Moreton Border News - 20th February 2026

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Friday,20February,2026

Penny wise

THE man whose Rosewood home contains every edition of the Moreton Border News, David Pahlke, can also remember what happened on the 14th of February 1966.

IfyouweresharingDavid’sfeelings of nostalgia last weekend, you might have paused to remember the pounds, shillings and pence that began their departure from Australian wallets all those years ago.

David was busily studying a 1928 penny when we caught up with him this week. And if this teaser isn’t enough, you can recall more about the switch to decimal currency on PAGE 3

David Pahlke (Cameron Thompson: 535381)

page 10 DINING page 11

ESTATE page 14

pages 15-16

WEATHER

Traffic lights the latest RAAF junction move

WE take a trip back in time in this week’s Moreton Border News because 60 years have passed since Australian currency changed from pounds, shillings and pence to dollars and cents.

It wasn’t an easy transition because it brought changes outside of currency, like mathematical equations for example and recipe ingredient measurements had to be recalculated.

with a 20 percent chance of rain.

19°C - 33°C

Mostly sunny with a 10 percent chance of any rain.

18°C - Max temp 32°C

By BYRON PESZKO

COMMUTERS navigating the Cunningham Highway and Ipswich-Rosewood Road intersection could soon be seeing red, orange and green, as Transport and Main Roads considers the implementation of traffic lights to address serious congestion in the area.

That’s the information handed down from a briefing presented by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to Ipswich City Council earlier this month.

Asked to comment specifically about the proposal TMR responded without making mention of the installation of traffic lights. A department spokesperson said TMR was progressing detailed planning for a range of interim and permanent solutions at the Cunningham Highway and Ipswich-Rosewood Road intersection.

“To reduce potential safety risks at this location, TMR undertook median improvements and associated lighting upgrades in October 2025,” the spokesperson said.

Wendy Creighton writes about the Seven Mile Flat, a stretch of road between Ipswich and Rosewood that local’s referred to as the the Seven Mile Bog.

Her historical account explains how the latter name persisted especially when locals wanted to vent their anger in letters to the editors of newspapers.

Overcast with a 40 percent chance of rain.

MONDAY

Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain.

19°C - Max 31°C SUNDAY

Last Tuesday, TMR representatives briefed Mayor Teresa Harding and councillors on crucial infrastructure projects affecting the region.

Ipswich Tribune Today understands the installation of traffic lights at the Amberley intersection is planned as a longer term interim measure.

New data reveals that between 2018 and 2022, there were 90 crashes and three fatalities on that part of the Cunningham Highway.

“Future stages of work at this location, including detailed design and construction, are yet to be confirmed.”

Ipswich Tribune Today understands further planning is expected to continue throughout 2026, and following completion of this planning, TMR will be able to provide further details on the preferred solution.

No timeline or date was advised on the implementation of traffic lights.

Then back to 2026, and multiple beams on the 67 year old Bremer River bridge on the Warrego Highway are being eyed for replacement in upcoming rehabilitation and strengthening works.

In sport news, Laidley footballer Justeen Kruger has returned from the Tokyo Deaflympics after helping Australia secure fourth place and a world ranking of sixth in deaf football.

Happy reading

- Lara Hart

Rosewood: from one proud team to another

By CLANCY NUGENT

ESTATE agents, PRD Bremer Valley, have loved serving their local community but will be passing the reins over to Ray White Ipswich and Rosewood who will continue the dedicated work and strong relationships with locals.

Kiara, Ben and Warren Ramsey are excited to announce they will be taking over the existing PRD office in Rosewood.

“As a family-owned and operated business, we are proud to continue providing real estate services to the Rosewood community and surrounding areas,” the team at Ray White Ipswich and Rosewood said.

Kiara, Ben and Warren said they look forward to meeting local residents, supporting the community and building longterm relationships.

PRD Bremer Valley’s Stuart Barrett said the Ramsays and

their team at Ray White will do a wonderful job continuing their success.

“Due to personal reasons, we have had to step back from PRD Bremer and the opportunity came up that Ray White were looking to expand in the area

and they’re a great medium sized family business,” Mr Barrett said.

“They had the same type of cultural fit as we had running the business when we bought it off other people five years ago so it was a logical fit for them to step in.

