Ipswich residents are embracing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, with new pickleball courts officially opened as part of a busy week of community, sporting and economic developments across the city.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding highlighted the growing popularity of pickleball, major preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the economic benefits generated by the city’s annual Festival of Horsepower.
The Mayor officially joined members of the Ipswich Pickleball Association to open two new courts at the George Alder Tennis Centre at One Mile, describing the sport’s growth as “phenomenal”.
“Pickleball is booming everywhere globally, and it’s happening here in Ipswich as well,” Cr Harding said.
The Ipswich Pickleball Association continues to grow rapidly, now hosting multiple social sessions each week across venues in Ipswich, Rosewood and Redbank. The sport has also expanded into local community spaces, including pop-up sessions at Walloon’s Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park.
Mayor Harding said she recently experienced the sport for herself and quickly understood why participation numbers continue to rise.
“It was a lot of fun. People are really friendly and happy, and you don’t have to run as much as you do on a tennis court,” she said.
The opening of the new courts is expected to further support participation in the sport, which appeals to players of all ages and abilities.
Beyond local sport, Ipswich is continuing its preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mayor Harding recently joined representatives from the International Olympic Committee, the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee and mayors from across South East Queensland to welcome newly appointed IOC Coordination Commission Chair Mikaela Jaworski.
The position is one of the most influential roles within Olympic planning and oversight, with the commission responsible for ensuring Brisbane’s preparations remain on track in the lead-up to the Games.
“It’s a very senior role,” Cr Harding said.
“Next month marks six years until the Olympics arrive, so it’s really not that far away.”
As one of the official co-host cities for Brisbane 2032, Ipswich is expected to play a significant role in the Games.
Current plans include the possibility of modern pentathlon being hosted at Brighton Homes Arena, while the city continues to advocate for additional events and venues to be included as planning progresses.
The Mayor said upcoming decisions by organisers regarding the final sports program and venue allocations would be closely watched by Ipswich residents.
Meanwhile, June continues to live up to its reputation as Ipswich’s “Festival of Horsepower”, with major motorsport and sporting events delivering significant economic benefits to the region.
Mayor Harding attended the recent Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway, one of the largest drag racing events outside the United States.
The event attracts competitors and spectators from across Australia and internationally, generating an estimated $8 million in economic activity for the Ipswich region through accommodation, hospitality, retail spending and tourism.
“I love June because it’s the Festival of Horsepower,” she said.
“People stay here, they spend here, they go to our restaurants and shops, and it’s fantastic for our local economy.”
The Mayor even took to the track herself, experiencing a ride in a Chevrolet Camaro at the famous drag racing venue.
The Winternationals form part of a packed month of events that also includes the GT Festival at Queensland Raceway, the Australian Superbike Championship and the upcoming Ipswich Cup.
Together, the events are expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city throughout June.
Away from sport and motorsport, Cr Harding also attended the annual changeover dinner for the Rotary Club of Ipswich City, where members embraced a 1970s disco theme complete with sequins, safari suits and retro fashion.
A long-time member of the club, Cr Harding said community service organisations such as Rotary continue to play an important role in supporting local causes and strengthening community connections.
With major sporting investments, Olympic planning, growing recreational opportunities and a busy events calendar, Cr Harding said Ipswich continues to build momentum as one of South East Queensland’s fastest-growing and most active cities.
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