Ipswich in Summer 2019-2020

Ipswich in Summer 2019/2020

Your city guide for entertainment, events and activities

Ipswich.qld.gov.au

RE-INVENTED LIBRARIES SEEING SURGE IN POPULARITY

Suddenly, or so it would seem, libraries are the “in” place to be. Young families are making their way into the aisles of information, but not all of them into the pages of books. Ipswich City Council Libraries has seen a jump in active members over the past 12 months, to more than 50,000, and technology – robots, virtual reality, digital displays and games – is playing a big role in the “reader” revolution. That’s a 41 per cent increase on the previous year. Springfield Library turned one in recent months, and is credited as one of the reasons for a massive spike in membership in this region. Redbank Plains or Springfield Lakes residents are visiting in droves, accounting for 20 per cent of overall visitors. Goodna, Brassall, Springfield, Bellbird Park, Raceview, Collingwood Park, Augustine Heights and Camira

all have the night light on over a good book, each with more than 1,000 active borrowers. More than 60 per cent of library-goers are female. And about 60 per cent are aged less than 40. What’s old is seemingly new again, and the library crew says it’s no fluke. Rather, it’s entirely by design. “We passed the 50,000 milestone in August, and we’re seeing an increase in membership across the city – not just at our newest library at Springfield,” Library Business Services Manager Matt Pascoe said. “We’ve made it easier for people to sign up with a beautiful new website, there are more self-service options, and we’ve compiled an award-winning ‘marketplace’ bookshop-styled collection project.” Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe/

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Message from Ipswich City Council Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer

There is something unique about summer in Ipswich. School’s out. Time for backyard cricket, barbecues and holidays. Christmas and a new year. There’s no doubt our summers are hot, sometimes very hot, with temperatures north of 40 degrees on occasions. But it’s what makes our city and its people tough and resilient: survive a summer in the western suburbs and you can survive anything. An afternoon storm sweeping across Ipswich brings some welcome rain and relief from those hot days. Which is a timely reminder to our community to Be Storm Ready. Check out Ipswich City Council’s Clean Up for Storm Season website and learn how there are several

simple actions that you can take to increase the level of safety of yourself, your family and your home in the event of a severe storm. December, January and February are also the perfect months of the year to check out our public swimming pools at Bundamba, Leichhardt, Goodna and Rosewood and Springfield Central’s Orion Lagoon. Your council is supporting a huge range of community Christmas activities in 2019. Around 20 organisations will benefit from council’s Christmas and Festive Season Grants Program 2019–2020, which supports events ranging from large scale community carols in the park and an outdoor cinema event, to events catering for disadvantaged community groups. Check out which Christmas activities you can attend.

Disclaimer: Published by Ipswich City Council © 2019 | Front Cover Image: Queens Park If you have any feedback regarding the Summer Guide, please email council@ipswich.qld.gov.au or visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au At time of printing all information is current and correct. Every care has been taken to ensure the information in this brochure is correct at the time of publication. Ipswich City Council accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes leading to such information being incorrect. As activities, programs and events may cancel or move subsequent to publication of this brochure, no responsibility is accepted for accuracy of content. This publication is copyright. Other than for the purposes of and subject to the conditions prescribed under the Copyright Act 1968 (C’wlth), no part of it may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, micro copying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without prior written permissions. If you wish to disseminate or share this information and or images please contact Ipswich City Council for permission.

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If you’ve got kids you’ll know that close encounters with animals never get old. Here are Ipswich’s top 4 places to go if you want to get up close with some furry friends! Also find out how to book a Koala Safari and an Animal Encounter online at DiscoverIpswich.com.au/furryfriends Animal Encounters these summer holidays

Haigslea Ewe Nique Hobby Farm Feed and pet the sheep, lambs, alpacas, chickens, goats and geese that call this charming hobby farm home.

