Western Spirit Football Club is preparing to welcome former players, current members, sponsors and local supporters to Kippen Park for its annual Old Boys and Girls gathering and sponsors’ evening.

Speaking with Rach Z on Radio Springfield City, Western Spirit Director, Technical Director and Senior Men’s Head Coach Joe Fenech said the event had become an important club tradition.

“It creates a really good tradition, which occurs annually,” Joe said.

The day will feature football from morning through to the evening, beginning with junior teams from approximately 9.00 am. The under-23s will take the field later in the day, followed by the senior men’s match against Bayside United.

Joe said Western Spirit’s under-23 squad included a talented group of young players who were working towards opportunities in the senior team.

A Full Day of Local Football

Supporters and community members are invited to attend the matches at Kippen Park on Eden Street in Goodna.

Entry is free, with food and refreshments available from Wingies Canteen throughout the day.

Joe said the gathering provided an opportunity for former and current players to reconnect while sponsors, families and supporters enjoyed the football and club atmosphere.

Western Spirit currently has more than 500 registered players and continues to grow each year. The club also has a developing female football program, with its teams already performing strongly.

Volunteers Make the Club Possible

During the interview, Joe acknowledged the volunteers, parent coaches, committee members and supporters who help keep Western Spirit operating.

The club welcomes people who may be interested in assisting with coaching, team management, equipment, ground maintenance, canteen operations or other volunteer positions.

“Everyone’s welcome,” Joe said.

He also recognised the club’s committee and the many people who contribute their time behind the scenes.

“Without them, the club would struggle. Most importantly, I’d like to acknowledge all the volunteers and parent coaches and everyone at the club, because it’s what makes the club.”

Community members interested in playing, volunteering, sponsoring the club or simply watching a good day of local football are encouraged to visit Western Spirit Football Club at Kippen Park.

The interview was featured on Lunchtime with Rach Z on Radio Springfield City.

Step Back into the ’90s These School Holidays at Orion Springfield Central

Families can rewind the clock and experience the sights, sounds and memories of the 1990s at Orion Springfield Central these school holidays.

Rach Z spoke with Yasmin, National Marketing Manager for Mirvac, on Radio Springfield City about the centre’s new Rewind Room—an immersive experience designed to introduce children to the decade their parents grew up in.

The experience features a collection of nostalgic ’90s-themed spaces, including a video store, high school locker room, poster-covered bedroom and a familiar animated living room inspired by another town called Springfield.

Visitors can explore the music, movies, technology and pop culture that defined the decade.

Yasmin said the experience gives parents an opportunity to share their memories with their children while young visitors discover items they may never have encountered before, including video tapes and corded telephones.

“One of my favourite experiences was explaining the corded phone on the wall and how your brother could pick up another phone in the house and listen to your conversation,” Yasmin told Rach Z.

“It was so cool to re-experience all of those memories with my kids.”

Alongside the Rewind Room, Orion Springfield Central will offer a range of school holiday activities, including pizza-making and slap-band workshops, a mini Comic Con experience with QBD Books and other family entertainment throughout the centre.

Affordable fun supporting an important cause

Entry to the Rewind Room is $5 per person, with every dollar donated to The Hope Hub, which assists families affected by domestic and family violence.

Yasmin said the initiative allows families to enjoy an affordable school holiday outing while supporting an important local service.

Online bookings are recommended because sessions have been filling quickly. Walk-in visitors may also be able to book using the QR code at the entrance, subject to availability.

Throwback Thursday prices

The nostalgia will continue throughout winter with Orion Springfield Central’s Throwback Thursday promotions.

Special offers will be announced each Tuesday through the centre’s social media channels, with upcoming deals including 50-cent Paddle Pops and Bubble O’Bills.

Rach Z said the Rewind Room offered something entertaining for children while allowing parents to revisit some forgotten memories from their younger years.

Listen to the complete interview replay with Yasmin to discover more about the Rewind Room and the school holiday activities happening at Orion Springfield Central.

