So many champion efforts made 37 year career an epic reward

‘I’ve got few regrets and will always appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given to proudly cover Ipswich sport on whatever platform.’

Long-serving Queensland Times sports editor David Lems​

OPINION

For just over 37 years, I have worked with and watched thousands of Ipswich players, coaches, administrators, officials and volunteers come and go.

Some have been with me for a large portion of my sports writing career.

They include incredibly dedicated leaders like Vic Pascoe, Pat Boyle, John Cushing, Murray Rogers, Brett Kitching, Margret and Paul Mantell, Steve Johnson, Ross Hallett, Anthony Breeze, Wayne Gaddes, Deanne Lawrie and Jim and Dot Landy.

I’ve also loved every minute sharing sporting moments with other fiercely loyal regional achievers like Deb Acason, Andy Ogden, Kerri Michel (nee Kinnane), Peter Vogler, Ian Carson, Darryl Christensen, Amy Kickbusch (nee Korner), Wayne Jones, Nathan Hooper, Darryl Kitching, Theresa Stolberg (nee Martin), Andy Bichel, Chris Riches, Rob Oberg, Glen and Ally Mortimer, Jason Ralph, Josh Bretherton, Dick Tazelaar, Nick Paterson, Ash Walsh, Brad and Marney George, Brent Nicholls, Heath Ramsay and Todd Hunt.

They have been the backbone of Ipswich sport, along with countless other outstanding contributors.

They, and all Ipswich’s sporting dynasties, have inspired with their commitment, longevity and willingness to put Ipswich first.

Now it’s my turn to wrap up a wonderful career at the QT.

END OF QT ERA

After the tragic loss of the QT newspaper last year, we moved full steam into the digital-only world.

Our small team worked hard to bring a lot of loyal readers and subscribers with us, with mixed results.

I’ve given it a hearty go having learnt a lot about the industry and myself.

I’ve got few regrets and will always appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given to proudly cover Ipswich sport on whatever platform.

I will always remain fiercely protective of Ipswich interests knowing how much our community wants to be fairly treated and represented - rather than ignored or maligned.

Promoting sporting achievements and endeavours is so important in a world with relentless negative news and never-ending daily reminders of life’s difficulties.

Sport provides hope, excitement and a sense of satisfaction that far outweighs the pain of defeat.

I’ve been lucky enough to get immersed in that, covering the Sydney 2000 Olympics and four Commonwealth Games for regional papers and being especially focused on Ipswich’s best.

The 2000 Olympic Torch Relay in Ipswich

I covered the arrival of the 2000 Olympics torch from Uluru back to Ipswich for the city’s biggest sporting community celebration at Limestone Park.

Queensland’s first Sheffield Shield cricket triumph in March 1995 was another epic event. Sharing the euphoric moments in the Bulls dressing shed with local heroes Dick Tazelaar and Andy Bichel was incredibly satisfying.

Seeing what the Ipswich Jets achieved in winning the 2015 Queensland and Interstate Challenge rugby league double lifted the spirits of everyone in our great city.

So did Western Pride’s historic 2017 state league soccer grand final triumph at the Briggs Road Sporting Complex. What a night. I can still visualise the raw emotion.

The QT front page said it all.

Yet while the state, national and international milestones were always invigorating, nothing beats being out in the Ipswich community at weekends mixing with hardworking club people.

Ipswich has so many people who live and breathe sport, giving their all and helping the next generation.

Despite the weekend demands and some nasty deadlines, I have thoroughly enjoyed covering a multitude of sports. Diversity is the name of the game when it comes to talking about Ipswich.

Sadly, the QT office at West Ipswich was shut down last year and we had to work remotely.

But still I have appreciated all the community support dealing with a range of new, unexpected challenges.

Working in the QT office during the week was always enjoyable, along with being out in the sports community at weekends.

As I take a break to ponder my future, I hope to remain somewhere in the regional sport scene sharing my knowledge with people that matter most to me: You the loyal reader.

From my first sports editor - Ipswich icon Peter Gardiner - to the dozen QT editors and thousands of staff I have shared time with, it has been an exceptional experience.

I’ve loved writing about so many sports and my favourite pastime fishing. I hope to pursue more of that in coming weeks.

Thanks to everyone in the community who have assisted me in so many ways. You continued to remind me why I couldn’t wait to become a sports writer 37 years ago.

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