Moreton Border News - 24th April 2026

Moreton BorderNews

THROUGH the streets of Rosewood, a team of Clydesdale horse pulls a carriage at a steady pace. It’s a simple scene, but it reflects how

The carriage and horses belong to Drayhorse Shires in Ebenezer. The company was owned by Gavin and Nara Stevens from Maroon and it recently changed hands.

Marie Kirkby framed ahead of Anzac Day

By JESSE HAMILTON

THE RSL’s oldest veteran, 105-year-old World War II nurse Marie Kirkby has been presented with newly framed medals and a record of her wartime service by the Gatton RSL Sub Branch.

Marie turned 105 in February. She was formally recognised at Regis Gatton, receiving a commemorative medallion for the 80th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War.

Sub Branch president Kevin Jacoby said the presentation highlighted Marie’s unique place within the veteran community.

“She signed up as a (RSL) member on the first week of

March,” he said.

“To my knowledge she is the oldest veteran currently signed up to the RSL, a sub branch, state, or nationally.

Marie is also expected to play a key role in tomorrow’s Gatton RSL Anzac Day march.

“At this stage, we’ve arranged for her to lead the parade this year. Russell Tattam from the Queensland Transport Museum is providing a jeep,” Mr Jacoby said.

Marie enlisted in August 1944.

Shehadnursedherfuturehusband before the pair later married, and they were discharged on the same day in November 1945.

THE adage ‘many hands make light work’ springs to mind when writing about a recent working bee at Mason’s Gully. There’s a quiet workforce at play that often goes unnoticed. Those who gave freely of their time to get on their knees, grubbing out and weeding the Gully don’t ask for praise. They do it because they care and it makes a difference.

Our cover shot by Lyle Radford captures the past and the future in one clean shot. Did you see the horse drawn carriage driven down the busy Rosewood streets?

Rosewood Family Fun Daywasabigsuccessasfamilies enjoyed a day out that didn’t hurt the hip pocket.

All this and more inside.

Happy reading

- Lara Hart

her service history displayed by Gatton RSL Sub Branch.

Heavy horses, Rosewood traffic

A well known name in the equine community has entered a new chapter, with Drayhorse Shires in the Scenic Rim, officially changing ownership and rebranding under a new identity, Sovereign Shires.

Drayhorse Shires is now in the hands of its new owners, Casey Armstrong and her partner Michael.

While the transition marks the endofaneraforDrayhorseShires, its former owners Gavin and Nara Stevens remain in the heavy horse industry under a new name Sovereign Shires.

The Stevens are based at Maroon and will continue to focus on quality breeding, care, and promotion of the iconic Shire horse, a breed celebrated for its size, strength, and gentle temperament.

While ownership has changed hands, continuity remains a key priority.

For many in the community,

Casey and Michael Armstrong from Drayhorse Shires drive their carriage through Rosewood. (Lyle Radford: 547863)

thechangerepresentsbothnostalgia and optimism.

Drayhorse Shires has a new

home in Ebenezer, and Sovereign Shires steps forward and shapes the next phase of the business.

Sign up

By LARA HART

THERE is still time to get involved with Dolly’s Dream and join the push to spread kindness and awareness across SEQ. Do it for Dolly day is 8 May. Dolly Everett was 14-years-old when she took her own life after an extended period of bullying in 2018.

What happened shocked Australia and started a conversation about the devastating impact of bullying.

Her parents Kate and Tick founded Dolly’s Dream to act as a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.Today Dolly’s Dream is about promoting kindness and providing support for young people and families.

Visit www.Dollysdream. org.au

Trees aside, it’s a green churchyard future

THE removal of trees bordering the grounds of St Brigid’s Catholic Church has raised concerns in the Rosewood community.

But it is all part of the process involved in moving and restoring the heritage listed building, says Parish Advancement Manager Benjamin Leschke.

He advised the Moreton Border News this week that the removal of the trees was part of the wider repair and heritage works on the grounds.

“The trees along Matthew Street and Railway Street unfortunately needed to be removed due to their size, ongoing management challenges and the safety risks associated with the dropping of large limbs,” Mr Leschke said.

