Remarkable achievements from Ipswich sports stars from the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games to the national schoolgirls rugby league competition will be celebrated in two civic events this week.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the Ipswich State High School girls rugby league team’s trifecta of the 2024 NRL National Schoolgirls Cup title, the NRL Schoolgirls QLD Trophy and the Titans Schoolgirl Cup would be marked in a ceremony on Tuesday 8 October, followed by a community celebration for our city’s stars of the Paris 2024 Games on Friday 11 October.
“These incredibly talented and skilled young women will be given the Keys to the City, matching the achievements of their fellow boys’ open rugby league team winning the Allan Langer Trophy, Phil Hall Cup and the National Schoolboys Cup in 2022,” Mayor Harding said.
“Ipswich State High School’s rugby league success continues to reinforce Ipswich’s reputation as the home of young NRLW and NRL talent.
“Awarding the Keys to the City is a symbolic gesture that represents the highest honour a city can confer on a resident or organisation.
“Ipswich always recognises its own, and this formal ceremony will be closely followed by a public ceremony in Tulmur Place to celebrate the achievements of our Paris Olympic and Paralympic stars.
“This event will allow us to recognise the astounding success of local talent including gold medallist Mollie O’Callaghan and silver medallist Ella Ramsay.”
The free City of Ipswich Olympic and Paralympic Community Celebration will be on from 5pm to 7pm on Friday 11 October in Tulmur Place in the Nicholas Street Precinct.
It will include the chance for the community to meet the athletes, enjoy roving entertainment, food trucks, lawn games and other family-friendly activities.
Council’s administration building, 1 Nicholas Street, will also be lit up in green and gold for the event, with free parking for up to three hours available under the Nicholas Street Precinct (off Bremer Street).
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said the two events would cap off a season of sporting success for Ipswich and give residents the chance to celebrate.
“We’ve always known just how much talent our city houses, and following the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, the whole world does too,” Cr Augustine said.
“Combine these international achievements with the dominance of Ipswich State High School’s girls’ teams, and there’s no question that Ipswich will be watched closely for rising talent ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