The Llama Farm Take a llama for a ride, or snap a selfie with one! This farm is home to the largest llama heard in Queensland, plus donkeys, goats, miniature ponies, peacocks, turkeys, guinea fowl and maremma.

Summer Land Camels Visit Australia’s largest wild camel training centre and dairy. Meet and feed the camels, book a camel ride or take a tour behind the scenes of the farm. Camel milk products are also available.

Why not make a weekend of it? Stay at the Tallavaley Farm B&B , a 50 acre working farm located close to Haiglsea Ewe Nique Hobby Farm, or Keira Farm just a few minutes away from Summer Land Camels and Naughty Little Kids. Naughty Little Kids Take a weekend tour and enjoy a cheese making demonstration. With 70 goats and 40 kids, there’s plenty of furry friends to feed and cuddle at Naughty Little Kids.

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Ipswich spelling whiz Timothy Fox knows his pail from his pale and can spell tricky words like circumference and matriarchy. The St Augustine’s College student achieved the highest score in Queensland for Year 3 spelling in this year’s NAPLAN test. Timothy said a love of reading books and assistance from his school teachers helped him with his spelling and that extended to the home too. “Most days when I get home from school, I do my chores then start reading straight away. I love all books but mainly fantasy, thriller or horror.” he said. He recently learned the phonetic alphabet using his great memory with the help of his dad one afternoon after school. “My mum read all the Harry Potter books to me and now I mainly read by myself but sometimes I will go into my older brother’s room and we will read together.” Principal Graham Meertens praised this fantastic achievement and said when speaking with Timothy it was quite clear he had an advanced vocabulary and immense love of reading. THE CHAMP WHO’S BEEN PUT UNDER A SPELL

St Augustine’s College’s Assistant Principal for Curriculum Katrina Bartholomew said the college community was excited to share not only in Timothy’s NAPLAN success, but also the rest of the students who took part in the national testing program. “In addition to Timothy’s exciting news, we are very proud of our Year 9 cohort, which achieved above the Queensland average in all areas and above the Australian average in four out of five areas,” she said. Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe/

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Hot Spots

TO COOL DOWN Ipswich is warming up and we’ve selected a list of the best (and free) heat- busting locations across the city to keep you feeling cool and calm this summer!

Bob Gamble Park 2 Blackall Street, Ipswich

Set inside Riverheart Parklands, Bob Gamble Park includes a zero depth water park and play equipment so you can splash and play in the same place!

Orion Lagoon 155 Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central The interconnected lagoon pools cater for all ages, from the toddler-friendly 0.3m up to 1.5m for more proficient swimmers. Bring a picnic or take advantage of the nearby eating places.

Robelle Domain 155 Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central This zero depth water park offers hours of enjoyment with a large tipping bucket, jet sprays and spouts, and is conveniently surrounded by shady picnic areas, boardwalks and playgrounds.

Splash ‘n’ Play 40 Harmony Crescent, South Ripley

The kids will love the adventures and boundless fun at this state of the art park, while you enjoy a picnic under shelter or fire up one of the BBQs for a sizzle.

For more things to see and do around Ipswich visit DiscoverIpswich.com.au

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IPSWICH MUM TURNS FESTIVAL FUN INTO CHILDREN’S BOOK

An Augustine Heights mother of two hopes to encourage young people to explore ways of life different from their own with a fun, new children’s book. First-time author Chi Kalu was inspired to write Africa Day by events at a cultural festival. It tells the story of a young boy named Emeka and his mother, as they explore African culture – including food, fashion and music – at a festival. “It’s an original story. It’s my story, it’s something that actually happened,” Ms Kalu said. “I took my two boys, who are 13 and 11 now, to the Africa Day Festival in Brisbane a couple of years ago and they were really taken by it. “It kind of touched me in regards to not just their excitement but I guess our responsibility as individuals or parents

or even a community to expose children to different things, different people, different ways of living.” Ms Kalu said she hoped the book would be a gateway for parents to encourage their children to be curious and learn more about the world. “The idea is for young children of any background to discover things, in this case about Africa, but it’s not just about Africa really, it could be St Patrick’s Day, Oktoberfest, Diwali Festival – just having that interest and exploring different things and enjoying them,” she said. “I think it’s important because it really helps us to understand people, not just their names, but also what they like, the kind of meals they eat, the kind of clothes they like to wear – that all defines culture.” Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe/

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CHRISTMAS

Give your loved ones an amazing experience this holiday season, gift certificates available now!

