A group of local legends came face-to-face with legends of the rugby league variety on Sunday when two Brisbane Broncos greats stopped by Nova Court at Flinders View for a street party with residents.
The party was the culmination of this year’s River 94.9 Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition, run as part of Ipswich City Council’s hugely popular Christmas in Ipswich program.
Residents in Nova Court won the Best Street category in the competition, scoring them a visit from two Brisbane Broncos legends and a street party thanks to IGA Springfield Lakes.
Scott Prince and Justin Hodges mingled with residents, posed for photos and gave away Brisbane Broncos merchandise during the visit.
Leah and Harrison Leembruggen were excited to meet the Broncos legends.
They also took questions, with residents eager to get the pair’s thoughts on how the Brisbane Broncos would fair in 2020 after an up and down season last year.
Both said they were hopeful the year ahead would yield better results.
Prince praised residents for their community spirit.
“It’s just great to see so many people in the street celebrating their victory in the Christmas lights competition here in Ipswich,” he said.
“It’s fantastic for the community but more importantly it’s fantastic that they made the effort and got the reward of Hodgo and I turning up, so it’s great.”
Hodges echoed his fellow legend’s sentiments.
“You can see the passion they have got, not just for rugby league but also the street,” he said.
Noela and Kevin Burchmann with Kate and Howard Hancock.
“It’s a nice little family environment which they’ve got here and it’s always good to come out and say hello to the fans.
“They did a terrific job with the lights and we were more than happy to come out and show our support.”
Long-time Nova Court resident Graeme Blair, who together with wife Dianne has been a part of Christmas lights in the street for 20 years, said it was a great afternoon.
“Everyone has had a great time. To have a couple of Broncos legends here is just brilliant,” he said.
“We do the Christmas lights display for the community and to share the spirit of Christmas so it was a real honour to be chosen as Best Street and to receive this reward.”
Ipswich City Council General Manager Community, Cultural and Economic Development, Ben Pole, said the residents of Nova Court were worthy winners.
Broncos legends Scott Prince and Justin Hodges put residents to the test with a Broncos quiz.
“We put the call out for people to create their own suburban wonderlands for the Christmas Lights Competition and the residents of Nova Court definitely answered the call,” he said.
“From vintage cars to the chance to have a photo with Santa, as well as amazing light displays, they truly embraced the Christmas spirit and spread plenty of festive cheer.”
More than 60 entries were received in the 2019 River 94.9 Christmas Lights Competition.