“They look after their investors and also tenants and they have got a bit more energy than us old folks.

“Our team will still roll over into the Ray White team, which will give continuity for everyone from our business and then Emma and myself, as owners of the business, will stay on as sales people.

“They have taken over, they are young and vibrant the asset management team at Ipswich, and it gives us a bit more time to focus on health and family.

“Our daughter has 2032 Olympics and the Paralympics in her sites in Toowoomba for the equestrian which is going take a hell of a lot of energy and money,” he said.

While the branding my change, the dedication will not and Rosewood is in very safe hands.

Sixty years and we’re still making cents of it

By LARA HART

SIXTY years have passed since Australian currency changed from pounds, shillings and pence to dollars and cents.

The change happened on 14 February, 1966 and generations since have never used the British currency within Australia.

The transition into a decimal currency was a significant economic decision aimed at making trade and everyday transactions easier.

The move also aligned Australia with the other countries,

Decimal currency was introduced on the 14 February, 1966. And with that, out went the pounds, shillings and cents. (Lyle Radford: 534709)

which had already adopted decimal currency.

The government of the day

understood the Australian people needed help understanding what the decimal system was and why their currency was being changed.

The Royal Australian Mint played a crucial role in producing the necessary coins and notes, and the change over was considered one of the most successful in Australia’s history.

There were extensive publicity and education campaigns, including a catchy jingle featuring the character Dollar Bill to help the public adapt to the new system.

“In come the dollars.

In come the cents.

To replace the pounds and the shillings and the pence.

Be prepared folks when the coins begin to mix ... on the 14 of February 1966.”

Sixty years later and we have constant change, without jingles or catchy punchlines.

Bank branches are closing and cards and mobile phone apps are being used instead of cash.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

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)

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

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Crosby chaos: Bremer bridge plan revealed

By BYRON PESZKO

MULTIPLE beams on the 67 year old Bremer River bridge on the Warrego Highway are being eyed for replacement in upcoming rehabilitation and strengthening works, a recent Transport Department briefing has revealed.

In a briefing presented by the Department to Ipswich City Council earlier this month, Ipswich Tribune Today understands at least two beams that support the structure were identified for replacement, but it was not clear whether or not such a major work

Despite rehabilitation works expected to start in late-2025, TMR says further details will be announced in due course.

program could enable the bridge to remain open while it was completed.

“It’s for strength and stability because the welds and bolts were so old over time,” one source divulged.

“It’s not an overhaul by any means, nor are they having to build the whole thing again.”

After publicly stating works were expected to commence in late 2025, TMR now says rehabilitation works will be announced in due course.

“This rehabilitation work will

At least two beams for strength are

Forces

involve targeted strengthening and will keep the concrete deck intact,” a TMR spokesperson said.

“Traffic management requirements to be determined as construction staging progresses.”

Promises of regular updates by TMR to keep the community informed about plans for the project left one of those present bemused.

“TMR said we are getting updates weekly.

“They’renotweeklyandthey’re not detailed.

“They run their own race,” the

source said.

In November 2025, TMR was seeking a supplier to install Variable Speed Limit Signs at the bridge.

TMR says speed and load restrictions, along with traffic management measures, are in place to keep freight moving.

AsourceconfirmedtoITTthat arrangements to install the signs are currently being developed.

Despite numerous requests, TMR has not addressed our inquiry about the timing or costs of the signs.

The installation of Variable Speed Limit Signs is currently in development. (535199)

Memories of Peak Crossing Hall in the mix

By JESS LEIS

THE Peak Crossing Hall will mark a significant milestone this year, celebrating 100 years at the heart of the community.

As part of the centenary, work on a book documenting the hall’s history is now in progress. Local historical author Eris Rashford is inviting residents, past and present, along with others connected to the district, to share their memories for inclusion. Contributions may include recollections of events attended, dances or bands enjoyed, family connections, or any other stories that reflect the hall’s century of community life.

Eris is welcoming submissions through to the end of February.

President of the Peak Crossing Public Hall Association Incorporated, Trevor Weatherhead, approached Eris on behalf of the association to compile the memories of the hall. Planning is also progressing for the official celebration.

