Ipswich in Summer 2020/2021

Ipswich in Summer 2020/2021

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Start

End

9 NOVEMBER 2020

Interim Children’s Library opens 23 NOVEMBER 2020

New Ipswich Central Library opens 7 DECEMBER 2020

New Children’s Library opens MID 2021

Ipswich Central Library closes

Ipswichlibraries.com.au

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Message from Ipswich Mayor, Teresa Harding

In typical Ipswich style, summer has arrived on the tail of a short spring. Christmas Wonderland at Nerima Gardens, now in its third year, will once again be the centrepiece of council-coordinated celebrations. The community can also showcase their own suburban wonderlands with the ever popular Christmas Lights competition. As the weather heats up, the pace of building in the CBD will quicken as we look forward to the completion of the Nicholas Street Precinct in the first half of 2021. Our Ipswich Central Library has gone through a period of significant change recently, with the South Street space temporarily closing to allow our teams to move more than 70,000 items to the new library at Nicholas Street, and then recently reopening as an interim children’s library. Your patience through this time is about to pay off as we gear up to open the brand new Ipswich Central Library on 7 December. It will be the perfect place to cool off during those

warm Ipswich days of summer. As will the new water-play area in the civic plaza space, which will get its finishing touches very soon. It wouldn’t be summer in Ipswich without a brief mention of storm season. Now is the time to prepare and Be Storm Ready by checking out council’s emergency management webpage. Summer is also a great time to take day trips and holiday excursions around Ipswich and our western neighbours. Millions of tourists have discovered the delights of the region in recent years and we encourage you to spend local and to give our small business and tourism operators a welcome shot in the arm after the challenges experienced this year as a result of COVID-19. The easing of restrictions has seen all council facilities reopened, including the Civic Centre and Art Gallery. What better time to check out some of our fantastic shows at both. There is just so much to see and do in Ipswich. Be safe and let’s have another wonderful festive season.

Front Cover Image: Watercress Creek Olives and Limes If you have any feedback regarding the Summer 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

Lizzy by I. Axelsen, Ipswich EnviroComp Entrant

EXPERI GIFT G

Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights

Float blissfully away... Treat your special person to a tranquil escape high above the ground on a Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flight . Grab a gift voucher for this magical once in a lifetime experience for a gift they will love! A day of relaxation Spoil your loved one with a gift of relaxation and healing. Ipswich Massage and Herbal Spa gift vouchers can be redeemed for massage, beauty or products. Therapies include osteopathy, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, massage, spa therapy, beauty therapy as well as yoga, pilates and meditation. Exclusive heli-tour Imagine being whisked away to a private setting on the banks of the Brisbane River where a beautifully styled bell tent awaits with delicious goodies inside including a glass of bubbly? This reality could be yours if you book this unforgettable present today. Pterodactyl Helicopters also offer heli-pub crawls and winery tours! Luxurious getaway Want to really impress? Book an overnight stay at Spicers Hidden Vale with dinner at the two-chef hat winning restaurant Homage . Add on a koala safari and e-bike hire at the nearby

Ipswich Massage and Herbal Spa

Pterodactyl Helicopters

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Spicers Hidden Vale

IENCE GUIDE

V8 Race Experience

Hidden Vale Adventure Park and you’ll really be in the good books! Need for speed Do you have a rev-head in the family? Or an adrenaline junky? Get a voucher for a V8 Race Experience for 6 or 9 laps in one of their Ford or Holden race cars. For an extra special treat book laps in their new purpose-built Mustang with well over 500hp – there’s nothing else like it in Australia! Marvel at a magnificent mansion Book a stay at Woodlands of Marburg and immerse yourself in history as you take in the 130 year old property. Stay on a Friday night when they’re doing their Haunted Mansion tours and learn about the history of the mansion and some spooky stories. Make sure you book in for dinner ahead of the tour and choose from their new Italian inspired menu. Gift buying Find a unique gift at one of Ipswich’s boutique shops in the Top of Town including Cute to Boot, Embers and Twine, Soul Sista, Oh! JoJo Boutique, Obsession Shoes and Country House Gifts and Homewares. Travel a little further afield to see The Black Museum and The Soul Nook Collective in Marburg.

