Moreton Border News - 22nd May 2026

Moreton BorderNews

Jumping into show season

FORECAST wet weather didn’t slow the 2026 Ipswich show, and the roll up of more than 30,000 show goers augers well for this year’s show season across the West Moreton Sub Chamber region.

Three days of entertainment, livestock,

arts crafts hoop-la, fireworks and volunteerism put a spring in the step of Ipswich Show Society president Darren Zanow.

SHOW PICS PAGES 4, 5

Charlotte Roche of South Ripley, show jumping in Ipswich (Lyle Radford: 553791)

2026 Bruce Dawe poetry prize up for grabs

POETS across the Ipswich region are invited to put pen to paper and make their words count, with submissions now open for the University of Southern Queensland’s 2026 Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize.

The prize was established 27 years ago, honouring the lega-

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cy of acclaimed contemporary poet Bruce Dawe AO following his long tenure as a lecturer at UniSQ.

UniSQ Professor Laurie Johnson said the Prize was the only major poetry competition currently offered by a university in Australia.

“The Prize is open to everyone, and all entries are adjudicated anonymously; entrants have the opportunity to have their work judged purely on merit,” Professor Johnson said.

“Whether you are an established writer with a strong publication record or a new talent

hoping to catch lightning in a bottle, we guarantee that we will judge the writing, not the writer.

He says the Prize offers all entrants an opportunity to have their work judged by established scholars and practitioners of creative writing and English literature.

“Many past recipients who were emerging writers at the time of their success in this competition have used the opportunity as a stepping stone to prolific careers as published poets, established members of writing communities, and speakers at festivals and writing workshops.”

Laurie Johnson.

Professor Johnson said poetry shows us not what to think, but how to think.

The winner of this year’s Prize will receive $3000, and two highly commended entrants will be awarded $500 each.

Submissions close on 22 September.

Visit unisq.edu.au/ events/2026/04/bruce-dawe

IMAGINE the determination it would take to run a marathon while towing a 1.3 tonne car.

Sam Flannery did - and achieved his goal in record time.

He covered 42.2km at the Willowbank Raceway, but fundraising for a youth mental health charity was the ultimate target.

In its 153rd year, the Ipswich Show drew crowds to fresh entertainment offerings and of course, the traditional district showcase.

West Moreton Landcare is promoting a ‘high tech’ nesting box which makes it possible to watch wildlife nesting without disturbing them.

Volunteers, neighbourhood centres and all who give back to the community are celebrated this week.

And we delve into the history of the Waterdale Estate, a relic of boom times in Marburg in the 1880s.

Just over a third of the 384 residential allotments in “the heart of town” were sold the same day the School of Arts was opened in 1885.

Do you have more information about the speculators behind the Waterdale Land Syndicate than we could find in our research?

- Wendy Creighton

Sam’s marathon fundraiser, with a car in tow

By BYRON PESZKO

19-YEAR-OLD Sam Flannery has found a new form of motorsport at Willowbank Raceway, pulling a Kia Rio car 42.2 kilometres and raising more than $14,500 for youth mental health.

The event was inspired by his tilt at a 160 kilometre endurance run from Brisbane to Byron Bay last year.

“I was thinking about different things to do,” Sam said, and Willowbank Raceway jumped at the chance.

“I received a response 20 minutes after I emailed them saying: ‘100 per cent, let’s do this’.”

From there, Sam trained at the drag strip up to four times a week, where car-hauling turned out to have physical elements that were impossible to replicate.

“I was in the gym doing deadlifts, anything to work the posterior chain,” he said.

“It was just about attaching the harness and the rope and then just trying to pull it as much as possible.

The event, on Sunday, was a surreal experience.

“So many people came out across the day to come support me,” Sam said.

“I was in really good spirits and had a lot of support, so it was amazing to have that.

But,hesaidrunningwasnothing like pulling cars.

“When you run, you can get into a flow-like state of rhythm and enjoy it.

“But pulling a car is so incredibly difficult, because you can never get away from the tension.

“It never feels easy from the first step to the last step.

Money raised from the event will go to ‘You Are Not Alone’.

“It’s a Brisbane-based charity for youths to come and discuss how they’re feeling,” Sam explains.

“You see a lot of people that come out of school and don’t really know what they want.

“They feel like they should have it figured out and in turn, attack it alone.”

A football coach by day, Sam isn’t ruling out another challenge down the track. But first, his goal is to encourage young people to try new things.

