New Civic and Ceremonial Events Policy to celebrate our city
22 October 2021
Days of significance, symbolic presentations and military commemorations are included in more than a dozen public ceremonies supported by council’s revised Civic and Ceremonial Events Policy.
The new policy re-establishes a positive program of priority civic events and ceremonial activities after it was reviewed by the Civic Celebrations Working Group that included Mayor Teresa Harding, Councillor Sheila Ireland, Councillor Andrew Fechner and Councillor Russell Milligan.
Mayor Harding said the policy defines council’s commitment to delivering and supporting civic and ceremonial events for the benefit of the Ipswich community and aligns with council’s 20 year iFuture plan.
“We are a community that unites in both times of need and to celebrate our success,” said Mayor Harding.
“The new Civic and Ceremonial Events policy will ensure we can continue to honour and build upon Ipswich’s strong community spirit.
“The list of events included was not intended to be comprehensive but a starting point. I encourage residents to let us know what events and ceremonies of importance they wish to be recognised as an official civic event.”
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chair Councillor Andrew Fechner said Council seeks to support and encourage events and activities at the heart of Ipswich’s diverse cultures and history.
“We are a city where everyone has an opportunity to celebrate and commemorate our significant moments and where people of all backgrounds can rightfully feel that they belong in our community,” Cr Fechner said.
“Council’s policy changes aim to address concerns raised by community groups by establishing an open and transparent process for the funding of operational costs associated with a range of notable Ipswich events and dates.”
The new policy does not apply to the annual City Events Plan, in which activities are designed and delivered by City Events officers in consultation with the Mayor and Councillors.
It also does not include local events that receive support through council’s Events Sponsorships.
“We have deliberately not included events that council already provides funding support for such as the Ipswich Show and Jacaranda Festival,” Cr Fechner said.
“While these are certainly important events and ceremonies, they are supported by existing council policies and funding opportunities.”
The Civic and Ceremonial Events Policy applies to the following civic and ceremonial events:
- Australia Day Awards – Celebrate the diverse and remarkable contributions of community members. Manage the nomination process, judging and award ceremony.
- Citizenship Ceremonies – Support and celebrate Ipswich residents to make the Australian citizenship pledge. Facilitate the official Department of Home Affairs requirements and manage the ceremonies in accordance with the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code.
- ANZAC Day Commemorative Service and Parade (Ipswich Central) – Provide operational assistance and funding support to the Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch for their annual ANZAC Day Commemorative Service and Parade.
- ANZAC Day Commemorative Services and Parades (Other) – Provide funding and in-kind support to ANZAC Day Commemorative Services and Parades delivered by endorsed RSL Sub-Branches and Organising Committees.
- Remembrance Day – Provide funding and in-kind support to Remembrance Day Commemorative Services delivered by endorsed RSL Sub-Branches and Organising Committees.
- Victory in the Pacific Day – Provide funding and in-kind support to Victory in the Pacific Day Commemorative Services delivered by endorsed RSL Sub-Branches and Organising Committees.
- Vietnam Veterans’ Day – Provide funding and in-kind support to Vietnam Veterans’ Day Commemorative Services delivered by endorsed RSL Sub-Branches and Organising Committees.
- Labour Day – Provide funding and in-kind support to Labour Day Services and Parades delivered by endorsed Organising Committees.
- Ipswich Day – Recognise and celebrate the proclamation of the municipality of Ipswich.
- Volunteer Recognition Day – Recognise council and community volunteers during National Volunteer Week.
- Seniors Recognition Day – Promote positive community attitudes towards older people and ageing, facilitate community participation, and enhance community connections during Queensland Seniors Week.
- Box Flat Memorial Service – Provide funding and in-kind support to the Box Flat Memorial Service delivered by an endorsed Organising Committee.
- Keys to the City – A symbolic presentation representing the highest honour that the city can confer on an individual or group.
- Freedom of Entry – A right which is granted upon a military unit authorising that unit to march through the streets of the city on a ceremonial occasion.
- Certificates and Plaques – In recognition of individual or group achievement or milestone.
- Floral Tributes and Wreaths – To honour or pay respects on behalf of council.
- Other civic and ceremonial events approved by council.
A Civic and Ceremonial Event is an event which council has direct involvement in and designates as building community pride, fostering positive relationships between the community and council, connecting the community in celebration, and recognising individual and community contributions.
For information about council’s funding and support for community events, visit www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/explore/whats-on/holding-an-event-in-ipswich