Woodlands of Marburg

Cute to Boot, Top of Town

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

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ON SHOW UNTIL 7 FEBRUARY 2021*

PRE-BOOK YOUR FREE 90-MINUTE SESSION

Ipswich Art Gallery , d’Arcy Doyle Place, Nicholas Street, Ipswich CBD Open 7 days – 4 sessions daily | COVID-safe | Numbers strictly limited *Closed 24 December 2020 to 3 January 2021 inclusive Ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au

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It’s hard to miss Rachael Sarra’s artwork, titled Distant Country. It is the largest of seven murals painted earlier this year across Ipswich CBD. The murals were painted as part of Brisbane Street Art Festival’s Ipswich program. Featuring her signature palette of vivid pinks and oranges, Distant Country tells the story of Sarra’s connection STORYTELLING THROUGH STREET ART

“I’m using tools that didn’t exist for our people even 20 years ago, let alone 250 years so I would say I’m playing a role in the evolution of our art as Aboriginal people.” It took 12 days – and many litres of paint – for Sarra to complete the artwork. “It was definitely out of my comfort zone being so large and high and it was a lot of hard work but I think it adds a real vibrancy to our city,” Sarra said. The mural, Distant Country, is on the side of Ipswich Health Plaza, visible from East Street. For a map of all seven artworks delivered during the Brisbane Street Art Festival, visit Discoveripswich.com.au/newstreetart

to country and her place as a contemporary Aboriginal artist.

“It explores the idea that although I’ve lived in Ipswich my whole life, I’m a proud Goreng Goreng woman and culturally

I do connect back to Bundaberg, so it’s this idea of connection and

disconnection and place,” Ms Sarra said. “My work is based on my experiences, and as modern mixed race Aboriginal woman it automatically takes it away from the more traditional styles of Aboriginal art.

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Active Parks

Free weekly physical activity classes in a park near you: Activity Day/Time

Location

Aqua Fitness

Monday, 9.15 am Goodna Aquatic Centre

Pilates

Monday, 4.30 pm Tuesday, 4.30 pm

Faye Carr Park Colleges Crossing

Boxercise

Yoga

Tuesday, 6.00 pm Queens Park Croquet Hall

Boot Camp

Wednesday, 4.30 pm Thursday, 9.30 am Thursday, 9.30 am

Goupong Park Blackstone Hall

Zumba

Boxercise

Lobley Park

Linedancing

Thursday, 6.15 pm Queens Park Croquet Hall

Yoga

Saturday, 7.30 am Saturday, 8.00 am

Spring Lake Park Robelle Domain

Boxercise

Sign up online at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/activeparks and get active today. Participants should bring a hat, water bottle and a towel. Share your active moments #ActiveIpswich

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The last McMahon’s Drinks sign has been restored to its former glory by Ipswich artist Michelle Mancy. The iconic brand used to be splashed all over town on large signs in the businesses hay day, but in recent years, they have slowly disappeared, all except one. Peter McMahon, son of founder of McMahon’s Soft Drinks Frank McMahon, had noticed the sign at Willowbank fading over the years and earlier this year decided it was time to take action. “It’s a very emotional thing,” Mr McMahon said. “I used to visit the store that the sign was attached to, The White Stumps Fruit Shop, to collect our drink orders.” “Jim Rock from Rock Signs did the original sign and one of his assistants was d’Arcy Doyle for a time.” Artist Michelle Mancy took up the task of restoring the large sign, which took 37 hours to complete. HISTORIC SIGN RESTORED TO FORMER GLORY

“I have done some restorations work with large signage before as I work restoring railway carriages,” Ms Mancy said. “There were a lot of gentlemen who had remembered the sign writers and gave me some advice and some of the brushes.” Preparing the old sign to be painted required various techniques including tracing the old sign, then picking the trace with pins and using chalk to see the lettering. “The drink was before my time and I have never tried it which is disappointing,” Ms Mancy said. “Meeting Peter was great, he has such a sense for his city, I found that a bit inspiring.” Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe/

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IPSWICH ON SHOW TO 10 MILLION GLOBAL TV VIEWERS

An American family has found their dream home in Ipswich with a little help from an international TV show. Looking to make the move across the Pacific, the family of six from Texas set its sights on Redbank Plains with the father, originally from Brisbane, looking to get back to his roots. Popular television show House Hunters International stepped in to help them in their search earlier this year. Ipswich City Council’s conservation visitor management officer Jody Gilbert showed the couple around Ipswich’s White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate during filming. “The couple both have military history, so we had a moment of reflection at the Gunpit before heading up to White Rock Ridge Track to film bushwalking and the scenic lookout,” she said. “They were very casual and relaxed and genuinely interested in the history and natural features of the estate.”