Heli-picnic Book the ultimate picnic experience with Pterodactyl Helicopters . Fly to a secluded location on the banks of a river, or stop at Woodlands of Marburg with a styled bell tent courtesy of The Soul Nook Collective . Food, bubbles and views will be waiting for you.

Horsepower Adventure A great way to see Ipswich and surrounds is on three wheels. Check out Ipswich Trike Tours for a guided tour starting from the Ipswich CBD that’ll get their motor running to a different beat.

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Hot Air Ballooning Float majestically over Ipswich and surrounding countryside. Watch the sunrise as you enjoy a once in a lifetime Floating Images hot air balloon flight. Take in historic buildings, farms and mountain views on their one hour balloon flight and breakfast package.

Escape Room Challenge Don’t miss out on the family-friendly Christmas themed escape room at Seraphim Escape . This fun room will have you working with your kids to solve the puzzles before the timer runs out. There are also two scary adult rooms which would make a great gift this season.

Gift Buying Find a unique gift in the historic Top of Town. Visit Mrs Claus and Santa where it’s Christmas all year round with decorations and gifts, find new baby and toddler shop Cute to Boot , plus fashion forward stores like Soul Sista and Oh Jo Jo Boutique . Or check out Country House Gifts and Homewares – one of the largest gift shops in Ipswich.

For more gift ideas visit DiscoverIpswich.com.au/xmas

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EWE BETTER BELIEVE IT, THIS LAMB IS A REAL GADABOUT

So when another sheep farmer found himself with another little lamb, not expected to live he knew who to call. Two months ago, Judy bought the prematurely born lamb home in a small box and sat her on the kitchen counter. “I didn’t tell my husband. I just said I have a surprise,” Judy said. When Phil held little Elsie May in his arms he asked Judy before even opening his eyes – ‘are we going to keep her?’ “Yes,” Judy said. They set about feeding her with a syringe at first and after four days she was near death. With tears streaming down her face she held the little woolly bundle close to her heart.

It’s not unusual to see the odd dog out and about with their owners but most people look twice when they see Judy or Phil Hepehi walking around Ipswich with their lamb Elsie May in tow. Elsie May has become quite the lamb about town and is adored wherever she goes. Judy and Phil have a bit of a habit of taking home rescue animals and Elsie May is the latest edition to their furry and feathery brood. “We were visiting a sheep farmer and Phil ended up helping her deliver lamb twins by caesarean section,” Judy said. “One died and the other one wasn’t expected to live, but she did. “The sheep is named Lucy and we have had her for two years.”

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“I text Phil that she had passed away in my arms,” she said. “Then I just shook her and said ‘don’t you die’. “I took her to the vet and she said the shaking probably saved her life as the mucus had been shifted off her lungs.” Now a healthy Elsie May is eight weeks old, has her own hand-made outfits and sports some modified Huggies nappies. She spends her days helping Judy, who is a florist, with her flower arrangements and often features on her Instagram page - @littlepaddockfarmhouse She is one of the many lucky rescue animals that get to live on the Hepehi’s farm. “As well as Elsie May and Lucy we also have a miniature horse Texas, three chickens, Lucia, Audrina and Olive, a rooster called Farmer, two ducks, Beatrix and Millie and a drake, Mr Potter,” Phil said. “And of course our two dogs Martha and Wilba.” Lucia, Martha and Wilba all sleep inside with the lucky Elsie May snuggled firmly between Phil and Judy. “We are still feeding her every three hours, just like a human baby,” Judy said. Phil and Judy were unable to have children of their own and say they are normal but a bit different. “I always said I wanted two little girls, and now I do,” she said. “We’re pretty chuffed.” Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe/

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Bushfire. Storm. Flood. ‘My Ipswich Alerts’ has you covered.

