Ipswich in Spring 2023

Your guide for entertainment, events and activities IPSWICH IN SPRING 2023

Ipswich.qld.gov.au

BRIGHTON HOMES ARENA HOME OF THE

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SUN 3 SEP BRIGHTON HOMES ARENA 3:05PM

sun 17 sep BRIGHTON HOMES ARENA 5:05PM

sat 7 oct BRIGHTON HOMES ARENA 6:15PM

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sat 21 oct BRIGHTON HOMES ARENA 2:05PM

fri 3 nov - sun 5 nov BRIGHTON HOMES ARENA

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Message from Ipswich Mayor, Teresa Harding

Front Cover Image: Spring is a great time to get out and explore Ipswich’s waterways. 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 © 2023 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. Phantom of the Opera on for five shows between 9 and 17 September. Ipswich Musical Theatre Company brings this outstanding production to Ipswich, Broadway’s longest running and one of the most successful musicals of all time. Be entranced by Spring in Ipswich is one of my favourite times of the year. Those bone-chilling mid-winter mornings have gone, and we head into some warmer months with plenty of events on the city calendar to get us outside again. Winter brought you our amazing SPARK Ipswich festival and spring is synonymous with Galvanized, running from 31 August to 10 September 2023. Galvanized is a curated collection of experiences immersing residents and visitors in the unique story and heritage of one of Queensland’s oldest towns, with a strong focus on community and First Nations culture. Delivering over 75 events presented by 50 event organisers through performance, exhibitions and behind- the-scenes tours, thought-provoking talks, walks and bus tours in venues ranging from galleries to graveyards. There is a spring treat at the Ipswich Civic Centre with the Broadway hit

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. Exhibitors will engage with residents who are seeking new ideas on how to live more sustainably, including offering energy, waste, water, organics and transport solutions. It’s all happening in Ipswich this spring! the grandeur and romance of this lavish production accompanied by an orchestra of 27 musicians. The September school holidays are always packed with fun things for the kids and this year is no different with Tulmur Place becoming a hive of activity and the Ipswich Art Gallery featuring a special exhibit. Join our gallery facilitators as we use the creative potential of clay to help children discover traditional and non-traditional forms and develop visual literacy through experimental, process-based, hands-on exploration. Spring is also a reminder to start thinking about the annual Christmas Lights competition and getting nominations in for the Australia Day Awards. And of course, it is that time of year to get out in the garden – and what better way to get some ideas than from our Ipswich Sustainable Living Festival on Saturday 21 October at Tulmur Place.

Image courtesy of Enviro Photo Competition entrant Fox M. Image titled: Solartree Marburg

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR WASTE COLLECTION

Ipswich City Council will be setting the standard as the first council in Queensland to adopt a citywide Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) waste collection as a part of a three-bin core service. FOGO has been operating in Ipswich as an opt-in user pays service for several years. It was also trialled in 1,000 homes across Raceview and Bellbird Park since 2021 as a core service and would be available to more Ipswich residents from next year. This initiative enables residents to recycle their food organics and garden organics by disposing of them separately from general waste. The expansion of the current opt-in FOGO service to a citywide core service

means that an additional green lid FOGO bin will be included alongside the regular kerbside general waste red lid and co-mingled yellow lid bin collections. These additional households will join the current 26,000 properties that already have a FOGO service and the FOGO collection will be a fortnightly service, alternating with recycling collection. The implementation of the citywide FOGO service is scheduled to begin early in the 2024–2025 financial year, with an exact date yet to be finalised.

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Council provides a Free Plant Program to assist residents in developing a greener and more beautiful Ipswich. As a resident you are entitled to 6 free plants each financial year. You may even be entitled to more! Visit the website to see if you qualify. To collect your free plants, visit the Queens Park Nursery and bring: your current rates notice a copy of your landlord’s rates notice (for private renters) Defence Housing authorised brochure Drivers’ licence or seniors’ card with your current residential address listed. Visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/freeplants for more information.

In October, join activities and events to help you live, work and play the sustainable way! Key events will include: Ipswich Sustainable Living Festival – Free interactive workshops and activities Sustainable Open Garden Trail – Be inspired by local backyards full of ideas Youth Sustainability Summit – Showcasing actions for Ipswich schools EcoBiz networking event – Business insight to sustainability practices. Visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/sustainability for more information.