“We’re planning to hold an

afternoon event on the 22nd of August to celebrate the centenary, which is the 20th of August.” said Trevor.

Over the years, Eris has contributed to preserving local history, from writing about the district’s First World War soldiers to writing for the 125 year milestone of Peak Crossing school.

While the original deadline

Division 4

Community Catch Up

Rosewood

Rosewood Anglican Church Markets

St Luke's Anglican Church 72 John Street, Rosewood

Saturday 21 February 7.00 am - 11.00 am

Tell us what matters to you, share your thoughts, provide feedback and chat about our community.

was set for February 14, Eris said there is still time for contributions to be received before the end of the month.

“There’s a bit of wiggle room in there, as well, because we still have to proofread it.. so that will take a little bit of time. So (I’m) still contactable for inclusion in the book, say, till the end of February.” she said.

Eris can be contacted on 5467 1159 and welcomes submissions of all lengths.

“It can be as short as a sentence. A couple of ladies have written me things, and they’ve also included a photo - like dressed in a costume as a kid when they went to a fancy dress ball, picture of cutting the cake at their wedding, ‘cause they had the reception there - or something like that.”

houses mean more population. A better outcome for the housing issues.”

“Get f****d!” Tom Pitkin who lives on Muckerts lane, tells us what he really thinks of the Fernvale south productivity link to unlock new homes (534704)

Brickbats, bouquets for Fernvale diversion

By JESS LEIS

FOLLOWING the announcement of the Fernvale south productivity link, we spoke with residents of Lowood and Fernvale to gauge their thoughts on how the project might affect traffic, business, and daily life. The initiative, designed to upgrade key intersections between the Brisbane Valley Highway and Old Fernvale Road, aswellassealandimproveMuckerts Lane and McCulkins Lane, promises to unlock new housing and economic opportunities for the region.

The question put to locals was simple: How do you think the Fernvale South Productivity Link will change local traffic, business opportunities, and everyday life as the area continues to grow?

For many, the potential for growth was clear.

“I think it will be a good thing. More houses, mean a bigger population. A better outcome for the housing issue,” said Maria Tran of Lowood Bakery, highlighting the link’s potential to address housing shortages.

Some residents were more candid in their assessments. “For the sake of the land, its s**t, but it will bring in more business,” admitted Matthew Stevens, a Lowood resident and owner of M and K Butcher Brothers.

His business partner, Kurt Brown, added, “It’s going to create more work. It’s going to get busier, and we’ll need to employ more people. Better infrastructure. We’re a bit outdated here.

L-R Cameron Rayer, Sara Schlecht and Mel Byrnes all agreed that extra housing would keep homeless people off the street. (Jess Leis: 534704)

We might get better shopping centres, create more work for the younger generations, and more opportunities.”

Others were more cautious or undecided. “I don’t know, I haven’t thought about it,” admitted Lowood resident Karteya Salmon-Hobday. Her relative, Alex Salmon-Hobday, echoed the need for planning, noting, “We just need more infrastructure to deal with what’s already happening, (Coles and Woolworths)

all of the stuff that comes with a growing population.”

Some saw clear business benefits. “Much more business,” said Kirstin Wright, a resident of Yamanto who works in Fernvale.

But for others, the implications hit closer to home, particularly in terms of traffic and daily disruption. “Get f***ked! I’m right on Muckerts Lane. The traffic will be horrendous. It’s like a speedway. With that cross-road

they’ll be calling an ambulance everyday. The traffic and noise will be terrible. To put in 2000 houses, where is the sewerage going?” said Tom Pitkin, a Fernvale resident of 25 years.

Not all responses were negative, with some seeing a social benefit to the development. “I reckon it’s really good. There’s more houses available and that way homeless people can get off the street,” said Sara Schlecht.

Rosewood group to look at mining history

HISTORY will come alive at the next Rosewood history group gathering, to be held at the Rosewood library on Thursday, March 19, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

The morning will begin with a relaxed chance to meet, mingle and share a cuppa before proceedings commence shortly before 11am, when attention turns to the feature topic, mining in Rosewood.

