On 01 December 1904, Ipswich was proclaimed a city. At the time Ipswich’s population was 8637 and the city covered not much more than a few CBD blocks. Before 1902, the concept of a city did not formally exist in Queensland. However, with the creation of The Local Authorities Act of 1902, clause 10 stated there would be two classes of local authority – towns and shires (ie country districts) – and any community could make an application to be proclaimed a city. At the time the Act was being considered, an amendment was added that included the creation of three cities – Brisbane, Rockhampton and Townsville. Unlike Britain, where the word city had a precise meaning, the Act provided no clear definition. There were no formal requirements to be proclaimed a city, and each application was judged on its own merits.
Local and General News. Ipswich as a City. – Queensland Times, 3 December 1904, page 4 – Courtesy of National Library of Australia
Initially there was not much interest in becoming a city, as neither additional powers nor funding were granted. However, those in larger towns came to the realisation that becoming a city brought with it prestige. Once declared a city, the celebrations in Ipswich were at first rather modest, with a few flags raised as well as some speeches in Council. Around a fortnight later, a more official event was held with a function at the Town Hall attended by serving and past aldermen as well as citizens.
On the 04 December 2004, Ipswich City Council presented the “Party Of The Century” in Queens Park, to mark 100 years of Ipswich as a city. The Centenary Celebration Program included entertainment for all ages, with appearances by Aboriginal dance groups, the Blackstone Cambrian Choir, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Bob the Builder, Nikki Webster, Angie Narayan and Vanessa Amorosi. The program also featured “The Parade of Nations”, an Aboriginal fire ceremony, a F-111 dump and burn and fireworks.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the rich and diverse history of our city, both before and after 1904, the Ipswich Libraries has a number of books that you’re sure to find useful. A number of the most informative ones are listed here, with some being available online for you to read anytime.
Information taken from : Ipswich Celebrates, Ipswich City Council ; Ipswich Centenary Celebrations Program