Ms Gilbert said the couple were pleasantly surprised by the range of things to do in Ipswich. “They discovered there will always be plenty of opportunities to keep their growing family occupied with so many recreation, entertainment and cultural choices available,” she said. “Being outdoorsy types, they’re also looking forward to exploring the many trails in our conservation estates.” The crew also filmed some iconic Ipswich landmarks including St Mary’s Church, heritage buildings including Studio 188 , Riverheart Parklands, d’Arcy Doyle Place, Top of Town and the water tower at Denmark Hill. House Hunters International is aired in more than 100 countries across the globe, with each episode getting around 10 million viewers in the United States alone. Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe/

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IPSWICH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

VISIT US at Queens Park 14 Queen Victoria Parade, Ipswich OPENING HOURS Monday – Friday 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 9.00 am – 4.00 pm Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day

DiscoverIpswich.com.au (07) 3281 0555 info@discoveripswich.com.au

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Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights “Incredible experience, worth every minute”

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Reviewed September 2020

Queens Park “…a great day out for families…”

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

Reviewed August 2020

Indian Mehfil “Great food. Lovely staff. Nice venue.”

Reviewed September 2020

Homage Restaurant

The Workshops Rail Museum “Who doesn’t love trains?”

“All of the food was amazing, delicious and so fresh.”

Seraphim Escape Room “Fun for teens!!”

Reviewed March 2020

Reviewed August 2020

Reviewed August 2020

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

iOS

Android

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Sar hMcLeod

Thursday 26 November at 8.00 pm All tickets – $35.00

WHAT’S ON THIS SUMMER AT IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

Fun yMum ies

Emily Wuram ra

Saturday 28 November at 8.00 pm Tickets – Adults $35.00

Friday 27 November at 8.00 pm All Tickets – $35.00

R s N ble

The Vin age Bel es

Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December at 8.00 pm Tickets – $49.90

Friday 26 February at 7.00 pm Tickets including 2 course dinner – $75.00

Ipswichciviccentre.com.au (07) 3810 6100

BOOK NOW

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@i smejarradwrigley

Virjilla Joyce

@carlathursday

kimwrigh musicpage

@acekaysmusic

More than 80% of artists featured in Studio 188 ’s live and online programs in 2020 * have been Ipswich locals.

Are

Paulina

Kasey Michelle

our next

brookeaus en

Taylor Wilton

Visit our website for more information Studio188.com.au

@callumandlara

@wildeyedwonder

@Studio188Ipswich

Follow us

*January–October 2020

@clay onfrancismusic

Fusion Ar s Inc.

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Ally and Sarah

Unbranded

@anniea hehelm

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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Bushfire. Storm. Flood. ‘My Ipswich Alerts’ has you covered.

My Ipswich Alerts

Ipswich.qld.gov.au/myipswichalerts

IN IPSWICH 13 NOV – 31 DEC 2020

Calendar-day DATE

Friday 11 December – Tuesday 22 December

clock TIME

From 7.00 pm each night

map-marker-alt LOCATION Nerima Gardens, Queens Park

ticket-alt TICKETS

Due to the new COVID Safe Event format tickets are essential for contact tracing. Book your tickets via Christmasinipswich.com.au . All proceeds donated to local charities.

This spectacular lighting display is back with a new COVID Safe Event format. Visitors can expect to see stunning illuminated trees, glittering lights and much more.

Follow Ipswich Festivals to stay up to date with the latest event information.

DISCLAIMER : At the time of going to print with this program we are presented with unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. In the interest of public safety changes may be made to events and event formats without notice. Please keep an eye on the website and social media for updates.

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Celebrate the magic of Christmas with your family at Christmas Wonderland!

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT Why not make a night of it?

Dine out at one of Ipswich’s great restaurants before or after visiting Wonderland. Special offers can be viewed on our website.