“The project also includes a heritage management plan that requires the church facade to remain clearly visible and unencumbered, allowing the church to be appreciated by the wider community.”

Mr Leschke said it was

important to note that the future greening of the site was also part of the project.

“Trees will be replanted along both Matthew Street and Railway Street.

“[We] acknowledge that there will be a short period where vegetation is not yet established.

“We appreciate people’s patience during this interim stage and are mindful of the impact this has on pedestrians and neighbours.”

Mr Leschke said the decision to remove the trees was not taken lightly.

“We value the ongoing

conversation with the community.

“And we are grateful for the community’s care for this place and for Rosewood’s heritage, and we will continue to do our best to balance safety, heritage obligations and the long term amenity of the site.”

Mason’s Gully benefits, worker bees move in

By LARA HART

VOLUNTEERS got on their hands and knees to pull out weeds andclearscrubfromMason’sGully in Rosewood.

Chris and Des Rinehart are nature lovers who work hard to keep the gully a productive environment where native vegetation can thrive.

Last year 200 riparian tube stock plants were planted along the edge of the gully and to the

rear of a large silky oak tree plot.

“We are mainly just maintaining those plantings,” Chris said.

The couple are not alone in theirendeavours,therearearound six locals who pitch up to work alongside them.

This latest working bee was about removing weeds and keeping the area clean and tidy.

More hands are always needed and the community is invited to a planting day on 16 May.

MONDAY - PUB CLASSICS $20 – 200g Rump, Chicken Schnitty or Grilled Barra, all served with chips and salad (Dinner only)

TUESDAY - TWO FOR ONE – Purchase two mains off our selected menu and receive the lesser value meal for free (Dinner only)

WEDNESDAY - PARMY PARTY $20 – Your choice of 6 different Parmy’s served with chips and salad. (Dinner only)

THURSDAY – BLACK ANGUS $20 – 250g Black Angus rump served with chips, salad and sauce. (Dinner only)

FRIDAY/SATURDAY/SUNDAY – ALL DAY DINING LUNCHES FROM $15 MONDAY-FRIDAY LUNCHES FROM MONDAY-FRIDAY

We’re

Wanding cops test 6000 and detect knives

IPSWICH Police are ramping up efforts to curb knife crime across the region, with more than 6000 people scanned under Jack’s Law to date.

Jack’s Law, made permanent in 2025, was introduced in response to the tragic stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in 2019.

It allows police to utilise handheld metal detecting wands in designated public areas, intervening before a situation escalates and ensuring dangerous weapons are removed from the streets.

From 18 July 2025 to 17 April this year, Ipswich police scanned 6204 people, seizing 74 weapons.

Ipswich Acting Superintendent Ben Mackenzie said police will continue conducting wanding operations as part of ongoing efforts to detect and remove knives from people who may be carrying them unlawfully.

“Knife violence has devastating consequences that extend far beyond those directly involved,

leaving family, friends and entire communities dealing with the aftermath,” Acting Superintendent Ben Mackenzie said.

Earlier this month, police scanned a 17-year-old Ipswich boyand17-year-oldSilkstoneboy at a shopping centre in Redbank Plains, allegedly locating three knives. Both teens were charged with one count of possession of a knife in a public place and faced Ipswich Children’s Court.

Police also scanned a 28-yearold Camira man at a Goodna train station, allegedly locating a knife. He was charged with one count of possession of a knife in a public place and is due to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court next Thursday, 30 April.

The scans have been conducted at a range of locations including public transport hubs, entertainment precincts, shopping centres and community events

Police scanned two 17-year-old boys at a shopping centre in Redbank Plains allegedly locating three knives. (QPS: 548225)

Acting Superintendent Ben Mackenzie said these proactive patrols give police the ability to identify people carrying knives and remove those weapons before they can be used to cause harm.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe when they are out in public and initiatives like Jack’s Law play a crucial role in preventing violence and protecting our community,” he said.

