MORE THAN 26 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2025
AMPLIFYING COMMUNITY VOICES ON INADEQUATE LOCAL FACILITIES
Photographer LYLE RADFORD captured this image of the ‘supermoon’ phenomena on Tuesday night and used the cockatoo to give it proportion. Also known as the Harvest Moon or Hunter’s Moon, it was the first supermoon of the year. If you missed the bright spectacle, there’s more to come. The next Supermoon (Beaver Moon) will appear in the sky on November 5. Visually, it will appear to be at its largest a couple of hours before midnight. The supermoon on December 4 is referred to as the Cold Moon as it can be seen in the daylight hours. It will be at its closest around 10.00am, while it is actually at its fullest a couple of hours earlier.
Dr Emma WainwrightDr Rebecca Wainwright Dr Anjali Jain Jeff Gitsham –Dentures
Amplifying the community voices on inadequate local facilities
by WENDY CREIGHTON
ADVOCATING for improved sporting facilities for the Rosewood and Thagoona districts is not a vote catching construct for Member for Ipswich West, Wendy Bourne, it is a priority.
Ms Bourne has written to and met with the Ipswich City Council addressing the condition of the Rosewood swimming pool and its closure during the cooler months in sharp contrast to other aquatic facilities in the city.
She has lobbied the council and the state government about the inadequacy of the facilities at the Thagoona football fields and called for an upgrade to both the plumbing and the changerooms at the popular sports venue.
And Ms Bourne has taken a long term, determined approach to raising the awareness of the need with both levels of government by walking the streets to gain signatures on petitions calling for the upgrades.
Undeterred by the responses she has received to date, Ms Bourne, says the petitions, the letters, the meetings, the determined advocacy … “stem directly from residents asking for help to have their voices heard”.
“I’ve been advocating for these upgrades since the issues were raised and continue to write to both council and state government,” Ms Bourne told the Moreton Border News this week.
“These petitions are another way to amplify community voices.”
In early April this year, Ms Bourne wrote to the council
the season on the day before the school holidays began.
“For our local pool not to be open during school holidays because it doesn’t have adequate heating to stay open later, or all year round, is extremely disappointing for all those people who would wish to continue keeping up with their health and exercise, and for all those parents who might be looking for an activity for their children during school holidays,” Ms Bourne wrote in the letter to Mayor Teresa Harding.
“I believe having modern and accessible facilities is crucial to driving greater participation and contributing to the overall well-being of our community.
“As you know, the area is growing so incredibly fast, and I think the people of Rosewood and surrounding areas should have a pool that adequately meets the needs of this growing community.
“They should be able to enjoy the pool all-year round. Having adequate heating would definitely boost patronage at the pool.”
Ms Bourne cited passages from council’s Aquatic Facilities Action Plan of 2022 including: “The existing Rosewood Aquatic Centre is at the end of its useful life. It is recommended a new local level facility be established in the Western region (Rosewood SA2). Capital cost estimates indicate this facility would cost between $5.0m and $7.5m at current prices’.”
And one of the report’s key findings: “Council should start planning as soon as possible for [the pool] replacement if Rosewood requires an aquatic centre … If council wishes to continue using the pools for a few years while a new facility is planned and built, then some maintenance would need to be carried out on the pools and their water treatment plants to improve pool water quality which is currently, in their opinion, unacceptable [estimated cost $78,000].”
Ms Bourne also reminded Cr Harding that in a council press announcement following the adoption of the action plan in 2022, a statement was made that … “$430,000 had been allocated in council’s 2022-2025 Capital Works Program for the necessary early planning and design work needed to progress the Rosewood Aquatic Centre upgrade with the construction, and other projects in the plan to be considered as part of future budget processes.”
This week, Ms Bourne told the Moreton Border News that the petitions would remain open for signatures into the future to underpin the continuing call for upgrades to local sports facilities.
“Ipswich is a key sporting hub, and it’s unacceptable that our athletes lack access to proper facilities,” she said.
“Better infrastructure benefits everyone, not just sporting clubs, but the whole community.”
Copies of the petitions are available at Ms Bourne’s electorate office, on her website, and via her social media pages.
Member for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne has been walking the streets and talking with business people and residents about signing the petitions calling for upgrades to local sports facilities.
Get Ready Queensland Week: a call to action disaster preparations
IPSWICH region residents are being encouraged to prepare their properties, and themselves, for the “disaster season”.
