A powerful new place of reflection, remembrance and truth-telling has been unveiled in Ipswich, creating a permanent space to honour First Nations history and recognise the cultural significance of the city’s lands and waters.
The new Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place was officially opened last week, bringing together Traditional Owners, community leaders, students and residents to mark what many described as an important step towards healing and education.
Located within Queens Park, the site forms part of the City of Ipswich Indigenous Accord 2020-2025 and has been designed as a space for cultural ceremonies, performances, reflection and community connection.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the space was an important recognition of the region’s First Nations peoples and their enduring connection to country.
“As the traditional lands of the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul peoples of the Yugara/Yagara language group, our First Nations peoples are fundamental to the existence of Ipswich,” Cr Harding said.
“An initiative of Council’s City of Ipswich Indigenous Accord 2020-2025, the Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place is a dedicated space for reflection, education and healing for the whole community.
“It will be open to the public to use and enjoy, including for quiet reflection, as well as being the site of ceremonies, performances and events by Traditional Owners and Indigenous organisations during occasions such as Anzac Day and NAIDOC Week.”
