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Edition No: 1306 | Thursday, 20 August, 2026

A weekend of Supercars PAGE 17

Long walk to fight cancer TWENTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD Marcus Heironymus has taken on ‘The Chemo Commute’, a 400 kilometre walk to raise money for a youth cancer program. The trek took him through Rosewood and Grandchester this week on his way to Brisbane. STORY PAGE 2 (Lyle Radford: 571735)

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John’s insight spans 91yrs FORMER Mayor and Ipswich Tribune Today columnist, John Nugent, had a happy 91st birthday with family and friends at the Go Vita Cafe at Redbank Plaza last Friday. Partygoers, who celebrated the occasion by tucking into a plateful of sweet cakes, heard from the birthday boy on a range of subjects, including a couple that did not involve the US President. Cameron Thompson attended and took notes 1. John played outside centre and wing for the Goodna Rugby League Club and with his help they won the junior championship in

1952 or 1953. 2. The internet is rubbish. 3. He’s walking 6km a day and has promised that on his 100th birthday, he will allow his friend Alan White to accompany him. 4. John planned to spend the day shopping and ‘watching all the TV channels that Pauline Hanson wants to ban’. 5. He made a vow always to wear underpants 6. John warned all Ipswichians to ‘learn from your mistakes or be doomed to repeat them.’

CONTACTS John, with family and friends, parties at his regular haunt, the Redbank Plaza Go Vita cafe. (clockwise from left) John Nugent, Paul Lennon, Jane Elmore, Rob Price, Cheryl Nugent, Tania Poulton, Louis Lengyel, Brian Willis, Rod Milne and Alan White. (572142)

John celebrates 91 in style. (572142)

Life’s a picnic in an improved Purga Reserve Telephone: 07 3413 0780 Website: moretonbordernews.au Editorial: Email: editorial@moretonbordernews.au Advertising: Email: advertising@moretonbordernews.au Home Delivery: Phone: 1300 170 885 Classifieds: Phone: 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au EDITORIAL Cameron Thompson Editorial Co-ordinator E: cameron.thompson@StarNewsGroup.com.au

VISITORS to Purga Nature Reserve will be able to spend longer enjoying the peaceful surrounds with the completion of new features in an upgrade of the day use area. Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the day use area had been beautified with fresh pathways, landscaping, refreshed facilities, new picnic shelters and – for the first time at the reserve – gas barbecues. “Purga Nature Reserve is already an attractive and serene destination with its allabilities boardwalk weaving through the largest stand of endangered Swamp Tea Tree (Melaleuca irbyana) forest protected through Enviroplan, and as habitat for a diverse range of species including koala, wallabies and

the reserve, such as having a barbecue or picnic with friends and family as well as an easy stroll through nature.” The upgrades were funded through council’s Enviroplan initiative, a ratepayer levy that provides conservation and environmental outcomes.

birdlife,” she said.

“Through Enviroplan funding, council was able to remove the old caretaker’s cottage at Purga Nature Reserve and transform the site into an attractive space for everyone to enjoy with barbecues, picnic shelters and turfed kick-around space,” she said.

“These upgrades to the day use area make it easier for visitors to spend longer enjoying

Purga Nature Reserve is open to the public daily from 6am to 6pm.

Ipswich City Council mayor Teresa Harding spruiks the benefits of Purga Nature Reserve’s new features.

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Cancer survivor Marcus rolls into Rosewood CANCER treatment as a teenager was the inspiration behind Marcus Heironymus’s great trek from Goondiwindi to Brisbane. Marcus was diagnosed as having testicular cancer in 2017 when he was 16 years old. Living in the regional community of Goondiwindi, he and his family were forced to navigate a gruelling travel schedule to access specialised care in Brisbane, a journey that often involved round trips of up to 8 hours in a single day. Now 25-years-old. Marcus chose to embark on ‘The Chemo Commute’, a 400 kilometre walk that raises money for the Sony Foundation’s You Can Stay, a youth cancer program. Since 2020, Sony Foundation have funded more than 45,000 nights of free accommodation through the program, allowing patients to focus on treatment without the added financial stress of paying for accommodation in the city.

“This walk symbolises the route my family and I travelled regularly from Goondiwindi to Brisbane for my cancer treatment before Sony Foundation’s You Can Stay existed,” said Marcus. “No young person should face additional financial, physical, or emotional hardship because of their postcode. “I’m walking to raise awareness and fundraise for Sony Foundation’s You Can Stay program, so regional families continue to have access to accommodation support when receiving specialised treatment in the city.” Approximately seven million Australians live in rural or remote areas (28 percent of the population), and rural Australians are 1.3 times more likely to die from cancer. Marcus’s journey took him through Grandchester on 13 August and Rosewood on 14 August.

Marcus Heironymus walked 400km to raise money for the Sony Foundation’s You can Stay youth cancer program. (Lyle Radford: 571735)

Thursday, 20 August, 2026 | Moreton Border News

NEWS

Haigslea SS ready for 150th bash A proud local school is preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone, with Haigslea State School marking 150 years of education and community on Saturday, 29 August. From 9:30am to 2:30pm, the school grounds will come alive as past and present students, families, teachers and community members gather to celebrate a century and a half of memories, achievements and connections. The 150 Year Celebration promises to be a day for all ages, with plenty of entertainment, activities, food and opportunities to take a trip down memory lane. Visitors can enjoy rides, market stalls, live music and sideshow alley games, while a mega raffle will offer plenty of chances to take home a prize. There will also be plenty to enjoy from the food stalls, including a BBQ, bake stall, fairy floss, popcorn, slushies and traditional damper. The celebration will shine a light on the rich history of Haigslea State School, with historical displays showcasing the school’s journey through the generations. Current students will also have the opportunity to showcase their creativity through displays of their artwork, providing a wonderful contrast between the school’s past and its present. A special luncheon for past students aged over 70 has been warmly embraced by the school community, with more than 50 former students already RSVP’d to attend. The luncheon will provide an opportunity for former classmates to reconnect, share memories and reminisce about their school days, some of which date back many decades.

One of the most anticipated moments of the 150-year celebration will be the display showing the contents of a time capsule buried at the school 25 years ago. The capsule offers a unique opportunity to uncover a snapshot of school life from 2001 and discover what was considered important enough at the time to be preserved for future generations. The 150th anniversary is more than just a celebration of a school building or an institution — it is a celebration of the generations of children, families, teachers, principals and community members who have helped shape Haigslea State School over the past 150 years. For former students and staff, the event will be an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, share stories and reminisce about their school days. For current students and families, it will be a chance to shine as part of the school’s continuing history. The milestone also provides an opportunity for the wider Haigslea community to come together and recognise the important role the school has played in the local area for generations.

