Ipswich City Council staff who went above and beyond during the devastating 2022 floods have been recognised for their service, as the city prepares to turn its attention to celebrating its rich history through the return of the Galvanized heritage festival.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio, Mayor Teresa Harding said 15 council employees had been awarded the National Emergency Medal for their sustained and significant service protecting lives and property during one of the city’s most challenging natural disasters.
The 2022 floods inundated almost 600 homes and 300 businesses across Ipswich, affecting thousands of residents, families and business owners.
More than 22,000 requests for assistance were received during the disaster, while more than 2,000 flood rescues were carried out.
Mayor Harding said the floods also caused more than $100 million in damage to public infrastructure across the city.
She praised council employees who worked long hours throughout the disaster and recovery, using their expertise, professional skills and community networks to support Ipswich residents.
While 15 employees received the National Emergency Medal, Mayor Harding acknowledged the much larger team of council staff who contributed throughout the emergency.
“I just want to thank every single council staff member who played an important role in keeping our community safe during one of its toughest chapters,” Mayor Harding said.
Galvanized celebrates Ipswich history
Meanwhile, Ipswich is preparing to celebrate its past with the return of the Galvanized heritage festival from September 4 to 13.
Now in its sixth year, the festival will feature around 30 events across the city celebrating Ipswich’s history, architecture, communities and culture.
As Queensland’s oldest provincial city, Mayor Harding said Ipswich had a remarkable story to share.
This year’s program will explore everything from heritage architecture and rural communities to First Nations culture, living history and some of the fascinating stories found within the city’s cemeteries.
The popular Great Houses of Ipswich tour will return, providing rare access to significant heritage properties including historic homes The Chestnuts and Ryllies.
Queens Park Pavilion will also host presentations and workshops featuring architects, historians and heritage specialists.
Another major attraction will be History Alive at the Ipswich Showgrounds, transforming the site into a living history experience featuring Viking warriors, Roman soldiers, medieval knights and other historical displays.
Mayor Harding even got into the spirit ahead of the festival, dressing in historical costumes to help promote the program.
Lifeline Ipswich celebrates 50 years
Council has also congratulated Lifeline Ipswich on reaching 50 years of service to the community.
Mayor Harding said the milestone recognised not only the organisation itself, but the thousands of people it had supported during difficult periods in their lives.
She particularly acknowledged Lifeline’s volunteers, describing them as being at the heart of the organisation’s success.
Behind every call answered and every person supported was someone giving their time and energy to make a difference, she said.
Mayor Harding encouraged residents with time to spare to consider volunteering and helping Lifeline continue its work into the future.
The city will also mark Australian National Flag Day, with a special ceremony involving Ipswich Central State School and an Australian flag that has flown at Parliament House.
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