Ipswich’s thriving arts community, the next generation of local leaders and some of the city’s most inspiring residents have taken centre stage, with a busy week of celebrations and announcements across the region.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s weekly Ipswich City Council update, Mayor Teresa Harding reflected on the success of the 2026 Ipswich Art Awards, a record-breaking appearance by Australian television legend Ray Martin and new opportunities for young people to help shape their communities.
The Mayor also celebrated Ipswich residents recognised as Queensland Australian of the Year finalists and shared an update on the popular Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition.
More than 500 artworks showcased at 2026 Ipswich Art Awards
The 2026 Ipswich Art Awards have celebrated another outstanding year of artistic talent, with more than 500 artworks submitted by over 340 artists.
Now in their 26th year, the awards continue to grow in reputation, attracting entries from Ipswich and beyond.
Mayor Harding said the annual celebration was an opportunity to recognise the creativity and achievements of artists across the region.
“We had an amazing showcase and awards evening on Saturday night, and it was a real opportunity to celebrate the artistic excellence in our region,” Cr Harding said.
This year’s prestigious Best of Show award was presented to Vega for the artwork I Used to Sleep, Now I Just Am.
Judges Sophie Chapman and Andrea Higgins praised the quality of work submitted across the various categories.
Mayor Harding said the standard of entries continued to improve each year.
“Each year, the standard keeps getting higher and higher,” she said.
“Most of the entrants were from Ipswich. We had a lot of people from outside of Ipswich as well, which goes to show that it’s an art awards night to be part of.”
Ipswich Art Awards category winners announced
The awards recognised artistic excellence across a broad range of mediums, from traditional painting and drawing to photography, mixed media and three-dimensional works.
The winners announced during the interview were:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best of Show | Vega – I Used to Sleep, Now I Just Am |
| Drawing and Pastels | Rose Bradfield |
| Mixed Media | Sue Gordon |
| New Media | Ashton Bernhardt |
| Painting – Acrylic | Richard Hammond |
| Painting – Oil | Justina Grocott |
| Painting – Watercolour | Wu Yan Yu |
| Printmaking – Non-Digital | Clayton McIntosh |
| Photography | Paula Pethrich |
| Three Dimensions | Ken Kekawa |
The Mayor congratulated the winners and praised the diversity of artistic expression represented in the exhibition.
Public invited to vote for People’s Choice Award
While the main category winners have been announced, one award is still to be decided.
The popular People’s Choice Award gives visitors the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork.
Mayor Harding said the award was particularly meaningful because it allowed the public to recognise the artists whose work resonated with them.
“Probably the other award that hasn’t been announced yet is the People’s Choice Award,” she said.
“When you come along, you get to do a People’s Choice, and at the end of the week we’ll also announce that.”
The exhibition is free to attend and is open daily from 10am to 4pm until Saturday, November 14.
It is being held at Ipswich City Council’s administration building at 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich Central.
Residents are encouraged to visit the exhibition, explore the hundreds of artworks on display and cast their vote before the exhibition closes.
Ray Martin attracts more than 650 people to Ipswich Inspiration Hour
Australian television and journalism icon Ray Martin has drawn a record crowd to Ipswich Libraries’ Inspiration Hour program.
More than 650 people attended the event, making it the largest audience the program has attracted.
Mayor Harding said the turnout was extraordinary compared with typical attendance figures.
“Normally we’d probably get around 50 to 120 people to things, so it was really great to see so many people,” she said.
The five-time Gold Logie winner shared stories from his remarkable career spanning more than five decades.
With more than 10,000 interviews to his name, Martin entertained the audience with reflections on his experiences meeting and interviewing some of Australia’s most prominent personalities.
“He had a lot of stories to tell,” Mayor Harding said.
“He told stories for about 40 minutes, and then we did a Q&A and people asked him questions. It was a really lovely night.”
The event gave attendees an opportunity to hear firsthand from one of Australia’s most recognisable television personalities.
Ray Martin reflects on his connection to Ipswich
Mayor Harding revealed that Martin, now 82, has visited Ipswich approximately 30 times throughout his career.
His previous visits included reporting assignments and interviews, including those involving Pauline Hanson.
The Mayor said Martin had a strong interest in history and was planning to explore some of Ipswich’s heritage landmarks during his visit.
“He was going out to check out St Mary’s Church and a few other spots around Ipswich the next day,” she said.
