Family’s special place in Ipswich recognised
21 November 2024
A family’s century of contributions to Ipswich are being celebrated in a new public monument unveiled at one of the city’s most popular parks.
The plaque at Lobley Park in Churchill pays tribute to the Keidge family, whose three generations of entrepreneurship continues in Ipswich today.
Division 4 Councillor Jim Madden said George Arthur Keidge, a bricklayer and miner, and wife Mary Ann Keidge bought the land on which Lobley Park is now located in 1911 and lived in a home on the adjacent Lobb St with their children until her death in 1954.
“The council acquired the land from the family that year before turning it into the fun, child-friendly and nature-abundant park it is today,” Cr Madden said.
“The couple’s son Percy reinforced the family’s strong ties to Ipswich, starting his career as a mechanic in the 1920s before opening his own car dealership at the corner of Nicholas St and Limestone St in the heart of town.
“For decades, Keidge Motors stood at the site before Percy turned his attention to farming machinery.
“He set up the business Keidges Farm Equipment, which is today run by his son Graham in Yamanto.
“I’m pleased the Keidge family are getting the recognition they deserve for their years of contributions to the Ipswich community.”
Division 4 Councillor David Martin said the initiative was funded through the council’s Capital Investment in Provisional Projects Program.
“The plaque also recognises the initial buyer of the land – William Cowan, in 1862 – as well as John W. Lobley, who the park is believed to be named after when its title was changed from Honour Board Corner in 1954,” he said.
“Mr Lobley was known for his support of local returned service personnel, as well as being chair of the Churchill and Loamside Honour Board Committee and President of the Churchill Comforts Fund.
“The Capital Investment in Provisional Projects Program enables council to implement initiatives that were not included in the three-year forward plan for capital works.
“Thanks to this program, councillors can quickly respond to community requests for important local projects.”