‘Barty Party’ taking over Ipswich venues for historic Australian Open final
28 January 2022
Ipswich’s cafes, restaurants, bars and eateries are preparing for a city-wide Barty Party as the World Number One aims to win her first home Grand Slam in the Australian Open Women’s Singles 2022 final.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the whole city, along with the rest of Australia, will be cheering on Ash Barty when she takes to Rod Laver Arena and makes history on Saturday night.
“In support of COVID-19 health restrictions and to keep our community safe, instead of coming together in one place we are encouraging everyone to attend the dozens of Barty Parties happening in hospitality venues across the city,” Mayor Harding said.
“We’re so incredibly proud of our Ash as she’s risen to the top of women’s tennis, and we can’t wait to watch her fight for her first Australian Open title after her magnificent 2021 Wimbledon triumph.
“Ash is yet another example of the world-beating calibre of sporting talent Ipswich produces, and is an incredible role model to our young athletes ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said many local venues are putting the finishing touches on ‘Barty Party-style’ events and specials.
“Our hospitality venues have struggled through the pandemic. So please book a table, order your favourite meal or grab some delicious takeaway and support our businesses as our city cheers on Ash,” Cr Fechner said.
“I also encourage those visiting Ipswich to dine at our great restaurants around Nicholas Street Precinct and Top of Town, as well as our many heritage hotels and bars.
“It’s going to be a fantastic match, whether you’re throwing a Barty Party at home or with friends at any one of Ipswich’s fantastic bars and eateries - Go Ash!”
Ipswich venues hosting ‘Barty Party’ events on Saturday 29 January include:
- Brothers Leagues Club - Broadcasting the match live. Staff will wear tennis-themed outfits and will serve a ‘Barty Burger’, food and drink deals as well as lucky door and best dressed prizes.
- PA Hotel’s Tap’d Bar – Broadcast the match on the big screen with in-house specials available.
- Club Services Ipswich – Broadcasting the match and raffling a tennis coaching prize for those who buy an ‘Ash Barty Parmi’ and pot deal on the night. The Ash Barty Parmi will feature vegemite, the recipe Ash and her sponsors Vegemite created. There will also be prizes for best dressed Green ‘n Gold costumes.
- Brookwater Golf and Country Club – Broadcasting the finals on two big screens and there will be lucky door prizes from 3pm. Bookings are essential.
- Orion Hotel – Broadcasting the match live and loud in the sports bar.
Barty will contest the final from 7.30pm Saturday 29 January against the tournament’s 27th seed American, Danielle Collins.
Barty won the French Open in 2019, Wimbledon in 2021 and will hope to make history when she competes in her first Australian Open final on Saturday night.
Ash Barty grew up in Springfield, Ipswich, and began her professional career at the 2010 City of Ipswich Tennis International at the George Alder Tennis Centre in Leichhardt.
Now World Number One, 25-year-old Barty is one win away from being the first Australian to win the Grand Slam in 44 years - last won by Chris O’Neil in 1978.