Moreton BorderNews
Ancestorial coincidence surprises history group
by LARA HART
SHE travelled to Rosewood from Clontarf, just to hear the guest speaker at the local history group meeting talk about German ancestry, what happened next was serendipitous.
When Sandra Pinno discovered Eric Kopittke from the Queensland Family History Society was booked to speak about German generational connections at a meeting, she knew she had to be there.
Eric’s presentation was called ‘Some of my family were German. What can I do?’
Sandra sat in the audience, listening and watching as Eric explained how to find information on German families in and around Rosewood.
She’d arrived clutching photographs and hoping she’d have answers for at least some of her questions.
When the talk moved onto an example of a Rosewood Scrub German family, she realised these were her ancestors.
She was holding photographs of the same family Eric was referring to in his example.
“Eric randomly chose a family who settled in the Rosewood Scrub back in the mid 1800s and he just happened to have found my family,” Sandra said.
“He found my aunt Helena, who was my great grandfather’s sister and worked my family into his presentation.
“As he began speaking
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about the Arndt family, Helena, Charlotte, Willamina and Frederick, I put my hand up and said, ‘this is actually my family’,” she said.
“He was awestruck as were the other people in the room, I had some photographs of Helena and her birth parents who were born in Germany.”
The connection added depth to the discussion and Eric gained more historical artifacts.
Sandra said history was important to her and her husband who was born in Germany.
When she discovered the history group meeting, they both wanted to go to find out
“Eric randomly chose a family who settled in Rosewood Scrub back in the mid 1800s and he just happened to have found my family.”
– Sandra Pinno
if there was more to Sandra’s ancestorial lines.
“I had more information than Eric of course, because they are my family,” she said.
Sandra’s Australian connection started when her ancestors arrived in Moreton Bay in 1863 on a ship, ‘Beausite’.
Eric continues to use the Arndt family as an example when demonstrating how to research German ancestors using passenger lists, naturalisation documents, births, deaths and marriages and many other sources of information.
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The photograph in the book which Sandra Pinno brought to the Rosewood History Group meeting. Pictured are Carl Friedrick Wilhelm (Arendt) Arndt and his wife Charlotte Friedricke Wilhelmine Muller.
Snake season slithers into Ipswich backyards
by LARA HART
MATING season for snakes is here and during this time you are likely to see more of them around.
Some serpents are completely innocuous while others are not, that’s why professional snake catchers and handlers say having an expert handle relocation is important.
Kurt Whyte from Ipswich Snake Catchers said social media wasn’t the best place to turn to for advice when a snake is spotted on or nearby residential areas.
“There are plenty of people who think they know what they are doing when they really don’t,” he said.
“People are offering to remove them for $30 or $50 thinking they’re experts because they have pet snakes.
“We try to educate the public and if we catch a python for example, we let the kids hold them and spend time teaching them how to respect snakes.”
He said backyard catches were sometimes carried out by someone who had a one day course and didn’t truly understand how to catch and relocate snakes safely.
“We have been called to jobs where someone has obviously hit the snake with a broom, shovel or object of some description,” he explained
“We’ve come across plenty of snakes that have been cut and people tell us they didn’t do it, but we’ve been in the game long enough to know when it’s a cat or dog attack or done with a shovel.
“There are huge fines if you are caught [killing a
are competing for female partners.
“There are plenty of breeding pairs out there and males fighting,” he said.
“They intertwine and twist in a movement called combatting where they push each other’s heads to the ground.
“They fight like teenagers at a pub competing for a girl.”
Last week they were called to relocate a breeding pair mating in a vegetable garden.
“We caught them together and in one hand, then released them together, so that was a good one,” he recalled.
“Then we had a bad one, a big red belly was attacked by a dog.
“In these instances, people get the dog seen to and call a snake catcher to take care of the snake.
“We understand these al-
tercations happen and can’t
“Please get the help the snake needs whether that’s manely euthanised.”
The most common snake they’re relocating at the moment are eastern browns.
“When people have a snake on their property and phone us, we ask them to send us a photograph of it,” Kurt explained.