One of the most anticipated moments of the 150-year celebration will be the display showing the contents of a time capsule buried at the school 25 years ago. (Harper and Sienna: File)

Adding to the significance of the luncheon, former principals of Haigslea State School dating back to 1977 will also be in attendance. Their presence will provide a wonderful op-

portunity for past students to reconnect with former school leaders and reflect on the many changes and milestones the school has experienced over the decades.

With entertainment, food, history, activities and plenty of nostalgia, the Haigslea State School 150 Year Celebration is set to be a memorable day for the entire community. Haigslea State School 150 Year Celebration • Saturday, August 29. • 9:30am – 2:30pm Come along, bring the family and help Haigslea State School celebrate 150 years of learning, memories and community spirit.

The Mason’s Gully army fights for a thriving environment ROSEWOOD has a legion of hard working, faithful volunteers who work hard to keep Masons Gully in good shape. There are regular working bees and initiatives that focus on maintaining the gully and improving its natural resilience. Species such as lomandra, tall sedges, blue flax lily, common rush and native wetland grasses have been planted along a 100m stretch of the gully. These were planted to help control erosion

in the gully affecting the flow of Western Creek. The volunteers take advantage of council planting programs and initiatives, using them to keep the area in a condition that attracts native fauna to becomes a healthy, thriving ecosystem.

Des Rinehart finishes weeding near the newly planted trees and shrubs in the area. (Lyle Radford: 570764)

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 12881345-AM27-26

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Billy’s ring returns courage, sacrifice By JESSE HAMILTON FOR 81 years, a ring carried the memory of a fallen Laidley soldier across generations and thousands of kilometres, waiting to find its way home. On Saturday, 15 August, that journey finally came to an end when the ring belonging to Private William Richard Marsh was returned to his family and brought back to Laidley, where it will now be preserved at the Laidley Pioneer Village. Barry Sue travelled from Western Australia to fulfil a promise first made by his father more than 80 years ago: to return the ring to the family of the man who wore it. Barry’s father, Jack Wong Sue, found the ring on the body of a deceased Australian POW while working undercover in Sandakan during World War II. “He had actually been inserted into Sandakan undercover as a Chinese coolie,” Barry said. “He was inserted into a Chinese underground family where he was able to do his reconnaissance work. He was sent down there specifically to try and locate the whereabouts of the 2,428 Aussie and British POWs. He worked amongst the locals in the market gardens and he did his reconnaissance.” “He came across a deceased POW, in very gross condition, and Dad said he had nothing on his body except a ring on his finger,” Barry said. Jack carried the ring home with him in 1945, determined to one day return it to the family of the man who wore it. “He vowed and declared to the universe that he would return that ring to the family. He carried that ring home in his hand, and this morning at 11 o’clock, It came from my hands,” Barry said. “Because today, at 11 o’clock in 1945, was when Japan surrendered to the Allies. And I chose this date because I wanted to bring Billy home as a winner.” For the Marsh family, the ring’s return brought home the story of Billy, a son and brother among the thousands of Australian and British prisoners of war caught up in the Sandakan tragedy. “Billy was one man among thousands, but to our family he was first a son and a brother,” Jackie, the youngest daughter of Hazel Marsh and George Palmer, said. “Billy’s story became entwined with the stories of thousands of other men who found themselves at Sandakan. “Their suffering, courage and sacrifice became part of a shared history that no one family can claim as its own.” Jackie also shared letters Billy sent home from Malaya in 1942, offering a glimpse into his life before he became a prisoner of war. “Then his first letter home was on February 3, 1942, from Malaya. ‘Dear Mum and Dad, we arrived here and I’m in the 229 Battalion now. The Jap’s bombers are going overhead now,” she said. “I’ve seen two Jap planes come down yesterday. Our anti-aircraft batteries got them too.

Members of the Marsh and Sue families and guests at the commemorative and donation ceremony for Private William Richard Marsh at the Laidley Pioneer Village on Saturday, 15 August. (Jesse Hamilton)

Private William Richard Marsh, known to his family as Billy, was a Laidley soldier who served with the 2nd/29th Infantry Battalion.

Well Mum, I’d rather be in Aussie than here any day.’” The promise Jack made to return the ring eventually passed to his son, Barry, before Jack died in 2009. “Just before Dad died in 2009, he passed the baton on to me. He said, ‘What do you reckon, son, do you reckon you can continue this?’ “And I said, ‘Sure. I don’t know where to start, but I’ll give it a go.’” Barry eventually discovered a digitised copy of a 1942 concert program, with a list of names on the back. “And on the back of the concert programme was a list of names, the first one being Bill Marsh, Hayes Street, Laidley.” Further research through the National Archives led him to Marsh’s service records,

The ring being handed over as a donation from the Marsh family to Laidley Pioneer Village. Pictured president John Barwell and member Deborah Cowan.

where he found signatures that appeared to match those on other documents. Barry sought forensic assistance to confirm the handwriting. “And it came back that one of the same people had written all those names and those signatures. It’s the same man. “So I had three signatures, a couple of documents, one man, Bill Marsh. “Then I went deeper. Only one POW from Laidley was there, and that was Bill Marsh.” For Jackie and the Marsh family, the ring now serves as a lasting reminder of Billy and the thousands of men who endured the Sandakan tragedy. “For more than 80 years, this ring has found a purpose: to help ensure what these men endured and the sacrifices they made are never forgotten.”

The ring will be professionally framed before being placed on display at the Laidley Pioneer Village and Museum. CEO of Bootstraps and master of ceremonies Sam Kavanagh said the donation marked an important moment for the Laidley community. “Today’s special event brings us all together, not only to be a part of the final chapter of what can only be described as an epic journey of a ring, but it’s also a chance for us to honour a Laidley local, a fallen soldier, an Australian hero,” he said. And Barry fulfilled his father’s decades-old promise. “Above my computer on the wall was a photo of my dad looking at me, and I looked up and said, ‘Dad, we got him,” Barry said.’

Thursday, 20 August, 2026 | Moreton Border News

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Rosewood honours Bernie Mason By IPSWICH WEST MP WENDY BOURNE

Bernie Mason

portant that we remember those who gave so much to our community,” said Ipswich West MP Wendy Bourne.