Ipswich City Council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden said Get Ready Queensland Week from October 6 to 12 was the ideal time to prepare for extreme and severe weather events.
“The onset and aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March this year was a challenging time for our city and highlights the need to expect the unexpected,” he said.
“Get Ready Queensland Week serves as a call to action for our residents to prepare for extreme weather and disasters, including storms, flooding and bushfires.
“The time to act is now. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take key steps to ensure you and your loved ones are as safe as possible.
“We are calling on residents to act on three key priorities: understanding your
risk, making an emergency plan and packing an emergency kit.
“Understanding your risk is about doing the groundwork to determine to what extent your home and neighbourhood may be impacted by natural disasters – and what to do to keep your
family and home safe. This is particularly important for new residents.
“Your emergency plan outlines when to evacuate your home and what to do in this situation, including what to pack, where to go and what to do with pets.
“An emergency kit should
include items such as water, baby supplies if required, non-perishable food, medication, essential toiletries and important documents.”
He reminded residents of the Council’s disaster dashboard as the source of up-todate information during a disaster.
Flood action plans put focus on high risk areas
FLOOD action plans have been developed for Grandchester, Brassall, Bundamba, Gailes, Goodna, Karalee and North Booval and it’s time to have your say.
“These communities in the seven Ipswich suburbs with high flood risk will be better prepared with the development of community action plans,” said Council’s Environment and Sustainability Chairperson Cr Jim Madden.
“People who live, work or have a connection to any of the seven priority suburbs are encouraged to have input to the plans with a short survey live now on the Shape your Ipswich website.”
Cr Madden said the suburbs were identified through detailed analysis and modelling in the Ipswich Integrated Catchment Plan as high-risk through both flood and community factors.
“Each of the suburbs has a
unique character, with different flood risks and has experienced varied impacts from past floods.
“There is a need for an informed and localised plan for each of these suburbs.
“These plans will empower community members to have a greater awareness of the flood risks in their local area, increased understanding of information during a flood event and locally relevant actions that can be
taken before, during and after a flood event.”
Cr Madden said flooding was a reality of life for Ipswich, and part of the natural cycle of both the Bremer and Brisbane rivers.
“When flooding happens, it is important that our community is ready.
“This means people are aware of their local flood risk and are empowered to take actions to help their family and community.”
‘It’s back!’ Rosewood native plant sale
THE Rosewood Native Plant Sale and Enviro Day should be marked on every gardener’s calendar.
But wait! The day’s entertainments, interactive displays and demonstrations offer something for everyone.
Perennial organiser of the Native Plants Queensland Ipswich Branch event, Heather Knowles, almost ran out of breath when listing the day’s many offerings.
To call the event ‘popular’ is an understatement as it has earned such a must-do reputation that some of the visitors could be described as perennial, too.
New to the 2025 event on Saturday, October 25, is a stall selling grafted grevilleas –you’ll find it among the myriad native plant stalls selling plants ranging from cycads to bottlebrushes and wattles.
Other new stalls will include KellieBee natural beeswax products and Native Oz Bushfood products.
“That’s just a few of the many stalls that will be inside
the cultural centre hall in the Rosewood Showgrounds,” says Heather. “We’ll be making use of the verandah as well which is where you’ll find the Rosewood Community Garden info stand.”
One of the perennial favourites - the ‘ask the expert’ stand - will again be set up by the Native Plant Society.
“You can bring a branch from your garden to ask them to identify the plant or ask for advice on the best way to grow the plants you’ve purchased,” says Heather.
And a crowd favourite from 2024, Wildcall Wildlife shows and demonstrations have been booked.
“We were fortunate this year to get a grant from the Ipswich City Council through the Community Event funding program which assisted in paying for the table hire and the Wildcall Wildlife shows,” Heather said.
Bat Rescue, Birds Queensland, West Moreton Landcare, the Ipswich Koala Protection Society, the Wilderness Society and the coun-
To call the event ‘popular’ is an understatement as it has earned such a must-do reputation that some of the visitors could be described as perennial, too.
cil’s Bushcare and Waste Management sections will be among the organisations with info stands at the event.
“Mayor Teresa Harding will welcome the visitors and Cr Jim Madden will be there with his mobile office all day,” Heather said.
The Rosewood Community Centre will be catering and a coffee van and an icecream van have been booked.
The gates open at 9am, close at 3pm – entry is free and Eftpos is available.
