EVERY year Marburg Show Society host a free Christmas Carnival as a way of giving back to the community and helping residents celebrate the festive season without breaking the bank.
This year’s carnival will be on Saturday, December 6 at the Marburg Showground.
Show Society Vice President Barb Froloff is one of the organisers and in talking of the popularity of the Carnival, said around 800 people attended the event every year.
“There will be a lot of free goodies and it’s a fun family event,” she said.
“Santa arrives at 7.05pm and he will be handing out gift bags.
“Every child up to 12 years old will get one.”
Something else that’s a crowd pleaser is the ‘ham wheel’.
No, it’s not an abbreviation for hamster wheel.
People are encouraged to buy $1 tickets, then spin a wheel for a chance to win a Christmas ham.
The Marburg ham wheel is a game of chance that has been played for around six decades.
Between 4pm and 7pm there’s balloon twisting by roving entertainers, a giant bubble play space, circus workshop, a LED hula hoop play space, an animal farm and face painting.
Games like Wild Hog, Monkey Activity Castle and an inflatable train are on offer until 8pm.
There will be a variety of market stalls set up, too.
“Come and do your Christmas shopping and support local community groups,” Barb said.
“It’s also an opportunity for an easy dinner with hot chips, hamburgers, chicken and chips and all kinds of cuisine for sale.”
Community spirit shines at the Rosewood Christmas Festival
ROSEWOOD is set to sparkle this festive season with the much-anticipated Christmas Festival on Friday (December 12).
Hosted by the Rosewood and District Supporting Communities the free community event promises an evening filled with laughter, music and holiday cheer for all ages.
Families can look forward to an exciting lineup of activities, including a rock climbing wall and bungee, jumping castle and obstacle course, and plenty of fun for the little ones with face painting, balloon modelling, and Christmas craft activities.
Budding young artists can also take part in the Christmas colouring-In competition, with a special prize for creativity and festive spirit.
The Community Choir, located in the Cultural Centre alongside the local library display, will lead carols and welcome everyone to join in.
If you’d like to sing on stage, come along to the dress rehearsal on Monday (December 8).
The Community Carols are designed so everyone can join the singing in celebration and welcoming in the holiday season.
One of the highlights of the Festival will be the arrival of Santa Claus on a fire truck, through the support of our local firies who have offered to help him arrive safely (the reindeer are having a well deserved rest ahead of the busy Christmas season).
“We are extremely blessed to have such connected and supportive emergency services within our community,” said Tia Lancaster.
The Fire Brigade, Police, and SES are essential for the night.
The Police will be present with Police Beat and Community Engagement stands, offering interactive activities and information to help families prepare for emergencies and disasters. The Fire Brigade will bring Santa on their truck, and the SES will assist with set-up, pack-up, traffic navigation, and lighting.
Visitors can browse an array of stalls inside and outside the pavilion, offering unique gifts and festive treats. The Community Garden stand will host a wreath-making workshop, and the local Men’s Shed will have a stall full of handcrafted woodwork for sale. Plus, enjoy delicious food from local groups such as Little A’s, Scouts, local churches, and other available food vendors.
A Christmas raffle will feature prizes donated by the community and funds raised will go towards supporting next year’s festival and the Rosewood Community Garden. Tickets can be purchased at the Community Garden stand.
If anyone would like to make a donation towards the Festival, they can be made on the night orby contacting the Rosewood Community centre.
The Moreton Border News has a loyal readership base because it provides a platform for community expression.
In this, the last edition under the ownership of the Creighton family, we present the year’s highlights to date.
More than 26 years ago, Michael Creighton conceived the concept for a local newspaper to serve the rural areas that had quite recently been amalgamated into the city of Ipswich. It won the support of the
local Councillor, David Pahlke and myriad residents, and went from a monthly to fortnightly to a weekly.
David’s enthusiasm for a local newspaper didn’t wane and then the amazing Kaye Martin became involved and today it remains a much sought after newspaper.
We wish the new owners, Ipswich Media, every success and encourage you, our readers and advertisers, to continue to support your local newspaper.
