MORE THAN 26 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2025
Words: LARA HART
Photos: LYLE RADFORD
A TOTAL of 49 Rosewood State High School students graduated in the presence of their delighted teachers, families and friends on Friday (November 21).
The Class of 2025 also had
their turn at experiencing a school tradition where Year 11 students form a guard of honour as the Year 12s leave the school for the last time.
Acting Principal Thomas Richards addressed the students during the ceremony saying, “Remem-
ber that life beyond the gates of Rosewood State High School will bring new challenges, but the same strength, resilience, and compassion that carried you through your years here will continue to serve you well.”
He told them to be bold
and dream big but remember to be kind and lift others up along the way. Their years of formal schooling have ended but their responsibilities as young adults remain as they enter the workforce or study towards a degree, diploma or trade.
1–3 Queen Street, Walloon, Queensland 4306
Phone: (07) 5464 5163
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Year 11 students form a guard of honour for the Year 12 graduates as they leave school for the last time.
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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
Words and Photos: LARA HART
ROSEWOOD State High School class of 2025 celebrated the end of their school days at a Formal that was held at the North Ipswich Reserve Corporate Centre.
Approximately 45, Year
12 students spent Wednesday November 19 primping, preening and polishing to make sure their look was the epitome of style and elegance.
Around 6pm they transformed from students wearing a school uniform to young adults in suits and gowns.
Most hired or used transport chosen especially for the occasion and as chauffeured students arrived at the Corporate Centre, their name and the type of car they were in was announced on a loudspeaker.
Kiera and her formal part-
ner Jude Di Salvia rolled up in a sleek black Nissan Skyline, the same car in the movie Need for Speed: Underground Rivals.
Then Darcy Rea pulled up in a shiny silver BMW.
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Bringing class to the class was Landon Brewer and his Formal partner Jaime-Lee South in a brown 1929 V8 Dodge.
As the duo stepped out,
the driver pressed the horn and the loud ‘honk honk’ made onlookers laugh.
Mia Hamilton rode the pillion of a Harley Davidson and wore a leather waistcoat over her Formal dress.
William Dekker was in a
car called Hulk, it was an all green classic automobile with headlights that glowed green too.
Chris Ritchie and Ali James-Colliery arrived in a black 1969 Ford Mustang and Caitlyn Innes arrived in
a red Ford Mustang.
When all students had arrived and the flurry of photographic requests was over, the new graduates celebrated with a sit-down meal in the Corporate Centre’s event room.
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By WENDY CREIGHTON
WALLOON Hotel publican
Stewart Gibson lived through many cyclones when he lived in Cairns, but the storm wind that blew through his beer garden on Monday was the worst he had ever experienced.
“It hit us around 3pm when I was out taking the big umbrellas down,” Stewart said.
“The wind launched one of the umbrellas like a missile …
it hit me and knocked me back about two metres.”
As a result of the blow, Stewart spent some time at Ipswich Hospital with a suspected broken wrist.
“Fortunately, it wasn’t,” he reported.
“But that wind, it was scary.
“I lived in Cairns for 12 years, through cyclones and yet that storm wind on Monday was like nothing I have ever been through before.”
Much of the damage caused by the severe storm on Monday afternoon (November 24) was caused by the galeforce winds, as little rain was recorded. Damage to powerlines and fallen trees were most evident between Walloon and Ipswich. In Leichhardt Park at the corner of Ernest Street and Old Toowoomba Road at One Mile, a jacaranda was blown over and as it fell, it broke a large branch from a neighbouring jacaranda. Photos: LYLE RADFORD
While the storm brought with it very little rain and only a smattering of hail, it caused extensive damage to powerlines between Walloon and Ipswich.
When we spoke with Stewart on Tuesday afternoon, power had just been restored after a 24 hour outage.
We asked him whether he could estimate the windspeed during the storm.
“I read somewhere that we should be prepared for wind speeds up to 150km/h. I don’t know what speed it reached during the storm but it was like a tornado … like in that movie … scary.”
ROSEWOOD identity Carmel Leutchford has been selected as Rosewood Toastmasters Communicator of the Year.
Carmel is the secretary of Rosewood RSL Sub Branch and a familiar face to RSL patrons and those who have served or have family members who have served in the Australian armed forces.