A special panel discussion will be chaired by Gary Stubbs, whose family has deep connections to the local mining industry and who formerly worked as a journalist with the Department of Mines. Joining him will be Pat Lenihan of the Normanton mine, Col Pocock of the Westvale and Lanefield mines, and Lester Schreiweis of the Normanton mine. Retired miners and community members with memories of the industry are warmly encouraged to attend and be part of the conversation.

As always, attendees are invit-

ed to bring along items for show and tell, including historical photographs, objects or memorabilia linked to Rosewood’s past. Material relating to local mining history will be of particular interest, with organisers keen to scan photographs to help build a growing digital archive for the community.

While attendance is free, li-

brary space is limited and bookings are essential. Places can be reserved online via trybooking. com/DJIBB or by texting Jenny Stubbs on 0409 266 768.

Looking ahead, the Rosewood History Group is also preparing events for the Australian heritage festival in May, including a free talk on the story of Greek cafes in Rosewood, presented by Dr Toni

Risson. Community members with memories of the Rosewood show, or items they would like to share, are encouraged to make contact and become involved in upcoming gatherings.

More information can be found via the Rosewood history group facebook page, or by viewing rosewoodhistory.au/about/

Back then, they chanced the seven mile bog

By WENDY CREIGHTON

OFFICIALLY, it was known as the Seven Mile Flat.

Locals who lived and travelled the old Toowoomba Road between Ipswich and Rosewood knew it as the Seven Mile Bog.

The latter name persisted especially when locals wanted to vent their anger in letters to the editor to the newspapers.

In some cases, it’s a wonder the newsprint didn’t blister under the wrath of the written word.

Other letters dripped with sarcasm.

One I was particularly drawn to appeared in the ‘Observer and Evening Brisbane Courier’ in November 1924.

I quote: “Common charity makes one hope that the maledictions and uncomfortable wishes expressed by bogged motorists on the Seven Mile Flat between Ipswich and Rosewood during the last week will be diverted by the Angel of Mercy from the authorities responsible for the upkeep of the road.

“It is a veritable slough of despondency and using chains is merely a means of ploughing deeper in the mud.

“Sixty, aye, seventy years ago, before science and engineering skills with the attendant costs and slow progress were in vogue, the old timers laid down corduroy over the soft soil and brought their wagon loads of wool from the Darling Downs to Ipswich safely and successfully.

“The foundation is still there but modern contempt for the proven things of the past has effectually stopped the road makers from keeping it covered with metal [gravel] and binding.

“Considering it is on the main road from the most important partoftheStatetothemetropolis, it is a disgrace to all concerned.”

The Seven Mile Bog began where the Bremer River intersected the road. The flat wasn’t exactly seven miles long as the ‘Seven Mile’ name referred to its starting point at the Seven Mile Bridge.

A modern corduroy road photographed during the 1990 wet season at Cape York by John Hills. It may be more modern, but the technique of laying a ‘corduroy’ of saplings or logs to make boggy sections of a road trafficable, mirrors that of the days of the bullockies hauling wool from the Darling Downs to Ipswich.

The narrow wheels of wagons and the early cars and lorries added to the difficulty of traversing the flat after rain as the road was built on what we know today as an ephemeral wetland – wet and swampy after rain, reasonably dry at other times.

And the corduroy the writer refers to harks back to the days when corduroy roads were common in swampy-after-rain sections of roads throughout the state.

The ‘corduroy’ name comes from the laying down of closely packed saplings or split logs perpendicular to the road on the

boggy patches.

A basic corduroy road was just that and usually ensured a bumpy but bog-free section until continued usage resulted in the logs gradually separating. This was overcome by overlaying the logs with gravel (metal) and some form of binding material.

But while the corduroy sections of the roads were common in the early days, upkeep of the gravel overlay was often neglected by the road authorities.

Such was the complaint of a writer to the ‘Ipswich Observer and West Moreton Advocate’ in April 1879.

I quote in part: “… from Ipswich to the Rosewood Gate is in good order as far as the Seven Mile, but beyond that the state of the road is something disgraceful.

“Nobody can travel on it as there is no metal [gravel] to cover the logging, thus leaving wide gaps between the logs, and making it worse than no road at all, and after rain travellers find it a very difficult matter to pass this part of the road, for the country is very low and swampy.

“After a fall of rain, it is almost impassable … there is good reason given here for grumbling.”