My Ipswich Alerts

Ipswich.qld.gov.au/myipswichalerts

RETURNED TO ELECTED REPRESENTATION

Ipswich City Council has devoted considerable resources to the creation of a program that will best prepare the city for its return to elected representation following the local government elections in March 2020. Everyone has an important role to play and council has committed to doing all it can to educate the community and candidates between now and March 2020, and ensure incoming councillors are provided with the training, governance tools and support they need to successfully drive the city forward. The ‘Ipswich, it’s YOUR council’ campaign will feature a suite of online educational resources as well as a comprehensive Candidate Guide created to inform voters and candidates alike. Council encourages every eligible voter and candidate to read this guide so they understand the role of a councillor, the role of council, desirable skills and attributes of a councillor, and the big issues and opportunities facing the city. In addition to these tools and resources, CEO David Farmer announced that a new Councillor Integrity Policy Package has been created, featuring the introduction of new policies and amendments to existing ones to ensure that all councillor- related policies are appropriately aligned with relevant legislation.

“The new integrity based policy package for councillors sets leading practice standards for all incoming councillors to ensure that good governance, ethical and legal behaviour standards and transparent and effective processes are in place, providing a clear benchmark for all interactions between councillors, council officers and members of the community,” he said. Incoming councillors will undertake a comprehensive induction and training program to ensure they are well-placed to take over the leadership of the city, with an ongoing commitment by council to provide professional development opportunities for councillors. A leading practice framework has also been created to best manage communication between councillors, council officers and the community. Potential and confirmed candidates will be provided with two opportunities to ask questions of both Ipswich City Council and the Electoral Commission Queensland at Community Information Sessions to be held on 26 November 2019 and 4 February 2020. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Visit Itsyourcouncil.com.au for more information.

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DRIVING CHANGE ONE LEARNER DRIVER AT A TIME

An internationally acclaimed program that connects volunteer mentors with learner drivers to help them obtain their licence is enjoying great success. Braking the Cycle began in Ipswich and Logan in 2012 after it became clear the state’s graduated licensing system presented significant hurdles for disadvantaged young people. Since 2007, learner drivers have been required to complete 100 hours of supervised driving in various conditions to obtain their provisional licence – a major ask for those facing financial hardship or social barriers. PCYC Ipswich branch manager Sergeant Neale Porter said the program was always on the lookout for more volunteers. Cars are supplied by Braking the Cycle, volunteers are not required to use their own vehicles.

“We train our volunteers and put all our young drivers through an assessment prior to them joining the program,” he said. “We look to match people we think will be compatible for one another.” Sergeant Porter said Braking the Cycle was going from strength to strength. “Seeing people achieve their goals and watching them come in holding their provisional licence saying ‘I got it’ – there’s nothing better,” he said. “In terms of community policing, that’s what it is all about, working with the community to provide equal opportunities and helping people reach their potential so they are diverted from committing crime.” For more information phone the PCYC on 3281 2547 or visit pcyc.org.au Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe/

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Every month, compete in the ultimate Makerspace challenge and show off your skills for a chance to win amazing prizes! Challenges change monthly. Entries close 30th of every month. Winners announced by the end of the following week. Create! Play! Win!