The district she works in has a long standing connection to the Amberley RAAF Base and 35 Squadron acts as the Catafalque party during Anzac and Remembrance Day services.
Carmel works hard to keep the relationship strong and ensure the links between the RSL Sub-Branch and the Amberley RAAF Base continue.
She is joined by her husband Ian who shares his wife’s dedication to the local sub Branch and its members.
There are other aspects to
Carmel that are not RSL related and that’s her commitment to St Brigid’s Church and the Catholic community.
She is also a long time supporter of the Rosewood Lions.
On a broader front, she is a qualified educator on diabetes and has raised money for research into junior diabetes.
Carmel was chosen as Rosewood Toastmasters
If you are finding it more difficult to manage living at home by yourself but would like to continue living in your own home, Cabanda’s Home Care Packages can support you to do a multitude of everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, domestic services and preparing meals.
Cabanda Care is able to provide Home Care to residents living in Rosewood, Marburg, Walloon, Haigslea and the surrounding areas with a comprehensive range of services.
Fees are calculated on an individual basis following the Australian Government’s Department of Health guidelines.
Fee Information can be viewed at: Visit: My Aged Care Services (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/fee-estimator)
Communicator of the Year her work in the community requires good communication skills and a knack for helping people to work together for the good of their community.
Do you have a Home Care Enquiry?
Please select the QR code or visit us at 59 John Street, Rosewood Qld 4340
https://cabanda.org.au/home-care/ 07 5464 2392 –info@cabanda.org.au
by LARA HART
FALLS are the leading cause of death in older adults and that means learning how to avoid them is crucial to longevity.
Of equal importance is knowing how to get up if you do fall so you can call for help.
Falls are the most common reason older people are admitted to hospital or move to a nursing home.
As you get older, balance becomes difficult and your body becomes frailer making it harder to ‘bounce back up’ like you did when you were younger.
While the thought of falling and hurting yourself is worrying, the good news is most falls are preventable.
Make a list of your medications and ask your doctor to review them to make sure there are no side effects or interactions that increase your risk of falling.
Write down the details of
previous falls like where you fell and how.
Think about instances where you almost fell but were caught by someone or managed to grab hold of something just in time.
Let your doctor know because these details can help to identify specific fall prevention strategies.
There are eye and ear disorders that increase the risk of falls.
How comfortable are you when you walk and do you feel any dizziness, joint pain, shortness of breath or numb-
ness in your feet or legs?
You might need your muscle strength, balance and walking style evaluated by a health professional.
Most large chemist shops sell all kinds of health industry approved shoes because what you wear on your feet affects your balance.
Wearing the right footwear is important in fall prevention planning.
High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall.
Walking in stocking clad feet can be dangerous as well.
Wear properly fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with non-skid soles and remember, sensible shoes reduce joint pain too.
What is in your home that is a hazard?
Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords and phone cords from walkways.
Secure loose rugs with double-sided tape or remove them from the room.
Store clothing, dishes, food and other necessities within easy reach.
If you accidently spill liquids, grease or food, wipe it up immediately and use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower
There are plenty of assistive devices available so consider your needs and which would help most.
Some devices are handrails for both sides of stairways, nonslip treads for bare wood steps, a raised toilet seat or one with armrests, grab bars for the shower or tub, a sturdy plastic seat for the shower or bathtub and a hand held shower nozzle for bathing while sitting down.
If you fall you need to know how to get back up.
Ask your health provider for a referral for an occupational therapist who can help you with some strategies. They can also teach you how to get up off the ground if no one is around to help you.
by LARA HART
SOME people are hoarders but not all are the floor to ceiling clutter type seen on television shows.
I am 54 and had a large spare bedroom I used to store my ‘pack rat findings’.
Yes, past tense … had.
My eldest son is moving back home, he turns 30 next year and in his final years of a Doctor of Medicine degree.
I had to move everything out of that bedroom and into a much smaller one.
I discovered my husband was right and I am a hoarder.
Not one that lets vermin and food pile up because the room has always been clean, it was just very crowded.
I’d scurry through charity shops and craft stores picking out things to make this or that.
I put them into a cupboard, draw or tub and go about my day.
Op shops are a magnet: “I’d scurry through charity shops and craft stores picking out things to make this or that.”
