Ipswich in Spring 2020

Ipswich in Spring 2020

Ipswich.qld.gov.au

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Ipswich Grant Finder

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Find and access grants from a free national database. Sports Events Arts Environment Business Community Ipswich.qld.gov.au/grants

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Message from Ipswich Mayor, Teresa Harding

Spring is a time we all look forward to with excitement. The relatively cold days of winter behind us, and those perfect blue skies and ideal temperatures of September ready to greet us. While we know this Spring will be somewhat different from the rest, our activities are still aligned to latest developments both locally and nationally as we continue to counter the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The Ipswich community, and the entire state of Queensland, have done an incredible job so far and hopefully with continued vigilance, we’ll all be able to enjoy this Spring with some bit of normality. In our city, we have seen the reopening of the Nature Centre, the Civic Centre, Orion Lagoon and people are enjoying our wonderful parks and playgrounds again. While there are still social distancing measures in place, there has been some relief, allowing family and

friends to spend time together again at some of Ipswich’s most popular outdoor locations. It will be warm enough to take in the Great Trails of Ipswich: City Lights Walking Tour at White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate. The estate will also host the first ever trail running/walking festival on 4 October. Also, make sure you get in quick for the final weeks of the How Cities Work exhibition at The Workshops Rail Museum before it finishes on 5 October. Ipswich is famous for its markets and if we continue to follow the health advice and keep our communities safe, these will continue to get back into full swing for Spring, including Springfield Central, Ripley Walloon and Ipswich. There is always plenty to do in a city that mixes the new and the old. Wine tasting, picnics, hot air balloon rides, food safaris… Ipswich has it all and Spring is the perfect time to spring into action after your winter hibernation.

Front Cover Image: Special Branch Collective, Marburg If you have any feedback regarding the Spring Guide, please email council@ipswich.qld.gov.au or visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au Disclaimer: Published by Ipswich City Council © 2020

At time of printing all information is current and correct. Every care has been taken to ensure the information in this brochure is correct at the time of publication. Ipswich City Council accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes leading to such information being incorrect. As activities, programs and events may cancel or move subsequent to publication of this brochure, no responsibility is accepted for accuracy of content. This publication is copyright. Other than for the purposes of and subject to the conditions prescribed under the Copyright Act 1968 (C’wlth), no part of it may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, micro copying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without prior written permissions. If you wish to disseminate or share this information and or images please contact Ipswich City Council for permission. 3

City Lights Walking Tour

V8 Race Experience

Grab a gift certificate for a V8 Race Experience in their new Mustang! The purpose built race car is brand new and there’s nothing else like it that the public can drive in Australia. It has a 500hp engine and supercar suspension. Get up in the sky with a gift certificate for a Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flight , this would be a great one to do as a family, get it off your bucket list and onto your to do list for dad’s day. A trip to Japan might be off the cards for a while but you can buy dad a ticket to a Japanese Tea Ceremony in Ipswich. The next ones will be held on 26 September and 31 October. Take dad to an olive grove for a picnic lunch. At Watercress Creek Olives and Limes you can even buy a picnic pack with fresh tapenade, olive oil and dukkha, Turkish bread and olives. Wander through the olive trees and find a shady spot to sit and enjoy the produce. Book dad in for a behind the scenes Animal Encounters Tour at the Ipswich Nature Centre . Get a ticket for an upcoming tour, it’s a great day out with the kids! Pair the tour with a visit to the Queens Park Café for extra points.

Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights

Watercress Creek Olives and Limes

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Ipswich Nature Centre

L A S T M I N U T E GIFT IDEAS

Seraphim Escape Rooms

Dad will love a heli-pub crawl around Ipswich and surrounds with Pterodactyl Helicopters . Get him a gift voucher to stop in for a brew at a few country pubs and finish with a stop in at craft beer brewers 4 Hearts Brewing in town. Does dad like mysteries and horror films? Then get him a ticket to Seraphim Escape Rooms , he can test out the scariest room in Brisbane, the Executioners Toolshed. Or get him a ticket to a ghost tour at the Ipswich Cemetery . Ipswich Massage and Herbal Spa are offering The Boss Man package for Father’s Day. Dad’s get a welcome ale, a 60 minute orange infused full body massage and a 60 minute power peel facial. The two hour package also includes a hydrating alginate facial mask, foot and hand scrub and detailing for $165! For a great day out take dad for lunch and a brew at craft beer brewery The Pumpyard , or at Ballistic Springfield with beer tasting of course. And finally if dad loves to potter in the garden take him over to Trevallan Lifestyle Centre to pick out some new plants.

Ipswich Cemetery Ghost Tour

The Pumpyard

For more gift ideas visit DiscoverIpswich.com.au/dadsday

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NEW STREET ART IN TOWN

CANNINGSTREET

Browns Park

LOWRY LANE

CHUBB LANE

FLINTSTREET

DOWNSSTREET

O’SULLIVANSTREET

PELICANSTREET

Bus Interchange

PINESTREET

LOWRYSTREET

Riverlink

THETERRACE

ROSEBERRYPARADE

LAMINGTONPARADE

THETERRACE

BREMERRIVER

MARYSTREET With the completion of the Ipswich Program of Brisbane Street Art Festival, there are seven new amazing murals across Ipswich Central, painted by local and national artists. Roseberry Parade Reserve North Ipswich Reserve

ARTHURSTREET

BREMERRIVER

ARTISTS AND LOCATIONS

BobGamble Park RACHAEL SARRA IPSWICH HEALTH PLAZA TheTerrace Reserve

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MANSFIELDPL

BREMERSTREET

WAGHORNST

MILFORDSTREET (visible From East St) FINTAN MAGEE LIMESTONE ST CENTRE (facing South St) EMILY DEVERS IPSWICH ART GALLERY ASH TAYLOR CIRCA 160 DANCING BEAN GUS EAGLETON ICON ALLEY, NICHOLAS ST PRECINCT JORDACHE FIRE STATION 101 (visible from Waghorn St) STYNA STUDIO 188 3 THORNSTREET MORTIMER LA GOLEBYAVENUE Queens Park Cunninghams Knoll Ipswich Special School Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School

UNION PLACE

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ELIZABETHSTREET

OLGA

MARTINSTREET

STREET

WESTST

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DARLINGSTREET EAST

NICHOLASSTREET

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WESTST

BELLSTREET

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EASTSTREET

MARSDENPARADE

WHARFSTREET

BRISBANESTREET

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DOYLE

D’ARCY

PLACE

MORTIMERSTREET

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LIMESTONESTREET

LIMESTONESTREET

ELLENBOROUGHSTREET

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FOOTE LANE

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SOUTHSTREET

MURPHY LANE

WILSON LANE

MURPHYSTREET

RODERICKSTREET

NICHOLASSTREET

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STREET

MEREDITH LANE

GORDONSTREET

OMAR

HANCOCKST

COURTSTREET

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TIGERSTREET

GARDENST

G R IFF I N

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BUR L E

GRAYSTREET

WALKERST

IPSWICHFESTIVALS.COM.AU

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Photo credit: BSAF and Tae Young

NEW CBD ARTWORK CELEBRATES CITY’S UNIQUE CHARACTER

A sculpture inspired by Ipswich’s rich history and culture will become a focal point of the city’s reinvigorated CBD precinct. Designed by local artist Lincoln Austin, Standing will represent an evolving Ipswich, paying tribute to the city’s heritage while looking forward to a vibrant future. The artwork is an interpretation of Ipswich’s floral emblem, Plunkett Mallee . Once completed, the artwork will be permanently installed near the new piazza in Nicholas Street. Mr Austin said Standing is inspired by his 13 years living in Ipswich. “Ipswich is a city on the move, striving to remain current and modern, while also respecting the heritage and history of this place,” he said. “Over my time here, I have seen many changes. I have observed the city’s response to natural disasters, political upheaval and tragedy. “Through all this, Ipswichians’ resilience, tenacity and an unwavering community spirit have shone through. “ Standing is the point of departure, the moment before we move forward, from where we take our first step.