“Sometimes people send us a photo of a common tree snake thinking it is an eastern brown.
“When that happens, they are often happy to just let it be and move on when it wants to.”
Snakes are not aggressive, they’re defensive and Kurt wants people to understand the difference.
“As an example, a snake will never chase you across the road, jump up and attack you,” he said.
“That will never happen
and if anyone could show me a video of a snake hunting them down and attacking them, I will pay millions.
“When people say the snake is aggressive, I ask what they were doing.
“They say, ‘I was pushing it into a corner with a broom’, well, if someone backs you into a corner and hits you with a broom, you’d be defensive too.”
Size doesn’t matter when it comes to snakes because some of the most venomous ones can deliver lethal doses when they are very young.
“We get a lot of fishing stories and when we catch a snake it’s not as big as described when they called us in,” he said.
“Once we catch it, we talk to them and try to change their mind through education.”
There is a place for almost every animal in the ecosystem and the role snakes play is in the elimination of vermin.
“Snakes are the cheapest and best pest control you’ll ever get,” he said.
“If we didn’t have them our mouse and rat population would be out of control.”
Eastern browns are the most common snake he gets called to relocate and a species many Australians fear.
“While the medical system is great here for them, you still don’t want to play around with them,” he said.
“If you have a snake on your property, try to take its photo and phone us.
“We know how to catch them without injuring them and the appropriate relocation areas.”
Big boy, Kurt Whyte is a professional snake catcher and understands how to catch snakes without injuring himself or the serpent. Here he is handling a non-venomous common tree snake.
Bottle tree now under council protection, permanently
THE century-old (or more) Marburg bottle tree is now under a permanent protection order.
Cr Jim Madden, who heads up the Ipswich City Council environment committee, said the Lawrence Street bottle tree was part of the town’s local environment and preserving it for the future was essential.
“The tree, which is on private property, is aesthetically pleasing and adds to the beauty of the streetscape while providing shelter and seeds to local wildlife,” he said.
“Inspections found it to be of sound condition and exceptional type.
“Council has several processes through which it can protect vegetation and following an application by the landowner to protect the tree, Local Law No. 49 (Protection of Important Vegetation) was thought to be the most appropriate measure.”
The tree has been under an interim Vegetation Protection Order for most of the year.
“Council undertook a pub-
lic submission period before making the order permanent,” Cr Madden said. It is the fourth tree in Ipswich region to be preserved
under a Vegetation Protection Order. The last one was made in 2003 to protect a Queensland Blue Gum in Goodna.
Superb support helps Neville go the distance
by LARA HART
WITHCOTT man Neville Black helped raise $140,000 for prostate cancer research thanks to Rosewood Lions Club who helped pay the rally’s entry fee.
It cost just over $1,500 to enter the Bourke to the Bay rally and the Rosewood Lions Club stepped in with a $1,000 donation.
Then Neville did as he promised … raised money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
But why is a man from Withcott involved with two stalwart Rosewood organisations?
Withcott to Rosewood is a 47 minute commute but Neville had something more important in mind when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and that was hope and support.
“When I was first diagnosed in 2009, it was the third Thursday in February, and my wife and I looked for support groups using the internet,” he explained.
Neville Black displayed the
“I missed our local one’s meeting by two days but the Ipswich one was on that night.
“We went to Ipswich and have been going there ever since.”
He explained it was better to talk to other people than look to the internet for answers.
“The group’s convenor Dennis Ellis is really good and knows a lot of people,” he said.
“He has been good for the Ipswich support group because he is a master at getting people to make donations to the group for raffles and different events.”
The Bourke to the [Hervey] Bay rally is an eight day event through some of the best known towns in outback
Queensland.
Entrants drive their cars in a convoy and make sure to stock up on food and good vibes at the towns they pass through.
“There are a lot of people supporting us with meals like the different Lions Club and Country Women’s Associations,” Neville said.
“We make sure to support these smaller towns on our way through.”
His car is a Nissan Triton ute and it gets very dusty after travelling through some of the drier country.