My hobbies are Lego, resin craft, making weird polymer clay creatures, painting, sketching and making miniature dioramas.
On one op shop visit I found an eight kilogram bag filled with tubes of good quality acrylic paint.
I already had a tub full of acrylic paint but I did not have this one so I bought it and
pushed it into the cupboard in my room.
Yes, I pushed it ... the wardrobe was running out of space fast.
My husband brought home a large white tarp tip bag and put it on the deck.
It took three weeks to go through everything and I discovered a lot of it would never be used.
Seven huge tarp bags were taken to the tip and two carloads of donations were dropped off at the local charity shop.
I was astounded by the amount of unusable or unused items I’d been hanging on to.
I filled bag after bag and my husband did multiple tip runs.
“I can’t believe all that came from one room”, I exclaimed, and my husband said, “I can and it’s because you are a hoarder.”
Downsizing can be difficult
when you are older and don’t want to see something you ‘could one day use’ discarded.
I saw it with my parents who shipped their possessions to the UK when they migrated from South Africa.
I saw it when they moved from their UK bungalow to a small annex at my sister and brother in-laws house.
To this day there are tubs and boxes full of their precious things stored in the stables at my sister’s house.
It is hard to let go but when you do and clutter is cleared, clarity and purpose return.
My diorama hobby ’s bits and pieces are in labelled tubs.
My Lego collection is stored neatly again and I know where the silicone moulds are.
My plan is to avoid charity shops and craft stores (for now), and like my husband says, “if something comes in, something else has to go out”.
by LARA HART
A PROGRAM designed to connect tech savvy young people with older, much less tech savvy, people was recently rolled out.
The initiative’s aim is for people aged 16 to 21 to be assigned to an older person with less experience in navigating the online world.
One of the program’s organisers is Derek Tink and he said the initiative benefited the younger and older generations.
“We know that inter-generational digital inclusion initiatives can have a fantastic positive impact on older learners and younger mentors,” he said.
“It brings opportunities for knowledge exchange, personal growth and professional skills development.”
The initiative works and the first step is to train the trainers.
Youths are skilled up
through a specialised Young Mentor Capacity Builders training program.
They ’re also vetted to make sure they can communicate with older people in a way that makes learning easier.
Learning how to use a mobile phone’s applications or a computer, iPad or laptop’s internet browser doesn’t need to be complicated.
“Many people need a helping hand to learn new technology and get online safely and confidently,” he said.
“Teaching people digital skills makes sure they have the tools and knowledge needed to do essential activities like connecting with loved ones, banking online and avoiding scams.”
Mentors are taught to let people get online by doing it themselves and not having it done for them.
“People remember knowledge and skills better if
they put into practice what they’re learning and do it themselves.
“Taking a hands-off approach when you’re showing someone how to use a device or navigate the internet will help them to feel more confident at picking up their device and giving things a go when you’re not around.”
There is also the flow on benefit where once skills are sound, the senior can help others who need help.
There are plenty of reasons other than banking, online shopping or sending emails to become internet savvy.
There are websites for every hobby or craft under the sun.
Seek out gardening websites or watch cooking tutorials on YouTube.
There are plenty of motivations to use the internet other than completing tasks.
Mentors are also taught to
use easy to understand language and there’s nothing condescending about it.
The age and evolution of the online world has spawned acronyms and slang explanations that ofttimes make little sense.
Techy terms like ‘ask AI’ or ‘just look it up’ or use a ‘URL, browser or menu’ can be tricky to understand if you don’t know what they mean.
“There are groups at risk of digital exclusion and through thorough research we know 26 percent of people over the age of 65 never use the internet,” Derek Tink said.
“That statistic may even be a little higher because there are also core groups at risk of digital exclusion like people with a disability and some indigenous communities.”
You can find programs like these and more by visiting www.goodthingsaustralia. org
A LOGAN City Council initiative places senior pets with senior people and a Queensland animal welfare organisation has programs that offer cheaper services.
Companion animal ownership improves quality of life and there are plenty of services stepping up because of it.
The Logan City Council program is called Senior Pets for Senior People and it’s about rehoming mature aged animals by placing them with older residents.
The adoption is free, and each animal comes with a lifetime registration.
Everything is above board and pre-adoption interviews are conducted to make sure the animal and its new human companion are compatible and safe.
Pets provide wonderful companionship and connection.