$3.5M upgrade announcement for Queensland rail trails
THE Brisbane Valley Rail Trail will be one of the four regional trails to undergo an upgrade as the result of a $3.5 million State Government allocation.
A total of $1.6 million is the amount set aside for the upgrade of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) through the Department of Main Road’s Rail Trail Program.
Other rail trails that will be refurbished as part of the program are Pioneer Valley Rail Trail with $75,000, Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail with $1.6 million and Bundaberg to Gin Gin Rail Trail with $147,000.
The first section of the Brisbane Valley rail line from the Brisbane Valley Junction (now called Wulkuraka) to its terminus, opened at Lowood in 1884.
A second section of the branch line from Lowood to Esk opened in 1886.
In 1913, the final section to
Yarraman was completed, with the branch line running until its closure 76 years later, in 1989.
Removal of the rail line started in 1993.
Many old station buildings were removed, used on other lines, or sold off.
The only ones to remain within their districts were Yarraman, Linville, Toogoolawah, Esk, Coominya and Lowood.
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Friends of the BVRT President, and Transport and Main Roads BVRT Steering Committee Member Tanya Smith told the Moreton Border News reporter Rob Mellett in 2022 that the rail trail was fast becoming a tourist mecca, with users injecting swathes of money into the local economy of once dying rural towns.
“The amount of rail trailspecific provision of accommodation and general B’n’B listings throughout the Somerset, South Burnett, and Toowoomba regions has
grown substantially since the completion of the BVRT in 2018,” Ms Smith said.
“It truly is coming into its own and is a role model for other rail trails currently being developed within Queensland and interstate.”
The latest funding allocation to upgrade the BVRT come as part of the State Government’s Destination 2045 strategy to grow Queensland’s ecotourism potential and drive regional development.
“Enhancing the trails helps to grow bicycle tourism and provides more ways for people to connect with the natural environment,” said Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg.
“Cycling tourism is growing rapidly, and rail trails play a vital role in supporting the economies of regional towns.
“This investment helps revitalise disused infrastructure, connect people with nature, and create new opportunities for communities to grow and prosper.”
LOCAL
At 161km long, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is the longest rail trail in Australia and its popularity continues on an upward curve. Photo: Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycling (BVRT Users Assoc).
All the trademarks of a top country festival
ALL the hallmarks of a highly successful street festival will again be in place for Kalbar Country Day 2025.
While there’s an essence of deja vu in the huge line up of attractions, all aspects of the main event are reviewed annually to make sure it’s fresh and exciting, every year.
Artfully designed haybale sculptures with quirky ‘hay you’ messages are appearing along the district roadsides and beyond and every year the entries seem to push the imagination envelope.
Fassifern Lions Club members, the hosts of the street festival, have begun the brain teasing decisions of how and where to place the anticipated 150 stalls along the streets.
“We’ve focussed a lot on country lifestyle type stalls,” said another of the lead organisers, Joy Young.
“All the really popular stalls will be at Country Day again but there’s a bigger emphasis on ‘country; we even have one called ‘Everything Chicken’.”
Back by popular demand, bus tours of some of those highly imaginative haybale sculptures are being run by
the School of Arts committee.
Turning back to the main event, Don says one, if not the only, carrot throwing competition in the country, will be ‘back with bells on’.
• Bush Poets and Breakfast from 7.00am (Breakfastisagoldcoindonation)
• HUGE MARKETS
• Family entertainment all day
• Mega Multi-Draw Raffle
• Arts and Crafts • Homemade Goodies
• Country games and displays
• Delicious country fare
• Hay Sculpture Competition
• Rides • Hay Scramble
• Carrot Throwing Comp
• Musical Entertainment by local bands
• Vintage displays + much, much more
The Kalfresh sponsored competition is a winner all round.
“We have an under 15 section and an open section. You throw a carrot for a chance to win the prize money and a trophy,” he said.
At its core, Kalbar Country Day is about two things.
“It is all about family … families having fun together and getting to know other families,” Don said.
“Also, it’s about raising funds for charities and Lions Club projects around the community.”
Keeping the day family friendly, entry is free and $5 buys a wristband for the kids, which means they can have fun on the rides as often as they like – this year there will be a jumping castle, a cup and saucer ride and a boat ride.
Tickets are already on sale in the monster multi-draw raffle.
“You don’t have to be there for the draw,” says Joy. “It’s usually drawn between 1.30 and 2.00pm but you do have to put your phone number on any ticket you buy.”