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“As president of the Rosewood RSL SubBranch, Bernie worked tirelessly to support veterans and their families and to ensure the

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THE Rosewood community came together on Sunday to honour the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans and to remember one of their own – Bernie Mason, a Vietnam Veteran, past President of the Rosewood RSL SubBranch and much-loved member of the Rosewood community. Vietnam veterans hold a very special place in the hearts of Australians, many of whom returned from a deeply divisive war without receiving the welcome, recognition or respect they deserved. Today, we have a much greater understanding of the sacrifices they made and the experiences they carried with them, and our community owes every Vietnam veteran our deepest respect and gratitude for their service to our country. Sunday’s commemoration provided an opportunity to reflect on that service, while also making a very special acknowledgement of Bernie and his service. Bernie’s very proud family were there to hear Rosewood RSL Member Arthur Green speak about Bernie and the enormous contribution he made to Rosewood. It was a moving tribute to a man who is clearly still greatly missed by so many. “Bernie was a proud veteran and community advocate who went on to dedicate so much of his life to serving others, I think it’s very im-

service and sacrifice of those who served was never forgotten. “Bernie was also a past President of the Rosewood Lions Club, reflecting his extraordinary commitment to serving both his fellow veterans and the broader Rosewood community. “He was one of those special people who gave so much of himself to his community. “Whether it was through the RSL, the Lions Club or simply helping those in the community, Bernie was always willing to lend a hand and get involved. “But above all, Bernie was a family man. He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and my thoughts are with his family and friends who are feeling his loss. “To Bernie’s family, I hope you take comfort in knowing how deeply Bernie was loved and respected by this community. His contribution will not be forgotten. “Bernie gave so much to Rosewood, and I know our community will be forever grateful for his friendship, his service and his generosity.” “We thank Bernie for his service – both to his country and to our community.” Bernie leaves behind a lasting legacy in Rosewood through his family, his friends, the RSL, the Lions Club and the many people whose lives he touched.

NEWS

Somerset calls for funding to finish the fire ant fight

Dancers take to the floor at the Marburg Dance Hall. (Marburg Show Society)

The Marburg dance returns THE Back to Marburg Dance Reunion will be held on 28 August, bringing dancers together to celebrate a tradition that has been part of the Marburg district for more than 139 years. The last Back to Marburg Reunion Dance was held on September 10, 2016. Country dances have been held at various venues across Marburg over the years, including private barns, the local School of Arts and Spreadborough’s Hall, later known as Linings Hall and now home to Marburg Motors. A Show Ball was held at the Marburg Show Hall on June 4, 1914, followed by weekly dances at the hall. The dances became a major social event, with themed nights used to attract crowds and friends gathering to catch up. Many romances began at the Marburg dances, while the hall also hosted numerous pre-wedding evenings. Stan Abraham was the longest-serving Master of Ceremonies and was the face of the Marburg dances for more than 60 years. His favourite saying was, “If you come to Marburg, you come to dance.”

Stan began his career as a Master of Ceremonies after returning from the army in October 1945, starting at Glamorgan Vale Hall. At Marburg, he initiated the Australia Day Dance, a fundraiser for the Anglican Church, which featured supper including pies and peas, damper, sausage rolls, scones and lamingtons. His last visit to the Marburg Dance Hall was for the Australia Day Dance in 2009.

THE fight against fire ants in South East Queensland is moving in the right direction, but the job is far from over. Somerset Regional Council is raising awareness and support for the continuation of funding as the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) moves inwards to target the core infestation area. Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said the NFAEP needed sustained investment to eradicate the pest. “Fire ants are a threat, not only to Somerset agricultural businesses and our local economy, but to the whole of Australia and our way of life,” Cr Brieschke said. “They have the potential to harm people, pets, livestock, damage crops and make outdoor spaces unsafe. “Our Council has a strong history of advocacy on this issue, working closely with Council of Mayors South East Queensland and the Invasive Species Council.” Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt was part of a delegation to Canberra in 2025 to advocate for increased funding. A major independent review in 2021 found the approach to fire ant eradication needed a stronger strategy, much greater investment and improved national coordi-

nation. In July 2023, national agricultural ministers endorsed the National Fire Ant Eradication Response Plan, which has successfully guided the NFAEP’s work to date. Cr Brieschke said advocacy was now focused on ensuring the program’s continuation, with national funding arrangements concluding in June 2027. “We have signed the Invasive Species Council’s petition for sustained funding from State and Federal Governments to finalise eradication by 2032, and we encourage all residents to join us in supporting this issue,” Cr Brieschke said. “If Australia strays from its current trajectory, fire ant numbers will continue to grow and the species would become a pest that local governments and landholders would need to manage under the Biosecurity Act 2014. “We’re winning the fight against fire ants, but we need to finish the job. If we don’t keep up funding, it will cost our communities and the national economy a whole lot more.” Sign the Invasive Species Council’s petition: invasives.org.au/how-to-help/takeaction/2026-fire-ant-petition

Dancing stopped during COVID-19, with changes introduced after restrictions eased, including a change in dance times and prepackaged supper. Numbers initially dropped significantly as people found other hobbies, but dances were moved to the fourth Friday of each month in January 2025 and now average between 80 and 100 dancers. While new vogue dances have been introduced, old favourites remain part of the program, including Gypsy Tap, Evening 3 Step, Canadian 3 Step, Canberra 2 Step, Dorothea, Oxford Waltz, Vanity Waltz and Progressive Barn Dance.

Sign the Invasive Species Council’s petition for State and Federal Governments to continue funding the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

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Thursday, 20 August, 2026 | Moreton Border News

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Rosewood-Marburg Rd repairs start EMBANKMENT restoration works have begun on Rosewood Marburg Road following damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in 2025. The works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and are expected to be completed in early 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting. Member for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne welcomed the progress but said locals had been left dealing with disruption for far too long. Since the damage occurred, residents travelling along Rosewood Marburg Road had faced temporary traffic controls, reduced speeds and ongoing congestion, with permanent restoration taking more than a year to commence. “It’s good to see work happening on Rosewood Marburg Road, but locals should not have had to put up with more than a year of disruption to get to this point,” Ms Bourne said. “Anyone who regularly travels this road knows how frustrating the past year has been, with traffic controls and congestion becoming part of the daily commute. “Ipswich West is a growing region, and we need a State Government that treats our local infrastructure with the urgency it deserves.” Rosewood Marburg Road has a documented history of requiring substantial repair works following severe weather, including more than

Ipswich West MP Wendy Bourne confirmed embankment restoration work has begun on Rosewood Marburg Road. (Lyle Radford: 545147)

$3 million in rehabilitation and restoration works programmed in 2012, as well as a separate batter slope repair and later retaining wall and road surfacing works. Ms Bourne said that history showed why the current restoration needed to be more than a short-term fix. “We have seen significant rehabilitation, slope repairs and retaining wall works along this road before, so these works need to deliver a long-term solution,” Ms Bourne said.

“Severe weather is not new to our region, and our infrastructure needs to be built with that reality in mind. “After more than a year of disruption, locals deserve confidence that Rosewood Marburg Road is being strengthened to better withstand future events and reduce the risk of another lengthy closure.” Ms Bourne has written to the Department of Transport and Main Roads seeking further information about the reasons for the extensive

delay and the cost to taxpayers of maintaining traffic control at the site before construction commenced. “Taxpayers deserve to know how much has been spent managing this site while permanent repairs were delayed, and why it took so long to get construction underway,” Ms Bourne said. “Now that work has started, the priority must be delivering a safe, reliable and resilient road that our community can depend on for years to come.”