“The most amazing part of Sunday’s event was the amount of people that came up to me, say-

ing they want to do this or that, whether it’s crazy or not.

“I just want to build a community of young people that think outside the box, and try to do things that they might never have done if they weren’t given the permission to do so,” Sam said.

At the time of publishing this story, $14,508 had been raised. Visit thecarmarathon.com.au

Ipswich shines and show season accelerates

By BYRON PESZKO

BREAKS of wet weather didn’t dampen enthusiasm for the 2026 Ipswich show, with more than 30,000 patrons passing through the gates over the three-day weekend.

Ipswich Show Society president Darren Zanow said the show was where tradition meets celebration.

“The 2026 Ipswich Show delivered action, atmosphere and a real sense of community pride,” Mr Zanow said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase Ipswich as a city that continues to grow, welcome and inspire.”

Crowds gathered for the death-defying Airtime FMX performances, while monster trucks, chariot racing and equestrian events kept show-goers entertained all day long.

Sideshow alley came alive, with kids taking a spin on the many rides the show had to offer, including dodgem cars, the family favourite Ferris wheel, and the 56-metre head-spinning Warrior.

If that wasn’t enough, the famous showbag alley kept kids spoilt for choice. Parents’ pockets, not so much.

Meanwhile crowds flocked

The exhibition halls were jam packedwithartandcraftandanimals to admire.

to popular show food offerings including dagwood dogs, potato twisters and fairy floss.

At night, families gathered for the demolition derby and the awesome fireworks spectacular.

Mr Zanow confirmed plans

for next years’ 154th Ipswich Show were already underway.

“We were very thankful that the Ipswich people came out and supported us, and we look forward to entertaining them again next year.”

The gathering provided an opportunity to showcase the important role volunteers, staff and community partnerships play in delivering programs and services that support the Rosewood and surrounding communities.

RADSc THANKS everyone who has contributed to the Rosewood Community Centre over the past 25 years and looks forward to continuing to build strong community connections into the future.

RADSc currently offers a wide range of community groups and activities.

The occasion also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the Rosewood Community Centre’s 25 years of service to the local community and to reflect on the many people who have contributed to its growth and success over the years.

Rosewood Community Centre’s 25th party

NEIGHBOURHOOD Centre

Week was celebrated at the Rosewood Community Centre last Thursday.

Donna Hanlon, General Manager of Rosewood & District Supporting Communities organisation welcomed VIPs, other community organisations, volunteer program leaders and community members to the celebrations.

“The gathering provided an opportunity to showcase the important role volunteers, staff and community partnerships play in delivering programs and services that support the Rosewood and surrounding communities,” Donna said.

Guests shared lunch and enjoyed a cake, decorated by the Rosewood Bakery.

Representatives Helen, Wassim and Lisa from the Community Inclusion Program also attended, which Donna said highlighted the strength of RADSc’s volunteer-led programs and the impact of its services in the community.

“The occasion also provided

Rosewood Community Centre Highlights 25 Years of Community Connection During Neighbourhood Centre Week

an opportunity to acknowledge the Rosewood Community Centre’s 25 years of service to the local community and to reflect on the many people who have contributed to its growth and success over the years,” she said.

RADSc supports a wide range of community groups and activities including the Community Garden, Light Exercise Group, Community Choir, Carer

Support Group, Senior’s Group, Women’s Group, Tai Chi, Line Dancing, Art Group, History Group and Men’s Workshop as well as NDIS advocacy and a No Interest Loans program.

“I was super impressed by how many of our wonderful staff, Volunteer Program Co-ordinators, Community Centre Support Volunteers and representatives from other community organisations

On Thursday 14th, Rosewood & District Supporting Communities (RADSc) welcomed representatives from the Department, local community organisations, volunteer program leaders and community representatives to the Rosewood Community Centre as part of Neighbourhood Centre Week celebrations.

could joined us in celebrating the community centre’s 25th birthday,” Donna said.

“I am truly blessed to have worked in this great community since 2001.”

She said the success of RADSc over the past 25 years was only possible because of the contribution of staff, volunteers, community members, local organisations and supporters.

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

Delivering more homes for vulnerable women with The Lady Musgrave Trust

•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

•Upgrading Marburg SES training facilities

Delivering for Queensland

Find out what else we’re delivering for you.

