A new year and a new president for Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce. Long-term president Phillip Bell announced he was stepping down earlier this month. In this episode meet new president David Wiltshire. Published: 14 February 2025. Image: New chamber president David Wiltshire (left) receives a welcome from Phillip Bell (supplied) Theme music: A…

If it has been a while since you last visited the Old Flour Mill in Brisbane Street then it might be the right time to rediscover hidden treasures in the arcade downstairs. In this episode you’ll meet two entrepreneurs who have taken the plunge to open businesses in this historic top of town building. They are diverse and interesting. You’ll hear w…

The Invasive Species Council was formed in 2002 over shared concerns that the Australian landscape was being radically altered by the invasion of weed and pest species, and this includes fire ants. Conspiracy theories have emerged recently which could derail the fire ant treatment program. Advocacy manager Reece Pianta joins the show. Published: 7 …

Dust-up over council’s media policy comes to naught but only for now, destination Nerima, Singapore and Europe for the mayor who is still the mayor while travelling overseas regardless of a resolution at December’s meeting. Also in this episode, the pre-Christmas industrial action by waste drivers and calls for critical transport infrastructure and…

Late change of date for January’s Ipswich City Council meeting, we remember former alderman (councillor) Norm Kruger, the battle is on for the federal seat of Blair, health inquiry good to go, garbos strike gold, Colleges Crossing passes first flood test but where’s the food trucks, and we reminisce about the first song we requested on the radio. T…

A new year and a new theme for Ipswich Today. First up in 2025 a look at some local news you may have missed including new traffic signals in Springfield Central and Karrabin, Redbank Plains Road stage 3 completed, multi-million-dollar upgrade to Cameron Park, two Ipswich churches tackle disadvantage and Ipswich Showgrounds presents Bull-O-Rama. Pu…

Colleges Crossing reopens just in time for Christmas holidays, wheelie bins stranded by industrial action, more pushback on new residential developments, council meetings; the gift that keeps on giving, Christmas in Ipswich and we reminisce to wrap up the year. Time for another yarn over the back fence with Ashleigh Mac and Walter Williams. Recorde…

The final council meeting of the year wasn’t without a few complications as the mayor packs her bags to join a Council of Mayors (SEQ) delegation to Singapore and Europe via Japan next year. Public participation revealed hostilities between two Ipswich rugby league clubs and a major project approved for Ripley Road. Mayor Teresa Harding joins the s…

It’s been another big year for Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce, including membership growth, Business After Five (BA5) events and the annual Business Excellence Awards. Chamber president Phillip Bell joins the show with the year in review, business challenges and sentiment, and what’s ahead in 2025. Published: 4 December 2024. Theme music: www.p…

Petition calls for new dog park in Goodna, your ideas wanted on what to do with flood buy-back land, the big three entertainment venues now open in Nicholas Street precinct and council rolls out the red carpet to encourage 4 and 5 star hotel developments. Teresa Harding joins the show following the November meeting of Ipswich City Council and rules…

Very sad music industry news earlier this week with the passing of the original drummer for the Bee Gees Colin Petersen on November 18, 2024. I spoke with Colin in October 2022 before a Best of the Bee Gees show at Ipswich Civic Centre. The boy born in Kingaroy was generous with his time and loved a chat. This episode features most of that intervie…

Three major business openings mark a major milestone after 15 years of redevelopment in Ipswich Central, local sporting champions and officials recognised at the annual Ipswich Sports Awards and Ripley Valley spearheads Ipswich’s surge in population growth. All this and whole lot more in this yarn over the back fence with Walter Williams and Ashlei…

Ipswich City Council CEO thanked for guiding council through planning scheme review and other complex issues, Queensland Audit Office final report for Ipswich City Council reveals serious deficiencies, with some issues already fixed. This month was also the first round of committees with questions and general business added to agendas. Published: 1…

Former Ipswich Division 4 councillor Kate Kunzelmann stepped away from running again this year. In this episode we get a first-hand account of how the post administration council 2020-2024 operated. Kate also reveals her views on the recent by-election and strained relationships in the council chamber. Published: 12 November 2024. Theme music: www.…

By-election dust settles with David Martin sworn in as Division 4 councillor, Ipswich region artists shine bright at city’s 2024 art awards, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the University of Southern Queensland bids farewell to Geraldine Mackenzie. Published: 7 November 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: St Nicholas Pre…

In the era before television and the internet, the golden age of radio brought families together, where they would gather around their radios, eagerly awaiting the start of their favourite programs. The voices of actors, the use of music, and the artistry of sound effects painted pictures in the minds of listeners, such were radio plays. In this ep…

Does the thought of speaking in front of a group of people have you trembling with fear? You’re not alone. My guest might just have the answer to help cure those fears in this politics-free episode. Veronica Witham from Morning Talkers Toastmasters in Ipswich invites you to share your stories and to do something different. Published: 30 October 202…