“I’m proud to be a part of this next chapter.”

Standing will be one of several artworks installed as part of the Ipswich Central redevelopment, with

Indigenous artwork and fish trap sculptures also set to feature in the new civic plaza alongside a cultural garden. Mayor Teresa Harding said public art plays an important role in celebrating the contribution of the creative sector in Ipswich. “Public art deeply enhances our community spaces and installations provide an important platform for artists and the creative sector to express their talents and stories,” she said. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and public art creates opportunities for diverse expressions of views and creativity.” Discover more public art at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/publicart Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe/

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NEW ERA OF OPENNESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY BEGINS IN IPSWICH

In a first for local government in Australia, Ipswich City Council has given ratepayers unprecedented access to the city’s finances with the launch of an online Transparency and Integrity Hub. More than six gigabytes, or thousands upon thousands of lines, of data has been published to the hub, providing the community with direct access to past and current financial information for council as well as council-controlled entities. The Ipswich Transparency and Integrity Hub can be accessed at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/open-ipswich . Other available data includes councillor expenses, how much money was spent on the city’s Smart City Program and procurement data for contracts over $200,000 (excl GST). Mayor Teresa Harding said the hub’s launch was an important moment for the City of Ipswich. “Never before in Australia has a local council opened up its books to the community to the extent we have with the Transparency and Integrity Hub, allowing ratepayers the greatest scrutiny over how their money is spent,” Mayor Harding said. “This is just the beginning and we will release a lot more data insights across

a range of subjects in the months ahead as well as move to having financial data on the hub updated in near real-time.” Information available on the Transparency and Integrity Hub at launch includes: council financial information for the past five financial years detailed income and expenditure data for current and past council- controlled entities for the past five financial years procurement data for all contracts valued $200,000 (exc GST) for the past five financial years detailed information about how money was spent on council’s Smart City Program councillor related expenses, allowances and reimbursements for the past five financial years. “Too much of what occurred under the previous council was shrouded in secrecy. The community has a right to know more about how its money was spent,” Mayor Harding said.

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to help lead the way in transforming Australian local government. “We look forward to collaborating on their transformation journey.” Mayor Harding said using the OpenGov platform, which was unanimously selected via a panel through an open tender process, delivered on the commitment to residents to deliver a “best of breed” solution for Ipswich. Delivered by the Queensland-based OpenGov partner, Redman Solutions, the Transparency and Integrity Hub is a user friendly, searchable platform, with a focus on providing data in an accessible way. Financial information published to the hub will initially be updated monthly, with a plan to move to near real-time publication as soon as possible. “This is bigger than simply publishing data, it’s also about driving effective decisions through a more accountable organisation and more informed community,” Mayor Harding said. Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe/

“This is about restoring the community’s faith in council and sending a clear message that Ipswich City Council is open, effective and accountable. “For too many years those words were spoken in Ipswich by elected representatives who did not live them. This council is committed to not just talking the talk, but also walking the walk.” The Ipswich Transparency and Integrity Hub uses the OpenGov cloud-based software, which is a leading platform used by more than 1,000 cities, counties and state agencies across 48 US states including the City of New York, Ohio State and San Antonio. OpenGov founder and CEO Zac Bookman lauded Ipswich for leading the way in the movement for effective and accountable government. “I commend Mayor Teresa Harding on her go-live of OpenGov. Her demonstration of leadership to power a more effective and accountable Ipswich City Council directly aligns with our values,” he said. “Through our local partner in Australia, Redman Solutions, we are delighted