As well as delivering more homes for vulnerable women with The Lady Musgrave Trust, here are some of the ways the new Queensland Government is delivering for Ipswich:

•Delivering a new grandstand for Ipswich State High School

•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.

Tempting fate on a soggy Ground Hog Day

By WENDY CREIGHTON

I wrote a story about an impending drought.

Heavy rain fell throughout the next day, which was the day before the newspaper went on sale.

I wrote a story chronicling the impact of a drought and the unlikelihood any change to the harsh conditions in the foreseeable future.

Torrential rain fell on the day the newspaper went on sale.

I wrote about a district in the grips of an El Nino.

Newspaper delivery day coincided with road closures due to flooding.

These scenarios were repeated in Groundhog Day style throughout my career.

After more than 40 years as a journalist working on weekly newspapers, I should have become more wary when writing about dry spells, droughts and the dreaded El Nino.

But no!

It seems there were no lessons learned.

Last Saturday, I looked at the list of stories I had yet to write for the Fassifern Guardian, as sister paper of the Moreton Border News.

The list was long and the deadline short.

I decided I should first write up the stories I had researched and the ones where I had com-

pleted the interviews.

Easystoriesfirst,thentheones which would take more time.

At the top of the list was a story about predictions of an El Nino weather system taking hold of our climate within the next month or two.

I had looked up the rainfall records on the Bureau of Meteorology website for each of the rainfall stations across the Scenic Rim then compared the totals for the first four months of the year with the average fall for the period (using figures from the last 20 years or more).

The rainfall total every month at every rainfall station in 2026 was below average.

The rainfall deficit (the woke term for below average) across the four months was significant to severe.

In my favour, I add here that I approached the story with some caution and checked the forecast for the days between Saturday and our publication day on Wednesday.

While I found there were predictions of rain on Monday and Tuesday, I read them with scepticism.

For the past two months, the predictions had promised rain … but little eventuated.

And for the last couple of weeks, we’d experienced days of heavy cloud cover … a promise

of rain that was never fulfilled beyond a couple of millimetres.

Nope, I was safe, the story could be written without me dithering further.

I submitted the story and it was locked in.

On Monday, I woke up to the sound of heavy rain falling on the roof.

I accepted the realisation that it was raining, gracefully … well, almost gracefully, just a few ladylike curses.

“It’s not likely to come to much,” I thought.

Alas, not so.

As I write this Ramblings column on Tuesday morning – the rain is still falling.

A quick check on BoM and it seems that every rainfall station is set to surpassing the average fall for the month. A couple on the eastern side of the region are already registering record daily falls for the month of May.

Roads are closed due to flooding, there have been swift water rescues and there’s rain still pounding on our tin roof.

Just call me the ‘rain whisperer’!

(Please read this column in the spirit it was written. I acknowledge that the rain which has fallen across the Scenic Rim and in the Moreton Border News circulation area is a boon to everyone.)

Wendy Creighton

WiFi bird boxes reveal the real inside story

BIRD lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will be pleased to hear of a safer way to view the inhabitants of nesting boxes than clambering up trees.

BrisbanebasedWesleyNielsen has put tech and carpentry skills into a range of nesting boxes with cameras connected to a public website.

WestMoretonLandcaremembers and friends recently caught up with Mr Neilsen near the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail at Clarendon, where he demonstrated his camera-fitted nesting boxes by

tuning in to view the various box inhabitants.

The site maintains a night and day record from inside the nesting boxes.

Enthusiasts can tune in to the birds and wildlife by just walking near to the bird boxes via walking trails or in public parks, and connecting via an app.

WM Landcare secretary Chris Rinehart (seated) Paul, Wesley and WML President Kevin Lewis. (Supplied)

Council offers free compost bins, worm farms

FREE compost bins or worm farms are on offer to residents as part of the council’s Organics at Home initiative, which aims to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

The Organics at Home program was launched this month by Mayor Teresa Harding to coincide with International Compost Awareness Week.

Cr Harding said the program complemented council’s existing efforts to reduce waste, including the free green bin collection service and free green waste weekends.

Residents can now order one free compost bin or worm farm, which will be delivered to their address during the roll-out which begins next month.

“There are two options residents can choose from, depending on their household needs,” Cr Harding said.

Residents will have a choice between a compost bin or a worm farm under council’s new Organics at Home program.

“The compost bin is best for homes with both kitchen scraps and garden waste.

“The worm farm is ideal for small spaces or homes without garden waste, turning daily food scraps into nutrient-rich castings and liquid fertiliser for plants.”