At the start, rally drivers meet at Bourke for registration, then head to Cunnamulla, Charleville, Barcaldine,
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Longreach, Emerald, Agnes Water and finish at Hervey Bay
Most men who are diagnosed die with the disease rather than from it, but there are complications and a risk the cancer could spread elsewhere.
Prostate cancer can metastasise and find its way to the bones, lymph nodes, liver and lungs.
This is why understanding the risk and regular testing is important as is joining a support group if diagnosed.
One in five men can expect to have prostate cancer in their life so there is a good chance most people are going to know someone with it.
“It is not necessarily a death sentence, but it can be, however there are PSA tests available and other medical interventions,” Neville said.
“I didn’t do this year’s rally as I am unwell but hope to take part again next year to continue raising money for research.”
Ph: (07) 5464 1413 27 School St, Rosewood BISTRO OPEN 7 DAYS
LOCAL RAFFLES
logos of his supporters on the canopy of his ute.
Pride in award achievement at Rosewood General Practice
TUESDAY 24 September 2025, marks an evening that Rosewood General Practice will not forget.
It was an evening where they were announced as the winner of the Best Health Improvement Service at the Ipswich City Local Business Awards for 2025.
Winning the Best Health Improvement Service award is both a recognition of their collective effort and a reflection of the deep connection they share with the community of Rosewood.
They feel honoured to have brought attention to the town of Rosewood, showcasing the strength and spirit of our community.
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This distinguished award is a testament to the practice’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the Rosewood community.
It acknowledges the united effort of an exceptional team of doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, who have a shared passion for patient care.
Owner and Principal GP Dr Nagaraj Dupakuntla expressed immense pride in the team’s achievement, noting that the award reflects not only professional excellence but also the heart and dedication that every member of the practice brings to their work.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team,” Dr Dupakuntla said. “Each person plays a vital role in caring for our patients and ensuring we deliver the highest standard of service to our community.”
The doctors at Rosewood General Practice lead with clinical expertise and compassion, providing evidence-based care tailored to the needs of every patient.
Their dedication ensures that each individual who walks through the door receives not only medical attention but genuine understanding and respect.
Supporting them is the nursing team, the backbone of daily operations, who deliver care with empathy, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment
to patient wellbeing.
Their contribution extends beyond clinical work - they provide education, reassurance, and advocacy for patients at every step of their health journey.
At the heart of the practice, the administrative team ensures everything runs smoothly. From welcoming patients and managing appointments to coordinating care, their attention to detail and commitment to service create a positive experience for all.
“Together, this remarkable team is more than just a healthcare service - the team has become a valued and dependable presence within the Rosewood community,” Dr Dupakuntla said.
The team at Rosewood General Practice extends a heartfelt thank you to the community for their continued support, trust, and recognition. Your encouragement inspires them to keep striving for excellence and to continue improving the health and wellbeing of the region.
The award winning team at Rosewood General Practice – front row, from left, Dr Anitha Makam, Dr Rajitha Gajjala, Jade Hill (EN); and back row, from left, Libby Ahearn (RN), Dr Gayashi Atapattu, Melodie Thomson, Lynelle Schneider, Allen Vincedo and Dr Nagaraj Dupakuntia. Photo: LYLE RADFORD
Old school Scout skills empower kids
by LARA HART
A LOVE for adventure and teaching children life skills are what drives Neville Holliman in his position as District Commissioner of Scouts Flinders district.
Scout packs under his leadership are based at Karana Downs, Karalee, North Ipswich and Rosewood.
“I spread my time between them all because I have to make sure they’re functioning properly,” he explained.
“If you let people just go by themselves, they’ll do what they want and that could lead to a dangerous situation.
“I make sure they do things in a legislated manner, and they do things properly.”
Legalities and box ticking exercises also need oversight. Scout leaders need blue cards and be able to work within workplace health and safety regulations.
Almost everyone has heard about Scouts and the movement is going strong here in Australia more than 100 years after its inception.
In the 1970s and 1980s you’d be hard pressed to find a child who didn’t belong to a Scout pack, it was accepted boys went to Scouts and girls joined Brownie groups.