Lockyer Council tries a new glue to bind its gravel roads A new road construction additive designed to hold gravel roads together for longer was put to the test when Lockyer Valley Council’s Infrastructure Operations team completed scheduled gravel resheeting works. Council’s Infrastructure Portfolio Councillor Michael Hagan said crews trialled the use of a polymer additive to the gravel on half of Otto Road, Plainland, to assess performance, including dust suppression and longevity. “If the trial is successful, it could mean smoother roads, less dust and fewer maintenance issues for residents, while helping Council get better value from every dollar invested in road maintenance,” he said.

In addition to assessing efficiencies in the gravel resheeting program, the Operations team also completed initial works for the 202627 reseal program. By completing more of these works inhouse, Council can reduce costs and direct funding towards maintaining and improving more local roads. “The roll out of annual road maintenance remains at the top of Council’s agenda,” Cr Hagan said. “Roads are a huge expense to local governments and Council understands that potholes and uneven road surfaces are an inconvenience for motorists.

Council crews trialled the use of a polymer additive to the gravel to assess performance, including dust suppression and longevity. (LVRC)

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Promising dog rescue requires help By MORGANNE KOPITTKE DOG rescue service, Promising Paws is calling on the community to lend a helping hand, with the Laidley-based organisation seeking more volunteers to support the growing number of animals in its care. Currently the service has about 20 active volunteers, but with the shelter operating seven days a week, there are plenty of shifts to fill. Volunteers are needed for both morning and afternoon shifts, with a flexible roster allowing people to help when they can. So far this year, Promising Paws has rehomed 62 dogs and rescued more than 60, including two litters of puppies and dogs who were at risk of euthanasia. The service has also had some big vet bills this year, including a $10,000 bill for one of their dogs. Promising Paws President Charli Ritchens said unexpected costs like this could have a huge impact on a small organisation like theirs, but when one of their dogs needed help, they did everything they possibly could to give the care the dog deserved. “We rely so much on donations and the generosity of our community,” she said. “Every dog that comes through our doors needs food, vet care, vaccinations, desexing and preventatives, and sometimes they come to us needing surgery or more extensive treatment. “Every donation, no matter how big or small, genuinely helps us continue doing what we do and saving these precious lives.” In March, the Lockyer Valley Regional Council approved a five-year lease extension agreement for Promising Paws. The council has also given them a $4,000 grant to-

Mickey, a three-year-old Border Collie x Wolfhound, is one of Promising Paws’ long-term residents, pictured here outside the shelter in Laidley South.

wards a new perimeter fence around the shelter. Ms Ritchens said their team of volunteers genuinely care about every dog in the facility.

“We would absolutely love to welcome some new faces into our Promising Paws family and take a little bit of pressure off the volunteers who already give so much,” she

said. “The more people we have behind Promising Paws, the more we can give to the dogs already in our care,” she said.

Kids’ imagination drives the transformation at Book Week By LARA HART BOOK Week is fun unless you’re a parent tasked with creating a costume for a dress-up character your child sets their heart on at the last minute. Most parents understand the stress that builds this time of year and as a kid grows, finding the right costume becomes harder. When children are five or six, cardboard masks, poorly painted swords, tutus held together by safety pins and a touch of face paint did the trick. For older children Book Week means looking cool while wearing a clever costume none of the other classmates are wearing. And all of this fall back onto the parent or caregiver, many of whom work and get the chore done by staying up late when the kids are in bed. Queensland psychologist Renee Ireland said Book Week had shifted away from reading books to making elaborate costumes. “With social media and busy lives, parents are feeling a lot of stress to make the best costume ever, which is really moving away from what Book Week is supposed to be about,” she

said. “Parents are busy, they are working and social media books a lot of pressure and expectation to create costumes, we need to bring that back to remember this is about books, reading and creativity. “When creating a costume becomes stressful, that’s a good time to step back and try to remember what it is supposed to be about.” She advised a keep it simple approach and suggests parents look at what’s already in the cupboard and can be revamped. “If children are wanting an elaborate costume and that’s causing a lot of stress, acknowledge it is important to the child, then work with them to come up with a solution,” she said. “Children handle disappointment a lot better when they are included in the decision making discussions. “If they are worrying their costume isn’t going to be as good as their friends, you can remind them that the week isn’t about having the perfect costume, it’s about having fun and celebrating books.”

Queensland psychologist Renee Ireland said Book Week had shifted away from reading books to making elaborate costumes.

Thursday, 20 August, 2026 | Moreton Border News

Complete your Census now. It‘s not too late.

Census night was Tuesday 11 August. It’s compulsory for each household to complete the Census to help plan for Australia’s future. For help, visit census.abs.gov.au or call 1800 181 227.

Authorised by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra

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Warnings of wild dogs, injured stock LOCKYER Valley Regional Council is urging landowners to be on the lookout for wild dogs and report suspected sightings following a spike in livestock attacks. Wild dogs are a restricted invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014 and landholders have a General Biosecurity Obligation to manage wild dogs on their property. Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s Environment Portfolio Councillor Cheryl Steinhardt said Council offers a range of assistance to help residents meet their biosecurity obligations. “On larger, more isolated properties, it may be permissible for landholders to use bait, subject to obtaining a General Approval for this purpose from Queensland Health,” she said. “Council’s Invasive Animal Control Subsidy offers landholders a 50 per cent rebate on the cost of 1080 baits, up to $750 per financial year. “We can also assist landholders by undertaking camera surveillance and provide soft foot trapping under certain circumstances. “Alternatively, landholders can work with feral animal control contractors and we provide a list of these contractors on our website along with information on our Scalp Bounty Program.” Wild dogs include dingoes, hybrid dingoes and domestic dogs that have escaped or been abandoned and pose a potential threat to livestock, domestic animals and native wildlife. Cr Steinhardt encouraged landholders to work together to manage wild dog populations. “Working together with neighbouring landowners can significantly improve the success of control programs and help reduce livestock losses,” she said.

Wild dogs include dingoes, hybrid dingoes and domestic dogs that have escaped or been abandoned. (LVRC)

Cr Steinhardt said community awareness plays an important role in helping manage the issue.

“We urge residents, particularly those living in rural areas, to take sensible precautions to protect pets and livestock and to report any sightings or evidence of wild dog activity.”

“For rural areas like ours, wild dogs pose a serious threat to livestock and it’s illegal to move, keep or feed wild dogs,” she said.

The Pest Management team is available to assist landholders who have any questions in relation to wild dog control on their property

and their eligibility for Council’s subsidy program. Residents who observe wild dogs or evidence of wild dog activity are encouraged to contact Council’s Pest Management team on 1300 005 872 or submit a report through Council’s website.