SEPTEMBER School Holiday Fun

IAG KIDS CLAY STUDIO Let’s get messy! IAG Kids Clay Studio, based in our Children’s Gallery, offers children and adults alike the chance to get creative with their hands. Working with clay is not only fun but is a great way to strengthen motor skills and improve dexterity. Join our Gallery facilitators as we use the creative potential of clay to help children discover traditional and non-traditional forms and develop visual literacy through experimental, process-based, hands-on exploration. Take your clay creation home or leave it on display in one of our collaborative spaces. Open until Sunday 5 November. Visit Ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au for more information.

IPSWICH LIBRARIES PROGRAMS Join in the fun at Ipswich Libraries with an enormous range of programs and events during the holidays, including: Workshops Presentations Shows Drop-ins Eye Spy (Library Search) Robotics and Coding Emerging Tech. Bookings open three weeks before the start of the holidays. Visit Ipswichlibraries.com.au for more information. ACTIVE KIDS Looking for a fun way for your kids to burn off some energy these holidays? Active Kids is here to help with a wide variety of free, outdoor activities suited to children of all abilities from the ages of 5 and up. Kids can enjoy a session playing their favourite sport or trying their hands (or feet) at a new one. There’s also a great range of nature based recreational activities including fishing and mountain biking, plus learn to ride, scoot and skateboard clinics. Bookings will open three weeks before the start of the holidays. Visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/activekids for more information.

TULMUR PLACE FESTIVITIES Welcome Spring Vibes and join in this free-spirited celebration in Tulmur Place these September school holidays. Children will be spoilt for choice with an array of activities and performances from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm every day, from Wednesday 20 to Wednesday 27 September. Get ready to groove and boogie with our kid friendly DJ, and be captivated with roving performers, mini markets, yard games and splash play. Visit the gypsy tents for interactive workshops. From seed planting to floral and spring inspired art and crafts, there is something for everyone. All this fun is bound to work up an appetite! Indulge in a variety of delicious food and drinks from family-friendly food trucks and restaurants. The best part, the event is free to enter and there are over 1,000 undercover car parks offering 3 hours free parking.

Visit Nicholasst.com.au for more information.

GO CAMPING OR STAY AT A FARM

There is no better place to recharge and reset than surrounded by nature. In Ipswich you can get away from it all, but still be close enough to home to be completely at ease when you’re camping. Or opt for a bit more luxury and stay at a farm stay – you’re still surrounded by nature, but with four walls and a bathroom. Discoveripswich.com.au/campout

EXPLORE TRAINS Treat the kids to a day exploring the world of trains, including history and science, at The Workshops Rail Museum. The city is also home to the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway offering heritage train rides on certain running weekends. And there’s model trains you can ride

once a month in Grandchester. Discoveripswich.com.au/trains

HIT THE TRAILS There’s no shortage of bike trails to explore in the region, making this a top activity on the school holidays. If you’ve got the whole day, why not try the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail or the 110km of tracks at Hidden Vale Adventure Park. If you’re after something shorter there’s

plenty more to choose from... Discoveripswich.com.au/riding

FIND SOME FURRY FRIENDS Go koala spotting, llama walking, sheep feeding or camel riding with amazing animal experiences in and around the City of Ipswich. Discoveripswich.com.au/ animalexperiences

GET READY FOR SOME ADVENTURE

If the kids are more into chasing thrills, then sign up for some hair-raising fun with gel ball games, escape rooms, karting and hot air ballooning. Discoveripswich.com.au/adventure

COMMUNITY CHESS TABLES CHECK ALL THE RIGHT BOXES

It is checkmate at Springfield Central with the installation of new chess tables bringing the community together. Six chess tables have been installed in Robelle Domain, Springfield Central, proving to be a great success not only with the Ipswich chess community, but also other curious locals coming together to meet, learn and play. The tables were installed following efforts by Springfield Ipswich Chess Club President Ed Cubilla.

Mr Cubilla gathered more than 400 signatures in support of the project. Many major cities in the world are famous for their public chess tables, such as New York’s Washington Square Park and the Chess & Checkers House in Central Park – this is Ipswich’s opening move. The chess tables are on the University Drive side of the park.

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Six chess tables have been installed in Robelle Domain, Springfield Central.

Save the date

Marketing and Branding Workshop SEPTEMBER

Christmas Lights Competition Entries Open OCTOBER

Ipswich Australia Day Awards Nominations Close NOVEMBER

Not-for-profit organisations,

It’s almost time to dig out your Christmas lights and decorations! Entries for the City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition will open Monday 30 October . Entry is free and open to Ipswich residents, businesses, and organisations with entrants able to win a share in thousands of dollars’ worth of fantastic prizes.

