Soldiers Memorial Hall works begin as Ipswich marks Remembrance Day
Published on 05 November 2026
One of Ipswich’s most significant buildings, the Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall, is being preserved to continue to serve veterans and honour the fallen for generations to come.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said a major restoration addressing structural issues impacting the heritage-listed building on Nicholas Street in Ipswich Central is underway.
“Remembrance Day is a very significant time for Ipswich, and this year is even more poignant as we honour our veterans by restoring a magnificent building which has stood proudly in our city for 105 years,” Mayor Harding said.
“The restoration of Soldiers Memorial Hall is an important project for our city, preserving the home of the Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch for another century as the focus of our community’s efforts to honour the memories of those who lay down their lives for their nation.
“Soldiers Memorial Hall has long been a key location of Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day commemorations in our proud garrison city, as well as other important events paying respects to the sacrifices of our servicemen and women.
“I’m delighted Ipswich City Council has partnered with local company H&G Contractors to deliver the restoration.
“Council is proud to be is investing $589,909 into the restoration, with $228,475 provided through the State Government’s Honouring Our Veterans Grants Program.
“When these works are complete, Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch will be able to return to Soldiers Memorial Hall to continue their invaluable work with the veteran community, with no plans for an alternative tenant to take up residence in the building.”
Mayor Harding said Soldiers Memorial Hall is one of Ipswich’s most important heritage buildings.
“Opened in 1921 in the aftermath of World War I, Soldiers Memorial Hall is a heritage treasure of architectural significance which stands as a monument to our military history,” Mayor Harding said.
“The building contains honour boards for local service personnel, as well as a magnificent stained-glass window which tells the story of those who fought and gave their lives in World War I.
“Soldiers Memorial Hall was designed by renowned Ipswich architect George Brockwell Gill, who also designed other local icons such as the adjoining Queen Victoria Silver Jubilee Memorial Technical College, Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School’s original building, the City View Hotel and the old Cribb & Foote department store.
“Soldiers Memorial Hall is a unique variation of the Edwardian Baroque architectural style, characterised by its dramatic front portico with decorative rusticated render work including the rising sun insignia of the Australian Army on the pediment.
“The skilfully designed building incorporates elaborate geometric brickwork and decorative stained-glass windows on the side elevations.
“The restoration works have begun in earnest, with preliminary works including the installation of vibration monitoring equipment to record building movement and identify structural stress points.
“The restoration will address issues impacting the building including the slumping floor, damaged drains and rising damp, which will be crucial to ensuring this monument stands in our city centre for another 105 years.”
Member for Scenic Rim, Jon Krause MP said the restoration was being delivered with an Honouring Our Veterans grant, as part of Queensland’s first Veterans strategy.
“The Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch has a critical role supporting our veterans across the entire region, including into Scenic Rim, and this investment ensures they have a home well into the future,” Mr Krause said.
“I’m proud to be a part of Crisafulli LNP Government helping to preserve Ipswich's proud history, while also supporting veterans and their families into the future.
“For so many of our veterans and their families this work will be significant and I look forward to joining them as it is completed.
“This is all part of the work we’re delivering with Queensland’s first Veterans and Veterans’ Families Strategy, which is boosting support for veterans, delivering services and recognising their contribution to our State.”
Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch President Paul Rogers said the restoration of Soldiers Memorial Hall will enable the organisation to continue to its efforts to support the veteran community.
“This hall was built to honour those who returned from war, and it is our responsibility to ensure it continues to honour their legacy,” Mr Rogers said.
“By restoring this building, we are preserving our history while protecting a place where veterans, serving personnel and their families can continue to find support, mateship and a sense of belonging.
“That is what makes this project so important to the Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch and our wider community.”
The restoration is expected to take place from November this year to March 2027.