By Rach Z | Radio Springfield City

Ipswich Cup Day once again brought racing, fashion, music and thousands of racegoers together at the Ipswich Turf Club in Bundamba.

Broadcasting from the event for Radio Springfield City, Rach Z caught up with Ipswich Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Nathan Exelby to discuss what makes the Ipswich Cup such an important occasion for the city.

Nathan said the event has built an incredibly loyal following, with many people returning year after year.

“The City of Ipswich and Greater Ipswich take ownership of this day, and they make it what it is and has been for 160 years,” he said.

For Rach Z, who has attended the Ipswich Cup for around a decade, the day is about much more than the racing. It is also an opportunity to catch up with people, enjoy the food and entertainment, and see the wide variety of fashions on display.

Nathan described the racetrack as a “melting pot” that brings together people from all sections of the community.

From sophisticated outfits to colourful and creative suits, he said Cup Day allows everyone to add their own personality to the occasion.

The event also provides an important economic boost for Ipswich, supporting local fashion providers, hospitality businesses and other suppliers before, during and after the event.

This year’s infield music festival featured food trucks alongside live entertainment, while the Turf Club’s hospitality team worked to provide plenty of options across the venue.

Racing remained at the centre of the celebrations, with strong fields assembled for the day’s feature races. Before scratchings, approximately 160 horses had been accepted across the program.

Nathan said Ipswich Cup Day has a reputation for thrilling finishes and hoped racegoers would once again see some exciting contests on the track.

Beyond Cup Day, the Ipswich Turf Club is preparing for a busy 2026–27 racing season, with 43 meetings scheduled.

Annual membership costs $170 and provides entry to all 43 meetings and access to the members’ area. Members are also invited to two dedicated members’ days featuring complimentary food and drinks.

Nathan encouraged people interested in racing and the Ipswich Turf Club community to visit the club’s website and consider becoming a member.

Missed the interview? Listen to Rach Z’s full conversation with Ipswich Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Nathan Exelby through Radio Springfield City’s podcast.

By Antoine Vidal | Radio Springfield City

Queensland will be fighting to keep the State of Origin series alive tonight following a dramatic loss in the opening game.

Ahead of Game 2, Antoine Vidal was joined on Radio Springfield City by Origin expert and the station’s “18th Man”, Shaun, to discuss the team changes, key matchups and what the Maroons must do to force a series decider.

Shaun believes Queensland can take plenty of confidence from its Game 1 performance, despite the result.

“I think we were unlucky in Game 1,” Shaun said.

“If we play the way we played in Game 1, minus the controversial moments, I think the outcome could be very different.”

Team changes could shape the contest

Queensland enters the match with a relatively settled side, although the absence of Patrick Carrigan will require changes through the middle.

Shaun said the Maroons’ speed around the ruck and their ability to move the ball through the forwards could again trouble New South Wales.

He also highlighted the inclusion of Reece Walsh in the squad as a possible attacking option if Queensland needs to change the momentum of the game.

“It will be interesting to see, if Queensland is behind at any point, whether Billy Slater thinks Walsh is the man to spark something,” Shaun said.

New South Wales has also made changes following injuries, with both teams expected to bring plenty of speed and physicality into the contest.

Shaun believes the forward battle will be relatively even, meaning the game could be decided by which team’s halves make the most of quick play-the-balls and attacking opportunities.

Shaun backs Queensland in a close finish

Shaun is tipping the Maroons to win by between one and 12 points.

He is also predicting a big performance from Queensland forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who is expected to play following the passing of his father.

“I think we are going to see a man-of-the-match performance from Tino,” Shaun said.

“He will want to stand up, make his dad proud and lead from the front.”

For those looking for a possible first try scorer, Shaun believes Queensland hooker Harry Grant could capitalise on some quick play through the middle.

His final predictions are:

Queensland to win by one to 12 points, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui for Player of the Match and Harry Grant to score the opening try.