Do you know someone or a community group who goes above and beyond? Show your appreciation with the honour of an Australia Day Award. Categories include Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Cultural Award, Sport and Recreation Award, and Community Group of the Year. To nominate visit council’s Ipswich Australia Day Awards site. Nominations close Sunday 5 November .

community groups and sporting clubs are invited to this free workshop on Monday 11 September . This workshop will cover the marketing basics, preparing marketing plans, using social media to your benefit and more. Register to attend at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/ strongercommunities

PROJECTS HONOURING INDIGENOUS VETERANS TAKE SHAPE

An artist’s impression showing plinths to be added to Memorial Gardens, including one honouring Indigenous servicemen and servicewomen.

Two important projects to honour Indigenous servicemen and servicewomen are underway in the city’s heart as Ipswich City Council continues to deliver on actions in its Indigenous Accord 2020–2025. Council is progressing a Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place in Queens Park and Indigenous Soldiers Memorial Plinth in Memorial Gardens (Ipswich RSL) in Nicholas Street. The projects were a direct result of the Indigenous Accord 2020–2025 which called for recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and servicewomen through the creation of a war memorial in Queens Park. The Accord is council’s strategic framework for reconciliation and community governance with Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their communities. Queens Park’s location was traditionally a place for Aboriginal people to meet and resolve interpersonal and inter- clan conflict so it’s only fitting there will now be a place created for healing and remembrance. Nine plinths will be placed in Memorial Gardens (Ipswich RSL) on Nicholas Street, with one to specifically acknowledge the contribution and sacrifice of Indigenous men and women who served in the Australian Armed Forces. To follow the progress of these projects, visit Shapeyouripswich.com.au

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LIVE MUSIC – COMEDY – ENTERTAINMENT – DANCE – THEATRE

PROGRAM

SEPTEMBER

9–17 September

The Phantom of the Opera

Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Ipswich Civic Centre Tulmur Place Studio 188 Ipswich Civic Centre

Friday 15 September

Karen Lee Andrews

20–21 September

Madagascar A Musical Adventure Jr

Saturday 23 September Saturday 30 September

The Madonna Show

Stitch in the 'swich September

OCTOBER

Friday 6 October Saturday 7 October Saturday 7 October Saturday 14 October Friday 20 October Sunday 22 October Friday 27 October Friday 27 October Friday 27 October Saturday 28 October Friday 3 November Saturday 4 November Sunday 5 November Saturday 11 November Thursday 16 November Friday 17 November Wednesday 22 November Friday 24 November Friday 24 November Saturday 25 November

Briefs Bite Club ft Sahara Beck

Australia's Iconic Princesses of Pop

Wildflowers

IFFY Film Screening and Awards Ceremony

John Waters – Radio Luxembourg

Contra Guitar Duo

Stitch in the 'swich October

What's Going On featuring Tyrone Noonan

Trivia @ Studio 188

Jason Singh Heaven’s Greatest Hits

NOVEMBER

Murphy's Pigs

Les Divas An All-Male Revue

Owen Campbell Alternative American Blues

Tommy Fleming The Voice of Ireland

Aladdin and His Magic Smartwatch

1954 Ella, Etta, Eartha

Hark The Herald Angels Fling Stitch in the 'swich November

Leaving Jackson

A Salute to Roy Orbison

MEET THE PHANTOM : Nathan Kneen Ipswich Musical Theatre Company’s lead in their upcoming production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, tenor Nathan Kneen, spoke with us about growing up in Ipswich and his love of musical theatre. ‘As a past student of St Edmund’s College, I have to say school musicals always bring back fond memories. I also have wonderful memories of singing in the Cambrian Choir’s performances and musicals, Suzuki School of Music concerts, and of course performing at the Ipswich Christmas Carols when I was a Conservatorium of Music student.’ But it was Nathan’s mum playing the organ at church in Butterworth, Malaysia that first instilled his love of music. ‘As a child of a RAAF father, I moved around a lot.’ Eventually settling in Ipswich meant Nathan spent time with his father at RAAF Base, Amberley. ‘I’m a complete ‘airhead’ and was in my element whenever I was there with my dad.’ It also meant that Nathan settled into local college St Edmund’s and attributes the influence of his music teacher and Principal for impacting his decision to follow a career in music. ‘This ultimately led to me studying at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane.’ This course of study kicked off a memorable career with some special highlights. ‘As a member of The Ten Tenors, we were asked to be guest artists at the German Eurovision finals, attracting a live audience of 8,000 and a televised audience of 16 million! I must admit that singing for Oprah and John Travolta with The Ten Tenors rates high up there too.’ The opportunity to once again play the iconic character ‘Phantom’ and return to his hometown provides a full circle moment. ‘It’s truly wonderful to be able to come back to where it all started for me and to be able to create

wonderful theatre with this group of talented artists, some of whom I have recently met and some who I have known for decades. Ipswich has always produced amazingly talented people and this group is no exception. Being able to play a dark character is always fun, but the character covers such a spectrum of emotions from the dark and somewhat disturbing traits, like his obsession with and seductive power over Christine, to the delicate vulnerability of a broken man, just wanting to be loved and accepted by her.’