The Deju Vu Band will be the live entertainment under the big tent in the Salvation Army yard as well as the Boonah Town Band and just up the street, in the churchyard of the Fassifern Christian Church, there’s more live entertainment.
“Fresh from their win at the Ipswich Battle of the Bands, the Boonah High School Rock Band will be there with their opening act, the Kalbar Primary School Rock Band.”
The Bush Poet’s breakfast begins at 7.00am and signals the start of everything on the day.
The Lions Club will be making their famous bacon and egg burgers and if you’re one of the early birds, you’ll be able to secure one of the 350 breakfast treats for the price of a gold coin donation.
After breakfast, the Bush Poets will wander down Railway Street and take up their spot between the stalls and what’s expected to be a big display of vintage tractors and cars.
The people mover train will be running all day picking up people, and dropping them back, to their cars parked in the showgrounds.
• Kalbar Country Day is on Saturday, October 18.
An entry in the hay sculpture competition outside the Kalbar Post Office – Gum’hay’ Ball machine. Photo: LYLE RADFORD
Rescue drama scenarios played out in SES teams comp
by WENDY CREIGHTON
IT was ‘game on’ for the teams from Ipswich, Logan and the Gold Coast competing in the SES South East Disaster Rescue competition, recently.
A win would mean the team would have the honour of representing the South East Region in the state championships with the nationals as the ultimate target.
The event was hosted by the Scenic Rim SES who provided the ‘casualties, the lost and the injured’ and caterers for the Sunday event.
One of the Scenic Rim SES members, Graham Stumer, said the set up for the four ‘disaster and rescue’ scenarios was done on the day and overseen by the staff from the South East Region headquarters,
The four scenarios were a map and navigation exercise in a local park, a search and rescue with a forensic search in a machinery yard, storm damage repairs at the Boonah
a valuable training exercise,
An example of the level of difficulty involved was the mass casualty exercise at
the Boonah showgrounds.
“It was set up under the main pavilion,” Graham said.
“It was a night time rescue of six injured people. Everything was blacked out and a maze was set up.
“They had to find the casualties, give immediate support and carry them out.”
Each team was kept separate from the other teams and each team undertook all the four exercises throughout the day.
“It all had to be done precisely and the judges provided by headquarters point scored each team, in each situation.”
The overall win went to the team from the Gold Coast.
“They scored 583 points, while Logan came second with 553 points and Ipswich came third with 521 points,” Graham reported.
There were eight members in each of the four teams, 12 staff from South East Region and 38 Scenic Rim SES and other volunteers involved in the exercise.
Andrew, an Ipswich SES member from Rosewood walks the site in search of the ‘injured’ person. Photos: LYLE RADFORD
Kylie an Ipswich SES team member from Rosewood begins her assessment of the injured woman.
The injured man is found in the bucket of the machine with electrical burn injuries to both hands making it impossible for him to climb out. Andrew from Ipswich SES is on hand to keep him calm while other members of the team plan the best way to lift him out.
Mission possible, RAAF opens base to firies
IN TIMES of disaster emergencies, the Qld Fire Department will now be able to deploy from RAAF base at Amberley.
To make this possible, the Department and the RAAF joined forces to certify the QFD Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART).
Every year the RAAF have simulated Queensland Fire Department activity where real-world humanitarian missions are deployed from a Defence embarkation point.
The activity is supported by 23 Squadron Air Movements Section.
Air Movements Section lead Sergeant Jacquelyn Nelson said the exercise highlighted the importance of familiarisation and shared practices among key response agencies.
“It is always an honour to provide assistance and support to DART in their training,” Sgt Nelson said.
“We come together in sometimes tough and highpressure circumstances and
Joint preparation exercises ensure the military and civilian responders are ready to work together in times of need during a disaster.
this training opportunity ensures that when both Air Movements and the Disaster Assistance Response Team are called forward for a disaster or humanitarian relief operation. We work together flawlessly, safely and meet our objectives.”
Disaster Assistance Response Team member Superintendent Graeme Hall said working with teams from the
RAAF meant being able to hit the ground running whenever they were needed.
The RAAF and QFD work together in support of disaster relief, humanitarian assistance missions and regional emergency responses across Queensland.
Joint preparation exercises ensure the military and civilian responders are ready to work together in times of need.
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Small subdivision proposed at Walloon
A diagram showing the subdivision layout proposed for the Anthonys Road frontage of the property at Walloon.
