A new University of Queensland book celebrating the factors that have shaped Ipswich’s identity will be launched at UQ Ipswich Campus on Friday.
With the assistance of the Queensland Government’s Q150 Community Funding Program, UQ’s Boilerhouse Community Engagement Centre staff Danni Jansen, Pamela Lamb, Josh Darrah and Michael Cuthill have written and published the book that celebrates Ipswich’s identity from its earlier beginnings to the present and will release it to the Ipswich community to enjoy.
Mines, Mills and Shopping Malls – Celebrating the Identity of Ipswich will be launched by The Honourable Rachel Nolan MP in the UQ Ipswich Library, Building 8 on Friday, September 11. Guest speakers will include Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale and Boilerhouse Director Associate Professor Michael Cuthill.
Associate Professor Cuthill said the purpose of the Boilerhouse was to facilitate just and sustainable community outcomes.
“To achieve this purpose, the Centre engages with diverse stakeholders from the private, public, and community sectors in developing informed and collaborative responses to both existing and emerging community issues," he said.
"The Strategic Advisory Committee of The University of Queensland’s Boilerhouse Community Engagement Centre recognised the rapid change that Ipswich is currently undergoing through urban development and population influx.
“An aim of the publication is to strengthen local understandings of Ipswich. It is important that we understand and protect those things we have always valued about the Ipswich community while embracing the changes that are happening.”
The publication takes its direction from a research collection of historical records, anecdotal experiences and interviews conducted with six local leaders.
The research was conducted by Danni Jansen for her honours program in the Bachelor of Behavioural Studies. The end result is an overall identity of the City of Ipswich.
In his foreword, former Queensland Treasurer and local Ipswich identity, The Honourable Dr David Hamill AM, said: “What started as a round table discussion has now produced academic research into the subject and thanks to a Q150 Community Funding Program grant, a fitting publication which provides an insight into the elements that have fashioned the character of Ipswich and its people”.
From Saturday September 12, Mines, Mills and Shopping Malls will be available online via the UQ Boilerhouse and Ipswich City Council websites, and at local libraries from October.
2009 is Queensland's 150th year of independence from New South Wales.
Media, photographers and camera crews are invited to attend the event.
Where: Building 8, UQ Ipswich, 11 Salisbury Road, Ipswich
When: Doors open at 5.15pm for a 5.30pm start, Friday, September 11
Media contact: Jessica Freiberg, Marketing and Development Manager,
0421 587 278 or j.freiberg@uq.edu.au
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