Community Catch Up

Friday 1 May | 8.00 am – 10.00 am

Chapters Bookshop, Cafe and Wine Bar, Karalee Shopping Village, Junction Road, Karalee

Wednesday 6 May | 9.00 am – 11.00 am

Walloon CWA Hall, 534 Karrabin Rosewood Road, Walloon

Join us at the RADSc Walloon Community Pop Up Hub

Monday 11 May | 9.00 am – 11.00 am Rosewood Library, Event Space, Level 1, 15 Railway Street, Rosewood

Wednesday 13 May | 9.00 am – 11.00 am

Marburg Community Centre, 110 Queen Street, Marburg

Join us at the RADSc Marburg Community Pop Up Hub

Wednesday 20 May 9.00 am – 11.00 am Yamanto Coffee Club, Yamanto Central Shopping Centre, 488 Warwick Road, Yamanto

Wednesday 27 May 9.00 am – 11.00 am Funkibuds Cafe (near Aldi), Brassall Shopping Centre, 68 Hunter Street, Brassall

Upgrading Marburg SES training facilities

•50c fares made permanent

•Delivering grandstands at Ipswich Musketeers Baseball Club

•Upgrading facilities at Norths Tigers Rugby League Club

•Upgrading Rosewood Showgrounds with new lighting

•Delivering a new grandstand for Ipswich State High School

Delivering for Queensland

Find out what else we’re delivering for you.

As well as upgrading Marburg SES training facilities, here are some of the ways the new Queensland Government is delivering for Ipswich:

•Delivering more homes for vulnerable women with The Lady Musgrave Trust

•Installing a new playground and shade sails at Ipswich North State School

•Delivering a second Ipswich Central river crossing

•Delivering more classrooms for Haigslea State School.

Anglican acres host a Rosewood day of fun

A beautiful sunny morning in Rosewood set the scene for the Rosewood Family Fun Day, a free school-holiday event aimed at local families.

Held from 9am to 12pm in the welcoming grounds of the Rosewood Anglican Parish, the event was staged at no cost thanks to the generous sponsorship of Bendigo Bank and the dedication of RADSc staff and volunteers.

The Family Fun Day was part of RADSc’s commitment to free, family-focused activities at school holiday time. “We create these mornings because families deserve somewhere joyful, affordable and welcoming to go during the school break,” said Tia Lancaster, RADSc Community Project Worker and event organiser. “These events give children a morning of fun and give parents a place where they can relax, connect and not worry about the cost. With the financial pressures families are facing right now, the need for events like this has never been greater.”

The Rosewood Community Centre ensured no one went hungry with a free sausage sizzle run by the Anglican church.

Children cooled off under sprinklers and the fire hose. A major highlight for many children was the chance to experiencetheRosewoodFire&Rescue fire truck up close. Kids were invited to take a turn using the fire hose, while keen young fire-truck enthusiasts climbed aboard to sit in the driver’s seat and explore the truck’s equipment.

Organisers thanked local

emergency services. “We are incredibly grateful to the Fire Department and Community Policing volunteers for giving their time so generously,” Lancaster said.

The Community Policing Volunteers were a hit with children, especially with the appearance of Cluedo the dog, who made plenty of new friends. Onsite a

friendly dinosaur also made an appearance. The dinosaur offered a light-hearted teaser for the next school-holiday event — Rosewood Family Fun Day: Dino Encounters, coming to Rosewood on 9 July.

Ms Lancaster emphasised the importance partnerships that make these events possible. “These grounds are a beautiful

place to bring the community together, and we’re deeply thankful to the Anglican Parish for welcoming us here each school holidays.”

At a time when many families were dealing with financial pressure, the Rosewood Family Fun Day was a reminder that no one in Rosewood has to face challenges alone.

Doll Fair attracts the Kens and the Barbies

By BYRON PESZKO

IPSWICH Civic Centre hosted the annual Ipswich Gala Doll Fair on Sunday, with the auditorium transformed with stalls for the big occasion.

IGDF Organiser Val Metcalfe, who has been running doll shows for 38 years, said it was a day enjoyed by all.

“We had 65 vendors here today and hundreds of people walking through the doors,” Ms Metcalfe said.

