Note to readers: This event was previously planned for Tulmur Place but has been moved to Ipswich Civic Centre due to forecast wet weather.
The keys to the City of Ipswich will be presented to Ipswich State High School (ISHS) on 21 October at the Ipswich Civic Centre, to acknowledge its historical triple-title sporting achievement in rugby league.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the date has now been set and the whole of Ipswich is invited to celebrate the school’s success.
“Council will present the Keys to the City at a civic event celebrating the school’s historic achievement of winning the Allan Langer Trophy, Phil Hall Cup and the National Schoolboys Cup this year and all the community are invited,” Mayor Harding said.
“It is the first time the school had made the national final, capping off what had been a fairy tale, undefeated season and I hope residents attend the ceremony and help us to celebrate the team’s success.”
Moments before the Queensland Schoolboys final where Ipswich State High School win the Phil Hall Cup.
Community, Cultural, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said awarding the Keys to the City is the highest honour the city can confer on an individual, group or organisation.
“The tradition is derived from medieval times, when a key was given to the gates of a walled city which were guarded during the day and locked at night, giving the recipient freedom to enter and leave the city at will,” Cr Fechner said.
“In modern times it is a symbolic, ornamental key with past recipients including tennis champion Ash Barty, the Ipswich Jets, Broncos Rugby League Football Club, Michael Voss, Deborah Lovely and Kasey Wehrmann.”
Division 4 Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said ISHS deserves this recognition and wants to whole city to come out and be part of the ceremony.
“We want to invite the community along to support the team and their supporters. There will be live music, food trucks and a licenced bar,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
“The whole city is proud of this team and the school for their outstanding performance while representing Ipswich with pride, skill and honour.”
Ipswich State High School win the Phil Hall Cup.
Division 4 Councillor Russell Milligan said the ISHS rugby league team had defied the odds all season.
“The three titles further cement the school’s reputation as a training ground for future champions where dedicated coaches and inspirational role models work to develop elite athletes and valued citizens,” Cr Milligan said.
“I urge residents to come out and congratulate the boys at the Keys to the City ceremony and show the team and school what they mean to our region.”
The Keys to the City ceremony will take place at 6pm on Friday 21 October at Ipswich Civic Centre.
Watch a video of the Ipswich State High School Opens Rugby League Program
being crowned the National School Boys Champions here.
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