Ground broken for Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place in Ipswich
Published on 24 October 2025
A place for reflection, education and healing in honour of First Nations men and women who lost their lives in conflicts throughout history is under construction in Queens Park in Ipswich.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place commemorates the sacrifices of First Nations men and women, as well as the cultural significance of the Queens Park area.
“The Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place is an important step in the ongoing process of reconciliation,” Mayor Harding said.
“This project acknowledges the history and cultural significance of this area for Indigenous people and provides a dedicated space for reflection, education and healing for the whole community.
“Ceremonies, initiations and ritualised fights played an important part of traditional Aboriginal society and dispute resolution, and the areas within and nearby to Queens Park are regarded as culturally significant places to the Traditional Owners of the Ipswich region.
“This history will be recognised in the new Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place and I’m pleased ground has been broken for what will be a place of sombre reflection and healing for the whole community.
“This initiative was called for in council’s City of Ipswich Indigenous Accord 2020-2025, highlighting our commitment to acting for reconciliation, cultural inclusion and respectful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.”
Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairperson and Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said the Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place has been designed with input from the community, including First Nations representatives.
“Design elements such as totem poles, sculptures and a circular performance space are the result of many years of engagement with First Nations communities,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“This includes Indigenous men and women past and present, and their descendants.
“The land on and surrounding what is now known as Queens Park is a place of cultural significance for the Yagara People, as the site of two bora grounds.
“Bora grounds were used for a variety of functions including dispute settlement, councils of war and social organisation, initiation, rituals, ceremonies and corroborees.
“Not only will this space bring awareness to an important part of our shared history, but it will serve as a place for the whole of community to gather in reflection and healing.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place will be an important landmark in Ipswich.
“The Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place will be a significant addition to one of our city’s most historic, picturesque and beloved public spaces which attracts thousands of visitors every year,” Cr Doyle said.
“It’s fitting that Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place will sit prominently on the corner of Chermside Road and Alexander Munro Avenue, adding to the many reasons to visit Queens Park including the children’s playgrounds, gardens, sporting clubs and Ipswich Nature Centre.”