Strategy needed to deal with ‘unavoidable’ H5N1 losses By LARA HART AUSTRALIA’S first mass mortality in its wildlife due to to the H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed and the Department of Agriculture has warned it would be impossible to avoid significant losses moving forward. When it comes to this strain of bird flu, advice to the community is straightforward: don’t touch sick or dead wildlife; record it and report it. But what happens after a report is made? If dead ducks are reported beside a farm dam, who attends? What if the next report is a sick raptor or dozens of dead waterbirds beside a waterway? Who collects the carcasses and euthanises suffering birds? H5N1 may expose something Australians rarely acknowledge: a significant part of our wildlife emergency response system is built on unpaid labour. If governments want wildlife carers involved in H5N1 surveillance and response, those carers need appropriate training, equipment and clear operating procedures. They also need somewhere safe to take

suspected animals, or an alternative response team when taking the animal anywhere is unsafe. Our region has an opportunity to prepare while the virus remains outside of the commercial poultry sector. Wildlife organisations need clear H5N1 protocols and access to appropriate PPE. Veterinary clinics need to know what happens when someone arrives at the front door carrying a sick wild bird. Council and state authorities need agreed procedures for responding to reports of multiple dead birds. And the community needs a simple message about the way ahead. America has demonstrated what happens when the virus becomes established: tens of millions of poultry can be destroyed, governments can spend billions of dollars, food prices can rise and wildlife populations can suffer losses that take years to understand. The strain’s arrival in Western Australia demonstrated something else; when a wildlife disease arrives, volunteers can quickly find themselves standing on the frontline.

Magpie geese and whistler ducks mix with cattle at the Gatton University of Queensland campus. It is this kind of socialisation that helps H5N1 bird flu spread. (Lyle Radford: 572232)

Thursday, 20 August, 2026 | Moreton Border News

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Moreton Border News | Thursday, 20 August, 2026

NEWS

Frangipani passion for local couple By MORGANNE KOPITTKE SWEET Purple Calypso, traditional white and yellow, intense purple and mauve, white with shades of pink and mauve banding, dark orange with pink veins, vibrant reds and fresh and soft pinks, these are just some of the many frangipani varieties currently flourishing in Doug and Margaret Cross’s home garden. For the Rosewood couple, what began about 10 years ago as a search for a beautiful, rewarding and, most importantly, easy-to-maintain hobby has blossomed into a collection of more than 270 varieties and a passion that has taken root far beyond their own backyard. After years of tending to indoor plants and high maintenance bushhouses on their acreage property at Tallegalla, the couple were looking for something that would allow them to slow down without giving up their love of gardening. For them frangipanis ticked all the boxes. Doug said the collection was never intended to become a business, but simply a hobby both he and Margaret, who have been married for 62 years, could enjoy together. “I wanted some plants that were virtually maintenance-free and very easy to grow, but with beautiful colours and perfumes and things like that, that attracted people, so I could grow and propagate them, and just as a hobby,” he said. With his interest growing beyond the traditional frangipanis they had always grown at home, Doug began tracking down varieties from growers importing plants from Thailand, Hawaii and Florida, eventually sourcing seeds and growing his own. He now posts plants to fellow frangipani lovers across Australia. He also operates a Facebook page called Fairview Frangipani where he regularly posts photos of different frangipani varieties and information about them. “We post a lot of the plants. They’re very easy just to wrap up and post to people all over Australia where we can,” he said. “We just cut off a cutting and let it dry out. I dip them in cinnamon, which is a natural antibacterial powder, and then I post them to people. It’s a very interesting hobby, and I’ve made a lot of friends over those few short years.” Fairview Frangipani will also hold a stall at the Marburg Garden & Expo on Saturday, 22 August from 8am to 2pm where they will be showcasing and selling their many varieties of frangipani. You can find them at Site 51.

Rosewood residents Doug and Margaret Cross have a collection of more than 270 varieties of frangipani in their home garden. They also run a Facebook page called Fairview Frangipani and will attend the upcoming Marburg Garden & Expo on Saturday, 22 August.

Thursday, 20 August, 2026 | Moreton Border News

RAMBLINGS

The ﬁrst influencer had no podcast By LARA HART LONG before Instagram gave us people standing in rented kitchens explaining the importance of “living authentically,” there was Dale Carnegie. He was, arguably, the world’s first influencer - without a ring light, or a podcast’. He had something much more powerful - a book. In 1936, Carnegie published ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’, thereby inventing the two things that would eventually become the entire internet: networking and telling strangers how to behave. It wasn’t ‘How to Make Friends’ or ‘How to be a Better Person’.. His ‘Winning’ and ‘influencing’ was less like friendship and more like a bloodless military campaign. Among the millions who bought it were my father Hank and mother Shelagh. It was the late 1970s and my younger brother Michael and I were left to fend for ourselves when our parents travelled to the city to take part in a Dale Carnegie course. We had strict instructions to go to bed at 8pm. So they left and we watched television while feeling quite adult in our rebelliousness. After the news came a program called Police File during which a presenter spoke about crime, with comfits of no-gooders that needed nabbing. At just 10 and seven, we didn’t have the best grasp on how close any of this was to our home geographically, and it was the one night a week we got on well because if someone came for us, we’d need each other. When mum and dad came home, they had books and puff points to push at us in the hope of ‘getting in early’. Carnegie’s genius was spotting something about human beings every motivational speaker since would eventually rediscover: we are all desperately interested in learning a secret technique that will make other people like us. His advice included such revolutionary concepts as remembering people’s names, listening

to them, smiling, avoiding pointless arguments and taking an interest in what they had to say. In other words, Carnegie discovered manners and successfully rebranded them as technology. Had he been born 90 years later, there is absolutely no possibility this information would have remained trapped inside a book. It would have been a 12-week online program. Instead, Carnegie’s ideas were the basis of training courses, seminars and an enormous self-improvement industry that carried on long after his death. In the 1970s and ’80s, the whole thing must have seemed wonderfully modern.

It was considered self-improvement. Today, if your partner came home and announced, “Darling, I’ve enrolled us in an eightweek course on techniques for influencing other human beings,” you would quietly change the Wi-Fi password and tell a close friend where you were going. But in the ’70s and ’80s, courses like these had tremendous appeal. The business world was becoming increasingly fascinated with salesmanship, confidence, leadership, communication and the mysterious art of getting people to do what you wanted without actually shouting at them. So couples signed up, managers signed up, salespeople signed up. People who had recently

bought motivational cassette tapes signed up. They sat in conference rooms under fluorescent lighting and learned the ancient secrets of human interaction. Carnegie deserves recognition as the patron saint of the modern influencer. He understood the formula nearly a century before social media perfected it. Today’s influencer tells you how to optimise your morning while Carnegie told you how to optimise your personality. The modern influencer says, “Here are five habits of highly magnetic people.” Carnegie was doing that while Adolf Hitler was still considered current affairs. The modern influencer wants you to ‘build your personal brand’ while Carnegie wanted you to stop arguing with everyone at dinner. On balance, his may have been the more useful influence. And unlike today’s online gurus, Carnegie couldn’t rely on algorithms, filters or photographs of himself leaning against a Lamborghini. He had to influence people using nothing but words, seminars and the unsettling proposition that remembering someone’s birthday might eventually help you sell them insurance. Nearly a century later, we are still doing essentially the same thing. We’ve simply replaced the hotel conference room with Zoom, the workbook with a downloadable PDF, the cassette tape with a podcast and Dale Carnegie with a 27-year-old called Brayden who describes himself as a “human potential architect.” The promise remains unchanged: There is a secret to making people like you. There is a technique for getting ahead and a system for becoming charismatic. And, remarkably, someone is prepared to teach it to you … for a fee. So perhaps Dale Carnegie wasn’t merely the world’s first influencer. He was the first man to realise that the most readily influenced person in any room is the person who has just paid to learn how to influence everybody else.