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE 9-17 SEPTEMBER

KAREN LEE ANDREWS FRI 15 SEP

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA 9–17 SEP

THE MADONNA SHOW SAT 23 SEP

STITCH IN THE ‘SWICH SAT 30 SEP

MADAGASCAR JR. 20–21 SEP

PRINCESSES OF POP SAT 7 OCT

BRIEFS BITE CLUB FT SAHARA BECK FRI 6 OCT

JOHN WATERS – RADIO LUXEMBOURG FRI 20 OCT

WILDFLOWERS SAT 7 OCT

ipswich FIlm festival 2023

IFFY FILM SCREENING AND AWARDS CEREMONY SAT 14 OCT

WHAT’S GOING ON FEATURING TYRONE NOONAN FRI 27 OCT

CONTRA GUITAR DUO SUN 22 OCT

JASON SINGH HEAVEN’S GREATEST HITS SAT 28 OCT

STITCH IN THE ‘SWICH FRI 27 OCT

TRIVIA @ STUDIO 188 FRI 27 OCT

LES DIVAS AN ALL-MALE REVUE SAT 4 NOV

MURPHY’S PIGS FRI 3 NOV

TOMMY FLEMING THE VOICE OF IRELAND SAT 11 NOV

ALADDIN AND HIS MAGIC SMARTWATCH THURS 16 NOV

OWEN CAMPBELL ALTERNATIVE AMERICAN BLUES SUN 5 NOV

1954 ELLA, ETTA, EARTHA FRI 17 NOV

HARK THE HERALD ANGELS FLING WED 22 NOV

LEAVING JACKSON FRI 24 NOV

STITCH IN THE ‘SWICH FRI 24 NOV

A SALUTE TO ROY ORBISON SAT 25 NOV

BOOK NOW (07) 3810 6100

Ipswichciviccentre.com.au/whats-on

Studio188.com.au/whats-on

Iconic star John Waters celebrates the songs of the British Pop Invasion in his newest show, a transformative era that changed modern music forever. In the 1960s UK, commercial radio licenses were unavailable, so pop and rock music were broadcast from Luxembourg as a clever workaround. The British record industry utilised this loophole, propelling bands like The Beatles, The Moody Blues, The Kinks, and The Who to explode onto the scene, initiating the British Invasion. With musical collaborator Stewart D’Arrietta and a six-piece band, Waters takes the audience on a nostalgic journey through the decades, sharing anecdotes and memories of that time. The classic hits, from ‘Where Do You Go to My Lovely’ to ‘Waterloo Sunset’ and ‘My Generation’, continue to resonate with fans over generations. Born in London to Scottish actor Russell Waters, John Waters made his mark in Australia’s performing arts scene, featuring in productions like ‘Hair’ and the 70s New Wave Australian

cinema. His extensive theatre work includes memorable roles and iconic characters like Henry Higgins, Captain Von Trapp, and Fagin. In 1992, Waters and D’Arrietta presented ‘Looking Through a Glass Onion’, an acclaimed theatrical interpretation of John Lennon’s life and music, continuing as ‘The John Lennon Songbook’. ‘Radio Luxembourg’ is a celebration of six decades of passion for music and performance. Waters and D’Arrietta mesmerize audiences with their unique interpretations of the 60s music, evoking the vibrant spirit of that era and transporting listeners to a time when music had the power to change the world.

JOHN WATERS – RADIO LUXEMBOURG IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE FRI 20 OCT

Budding Ipswich performers looking to take their art to the stage, the Ipswich City Council’s Ipswich Unearthed program may just be the ticket for you! Designed to assist emerging performing artists, such as; vocalists, singer-songwriters, bands and musicians of all genres, Ipswich Unearthed provides a safe space for artists to hone their skills combining both a workshop and performance opportunity hosted by an experienced Ipswich performer and music teacher. As part of the program each participant is offered a 20 minute live set. Friends and family are encouraged to attend.