Planes, Trains and Autos festival raises thousands for Legacy Ipswich
27 May 2022
After thrilling thousands of families, petrolheads and machinery enthusiasts at North Ipswich, council’s 2022 Planes, Trains and Autos festival has given back to the community with ticket revenue raising significant funds for two not-for-profit organisations.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the festival’s ticketing revenue was split evenly between the Queensland Museum Foundation and council’s chosen charity partner, Legacy Club of Ipswich.
“Thanks to the fundraising efforts of a record number of attendees for Planes, Trains and Autos, I am delighted that council will donate $13,670.56 to Legacy Club of Ipswich,” said Mayor Harding, who is also the Inaugural Ambassador for Legacy Club of Ipswich.
“The city’s premier adrenaline-charged festival celebrates our strong connection with those who have served the nation, and it is fantastic the event can support one of Ipswich’s most important charities helping defence force members and their families in need.
“Ipswich is home to our nation’s largest operational RAAF base at Amberley - we’re a proud defence city that appreciates the service and sacrifices made by the Australian Defence Forces.”
President of Legacy Club of Ipswich Donna Reggett OAM said the charity thanked everyone involved for the money fundraised through council by the Ipswich community and attendees of the festival.
“The funds raised will be well used in providing support services, especially social inclusion activities and education support, to the many bereaved widows and children as well as incapacitated veteran's families throughout Ipswich,” Ms Reggett said.
Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson said it was an honour to continue the partnership with Ipswich City Council and be part of another record-breaking event at The Workshops Rail Museum.
“Over the festival weekend the museum welcomed more than 8,000 visitors in one day, which is the most we have ever had on a single day in twenty years of operation,” Dr Thompson said.
“It just goes to show how much enthusiasm people have for these types of experiences where you can take a trip down memory lane and appreciate the mechanics of what went into our cars, planes and trains years ago.
“I would like to thank Ipswich City Council for their generous donation to the Queensland Museum Foundation that will allow us to continue to share our history for generations to come, not only here in Ipswich, but around the state.
“We are also very proud to be able to share this honour with the Legacy Club of Ipswich who support partners and children of veterans.”
Ipswich’s skies became an aerobatic playground for historic warbirds above sprawling automotive and locomotive displays as the festival returned to The Workshops Rail Museum on 30 April 2022.
This year’s festival saw thousands of people explore displays and attractions spread across and above the museum site, after more than 6,000 people attended the inaugural event in 2021.
Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic said the large variety of interactive and awe-inspiring machinery meant there truly was something for everyone.
“From Australia’s oldest working steam locomotive and historic warbirds performing manoeuvres high into the sky, to classic cars and motorcycles through the ages and roaming Transformers Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, it really was a great day out for young and old,” Cr Jonic said.
“The spectacular flying displays by the Red Thunder Warbirds and Elite Helicopters also meant the event was enjoyed by residents right across Ipswich.
“Planes, Trains and Autos is a magnificent celebration of our region’s present and future as a hub for defence, logistics and advanced manufacturing.
“The festival gets bigger and better every year, so next year’s Planes, Trains and Autos cannot come soon enough.”
The 2022 Planes, Trains and Autos event was supported by The Workshops Rail Museum, Elite Helicopters, Royal Australian Air Force, Willowbank Raceway, Brisbane Airport Corporation, TAE Aerospace, Toyota Material Handling and 9News Queensland.
Be sure to mark the calendar next month when the Festival of Horsepower kicks off in June 2022.