ON Saturday night we were honoured to attend the first South Sudanese Gala Dinner.
We were greeted with a sea of vibrant colour and enjoyed the cultural experience and particularly the dancing.
It was good to catch up with some of the leaders in our growing South Sudanese community.
IPSWICH IS DOLL CITY

DOLL lovers from as far away as Rockhampton and Newcastle joined a healthy crowd at the Ipswich Gala Doll Fair at the North Ipswich Corporate Centre on Sunday.
The event sees the largest collection of dolls and bears in one display in the state.
Val Metcalfe started the event 40 years ago, and from humble beginnings the event continues to grow and never fails to deliver.
Well done on your initiative Val and best of luck for the future shows.
NEW RISING STAR

Caleb Jackson fresh from winning the National Championship last year at Ipswich High, is on his way to playing league at the highest level, debuting for Redcliffe in the Hostplus Cup on Saturday.
He played his junior footy at Norths and Brothers.
All the best Caleb in achieving your dreams.
Still on rugby league and it was good to reunite with some old ‘Bulldogs’ at the West End ‘Old Boys’ games on Saturday afternoon.
The 109 year old club has struggled lately, and it’s good to see the club looking to rebuild for the next generations.
Local sports clubs are the nursery for pathways for playing sport at higher levels, and grassroots sports need to be supported.
POPPY GOES FOR GOLD

Congrats to 19 year old Springfield local Poppy Wilson who will make her Australian Dolphins debut in the World Para Swimming Championships in July.
We will be following your exploits Poppy, as we continue to get excited about Mollie O’Callaghan and her blossoming career.
Mollie just won the 100m and 200m freestyle and 50m backstroke at the Australian Championships.
The local teenager will be looking to add further medals to her impressive tally at the upcoming World Championships.
WE SHOWED RESPECT

ANZAC Day was commemorated across the Ipswich on Tuesday with big crowds paying respect to those that fought for our country.
It’s sobering to see great crowds at memorials across our city, with the next generation honouring those that have gone before.
Lest we forget and thank you.