Featuring antique dolls from 1888, up to life-like baby dolls of today, prices ranged from a few dollars to $4000.

Ms Metcalfe said one vendor completely sold out.

“They came up to me and said, ‘Val, we won’t be coming back. Someone bought every doll off our table’,” she laughed.

Ms Metcalfe said buyers were spoilt for choice.

“Bears, prams, cots, crafts, collectables. Anything related to dolls, it’ll be here.

She said the event was one of the biggest shows in Queensland alone, attracting visitors from Hervey Bay, Bundaberg and even Ballina.

Her overseas interest continues to grow.

“We have one lady from New Zealand that comes for the occasion.

“She rings me and says, ‘What date is the show on?’”

“She plans her holidays around the doll shows.

Asked about the fascination around dolls at various age levels, Ms Metcalfe says it about going

back to one’s childhood.

“I’ve got my original doll here, and she will be 74 years old.

“I wasn’t a doll collector until I had twin girls.

“I bought one doll, so then I had to buy another doll.

“That’s how it began.

She said the Ipswich Gala Doll Fair was always popular.

“These events are an opportunity to catch up, have some lunch together and reminisce.

“It’s just a wonderful day,” Ms Metcalfe said.

Lara’s mum in a double-take to remember

By LARA HART

THERE comes a moment in life when you realise your brain has quietly started running on a slightly delayed connection.

Not broken, not gone… just buffering.

It starts innocently enough; you walk into a room and forget why.

Fair enough, you think, could happen to anyone.

You open the fridge, stare blankly at a carton of eggs like it’s a philosophical question, and close the door again.

Still normal ... probably.

But then it escalates, and you begin telling a story and halfway through someone interrupts with “You told us this yesterday.”

Did I?

No, that can’t be right, this is a fresh story, a debut and a premiere performance.

And yet, judging by the polite nods and the thousand yard stares around the room, it appears this is not opening night.

This is the third encore.

And that’s when it hits you ... you’ve become your parents.

The ones you used to roll your eyes at because once upon a time, it was your parents doing this.

They’d repeating stories like they were part of a touring theatre company.

And they’d call you by every name in the household before landing on yours like it was the final answer in a quiz show.

“Lara, no, Michael, no, Wendy ... Tracy? Oh you know who you are!”

And you’d stand there, arms folded, thinking, ‘how hard is it to remember your own children’s names?’

Turns out, quite hard.

Surprisingly complex, actually.

Now it’s your turn.

You look directly at your child, a person you named and confidently say… someone else’s name.

Not even close and sometimes

I inherited ‘same story syndrome’ from my darling mama and it’s given me insight into why we repeat stories as we grow older.

not even the same gender.

And occasionally the dog gets a run.

And the worst part? You double down.

“No, I meant you,” you say, pointing vaguely, as if identity is a flexible concept. “You know what I mean.”

They don’t, but they will.

My dear mama died a few months ago and she loved recounting stories.

Her eyes would light up and she became animated explaining something funny we did as kids, or something we overcame and her insight into that journey.

The story would start, and an immediate impatience would set in because we knew what she was about to say.

It felt like a waste of our time to spend 10 minutes listening to something we’d heard so often we could repeat it verbatim.

I’d give anything to go back in time just to hear her happy conversations and reflections on life.

A few years back I realised

that repetitive story syndrome happens as we get older because we revisit the good memories through retelling.

We also feel more confident when telling a story about something we learned and overcame.

I wish I’d learned that sooner because mama is gone now, and her repetitive stories are deeply missed.

That’s the thing no one tells you about getting older, you don’t just inherit your parents’ furniture or their old recipes.

You inherit their habits, their quirks and their slightly baffling ways of operating in the world.

You inherit the story repetition and the selective memory.

The mysterious ability to forget what you walked into a room for but recall in vivid detail a neighbour’s barbecue from 1988.

And somewhere along the way, something else shifts too and that’s patience.

The same patience your parents had when you corrected them, sighed dramatically, or

pointed out (for the third time) that yes, they had already told that story.

Back then, you thought they just weren’t listening.

Now you realise they were, they just didn’t mind.

Because when you get to this stage, you start to see the long game.