With the right mix of organic waste, a compost bin or worm

farm produces nutrient rich fertiliser that can be used to improve soil health and support plant growth in home gardens, potted plants, lawns and vegetable patches.

And if residents are uncertain on how to go about getting every-

thing started, there are training videos available on the council website.

So, council will provide the compost bin or the worm farm, residents will provide the food or garden waste, then all you have to do is … just add worms.

Early bird’s strategies

LOCKYER Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism will hostaQueenslandSmallBusiness Month event at Porters Plainland Hotel on Wednesday, 27 May, bringing together regional business leaders and industry representatives for a morning focused on small business development, resilience and future growth opportunities.

Lockyer Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mel Porter said the Chamber was grateful for the support to deliver the event through Queensland Small Business Month funding.

“The Lockyer Chamber of Commerce Industry and Tourism has been very fortunate to receive a grant toward putting together an event for Queensland Small Business Month,” she said.

Dominique Lamb, former Queensland Small Business Commissioner and Director of Community Affairs for the Brisbane Olympic Games, will speak at the Queensland Small Business Month event in the Lockyer Valley. (ConvenienceandImpulseRetailing)

The Lockyer Valley business event will kick off at 6:30am and will feature special guest speaker Dominique Lamb, former Queensland Small Business Commissioner and current Director of Community Affairs for the Brisbane Olympic Games.

With an extensive background in advocacy, leadership and supporting Australian businesses, Ms Lamb has a broad perspective on the future of small business across Queensland and beyond.

The Queensland Government has awarded 30 grants to local organisations across 28 regions to support events during Queensland Small Business Month.

The Event Delivery Grants have been provided to chambers of commerce, industry associations and local councils to deliver tailored events aimed at helping small businesses build resilience and seize new opportunities.

The program is designed to strengthen capability among small and family businesses, with a focus on innovation, digital transformation, leadership and practical business development.

Somerset Regional Council hosted its Business Breakfast on 8 May at the Somerset Civic Centre.

Somerset Business Chamber’s Bronwyn Hagelaar said the

$2,500 grant would allow the Chamber to host an event highlighting the importance of building mental resilience and digital capability for small and family businesses in the region.

“Our role as a Chamber is to fill resource gaps by delivering events that provide meaningful learning experiences for our members,” Mrs Hagelaar said.

“The grant enables access to specialist expertise not readily available in regional areas.”

Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the small business sector across the state.

“Small and family businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy and Queensland Small Business Month is about empowering them to embrace new opportunities and drive growth within their communities,” Minister Minnikin said.

“By funding local groups to deliver these events, we’re not just supporting small and family businesses, we’re also investing in the communities that rely on them.

Only 60 tickets are available for the Lockyer Chamber of Commerce event: https://tickets. lockyervalleytickets.com.au

Drought resilience won through support combo

A combination of disaster resilience and business improvement support options has helped a Kalbar dairy farming family prepare for drought.

Stewart and Dylan Conochie’s family operation, Brookland Stud Farms, have developed a drought preparedness project through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority that has enabled them to reduce heat stress in their dairy herd and increase silage production by 600 tonnes.

They have boosted their drought preparedness and saved money in the process by combining a free program, a grant and a concessional loan.

QRIDA Regional Area Manager for SEQ, Brian Coe, said the cost-saving combination accessed by the Conochie family required producers to first develop a free Farm Business Resilience Plan.

“The plan covers everything from drought, fire and flood through to risk management.”

Then, producers can stack a Drought Preparedness Grant with a concessional Sustainability Loan through QRIDA to fund the on-farm infrastructure improvements identified in the FBRP.

Government assistance has helped the Conochie family install a more productive watering systemtogrowfodderyear-roundfor their 170 head, Jersey herd.

“We used a QRIDA Drought Preparedness Grant to install a centre pivot irrigator,” Stewart said.

The irrigator has increased the family farm’s cropping area and improved the quality of their sorghum and lucerne.

The co-contribution Drought Preparedness Grants of up to $50,000 are available to Queensland primary producers subject to the availability of funds.

“Drought Preparedness Grants can cover up to 25 percent of the costs of purchasing, upgrading and installing permanent capital infrastructure to improve drought resilience,” Brian said.