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NICHOLAS STREET IPSWICH CENTRAL REIMAGINED FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

The Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich Central is undergoing a once-in-a- generation redevelopment, which will see the former Ipswich Mall and Ipswich City Square transformed into a vibrant hub for the community, businesses and local government services. The precinct will feature a state-of- the-art library, a civic plaza, a cultural garden and below a multi-storey car park. Council’s new administration building will house the children’s library, an event space and the customer service centre. Nicholas Street will embrace the long-standing businesses as well as welcome new retail, restaurants and cafes to the precinct. The community will benefit from the rejuvenated spaces with shady trees, seating, greenery, pavilions, concert staging and a zero-depth water play area.

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Construction is well underway, with the library and civic plaza expected to open in late 2020. Opening for the administration building, children’s library, shops, restaurants and entertainment area are planned to open from mid-2021. The Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich Central, will be a space to connect and engage with the visitors and community of Ipswich, reimagined for generations.

The pedestrian mall, which was originally built in the 1980s, will be reopened as a one-way vehicular street with access from Brisbane Street through to Bell Street. As part of the redevelopment, the historic Commonwealth Hotel, built in 1910, will undergo extensive refurbishment to restore its former glory. Much of the building’s original componentry will be carefully restored and used in the reconstruction.

You can follow the progress of the redevelopment at Shapeyouripswich.com.au and by subscribing to Ipswich First at Ipswichfirst.com.au

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A new chapter FOR ROSEWOOD

NOW OPEN ipswichlibraries.com.au

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A new era of VIRTUAL PROGRAMS has arrived at Ipswich Libraries

LEGO ® Engineers, 2020. Lexx participating, Kaley on Zoom. #ipswichlibraries

In person or online, now there are even more ways for EVERYONE to connect, engage and learn with Ipswich Libraries!

LEGO ® Engineers Virtual Minecraft Chasing Our Past at Home Author Hour Online and more

FREE EVENTS BOOKINGS REQUIRED ipswichlibraries.com.au

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Create new memories only minutes from home

TAKE A DRIVE OR FLIGHT OUT TO THE COUNTRY

map-marker-alt Ipswich Nature Centre

Book a Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flight and float majestically over the Ipswich countryside. Bookings are being taken for family groups and individuals up to eight per flight.

Check out Animal Encounters at the Ipswich Nature Centre , with native Australian and cute farm animals. Head over to the Summer Land Camel Farm to see the friendly camels, you can even book a camel ride while you’re there and pick up some camel milk produce. Take a drive out to the country town of Marburg.

Get up close to llamas at The Llama Farm in Pine Mountain, take one for a walk or book into one of their farm tours. You can feed and pet a range of cute animals at the Haigslea Ewe Nique Hobby Farm . Grab a coffee or morning tea while you’re there and see some of the 20 newborn lambs they’re expecting this season.

map-marker-alt Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights

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map-marker-alt The Llama Farm

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained? Check out these fun ideas from animal encounters to stunning parks and escape rooms.

map-marker-alt The Soul Nook Collective

Stop in at Woodlands of Marburg , grab a cuppa at the café or book in for a yummy lunch while you take in the historic mansion. Then stop by The Soul Nook Collective , a new eclectic shop and café set inside an old church. Don’t miss Scotland Yard Antiques , The Black Museum and Special Branch Collective coffee shop while you’re in town.

Keep driving a little further to Tallavalley

Explore over 100km of hiking and biking trails at Hidden Vale Adventure Park . The park is located at Grandchester right near Spicers Hidden Vale. There are bikes for hire and a shuttle service to help you get into the property. If you’re after something more low key, pack a picnic and enjoy it at the beautiful Queens Park , on the green lawns at Kholo Gardens or by the river at Colleges Crossing .