You understand that this isn’t the final act, it’s a relay.

One day, the people currently rolling their eyes at you will walk into a room and forget why.

They’ll start a story they’ve already told.

They’ll stand in a kitchen, cycling through names like they’re scrolling a contact list that won’t load.

And when that day comes, and it will, you won’t even need to say anything.

You’ll just sit there, quietly, with the faintest hint of a smile, thinking, ‘Ah, there it is’.

And maybe, just maybe, you’ll tell them a story about it.

Again.

Indons have fertiliser

A supply of 250,000 tonnes of additional agricultural grade urea has been found for primary producers in Indonesia.

Incitec Pivot Fertilisers and PT Pupuk Indonesia will deliver the urea (about 20 per cent of the fertiliser needed to support the current season) facilitated by the Australian and Indonesian Governments.

South East Queensland is home to hundreds of primary producers, many with generational ties to their land who are impacted by the war in Iran.

National Farmers Federation president Hamish McIntyre welcomed the news as farmers head into the winter growing season.

“It’s a clear demonstration of how important our international trading relationships are, with Indonesia stepping up at the right time,” he said.

I, Isaac COLLIHOLE, Superintendent of Tra ic, Marburg hereby give Notice that between 6am and 9am on Saturday 25th April 2026 the following streets will be closed for the purpose of an ANZAC day service and march: Queen Street, Marburg (between Marburg Quarry Rd to William St). Louisa St, Marburg (between Queen St to School St). Edmond St, Marburg (between Kennedy St to Moriaty Lane. Detours will be in place via the Warrego Highway.

Signed by Isaac COLLIHOE, A/SGT OIC, Marburg Superintendent of Tra ic MARBURG District 17 April 2026

I, Isaac COLLIHOE hereby give permission for this Notice to be advertised.

NOTE* This Notice is to be paid for by the person producing this notice for advertising. Not the Police Service.

“There is still more work to do and this only fills part of the gap because farmers are still facing tight supply and high costs.”

He said the NFF would continue to work with government to close the gap, not just on fertiliser but on fuel as well.

Sale

Estate of Roy Blumson

This SUNDAY 26th April at 9am 828 Mt Alford Rd, Mt Alford Workshop tools & equip, JCB bobcat, fert spreader, cement mixer suit bobcat, 5ft rotary hoe, 3pl backhoe attachment, 20ft container, large qnty steel & timber, building materials, 2000 Hino Ranger Truck with Macro Liner Horse Box, 1989 Mercedes Unimog U1250, 2001 Mercedes Benz ML55 wagon, 1955 Austin Champ soft top, large qnty Austin Champ parts, tri axle trailer, old stove, 1000L shuttles, gardening equip, collectables and much more

Full details & photos on website

Please contact William for bookings

Room to move on quiet Walloon property

SET on a 2,115sqm block in a quiet cul-de-sac, a well-maintained Walloon home sold this month for $1.01 million.

Inside, the four bedroom home has a large lounge and an open plan kitchen, dining and family zone.

The updated kitchen features modern finishes, lots of bench space and direct visibility to the alfresco area.

The layout offers good sized bedrooms, each with built-in robes, and a central bathroom, separate toilet and internal laundry.

And there’s low maintenance timber-look flooring throughout thehome.

The covered alfresco area spans the rear of the home and beyond that, the property boasts a suite of shedding and covered parking suited for caravans, boats, trailers, hobbies or homebased trades.

The property last sold in 2008 for $330,000.

Walloon farewells caring phlebotomist

By JESS LEIS

FRIDAY 17th April marked a reluctant milestone for Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology in Walloon, as long-serving phlebotomist Janelle Pitts completed her final day after 18 years serving the local community and 24 years with the organisation.

If you’ve never heard the term, you should know that as a phlebotamist, Janelle is a specialised medical professional who collects blood and other biological samples for testing and medical treatment.

At 2pm, community members Nadine and husband Leon Webster, along with Jonathan Miller from Foote’s Pharmacy, crossed the road to present Janelle with flowers, offering their personal thanks for nearly two decades of care, familiarity and steady reassurance provided to families across the district.