TheConochiefamilythenused a concessional QRIDA Sustainability Loan as the co-contribution for their Drought Preparedness Grant to fund the rest of their

Dylan and Stewart Conochie checking their sorghum crop where the use of the centre pivot irrigator has boosted production. (553802)

project, including the installation of a compost feed shed.

“The shed has added comfort forthecowswiththesoftbedding, alongwithbeingabletobringfeed directly to them and it being cooler for the cows, especially on the hotter days,” Dylan said.

The drought preparedness improvements were motivated by predictions of dry conditions and Stewart and Dylan’s recollections of 2014, when the state government’s drought declaration list covered much of South East Queensland areas.

“The serious drought we had, probably about 10 years ago, was a real wake up call,” Dylan said.

Restored Queenslander with space and style

A sympathetically restored and updated Queenslander home in Rosewood recently sold for $965,000.

The six bedroom, two bathroom home in Mill Street is set on a 2,023sqm allotment.

The two level residence has deep verandahs, traditional detailing and lots of street appeal.

Inside, the home offers a floorplan suited to large or multigenerational families.

Polished timber floors, high ceilings and lots of natural light add to the interior appeal.

The upper level has a large living area, well-appointed kitchen with walk-in pantry, dining space, study, two bedrooms, a bathroom and easy flow through to the front and rear decks.

Downstairs offers four bedrooms, a rumpus room, kitchenette, bathroom and laundry.

Outside there lots of space for parking and storage in the large shed, carport and substantial covered areas.

Other features of the property include the fully fenced yard, solar panels and the proximity to the centre of town.

The home last sold in 2024 for $705,000.

Waterdale - a Marburg boom-time memory

By WENDY CREIGHTON

WAS the Waterdale subdivision the catalyst for major leap in the development of Marburg in the mid 1880s?

There were certainly other significant factors in play but a large subdivision in the ‘heart of the town’ could mean an influx of new residents and a boon to the local economy.

At the foundation of the development of the town was the passing of two pieces of legislation in Queensland in 1868, making Crown land available and affordable at the same time as offering incentives for the immigrants needed to populate unsettled areas and establish farms.

It brought a rush of energetic and highly motivated German immigrants to the portion of the former Tarampa sheep station, which by 1878, would be known as Marburg.

It also brought a number of British immigrants including Charles Smith, who would acquire land in the areas then known as the Walloon Scrub and the Rosewood Scrub.

By 1870, he owned around 1,000 acres (405ha) including the 568 acre (230ha) block he would name Woodlands.

Seven years later, he brought industry to the district by moving his sawmill from the Walloon Scrub (Kirchheim/Haigslea) to the Rosewood Scrub (Marburg).

Smith’s business acumen set the foundation for the entrepreneurial skills of his son, Thomas, who took over the running of the sawmill about this time.

Thomas Lorimer Smith would prove the driving force behind a significant expansion of the family businesses and the triggering of the district’s timber and sugar boom.

Evidence of the boost in development can be found in the writings of a correspondent to the Queensland Times in early 1885.

The writer enthusiastically mapped the town’s progress.

“What was only a few years ago nothing but bush has grown

This is not marketing material for the Waterdale Estate but for another Marburg subdivision in the 1880s. We use it to illustrate the type of land sales advertised in the boom times. (State Library of Qld)

into an important centre of trade.

“We can now boast of nearly every trade.

“Mr TL Smith has established large and extensive sawmills and a sugar mill.

“He is now adding a very large refinery and distilling operations are to follow.”

The remainder of correspondent’s report was equally effusive.

“The committee of the proposed School of Arts are making great progress in their work … and we are expecting the building of our new courthouse to commence shortly.”

Earlier deputations by the mill owners, businessmen and farmers had met with the Minister to lobby for a branch rail line for Marburg and according to reports, a route had been surveyed.

More research and we find that 1885, was also the year Smith would install the first private telephone system in Queensland to connect his sugar mills and the Woodlands estate to the nearest telegraph station in Walloon.

He also installed one of the state’s first electric light systems to illuminate the mills, the offices, the stables and his home.

And in time for the opening of the Marburg School of Arts in October that year, Smith had negotiated with the Edison Electric Light Company to supply electric power to several buildings in the town – including the School of Arts.

The opening of the impressive timber building was widely promoted.

The rush of visitors to the town was further boosted by the Waterdale Land Syndicate’s auction of ‘heart of town’ allotments on the same day.