Year in Review
JANUARY
UPGRADED: The footpath extension in front of Rosewood State School was completed to connect the driveway of the carpark to the pedestrian crossing and main entrance
NEW CENTRE: A learning centre at Rosewood High was named the ‘Clyde Nicoll Senior Schooling Learning Centre’ in honour of the former headmaster, whose community involvement was extensive.
Clyde Nicoll worked at the school from 1986 until his retirement in 1999.
Twelve of those years were spent as principal.
FEBRUARY
BIRTHDAY RIDE: Rose-
wood’s Betty Claydon was offered a ride in a classic convertible to see in her 80th birthday in style.
OLD SHIRE REUNION: Thirty years had passed since the Moreton Shire Council merged with the Ipswich council. A group of former Moreton Shire colleagues planned a reunion and put out the call for memorabilia and photographs.
HISTORIC SCHOOL: Lifelong Tallegalla resident Tom Else was anxiously awaiting the outcome of a public consultation over the fate of the nearby school.
He hoped the heritage listed school precinct would remain in the hands of the Ipswich City Council and said if leased out, the lessees should be sympathetic to the ‘much valued lifestyle of the district’.
Continues next page
Compiled: LARA HART Photos: LYLE RADFORD
Year in Review continues
MARCH
RECORD BREAKER: March was a record breaker in terms of rainfall. Indications were it was the wettest March since 1908.
LEASONS LEARNED:
Lower Mount Walker brothers Ross and Steve Blanch were offered a deal they couldn’t pass up when a “renewables” developer made an offer for their land. When news got out they faced backlash from the community.
We reported how Libra Energy told the brothers they’d rethought their proposal and would instead find another block of land.
Steve said in hindsight he’d have sat down and told the community who it was that wanted to make the deal and what it would involve.
CYLONE ALFRED: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred hit much of South East Queensland and Rosewood wasn’t spared.
Popular cafe Harry’s Place
Cafe was shut because they were unable to buy sufficient quantities of bread, milk and produce because of purchase limits.
Area Controller for SES
South Eastern Region Danni Bull said localities hit hardest were the Gold Coast, Logan and Tamborine Mountain, then through Ipswich and Somerset.
LIONS YOUTH OF YEAR
SELECTED: Rosewood Lions
Youth of the year Chloe Butler won the Regional Finals of the Youth of the Year Award. Rosewood Lions also hosted the event, SUBDIVISION PLAN: We reported on plans by a developer to subdivide a greenfield block of land in Marburg for a residential estate.
Oki Project 007 Pty Ltd applied to the Council for a planning permit to break up the 5ha property into 11 rural residential allotments.
Continues next page
Tom Else at Tallegalla State School. 18th February 2025.
Steve & Ross Blanch, Lower Mt Walker. 15th March 2025.
Year in Review continues
MAY
MORE than 60 new homes were approved at Walloon in the first three months of 2025. A master planned community was expected to eventually fill 177 hectares of land with 1,800 homes.
LIBRARY ROOFTOP SOLAR: Rosewood Library was included in a council led roll out of solar panels.
LIFE LIVED WITH I NTEGRITY: Robert Arthur Krause OAM passed away. Bob as he was known, was community minded and became involved in many activities.
These included the Junior Farmers Club, the Marburg Show, the Marburg Cricket Club, Lutheran Youth and later in the Country Party and National Party.
NEW PRESIDENT: Brian Heath was made president of the Marburg Show Society.
The Pine Mountain man said he was looking forward to rolling up his sleeves and being part of a team.
80 YEARS SERVICE: 95year-old Merv Steinhardt celebrated eighty years of volunteering with the Marburg Show Society.
Merv said he joined by accident at 14 when he accompanied his father to a show society meeting.
And Merv was again on hand to clean the showground the Monday before showtime and was there most of Friday helping out and giving advice.
FIRE STATION
EXPANSION: A major extension of the Mt Forbes Rural Fire Station was opened by MP Jon Krause. Continues next page
Moreton BorderNews
Christmas Carnival
Marburg Show Grounds
45-55 Queen Street, Marburg
Commences 4.00pm
RAFFLE | CANTEEN | BARBECUE | BAR
* Animal Farm * Balloon Twisting and Roving
* Giant Bubble Play Space * Circus Workshop * LED Hula Hoop Play Space * Face Painting (freeuntil7pm) * Rides * Jumping Castle * Giant Slide (freeuntil8pm) * Market Stalls
BUY A TICKET ON THE HAM WHEEL * Santa arrives at 7.05pm
LOCAL RAFFLES
Year in Review continues
The station will be used as a local hub for co-ordination during large scale incidents. The building was built to help the 46 volunteers in Mt Forbes perform their role as the region approached bushfire season.
