Local Vanessa Fowler has been honoured with a Queensland nomination for Australian of the year. She does an amazing job highlighting domestic violence through her work with the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation. Vanessa generously gives her time educating about domestic violence and empowering people to practice kindness.
Mo men mo money
Springfield Mo-Men do a great job raising awareness of men’s mental health growing moustaches for Movember. I’ve teamed with them this year growing a moustache to create honest conversation around issues including prostate cancer.
Men are not known for talking about sensitive issues, and it’s important that we man up and have regular prostate checks. I had my prostate out just on six years ago, and only found out I had cancer through a random blood test. Thankfully, today, I’m cancer free, and I acknowledge I’m fortunate that I can share my story, so guys, if you are over 40, get your blood tested.
Sporting success
Our city’s 2023 Sports Awards were celebrated last week with some outstanding nominations. We have amazing talent in our city with world-class winners. Congratulations to all nominees and the winners, including Bella Parissi, the senior sportsperson of the year, who won two golds at the Special Olympics in equestrian.
Ella Ramsay won the junior sportsperson award for making the Commonwealth Games team for swimming, and a world semi-final.
Steve Rogers won official of the year for umpiring the Hockey World Cup Final.
The Ipswich basketball U14 boys won team of the year for winning a state title. Coach of the year was Nick Such for taking the Australian wheelchair basketball team to gold at the Commonwealth Games.
Steve Graham won masters sportsman for winning world masters trophy at weightlifting. IGS swimming club won the sporting organisation for their growth and results.
No sporting organisation could survive without volunteers and Pauline Alchin was awarded volunteer of the year for her 40 years of service to Thistles Ladies and Ipswich Hockey.
Lighting up Brookwater
Finally our Indian community celebrated the Diwali Festival at the Brookwater golf course Sunday with lights, colour, entertainment and cuisine, and it was a pleasure to enjoy the festivities.