Farm B&B for the night, it’s a farm stay where you can meet the resident cows and chooks and dogs are welcome! Another farm stay option is available in Mutdapilly – Keira Farm is a working cattle and sheep farm with a two bedroom cottage available for rent and ample space. The drawcard is an outdoor spa and plenty of wildlife.

map-marker-alt Haigslea Ewe Nique Hobby Farm

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GET BUSY EXPLORING HISTORY AND HERITAGE The Workshops Rail Museum is perfect for family adventures! The museum is located at the birthplace of rail in Queensland and while there’s a lot of history on offer, there’s also a Sciencentre with plenty of exhibits for busy hands and minds to tackle.

Take a self-guided walk down the Top of Town to see many beautifully preserved heritage buildings that are now home to restaurants and boutique shops. There’s also heritage trails featuring the many churches in Ipswich and historic buildings. Pick up a brochure from the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre.

map-marker-alt The Workshops Rail Museum

There’s also an onsite café with great coffee and good food.

map-marker-alt Old Flour Mill, Top of Town

OTHER THINGS TO DO The Christmas themed room at Seraphim Escape Rooms is perfect for kids. This non- threatening escape room is great for a family adventure. They also have two scary rooms available, for older kids and horror fans.

Take in a new release movie at Limelight Cinemas .

The Ipswich Art Gallery and the Children’s Gallery space is also open for pre-booked visits 7 days a week. And get creative with kids art classes thanks to Sip ‘n’ Dip Ipswich and Jules Art studio in Dinmore.

map-marker-alt Ipswich Art Gallery, Children’s Gallery Space

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FAMILY FRIENDLY PLACES TO STAY

in, a late breakfast and an afternoon nap on the couch during the week – when you’re supposed to be at work. The weekend starts on Wednesday with the Spicers Midweekend.

in and late check out upon availability.

Make the fun last longer with an overnight stay at Quest Ipswich , book now and enjoy a complimentary upgrade, early check

Spicers Hidden Vale is encouraging you to take a Midweekend! Enjoy a sleep

Quest Springfield are offering a 20% discount with a two night weekend stay. Springfield Lakes Hotel are offering a reduced rate of $199 per night, locals can take another $15 off when booking direct!

Head to the Oaks Ipswich Aspire Suites website to view their special rates under the deals section.

map-marker-alt Quest Ipswich

For more to see and do visit DiscoverIpswich.com.au

Opening times will vary with COVID-19 restrictions, please contact operators to discuss operating hours.

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2021 Ipswich Australia Day Awards Inspiring locals, inspiring stories.

Amy Hunter, West Moreton Health Nurse of the Year 2020

Do you know someone with a story like Amy’s? Caring, selfless and a respected mentor to her colleagues.

Submit your nomination in 3 easy steps. It takes less than 30 minutes: Go to our online

Categories include: Citizen of the Year

It’s time to show thanks to our local heroes and those inspiring individuals who go above and beyond. Let’s show our recognition and appreciation with the honour of an Australia Day Award. You can even nominate your favourite community event.

Senior Citizen of the Year Young Citizen of the Year Cultural Award Sports and Recreation Award Community Event of the Year Spirit of Ipswich Award

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nomination portal Select the award category

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Enter required details and add supporting documents

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18 Nominations open 16 September 2020 Ipswich.qld.gov.au/ausdayawards

IPSWICH’S OWN FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE SAYS TEAMWORK IS KEY TO SUCCESS

Going into surgery can feel like a scary prospect.

She is an Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School old girl and has worked at the Ipswich Hospital for the past 14 years. “I have been a nurse for 23 years and most of that time I have been a perioperative nurse,” Mrs Hunter said. “I especially enjoy seeing new nurses whose development I have contributed to, performing independently.” Becoming a nurse was a childhood dream for Mrs Hunter as she watched her sister suffer from asthma. She also remembers spending time in hospital watching while her pop’s health declined. “I remember watching the nurses busily providing care taking and recording observations and taking the time to get to know the patient and their families,” Mrs Hunter said. “I thought that this was something that I could see myself enjoying.” Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe/