The marketing material for the Waterdale Estate described Marburg as having an hotel, several stores, a chemist’s shop, saddler, police barracks, several churches and industrial works such as brick yards, mills and a sugar refinery. It also intimated that as a route had been surveyed for the rail line its construction could be a near future event.

“With the rising importance of the district some idea may be formed of what Marburg is likely to be in a few years’ time,” according to the auctioneers.

A three line report published in the week following the auction advised that 150 of the 384 allot-

ments were sold on the day. Was it this town subdivision that set Marburg on a path to another boom?

It had to have been a factor as by 1887, in another ebullient correspondent’s column it was announced that the town was thriving – preparations for the first Marburg show were well in hand, the new Royal George hotel would soon be completed, a branch office of the National Bank had opened in the School of Arts, the sugar mills were in full swing and the rum distillery was ‘at work’.

Yet details about the Waterdale subdivision and the speculators behind the land syndicate have proven difficult to find.

As have subsequent land auctions.

What we do know is that the 1880s was a boom time in Marburg.

There was enough timber left to keep the sawmills busy, the sugar mill and the refinery were hives of industry, new buildings were going up every month, new shops were opening and the farmers were harvesting produce for a ready market.

On the field, expectations remain high after both the club’s top men’s and women’s teams won their competitions last year.

“Our main goal as a club is to make sure everyone comes back next year.” said club president Boris Jaremenko. That philosophy has created a strong generational culture within the club, with former players now returning as parents, coaches and more.

Lowood club reports jump in soccer numbers

By JESS LEIS

THE Brisbane Valley Soccer Club is riding a wave of momentum this season, with numerous player registrations, growing community support and strong on-field performances transforming the Lowood-based club into one of the region’s fastest-growing sporting organisations.

Club president Boris Jaremenko said the club had surpassed 500 registered players this year, marking a dramatic rise from the roughly 300 players involved just two seasons ago.

“We’ve got record registration numbers for a start,” he said. “We’ve also got record female participation, with about 150 female participants across all age groups.”

From under 6s through to over 40s, the club now fields 38 teams, with multiple sides across nearly every junior division. About three quarters of those teams are competing in top divisions this season.

Jaremenko said the club had invested heavily in player development and coaching standards, with around 40 coaches now takingpartinlicensingprogramsand onlinetrainingsupportedthrough a federal government grant.

The rapid growth has mirrored the broader population boom across the Somerset region, with Jaremenko crediting both increased growth to the area and the impact of FairPlay vouchers for helping families access sport.

“People that maybe not necessarily loved the game or were a bit short of money, their kids from under 10s down could play for free,” he said.

While the club’s numbers continue to climb, so too does its

Club president Boris Jaremenko said the club had surpassed 500 registered players this year, marking a dramatic rise from around 300 players involved just two seasons ago.

community footprint.

The club recently secured record sponsorship support, with 12 sponsors now involved across a two-year cycle, including major backers A&M Civil Contracting and Bendigo Bank.

That support has helped deliver major upgrades to facilities at the club’s home ground, affectionately known as “The Nest”.

New change rooms and toilets, delivered through Somerset Council with state government funding, have recently been completed, while years of fundraising have also culminated in the installation of a new electronic scoreboard.

Earlier this year, the club’s corporate golf day raised nearly $13,000 through raffles and auctions, highlighting the level of local support now surrounding the organisation.

On the field, expectations remain high after both the club’s top men’s and women’s teams won their competitions last year.

“Our goal is for all teams from under nines up that have finals to

“It doesn’t matter if you have never kicked a ball before or you’re really good at it, we’re trying to create a spot for everyone to enjoy the game.” -Club president, Boris Jaremenko.

make the finals,” Jaremenko said.

He believes the club’s greatest success lies beyond premierships.

“We’re an inclusive club,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if you have never kicked a ball before or you’re really good at it, we’re trying to create a spot for everyone to enjoy the game.”

“Our main goal as a club is to make sure everyone comes back next year.”

That philosophy has created a strong generational culture within the club, with former players now returning as parents, coaches and more.

“There’sevensomewithgrandkids playing,” Jaremenko said.

Despite the scale of the operation, much of the club still relies on volunteers, with Jaremenko praising committee members and supporters for helping manage the demands of a rapidly expanding organisation.

“If you can give us 10 minutes, an hour, happy days,” he said.

“We just really try and make it a friendly place to come, but also a successful place to play.”

To keep up to date with Brisbane Valley Soccer Club, be sure to search for them via Facebook, or visit brisbanevalleysc.com