BE A GOOD ELF Social distancing is very important and everyone’s responsibility. Please ensure you and your household group maintain a 1.5m distance from volunteers and other patrons at all times.

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For more information visit Christmasinipswich.com.au

Presenting Partner

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Competition

Presented by

Dig out your lights and decorations, it's time to start decorating for the City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition. Entry is FREE, quick and easy via Christmasinipswich.com.au

Presenting Partner

Safety Partner

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PRIZES Win a share in over $5,500 worth of cash and prizes, including an exclusive private movie screening at Event Cinemas Springfield for the Best Street! PEOPLE’S CHOICE Make sure you vote online from 3 to 7 December for your favourite Christmas Light’s entrant, in the People’s Choice award presented by Infants’ Friend. NEW – 'LISTING ONLY' OPTION You can still let people know where your display is located even if you are not entering the competition. Simply select the 'Listing Only' category.

CATEGORIES INCLUDE: Best Residential Best Business/Organisation Best Street

People’s Choice Best New Entrant Best Sustainable

Hurry entries close 9.00 am Monday 30 November.

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on tour

This year Santa and his helpers are taking Christmas to the suburbs to help spread the Christmas cheer. A socially distanced Santa, performers and characters will be popping up around Ipswich. Stay tuned for location announcements on the Ipswich Festivals Facebook page and River 94.9. 4-6 AND 11-13 DECEMBER 2020

For more information check out Christmasinipswich.com.au

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live stream

Calendar-day DATE

Wednesday 16 December

clock TIME

5.30 pm

map-marker-alt LOCATION Live streamed from Studio 188 on the Ipswich Festivals Facebook page

Join Mr and Mrs Claus via live stream for an evening of Christmas cheer as they share their favourite Christmas stories, recipes and carols featuring local performers.

LETTERS TO SANTA

Post your letter to Santa via your local Ipswich Libraries branch or send one digitally at Christmasinipswich.com.au . Get in quick and send yours by Friday 4 December to allow Santa enough time to respond between wrapping presents.

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LIGHTS ON

Friday 13 November – Tuesday 5 January

In the lead-up to Christmas, a visit into the heart of Ipswich Central isn’t complete without stopping by the City’s Christmas Tree in d’Arcy Doyle Place.

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Find the perfect gift for that special someone by exploring the unique and eclectic stalls at the region's Christmas Markets.

THE HANDMADE EXPO Calendar-day DATE

TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS MARKETS Calendar-day DATE

Saturday 28 November

Wednesday 23 December

clock TIME 9.00 am – 2.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Nicholas Street Precinct

clock TIME

9.00 am – Late

map-marker-alt LOCATION Main Street

Orion Springfield Central

SCENIC SOUL CHRISTMAS MARKET Calendar-day DATE Saturday 12 December clock TIME 9.00 am – 3.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION The Soul Nook Collective 89 Queen Street, Marburg

RIPLEY MARKETS Calendar-day DATE

Saturday 12 December

clock TIME 3.00 pm – 8.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Providence, South Ripley

For the complete list of Christmas Market dates and locations visit Christmasinipswich.com.au

Join the fun at the Top of Town, Brisbane Street from Wednesday 18 November to Friday 18 December and find TOTI, the elf! Venture through the cafes, retailers and participating businesses; search the store windows and try to catch a glimpse of TOTI the elf.

Complete an entry form available at participating stores to go into the draw to win an amazing Top Of Town Experience package, including gifts and vouchers valued at over $1,000. The winner will be announced on the West Bremer Radio Drive Home Show on Friday 18 December. Visit Christmasinipswich.com.au for more information.

Follow Ipswich Festivals to stay up to date with the latest event information.

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CHRISTMAS IN BRASSALL Calendar-day DATE Friday 27 November clock TIME 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm map-marker-alt VENUE Online Brassall Christmas in the Park is going online. Join in via their Facebook page for live streamed Christmas performances including your favourite Christmas carols backed by a local orchestra. SPRINGFIELD CITY GROUP TOGETHER CHRISTMAS Calendar-day DATE Saturday 5 December clock TIME 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm map-marker-alt VENUE Online + Fireworks Greater Springfield Churches present an online Christmas experience, broadcast direct to your home. Featuring magnificent local talent, a moving Nativity story, carols and a fireworks finale visible across Springfield.