Visit the Makerspace page for more information. FREE EVENT – REGISTER ONLINE (07) 3810 6760 ipswichlibraries.com.au

#ilMakerspacesChallenge

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Performing Arts IPSWICH

MINI PROGRAM DECEMBER 2019 – MARCH 2020

The Best of Bublé Tribute Experience Presented by Ipswich Civic Centre and Rhydian Lewis Productions

International front man and comedian Rhydian Lewis, leads his remarkable Big Band ‘The Residuals’, to bring you the finest tributes to crooner, Michael Bublé. Friday 14 February | 7.30 pm All Tickets $49.00

Les Divas: An all-male revue Presented by Sydney Drag Queen Australia’s six-foot something songstress Prada Clutch plays the Goddess of Pop; Cher in her new show set on the Las Vegas Strip. The all-male revue includes some of the world’s greatest divas including Barbara Streisand, Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion & Diana Ross. Saturday 29 February | 8.00 pm

Adults $65.00 | Concession/Student $60.00 Child (3–15 years) $60.00 | Group 10+ $58.00

Bookings: Ipswichciviccentre.com.au (07) 3810 6100

The Italian Tenors Presented by Ipswich Civic Centre and Abstract Entertainment

The Italian Tenors are three of Europe’s most successful operatic tenors who have become a worldwide pop-opera phenomenon. Thursday 26 March | 7.30 pm All Tickets $75.00

RossNoble Humournoid Presented by Ipswich Civic Centre and A-List Entertainment

What happens when pure comedy takes human form? What happens when a creature is created and bred to do stand up? Nobody knows because that isn’t a thing. What is a thing is Ross Noble doing a show. You can come and see. This is it. Friday 27 March | 8.00 pm All Tickets $49.90

Bookings: Ipswichciviccentre.com.au (07) 3810 6100

Share your views Get involved Make a difference

SHAPE YOUR IPSWICH is the City of Ipswich’s online community where you can have your say on council projects, initiatives and new ideas. Your feedback helps us understand what is important to the community and shapes our decisions for the future.

Register now to share your ideas, get involved and make a difference.

Shapeyouripswich.com.au

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B e s t o f I p s w i c h B e s t o f I p s w i c h

Pterodactyl Helicopters “A memory to last a life time” The Workshops Rail Museum ““Best place ever for kids...” Reviewed August 2019

Reviewed November 2018

Discover Ipswich’s unique neighbourhoods with the TripAdvisor mobile app. Discover I ique nei rho ds with t i dvisor p .

Homage Restaurant “…melt in your mouth, sublimely perfect cooking.” taurant “You won’t be disappointed.”

Reviewed November 2018 Reviewed S pt mber 2019

Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights “Absolutely Beautiful” Quee s Park “Brilliant day trip!! They have everything!”

Reviewed March 2019 Reviewed August 2019

Indian Mehfil “The best Indian you will find in SE Qld!” Ipswich Trike Tours “Ca ’t wait to go again.”

Queens Park “This park is a beautiful haven in the city.”

Reviewed March 2019

Reviewed September 2019

Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway “…we enjoyed the evening so much!” India Mehfil “…the best Indian I’ve ever had”

Reviewed January 2019

Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights “Absolutely Brilliant - you’re crazy if you don’t do this”

Reviewed August 2019

Reviewed February 2019

Reviewed September 2019

Get the free app, now with offline access to reviews, maps, and photos. r , i ffline ac es t r i s, aps, and photos.

know better book better go better

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IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE

Ipswich’s premier performing arts venue and the centre of entertainment in the heart of the CBD. The Ipswich Civic Centre boasts a wide range of shows from children’s entertainment, theatre, comedy, and dance to a variety of musical genres. With new shows being released all the time, the Ipswich Civic Centre has

something for everyone. To keep up to date with all our shows, visit Ipswichciviccentre.com.au

STUDIO 188 Ipswich’s intimate live entertainment and artistic

development space boasting a monthly schedule of local artists, workshops and musicians from across the globe.

Stay updated about upcoming shows and workshop opportunities at Studio188.com.au ALL AGES LICENCED VENUE

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HOSTED BY ULYSSES CLUB INC. LOCKYER BRANCH IPSWICH TOY RUN 23 rd Annual

Support the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal and Ulysses Club Arthritis Research Fund (UCARF) by participating in the 23rd Annual Ipswich Toy Run. We invite you to become part of the festivities by taking part in the ride, donating a toy or by coming out to see Santa and the motorbikes as they pass.