A PLAN to excise two rural residential lots off a much larger property on Anthonys Road at Walloon has been proposed to the Ipswich City Council by the landowners.
submitted a Structure Plan to illustrate that the proposal would not … “compromise or prejudice the ultimate urban intent of the land”.
The 8.35ha property at 44 Anthonys Road falls within the area designated for low density, large lot residential development under Council’s Growth Management Plan.
After seeking advice from Council prior to lodging the application for a development permit for the 1-into-3 subdivision, the landowners also
However, the current application deals only with the excising of two blocks with access off Anthonys Road and neighbouring the existing homesite. The new blocks are proposed to be in the vicinity of 4,000sqm and 4,041sqm.
The application is currently being assessed by the Council planners.
Queensland Fire Department’s Disaster Assistance Response Team can use the RAAF Base at Amberley to gather and deploy when disaster strikes.
PROPERTY
TOFT STREET
• 5 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• 3,007sqm block
• Sold for $1,330,001
A new home in the Marburg Hills Estate the floorplan offers generous proportions throughout, with several living zones. The kitchen has a butler’s pantry, stone benchtops and seamless flow into the living and dining areas. Large windows frame rural views. The home has a private master retreat, a dedicated theatre room, and a large alfresco area. There are two powder rooms and ducted airconditioning.
The property last sold in 2023 for $420,000.
MARY CRESCENT
• 4 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• 465sqm block
• Sold for $740,000
A home in the Rosewood Green estate which was built in 2020. The master suite and the other bedrooms have built in robes, the living - dining area is air conditioned and has a patio with a ceiling fan.
The property last sold in 2019 for $135,000.
ROSEWOOD
MARBURG
BIRRU PLACE
• 4 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• 794sqm block
• Sold for $783,000
A home with multiple living zones including a large open-plan living and dining area, a separate lounge and a modern kitchen, complete with a walk-in pantry. The covered alfresco area overlooks well maintained gardens and a private backyard. The layout includes a well-positioned family bathroom with separate toilet, laundry with external access, and a double lock-up garage with internal entry. There’s room for off street parking and side access.
The property last sold in 2008 for $147,500.
WALLOON
RAMBLINGS
Steam train journey to Bodiam Castle
EXPLORE WITH ME
Explore the United Kingdom with me.
Over the next four weeks I will show you around and tell you how to get the most out of your time in the UK.
by LARA HART
A RIDE on a steam train through the Kent countryside in the north east corner of England is an experience on its own but this one goes further and transports its passengers back to the 14th century.
Our destination is Bodiam Castle, a moated piece of British history that is in excellent condition for its age.
But first we had a train to catch and that starts on the platform at Tenterden Town station.
The itinerary was for a 10.20am steam train to Bodiam Castle, a journey of around 45 minutes.
Along for the ride was my father Hank, sister Wendy, toddler niece and golden retrievers named Lola and Kyuss.
My sister was bang on time while we arrived a good 20 minutes prior to departure.
She breezed onto the platform clutching dog leads, a coffee cup and her toddler’s hand.
My niece was holding a small round plastic container.
‘My pickapilla, mine!’ she tells us, then opens the lid and inside it are two small green caterpillars.
‘It’s easier to just roll with it when you’re in a rush’ Wendy said rolling her eyes.
Bringing dogs along when going out seems to be the norm in the UK.
Lola and Kyuss joined us for dinner, during shopping trips and now they were sitting opposite us on a steam train.
Two carriages are set aside for people with pets.
“Let me see your bugs,” I asked my niece, she lifts the lid, one is wriggling but the other is still.
“Is your pikapilla ok?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“It’s sleeping, shush,” she says.
I don’t think it was sleeping.
The steam train experience was made better by the efforts of rail staff who dressed up and played the part of 1800’s railway men.
Our daughter was invited into the engine room where she shovelled coal into the furnace that boils water to make the steam.
The carriages are as they were in the 1800scomfortable cushioned seats with a table between them.
There was a canteen, and 45 minutes was enough time to watch the Kent countryside go by while sipping on tea and eating scones.
We pass stations at the towns of Rolvenden, Wittersham Road, Northiam and finally arrive at Bodiam.
It’s a short walk to the castle and before you realise it you are crossing the bridge across the moat.
Bodiam Castle is a two ‘paw print’ rated place on the Uk’s National Trust Website.
Lola and Kyuss are welcome because two paw
prints means there are water bowls, dog bins and dog friendly walks.