THE COLOURS OF CHRISTMAS Calendar-day DATE Saturday 12 December

clock TIME From 3.00 pm map-marker-alt VENUE Tivoli Drive In

Celebrate the cultural diversity of Ipswich with the Colours of Christmas festival. The celebration will feature multicultural dance and music performances, market stalls, a Christmas movie screening and much more. Tickets are essential.

Follow Ipswich Festivals to stay up to date with the latest event information.

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CHRISTMAS STEAM TRAIN RIDE DATE From 5 December TIME From 3.00 pm VENUE Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway, Swanbank Station The annual Swanbank Santa Steam Trains will run on 5, 6, 19 and 20 December. Step back in time while enjoying a one hour twilight trip from Swanbank Station on a 100 year old steam locomotive. Trips depart at 3.00 pm, 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm. Bookings essential. BE A GOOD ELF Social distancing is very important and everyone’s responsibility. Please ensure you and your household group maintain a 1.5m distance from volunteers and other patrons at all times.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WITH IPSWICH CITY ORCHESTRAS DATE Saturday 5 December TIME 7.30 pm – 8.40 pm VENUE St. Paul’s Anglican Church Join the Ipswich City Orchestras for a concert of traditional, classical and contemporary classical Christmas music, showcased from within the majestic surrounds of St. Paul's Anglican Church.

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For tickets and further details on more local Christmas celebrations and events visit Christmasinipswich.com.au

DISCLAIMER : At the time of going to print with this program we are presented with unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. In the interest of public safety changes may be made to events and event formats without notice. Please keep an eye on the website and social media for updates.

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DATE

From Monday 9 November 2020

TIME

Various

LOCATION Orion Springfield Central, 1 Main Street, Springfield Central

Summer at Orion is sure to be a bright one with a series of events, markets and workshops planned from November to January, including: Storytime in Santa’s cottage Video calls with Santa Markets Dive in Movies Pet Santa Photos Workshops Roving performers and more For more information on this and other local Christmas celebrations across the City of Ipswich, go to Christmasinipswich.com.au

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Calendar-day DATE

Monday 7 – Saturday 19 December

Various see website

clock TIME

map-marker-alt LOCATION

Interim Children's Library, 40 South Street, Ipswich

Experience the spirit of Christmas through a blend of traditions, special guests, stories and activities. Check out Santa’s Shed, take a photo in his old rusty ute and explore the Kids’ Corner. From the Grinch to Mrs Claus, there will be new themes over twelve days of festive fun. For more information visit Ipswichlibraries.com.au

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C E L E B R AT I O N S

Celebrate locally this New Year’s Eve and farewell 2020 at a COVID Safe event. There is lots happening around the region including fireworks and other celebrations.

DRIVE INTO THE NEW YEAR WITH TIVOLI

Calendar-day DATE

Thursday 31 December

map-marker-alt VENUE

Tivoli Drive In

ticket-alt TICKETS

Book your tickets via Christmasinipswich.com.au

To celebrate the count-down to 2021, two entertainment filled sessions will be held at the Tivoli Drive in.

SESSION 1: Gates open 4.00 pm

SESSION 2: Gates open 9.00 pm

Enjoy family entertainment including a blockbuster movie screening and celebratory fireworks.

Celebrate the final hours of 2020 with party band Savvy live on stage before a fireworks finale at midnight.

Follow Ipswich Festivals to stay up to date with the latest event information.

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Residents are encouraged to turn their heads towards the sky this New Year’s Eve! Fireworks will launch across the region at 9.00 pm. A list of locations and further information will be released closer to New Year’s Eve.

Want to know what’s on near you? Head to Christmasinipswich.com.au to view the full list of New Year’s Eve events.

DISCLAIMER : At the time of going to print with this program we are presented with unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. In the interest of public safety changes may be made to events and event formats without notice. Please keep an eye on the website and social media for updates.

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Thank you

Christmas in Ipswich could not be delivered without the generous support of our partners and the commitment from many volunteers across the community. DISCLAIMER : 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.

Ipswich City Council 45 Roderick Street PO Box 191, Ipswich QLD 4305, Australia

Christmasinipswich.com.au Follow Ipswich Festivals