� Ride departs Brassall Shopping Centre (Hunter Street) � Sunday 8 December � Registration from 8.00 am � 10.30 am � FREE or $20 includes breakfast, patch or pin and perpetual draw ticket � Ipswich Show Grounds Greyhound Pavilion, where bikes are to be parked on the showground oval

For more information contact Neil Jeffery on 0421 637 705, Ian (Foggy) Winter on 0409 277 087 or email lockyer@ulysses.org.au

Calendar-day DATE

Friday 13 December – Sunday 22 December

clock TIME

6.00 pm – 10.00 pm – Christmas Stalls and Food Trucks 7.15 pm – 10.00 pm – Christmas Wonderland Open

map-marker-alt LOCATION Nerima Gardens, Queens Park

Christmasinipswich.com.au

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Celebrate the festive season with family and friends at Christmas Wonderland! This magical lighting display is back and on a much grander scale, treating visitors to a wonderland of glittering lights, illuminated trees, animated displays, light tunnels and projections that will mesmerize and delight. Each night from 6.00 pm, enjoy Christmas stalls, delicious fare and live entertainment for the whole family. Grab a bite to eat and don’t miss the roving carollers, along with Santa and his Christmas friends as they spread festive cheer.

Entry into Christmas Wonderland is free and you can attend as many nights as you like.

FOOD TRUCKS CAROLLERS AND CHARACTERS CHRISTMAS STALLS SANTA CLAUS

Dust off your Christmas lights and decorations! It’s time to start preparing for the River 94.9 Christmas Lights Competition. Residents, business owners and neighbours are encouraged to celebrate the festive season by creating their own ‘suburban wonderlands’ with colourful and sparkling Christmas lights, animated features and festive décor. Entrants have the opportunity to win a share of $5,500 in prize money across four categories. Competition

Best Residential

Best Business/Organisation

Best Street

People’s Choice

The Best Street will also win a Street Party Pack thanks to IGA Springfield Lakes, including a visit from a Broncos Legend! Before you start decorating don’t forget to download our Tips and Tricks info pack from Christmasinipswich.com.au to guide you on lighting display design and electrical safety. For details on how to enter, please visit Christmasinipswich.com.au Terms and Conditions apply

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Tours

The stunning light and decoration displays of the annual River 94.9 Christmas Lights Competition bring the festive season alive and add a special magic to the city in the lead-up to Christmas.

A great way to view a selection of the best displays across Ipswich Central is through one of six Christmas Lights Bus Tours. Your ticket includes light supper, live entertainment, air conditioned coach and light display walk at the Christmas Wonderland in Nerima Gardens, Queens Park.

Calendar-day TOUR DATES

Monday 16 December – Saturday 21 December

clock TOUR TIMES

6.00 pm – 9.00 pm

badge-dollar TICKET PRICES

$25 – $35 (Terms and Conditions apply)

info-circle INFO + BOOKINGS Spaces are limited and bookings essential: Christmasinipswich.com.au

Group bookings welcome. Telephone 07 3281 0555 or email info@discoveripswich.com.au

Winners of the River 94.9 Christmas Lights Competition will be publicly announced on Friday 13 December. The full list of Christmas lights entrant locations will be available from Friday 6 December at Christmasinipswich.com.au

#findingsanta

Santa and his helpers are hiding in Ipswich! Can you find them all? Catch a glimpse of Rudolph waiting for a bus, watch as Dasher and his mates graze and if you’ve been good this year, you might even see Santa getting your present ready! Finding Santa is an interactive augmented reality trail that will be available across 40 locations within the city. Using your digital device you will be able to discover animated Christmas Characters, step into the live photo and upload to social media! The Finding Santa augmented reality trail will be live from 15 November to 31 December 2019. Watch your step and look out for the festive pavement stickers as you make your way around the city this Christmas.