Nadine said the moment reflected what many in Walloon feel about Janelle’s presence in the community. “We called in and gave her some flowers to say thank you for all of her years of service.” she said.

The connection, she explained, stretched back many

years. “When we first moved here, my youngest was a toddler, and we’ve known Janelle for 18 years, and she’s seen the family grow.”

What stood out most, she reflected, was Janelle’s unique ability to combine professionalism with warmth.

“Not only is she professional and very good at what she does, she is client focussed and knows each of her clients and often the

familymembersaswellandtreats everyone as though they have been invited into her home, putting even the most hesitant clients at ease.”

That sense of trust and familiarity has become a defining part of her legacy in Walloon.

As Nadine put it, “You go in, you don’t feel as though you’re going to give blood. You feel as though you’re going to visit a friend.”

Sheadded,“She’snotonlyprofessional with what she does, but she knows everybody by name and is very welcoming.”

The impact of that approach has been deeply felt. “There’s been many a time where both of us have been in hospital or needed blood tests elsewhere, and the first thing we think is, God, I wish Janelle was here.” she said.

Janelle’s calm manner and skill meant procedures were often quick and reassuring. “She would get me every time first go,” Nadine said. “She was very good at what she did.”

Although retirement brings change, there is confidence her connection to the community will continue in some form.

“Even though she’s retiring, we all wish her the best… she has meant so much to us in the community over the years.” said Nadine.

“She’s really going to be missed.”

As Janelle steps into retirement to enjoy home projects, gardening and a slower pace of life, Walloon farewells not only a skilled healthcare professional, but a familiar and trusted presence woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Lions reveal plans for a second BHA oval

By CLANCY NUGENT

THE Brisbane Lions are currently in discussions with Ipswich City Council to produce a brandnew Australian Rules Football oval next to Brighton Homes Arena that would include a twolane tartan athletics track.

While the Development Application is still yet to be approved, the Lions submitted an extension to the assessment process on March 16, which was accepted by Council and will come to a conclusion on June 18.

The back-and-forth process between the two organisations will continue for the coming months as a decision on the DA is reached.

Whilestillongoing,themaster plan of the facility, which would service many different sports thanks to an indoor recreation facility and multi-sport courts, is a detailed and exciting look into what could be Springfield’s next major sporting project.

The facility would also strengthen Brighton Homes Arena as an Olympic venue in the lead-up to the 2032 Games.

Deputy Chairman of Springfield City Group and former President of the Brisbane Lions, Bob Sharpless, supported the development and said it has always been part of the long-term plan.

“The master plan for the land that was given by Springfield City Group to the Council, which is now under a lease to the Brisbane Lions, always had two ovals,” Sharpless said.

“The first oval is Brighton Homes Arena, and the second oval is the one that is a training facility with a track and some other infrastructure around it.

“We at Springfield City Group think it’s a great initiative on behalf of the footy club and we are hoping that they’ll be supported by all levels of government.

“We are very pleased, but I don’t underestimate the challenges of getting it delivered.

“All that infrastructure helps build the case for an Olympic event to be held at Brighton Homes Arena,” he said.

Brighton Homes Arena has created an incredible connection between the reigning backto-back premiers and the local community since it opened in 2022.

It has seen Brisbane Lions membership rise in the area, as well as supported the community with a gym, pool, and training facilities.

Sharpless said this new development would help strengthen that connection and foster a more connected community.

“The Lions spend a lot of time with community engagement and doing programmes within not just the Springfield community, but the wider community,” Sharpless said.

“They are a great community organisation that just happens to play AFL.

“We tried to create lots of different community organisations within the Springfield development.

“We have a very strong belief that if you can build those groups within your community, they’ll take care of the place,” he said.

The new facility would also fill a major hole for a community that has no tartan running track.

While it will be far from a full-size track, it would offer a

quality training opportunity for local athletes and the Lions players themselves.

The Lions declined to comment while the DA is still ongoing.

The DA process for the facility is public information and can be found at https://developmenti.ipswich.qld.gov.au/ under the application number 10093/2025/ ADP.