“It’s nice to see him enjoying himself in Ipswich.”
The Mayor also shared a light-hearted moment about Martin’s famous hairstyle, confirming that the television veteran still maintained his recognisable look, although his hair was now silver.
Residents interested in future Inspiration Hour events can find further information through Ipswich Libraries.
Greater Springfield launches new youth advisory group
Young people across Greater Springfield are being encouraged to have their say on the future of their community through a new youth advisory initiative.
Mayor Harding recently attended the launch of Youth Advisory Greater Springfield, also known as YAGS.
The group, operated by the Y, aims to bring together up to 20 young residents aged between 16 and 25.
Mayor Harding said the initiative would provide valuable opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills and contribute ideas to community decision-making.
“It’s a great way for young ones to come together to give ideas, influence decision-making, develop leadership skills and really help shape the future that they live in,” she said.
The Mayor said meeting young people who were passionate about their community was one of the most rewarding parts of her role.
“One of the great privileges of being the Mayor is meeting young people from right across our city,” she said.
YAGS is separate from Ipswich City Council’s established Youth Advisory Council.
Ipswich Youth Advisory Council nominations open November 11
Alongside the Greater Springfield initiative, Ipswich City Council is preparing to open nominations for its own Youth Advisory Council.
The long-running program provides young residents with an opportunity to contribute to discussions about the city’s future.
Nominations open on Wednesday, November 11, and close on Friday, December 11, 2026.
The program is open to young people aged approximately 13 to 18.
Mayor Harding encouraged interested young residents to consider getting involved.
“That’s the Youth Advisory Council. It’s been going on for some decades, and that’s run by council,” she said.
“We’d love to hear from people.”
The Mayor emphasised that the two youth advisory groups provide different opportunities but share a common goal of empowering young people.
“If you’re interested in shaping your community, look into both of them,” she said.
Ipswich schoolchildren get creative for Mayor’s Christmas card
With Christmas approaching, Ipswich primary school students have been putting their artistic talents to work through the Mayor’s official 2026 Christmas Card Competition.
Mayor Harding said she had been impressed by the creativity of the entries received so far.
“Our primary schoolers are so clever,” she said.
“Just an amazing array of Santa flying, lots of Christmas trees.”
While traditional festive themes are always welcome, the Mayor said she particularly enjoyed entries that reflected Ipswich’s local identity.
“I do like to have something a bit local, something that’s iconic in Ipswich or something a bit quirky there,” she said.
The competition provides another opportunity for young artists to showcase their imagination and contribute to the city’s Christmas celebrations.
Ipswich residents recognised among Queensland Australian of the Year finalists
Mayor Harding also expressed pride in Ipswich residents recognised as finalists in the Queensland Australian of the Year Awards.
Three local finalists were highlighted during the interview, with the Mayor preparing to attend the awards ceremony in Brisbane on Thursday evening to show her support.
Among the names mentioned were Benny Bowell and Carolyn Robinson.
Mayor Harding said the nominations reflected the extraordinary contributions being made by people across Ipswich.
“We have incredible people here in Ipswich. It’s great to see wonderful residents being nominated, and thank you to those who nominated them,” she said.
She wished the finalists every success ahead of the ceremony.
A city celebrating creativity, leadership and community achievement
From the hundreds of artworks showcased at the Ipswich Art Awards to a record crowd attending Ray Martin’s Inspiration Hour, the latest council update highlighted the diverse achievements of the Ipswich community.
Mayor Harding said the success of local artists, the enthusiasm of young leaders and the recognition of outstanding residents demonstrated the strength of the region.
With the Ipswich Art Awards exhibition continuing until November 14, nominations opening for the Youth Advisory Council and Christmas celebrations approaching, residents have plenty of opportunities to participate in community life.
Key dates and information:
- Ipswich Art Awards Exhibition: Until Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich. Open 10am–4pm daily, free entry.
- People’s Choice Award: Visitors can vote during the exhibition, with the winner to be announced following the public voting period.
- Ipswich Youth Advisory Council nominations: November 11 to December 11, 2026.
- Youth Advisory Greater Springfield: Seeking young residents aged 16–25.
- Ipswich Libraries Inspiration Hour: Upcoming event information available through Ipswich Libraries.
For more information about council programs, events and community initiatives, visit ipswich.qld.gov.au.
The interview featured on West Bremer Radio’s regular Ipswich City Council update with Mayor Teresa Harding.
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