Date: 23/02/08

Source: Press Release 

Spr

Springfield Land Corporation and Ipswich City Council’s 2nd Springfield Boulevard Ball was an outstanding success last night, with more than 450 guests treated to an exquisite night of magical entertainment in the name of fundraising.

The event raised more than $12.000 for local charities with Goldenhar Syndrome sufferer Georgia Norris, aged 1, the major beneficiary.

Springfield Land Corporation Chairman Maha Sinnathamby, said the event helped to raise funds as well as raise the profile of need in the community.

“As the biggest event in the region, it was a magnificent display of major business coming together to make a difference – with so much potential in the western corridor, there is just so much we can do for the community and the businesses within it if we think outside the square,” said Mr. Sinnathamby.

Georgia Norris was born with the rare birth defect called Goldenhar Syndrome, which affects about 1 in 36,000 children.

She was born with a birth defect that has left her with only one eye and one ear and other disabilities. Georgia, and her parents Daniel and Renee, will travel to Adelaide to the world-class Australian Craniofacial Unit in mid-February to undergo what will be the start of an 18-year surgical program.

Georgia will initially have surgery to correct her cleft palate, and an expander will be inserted in her skull to help her eye socket to grow for the later fitting of an artificial eye. She will also have grommets inserted to help her ears.

Georgia is likely to require surgery every year to correct her birth defects.

The cause of Goldenhar Syndrome is not known, although it’s believed it could be linked to problems with development of the fetus or a lack of blood supply during pregnancy.

The event delivered on its promise to create a magical night to remember, with nomadic tents, a magical forest of fairy lights, creeping vines and suspended dragonflies.

The event saw the presentation of the inaugural Champions of the West Award to Hon. Anna Bligh, accepted on behalf of Mayor of Ipswich Paul Pisasale. as well as Lloyd Bird – an environmentalist who has dedicated many years to the preservation of the natural environment in the Greater Springfield area.

Mr. Sinnathamby said that the night would not have happened without the support of the dedicated sponsors.

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Cont’d…The Springfield Boulevard Ball

“The support we have received has been overwhelming, with Thiess a major sponsor together with Grant Thornton, Heritage Building Society, Pipe Networks, Strategic Directions, Energex and Delfin as silver sponsors.”

“Recognition must also go to our bronze sponsors – USQ, Mirvac, Three Plus, Cardno, LandPartners, Pensar, DLA Phillips Fox, Ingleton Property Group, and Macquarie Bank,” said Mr. Sinnathamby.

About Ipswich Community Care Fund Inc.

The Ipswich Community Care Fund Inc. committee is dedicated to pursuing charitable purposes through fundraising, sponsorship and enterprise and will provide grants and assistance to the community and individuals in the areas of need, development and well-being.  Endeavours of the Fund will be provided within the Social Justice principles of access, dignity and participation.  The Fund was founded by Glenis Nugent (Mayoress, 1995-2003).

About Springfield Land Corporation

Springfield Land Corporation is the master-planner of the $15 billion plus 2860 hectare Greater Springfield project. Acquired in 1992, Greater Springfield encompasses four suburbs and a CBD area.  With $600+ million being spent annually on the Greater Springfield project, and three families moving to Greater Springfield every day, it is no wonder it is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.  Additional information about Springfield Land Corporation and its Greater Springfield project is available at www.greaterspringfield.com.au <http://www.greaterspringfield.com.au/>

For further information contact:

Jodie Curtis

Marketing Executive

Springfield Land Corporation

P: (07) 3819 9902

M: 0409 725 907

E: j.curtis@murgroup.com.au

Allan Roebuck

Media Manager

Ipswich City Council

P: (07) 3819 6875

M: 0419 500 807