After you change into surgery clothes, a nurse and orderly wheels you into the pre-op area where the last face you are likely to see before going under anaesthesia, might be Amy Hunter’s. Amy Hunter is a perioperative nurse and has been named West Moreton Health’s Nurse of the Year. “When people are coming to the operating theatre they are usually feeling quite vulnerable,” Mrs Hunter said. “They have a loss of control and they are placing their trust in us and what we do. “It is something that we take seriously. “We spend time explaining to them what’s going to happen, that they are safe and that we will be with them the whole time.” Mrs Hunter was born in the Ipswich Hospital and has spent most of her life living and working in Ipswich.

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IPSWICH FAMILY HOOKED ON FISHING FOR 100 YEARS

The Alveys have been hooked on making fishing reels for four generations. This year marks 100 years in business. They manufacture almost all of the parts for their reels in-house at Carole Park. Alveys are most famous for their reels that use a sidecast fishing system which means the reel is turned sideways to cast. They are believed to be the only company in the world making this design. Bruce Alvey explains that unlike spinning reels, you can lay a side casting reel in the sand, wash it off in salt water and it’s good to go. There have been many ups and downs over the last century and after nearly closing the doors for good in 2017, their sights are continuing to cast far into the future. “We want to expand the business and as we grow it means more jobs for Ipswich residents,” Mr Alvey said.

“We have great fishing areas here around Ipswich, we have dams that produce good fish and red claw. “At Karana Downs you can catch thread fin salmon and at Wivenhoe Dam there is Bass there at the moment over half a metre. “They are a good fighting fish and eating fish.” Mr Alvey’s reels are mostly used for beach fishing due to their durability and long cast. He would like to see more net free areas and fisheries protected so that people can go and fish and find there are fish to catch. “I think you should treat the ocean like a refrigerator, take out what you are going to eat and leave the rest there for another day,” Mr Alvey said. “The biggest thing people expect when they go fishing is to be able to catch a fish.” Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe/

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Saturday 26 September – Sunday 15 November 2020 Ipswich Art Gallery, d’Arcy Doyle Place, Nicholas Street, Ipswich CBD Open 7 days - 4 sessions daily | Book online ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au

AN AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL TOURING EXHIBITION

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Philip Zec, Women of Britain: come into the factories (AWM ARTV03534)

IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE Experience theatre, comedy, music, dance, children’s entertainment and more.

See the program at Ipswichciviccentre.com.au

Studio 188 is the intimate performing arts development and live music venue right in the heart of the Ipswich CBD. Formerly the art-deco Old Baptist Church, the space has been transformed into a dynamic cultural and creative space designed to support the emerging arts scene in Ipswich and provide an excellent night out. Boasting a flexible space, full in-house lighting and sound, and a packed monthly live music program, Studio 188 is a creative space for everyone. Visit our website for more information Studio188.com.au

Follow us

@ Studio188Ipswich

Studio 188 is home to Ipswich City Council’s youth arts development program, Protege Master Classes. Be inspired to reach your full potential and learn from industry professionals via a range of workshops, events, networking opportunities and performances specialising in music, drama, dance, visual art and production. Workshops and events are open to young people of any ability. Visit our website for more information Studio188.com.au/protege-master-classes

Follow us

@ Studio188Ipswich

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Saturday 17 October 2020 SCREENING AND AWARDS PRESENTATION FORWARD 7–11 Years FORWARD 12–17 Years FORWARD 18–25 Years AGE CATEGORIES PERCEPTION VS REALITY THEME Monday 13 July – Friday 18 September 2020 COMPETITION ENTRIES OPEN

Win a GoPro*

Ipswich.qld.gov.au/iffy

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*GoPro, HERO, and their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc. GoPro is not a participant in or sponsor of this promotion.

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Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway “A first rate thrilling fun experience”

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Reviewed October 2019

Discover Ipswich’s unique neighbourhoods with the TripAdvisor mobile app.

