Ipswich families set to travel back in time
26 August 2021
Families can try their hands at butter churning, damper tasting, laundry with a tub and washboard, and rides on a trackless train this month as the Cooneana Heritage Centre hosts the Back in Time Family Fun Day.
The new event, hosted by the Ipswich Historical Society as part of the Galvanized festival, celebrates the city’s rich history with activities for kids, craft workshops and performances from heritage tradies.
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chair Cr Andrew Fechner said Galvanized brings Council and community groups together to showcase aspects of the city’s rich history.
“Community collaboration is at the heart of Galvanized which promises an exciting trip down memory lane through a series of open days, tours, demonstrations, workshops and live shows,” Cr Fechner said.
“There is something for everyone and so many wonderful local stories to share.”
Ipswich Historical Society events coordinator Sandi Jones said the 29 August event would be the third and final family fun day hosted at Cooneana this year and was expected to be as popular as ever.
“What we try to do is engage with the children and their adults to try out the old ways, the old games and make things,” Ms Jones said.
“The young parents seem to get a lot out of these events. They have a lot of fun getting stuck into the hands-on activities with their kids.”
“People will be able to visit the display of veteran and classic motorcycles belonging to the Historical Motorcycle Club and meet members of the Ipswich Genealogical Society and the Spinners, Weavers, Fibre Artisans of Ipswich and learn what they do,” Ms Jones said.
“There will also be the tiny scenes created by the Ipswich Mini Crafters and the Queensland Metal Artisans Collective will be forging knives and different artifacts.”
Visitors can watch a wheelwright put a metal tyre on a wagon wheel and see the blacksmiths shaping metal into all sorts of forms in the Blacksmiths Shop.
Children are encouraged to try out some old games, including hoops, tug-of-war, skipping, croquet, stilt walking, or challenge their parents to a sack race. There will also be art classes, peg doll making and collage activities on offer.
The Heritage Bus will be taking a tour of the historic Blackstone area on the Back in Time Family Fun Day, starting from Cooneana at 10am.
The Back in Time Family Fun Day is on 29 August from 9am to 2pm. Entry is $7.50 for adults and $5 for children aged 3 to 12.
Family entry for two children and up to four children is available for $25.
The Heritage Bus tour is $10 for adults and $5 for children occupying a seat, but adults receive a half-price discount on the bus tour if they book at the same time as purchasing entry to the Family Fun Day.
Online bookings are essential for this COVID-safe event and can be made at discoveripswich.com.au/tour/cooneana-family-fun-day
The Ipswich Galvanized heritage festival runs for 10 days from 27 August to 5 September showcasing the best historical experiences and events the city has to offer.
A full list of events and links to make bookings is available at https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/galvanized