It has been 23 years since the first River Heart vision for Ipswich Central was unveiled, before Riverlink and the parklands were developed. In this special episode you’ll hear exclusive behind the scenes insights into how the original River Heart vision came to life and why. The vision itself was more than the parklands you see today. It was about…

Walter Williams and Ashleigh Mac are back on the show for another yarn over the back fence. In this episode Easter holiday fun, we can’t escape the federal election campaign, council committee highlights including the proposal to help right a few wrongs from the past at Ipswich Cemetery, ArtsConnect popup shop in Booval Fair and Gout Gout has lost …

Are you job hunting with the help of artificial intelligence? There are shortcuts to a great resume but what about the pitfalls. To help you avoid the traps when using AI University of Southern Queensland careers expert Dr Jennifer Luke joins the show with priceless advice to help you score that next job. Published: 15 April 2025. Theme music: Audi…

At close of nominations last week 17 candidates are listed across the federal seats of Blair and Oxley. In this episode find out who is running and the ballot paper order. Plus, local rivers get a cleanup and the Ipswich Film Festival for Youth is back for another year. Published: 14 April 2025. Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steine…

Campaigning is now in full flight for the May 3 poll. Shayne Neumann joins this episode. He was first elected to the seat of Blair in 2007 and has put his hand up to run again. What has he achieved, why much-needed infrastructure is yet to materialise and what he’s promising to get done if re-elected. Plus we talk about Ipswich Civic Centre, four-y…

The first week of the federal election campaign throws up a few surprises, a prediction Shayne Neumann will win Blair, what Trump’s tariffs could mean for Ipswich and differences in voter sentiment between states. University of Southern Queensland's Emeritus Professor John Cole is an expert in social and economic development in regional Australia. …

Australian households could be hit with a $581 million annual pesticide bill if fire ant eradication efforts fail, a new report by the Australia Institute has revealed. In this episode Rod Campbell from the institute joins the show to explain a potential nationwide cost burden of more than $1 billion. Published: 31 March 2025. Theme music: AudioJun…

Suspected councillor conduct breach matter delayed until next month, new Ipswich planning scheme due to commence July 1, CEO contract renewed, the latest on proposed developments in WM Hughes Street North Ipswich and usefulness of sandbags questioned. Mayor Teresa Harding joins the show after the March 27 meeting of Ipswich City Council. Recorded: …

In this episode Ipswich City Council reveals allegations against councillor Andrew Antoniolli. Since publishing episode 429 earlier today council has published online late today the full agenda with attachments for Thursday’s council meeting. Published: 24 March 2025. Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steiner Image: Ipswich councillor …

Another big week for Ipswich councillors as they prepare for Thursday’s council meeting. Among other things on the agenda there’s a major $67 million green waste contract to vote on, a suspected councillor conduct breach, a report on the new Ipswich Planning Scheme and a contract renewal for CEO Sonia Cooper. Also in this episode microchip company …

Alfred, the cyclone that was. Did we suffer from information overload? The war of words continues between Teresa Harding and Andrew Antoniolli, fire ants love a good flood, dog rego increase flagged as is a possible move for the Visitor Information Centre. All this and more with Walter Williams and Ashleigh Mac as we catch up for another yarn over …

Cyclone Alfred gives Ipswich residents a scare as life returns to normal for most, however please spare a thought for those still dealing with the trauma of being flooded. Council flood mapping the best to date, radio maintains its relevance and superiority during an extended weather emergency and fire ants hitch a ride on floodwaters. Published: 1…

Councillors on their best behaviour with state government officials in the public gallery, media policy review taken behind closed doors, mayor back from Nerima, Singapore and Europe, and lots of talk about suburb entry signs after an underwhelming new Wulkuraka sign surprises everyone. Mayor Teresa Harding joins the show after the February meeting…

Ipswich's population reaches 260,000, now there are six candidates for Blair, Discover Ipswich what’s on makeover, bulk rubbish collection chalks up 12,000, South Street demolitions gather pace and a new First Nations midwifery program at Ipswich Hospital. Published: 27 February 2025. Image: Jaghu Midwifery Group Practice midwives Bethany Salter, C…

Another surprise from Ash’s radio past, candidates are lining up for the seat of Blair, mayor back from Nerima visit, Cr Andrew Antoniolli declares low morale, former council buildings make way for new hospital car park, odour inquiry expands areas of interest and a call for local artists to create major works of public art. Time for another yarn o…

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…