But they aren’t allowed into the castle and so we take turns being outside with them.
The toddler’s ‘pikapillers’ get a pass.
Bodiam Castle was built by Sir Edward Dallingridge.
It was designed to be a home secure against marauders while impressing visitors.
Sir Edward was an experienced soldier and warrior knight who had fought against the French.
He was well aware of the threat of invasion and revolt.
While ruined, the castle is in surprisingly good condition for its age.
The moat, a common defence tactic, put distance between the enemy and those living inside its walls.
Defence also came in the form of weapons like swords, axes and English longbows.
There is a display near the castle’s entryway manned by two ‘knights’ and showing off replica suits of armour, chainmail and weapons.
“Feel how heavy this one is,” one says to me.
He’s holding a chainmail
headpiece made from hundreds of metal loops.
The headpiece, called a mail coif, is worn during battle and practise sessions.
It’s heavy, really heavy … around four kilograms, and considering other heavy metal accessories are worn at the same time, rather impressive.
“How do they wear all of this and have the strength to fight?” I ask.
He tells me boys were made to wear the chainmail headpiece from the age of 12. They trained to become accustomed to the weight and to be able to fight while wearing it.
The coat of arms belonging to Sir Edward is a helmet with a unicorn.
He wore a helmet with this emblem on it when going into battle.
Some of the castle’s defences are gun loops for hand held canons.
Guarding the entry point was important and a drawbridge was essential.
Bodiam Castle originally had three strong, heavy grates that could be lowered down on either side of a gateway to block it.
Continued page 12
Bodiam Castle is an impressive piece of 14th century architecture.
RAMBLINGS
Steam train journey to Bodiam Castle
Continued from page 11
The parapet above the entrance would have concealed archers and the vaulted ceiling hid a gruesome defence tactic.
There are ring bosses or murder holes through which missiles can be dropped on attackers.
Tight and narrow stone spiral staircases lead to the top of the towers.
Space inside the castle walls was meticulously planned and food gardens were essential and a way for its residents to be self-sufficient.
Fireplaces were used for cooking and heating, and the kitchen housed bread and pastry ovens.
How you lived depended on your class, the high end of the hall leads to the main private apartments.
They were built with comfort in mind and set across two floors.
Again, meticulously planned, east facing windows captured the morning light and fireplaces provided added warmth.
Sir Edward and Lady Elizabeth sat in a space above the chapel called an oratory, believing the higher they were, the closer they were to God.
I found myself wondering what class I’d be had I lived in those times.
Would I be a lady with a handmaid or the person tasked with cleaning up after the gentry?
Our time is up sooner than I’d have liked and we leave the castle to catch the steam train home.
Dogs weary and one ‘pikapilla’ still fast asleep, we returned to Tenterden Town.
Bodiam Castle is steeped in history and a photographer’s dream but I’m content with electricity and grocery shops.
Visiting the past is a blast but it makes you appreciate modern convenience.
Bodiam Castle walls have stood firm above the moat. Displays in the interior offer a window into the history of one of England's popular heritage
Photos: LARA HART.
My daughter Willow with a guide in chainmail inside Bodiam Castle. He said boys began wearing the heavy headgear from around age 12.
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Winter success to reflect on coming into new season
by DAVID LEMS
OPINION
AS we move from the busy winter sporting season into the summer months, it’s timely to thank the coaches, officials and players who served the region so well.
The Rosewood Roosters had a successful rugby league season with the vastly-improved senior team being competitive in C-Grade and the club’s Under-15 side making the Division 2 grand final.
An energetic new committee, led by president Jasmine Hassett, also hosted some successful junior tournaments for Rugby League Ipswich.
Jasmine’s husband Josh coached the under-15 side, having also assisted senior team head coach Sam Collins during their positive development.
The Roosters ‘family’ deserves praise for taking the club forward.
In soccer, the Rosewood United Crusaders also had a
Elated Rosewood United Roses under-12 soccer players embrace after sharing in their team’s 2-1 extra-time grand final victory over Beaudesert at
fantastic season with the Over-30 women’s grand final victory capping a number of fine junior performances.
That included the club’s under-12 team that won a thrilling extra-time decider at Thagoona.
Rosewood United club president Tammy Crawford
Under-12 Rosewood Roses coach James Lyons did a fine job encouraging his team.
In bowls, long-serving former Rosewood club president Terry Hobden continues to make a valuable contribution.