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All you need is your smartphone or device to discover playful and interactive Christmas animations throughout Ipswich. Download the free ‘Finding Santa’ App from the App store or Google Play, and look for the ‘Finding Santa’ pavement stickers throughout the city. Scan the stickers using your smartphone or tablet to discover Santa and his reindeers magically come to life.

IT’S SO SIMPLE TO USE Download the free 'Finding Santa' App from the App Store or Google Play to your smartphone or tablet. 1

Find the ‘Finding Santa’ pavement stickers throughout the city.

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Launch the app, hold your device over the ‘Finding Santa’ sticker and watch loveable Christmas characters come to life. Don’t forget to take a photo with each of the Christmas characters using your smart phone or tablet and post it to social media using # findingsanta Finding Santa locations, instruction video, a link to the app and even a print at home marker, are available at: Christmasinipswich.com.au 3 4

Christmas R I V E R L I N K

Calendar-day DATE

Thursday 19 December – Sunday 22 December

clock TIME

8.00 pm

map-marker-alt LOCATION Riverlink Shopping Centre, Downs Street and The Terrace North Ipswich

Riverlink’s four nights of spectacular fireworks and Christmas festivities kicks off on Thursday 19 December! Arrive early to experience Christmas carols and roving entertainment from 6.00 pm. Located outside iPlay, snow will magically fall as carollers deliver a mix of traditional and modern carols the whole family will enjoy. Choose to enjoy the festivities with a meal at one of Riverlink’s restaurants, or grab dinner from the Food Court and set up a blanket on the amphitheatre lawn.

Markets

Struggling for Christmas present inspiration? Why not explore the many Christmas Markets across the region. Browse eclectic stalls offering handmade gifts and unique present options for those ‘difficult to buy for’ family members.

TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS MARKETS Calendar-day DATE

IPSWICH HANDMADE EXPO CHRISTMAS MARKETS Calendar-day DATE Saturday 16 November and Saturday 21 December clock TIME 8.00 am – 1.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION Ipswich Turf Club, Brisbane Road, Bundamba MUSEUM TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS MARKETS Calendar-day DATE Friday 13 December clock TIME 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm map-marker-alt LOCATION The Workshops Rail Museum North Street, North Ipswich

Monday 23 December 9.00 am – Midnight

clock TIME

map-marker-alt LOCATION Main Street

Orion Springfield Central

For the complete list of Christmas Market dates and locations: Christmasinipswich.com.au

Join the fun at the Top of Town, Brisbane Street from Friday 15 November to Saturday 21 December 2019 and find TOTI, the elf! Venture through the cafes, retailers and participating businesses; search the store windows and try to catch a glimpse of TOTI the elf.

Complete an entry form available in store to go into the draw to win an amazing Top Of Town Experience package, including gifts and vouchers valued at over $1,000. The winner will be drawn at Heisenberg Haus at 11.00 am on Saturday 21 December. Visit Christmasinipswich.com.au for more information.

More than twenty free community Christmas celebrations, carols and street parties are held across the City of Ipswich each year. We encourage you to take the time to attend your local celebration along with one of these signature Christmas events in the region.

BRASSALL CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK Calendar-day DATE Friday 29 November clock TIME 6.00 pm – 8.30 pm map-marker-alt VENUE Sutton Park 61 Workshops Street Brassall A night of wonderful family entertainment featuring talented local performers, Santa and a fireworks finale.

CAROLS AT ROBELLE DOMAIN Calendar-day DATE Saturday 7 December clock TIME 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm map-marker-alt VENUE Robelle Domain

Education City Drive Springfield Central

Join Santa and the Greater Springfield Combined Churches as they present Carols at Robelle Domain.

For details on your local Christmas celebration, along with festive events held across the City of Ipswich, go to: Christmasinipswich.com.au

Thank you

Christmas in Ipswich could not be delivered without the generous support of our partners and the commitment from many volunteers across the community.