Blair MP boasts big increase in bulk billing

NEW figures just show that there are now 23 bulk billing GP practices in Blair, up from 13 before the national government’s investments in Medicare.

In Queensland, the GP bulk billing rate is now 78.9 per cent, and there are 598 bulk billing GP clinics across the state.

Australians can now access over 3,400 Medicare bulk billing practices across the country and the numbers continue to grow every week. Almost 1,300 of these practices were previously mixed billing. In just three months, the bulk billing rate for all Australians has jumped to 81.4 per cent nationwide. This is the largest quarterly jump in bulk billing in 20 years (outside of the COVID pandemic).

For 16 to 64-year-olds, there has been a 6.9 percentage point increase in the bulk billing rate, the largest quarterly increase on record. Because of the Government’s delivery, approximately 96 per cent of Australians are now within a 20-minute drive of a registered Medicare Bulk Billing Practice.

In October 2023, before the Albanese Government tripled the bulk billing incentive for GPs who bulk bill children under 16

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann and State Member for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne and staff from the Riverlink Medical and Dental Centre, which decided to become a fully bulk-billing clinic from November last year. (Shayne Neumann)

and Commonwealth concession card holders, the bulk billing rate was 75.6 per cent.

Asaresultofthe2023changes, more than 9 in 10 visits for these patients are now bulk billed.

This follows the Albanese Government’s historic $8.5 billion investment to strengthen Medicare. Since 1 November last year, bulk billing incentives are now paid to GPs for every patient they bulk bill and fully bulk billing practices also receive an additional payment.

Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler said that Labor built Medicare, and the Albanese Government was

strengthening it for all Australians.

“We promised Australians more bulk billing and that is what we are delivering. More Australians are finding it easier to find a bulk billing doctor right across the country, including in Blair.

“Doctors and practices are moving back to bulk billing because it works for patients and it works for their practices.

“Bulk billing is the beating heart of Medicare and that’s what our government is delivering.”

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the new figures showed that Labor was delivering on its promise to pro-

videmorebulkbillingforpatients across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area.

“Our record investment to strengthen Medicare has already been a game-changer with more local GP practices switching to bulk billing since November last year, like the Riverlink Medical and Dental Centre in North Ipswich.

“What this means is you can see a GP for free, and all you need is your Medicare card, not your credit card.”

Locals can now find their closestMedicareBulkBillingPractice at health.gov.au/bulk-billing

Ipswich youth sets record as council returns

THE next generation of young leaders is stepping up to give youth a voice through the Ipswich Youth Advisory Council, with a record-breaking number of volunteers joining for 2026.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said that 73 members aged between 13 and 18 commenced their term following a welcome event last week.

“The Ipswich Youth Advisory Council is growing each year. In 2024 we had 37 members, in 2025 we had 65, and this year we have 73,” Mayor Harding said.

“Ipswich has the youngest population in South East Queensland, and since IYAC was first established in 2007, it has empowered young leaders to speak up on the everyday issues

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding and Councillors with members of the 2026 Ipswich Youth Advisory Council (Supplied)

that matter to them.”

“I am delighted to see so many of our youngest and brightest ready to help council shape our city’s future.”

Community and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Jacob Madsen said IYAC pro-

vided Ipswich youth with the opportunity to build leadership skills and shape a broad range of policies and projects.

“By joining IYAC for 2026, these young people are having a direct impact on Ipswich’s growth and development,” Cr Madsen said.

“In 2025, IYAC members actively worked with council on everything from the Ipswich Film Festival for Youth to our Olympic and Paralympic legacy in 2032, and on council’s policy and procedures on strategic regulation, our urban design framework and on the important issue of homelessness.”

The IYAC program welcomes Ipswich young people aged between 13 and 18 years who attend school in Ipswich and are eager to make a positive difference in their local community.

Members are appointed via an application process, serving an initial one-year term and can seek re-appointment for a subsequent term.

For more information on the program or application process, visit the Ipswich Youth Advisory Council webpage.

ipswich.qld.gov.au/Live/OurCommunity/Youth/IpswichYouth-Advisory-Council

“The program also helps our city’s young leaders deepen their understanding of civic engagement and build their confidence and communication skills.”