JUNE
SHOW BALL TIME: June is when ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, frock up and dress to impress because it is show season.
Rosewood’s Show Ball is a signal that the show is approaching as are the many festivities scheduled around it.
This year’s Show Ball was held at the Rosewood Cultural Centre and Sophie Geddes was named Princess, Wyatt DeLangen was named, Prince and Kelly-Lea was named Queen.
ROSEWOOD UNITING CHURCH
150TH: The congregation celebrated the 150th anniversary of the church’s presence in the local district. Parishioners and the community celebrated with an event that brought more than 180 people to the church grounds.
DAYBREAK PARK: Construction began on a new park at Walloon. Daybreak Park was to cost $6.1 million and feature a family-friendly
plaza with barbeques, shady seating and a playground that will include equipment for children of all ages,
SHOWGROUND LIGHTS: The Rosewood Show Society was given $800,000 to light up the showgrounds.
JULY
CABANDA REUNION: A group of past workmates met up for a reunion at the Royal George Hotel in Rosewood. The event was organised by Sharon Drinnen and the reunion reinforced that the bonds, mateship and comradery remain long after people no longer work for an organisation.
ST JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
STEEPLE: The cross on top of the St John’s Lutheran Church steeple in Ipswich was removed. It developed cracks and water was seeping into the tower and causing damage. The task was to repair the cross and restore the damage, then return it to its original placing.
GENTLEMAN OF EDUCATION: We reported on the passing of Clyde Nicoll who was dedicated to education and influencing students through positive reinforcement. Continues next page
Fiorella Miles, new secretary, Rosewood Show. 24th Feb 2025.
Bernard Kearle, Marburg grave digger. 24th February 2025.
Flooded Rosewood Football grounds. 6th June 2025
Rosewood Show. Fire and whip display. 27th June 2025.
Year in Review continues
AUGUST
CHILD INITIATIVE: The role of a community newspaper is to be a voice for the people and we do that by celebrating what bigger publications miss.
In August, Rosewood siblings Griffin and Phoenix used citrus growing in their garden to make lemonade, then sold it on a roadside stall.
The dream was to make enough to turn a goldfish bowl into an axolotl tank.
PET DAYCARE: A new dog and cat daycare, grooming and training facility was planned for Haigslea. The proposed facility aimed to accommodate between 10 to 50 animals daily – all that was needed was the go ahead from council.
BIGGEST POULTRY
SHOW: The biggest poultry show in Queensland happened at Rosewood Showground. The number of exhibits reached 1,450 entries
across the board making it wildly successful for hosts, the Ipswich and District Poultry Club.
The club’s president, 22year-old Ben Biddle has been in the ‘poultry game’ since he was seven-years-old.
His grandfather is a ‘poultry man’ too and the passion caught on after spending time together.
“He’s quite proud of me and said this last show was one of the best he’s ever been to, if not the best,” said Ben.
VETERAN ANNOUNCEMENT: We reported on a new Veteran and Family Well-being Centre that would open in Ipswich in 2026.
The facility will provide increased access to tailored support for more than 10,000 veterans and their families living within Ipswich and the surrounding communities.
In addition, it will support the 5,000 Defence personnel at RAAF Base Amberley.
Continues next page
Year in Review continues
SEPTEMBER
QUILTERS NOT
QUITTERS: In early September more than 600 people visited the Rosewood Craft and Quilting Show at the Rosewood Showground.
Eighty-year-old quilter Eunice Austin said each quilt told a story.
BOWLED OVER: Newly elected Rosewood Bowls Club president said the biggest issue facing his sport was attracting new members.
He had previously been involved with the Swifts and United Services bowls clubs in Ipswich and played in Dalby for three years before moving to Rosewood.
He was looking forward to attracting new members to ensure the longevity of the club.