The clubs were designed to empower children through learning life skills like tying knots, lighting a fire safely, knowing how to put up a tent and cooking over an open fire.
Now all genders are welcome to join Scouts and inclusion is encouraged.
Modern day families have less free time and there are more options for after school activities.
“When the Covid pandemic hit,” Neville recalled, “a lot of parents became afraid to send their kid out to do anything and that reluctance still exists.
kids out on a camp in the bush and make them cook on open fires.
“Yes, they have no idea what is happening or how to do it, but they did it and made some really good meals.”
His troop members learned how to bake scones using a Dutch oven and even cooked a small lamb roast in a bell oven.
“The kids were amazed and thought it was pretty cool learning tricks on how to cook in the bush,” he said.
“They also made stew and that was tricky because you have to be careful not burn it on the bottom.
“That is why [parents] have gone down the path of doing adventure schemes.
“Kids love doing that sort of thing but it costs a lot of money.”
Modern day Scout packs do things like abseiling, rock climbing and take part in other adventure sports.
While these things are fun they’re at the expense of old school skills that are being lost.
He’s not happy that that the Scout hierarchy has decided to focus their attention on what they call the outdoor adventure scheme.
“That’s abseiling, canoeing, archery and rock climbing, all those kinds of things,” Neville said.
“Anybody can do that anywhere if they want to do adventure sports, I take the
“Then they put up a canvas tent, some then slept inside them while others used a dome tent.”
Like back in the day, these Scouts were working towards ability badges to sew on their shirts.
Knowing how to erect a canvas tent or Queensland ridge tent is a skill Scouts have learned for generations.
The ridge tent is cumbersome and a lot harder to erect than a modern dome tent, but it’s skill and not comfort behind the choice.
And importantly, Scouts appreciate something a whole lot more when they work towards a common end point.
Neville is determined to help teach the packs he oversees skills like bushmanship and survival.
Left: Scout members learn how to pitch canvas tents. Right: Neville Holliman taught these Scouts how to cook on a fire using an improvised camp oven holder.
War on Waste comes to Ipswich
WHY does so much go to waste? What can we do differently? And how do we make it easier for everyone?
These are some of the questions that will be tackled by ABC’s War on Waste presenter Craig Reucassel, and local sustainability champions at the Ipswich Sustainable Living Festival.
Mayor Teresa Harding said some people have mastered having very little waste while others give little thought to what happens after they drop their rubbish in the bin, and this festival is for everyone who might want to start thinking about how they can reduce their waste.
“Whether you want to start with small changes to save money or whether you are looking to level up your sustainability skills, there is something for everyone to learn at the Ipswich Sustainable Living Festival,” she said.
“This year’s festival is all
ABC’s War on Waste presenter Craig Reucassel will be part of a discussion panel on waste issues during the Sustainable Living Festival.
about waste reduction and hands-on learning, so you can walk away with practical skills to reduce your footprint and live more sustainably.
“There will be lots of demonstrations, workshops, hands-on activities and presentations including ABC’s
War on Waste presenter Craig Reucassel who will join with local sustainability champions in a discussion that dives into important issues facing our community.”
Craig Reucassel is best known in the sustainability community for declaring War
on Waste, a documentary series which focuses on how we are impacting the environment though food waste, fashion, plastics and e-waste.
“I can’t wait to come to Ipswich and answer everyone’s curly waste questions and talk about how we make the next big steps in reducing our waste,” Mr Reucassel said.
Cr Harding said there will also be plenty of activities for the kids, food trucks, stalls, as well as the chance to chat with those in the sustainable community
“Horticulturalist Claire Bickle will speak about keeping chickens and there will be the opportunity to learn how to make soap from food waste, grow your own food, how to compost, upcycle everyday items and rethink your household habits.
“I would encourage everyone to come along and see how you can do your bit to tackle waste issues.”
Dress up brings pint-sized phantom to London’s West End
by LARA HART
PARENTS with quirky kids often get requests for experiences that are out of the ordinary for their age group.