A Queensland victory would send the series to a deciding Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium.

By Antoine Vidal | Radio Springfield City

Ipswich-born and Goodna-raised country artist Brooke Seabrook joined Antoine Vidal on Radio Springfield City to discuss her musical journey, her connection to Australian storytelling and the inspiration behind her latest single, I Took My Town Away.

Growing up as one of seven children in an old Queenslander on a hill in Goodna, Brooke remembers a childhood filled with country music, family noise and stories.

“Our house was run on an old wood stove, and the walls were filled with a lot of country music and a lot of noise,” Brooke said.

Music and storytelling were always present in Brooke’s family. Her father would occasionally pick up the mouth organ, while her grandmother’s poetry from the late 1800s and early 1900s helped inspire Brooke’s love of words and Australian history.

A Love of the Country

Brooke released her debut single, No City Lives in Me, in 2025.

The song explores the feeling of living in one place while longing for another. Although Brooke grew up in the city, she has always felt a strong connection to the bush, country towns and the stories found within them.

“It was about being in a place but yearning for another,” she said.

Brooke’s songwriting has also received recognition through lyricist and songwriting competitions. She said being recognised for something she loves has been a proud personal achievement.

“I never thought that I could get there, so it’s something that I’m really proud of,” she said.

‘I Took My Town Away’

During the interview, Brooke spoke about her latest single, I Took My Town Away, which was released following her win at the Thornton Young Award in Tamworth.

The award is affiliated with the Country Music Association of Australia and recognises artists who continue the tradition of Australian heritage music and bush ballad storytelling.

Brooke said the new song was partly inspired by questions about how someone raised in Goodna could describe having a country upbringing.

The song reflects on Goodna and other familiar places that have changed so much over time that they can become difficult to recognise.

“This one is really quite special because it speaks, for me, of Goodna and of places that we hold really close to our hearts that you just don’t recognise anymore,” Brooke said.

Brooke worked with award-winning musician and producer Lindsay Waddington to bring the song to life in the studio.

She said the song has already encouraged listeners to share their own memories of hometowns, communities and places that have changed.

“That’s what I love about songwriting and storytelling. People come and tell you their stories,” she said.

Brooke also revealed that she has another two singles planned for release this year.

Opening for Luke O’Shea

Brooke is preparing to open for acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Luke O’Shea at Studio 188 in Ipswich on 1 August.

The opportunity came unexpectedly, with Brooke initially wondering whether the invitation was a prank.

She will perform a 30-minute supporting set at the historic Ipswich venue.

“I’m so excited about getting up there and doing it,” Brooke said.

She described Luke O’Shea as one of Australia’s finest musical storytellers and singer-songwriters.

Supporting Local Music

Radio Springfield City’s Antoine Vidal thanked Brooke for sharing her story and celebrating her strong connection to Ipswich, Goodna and Australian music.

Listeners can follow Brooke Seabrook and discover her latest music at brookeseabrook.com.

Supporting local artists helps ensure the stories, people and places of our region continue to be heard.

By Rach Z | Radio Springfield City

Last Saturday on Radio Springfield City, Rach Z was joined by Donelle Whiteley, President of the Rotary Club of Greater Springfield, for a warm and inspiring conversation about community service, local projects and the power of people coming together.

Donelle shared that Rotary is not only a service organisation, but also a group that knows how to have fun while making a real difference. One recent example was Project Kade, a heartfelt fundraising effort supporting a local family. Rach spoke about attending the event and leaving with “a full cup” after seeing the generosity and compassion shown by the club.

The conversation also highlighted the wide range of projects Rotary is involved in, both locally and internationally. In Greater Springfield, the club has helped install a Peace Pole at Robelle Domain, featuring the message “May peace prevail on earth” in multiple languages.

Janelle also spoke about Rotary’s work overseas, including sponsoring a classroom in Siem Reap, Cambodia, helping children access education and work towards breaking the cycle of poverty.

