen weighed 85lb [38.5kg].
Noted naturalist and ichthyologist, Daniel Donavon, was more specific about the difference between the Murray cod and Brisbane Rover cod in an article in the ‘Brisbane Courier’ newspaper on September 17, 1879.
He noted that the cod of the eastern streams was different in both form and action.
The Murray cod was an active hunter while its eastern cousin would lie in ambush of its prey.
The form or shape of the cod found in the eastern waters was almost straight from snout to tail with a very slight rise at the shoulder.
“It is much broader in the belly, which quality enables it to lie with great ease on submerged logs.
“I have often seen them so basking on clear sunshiny days in the still transparent waters of Blackfellow Creek, which [flows into] the Lockyer at Gatton, the waters of which flow into the Brisbane.
“In action this fish is slow and sluggish, and will not so readily strike at the bait.”
• The Logan River system was also once home to what was thought to be another species, the Teviot cod.
Water use data is due
THE Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers is reminding irrigators and other non-urban water entitlement holders to read their meters on 30 June and submit their readings by 14 July.
Verrall, Glen
Late of Rosewood, passed away on 6th June 2026, aged 90 years Beloved Husband to Joan. Much loved Father and Father-in-law to Julie, Dona & Terry, Rod & Rachel. Proud Pop to Clinton, Craig, Belinda, Brenton, Shenae, Nathan, Zanthie, and Kian. Loving Great-Grandfather to Koby, Sophia, Annalyse, Kalyn, Paisley, Alex, Cailee, Audrey, Millie, Madeline, Florence and Mack.
Family and Friends are invited to attend a celebration of Glen’s life at 10:00am on Friday, 19th June 2026 at Raceview Congregation Church, 117 Wildey Street, Raceview, followed by a burial service at Tallegalla Cemetery (Rosewood Marburg Road) commencing at 1:30pm.
Readings can be submitted either through WaterIQ online or the WaterIQ app on a smartphone or other device. Accurate and timely meter readings play an important role in sustainable water management and help inform future planning for industries like agriculture.
The data supports initiatives like the Unlocking Water Project, which is reviewing all 23 of Queensland’s water plans to identify opportunities to expand water access.
DLGWV Executive Director of Regulation and Operational Support, Kelly Gleeson, said that that while data is available from monitoring rivers and other water sources, information from non-urban water users was criticaltobuildingacompletepicture.
Combo of homes offers lifestyle opportunity
A 9.91ha property at Ironbark featuring two homes, a granny flat and lots of extras, sold last month for $1,795,000.
The property was described as an extraordinary lifestyle opportunity.
The main home has a wraparound timber deck and a kitchen with a walk-in pantry and blue gum bench tops
The large master bedroom and the second bedroom have air conditioning. The third bedroom could be styled for purpose.
The home has a designated dining space, and the air conditioned, large living room has built-in cabinets.
Other features include hardwood timber flooring and VJ panelling throughout the home.
Located close by is a self-contained auxiliary dwelling with two living areas plus a bedroom, bathroom and outdoor area.
Thesecondhomeontheproperty has a functional kitchen and the main bedroom is located on the upper level. The home is tiled throughout and air conditioned.
Both homes have large, fenced yards and solar systems and batteries with fully automatic generators.
The seven rainwater tanks on the property hold a total capacity of 150,000 litres.
There are also two dams, five paddocks with water sources, a stables, sheds, a circular driveway and landscaped gardens.
The property last sold in 1983 for $25,000.
Roaches poached: exotic, pest, or pet food?
By LARA HART
COCKROACHES are downright creepy.
We hunt the countertop menace and sprays to kill it fill a shelf at the supermarket.
But what of the exotic cockroach?
A Bathurst based exotic cockroach breeder recently had more than 100,000, including Dubia roaches and Madagascar hissing cockroaches seized.
They had an estimated value of up to $200,000.
These species cannot be legally imported, kept, bred, or sold nand the haul was a record.
Exotic cockroaches have not been subject to an environmental risk assessment, and their presence in Australia may spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture.
Invasive Species Council Policy Director, Dr Carol Booth, said the discovery raised serious questions about the scale of Australia’s illegal exotic wildlife market.
A Madagascar hissing cockroach.
