Ipswich was proclaimed a Municipality on 2 March 1860 and this was published in the Queensland Government Gazette the following day. Attaining muncipality was a major milestone for Ipswich as the proclamation separating the Colony of Queensland from New South Wales had only been read a few months before on 10 December 1859.

On 27 October, the “Municipalities Act of 1858” was passed and the process for becoming a municipality started in Ipswich on 8 December 1858 when Queensland was still a part of the colony of New South Wales. Colonel Charles G. Gray was the chairman of a meeting held at the Court House attended by residents to approve of a petition to the New South Wales government to proclaim Ipswich a municipality. At this meeting, Colonel Gray commented that the issue of a municipality was “second in importance to separation.” In attendance at this meeting was Charles Frederick Chubb who remarked that gaining municipality would not negatively affect the movement for separation.

After this first meeting, issues arose around the idea of a municipality and there were several meetings as well as petitions and a counter petition as people disagreed on whether being proclaimed a municipality was in the general interests of the residents of the Town of Ipswich. The history of these differences are detailed in a book held at Ipswich Libraries called “Ipswich Municipal Centenary” by Leslie E. Slaughter.

Once Ipswich was proclaimed a municipality, an election was held on April 12 1860 at the Court House. With a showing of hands by the large group of people in attendance, the following men were elected – John Murphy, Christopher Gorry, Daniel Bethune, Charles Watkins, Richard Gill, H. Gray, David McBay, Charles F. Chubb and Frederick Augustus Forbes. In response to this outcome, some of the attendees insisted on a poll which was later held at the Court House, North Ipswich and Little Ipswich (West Ipswich).

On 19 April 1860, 25 candidates stood for election and the following people were elected as the aldermen of Ipswich – John Murphy, John Johnston, Charles Watkins, Donald Bethune, Christopher Gorry, John Malbon Thompson, John Pettigrew, Francis North and Thomas Stanley. Having been elected on 12 April with no demands for a poll, Daniel Collins and John Blaine became the town’s auditors. Ultimately, John Murphy was appointed as the first Mayor of Ipswich.

John Murphy, Mayor 1860 – 1861, 1865 – 1867, Ipswich, n d – Image Courtesy of Picture Ipswich

Five years ago, the Ipswich City Council and the community celebrated 150 years of municipal government. At this time, the Ipswich 150 Commemorative Magazine – “Ipswich 150: 1860 – 2010 Proud Past Exciting Future” – was produced to celebrate and compliment 150 years of Municipality.