We spent four nights in London during a three week stay in the United Kingdom a few weeks ago.
The itinerary included Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera at London City’s West End.
But it wasn’t myself or my husband who had Phantom on our bucket list, rather it was our 10-year-old who was eager to go.
Her love for opera began a few months prior when she heard the song, The Phantom of the Opera.
She was hooked and learned the words by heart.
As her school’s Book Week neared she discovered ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ was a book as well as a stage show.
She was excited and decided she’d dress up as the phantom.
We ordered a mini phantom costume online, but it didn’t arrive in time for the parade.
I made a plan, and she wore her father’s black jacket, and I bought a white mask, cut in half then used white duct tape to hold it in place.
Then came the quiet concern she’d lose interest halfway through the stage show when she realised it was more singing than dialogue.
It is the kind of worry parents feel that happens parallel to joyful anticipation.
I was looking forward to seeing her face light up and watching the other audience members gasp when they saw her dressed up.
But then again, I was equally worried she’d lose interest and want to leave halfway through.
I needn’t have worried, we had balcony seats and she sat at the railing, leaning over it with a big grin on her face.
Afterwards people asked us if they could take a photograph with her.
We decided to wait outside the backstage door used by the cast to exit after a performance.
They spotted her almost immediately, the actors spoke to her and posed for photographs.
Being a parent means experiencing unselfish love where your joy comes from their happiness.
Book Week costumes are the bane of existence for parents the world over.
To be honest, I didn’t think the mask looked good, but she loved it and so used it for the parade.
The online order arrived
a few days before we left for our UK holiday.
The outfit was packed into her suitcase and because we had a plan!
We packed both masks, the duct tape one and the ordered one.
She preferred the homemade version but what can
you do ... I wasn’t the one wearing it.
The show was a matinee performance, and her getup was inside a backpack until it was time to be at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
On went the costume and voila … a mini phantom emerged.
One day my little phantom will be a grown woman and I hope she remembers her first experience of theatre.
That it was the Phantom and on London’s East End made it extra special.
If she doesn’t, that’s okay too because I found equal joy and delight watching her experience it.
Our view of the stage for The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre on London’s West End.
PROPERTY
VISTA CRESCENT
• 4 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• 620sqm block
• Sold for $842,500
A near-new home with a private master suite which boasts oversized windows in the ensuite.
The home has several living areas including a formal lounge at the front and an open-plan living and dining zone at the rear with direct access to the alfresco area. The designer kitchen overlooks the main living area and there is ducted air-conditioning. The yard is fenced and has established lawns.
ROSEWOOD
The property last sold in 2021 for $155,000.
JOHN STREET
• 4 bedrooms
• 1 bathroom
• 746sqm block
• Sold for $680,000
A large lounge with high raked ceilings plus a dining room that flows through to the kitchen.
The kitchen has good storage and preparation space, while the adjoining dining area opens out onto a patio.
The property last sold in 2003 for $130,000.
ROSEWOOD
SKINNER STREET
• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• 784sqm block
• Sold for $665,000
A home which features polished timber floors, original casement windows and ornate internal timber work.
The roof was replaced three years ago and the layout includes a separate air conditioned lounge and dining area. The windows are placed to allow in lots of natural light.
The kitchen is large and functional and there’s two serviceable bathrooms.
It has a single timber lockup garage with a lean-to and the yard is low maintenance.
The property last sold in 2022 for $385,000.
ROSEWOOD
SEPTIC PUMP
Sports Forum to discuss new opportunities for clubs
IPSWICH City Council’s efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region’s booming community and grassroots sports sector will be the focus of this weekend’s Ipswich Sports Forum.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said sporting clubs and associations are central to communities and the success of its athletes are a major source of pride for the people of Ipswich.
“Sport and activities are a major part of the fabric of life in Ipswich, bringing people together to enhance our city’s social and cultural dynamic, as well as improving health outcomes,” Mayor Harding said.
“With a rapidly growing population, it is important that council has a clear understanding of how we can continue to support and grow our sporting clubs while ensuring our community sporting landscape is sustainable in the long term.