Street Party

Calendar-day DATE

Sunday 17 November

clock TIME

10.00 am – 4.00 pm

map-marker-alt LOCATION Orion Springfield Central, 1 Main Street, Springfield Central

The festive season is almost here and Orion is celebrating their Christmas launch with a Street Party! Get ready for a day filled with stacks of free family-friendly Christmas fun. There’ll be market stalls to peruse, kids Christmas workshops to discover, free face painting, carollers and performances from local talent.

Friday 15 November – Tuesday 31 December Tree

Calendar-day LIGHTS ON

In the lead-up to Christmas, a visit into the heart of Ipswich Central isn’t complete without stopping by the City’s Christmas Tree in d’Arcy Doyle Place. Complete with shiny new baubles and illuminated decorations, the spectacular 7m tree provides that perfect backdrop for festive photos with family and friends.

I N I P S W I C H

Calendar-day DATE

Tuesday 31 December 2019

clock TIME

5.00 pm – 9.30 pm (Gates open at 5.00 pm)

map-marker-alt LOCATION Len Johnson Oval, North Ipswich Reserve

Farewell 2019 at the ultimate New Year’s Eve Celebration in Ipswich!

The event offers hours of family fun beginning with towering roving entertainment, clown magic and children’s character shows including meet and greets. Enjoy free face painting and amusement rides all night plus access to a wide variety of food stalls. Dance the night away before the evening concludes with an early fireworks spectacular.

Please note that as this event is glass and alcohol-free, all bags will be checked upon entry.

For all of the latest NYE event information: Christmasinipswich.com.au

Angry Birds™ and © 2019 Rovio Entertainment Corporation and Rovio Animation Ltd. The Angry Birds Movie 2 © 2019 CPII. All Rights Reserved.

Sesame Street™ and © 2019 Sesame Workshop

Calendar

NOV 15 Finding Santa App is Live! Lighting of the City Christmas Tree 16 Ipswich Handmade Expo Christmas Markets 17 Christmas Street Party 29 Brassall Christmas in the Park 30

DEC 1 Christmas Carols under the Christmas Tree (Raceview) 3 River 94.9 Christmas Lights Competition entries close 5 Focal Christmas in the Park (North Ipswich) 6 Community Christmas Carols (Leichhardt)

7 Carols at Robelle Domain Carols in the Park (Churchill) Marburg Christmas Carnival 8 Kruger Christmas Carols 2019 Redbank Plains Christmas Carols 2019 23rd Annual Ipswich Toy Run 10 Carols by Torchlight (Collingwood Park)

Rosewood Lions Christmas Street Carnival Kruger Christmas Carols 2019

Ipswich Pro Drive Christmas for Kids (Chuwar)

13 Christmas Wonderland River 94.9 Christmas Lights Competition Winners Announced Museum Twilight Christmas Markets Redbank Plains Outdoor Christmas Cinema 14 Christmas Wonderland Carols in the Park (Booval) 15 Christmas Wonderland 16 Christmas Wonderland Christmas Lights Bus Tour 17 Christmas Wonderland Christmas Lights Bus Tour

18 Christmas Wonderland Christmas Lights Bus Tour 19 Christmas Wonderland Christmas Lights Bus Tour Riverlink Christmas Fireworks 20 Christmas Wonderland Christmas Lights Bus Tour Riverlink Christmas Fireworks 21 Christmas Wonderland Christmas Lights Bus Tour Riverlink Christmas Fireworks Ipswich Handmade Expo Christmas Markets Christmas on Karina (Gailes)

22 Christmas Wonderland Riverlink Christmas Fireworks 23 Twilight Christmas Markets 24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas Day 26 Boxing Day 31 New Year’s Eve Celebrations

All information correct at time of printing. For the complete up-to-date list of events: Christmasinipswich.com.au