Furry friends can help diminish feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Companion animal ownership improves quality of life and there are plenty of services stepping up because of it.
Other benefits to pet ownership are how their care leads to better health outcomes.
Dogs require exercise and walking them gets you out of the house and moving. This can lead to social interaction and when dogs greet each other, strangers are forced into a conversation.
Queensland Animal Welfare League’s Golden Hearts Program was established in 2015 specifically to help se-
Tell us what matters to you in Division 4
Friday 5 December | 8.00 am – 10.00 am Karalee Chapters Bookshop, Café and Wine Bar, Karalee Shopping Centre, Junction Road, Karalee
Monday 8 December | 9.00 am – 11.00 am Rosewood Library, Event Space, Level 1, 15 Railway Street, Rosewood
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a great Christmas and festive season.
Our office will be closed from 1.00 pm Wednesday 24 December, reopening 8.00 am on Monday 5 January 2026.
For any council related emergencies please call 3810 6666 or visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au
Councillor Jim Madden
Division 4
Phone: (07) 3810 7879
Email: jim.madden@ipswich.qld.gov.au
Councillor David Martin Division 4
Phone: (07) 3810 6163
Email: david.martin@ipswich.qld.gov.au
niors who own pets.
People enrolled in the program get a 50 percent discount on annual vaccinations and a 10 percent discount on other services at its three AWLQ Community Vet Clinics.
Their Short Term Emergency Pet Support program is there if an owner is hospitalised and free surrender and rehoming services are available if they have to move to an aged care facility that
doesn’t allow pets.
There are even social events where seniors can connect with like-minded individuals who share a love for pets.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners published research titled ‘The ‘pet effect’ Health related aspects of companion’.
The researchers knew companion animal ownership was associated with a range of physical, psychological and social health advantages and wanted to look at ways to integrate companion animals into healthcare.
Findings were that dog owners who exercised their dogs had better cardiovascular health and physical fitness.
Mental health was improved as well.
They concluded that it was important for practitioners to recommend patients with companion animals integrate their pet into their daily schedule.
Ipswich City Council is developing Community-based Flood Emergency Action Plans for seven locations identified as high flood risk: Brassall Bundamba Gailes Goodna Grandchester
Karalee
North Booval.
If you live in or have a connection with any of these locations, we want to hear from you.
This is your final chance to have your say and help shape these local flood action plans. The survey is closing Friday 12 December
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Brookwater club visitor Ben Stieler was overall champion shooting a gross score of 70, two under for his round.
Stieler achieved back-toback eagles on the fifth and sixth holes.
Tim rated Stieler “something else” having earlier challenged him in MDGA pennants.
“When I played him at Laidley, it was probably the best I could play and he’s just on another level,” Tim said.
“But it’s good. I just love watching his golf.”
Former Blair State School and St Edmund’s College student Luke has been one of Rosewood’s best pennants players.
He was undefeated in three matches in his first year, remaining unbeaten last year in seven games until a loss in the last week.
This year, Luke had two
draws and three wins.
While appreciating his pennants’ opportunity, Luke said his first Rosewood Open Nett success was particularly satisfying after previously winning some honour board events and “a few little things”.
The latest Rosewood Open attracted a strong field of golfers from other clubs including Sandy Gallop, Wolston Park, Ipswich, Brisbane River, Gailes and Oxley.
Nearly 150 golfers teed off in sunny Saturday morning conditions before the late afternoon storm.
“For how much rain we had on Thursday night and Friday night, the course played surprisingly good,” Tim said.
“It didn’t affect the fairways. It just made the greens a bit softer which actually helps the play usually.”
Golfers were encouraged to apply “the 90 degree rule” to protect the fairways by
driving their carts along the edges.
Luke said it was a relief to finish before the weather threat.
“With the wet and the weather leading up it, I
thought it would be called off,” he said.
“Probably the last four holes we could feel the weather starting to cool down.
“Just as we were driving off, it started to pour down.”
Rosewood Open MDGA Order of Merit event results
November 15
Champion (Gross winner): Ben Stieler (70).
Division 1 winner: Gregory Whitton (75) on countback.
Runner-up: Chris Mantell (75).
Nett winner: Luke Woodford (72).
Division 2 winner: Wayne Draheim (79).