“That means coming together to share successes and to discuss what the community sporting landscape will look like in coming years.
“This is an exciting time for our city’s sporting sector. It will create new opportunities for clubs to take hold of their future through learning, collaboration and strengthening of partnerships across the city.”
Community and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Jacob Madsen said Saturday’s Ipswich Sports Forum at the North Ipswich Reserve Corporate Centre would bring key stakeholders, including club representatives, together with council.
“Council will outline our current and future efforts in improving community sport assets and infrastructure, and where there are opportunities for clubs to play a role,” Cr Madsen said.
“Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from Michael Connelly, an expert in sports governance, planning and community devel-
opment, who will discuss management models for clubs and the importance of developing a sustainable tenure model that empowers clubs with the support of council to both grow and prosper into the future.
“Michael brings a wealth of knowledge from his vast experience working with clubs, organisations and councils to ensure sport and recreation thrives across communities.”
If you would like to attend the forum and are affiliated with a local sporting club, contact Ipswich City Council Sport and Recreation via sportrecreation@ipswich. qld.gov.au.
Rosewood United 2025 award winners
Club awards
Presidents Crusader Spirit Awards (based on determination, attitude, representation, volunteering, commitment, compassion, sacrifice):
Morgan Deveney, Declan Reilly, Joel Taylor, Bligh Crawford-Graham, Kayden Wolens, Shauna Harper.
Championship Team: U13 - undefeated premiers.
Fair Play: U15/16 Crusaders.
Encouragement & Commitment: U8 Roses. Sportsmanship & Team Spirit: U14.
Goalkeeper: Mason McLuckie (U11). Goal scorers: U7 Buddy Dickson (U7), Kayden Wolens (U14)- both with 27 goals. Best Defensive Record: U13. Goal Aggregate: U13. Team awards
Under 9 Knights
Best and Fairest: Elliot Behrendorff.
Most Improved: Milla O›Neil Coach’s Award: Austin Morgan
RESULTS of games played on October 11.
4BBB Aggregate Stableford - Deceased Members Memorial Day.
Sponsors: B. Ellison, J. Soppa, Browning Family, R. Hunter, T. Brown
Under 9 Warhorses
Best and Fairest: Joshua Jackwitz
Most Improved: Kayden Pallett
Coach’s Award: Haven-Rae Ross Under 10
Best and Fairest: Harry Daley
Most Improved: Mason Evans
Coach’s Award: Jayse Boan Under 11
Best and Fairest: Mason McLuckie
Most Improved: Cooper Page
Coach’s Award: Wyatt Busch Under 12
Best and Fairest: Cooper Harris
Most Improved: Harry Mitchell
Coach’s Award: Ryker Saunders Under 12 Roses
Best and Fairest: Matilda Bush
Most Improved: Maleah Laei
Coach’s Award: Annelie Schulz Under 13
Best and Fairest: Lucas Sweeney-Perks
Most Improved: Khalum Peters
Division winners:
Winners: Peter Howard and Stephen Johnson (77). Runner Up #1 Wayne Rees and Gerard Pender (75), Runner Up #2: Robert Brooks and Richard Winrow (75), Runner Up #3: Maurice Clem and Kristie Browning (73 C/B), Runner Up #4: Wayne Draheim and Karen Draheim (73 C/B), Runner
Coach’s Award: Benjamin Saal, Brad Ross
Under 13/14 Roses
Best and Fairest: Ebony Robinson
Most Improved: Poppi Wolens
Coach’s Award: Meadow Brown Under 14
Best and Fairest: Oliver Sweeney-Perks
Most Improved: Zye McMillian
Coach’s Award: Chayse Egan-Watkins Under 15/16 Crusaders
Best and Fairest: Cameron Thompson
Most Improved: Cohen Wurst
Coach’s Award: Zander Adams
Over-30 Roses
Best and Fairest: Cara Tucker
Most Improved: Caitlin Clappis
Coach’s Award: Olivia Sanderson
Over-30 Crusaders
Best and Fairest: Adriano Artini
Most Improved: Keiron Shepherd
Coach’s Award: Daniel Lamming, Chris Brown
and Andrew Timperley
Rundown to 69 pts. Pins & Approaches:
Hole 2: Men: Leslie Alderson (150 cm); Ladies: Faatoese Alderson (2nd shot 70 cm).
