Stockland has officially opened the $9 million Goolpahjo (Harry Thompson Senior) Park, a new purpose-built sporting precinct set to serve residents of Providence and the rapidly growing Ripley Valley.
As the first dedicated cricket venue in Providence and South Ripley, it brings together high-quality cricket and AFL facilities built to Queensland Cricket and AFL Queensland standards.
Featuring a full-size AFL field, a competition-standard turf cricket wicket block, four cricket training nets, sports lighting, spectator seating, amenities and onsite parking, the new precinct has been designed to support local clubs and provide a quality venue for sport, training and community events.
Ipswich City Council has named the Central Kookaburras as the inaugural summer cricket leaseholder for Goolpahjo (Harry Thompson Senior) Park, marking an important milestone in bringing organised community sport to the new precinct.
The precinct will help meet growing demand for local sport and recreation as Providence continues to expand towards a planned population of around 20,000 residents, while also serving the broader Ripley Valley, one of South East Queensland’s fastest-growing regions, forecast to reach a population of approximately 131,000 people.
Stockland Senior Development Manager, Brock Jones said the new precinct reflected Stockland’s commitment to investing in the community infrastructure that supports thriving, active communities.
“As Providence continues to grow, investments like Goolpahjo (Harry Thompson Senior) Park are helping ensure residents have access to the sporting and recreation facilities they need close to home,” Mr Jones said.
“Together with the community’s existing network, which includes more than 10 parks, playgrounds and recreation spaces, it will play an important role in encouraging participation in grassroots sport and creating more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, strengthen local connections and support healthy, active lifestyles.”
Stockland celebrated the completion and opening of Goolpahjo (Harry Thompson Senior) Park on Sunday alongside Federal MP, Shayne Neumann, State MP, Lance McCallum, State MP for Ipswich West, Wendy Bourne, and Ipswich City Councillors, Pye Augustine, Marnie Doyle, and Jacob Madsen, as well as Traditional Owners, local sporting organisations and community members.
At the event, families were invited to test their cricket skills at interactive batting, bowling and fielding stations delivered by Queensland Cricket, meet members of the Central Kookaburras and the Brisbane Heat mascot, and enjoy live entertainment and a Welcome to Country by the Nunukul Yuggera group.
The precinct has been named Goolpahjo in honour of Yuggera man Harry Thompson Senior, recognising his sporting legacy and the enduring connection of the Yuggera people to Country.
Federal MP Shayne Neumann said the completion of the precinct marked an exciting milestone for local sport in one of the region’s fastest-growing communities.
“Community infrastructure is vital for fast-growing areas like Ripley Valley, so it’s fantastic to see Stockland investing in these facilities, supporting grassroots sport and healthy lifestyles, while recognising Ipswich’s cultural heritage. It’s a wonderful community asset,” Mr Neumann said.
While the facility is now open, the playing surface will continue to establish over coming months before regular competition use begins, ensuring the turf reaches the required standard for long-term community sport.
The precinct also incorporates a water harvesting and reuse system to support sustainable irrigation, reducing reliance on drinking water and contributing to the precinct’s long-term environmental performance.
Goolpahjo (Harry Thompson Senior) Park is located off Harmony Crescent, Providence, South Ripley. For more information, visit: www.stockland.com.au/residential/qld/providence.
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