Coight by crazy talk when learning the lingo

By LARA HART

AUSTRALIAN’S have bastardised the English language. They have and you can’t tell me differently.

And the bastardisation is so insidious and infectious that after five years living in Australia, I started doing it too.

Chicken? Nah, chook.

Liquor store? Nah, bottle-o. Service station? Nah, servo.

I was fresh off the boat when a man spoke to me about septic tanks.

I couldn’t understand what he was rabbiting on about because he was talking about septic tanks as if they were a nationality.

He noticed my confusion and explained that Americans were called ‘yanks’ and Aussies turned that into ‘septic tanks’.

Then someone tapped him on the shoulder and said, ‘yeah, nah...we just call them seppos now mate’.

I love Australian humour but it took time to get used to it.

In 2001 there was a television show titled All Aussie Adventures and it followed a man named Russell Coight.

I absolutely loved the show and thought Russell was the funniest man on the planet.

At first I thought he had the show because he was kooky and clumsy and that made good television.

I also thought his real name was Russell Coight and about six episodes in, was impressed with his slapstick improvisational comedy style.

Again, I thought his real name was Russell Coight.

I bought his DVD and heard he’d be at Warringah Mall on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to meet his fans.

Awesome!

I drove to the mall with my DVD, hoping to get his signature on its cover.

But I couldn’t find Russell anywhere and I looked everywhere.

I went into a book shop but he

wasn’t there either.

Frustrated and running out of time, I asked a store employee if they knew where Russell Coight was.

Radio silence.

“Who?” they said, and I repeated, “Russell Coight, he’s the chap who does silly things in a television documentary series.”

“Wait, do you mean Glen Robbins?” they asked, and by now I was completely lost because I’d never heard of that man ... but I knew who Russell Coight was.

I worked it out eventually and felt foolish until it became a ‘tell them about the time you thought Russell Coight was a real person’ tale with my new Aussie friends at every barbecue.

As a child in South Africa, my family loved watching the Paul Hogan show.

There are moments in a person’s childhood that remain front of mind.

They are like little snippets that play so clearly, your sense of recall includes where the family were sitting on the old settee and how the room looked.

Paul did this sketch where a game hunter was searching for a white wino, yes ... wino and not rhino.

Hoges played the part of a drunkard being hunted and it was hilarious.

My parents taped it using the VHS recorder. We watched it multiple times and each time mum and dad roared with laughter.

Aussies have a great sense of humour and it’s so darn good that half the time I don’t know whether they’re joking or not.

The word ‘right’ has several meanings depending on the inflection.

There’s the short and sharp ‘right’ means ok, a longer ‘riiight’ implies lack of clarity and then there’s ‘right, right’ which means the person understands and agrees.

Other ways of saying right are ‘righto’ meaning okay and ‘yeah, righto’ which suggests annoyance and that things aren’t really right.

Like an accent, a play on words is what make a nationality unique.

Every country has its own ‘in jokes’ and things people do and say without needing a WhatsApp group for direction.

Drop bears ... no Australian will give up the game and that applies across the board.

If you hear an Aussie telling

a foreigner to watch out for the drop bears, you don’t break bro code and tell them it’s nonsense.

When I arrived, my cousin warned me about this creature and I didn’t believe them.

I asked a deli worker about it and she beckoned me closer then whispered, ‘one got into the store last weekend and bit a child’s leg off’.

I smelled BS, but rather than being annoyed, I appreciated the commitment.

Now I am the one telling new arrivals about drop bears.

It’s not just words being bastardised, it is phrases taken from television programs or movies that become part of the every day vernacular.

‘That’s one for the pool room’ is said when you get something special and intend putting it on display.

Then there’s ‘look at moi, look at moi’ and I don’t need to name the television series because you know which one I’m referring to.

It was a funny show and great to see Russell Coight cast as Kel Knight because his outdoor adventurers were getting risky and Fountain Lakes was a much more forgiving landscape.

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MP call for sport cash

COMMUNITY sporting clubs and grassroots organisations across the Scenic Rim are being encouraged to “get their game on” following the announcement of a second $30 million funding boost aimed at strengthening local facilities and participation.

