Ipswich reveals the secrets of its past for Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage
08 August 2025
Explore the grandeur of Queensland’s oldest secondary school. Tour a sanctum of the ancient Freemasons group. Hear the stories behind spectacular character homes. Join the 150-year celebrations of a local school. Take a blacksmithing course. Swing-dance the night away.
While it sounds like a lifetime of activities for any history lover, it is just a portion of the 40-plus event program for Ipswich’s annual Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage from 5 to 14 September.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the festival reflects the city’s proud history and identity.
“Underpinned by 60,000 years of First Nations existence with foundations in limestone, coal, rail and agriculture, Ipswich has a rich and remarkable past as Queensland’s oldest provincial city,” Mayor Harding said.
“Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage brings Ipswich’s unique history to life with immersive and unforgettable experiences.
“There will be heritage trade workshops for anyone who wants to learn the ancient ways of blacksmithing, or to craft a Japanese cheffing knife, a leather belt and much more.
“Ipswich’s spooky side will be on full display at ghost and cemetery tours, while people can expand their knowledge of First Nations connection to country through art, hear from the experts on our iconic local architecture, or attend a 1940s themed ball in Marburg.
“The doors to the past will fly open across the city – which is home to more than 7,000 culturally significant heritage places – through guided heritage building tours providing exclusive access to sites rarely opened to the public.
“Ipswich Grammar School’s Great Hall, the 97-year-old Ipswich Masonic Centre, the Old Court House and Soldiers Memorial Hall are among the buildings that will be opened throughout the festival.
“Galvanized is not just for history buffs. It gives visitors, younger generations and new residents the chance to understand how Ipswich grew from being a tiny settlement to the thriving city it is today.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said Galvanized highlights how deeply the people of Ipswich value its heritage.
“This year’s packed program is the result of council’s collaborations with local historians, heritage advocates, artists, tourism operators, community groups, schools, businesses and churches,” Cr Augustine said.
“As a fast-growing city of more than 265,000 people, it’s important we look back on our past to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of those who made our city and country great – and Galvanized gives us opportunities to do this.
“I’m delighted this year’s festival is incorporating the 150-year anniversary of Rosewood State School, with a school fete on Saturday, September 13 bringing together past and present students, families and local residents to celebrate all the school has done for the community throughout the years.
“As part of Galvanized 2025, we’re also featuring the recently launched Ipswich Trails app, which includes the Ipswich Central Discovery Trail, a self-guided journey of the hidden art, epic stories and quirky history of the heart of our city.
“There’s absolutely no doubt Ipswich is the place for great experiences.
“Galvanized is just one of the many council-run festivals held year-round in Ipswich, along with Planes, Trains & Autos, Festival of Horsepower, SPARK Ipswich, and Christmas in Ipswich, ensuring our city remains vibrant, fun and connected as our tourism and events sector thrives.”
For the full program for Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage 2025, visit the Ipswich Festivals website.
Ipswich City Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners, the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people of the Yugara/Yagara Language Group, as custodians of the land and waters we share. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, as the keepers of the traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud peoples.