Rotary’s broader impact was also discussed, including its support of Bloodbikes, ShelterBox, and the global End Polio Now campaign.

For those wanting to get involved, the Rotary Club of Greater Springfield meets every second Thursday of the month at Springfield Vista, formerly known as Aveo. Janelle said anyone interested in community service, friendship and making a difference is welcome to come along.

Listeners can also find out more by searching for Rotary Club of Greater Springfield on Facebook and sending the club a message.

It was another great local conversation on Radio Springfield City, showcasing the people and organisations working hard to make Greater Springfield an even better place to live.

By Rach Z | Radio Springfield City

Radio Springfield City’s Rach Z was joined on air by Maddie Moulds, Marketing and Loyalty Manager at Club Parkview Goodna, to chat about an upcoming community event with heart.

Club Parkview is hosting its first Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event in support of Cancer Council Queensland, bringing the community together for a morning of food, conversation, fundraising, and connection.

Maddie shared that the event will feature special guest speakers, including Jenny Jenner from Kalbar Sunflowers, Gail Rogers from Ipswich Hospice, and a representative from Cancer Council Queensland. Each speaker will bring a unique perspective on cancer care, community support, wellbeing, and the impact fundraising can have locally.

The morning tea will also include a delicious spread, with classic favourites such as finger sandwiches, scones, fresh produce, and plenty of morning tea treats.

The event will be held on Friday, 26 June from 9am to midday at Club Parkview Goodna.

Tickets can be booked through the Club Parkview website, via their social media pages, or in person at the venue for those who prefer to book directly with staff.

Rach Z praised Maddie for her continued support of local events and community initiatives, with Maddie teasing that there are plenty more Club Parkview events to come throughout the year.

It is set to be a meaningful morning of community spirit, fundraising, and support for an important cause.

By Antoine Vidal | Radio Springfield City

State of Origin is back for 2026, and so is The 18th Man on Radio Springfield City.

Shaun joined Antoine for a special preview ahead of Game One, taking listeners through the big talking points before kick-off, including the Blues’ line-up, Queensland’s squad selections, the new six-man bench rule, and the players who could decide the result.

For New South Wales, Shaun looked at the impact of Mitchell Moses being ruled out with a hamstring strain and the inclusion of Matt Burton in the squad. He also highlighted the Blues’ strong forward pack, including big bodies through the middle, and suggested their game plan may focus on quick play-the-balls and targeting the middle third of the field.

Queensland’s side also came under the spotlight, with Shaun backing the selection of Kalyn Ponga and praising the Maroons’ form in the outside backs. He also pointed to Cameron Munster’s ability to rise in the Origin arena, while tipping Sam Walker as a player who could make a major impact.

The discussion also covered the new six-man bench rule, which allows teams to name six players but use four, giving coaches more flexibility if injuries or head injury assessments force key players from the field.

Shaun also spoke about Queensland’s debutants, including Jojo Fifita, Max Plath, Sam Walker and Briton Nikora, as well as the updated eligibility rules that have allowed players with strong state connections to represent Queensland or New South Wales.

When it came time for bold predictions, Shaun tipped Selwyn Cobbo as first try scorer, Sam Walker as player of the match, and Queensland to win by eight points.

It’s passionate, it’s local, and it’s everything State of Origin should be.

Listen to the full preview now on Radio Springfield City.

By Rach Z | Radio Springfield City

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Residents across Ipswich and Greater Springfield are set to benefit from new federal budget measures, according to Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, who joined Radio Springfield City this week.

Speaking with host Rachel, Neumann outlined key elements of the budget, including tax relief for millions of Australians and targeted reforms aimed at improving housing affordability.

One of the headline measures is a $1,000 instant tax deduction, expected to benefit around 1.3 million Queenslanders. This initiative simplifies the tax process by allowing workers to claim a standard deduction instead of tracking individual work-related expenses.