FLYING PADRES: We wrote about Mount Walker couple Joanne and Mark Bulow are
part of the Salvation Army’s Flying Padre unit. The couple pilot their Cessna 182 to reach people who live in remote localities.
OCTOBER
CONCERNS
OVER DEVELOPMENT: Rosewood residents filled the Girl Guide Hall to voice concerns about the proposed 15 Edward Street residential development.
There was a question and answer session with councillors, a politician and council’s general manager of planning and regulatory services.
FLOOD ACTION: Flood action plans were developed for Grandchester, Brassall, Bundamba, Gailes, Goodna, Karalee and North Booval. The areas were selected because they had a higher flood risk.
Continues next page
Anzac Day dawn service, Rosewood - undeterred by the rain. 25th April 2025.
Anzac Day march through Rosewood. 25th April 2025.
Black Snake Creek Festival, Marburg. 20th September 2025.
OCTOBER
Year in Review continues OUR CHOICE OF THE BEST PORTRAIT
continues
TRAIL UPGRADE: The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail was one of four regional trails to undergo an upgrade as the result of a $3.5 million State Government allocation. The first section of its rail line from Wulkuraka to its terminus, opened at Lowood in 1886.
NOVEMBER
CHILDCARE CENTRE:
Plans to establish a childcare centre at Walloon were ap proved by Council. The centre is expected to be built on a property on Karrabin Rosewood Road.
UMBRELLA MISSILE:
Storms and torrential rain caused flooding and the wind was so strong during one storm that almost caused serious injuries to Walloon publican Stewart
Gibson. Stewart said when he was pulling down his big umbrellas the wind launched one of them at him ‘like a missile’. It knocked him back about two metres, thankfully he lived to tell the tale.
FORMAL TIME: Stormy weather would have been on the minds of Rosewood State High School’s Year 12 students.
Last year’s formal was plagued by wet weather which cut short plans for photographs outside the school.
This year’s graduates arrived in classic cars and sport cars at the North Ipswich venue and were met by camera flashes and an enthusiastic crowd.
SCHOOL FUNDING:
Haigslea State School won a $3.86 million upgrade funded by the State Government.
PHOTOS OF THE YEAR
RAMBLINGS
Technology and the human touch
by LARA HART
IN 1997 the American science fiction movie ‘Starship Troopers’ was showing in cinemas.
The opening scene showed a room full of troopers saying goodbye to family members through a computer screen.
When I watched it, I hoped I’d be around when video call technology was invented.
I didn’t realise communicating this way would soon be part of the every day.
One of the first video messaging systems was Skype (is that still a thing?) then came FaceTime and now there are hundreds, if not thousands of ways, to talk to someone using video and sound.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Now I have an iPhone, laptop and smart television, yet the dynamics of family life haven’t changed.
Men and women go to work and children attend school.
Knees get grazed and homework is done at home using a pencil and subject notebook.
Dogs eat kibble and tins of meat and people get
sunburned if they are not careful.
It is all these predictable patterns that lull us into complacency as we go about our day on the hamster wheel.
I’ve witnessed a lot of change.
I saw a meme that said children in the 1970s and 1980s didn’t realise they would be the last to experience this way of life.
Then again, every generation thinks their childhood was better than the next.
“In my day we walked 50 kilometres in the snow and up a mountain to get to school,” is the old joke.
It’s an invitation for a verbal joust with the recipient outlandishly embellishing their experiences.
Then there is my generation, Generation X, and that meme hit hard.
No mobile phones, smart TV or internet and that’s how it had always been.
Growing up in that era has become a flex and a cause of great irritation among millennials.
Gen X love to lambaste millennials because we see how technology has made their life easier than ours.
We tell them that we rode
bicycles until the street lights came on and only then returned home for dinner.
We talk about sitting down and eating dinner at the dining room table with our family and not a mobile phone in sight (because they weren’t invented yet).
Our first job at 15 was used to save up for a car and we bought one without our parent’s help.
Grounding meant staying home and reading books or watching television and not being outside with our friends.
Grounding for a millennial is the opposite, kick them outside and take away their phone.
Gen X winge and complain without looking at one key fact … we raised them.
