Claire Hughes

Cyclists from all around SEQ gathered at the University of Southern Queensland’s Ipswich campus early Sunday morning for the Heritage Karalee – Ipswich100 charity bike ride, an iconic charity bike ride that raises funds for several important local causes.

The much-loved ride celebrated its 25^th anniversary event on Sunday 24 March 2024.

The overcast and drizzly weather couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the participants, with 542 riders donning their ride bibs and putting the pedal to the metal for the early morning ride through the picturesque Scenic Rim.

The ride is an initiative of the Lions Club of Brisbane West, in association with the Ipswich Hospital Foundation, with cyclists coming from far and wide to take part in this historic event.

This year, the Heritage Karalee – Ipswich100 was very much a family affair, with multi-generations of riders taking part, including grandfather-and-grandson team, Connor and Evan.

Sixteen-year-old Connor, who joined grandad Evan, experienced a heart-stopping moment just before the ride started when he needed to make a quick pit stop at 99Bikes with just a couple of minutes to spare.

Fortunately, he was able to get back on the road, joining Grandad Evan before the pair sped off to take the lead.

Also in the mix was a three-generation race trio with Grandfather Bruce, Uncle Steve and 12-year-old Aidan.  Bruce and Aidan took on the Fun Filled 50km, while Steve took on the Imperial 100-mile challenge.

Cyclists had a choice of three routes, from the 100-mile (160km) to 100km and 50km rides.

Riders started and finished at Ipswich’s picturesque University of Southern Queensland campus and passed through farming land and bushland of the Scenic Rim with spectacular views to the Great Divide and Cunningham’s Gap.

The Heritage Karalee – Ipswich100 is famed as south-east Queensland’s friendliest, most scenic, and best-catered ride. The Lions Club of Brisbane West place emphasis on rider safety and support with directional signage, course marshals and rest stops staffed by volunteers with complimentary refreshments and sunscreen.

Feedback from a first-time participant described the event as well organised, well signed and extremely well supported, citing the wonderful group of volunteers who took part and played crucial roles both off and on the course.

The ride received strong support from volunteers in Ipswich and the Scenic Rim including the regions supporting Lions Clubs (each receives a share of the funds raised for their own local projects).

Beneficiaries include Ipswich Hospital Foundation, SES State Emergency Services, Moggill Men’s Shed, Rover Scouts Indooroopilly Rovers, Lions Club Brisbane West and other local Lions Clubs projects and charities.

Photo: Heritage Karalee – Ipswich100 participants Connor and Evan. Image credit: Ipswich Hospital Foundation

The Ipswich Hospital Foundation (IHF) is pleased to announce the appointment of five new board members to its Board after an extensive recruitment process overseen by the Office of Health Statutory Agencies (OHSA).

The appointments were approved by Honourable Shannon Fentiman MP, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women and are effective 28 September 2023.

As part of this transition, Ms. Jacinta Dale, a respected local lawyer and fourth-generation Ipswich resident, has been appointed as the new Chair, succeeding the retiring Chair, Professor Geraldine Mackenzie, the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland.

Ms. Dale, an accomplished legal practitioner and governance professional, brings a wealth of experience in risk management, compliance, and stakeholder engagement. She is also the founder of the local law firm Abedale Law and has previously served as an IHF board member and Deputy Chair.

Ms. Dale paid tribute to Professor Mackenzie, acknowledging her inspiring leadership and dedication to reshaping IHF’s strategic direction over the past several years.

“I acknowledge Professor Mackenzie’s inspiring leadership and significant commitment to the revised strategic direction of IHF over the past few years. The Foundation is in an excellent position because of her incredible work, and I thank her for the time generously given to the West Moreton community.”

Ms. Dale also highlighted the dynamic and diverse composition of the new Board, which comprises ten members with expertise spanning finance and legal, governance and strategy, fundraising and marketing, health administration, local business, and rural representation.

The new Board members are:

Hannah Bloch – Chief Executive, West Moreton Health

Ian Church – CEO, Lockyer Valley Regional Council

Daniel Lalor – Local business owner and fundraising consultant

Tanya Miller – CEO, Focal Community Services, Ipswich

T’aire Olsen – Director of Enrolments and Community Relations at Ipswich Girls Grammar School

Scott Young, CEO of Ipswich Hospital Foundation, welcomed the incoming Board members and praised the retiring members for their invaluable contributions.

“Welcome to our new members, who have a deep connection to our community and will continue to lead us purposefully, making a significant difference in improving the health and well-being of West Moreton residents. I extend my sincere thanks to our retiring members, Professor Mackenzie and local lawyer Lana Carter, for generously dedicating so much of their personal time to steer IHF in the right strategic direction. It has been a pleasure to work with both of these inspirational leaders,” said Mr. Young.

The Ipswich Hospital Foundation looks forward to the leadership and expertise that these new Board members will bring to the organization as it continues its mission to enhance healthcare and well-being in the West Moreton community.

To find out more about our IHF Board, visit Our Board – Ipswich Hospital Foundation