Ipswich Police arrest 300 in a blitz on local crime IPSWICH Police have charged nearly 300 offenders relating to robbery, unlawful entry and unlawful use of motor vehicles over the last six months as part of Operation Yankee Forge. Since launching OYF in February 2026, police have charged 192 adult offenders with 331 offences and 105 juvenile offenders charged with 225 offences. Ipswich District Officer Superintendent Ray Vine said the results reflected the QPS’s commitment to targeting crime and holding offenders accountable. “Operation Yankee Forge is about preventing and disrupting crime while ensuring offenders responsible for causing the greatest harm in our community are identified and brought before the courts,” Superintendent Vine said.

OYF brings together local officers and specialist police to target high-harm offending, proactively patrol crime hotspots and engage with the community to reduce victimisation and improve community safety. “The community can expect to continue seeing a highly visible police presence across the district as we proactively target robbery, unlawful entry and stolen vehicle offending while working to prevent further victims of crime. Superintendent Vine said community safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage residents to report suspicious activity, secure their homes and vehicles, and continue working alongside police as we focus on reducing crime and making our communities safer.”

Moreton Border News | Thursday, 20 August, 2026

Police have charged nearly 300 people as part of Operation Yankee Forge across the Ipswich region. (QPS 572631)

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Thursday, 20 August, 2026 | Moreton Border News

NEWS

Students build their own classrooms FAITH Lutheran College Plainland students are taking hands-on learning to a new level, helping build the College’s Primary School alongside their Certificate studies. The unique partnership with Hutchinsons Builders gives 13 students industry-standard site experience while creating a legacy for the College community. The students, in Years 10 to 12, have worked between two days and a week on site while completing their Certificate II Construction Pathways or Certificate II in Electrotechnology – Career Start studies at the College. Faith Lutheran College Plainland Vocational Education and Training Manager Tim Saal said the trial’s success paved the way for the program to continue. “Faith is undergoing a major College expansion,” Mr Saal said. “The students have worked on the construction of the Years 5 and 6 building, learning on the job about things such as site safety, time management, and practical construction techniques. Year 10 student Cooper said it was a chance to put learning into action.

Faith Lutheran’s VET student’s helping build the new primary school building. (Faith Lutheran)

“One of the good things is seeing firsthand the different things that I’m doing.

ing and working with one of the managers, getting some materials up for the roof.”

start his site work, said it was a way to help contribute to the school.

“On Wednesday, I was helping install wir-

Year 12 student Tanaishe, who is about to

Hutchies contract administrator Declan

Balassa said partnering with the school let the company play a part in bringing on the next generation of subcontractors.

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Moreton Border News | Thursday, 20 August, 2026

A developer hopes to gain approval to establish a childcare centre on a landholding that straddles two residential zones and shares a rear boundary with the grounds of Rosewood State High School. Project planners for Rosew Pty Ltd have outlined a proposal to first redraw the boundaries of two adjoining allotments at 58 and 58A Albert Street. Currently, the internal boundary runs through the existing home. The proposed new alignment will correct the anomaly by placing the home entirely within a 506sqm allotment. The realignment will also address the property’s dual zoning, with the home allotment contained within the character housing zone. The rear 8,094sqm allotment, with the exception of the access driveway, will fall within the low density residential zone. The second part of the proposal seeks council approval to establish a childcare centre on the rear allotment. “The childcare centre consists of a single

storey, 5.1m [high] building centrally located within the rear allotment,” the project planners stated. “The development features circulating parking with 53 vehicle spaces fronting the building entrance and two playscape areas. “To the rear of the lot, larger playscape areas are proposed, adjoining the … Rosewood State High School.” The centre is proposed to cater for up to 172 children and employ 26 staff members. The building would contain 10 activity rooms of various sizes, with adjoining amenities for each room, a large multipurpose room for group activities, as well as staff rooms, an office and laundry facilities. Acoustic barriers are also proposed around the perimeter of the allotment, while outdoor play would be restricted to between 7am and 6.30pm. The proposed operating hours are 6.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. The application is impact assessable and will therefore be required to undergo public notification. During that period, members of the public will be able to lodge submissions supporting or opposing the proposal.

A 3D view of the proposed childcare centre.

12455964-SN31-20

PROPERTY NEWS

Private garden in Rosewood’s heart A well-maintained three-bedroom home in an established part of Rosewood recently sold for $725,000. Set on a 700sqm block in Roblyn Street, the low-set home was built in the late 1990s and is surrounded by mature gardens and hedges which provide plenty of privacy. The home offers good-sized bedrooms, two living areas, generous storage, an enclosed front patio and a large covered outdoor entertaining area. It has been well maintained over the years, with the roof replaced about four years ago. The kitchen has linoleum flooring, a double sink and ample storage, and adjoins the dining area, which opens onto the enclosed front patio. A separate carpeted living area is air conditioned and has a ceiling fan, while the small front entry features a stained-glass front door and screen doors. Storage is a feature throughout the home, including a large three-door linen cupboard in the hallway and a roomy laundry with external access. The main bedroom has a walk-in robe and ceiling fan, as well as two-way access to the bathroom, which features a large vanity with plenty of storage, and a separate bath and shower. There is also a separate toilet. The second bedroom has a large two-door built-in wardrobe and ceiling fan, while the third has a three-door built-in wardrobe and ceiling fan. Both have security screens. Outside, the private backyard is framed by established hedges and gardens and includes a large covered entertaining area. There is also a rainwater tank for garden use, a garden shed providing additional storage and side access. The property last sold in 1994 for $32,000.

Thursday, 20 August, 2026 | Moreton Border News

SPORT

Fans will gather at Tulmur place on the eve of the event.

There is so much action from Thursday to Sunday.