Sure, our childhoods were different, but we are responsible for raising the ‘arrogant, lazy millennials’ we love to complain about.
Technology can be used at home with a modem or cable box that has a password, and I exploited that fully when my sons were teenagers.
I’d change the password and lock them out if they misbehaved.
Most children who own a mobile phone have been
given one by a parent or family member.
Take it away, I’ve done that on multiple occasions.
Technology is evolving at an alarming rate and the recent ban on social media accounts for people under 16 is now active.
Will it work? Probably not because children have a way of getting around things.
There are children who are 10 and have Facebook, Instagram and Snap Chat profiles.
While mine doesn’t, the ban only works if parents enforce it using the government as a whip.
Video conferencing ‘Starship Trooper’ technology was active a few years after the movie launched.
Skype became the way to communicate but its reign was short lived.
It was replaced countless times by countless other ever-evolving applications.
But while I can see my father’s face and hear his voice through my iPhone, that doesn’t replace a warm hug.
Technology and AI is making life easier but it can’t bring the one thing humans need most of all and that’s face to face communication and a warm, loving hug.
World-first research at Ipswich Hospital emergency department
PATIENTS in the Ipswich Hospital Emergency Department (ED) will be at the centre of a world-first research project designed to improve doctor and patient communications.
The Vital Story project will be the first to use artificial intelligence (AI) to gain the medical history of non-urgent patients in an ED waiting room.
The project was developed by
University of Queensland PhD candidate Anton Cush. It began on Monday (December 1) and will finish when the 108 patients have taken part. The choice of patients is based on their willingness to be involved and if they meet specific criteria. Those selected will be provided with a touchscreen, and asked questions by the AI technology about their medical history.
Mr Cush said the purpose of the project was to test if the AI system could replicate the information that would normally be collected by treating doctors.
“By providing patients with a chance to provide details to the system in their own time soon after triage, we reduce the risk of the patient’s story being lost due to wait time, anxiety or frustration. Findings will help
shape future tools that make emergency care safer and more personal.”
“All patients who take part can be assured of their privacy and safety, and that will be explained to them from the outset,” he said.
“We really want to ensure patients have ample time to relax, share their story and talk more thoughtfully about their medical history through this study.”
Community rallies over BESS in rural zone
by ROB MELLETT
RESIDENTS of Lower Mount Walker gathered at a Sunset BBQ hosted by the Lower Mount Walker Community Action Group to underline mounting concern over Libra Energy’s proposed Industrial Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The group said it had repeatedly called for a public town hall with the developer – an open meeting they argue is essential for transparency and community safety – but claims the request has gone unanswered.
“All the community is requesting is an open forum, explaining the project and allowing everyone to ask questions and hear the answers together, in a safe space,” a community spokeswoman said.
Locals say the Bremer
Battery Project threatens the quiet rural character of Lower Mount Walker, with concerns ranging from industrial lighting and noise to potential sediment and chemical contamination.
“Our precious rural amenity is at stake,” the spokeswoman said.
The proposal includes 550 shipping containers of lithium batteries on a ruralzoned site on the Rosewood Warrill View Road. Public mapping indicates no existing Powerlink substation nearby, meaning a new one would be required.
The spokeswoman questioned the project’s planning process.
“If this project is so critical to infrastructure, why are political lobbyists involved? Why hasn’t it gone to tender? And why isn’t it located in a designated industrial precinct?”
Residents also raised
“Our precious rural amenity is at stake.”
fears about property devaluation near large-scale renewable energy installations.
“The NSW Department of Lands indicates properties near wind farms recorded up to a 27 percent drop in value.
“What will 550 BESS containers mean for ours?” she said.
Fire risk remains a central issue, with attention
on thermal runaway events in lithium batteries. Locals say their fire brigade has confirmed it is not equipped for large-scale chemical fires.
“We talked about BESS catching fire and the risk to adjoining batteries,” the spokeswoman said.
“After a BESS fire, high levels of contaminants can be found in soil – as seen after the 2025 Moss Landing disaster. What happens to our drinking water tanks, farming land, livestock, and the Bremer River?”
Residents also questioned how staff would access the facility during major weather events and what sediment might enter waterways during construction and operation.