Scenic Rim MP Jon Krause welcomed the funding that gives a significant opportunity for clubs in the Scenic Rim to secure funding for much needed upgrades and equipment.

The first round supported 119 projects from across Queensland.

LAST year’s Game On! funding bought floodlights for Kalbar Showgrounds.

Kalbar Show Society president Neil Goetsch told the Fassifern Guardian last year the show grounds now had the best lit fields in the Scenic Rim.

The $30 million initiative, known as the Game On funding round, is designed to support grassroots sport and community infrastructure projects across Queensland.

Grants of up to $100,000 are available to eligible organisations to improve facilities, enhance accessibility, upgrade amenities and purchase essential equipment.

Sport clubs in regional communities play a critical role in bringing families together.

ball to cricket, pony clubs and community recreation groups, regional organisations rely heavily on volunteers and community support.

For many small clubs across the Fassifern district, the announcement could mark the start of long-awaited improvements to ensure sport continues to thrive for the next generation.

It also helps to pay for projects like lighting upgrades, clubhouse improvements, field resurfacing, new change rooms or accessibility enhancements to ensure facilities are inclusive for all participants.

Local clubs are encouraged to begin preparing their applications early and ensure projects are shovel-ready, with strong community benefit demonstrated.

Funding of $20 million will be focused on smaller, community level infrastructure projects that enhanceparticipationopportunities and upgrade amenities.

While $10 million will be available for new, larger scale infrastructure projects or upgraded and re-developed precincts.

From junior footy and net-

The competitive funding round is open now and closes on 18 March with applications being submitted through the Queensland government’s grants portal.

Grandchester home on acreage for $1.1M

A steel framed residence built by Stroud Homes in 2025, sold this year for $1.1 million.

The three bedroom, two bathroom home is located on 1.15ha in George Street, Grandchester.

Features in the home include ducted air conditioning with four zones and remote controlled screens on the verandah, which make it a large, year round living space.

The master suite has a separate entrance and can be locked off from the rest of the home.

The 17kW solar system has a 15kW inverter and a 32kW battery.

A new operational bore pumps water to one of the three rainwater tanks. All water to the home is pumped through a triple filter.

New underground mains connect to a garden sprinkler system. There are four carports with high clearance.

The property has two street access, remote controlled automatic gates and has five new stables plus a feed and tack room.

It is fully fenced into paddocks.

Fassifern Sporting Shooters Association secretary Raewyn Hewson, sets up targets at the Boonah club’s range. (Lyle Radford: 534408)

Shooters gather for high-calibre competition

By LARA HART

FROM Ipswich to Boonah, competitive shooters travel to the Scenic Rim every week to enjoy the facilities the Fassifern based club has to offer.

The Fassifern Branch of the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (SSAA) has grown into one of the region’s most active sporting clubs.

The branch combines structured competition, hands-on training and community involvement under the steady leadership of its president Dave Perrem.

Dave is supported by the club’s secretary Raewyn Hewson, who shares his passion for the sport.

“There was a meeting in 1980 to gauge demand for a shooter club in the Fassifern district,” Dave said of the club’s inception.

“More than 20 people attended and all were keen to be part of it.

“After that, we went through the procedures that come with starting a shooter club and in 1981, we started building the ranges.

“We began as part of the

Fassifern Sporting Shooters Association secretary Raewyn Hewson keeps the book work up to date. (534408)

Queensland Rifle Association and the association organised the areas we shot from as well as our safety zones.

“The rifle association was controlled by the army and their members could use the range to practice.

“[The army] never ever came

out here to practice but that’s why it was configured that way at the start.”

Dave said he’d always enjoyed shooting and was given his first rifle when he turned 16.

“I was taught how to use it under dad’s supervision and wasn’t allowed to use it when he wasn’t there,” he said.

“He taught me how to handle a firearm and we went shooting together.

“I’ve been out west a few times shooting and eradicating pigs and when the club started, I decided to join.”

He was one of the first 20 members who joined when the club started up in the 1980.

“I started with a big bore rifle and then bought a small bore rifle, then pistols and a shot gun,” he explained.

“I shot for the three disciplines until I gave the shotgun away and stayed with the small bore rifle and pistol.”

