Ipswich in Spring 2019

Message from Ipswich City Council Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer

Spring has definitely sprung and Ipswich has woken from its winter– induced slumber. The days are longer and warmer, and there are even more reasons to get out and about and enjoy the city and the sunshine. One of my favourite things about Ipswich is how much the community embraces the arts, and during September, October and November there are so many ways that you can channel your inner artist or performer, get creative, and celebrate all the city has on offer on the cultural front. This year, the Ipswich Film Festival for Youth (IFFY) will showcase short films based on the theme “Future – What is Possible …” across three age groups (seven to 11 years, 12 to 17 years, and 18 to 25 years). The IFFY short film screening and awards festival will be hosted at The Circle, Robelle Domain, on Saturday 19 October from 2.00 pm. Good luck to all entrants. The Ipswich Civic Centre has a stellar line up planned for the last quarter of 2019, with everything from musicals through to children’s shows, ballet and comedy on offer. Be sure to grab tickets for Mamma Mia (13 to 22 September), another incredible show by the Ipswich Musical Theatre Company, Spot (23 September), Swan Lake , to be performed by the Imperial Russian Ballet Company (11 October), and

comedian Lawrence Mooney’s “Part of the Problem” (15 November). These are just some of the quality shows you can take in at the Ipswich Civic Centre over the next few months. If it’s art that moves you, the Ipswich Art Gallery certainly has a treat for you! Comprised entirely of works selected from the National Gallery of Australia collection, the “Art Deco from the Art Gallery” exhibition will provide superb examples of the diverse expressions of Art Deco. This exhibition will run from 7 September to 27 October and is definitely one not to be missed. Now that the heavy winter coats have been put away and the days are longer, why not get out and explore your city? Throw the kids in the car, grab a rug and a picnic hamper, and head to one of the many beautiful picnic spots around town, including Kholo Gardens, Nerima Gardens at Queens Park, Johnston Park in Rosewood, Robelle Domain, Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve, and Bob Gamble Park, to name just a few. Or visit DiscoverIpswich.com.au to learn about the many local tours available that encompass everything from heritage and historic homes through to animal encounters and foodie experiences. There’s so much to do and see during spring in Ipswich.

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