Community members want clarity on security lighting, battery type and evidence of any completed projects by Libra Energy.
Moreton Border News. Friday, December 5, 2025 - Page 12
PROPERTY
STUHMCKES ROAD
• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• 1ha block
• Sold for $1,190,000
The home features a solid brick facade, a gated entry and tree-dotted grounds.
It has a covered front porch, a generous openplan living and dining area and a modern adjoining kitchen with quality appliances, a tiled splashback and ample cupboard storage.
There is a studio or
family room, and connected to the central living area are two separate patios.
All bedrooms have built in robes and the master bedroom has an ensuite.
There is also a well-appointed main bathroom and a separate toilet, plus an internal laundry linked to the rear patio.
The property last sold in 2002 for $145,000.
THAGOONA
CALEDONIAN ROAD
• 3 bedrooms
• 1 bathroom
• 3.19ha block
• Sold for $1,600,000
Inside, the home features a light-filled living and dining area and a well-appointed kitchen with lots of bench space.
Outside, the flat block has room for a hobby farm or horses.
The property last sold in 1983 for $30,000.
MARBURG
MARBURG
SCHOOL STREET
• 3 bedrooms
• 1 bathroom
• 2,061sqm block
• Sold for $670,000
A character home which has undergone a quality renovation. The separate dining and lounge areas air conditioned and the kitchen has also been renovated.
The property has a large garage and the yard has large, mature trees.
The property sold in 2015 for $195,000.
Skilful brothers work on a World Cup dream
Continues from Page 16
Hunter played rugby league as a lock - second rower for Rosewood and Laidley and rugby union at school.
But baseball has become his primary sport, along with Ambrose who is concentrating on his main game.
Both baseballers are regular pitchers with Ambrose sometimes fulfilling third base and right field roles.
“My one big goal is to make the U18 World Cup with my brother,” Ambrose said.
Ambrose said seeing Hunter earn national selection provided timely motivation as he embarks on his first state trip.
Apart from club and rep squad training, they help each other in the backyard and preparing for matches.
Ambrose said having such a supportive family also spurred him on.
Asked what appeals to him in baseball, Ambrose answered: “How competitive it can get”.
Golf keeps Dan relaxed for World Cup
by DAVID LEMS
AUSTRALIAN Masters’ hockey representative Daniel Mantell is excited about his first international opportunity at next year’s World Cup.
However, it’s playing alongside family and friends at the Rosewood Golf Club that helps keep the busy electrical contractor centred.
Dan, his younger brother Chris and their cousins Tim and Luke Woodford are among the Ipswich hockey connection that regularly enjoy time on the Rosewood course. They are sometimes joined by Dan’s dad Paul and uncle Greg, along with former Easts’ teammates like Brenton Sippel.
Dan’s 12-year-old son Lewis is also a member of the Rosewood club.
“We were at Sandy Gallop and we just went out there [to Rosewood],” Dan said.
“It’s just a bit of a longer course and I felt like you can just hit your drive a bit more and it’s a bit more relaxed.
Dan, 40, tries to play every week, having become a Rose-
wood club member a year ago. He is a left-handed golfer having spent years playing hockey right-handed.
“It’s totally different to me but I actually think it’s good.”
Dan has been selected for the World Cup in Rotterdam in July and August next year.
He has been one of Ipswich’s most consistent performers at club and state championship levels for many years. The Easts’ Tigers and Ipswich representative player has shared in a number of AGrade and Reserve Grade grand final successes, including this year’s Division 2 extra-time victory over Norths. He has lined up in 668 games for the Tigers.
Dan has enjoyed moving into masters’ hockey the past few years leading to selection in Queensland sides and the latest national team.
Dan is also a shadow player for the Australian over40 side heading to next year’s World Cup. He was selected in his first Aussie side after helping Queensland win the silver medal at the national masters’ championships.
He was happy with his form playing a loose defender, screen role.
“I had a bit of a licence to sort of be a bit creative and get into funny pockets on the field, which is sort of what I do for Ipswich,” he said.
“The coach said play like you do in Ipswich.”
The former state junior representative was encouraged how the latest Queensland side recovered from a shaky start to qualify for the final, going down 2-1 to host centre NSW.
