In a corridor with hundreds of millions of dollars in current and proposed developments, Southwest of Brisbane, we saw Australia Day 2025 through many events. While usually quiet, now there is so much growth in the region it is a point of big business.
It was a show of real commitment to see Federal, State and Local Government at the Rosewood Citizen of the Year event Monday 27 January held by the Rosewood Lyons Club. This years' winner was Philio Bird, with finalists Tammy Crawford and Bernie Kington celebrating.
Rosewood and the region as a whole extended a well deserved congratulation to Philio Bird our citizen of the year. It was wonderful to see all levels of Government there to celebrate and recognize the important work of people like Philio and the needs within our region.
While placed in a traditionally rural area within the Federal Seat of Blair, it was a show of what looked like authentic commitment as we saw the Hon Shayne Neumann, current Federal Member, Wendy Bourne MP, Member for Ipswich West, Councillor Jim Madden, Councillor David Martin and The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Ipswich, Teresa Harding, attending and engaging with the community.
There was a noticeable absence of any State or Federal representation from the sitting state government or federal hopefuls from the LNP.
The event quickly became an opportunity for locals in the region to enagage in postive and constructive ways, great manners and real Aussie dialogue, with all three tiers of Government and raise important matters, such as, infrustracture and development as an area booming right now.
Will all these VIPS, the kids of course made sure to slip a few cheaky requests asking when we will get a change room and a toilet we can't fall into.
Tammy Crawford was one of 3 finalists for the award and the President of the quickly expanding Rosewood United Soccer Club. All levels of Government were keen to hear about the planned expansion of the club and urgently needed infrastructure that Rosewood United Soccer Club, despite being in the centre of major developments and population planning, seems to keep missing out on.
"Sports like soccer have grown immensely, especially for young women and our girls teams. We also have our senior and over 30's team and the value this brings, getting people out and fit, moving and off social media is priceless", said Mrs Crawford today.
"At a time of huge works making facilities accessible, community concern for youth crime and health issues for people of all ages, community facilities and clubs are essential. Clubs address these issues, provide amazing mentors, leadership and strong partnerships, mostly through volunteers, so let us at the least give them good facilities.
"It isn't just about the sport. Clubs like Rosewood United in regions like ours, facilitate huge impact, cost savings and community benefits for mental health, physical health, social and community identity and supports, informal supports and foundation services, disability and inclusion. Clubs and regional groups support social and community cohesion and address other areas such as domestic violence, poverty and local economies.
"Despite having young girls, boys, men and women, playing every weekend with the potential for so much more we could do in the community, as well as off season events, we still have an old-fashioned drop toilet and no change room. Accessibility and basic facilities has not yet become a priority for our region which is sad.
"We are thankful children haven't fallen into it yet and not too many mobile phones have gone down the pits. There are no change rooms and given we are surrounded by residential Australia, plumbing and modern developments, we have little accessibility. Our toilet facilities belong in remote bush areas, not locations with hundreds of people attending events and ample access to town water.
Ms Crawford also helps to deliver Australia's largest Disability and NDIS related events through Developing Australian Communities and is getting ready to run Qld's biggest event for 2025, March 21-22 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
"Ms Crawford is someone that has true passion and commitment to the community. I was so glad to see our Federal, State and Local Council all energetically engaging her face to face, to discuss how we can best support clubs and community groups. We will not fix and strengthen our communities unless all levels of government work together like we saw today", said Cofounder and Director of Developing Australian Communities.
Peter Dutton recently identified Blair as a key, must win, seat for the LNP to win in the next federal election. The seat has remained under the leadership of Labor for a long time and today's show of commitment and real support from Labor ministers was a clear message and one that the LNP may find hard to compete with.
Ms Crawford today explained that "there were funds ear marked for our club's upgrades previously within council plans I believe, but it seems to have 'disappeared' out of the budget this year oddly when we were expecting it to occur".
"Given 100's of Millions of Dollars in development underway and planned in our suburbs here we need to get ahead of the influx of thousands of people, let alone bringing facilities into the modern age for current members.
Local resident and National Disability, Child Safety and Community Services Sector Advocate today explained, "I was impressed to see the genuine interest in our plans for growth and upgraded facilities and it was good to see the Mayor, State Minister and Federal Minister all stand together, interested and on the same page as Mrs Crawford outlined what we need to see in our region. We are still a bit country out here and we can spot a genuine person when we see them.
Key Facts:
Lyons Club Home - Lions Clubs Australia
Rosewwod United Soccer Club (2) Rosewood United Soccer Club | Facebook
2025 Disability Connection Expo - Qld Largest Disability Event Brisbane Expo 2025 – Developing Australian Communities
In attendance
Hon Shayne Neumann, current Federal Member
Wendy Bourne MP Member for Ipswich West
Councillor Jim Madden
Councillor David Martin
The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Ipswich, Teresa Harding
