It was 161 years ago this March that the Municipality of Ipswich was declared by His Excellency Sir George Ferguson Bowen.
Since 1860 a lot has changed. Mayor Teresa Harding, Ipswich’s 51st Mayor, said Ipswich’s rich heritage gives the city a unique sense of place for its current and new residents.
“Positioned as it is between a major production area and the access point for interstate and overseas markets, our city was destined to be a population hub and a centre for advanced manufacturing from early in its history,” Mayor Harding said.
“Ipswich has lived up to this promise over the years, from its beginnings as Queensland’s earliest provincial capital and a centre for mining and heavy industry, to its status today as Queensland’s fastest-growing city with annual exports in advanced manufacturing of $2.3 billion.
“We have around 7,500 heritage sites and many more incredible experiences that have made up the lives of the families contributing to the Ipswich’s story over the years.”
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chair Cr Andrew Fechner said there were many opportunities for locals and visitors to engage with Ipswich’s rich heritage.
“In many parts of the city, you need only travel a few minutes to encounter an interesting heritage site with a story worth uncovering,” Cr Fechner said.
“Council and its partners offer a range of services and activities to help preserve and promote heritage in Ipswich.
“As we celebrate another Ipswich anniversary, I encourage locals and visitors to discover more about the city’s wonderful heritage and history which is as rich and tangible, as anywhere in Queensland.”
Interested in Ipswich’s rich history?
Why not visit and take part in these heritage sites and activities:
- Explore the range of Ipswich Heritage Trails
- Visit Cooneana Heritage Centre
- Utilise the Heritage Advisor Service for owners of historic Ipswich buildings
- Ipswich and Family History services via the Ipswich Libraries
- View or contribute to the Picture Ipswich digital archive at Ipswich Libraries
- Download your Heritage Education Kit and History Curriculum for junior students here
- Or check out Ipswich Festivals for information about the Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage coming to Ipswich later this year.
For more information about heritage sites in Ipswich visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3810 6666.
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The above video features Ipswich City Council meeting celebrating the centenary of Municipality in 1960.