Ipswich City Council's We Can’t Wait campaign produces some promises, concessions for developers of new hotel accommodation, council’s support of Healthy Land and Water under the microscope and the current Redbank Plains Road upgrade should be finished by Christmas. It was as close to convivial as you can get at the October council meeting under th…

We’re on the home stretch to Saturday for the state election and Division 4 by-election. Time for another yarn over the back fence with Walter Williams and Ashleigh Mac. We talk about how Division 4 might pan out, the LNP's gagging of their state candidates and other local issues. Plus, a new winner for the title of Ipswich’s most expensive coffee,…

The pundits are predicting a change of state government on October 26. What are the drivers of change and where you live in Queensland often influences how you will vote. Emeritus Professor John Cole from the University of Southern Queensland is an expert in social and economic development. He joins the show to discuss the biggest issues affecting …

A rarely used dissent motion put and withdrawn and suspension of standing orders pepper this month’s Ipswich City Council Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee meeting. What’s all the fuss about? A declaration of interest and a discussion on proposed state government changes in relation to granny flats. Published: 17 October 2024. Theme mus…

Major policy announcements on the weekend from both major parties could reset the state election campaign. Labor’s promise of free lunches for all state primary school students and the LNP’s dam and water supply security plan have been released in an effort to woo voters as early voting begins. Published: 14 October 2024. Theme music: www.purple-pl…

The final list of state election candidates for Ipswich electorates and so far local promises are thin on the ground, although one promise could finally see progress on the Norman Street bridge. Also in this episode four candidates on the ballot paper for the Division 4 by-election and Ipswich State High School receives Keys to the City for a secon…

This is episode 400 of the show. If you grew up in Ipswich and Brisbane in the 60s, 70s and 80s there’s plenty to reminisce about with special guest Brett Debritz. He worked in Ipswich, not once, but twice at the Queensland Times and the shared experiences with the capital will bring back a lot of memories. Plus, at the end of the show I ask Brett …

Journalist, songwriter and guitar player Brian Bennion returns to the show with an update on The Leads who are about to release their new EP CD. Following on from the original November 2023 release of Trace, the band has also released a new Deadly Deebing Mix which again features Dirri’Ya-Gamil Kapithun on didgeridoo, Robbie James of GANGgajang and…

The state election campaign is officially underway and in this episode member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard talks about local issues which plagued this term including stinky Swanbank, Scott’s farm and Deebing Creek development. Plus, a look at a big picture redevelopment plan for Bell Street, Ipswich Hospital expansion, cost of living and 50 cent far…

The state election campaign has officially begun, Ipswich State High School to receive ceremonial keys to the city, new clubhouse for Silver Jubilee Sports Facility at Spring Mountain, and netball and New Year’s Eve event funding approved by council. Also in this episode West Moreton Health records a 2.6 per cent increase in emergency department pr…

He loves this city, but can David Martin win enough votes to return to Ipswich City Council after his failed bids for mayor? He was elected councillor at a by-election in 2017 to represent the old Division 7 and has declared his intention to run at the Division 4 by-election on October 26. David Martin joins this episode. Published: 26 September 20…

Sue Dunne has declared a third tilt at Division 4 in the by-election set for October 26 but her true independence is under scrutiny. Also in this episode 50 cent public transport fares are here to stay, but how sustainable is this move and how long can they last. UniSQ consumer expert Park Thaichon has some answers and the savings for Ipswich commu…

Division 4 by-election date set for October 26 with costs revealed by ECQ, council wants your views on the future of River Heart Parklands, CMC Rocks 2025 another sell-out, sports awards finalists announced, and have I found Ipswich’s most expensive coffee? Time for another yarn over the back fence with Ashleigh Mac. Published: 17 September 2024. E…

The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry will be central to recording the real story of Queensland and complete the picture of the state’s history. Truth will allow all Queenslanders to heal and move forward. In this special episode chairperson Joshua Creamer explains more about the Inquiry which aims to build and understand First Nations history and …

This month’s council meeting again exposed deep divisions, verging on outright hatred, between two increasingly distinct factions in the chamber. Fortunately, there was some important council business dealt with, but the future looks far from rosy for all sides. Mayor Teresa Harding joins the show after the September 12 meeting of Ipswich City Coun…

A by-election will determine who fills the Ipswich City Council Division 4 vacancy. Russell Milligan missed out on a councillor spot in March. This week he announced he will be a candidate with a platform which includes no place for party politics in local government. Will voters give him another chance? Russell Milligan is hoping so and he joins t…

It all started with civility to decide which of two options councillors would vote for in order to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former councillor David Cullen. There were tense moments, but it was clearly a done deal beforehand with the numbers having it for a by-election. Hear the arguments for and against in a special meeting of Ip…