In addition, broader tax cuts and offsets are being rolled out, with the average Australian worker projected to benefit by up to $3,000 by 2028.

Neumann emphasised that the reforms are designed to address growing economic pressures, including the global oil shock, while supporting workers, businesses, and the wider community.

A major focus of the conversation was housing affordability—an issue impacting many in the Ipswich region. Neumann highlighted that house prices have risen significantly faster than wages over recent decades, creating barriers for first-home buyers.

To address this, the government is proposing changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax arrangements, aiming to level the playing field between investors and first-time buyers.

“We’re trying to give people a fair go,” Neumann said, noting that current conditions often see young buyers competing against investors at auctions.

The reforms are expected to help an additional 75,000 Australians enter the housing market, while existing schemes—such as the 5% deposit initiative—continue to support local buyers.

Neumann also pointed to broader goals of building a stronger, more resilient economy that works for more Australians, particularly in growing communities like Ipswich.

The full interview is available now on Radio Springfield City., Housing & Fair Go: Shane Neumann Breaks Down the Federal Budget”

Federal Member for Blair, Shane Neumann, joins Rachel on Radio Springfield City to unpack the latest federal budget and what it means for locals in Ipswich and Greater Springfield.

From tax cuts and the new $1,000 instant deduction to changes in negative gearing and capital gains, Shane explains how these reforms aim to support everyday Australians. The conversation dives into housing affordability, helping first-home buyers compete, and creating a fairer tax system for workers.

If you’re wondering how these changes could impact your wallet, your home ownership goals, or your future—this is one interview you don’t want to miss.

Launching on June 6, the day that celebrates Queensland’s identity and independence, the release pays tribute to the region’s rich heritage and pioneering spirit.

Distilled, aged and bottled in Ipswich, the whisky is the result of years of patience, craftsmanship and a deep connection to place.

“This isn’t just a product launch—it’s a milestone,” said Chief Distiller Jason Hannay.
“We chose Queensland Day deliberately. It represents identity, independence, and that same spirit is captured in this whisky for Ipswich.”

The limited release will be available at the distillery’s cellar door and online, with strong demand expected.

Imbibis Craft Distillery Address: 5/1 Gliderway St, Bundamba QLD 4304

Radio Springfield City is proud to celebrate one of our very own, with announcer Rach Z recently taking out first prize at the Ipswich Show.

Rach, who is part of the Radio Springfield City announcing team, impressed the judges and walked away with the top honour, marking a wonderful achievement and a proud moment for the station.

The Ipswich Show is a much-loved local event, bringing together the community to celebrate talent, creativity, agriculture, entertainment and local pride. Rach’s first-place win is a fantastic recognition of her hard work and passion.

From all of us at Radio Springfield City, we would like to say a huge congratulations to Rach Z on this amazing achievement.

Well done, Rach — we are all very proud of you!

By Rach Z | Radio Springfield City

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There was plenty of sunshine on the airwaves during Lunchtime with Rach Z this week, as Rach welcomed a very special guest — the “Sunflower Queen” herself, Jenny Jenner, founder of Kalbar Sunflowers.

Beaming with excitement, Jenny joined the show to share the magic behind the much-loved Kalbar Sunflowers festival, which is lighting up the Scenic Rim this weekend. Known for transforming fields into seas of golden blooms, the festival has become a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.

Jenny spoke passionately about the joy the sunflowers bring to the community, creating a space where families, photographers, and flower lovers can come together and soak up the beauty of nature. From vibrant photo opportunities to a relaxed country atmosphere, the festival is all about connection, happiness, and a touch of sunshine.

“It’s just such a happy place,” Jenny shared, her enthusiasm shining through. “Seeing people walk through the fields and smile — that’s what it’s all about.”

With perfect weather and thousands of sunflowers in full bloom, this weekend’s festival promises unforgettable moments for all who attend.