“The home state is always hard to beat because they get the best of the best and then to take them to 2-1 in the final, we were very close,” he said.
Dan represented the Queensland 34’s side two years ago in Perth before playing in a tournament last year in Hobart with his younger brother Chris and. Their dad Paul was state team manager.
This year, Dan joined older brother Adam and another Easts’ teammate Steve Bayliss in representing Queensland in Newcastle.
Thanks to everyone for supporting sport in the region
by DAVID LEMS
IN the relatively small sporting community covered by the Moreton Border News, the dedication is a credit to the loyal band of administrators, officials, volunteers and supporters.
I also take my proverbial hat off to parents who encourage their kids to play sport in and around Ipswich’s country locations.
As the Moreton Border News moves into a new media environment, it’s time for me to say thank you and farewell.
I’ve enjoyed spending more than 41 years covering sport largely in Ipswich and specifically around the Rosewood district in recent times.
After working 4,000 Saturdays and Sundays away from my family, I’ve decided to retire and see what the next chapter of my life offers.
Being offered a sports position with the Boonah Newspapers Company in 2022 provided exciting opportunities.
After 37 years at The Queensland Times, I was able to continue covering regional sport at the Ipswich Tribune, along with ever-enjoyable new challenges at the Moreton Border News.
Finding sport stories for the Moreton Border News provided some exciting new opportunities.
has been accomplished.
knowledged properly in her retirement.
Working with so many wholehearted and enthusiastic sportspeople in our country areas has been immensely satisfying.
Thanks to officials, players and coaches at the Rosewood Roosters, Rosewood United Soccer Club, Rosewood Golf Club, Rosewood Bowls Club and Rosewood Little Athletics for being so helpful.
Country sportspeople are so appreciative of consistent local coverage and someone taking an interest in their achievements.
I finish my time serving the Tribune and Moreton Border News proud of what
My 12th and final editor Wendy Creighton is someone who leads by example, is incredibly dedicated and loyal to the readership she has also served.
Wendy leaves a remarkable family media legacy that hopefully will be ac-
Thanks too to other sporting leaders like Rebels Boxing Club mentor Robbie Sbeghen.
May sport continue to grow across the region, catering for everyone from young people to seniors and retirees who still have admirable skills.
Skilful brothers work together on World Cup dream
by DAVID LEMS
TALLEGALLA brothers
Hunter and Ambrose Ryan are clocking up hundreds of kilometres a week chasing their baseball goals.
But with supportive parents Daniel and Taryn encouraging them, the talented teenagers have exciting futures.
Hunter, 16, is currently undergoing rehabilitation after surgery on an elbow injury he suffered during his first two-week trip representing Australia in Japan.
The regular pitcher gained valuable insights into elite baseball despite his untimely setback.
“It was a great experience,” Hunter said.
“Watching other countries and how they play baseball a little bit different to us.”
Hunter is already looking to next year’s Under-18 World Cup when he recovers.
“I’ll have a little bit of time
off and come back stronger,” he said.
Ambrose, 15, also has his eyes set on that international opportunity with his brother. He was recently chosen in his first Queensland team preparing for a national tournament in Melbourne next month. Proud mum Taryn
and her husband Daniel, a former state level baseballer, regularly drive the boys to Newmarket for training and matches. That involves trips of an hour and 15 minutes, often in afternoon traffic, four or five times a week. However, it highlights the family’s commitment to giv-
ing the brothers every opportunity.
Daniel played as a pitcher for the Runaway Bay club.
Hunter and Ambrose began their rookie ball careers with Musketeers before joining the Royals when the Ipswich club didn’t have a suitable team.
Growing up in Tallegalla, the brothers have progressed to higher level baseball with Hunter now playing in open competition and Ambrose developing his skills in under-16 matches.
“They just asked me about what I did for sport one day and then they said ‘we want to do it’,” dad Daniel said.
“They both work really hard and they’ve got each other. They compete against each other.”
Hunter, who has started a boilermaker apprenticeship, having attended St Edmund’s College where Ambrose has just finished year 9. Continues Page 15
Baseball brothers Ambrose and Hunter Ryan are hoping to represent Australia at next year’s Under-18 World Cup. Photo: LYLE RADFORD