How best to avoid swooping magpies and is it possible to make friends with an aggressive bird? All your questions answered from a wildlife expert, plus tips on reducing your chances of encountering snakes around the house. Published: 3 September 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Magpie by photographer Rebecca Tregear (Pixabay) Ipswich…

In a shock announcement first-time Ipswich councillor Dave Cullen has resigned citing on-going health problems. Dave Cullen joins this episode of Ipswich Today to discuss what's behind his decision. Ipswich City Council CEO Sonia Cooper issued a statement which confirmed that under Section 166 of the Local Government Act 2009, there are two options…

Ash Barty donates books for kids to libraries across Australia, UniSQ announces new chancellor, council shortens the shortlist for new western waste centre, Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve to open before Christmas and Galvanized festival kicks off this week. Published: 27 August 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: University of Sou…

Mihi Grove flood buy-back drags on while council considers what to do with other properties purchased under the scheme, Greenwood Village Road right turn issue unresolved, greyhound facility approved at Purga with additional noise conditions, regulations dropped for sex workers and why council needs, or doesn’t need, advisory committees. In this ep…

Federal member for Blair Shayne Neumann criticises Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding under parliamentary privilege, school plan for Scott’s farm quashed, countdown to the state election, copper theft costs council dearly, Galvanized heritage festival and I, Object comes to Ipswich Art Gallery. All this and more with Walter Williams and Ashleigh Mac who …

Scott’s Ripley farm saved from school plans, Ipswich councillors agonise over solutions to problem intersection on Redbank Plains Road and sex workers now in the same classification as other home-based businesses. What does this mean for the typical suburban street? Published: 15 August 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Ipswich MP Jen…

Copper thieves cost Ipswich City Council more than $750,000 since 2020, the rebirth of Fire Station 101 as a place for creative arts, Riverview green waste area doubles in size, National Science Week at UniSQ and later in this episode Rachel Vickary co-creator of Queerswich joins the show (5:04 from start). Published: 11 August 2024. Theme music: w…

Technology and soundproof booths are being used to help teach young Indigenous teens in Ipswich coping with life skills. Places are now available in a new 10-week program. VitalHub’s Russ Wright joins the show to explain more. Published: 7 August 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com VitalHub Ipswich: https://www.vitalprojex.com/ Ipswich Festiva…

Labor’s Wendy Bourne hasn’t stopped campaigning since her loss at the state by-election in March. The hot issues in the seat of Ipswich West are mostly due to rapid population growth. Wendy Bourne joins the show for the first time. Published: 5 August 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: ALP candidate for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne (suppl…

Healthy lifestyle habits are easy to start but hard to maintain. Failed diets, lack of exercise and sleep can bring us unstuck. Ipswich-based Loz Antonenko has a fresh take on how to stick with these healthy habits in her new book with an edgy title. Published: 3 August 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Loz Antonenko (supplied) Loz Li…

Should councillors have a side hustle and does it pass the pub test, Indigenous wild food and culture coming to Ipswich Turf Club, Goodna park upgrade complete and a proposed revamp for d’Arcy Doyle Place. Published: 1 August 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Councillor Paul Tully, mayor Teresa Harding and deputy mayor Nicole Jonic at…

Ipswich councillor Jacob Madsen finally admits publicly to having a side hustle, but insists it does not impact his ability to perform the role of councillor. In this episode you’ll hear first-hand from Madsen as he reveals why he applied for a second job. Interview recorded: 25 July 2024. Published: 27 July 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com…

Another chapter in the Swifts saga, AI gets attention in council, Ipswich motions for the LGAQ conference later this year and Ipswich City Council’s We Can’t Wait advocacy almost nuked in this month's meeting when Andrew Antoniolli called for an immediate halt to the campaign. All this and more with mayor Teresa Harding. Recorded: 25 July 2024. Pub…

Only eight years until the Brisbane Olympics and local kids are looking to participate in the games, new diabetes service at Ripley Satellite Hospital, Park2Park clocks up 20 years, Galvanized steps back in time and sites shortlisted for a new waste facility in western Ipswich. Published: 23 July 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Twen…

Shock health announcement from Ipswich West MP Darren Zanow and Ipswich City Council campaigns for state funding of major projects. Ashleigh Mac joins the show for another yarn over the back fence. Also in this episode RAAF Amberley supports Exercise Pitch Black and more serious health advice from West Moreton Health. Published: 14 July 2024. Theme…

Ahead of the state election Ipswich council launches an aggressive push for more infrastructure spending in the region before two and a half hour commutes from Ripley to Brisbane become the norm, if nothing is done to build more critical infrastructure. Ipswich can’t wait any longer campaign launched on July 7. Also in this episode Crime Action Gra…