Get ready for the sound of supercars A bolstered line-up of experiences tailored for race fans and families will complement the action on track at this weekend’s Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440. Activities will include demonstrations and displays of historic racecars, including a Group C-era Porsche 962C and 1995 Simtek F1 car, to opportunities to get up close to the Supercars – and their drivers – alongside fireworks, ferris wheel and spectacular action from the Hot Wheels Stunt Team. Entertainment begins on the eve of the event, with Ipswich Fan Fare returning to Tulmur Place in Ipswich CBD on Thursday, August 20 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. AEST. The free community event will offer fans the opportunity to meet the Supercars field, participate in fan activations, and win prizes, with an all-driver signing session scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Car displays, prize giveaways, live radio, and more will also be on offer for fans as Supercars marks its official arrival into Ipswich for the event. Away from the racing, the Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440 will offer an extensive range of attractions and entertainment for fans of all ages. A Saturday morning signing session in Merch Alley from 8:30 a.m. will allow all fans to meet their favourite drivers before the day’s action gets underway, while Sunday morning’s Pit Lane Fan Experience via Supercars Travel will see fans get up close with cars and drivers in Pit Lane. Following Saturday’s racing action in Ipswich, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the skies above Queensland Raceway. Fans will also have the chance to get a bird’s eye view of QR throughout the weekend, with a ferris wheel set atop the hill at Turn 1. The Hot Wheels Stunt Team will be in action on and off the track all weekend long with on-track demonstrations complemented by interactive fun for younger fans available at the Hot Wheels Kids Zone all three days. Merch Alley will also be home to the Century Batteries Recharge Zone, stunt bike and trail bike shows, and team merchandise tents and appearances through the weekend.

Supercars championship winner and Ipswich favourite, Chaz Mostert. (Chris Munro)

An impressive collection of historic and iconic racing machinery will also be on display for the purest of revheads to enjoy. From Queensland Raceway owner Tony Quinn’s own collection, a Group C era Porsche 962C will conduct Saturday demonstration laps of the circuit, and will be on display in the paddock all three days of the event. Also appearing from Quinn’s collection will be a Simtek S951 Formula One car – raced by Jos Verstappen in 1995 – set to be on display throughout the weekend in the paddock. Lastly, alongside his son Aaron’s wildcard

Moreton Border News | Thursday, 20 August, 2026

appearance for Matt Stone Racing, Glenn Seton’s 1994-95 GSR5 Ford EF Falcon will join the historic car display in the paddock. In a unique opportunity, fans can meet Glenn and Aaron Seton on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m. as the father-son duo make a special appearance with the iconic Ford. Alongside three Supercars races across Saturday and Sunday, fans will be treated to a full schedule of support category action featuring Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, Trans Am, Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia GR Cup, and Aussie Racing Cars across all three days.

The full motorsport menu will include a wide variety of cars and action, and features dozens of rising stars of Australian motorsport among the support classes. The event is of course the final round of Supercars’ Repco Sprint Cup, which will see the first ticket punched to the 2026 Supercars Finals. The championship leader at the end of the Ipswich event will earn an automatic berth in the Finals as well as 25 bonus points that will be added for the start of Finals on the Gold Coast in October.

SPORT

Croquet club President Jannene Wall has a quick chat to the visitors on the come and try day. (Photos: Lyle Radford: 569295)

Ipswich Croquet Club celebrates 125 years in 2027. (569699)

Croquet: old-time sport still popular By BYRON PESZKO THE Ipswich Croquet Club is calling on the community to support one of the oldest sports in the region, as it prepares to celebrate 125 years of the popular lawn sport. Using a mallet, players aim to hit balls through as many square hoops as possible to win the game. ICC President Jannene Wall it’s not just about hitting balls through a hoop. “It’s got a really good strategy side to it. They often say there’s no nice people that play croquet,” Ms Wall laughed. Ms Wall said she likens croquet to playing billiards on grass combined with the strategy of chess. “It’s a game where you’re thinking two or three steps ahead,” she said. The Queens Park facility features three lawns and is home to weekly events. Played at more than 40 clubs across the state, Ms Wall said croquet is a game you can play either socially or competitively. “It’s one of the few sports where women and men play on an equal footing,” she said. “We don’t get any advantages for you know where the ball starts and it’s got a real draw to it. On Sunday, ICC hosted its annual come and try event, attracting first time attendees. “We did a similar event last year and it sold out, so we thought we would do another one

“One of the members has just turned 90. When she started, she could barely play one game. “Now she’s out there playing three games each time. “We have all the equipment available and it’s a sport you can come into and continue to grow within.” As the club gears up for its quasquicentennial celebrations in July 2027, Ms Wall said it was a privilege to be able to still stand on the same lawns that were gifted to the club 124 years ago. “Back then it was a very female driven club and the ladies of the day fought hard to really form a club,” Ms Wall said. “Men weren’t invited into the club until around the 1960s and so these ladies fought hard to create something that has a great longevity to it. Ms Wall said it’s never been a better time to see what croquet is all about. “I’ve never had someone come along on one of those community Sunday events who hasn’t loved the challenge of it. “You’re outside, you’re in a community of people and it’s great for mental health.

Elaine Drennan in club uniform gives the Come and try visitors a few pointers.

this year. With more than ICC 50 members ranging from aged 12 to 90 years old, Ms Wall said croquet continues to attract a young demographic.

“The latest world champion was a 21 year old from New Zealand,” she said.

“Once you play it, you realise what a great strategy sport it is,” she said.

Ms Wall said the art of croquet is easy to learn.

For more information, contact Jannene on 0401 696 906 or email ipswich@croquetqld.org

Up and coming Ipswich referee is honoured by the QRL By CLANCY NUGENT THE Queensland Rugby League has been celebrating some of the women that make an incredible impact as part of their 2026 Women in League Round. Included was Ipswich Rugby League Referees Association member Rochelle Tamarua who is a QRL Officiating Coordinator and has already been part of the officiating team in an NRLW match before she made her Hostplus Cup debut recently as the head referee in the thrilling match between the Clydesdales and Tweed Seagulls in Toowoomba. Tamarua spoke with the QRL before he de-

but on Sunday about some of the highlights of her career so far. “One of the moments I’m most proud of is progressing from being involved in officiating on the field as a referee to now supporting match officials across Queensland as an Officiating Coordinator,” Tamarua said. “Having the opportunity to contribute to the development, support and growth of match officials at community levels of the game has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. Tamarua also encouraged people to give their passion a crack. Don’t be afraid to give things a go,” Tamarua said.

“Some of the best opportunities come from being uncomfortable and being challenged out of your comfort zone. “Whether it’s refereeing, coaching or administration, every experience helps build your knowledge, confidence and network,” she said.

Rochelle Tamarua plays an important role as a QRL Officiating Coordinator. Photo - QRL.