After years of service, Terry recently welcomed new president Kevin Hayden and treasurer David Aspden to work with current committee members including vicepresident Karen Kington and secretary Joanne Marshall.
Across town at the Rosewood Golf Club, a dedicated committee provides plenty of competition opportunities.
Photos: LYLE RADFORD
and her partner David Graham did an exceptional job installing fun and team spirit across the grades.
Over-30 head coach Kim Bennett also provided a lesson in dedication pursuing her boxing goals while bringing out the best in her women’s combination.
We’ll see more golf and bowls in coming months, especially as Rosewood golfers chase success in the annual Moreton District Golf Association pennants series.
The Rosewood Little Athletics Centre is launching a new season having returned to their Rosewood State High School base after a period training at Limestone Park.
I look forward to exploring other sporting opportunities as the weather warms up.
Thagoona.
Roosters’ under-15 footballers combine to run down their Norths Gold opponent in the recent Division 2 qualifying final.
Some fancy footwork was needed for the young Rosewood player to win the ball against her Beaudesert opponent.
Rosewood and Norths Gold players scramble for the ball at Anzac Park.
The chase is on to win the ball in the thrilling under-12 grand final that needed extra time for Rosewood to secure victory.
Marburg homecoming enhances Kelly’s success
by DAVID LEMS
AUSTRALIAN Country hockey representative Kelly McNamara missed the Marburg lifestyle so much she had to move back.
Kelly, 25, was recently chosen in the national team preparing to tour Malaysia next year.
She was selected in her first Australian side after sharing in Queensland’s national title success at Rockhampton in August.
“I’m quite excited to play international hockey, playing different teams and I think the Malaysian competition is fairly competitive so it will be a good challenge for us,” Kelly said.
Queensland Country beat arch-rivals NSW 1-0 in the national championship grand final.
“I was pretty happy with how I played in Rockhampton,” Kelly said.
“I’ve trained fairly hard for the tournament.”
Representing Australia for the first time, Kelly will play matches in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang in April.
Kelly grew up in Marburg, leaving the town aged 18 to pursue her higher level studies.
But after stints living in Brisbane, the digital marketing manager was keen to return where her parents Louise and Paul still live.
“I love Marburg,” the sporting all-rounder said.
“It’s a small country town. Everyone knows everyone.
“It’s definitely my home.
“I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends in the area so it was good to move back to a lot of peace and quiet.”
Being so busy at work, Kelly said time spent in Marburg allowed her to find a good life balance.
Before focusing on hockey, Kelly represented the Ipswich and District Athletics Club in steeplechase, 3km and 1500m events and made Queensland teams for running and cross country.
The former St Brigid’s Primary School student also coached at the Rosewood Little Athletics Centre.
In hockey, she started mak-
ing state teams from the age of 12.
She made her top grade debut aged 14, having been with Hancocks her whole career in the Ipswich competition.
Kelly recently shared in Hancock Brothers’ latest 1-0 Division 1 grand final victory over Wests at the Ipswich Hockey Complex.
“That was the best feeling
in the world,” Kelly said.
“It was really good to come back this season and get the win. Last year, we lost in the grand final.”
Making her first Australian Country team was just reward for Kelly’s commitment to the sport and extra training.
“I thought I was past my prime,” she said.
“But the last 12 months,
I’ve been doing a lot of running and getting quite fit. That has really helped my hockey.”
She said her background in athletics had “definitely” helped her hockey.
“Coming up to big tournaments and things like that, it’s really helped me prepare my body for the tournaments because you’re playing a game a day and so you don’t get a lot of recovery time,” she said.
Kelly’s younger sister Rachael, who plays Reserve Grade for Hancocks, has become a training partner, going for regular 25-30km runs on weekends around their hockey commitments.
The sisters competed in this year’s Charlevoix Marathon in Michigan during an American holiday in June and July.
Kelly and Rachael were joined at that marathon by their older brother Connor, who now lives in the United States having also excelled in cross country events and who enjoyed soccer.
Kelly also contested last year’s Noosa and Sunshine Coast half marathons “for fun”.
“I enjoy the training process.”
Marburg sporting all-rounder Kelly McNamara (third from left) joined Connor O’Leary and her siblings Rachael and Connor at this year’s Charlevoix Marathon in the United States.
Grand final-winning Hancocks defender Kelly McNamara (left) had a successful hockey season, culminating in national selection. Photo: LYLE RADFORD