Queens Park “Absolute Gem!”

Reviewed January 2020

Indian Mehfil “10 out of 10”

Reviewed January 2020

Homage Restaurant “Better than ever”

Reviewed February 2020

The Workshops Rail Museum “History and adventure for the kids”

Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights “Scenery was spectacular…”

Reviewed January 2020

Reviewed July 2020

Get the free app, now with offline access to reviews, maps, and photos.

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HOW TO CHECK YOUR FROGS INTO A HOTEL

Allison Begnell has built her own frog hotel to keep the frogs in her garden safe. What is a frog hotel you may ask? It is a safe area for tree frogs searching for a cool, moist environment to live in. Allison Begnell decided to make her own frog hotel after her dog Milly, became a bit obsessed with their jumping green friends in the backyard. “Choose a spot where your frogs like to hide and sleep during the day and place your hotel as close to that location as you can,” Ms Begnell said. “Preferably a cool, shady, damp spot out of direct sunlight. “Then if you get the pipes pre-cut, it doesn’t take long to construct. “Most of the materials I used were recycled materials except the few smaller PVC pipes that cost me $35 to purchase at our local water pump store.” Ms Begnell then basically drilled some holes into the piping for drainage,

put a layer of rocks on the bottom and placed the PVC pipes into a waterproof container. She then added water to the base container. “The frogs like the large PVC pipe the best with the elbow on the end, probably because it’s darker inside,” she said. “I put a few smaller pipes in the large pipe and they tend to like sitting in the gaps between the pipes rather than inside the small ones.” Ms Begnell also shines some solar powered lights over her frog hotel to attract bugs, as a kind of room service. “I’ve added plants around it and in it and I’ve found the frogs that can’t climb into the hotel still can hide in the plants and be close to the water.” The pipes should be a minimum of 60cm high so the toads can’t get in. Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe/

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Collect your free plants today

Ipswich City Council is dedicated to a greener Ipswich and offers residents six free plants each financial year through the Free Plant Program. You can collect plants from the Queens Park Nursery or the Mobile Nursery when it stops in a suburb close to home. Visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/freeplants to ensure you bring everything you need to collect your free plants.

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At Ipswich Libraries, there’s never been a better time to get online. Take advantage of this FREE initiative to get older Australians online. Book now and choose the type of support you’d prefer:

Let’s Chat

Let’s Meet

Let’s Visit

For more information: Phone (07) 3810 6815 Visit ipswichlibraries.com.au

Active Seniors

Ipswich City Council’s Active Seniors program offers free weekly physical activity classes for over 60s: Activity Day/time Location Yoga Monday 9.00 am ANZAC Park, Rosewood Tai Chi and Qigong Tuesday 9.00 am Spring Lake Park, Springfield Lakes Strength and Fitness Wednesday 10.00 am Browns Park, North Ipswich Tai Chi and Qigong Thursday 9.00 am Colleges Crossing, Chuwar Aqua Fitness Friday 9.00 am Bundamba Swim Centre, Bundamba Activities run for one hour during school terms.

To book, please visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/activeseniors or call (07) 3810 6666

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Competition

It’s time to start planning your sparkling Christmas lights display!

ENTRIES OPEN 2 NOVEMBER

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‘TIS (NEARLY)

the season

Dig out your Christmas lights and decorations. It’s time to get ready for the City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition. Win a share in $5,500 worth of cash and prizes.

Entry is free and open to Ipswich residents, businesses and community organisations.

CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

Best Residential Best Business/ Organisation Best Street

People’s Choice Best New Entrant Best Sustainable Display

For more information visit Ipswichfestivals.com.au

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Ipswich City Council 45 Roderick Street PO Box 191, Ipswich QLD 4305, Australia Tel (07) 3810 6666 Fax (07) 3810 6731 council@ipswich.qld.gov.au Ipswich.qld.gov.au

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