The club has the capacity for its members to do big bore shooting, which means using firearms with large calibre barrels that are designed for increased power

over a longer range.

“We used to shoot from 300 to 900 yards and then progressed to small bore, which are 22 calibre rifles,” Dave said.

“We then got shotguns and pistols shooting up and running.”

Most of the club’s 212 members are pistol shooters.

“People also travel here from Brisbane and from the coast to shoot here,” he said.

“We are a lot cheaper than the other ranges so when they do shoots at other clubs, they pay their range fees there, then annually renew their membership by sending us a copy of their participation record.”

The shooting ranges are at 265 Bunjurgen Road, Bunjurgen and they cover approximately 250 acres (100 hectares).

“The ranges are spread around and we have six of them,” Dave said.

“If you don’t have a license but want to try it out, you just need to fill out a form and that allows you to shoot on any of our ranges under the direction of a range officer.”

Justeen returns triumphant after Tokyo trip

By JESSE HAMILTON

LAIDLEY footballer Justeen

Kruger has returned from the Tokyo Deaflympics with memories, lessons, and pride, after helping Australia secure fourth place and a world ranking of sixth in deaf football last November.

The tournament marked a major milestone for Kruger, who has been building her international experience since debuting on the world stage in 2024.

For Kruger, wearing the green and gold was more than a personal achievement.

It was about representation and resilience.?

“Helping Australia secure fourth place and a world ranking of sixth at the Deaflympics is honestly so hard to put into words,” she said.?

“It was a mix of gratitude and shock. Of course, there’s disappointment in not coming home with a medal, but to reach that stage and compete with the very best in the world was incredible. It showed that deaf athletes in Australia belong on the world stage and can match it with the strongest programs globally.”

A standout moment came against Japan, where Kruger’s goalkeeping helped the team secure a 3–1 win.?

“Our best result was a 3–1 performance against Japan,” she said.

“That was my personal best game of the tournament — I made some great saves, and as a team we never gave up. We played our best football against a well-oiled Japanese side, and that match really showed the heart and quality of our squad.”

Kruger’s journey to the international stage has not been without challenges.

Like many athletes in minority sports, she faces significant out-of-pocket costs for travel, training, accommodation, equipment, and uniforms.

To help bridge this gap, Kruger is hoping the community can rally around a national initiative: the Great Aussie Athlete BBQ.

“Community events like the

Great Aussie Athlete BBQ are incredibly important for athletes like me,” Kruger said.?

“Recent surveys have highlighted the financial pressures athletes face, and for many in minority sports, the reality is that we are paying significant out-ofpocket costs just to represent our country.

“No athlete should have to pay for their uniform to wear the green and gold. And no athlete should ever have to think, ‘I can’t afford to represent Australia at the highest level.’ That shouldn’t even be a question.”

The Great Aussie Athlete BBQ is a community-driven event designed to raise awareness and funds to directly support Australian athletes chasing their green and gold dreams.

Hosted by sports enthusiasts and local supporters, the event combines authentic Australian-

style barbecue with prizes, raffle draws, and the opportunity for attendees to connect with athletes and their stories.

Kruger highlighted the impact of such initiatives for deaf women’s football in particular.?

“For deaf women’s football, funding is limited, and international competition comes with costs for travel, accommodation, training camps, preparation, and equipment,” she said.

“Community events help bridge that gap. They don’t just raise funds, they raise awareness, build connection, and remind athletes that their community believes in them.

“The Great Aussie Athlete BBQ isn’t just about a fundraiser. It’s about giving athletes the opportunity to keep chasing excellence without financial barriers standing in the way of representing Australia with pride.”

The BBQ encourages participation from across the region, offering a $20 cover fee that includes a beer, wine, or soft drink, a sausage sizzle, and tickets for the spin-the-wheel and lucky door draws. Local businesses can get involved through sponsorship, prize donations, or hosting their own fundraising BBQs, directly supporting athletes like Kruger.

Kruger will be hosting her BBQ fundraiser at the Queensland National Hotel in Laidley on Saturday, 28 February from 1:20pm to 4:30pm.

For more information or to contribute, visit Kruger’s fundraising page via the Australian Sports Foundation at: https://asf.org.au/campaigns/ justeen-kruger/the-great-aussieathlete-bbq