Voices of Greater Springfield

Varroa mite is changing the way Australian beekeepers care for their hives—and understanding how to manage it has never been more important.Rach Z speaks with Dimitri Marcosis, President of the Ipswich and West Moreton Beekeepers Association, about the impact Varroa is having on hobbyists and commercial beekeepers.Dimitri explains how the parasite weakens bees, why numbers can increase as hives become more active in spring and what happens when an infestation is left unmanaged.He also shares details of a free field day at Pine Mountain, where participants will learn about the life cycles of bees and Varroa before seeing a practical demonstration of non-chemical control methods.Registration is required and includes a catered lunch. Visit honey.org.au for further information.

Rach Z speaks with Leanne Roberts, President of Zonta Club of Ipswich, about a creative community project supporting the international 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.Zonta Ipswich will decorate 16 trees in Queens Park with handmade creations, stories and messages highlighting issues affecting women and girls.Leanne explains how the community can support the project by donating craft materials or joining Zonta’s Craft-a-noon on Saturday, 5 September, from 12.30 pm at Trades Hall in Bell Street, Ipswich.Listen to the interview to discover how creativity, conversation and community action can help raise awareness and inspire change.

Anthony “Bomber” Breeze joins Rach Z on Radio Springfield City to shine a light on the important work of Family of League.As Secretary of the Ipswich branch, Bomber explains how the organisation supports people throughout the rugby league community when illness, injury or hardship strikes.Originally established as Men of League, the organisation now provides practical assistance to players, volunteers, officials and others connected to the game. This can include grocery and fuel vouchers, financial assistance and other support to help people get back on their feet.Bomber also discusses how people can seek assistance, the different ways the community can support the organisation and the latest from the Ipswich Jets.Listen to the replay and discover how Family of League is helping the people behind the game.

Local musician Just Gus returns to Radio Springfield City with his catchy new single, YOU CAN'T PARK THERE.Speaking with Antoine Vidal, Gus shares how a familiar Aussie roadside joke, shouted at a car that had crashed into a tree—stayed with him for years before becoming the inspiration for his latest song.He explains how the beat and chorus came to him during a drive home, before he turned the idea into a fun, memorable track that Australians everywhere will understand.Gus also reveals details of the YOU CAN'T PARK THERE music video, created with Brisbane-based Creative Horizons Productions.The video will premiere at Banshees in Ipswich on 10 September, featuring the first public screening, a behind-the-scenes documentary and conversations with members of the production team.Plus, Gus tells Antoine about performing with his new band and an upcoming live show in November.Hear the story behind the song, and discover what is coming next for one of our talented local artists.

Goodna Rugby League president Graham “Whitey” White joins Rach Z to preview the club’s upcoming Elvis and the Legends Tribute Show, featuring award-winning performer Andy B.Taking place on Saturday, 19 September, at 7 pm, the show celebrates the music of Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Tom Jones and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.Whitey also shares how the fundraising event will support the club’s 300-plus junior players, reflects on the Ipswich Jets’ undefeated run at Goodna and celebrates the inclusive community spirit that makes the club so special.

Ipswich local Poppy Gamble joins Rach Z on Radio Springfield City to share what it was really like appearing on Farmer Wants a Wife.Poppy takes us behind the scenes of her reality television experience, from meeting Farmer Jason and feeling an early spark to adjusting to life on the farm and watching the journey unfold on television.She also opens up about what happened after filming, why the relationship ultimately wasn’t right for her and the importance of finding someone who is proactive, driven and willing to put equal effort into a relationship.Poppy also discusses her life after the show, her recent promotion with Place and whether she would ever consider reality television again.

Paula is back alongside Antoine—and Monday Madness quickly lives up to its name.In this episode, Paula realises she may have forgotten an important birthday present, shares how her son discovered a natural talent for playing the piano, and explains why an accounting conference on the Gold Coast was definitely professional development—not a junket.The conversation also covers subtitles, growing up with different languages and Paula’s latest achievement: becoming a finalist for Business Person of the Year.Expect family stories, unexpected tangents and plenty of classic Paula-and-Antoine banter from Radio Springfield City.

Local musician Just Gus joins Antoine Vidal on Radio Springfield City to share the story behind his newly released single, Sock Song.Inspired by a colourful pair of odd socks, the song is a playful celebration of individuality and embracing what makes each of us unique.Just Gus also gives listeners a preview of his upcoming single, You Can’t Park There, a humorous track inspired by a phrase deeply embedded in Australian culture.During the conversation, Just Gus talks about the more than two-year journey of writing, recording and producing his music, the surprising younger audience connecting with Sock Song, and the unusual concept behind his upcoming music video.From colourful socks and karaoke nights to kiddie cars and Australian humour, this is a fun conversation with a local artist bringing plenty of personality to his music.Follow @justgus.mp3 on Instagram for new music, release announcements and behind-the-scenes content.