Ceremony confirmed for Ipswich State High School to receive Keys to City
13 October 2022
The keys to the City of Ipswich will be presented to Ipswich State High School (ISHS) on 21 October in Tulmur Place, to acknowledge its historical triple-title sporting achievement in rugby league.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the date has now been set and the whole of Ipswich is invited to celebrate the school’s success.
“Council will present the Keys to the City at a civic event celebrating the school’s historic achievement of winning the Allan Langer Trophy, Phil Hall Cup and the National Schoolboys Cup this year and all the community are invited,” Mayor Harding said.
“It is the first time the school had made the national final, capping off what had been a fairy tale, undefeated season and I hope residents attend the ceremony in Tulmur Place and help us to celebrate the team’s success.”
Community, Cultural, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said awarding the Keys to the City is the highest honour the city can confer on an individual, group or organisation.
“The tradition is derived from medieval times, when a key was given to the gates of a walled city which were guarded during the day and locked at night, giving the recipient freedom to enter and leave the city at will,” Cr Fechner said.
“In modern times it is a symbolic, ornamental key with past recipients including tennis champion Ash Barty, the Ipswich Jets, Broncos Rugby League Football Club, Michael Voss, Deborah Lovely and Kasey Wehrmann.”
Division 4 Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said ISHS deserves this recognition and wants to whole city to come out and be part of the ceremony.
“We want to invite the community along to support the team and their supporters. There will be live music, food trucks and a licenced bar,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
“The whole city is proud of this team and the school for their outstanding performance while representing Ipswich with pride, skill and honour.”
Division 4 Councillor Russell Milligan said the ISHS rugby league team had defied the odds all season.
“The three titles further cement the school’s reputation as a training ground for future champions where dedicated coaches and inspirational role models work to develop elite athletes and valued citizens," Cr Milligan said.
“I urge residents to come out and congratulate the boys at the Keys to the City ceremony and show the team and school what they mean to our region.”
The Keys to the City ceremony will take place at 6pm on Friday 21 October at Tulmur Place as part of the new live music event, Tunes in Tulmur, which runs from 5pm until 9pm.
Parking in the Nicholas Street Precinct carpark is accessible via Bremer Street and is free for up to three hours and free after 5pm.