Hole 9: Men: Glen Petersen (46 cm); Men 19+: Graham
Hole
Up #5 Phillip Solomon and Andrew Timperley (73 C/B), Runner Up #6 Robert Boughen
(73).
Banks (2nd shot 25 cm); Ladies: Lisa Johnston (2nd shot 88 cm).
Hole 11: Men: Colin Gehrke (142 cm); Ladies: Shelley Myerson (2nd shot 60 cm).
15: Men: Isaia Tepa (156 cm); Ladies: No Takers. Approach Hole 14: Men: Leslie Alderson (2nd shot 210 cm); Ladies: Shelley Myerson (3rd shot 24 cm).
Rosewood athletics relaunch benefits community
by DAVID LEMS
PARTICIPANTS and branch officials at Rosewood Little Athletics were thrilled to be back on home turf with some welcome support.
They returned to Rosewood State High School last Saturday for the “relaunch” of their venue and new season which will ramp up in coming months.
Rosewood club competitors relocated to Limestone Park in Ipswich last season for training sessions when the school grounds were unavailable due to construction works.
However, assistance from Ipswich City Council – through patron Cr Jim Madden - enabled the club to again have Saturday morning sessions at Rosewood State High.
Centre manager and registrar Kyrlie Thomson was also grateful to have new sponsor Aurizon helping the grassroots club with a new tent, along with ongoing backing from the Rising Sun Hotel.
Kyrlie was all smiles seeing young athletes from the area honing their skills in preparation for regular competitions in coming months.
“It’s a relaunch back to Rosewood, which is real exciting,” Kyrlie said.
“It’s a great outlet for the youth to come and have some fun.”
– Kyrlie Thomson
“It’s good to be back here.”
She said the Rosewood centre had 61 athletes already gearing up for the new Little Athletics season.
That includes 11 Tiny Tots, aged three to five, helping provide new talent and family support for the future.
“Our biggest age groups are from under-6s through to the under-10’s,” she said.
The club also caters for athletes from under-11 to under-17.
Kyrlie said she appreciated Ipswich Little Athletics Centre officials making her young competitors welcome during last season’s
venue switch.
“Ipswich was great,” she said.
However, she was pleased to have Rosewood facilities like a main oval, discus circle and high jump area for her young athletes to progress under the centre motto of “Family, Fun and Fitness”.
“It’s a great outlet for the youth to come and have some fun,” she said. “Getting the community together.
“I like to see athletes develop.”
Kyrlie said the Rosewood club introduced kids to new athletic skills with weekly training and regular events, and options to go further in the sport.
Dedicated centre official Abbey Bird and new committee member Naomi Gartner joined parents in welcoming young athletes back to the school.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann was among the keen onlookers delighted to see the next generation of athletes enjoy-
ing their sport in a safe environment.
“We’re looking at future [international achievers] Jessica Hulls, or Nikola Olyslager or Gout Gout,” Shayne said.
He said families new to the area provided young athletes with exciting potential “who wouldn’t be back here in Rosewood without this particular club starting”.
The Federal member was also keen to assist the club with future grant opportunities.
Kyrlie is in her fourth season as centre president and fifth year as registrar.
Other 2025-2026 committee members include treasurer Troy Patterson, secretary Abbey Bird and Louise and Paul McNamara, who look after equipment and the grounds.
Rosewood Little Athletics was formed in 1986 by a small group of parents who saw the need in the community.
The first competition was staged in 1987 and has developed in recent years.
Rosewood Little Athletics officials Kyrlie Thomson and Abbey Bird with State Member for Ipswich Wendy Bourne and Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann at the training site.
Rosewood Little Athletics committee newcomer Naomi Gartner with four under-7 athletes preparing for the new season.