Ipswich’s newest landmark is a symbol of the city’s 60,000 years of First Nations culture, custodianship and survival, providing a place for healing and reflection.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place recognises the cultural significance of the lands and waters of Ipswich, known in the Yagara language as Tulmur, and the experiences of First Nations people throughout history.
“As the traditional lands of the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul peoples of the Yugara/Yagara Language Group, our First Nations are fundamental to the existence of Ipswich,” Mayor Harding said.
“An initiative of council’s City of Ipswich Indigenous Accord 2020-2025, the Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place is a dedicated space for reflection, education and healing for the whole community.
“It will be open to the public to use and enjoy, including for quiet reflection, as well as being the site of ceremonies, performances and events by Traditional Owners and Indigenous organisations during occasions such as ANZAC Day and NAIDOC Week.”
Mayor Harding said the site was the result of years of listening to and respectfully engaging with communities.
“These consultations helped to inform the cultural design elements of the site, including a circular performance space, totem poles and sculptures,” Mayor Harding said.
“Sacrifices of First Nations men and women throughout history, whether it be in intra-clan disputes, the Frontier Wars or conflicts involving Australia overseas, are represented in sculptural elements such as a timeline depicted on a series of gundahn – the Yagara name for a conflict shield.
“Imagery of bird flocks signify camaraderie, while picnic lawns and an amphitheatre provide space for performances or quiet reflection.”
Yugara woman Lynda Maybanks said the lands of Queens Park and surrounds are culturally significant as part of a wider landscape of bora grounds.
“This is a monumental day for our community and an important step toward truth-telling about frontier conflict and the history of this place,” Ms Maybanks said.
“I remember the initial conversations as part of the Accord, so it is inspiring to see this memorial come to fruition.
“We cannot move forward without truthfully acknowledging the past, and I look forward to using this space for education and to inspire learning and conversation for future generations.”
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