Six years to go for Ipswich’s golden moments

Published on 20 July 2026

Ipswich is counting down six years until the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, when the world’s sporting stars will bring global competition directly to south-east Queensland.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the six-year milestone was the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on the long journey so far, and the steps ahead.

“The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be transformative for our region, bringing the world’s attention squarely on Ipswich and surrounds,” Mayor Harding said.

“Having the pinnacle of sporting achievement right here in our back yard is an incredible opportunity for our community, from aspiring athletes to our residents who might well remember the 1956 Melbourne Summer Olympics – the first time the Games came to the southern hemisphere.

“In 2032, we will celebrate another remarkable milestone in Australia’s Olympic history with these regional Games bringing the best of the best to south-east Queensland’s sporting fields, tracks, ovals and courses.

“The concept of Brisbane 2032 started with councils in the south-east, with Ipswich there from the very beginning, so it’s surreal to see us now as a Brisbane 2032 co-host city and Brighton Homes Arena confirmed as a Games venue.

“Council will be marking this six-year milestone with a breakfast event at Brighton Homes Arena on 6 August, bringing together community and sporting leaders to discuss the opportunities for Ipswich’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy after the Games.

“The discussion will also look at how the Ipswich community can really get involved – from volunteering during the Games, to procurement opportunities for local businesses in the lead-up to 2032.

“And on the evening of Thursday 23 July council’s administration building in Tulmur Place and the Ipswich Civic Centre will be lit up green and gold, a celebratory light display for all to enjoy.

“For our aspiring athletes, we know the Ipswich community is right behind them, as we celebrated the success of local stars in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, including Mollie O’Callaghan OAM, Ella Ramsay, Poppy Wilson, Taymon Kenton-Smith, and Teremoana Teremoana.

“Their successes laid the groundwork for our young athletes to know that competing in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in front of home crowds, isn’t just a dream – it could be their reality.

“We are making the most of the momentum of the 2032 Games by attracting hotels and accommodation providers such as Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich, building our tourism profile, investing in sporting infrastructure such as the North Ipswich Sports and Entertainment Precinct, and pushing for Games On! funding to further our push for a synthetic athletics track for Ipswich.”

Mayor Harding represents the City of Ipswich on the Brisbane 2032 Host Mayors Advisory Group which actively supports the Brisbane 2032 Board in decisions and implementation in the lead up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.