Recognising Australia Day in Ipswich
11 January 2024
Whether you celebrate Australia Day or simply enjoy a well-deserved long weekend, there is plenty happening in Ipswich to mark our national day.
Ipswich City Council will once again offer free access for residents to its pool facilities, plus there are the annual Australia Day Awards, citizenship ceremonies and a range of community activities taking place.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said understandably Australia Day creates a range of emotions within our community, and council has approached this year’s celebrations with understanding and respect for all.
“Australia Day is our country’s national holiday, and that means something different to everyone in our community,” Mayor Harding said.
“In the lead up to Australia Day, council recognises this significant day through its annual Australia Day Awards and its own citizenship ceremony for our newest Aussies.
“This makes way for our community to acknowledge Australia Day in their own way, and there is plenty happening across Ipswich for those that want to celebrate.
“This includes a community citizenship ceremony taking place at Springfield Lakes, free access to our city’s pool facilities, and activities from our local venues includes bull riding at the Ipswich Showgrounds, pig races at Falvey’s Hotel Yamanto and yabby races at the Walloon Hotel.
“Regardless of how you choose to spend your Australia Day, it’s a day to remember what a diverse and wonderful country we are.”
Ipswich City Council will also continue its practice of opening the city’s council-owned pools for free on Australia Day.
The Bundamba Swim Centre, Goodna Aquatic Centre, Rosewood Aquatic Centre and Georgie Conway Leichhardt Community Swim Centre will all be open for use by residents and families between 10am and 4pm on 26 January, 2024.
“We have fantastic pool facilities and hopefully we have fine weather so residents can enjoy a day in the sun,” Mayor Harding said.
“This initiative has been a tremendous success for council in the past and we expect it to be popular once again this year.”