Thursday, 20 August, 2026 | Moreton Border News

SPORT

Knights ride, archers fire in the realm By LARA HART SWORDS will clash, horses will charge and war machines will roll into the Boonah showgrounds as the Southern Realm Festival returns for its second year. In 2026, the medieval show piece promises a bigger weekend of history, fantasy and family entertainment. After attracting just under 1700 people in its inaugural year, organisers say interest has surged ahead of this year’s festival, with advance numbers already around three times last year’s attendance. The event’s organiser Morgan Fuery said the program had been expanded, with more activities and demonstrations planned throughout the grounds. Visitors can expect jousting, horse archery, historical swordsmanship, reenactments, liveaction role play, tabletop gaming and interactive sports, alongside an array of historical displays. About 15 reenactment groups spanning different centuries will take part, with close to 400 re-enactors and vendors expected to stay on site over the weekend. Among the more unusual attractions will be medieval war machines, including trebuchets, a coin-striking demonstration and a

genuine centuries-old coin being given away as part of the event. A 16th-century battle cannon is also expected to make an appearance, although organisers were still seeking approval to fire it during the festival. Animal lovers will also have plenty to see, with Highland cattle and birds of prey among the attractions. Visitors will have opportunities to get up close with birds including eagles, owls and kestrels, while a side-saddle display will take place on Saturday. Horse events will be held in Teviot Park, while a festival tavern will operate from 10am to 4pm each day, serving mead, cider and other refreshments. Gate admission will be $30 for a day, with the entry price covering the festival’s attractions rather than requiring visitors to purchase additional tickets for major displays. Weekend and family passes will also be available, and children aged nine and under can attend free. But beyond the armour, fantasy and spectacle, organisers hope the festival will have a lasting impact on the Scenic Rim.

The Southern Realm Festival inspires everyone to look the part. (Lyle Radford: 572243)

Jouster has her lance to fight Southern Realm knights By LARRAINE SATHICQ THE sport of jousting will be coming to the Scenic Rim as part of the Southern Realm medieval festival this weekend with Victorian professional jouster Renae Marisma competing at the Boonah Showgrounds on 22 August. The sport involves horse riders in full suits of armour using a lance to “unseat” their opponents. “It can be dangerous but we have really good suits of armor and we have lances with breakaway tips, so they’ll explode upon impact instead of making the other riders fall off,” Marisma said. The champion jouster said she first became interested in the sport after chatting with a competitor at a jousting show eight years ago. That competitor was world champion jouster and horse trainer Cliff Marisma, who became her husband and business partner as well as her trainer. When she started jousting in 2019 it was largely a male dominated sport. “Of course there were no female jousters in medieval times but now the women joust just as much as the men do,” she said. “We don’t get extra points just because we’re women, we joust the men and it doesn’t matter if they’re much heavier or stronger.” Marisma said she had competed all over the world, with her biggest competition a sevenday tournament in England where she became the only female winner in the history of the event. She said husband Cliff would be making the trip with her.

Renae Marisma in action at a jousting tournament.

Jousters compete wearing full armour. (Two Swords Photography)

“He will be my squire, which means he will help me get in armor and he’ll be in charge of giving me directions because it’s hard to see and hear when you wear armour, Marisma said Also adept at riding sidesaddle, the jouster said she was keen to join the Veresdale Scrub

Moreton Border News | Thursday, 20 August, 2026

based Australian Side Saddle Community in their demonstration events at Southern Realm on Saturday. As the only person in Australia to win a hunting games skills at arms event riding sidesaddle, Marisma was sure to add some extra excitement to the Boonah event, said Austra-

Horse and rider, Renae Marisma, ready for battle.

lian Side Saddle Community founder Simone Johnson. “Renae is incredible at what she does,” Johnson said. “I have an extra side saddle for her to use and we’re so excited to have her join us.”

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Aidan Keely (gold cap) encourages Lumens Lenny to overcome his rivals in the Ipswich Tribune Today Handicap (1100m). (Trackside Photography)

Family legacy is riding with Aidan By PETER FOLEY HE comes across as unassuming, but beneath Aidan Keeley’s easy-going surface is a steely determination shaped by racing bloodlines and a deep hunger to prove himself. The source of that resolve is close to home. Aidan’s maternal grandfather was Brian Rouse, one of the UK’s leading flat riders of the 1980s. Brian, who died last November aged 85, had a highly unusual career path, abandoning his first attempt to become a jockey to work as an electrician. It meant 15 years passed between his first winner, in 1957, and his second, which came in 1972 when he was 31. Once back in the saddle, he won a swag of top races, including the 1000 Guineas, before achieving his biggest success aboard Irish mare Stanerra in the Japan Cup. Among his 38 Group successes, Brian Rouse won the Italian St Leger and Hong Kong Derby. He also rode Baronet to win the renowned Cambridgeshire Handicap twice. In 2022, Aidan won the Cambridgeshire on Majestic. For the then 21-year-old, it was an early career peak, made even more special by his grandfather’s connection to the race. “I’ve been lucky enough, through racing, to meet a lot of people who had the pleasure of meeting him during his life, and they’ve always said nice things about him,” Aidan said. “So not even just from a riding perspective, but from a professional and personal perspective, he’s definitely someone that I’ve always

Coincide (right) begins his run from last at the furlong in the Vale Barry ‘Keith’ Self Handicap (800m) last Friday at Ipswich. With Jasper Franklin in the saddle, Coincide scored an amazing win. (Peter Foley)

looked up to. “It’s nice to have someone that I can, hopefully, strive to be. “I was never pushed into horse racing from a young age, but when I was getting towards the later end of my education, I decided that I would give horse racing a go and I attended the racing school in the UK. “From then on, I just loved the aspect and the form of working horses and becoming a jockey.” Since beginning his professional riding career in October 2020, Aidan has ridden more than 100 winners.

Now 24, he has moved to Queensland in search of more opportunities, aided by respected jockey agent Adam Brook. “I actually did a bit of stat digging a couple of weeks back and found that last year, in 2025, there were 18,500 declared horses that ran in the UK. In Australia, there were 185,000, so 10 times more runners and a lot more racing,” Aidan said. “It just is a lot more opportunity here. So I decided I’d make the move over here and moved over in the beginning of May. Now we’re into August and a new season for Australia, so I’ve had a bit of experience already, and

hopefully I can make a good first full season.” Aidan is raring to go but is biding his time until he can ride more often on the metropolitan tracks. “Obviously, like most jockeys it’d be nice to get on better horses at better meetings, but I just have to see how things go,” he said. “I’m very ambitious, although (he laughs) I don’t currently have anything that I can give you that I’d like to aim towards. “But I’m sure in six months’; time, I’ll have a few things there in the back of my mind I’d like to tick off. I’ll just keep working hard and keep going at it. “I’m waiting on my metro licence. I’m coming over here being an overseas rider; they’d like to see me ride a little bit first at the provincial and country level. “Having done that now for a little while, I’ve applied for my metro licence. “I’d assume once we start going to the metro, there’ll be lots of new ambitions to tick off.” At Ipswich recently, Aidan added another win to his record aboard the Scott Morriseytrained Lumens Lenny in the Ipswich Tribune Today Handicap (1100m). “I rode this horse in the Gold Coast a couple of weeks back, and I led on him, and that’s kind of what he does,” he said. “That’s kind of his gig being out near the front. I thought we were going a nice, generous pace and travelling up there on the leader’s girth. “He found a nice gear and picked up nicely.”

Thursday, 20 August, 2026 | Moreton Border News