If you’re looking for something to brighten your weekend, Kalbar Sunflowers is in full swing — and as Jenny Jenner says, there’s no better time to stop and smell the sunflowers.

By Rach Z | Radio Springfield City

A powerful tribute to the ANZAC spirit has taken centre stage at Brighton Homes Arena, with Boonah artists Wendy and Robert Badke unveiling a remarkable handcrafted installation for the occasion.

The large-scale corten steel sculptures, depicting the kangaroo and emu from the Australian Coat of Arms, have become a focal point of the ANZAC Day football event, symbolising remembrance, resilience, and national identity. Standing at approximately two metres tall and made from more than 500 individual steel components, each piece reflects strength, endurance, and the spirit of a nation that continues to move forward.

The sculptures were showcased alongside the moving soldier artwork “Lest He Forgets” by Georgia Fehst, creating a powerful visual tribute that brought together art, history, and community reflection.

Speaking with Radio Springfield City, Hue Kedge from Creative Hearts Co. highlighted the significance of the project and the role of local artists in telling important stories.

“Art has the ability to hold space for reflection in a way that words sometimes cannot,” Kedge said. “To showcase local artists at such a meaningful event is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

In the lead-up to the event, Creative Hearts Co. also brought the community together through poppy-making workshops at The Hub, giving locals a hands-on way to honour those who have served. The sessions provided an opportunity for reflection, connection, and shared storytelling in the spirit of ANZAC Day.

The Badkes, who are also known for their involvement in community initiatives such as the Sunflowers of Hope project in collaboration with Kalbar Sunflowers, continue to use their work to give back and strengthen regional ties.

As the community gathered at Brighton Homes Arena, the sculptures served as a poignant reminder that ANZAC Day is not only about remembrance, but also about unity, mateship, and the stories that connect us all.

Photo credit: Hue Kedge, The Creative Hearts Co.

Click Here to Listen

Ipswich is positioned to be the manufacturing and defence capital of Queensland with an 8,000-hectare future supply of industrial land.

With the largest area of land earmarked as developable for commercial and industrial purposes than any other city in South East Queensland, Ipswich City Council has outlined its competitive advantages in a new investment prospectus, The City of Ipswich: Space to Grow.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the city is uniquely positioned to attract advanced manufacturing, defence, production, innovation and logistics.

“Ipswich is in a prime position to help bring manufacturing back to Queensland and Australia,” Mayor Harding said.

“As a proven location for industry to thrive, Ipswich is HQ to operations of companies including Goodman Group, Coles, Suntory Oceania, JBS, Rheinmetall, L’Oréal Groupe, Australia Post, FedEx, TAE Aerospace, Visy, CHEP, Sunny Queen, Bombadier, DB Schenker and Bapcor. Officeworks and Asahi are also building large-scale facilities in Ipswich.

“Manufacturing and defence are our city’s biggest industries, contributing about 60 per cent of our $8 billion in annual exports, and we are hungry more of this type of investment.

“With a potential industrial land supply of 7,923 hectares – a supply bigger than that of all other South East Queensland local government areas combined – we have space planned for new commercial and industrial centres.

“The region overall is facing challenges when it comes to industrial land supply, with Brisbane predicted to run out in a matter of a few years.

“Ipswich stands ready to cater for the land requirements of a range of industries. Our city has a proud history of manufacturing and it remains one of the largest employers of any industry in our city.

“We want to ensure Ipswich is the manufacturing and defence capital of Queensland, so that investment flows through our economy and leads to job opportunities for our residents, while also benefitting our fast-growing region and country more broadly.”

Mayor Harding said greenfield supply is just one of many reasons Ipswich is an attractive place for business.

“The City of Ipswich: Space to Grow investment prospectus highlights our city’s unique strengths as a location for investment including workforce opportunities and geographical advantages, as well as our growth mindset when it comes to business,” Mayor Harding said.

“We have a strong local workforce supply with a population of 270,000 on track to double to more than half a million by 2046 driven by priority residential growth areas, of a median age lower than that of Queensland overall.

