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 what drives their passion and about the unique items on sale. NB: This episode is not a commercial arrangement, however I do have an interest in two pr...
Feb 12, 2025•12 min•Ep. 422
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 February 2025. Image: Invasive Species Council advocacy manager Reece Pianta (supplied) Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steiner Invasiv...
Feb 07, 2025•15 min•Ep. 421
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 not white elephants. Mayor Teresa Harding joins the show after the January meeting of Ipswich City Council. Recorded: 28 January 2025. Published: 29 ...
Jan 29, 2025•14 min•Ep. 420
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. Time for another yarn over the back fence with Walter Williams and Ashleigh Mac. Published: 21 January 2025. Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and ...
Jan 21, 2025•32 min•Ep. 419
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. Published: 9 January 2025. Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steiner Bull-O-Rama tickets: https://ipswichshow.com.au/buy-spectator/bull-o-r...
Jan 09, 2025•5 min•Ep. 418
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. Recorded: 16 December 2024. Published: 17 December 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Christmas in Ipswich: https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/christm...
Dec 17, 2024•21 min•Ep. 417
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 show after the December (2024) meeting of Ipswich City Council. Published: 13 December 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Ipswich mayor Te...
Dec 13, 2024•15 min•Ep. 416
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.purple-planet.com Image: Chamber president Phillip Bell (Facebook) Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce: https://ipswichchamber.org.au/ Christmas in Ipsw...
Dec 04, 2024•10 min•Ep. 415
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 out running for the federal seat of Blair. Published: 29 November 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Mayor Teresa Harding in Nicholas St...
Nov 29, 2024•13 min•Ep. 414
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 interview with Colin. May he rest in peace. Published: 22 November 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Colin Petersen at the drums in the Best of ...
Nov 22, 2024•38 min•Ep. 413
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 Ashleigh Mac. Published: 20 November 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Council meeting agendas and minutes: bit.ly/2JlrVKY Council meetings on YouTub...
Nov 20, 2024•21 min•Ep. 412
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: 16 November 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Cr Marnie Doyle at November's Finance and Governance Committee (YouTube) Council meeting ag...
Nov 16, 2024•9 min•Ep. 411
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.purple-planet.com Image: Former Division 4 councillor Kate Kunzelmann (supplied) Local Ipswich News: https://localipswichnews.com.au/ Inside Ipswich: ...
Nov 12, 2024•10 min•Ep. 410
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 Precinct in 2023 (supplied) Christmas in Ipswich: https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/christmas-in-ipswich/ Ipswich Art Awards: https://www.ipswich.qld.g...
Nov 07, 2024•8 min•Ep. 409
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 episode Swich Up Productions brings this era to life just in time for Christmas. Published: 1 November 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Swich Up...
Nov 01, 2024•13 min•Ep. 408
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 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Veronica Witham for Morning Talkers Toastmasters Ipswich (supplied) Morning Talkers Toastmasters: https:/...
Oct 30, 2024•12 min•Ep. 407
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 the watchful eye of senior officers from the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works in the public gallery. Ipswich mayor Ter...
Oct 25, 2024•15 min•Ep. 406
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, and Hotel Commonwealth and Hoyts to open very soon. Recorded: 21 October 2024. Published: 22 October 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Elector...
Oct 21, 2024•19 min•Ep. 405
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 regional and city voters, and reveals his tip on which party he thinks will win. Published: 19 October 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image:...
Oct 18, 2024•21 min•Ep. 404
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 music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Screenshot Ipswich City Council Infrastructure Planning and Assets Committee meeting 15 October 2024 (YouTube) Electo...
Oct 17, 2024•12 min•Ep. 403
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-planet.com Image: AI generated example of a healthy school lunch (Copilot) Electoral Commission of Queensland: https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/elections/elec...
Oct 14, 2024•8 min•Ep. 402
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 second time. Published: 11 October 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Some members of Ipswich State High School girls rugby league team at Key...
Oct 11, 2024•7 min•Ep. 401
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 to make three bold predictions. ** Content warning: There may be a healthy dose of self-indulgence in this episode** Published: 7 October 2024. Theme ...
Oct 07, 2024•43 min•Ep. 400
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 Yothu Yindi fame, James Grehan, Grant Gunnourie and the vocals of Kellie Holmes. Published: 5 October 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image:...
Oct 05, 2024•14 min•Ep. 399
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 fares. Published: 3 October 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard (supplied) Electoral Commission of Queensl...
Oct 03, 2024•17 min•Ep. 398
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 presentations. Published: 2 October 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Silver Jubilee Park Spring Mountain opened in April 2023 (Ipswich Fi...
Oct 02, 2024•8 min•Ep. 397
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 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Division 4 by-election candidate David Martin (supplied) Electoral Commission of Queensland: https://www...
Sep 26, 2024•16 min•Ep. 396
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 commuters. Published: 23 September 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Division 4 by-election candidate Sue Dunne (Facebook) Electoral Commissi...
Sep 23, 2024•19 min•Ep. 395
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. Electoral Commission of Queensland: https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/elections/election-events/2024-local-government-elections Council media release: https:/...
Sep 17, 2024•16 min•Ep. 394
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 culture in Queensland. Published: 14 September 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Inquiry chairperson Joshua Creamer (supplied) Truth-tel...
Sep 14, 2024•17 min•Ep. 393