Runner-up: Chris Woods (80).
Nett winner: Jason Ah You (74)
Division 3 winner: Stephen Johnston (83).
Runner-up: Damien Hangan (86) on countback.
Nett winner: Graham Langford (70).
Division 4 winner: Liam Ewens-Dickson (88).
Runner-up: Brett Martin (93).
Nett winner: Nicholas Whitton (72).
Seniors 70+ winner: Robert Lee (88).
Runner-up: Robert Ellison (89).
Nett winner: John Hunter (75).
Ladies Single Stableford winner: Rosemary Toohey (38).
Runner-up: Shelley Myerson (35).
Rundown: Elizabeth Nelson (31), Lisa Johnston (27).
COMPETITION results from games played in a 4-Ball Best Ball Stableford on Saturday, November 22. Winner: Craig Wright and Brenton Sippel (48).
Runner Up #1: Robert Farraway and Chris Mayo (47) OCB.
Runner Up #2: Mandy Young and John Young (47) OCB.
Runner Up #3: David Walkom and Ross Hunter (47).
Runner Up #4: Darlene Wojcicki and David Wojcicki (46) OCB.
Runner Up #5: Michael Molloy and Luke Edwards (46) OCB.
Runner Up #6: Michael Martin and Dylan Martin (46) OCB.
Rundown to 45 pts Pins & Approaches:
Hole 2: Men: David Wojiciki (871 cm); Ladies: Phyllis Brown (2nd shot 101 cm).
Hole 9: Men: Mark Voller (63 cm); Men 19+: Craig Wright (2nd shot 17 cm); Ladies: Mandy YOUNG (2nd shot 41 cm).
Hole 11: Men: Michael Molloy (131 cm); Ladies: Lisa John-
ston (2nd shot 44 cm).
Hole 15: Men: John Hunter (117 cm); Ladies: Rosemary Toohey (2nd shot 7 cm).
Approach Hole 17: Men: Brian Zeidler (2nd shot 10 cm); Ladies: Shelley Myerson (3rd shot 399 cm).
Eagle Alert! - Ben ReedHole 10.
Eagles Nest: Mark Voller (Hole 9, under 90cm).
by DAVID LEMS
BEING familiar with your home course can be a huge advantage in prestigious golf events.
However, latest Rosewood Open Division 1 Nett champion Luke Woodford had another winning edge as he worked his way through 18 holes to secure his first major title.
The consistent golfer competed in the Moreton District Golf Association (MDGA) Order of Merit event with his brother Tim, father Greg and cousin Chris Mantell.
After previously playing “on and off” at Sandy Gallop, the Ipswich nurse manager joined the Rosewood club three years ago, six months after Tim and Chris became members.
Luke said after being made so welcome at the club after the Covid era, he has continued to enjoy his time at the course where he plays
Luke Woodford (left) and his cousin Chris Mantell (right) were among the leading Rosewood Open competitors, supported by Luke’s brother Tim and their dad Greg. Photos: LYLE RADFORD
regular competitions and represents the Rosewood pennants team.
The Brassall-based sportsman said having former grand final-winning hockey and close golf family members alongside him
made a huge difference in the Rosewood Open.
“Playing with each other, it’s a bit more relaxed,” Luke said.
“Coming from team sports, it has definitely helped us get through that bit of pressure when a game is on the line.”
Greg, with strong Ipswich connections, regularly travels from the Gold Coast to play at Rosewood, often joining Luke’s uncle Paul and his cousin Daniel.
Luke, who turns 41 next month, finished the recent championships with a Division 1 Nett score of 72, collated by combining his round total with his handicap of six.
“I was pretty consistent,” Luke said, happy with his “scrambling” and long putting.
Chris, 37, also had a suc-
cessful day finishing Division 1 runner-up to Gregory Whitton on a countback. Both golfers shot 75.
“He had a run of a few bad holes but then he started to come back,” Luke said.
“He hit the ball really well.”
Rosewood club Division 1 pennants captain Tim praised Luke and Chris for their fine efforts.
“Especially Luke, on his back nine he was just on fire, just making his putts,” Tim said.
“He hit a little bit of a bumpy patch for a couple of holes . . . but to his credit, he brought it all back together.”
Tim shot 80 in his round, acknowledging Chris for his ability to “find a way to get on the green”.
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