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Celebrating
Milestones
Federation
On 2 September 1899, Ipswich residents voted on the referendum
bill to federate six British colonies into the Commonwealth of
Australia. The result was a resounding “NO” with 1193 votes for and
2968 votes against. That aside, Queen Victoria proclaimed that the
Commonwealth of Australia would become a nation on 1 January
1901. It was a period of optimism for Ipswich. The town had just
endured devastating floods and a financial depression in the 1890s
and it was ready to look to the future even if there were still strong
concerns about the implications of Federation. Women had gained
the right to vote, working conditions were improving and there was
a minor building boom with new estates opening up. The old
historic Grange racecourse at Raceview was sold off for housing in
1901. Some iconic buildings were finished at this time including Fairy
Knoll on Chermside Road, St Mary’s Church, the Post Office and the
Flour Mill, both on Brisbane Street, and the Technical College on
Limestone Street. The Federation style of housing arrived at this
time too and many fine examples can still be seen today in Ipswich’s
inner suburbs.
By 1904, it was clear that some of the concerns about Federation
were becoming a reality. Tariffs between colonies had disappeared
and this had some impact on the price of Ipswich coal. Other
industries such as foundries, joineries, sawmills, brick and pottery
works meatworks and butter factories were faring better and the
town of Ipswich was on its way.
Municipal Jubilee 1910
The Ipswich Jubilee celebrated 50 years of Municipal Government
in 1910. A special book was produced by council entitled “Jubilee
History of Ipswich: a record of Municipal, Industrial and Social
Progress” and this outlined the progress the town had made from
3 March 1860 to 3 March 1910. A special meeting of the council
was also held on 3 March 1910 to celebrate the occasion. After the
meeting the council adjourned and went to Whitehouse’s Café
where they enjoyed an “excellent repast”.
Municipal Centenary 1960
Celebrating 100 years of Municipal Government was a slightly grander
affair. There was a special meeting of council and a centenary dinner
in the Town Hall at which the Governor of Queensland, Sir Henry
Abel, was present. The Queensland Times reported on 4 March 1960
that “the hall was colourfully decorated for the historic occasion,
with flags, vases of flowers including bougainvillea, the city’s floral
emblem, and a Cooktown orchid, the State’s floral emblem. The
banquet tables formed a square, in the centre of which pot plants
from Queen’s Park made an attractive display.” The Governor
commented on Ipswich’s commitment to ensuring education for the
youth and that he was impressed by the “civic pride, public spirit and
unselfish service given to the community”; qualities Ipswichians still
display today. The future was also a focus of council at the time, and
they keenly felt the responsibility of ensuring the success of Ipswich
for future generations.
28 Ipswich 150: 1860 – 2010
Proud Past - Exciting Future
Former Mayors John Nugent (left) and Des Freeman (right) present current Mayor Paul Pisasale (centre) with the newly commissioned Chain of Office on 12 April 2010.