“It represents a massive biosecurity risk, not just because these foreign cockroaches could establish in the wild and threaten native cockroaches and other insects, but because they could introduce new diseases,” Dr Booth said.
“That there has been breeding on this scale raises great concerns about how widespread this illegal trade might be and the potential
size of the black market in these and other illegal wildlife.”
The NSW Department of Primary Industries are managing the euthanasia and disposal of the seized cockroaches.
“We take our job protecting Australia’s unique biodiversity and breaches of national environment law very seriously,” a department spokesperson said.
What’s up? - a round-up of what
CANTEEN CALL OUT
IF you’d like to help others and enjoy being around children, Walloon State School’s tuckshop roster needs your name on it.
The school needs tuck shop volunteers but don’t worry, you won’t need to help out every week.
They just need someone with a happy face and easy going nature to work Friday from 8.15am to 12.30pm.
RELIEF REQUEST
Rosewood State School is looking for relief teachers.
They need extra hands to call on when staff are away.
The work is flexible. Make a difference while joining a supportive school community.
Register through the new ClassCover site.
ROSEWOOD, COMPASSION & TEA
“If you are found to possess, breed or trade exotic cockroaches such as Dubia cockroaches and Madagascar hissing cockroaches they will be seized and you could face penalties under federal law.
“Reptile owners who have been using dubia roaches as feeders are encouraged to seek legal alternatives such as crickets and wood roaches.”
goes round
Why not lend a hand?
Are you a carer who lives or works in Rosewood?
On Monday, 15 June there will be a carer’s morning tea from 10am to 11am at the Rosewood and District Support Centre.
The gathering will allow for gentle conversation, words of
support - giving carers a moment to breathe.
The support centre is at 19 School Road in Rosewood.
FAMILY FUN DAY
Take your budding palaeontologist to the Rosewood and District Support Centre on 9 July, for fam-
ily fun with a side of dinosaurs! Also on is drumming, games, face painting, craft and more.
The Rosewood Family Fun Daywillbeonfrom9amto12pm. FEATHERED FRIENDS
If your pet doesn’t bark, meow, bray, bleat or neigh ... it’s most likely a bird.
You don’t need to own livestock to enter an agricultural show. so why not enter your pride and [feathered] joy.
There are a wide range of classes for all types of birds.
Go along, and connect with fellow bird enthusiasts while celebrating the district’s feathered friends.
• Kalbar Show - Saturday, 20 June - entries close 16 June
• Rosewood Show - Saturday, 27 June - entries close 22 June.
• Laidley Show - Saturday, 4 July - entries close 26 June.
Winternationals: big crowds, records, dollars
By CLANCY NUGENT
THE Winternationals once again rocked Willowbank for four days from Thursday to Sunday, with some describing it as the best of its kind ever.
Before official numbers were counted, the team at Willowbank said they were expecting the tally of participants and spectators to top 45 thousand, including record numbers on Saturday.
There were also six records broken on the track, driven by incredible performances and a focus by local staff on aiming for fast conditions across the four days of competition.
Willowbank Operations Manager Andrew Casos said he has already received messages praising this year’s Winternationals.
“A lot of people are saying this is by far the best,” Casos said.
“That’s also what a lot of interstate racers are saying, and a lot of these guys have travelled here for 20, 30, 40 years.
“Just as far as the smooth-
ness of the programme, we ran a schedule most days, and we had plenty of after-hours activities with live bands.
“We offered a lot of different activities.
“We made some seriously unbelievable money to be honest,” he said.
Winternationals is the biggest drag racing event outside of the United States and is arguably Ipswich’s largest international event.
Fans and key motorsport figures from the USA made their way to Willowbank.
Casos acknowledged the major impact the event has on the local community.
“Everyone benefits from the Winternationals, whether it’s just general food shops like Woolworths, all the local pubs, caravan parks, hotels... Just everyone’s benefiting 100 per cent,” Casos said.
“It has been probably four months of constant planning, but we couldn’t be more over the moon,” he said.
Top fuel event where the drag cars light up the night. (558172)Racing went into the night. (558172)
Number one qualifier for the first session of Top Fuel Motorcycle Damian Martini. (Lyle Radford: 558172)
Super charged Outlaws race. Fiona Reed from Victoria driving. (558172)
Huge crowds attended the weekends racing. (558172)
Some amazing views over the Winternationals. (558172)