“Our location bordering the Brisbane, Logan, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Somerset local government areas provides connectivity to a catchment of millions of people, and a gateway to the state’s west.

“Ipswich has a booming economy of $15 billion, growing at 4.2 per cent annually with more than 13,000 businesses and 95,000 jobs, and we’re excited for others to join us on this journey of growth.

“Through our Economic Development Incentive Policy, we will continue to attract high value projects to Ipswich that drive job creation, capital investment and support the growth of our local industries.”

John Gualtieri, Managing Director, Officeworks, explained why Ipswich was chosen for the location of the company’s new Omnichannel Distribution Centre, being built at Redbank Motorway Estate.

“This is a significant investment in the future of Officeworks and in how we better serve our customers across every channel to bring their big ideas to life,” Mr Gualtieri said.

“Located in Redbank, with strong access to key transport links and a growing local workforce, this highly automated, future-ready Omnichannel Distribution Centre will help simplify our operations, create hundreds of local jobs, and support our team with a safer and more modern workplace.”

Jess Caire, Queensland Executive Director, Property Council of Australia has endorsed The City of Ipswich: Space to Grow investment prospectus.

“Ipswich’s scale, land availability and industrial capability position it as a natural home for Queensland’s next phase of manufacturing and defence investment,” Ms Caire said.

“As pressure builds on industrial land supply across South East Queensland, Ipswich stands out as one of the few locations able to accommodate major employers at the scale they need.

“This kind of long term, jobs focused investment is critical to strengthening productivity, supply chains and economic resilience for the entire region.”

View Ipswich City Council’s investment prospectus, The City of Ipswich: Space to Grow, here. To be part of Ipswich’s growth journey, contact invest@ipswich.qld.gov.au

By Antoine Vidal | Radio Springfield City

For many, a childhood dream shapes the path ahead. But for Australian Defence Force aircraft technician Matt Burgoyne, it was the dream that didn’t quite work out that ultimately led to a remarkable career in service.

Speaking with Antoine Vidal on Radio Springfield City, Matt shared his journey of nearly 20 years in the Defence Force—one that began with a passion for flying at a young age.

Having flown solo at just 13 through the Air Force cadets program, Matt initially set his sights on becoming a pilot. However, due to height restrictions, that path was no longer an option.

Rather than walking away, he adapted—choosing a role that would keep him close to the aircraft and immersed in the world he loved.

Now based at RAAF Base Amberley, Matt works as an aircraft technician, maintaining and supporting a range of Defence aircraft including the C-27J Spartan and the C-130 Hercules. His role has taken him across Australia and around the world, supporting operations ranging from training exercises to humanitarian aid missions.

“It’s a varied job,” Matt explained. “One day you’re managing maintenance, the next you’re flying somewhere in the world helping deliver aid or evacuate people during disasters.”

Among his most meaningful experiences have been humanitarian deployments—providing support to communities facing floods, fires, and other crises.

“Helping people through what could be the worst time in their lives—that’s probably the most rewarding part,” he said.

Beyond his Defence role, Matt is also contributing to the local community as a committee member of the Greater Springfield RSL Sub Branch. Since joining, he has been part of a team working to bring a new and engaging ANZAC Day experience to the region.

This year marks a significant milestone, with commemorations expanding to include a full day of community activities following the dawn service. Planned events include a march, commemorative service, and AFL matches aimed at bringing families and the broader community together.

“We want to create something that honours tradition but also engages the next generation,” Matt said.

While organising such an event comes with its challenges—particularly within a volunteer organisation—Matt remains optimistic about the impact it will have.

With strong support from the local community and Defence personnel, this year’s ANZAC Day is shaping up to be one of the most memorable yet.

Matt’s journey is a powerful reminder that while plans may change, purpose can still take flight in unexpected ways.

 Listen to the full conversation with Matt Burgoyne Click Here to Listen