Over the years Ipswich has been known for many a quirky tale. Our town has also been home to many of Queensland and Australian firsts. Many of these facts and firsts are little known by the people of Ipswich, which is why we have decided to share these interesting titbits with you.

The Ipswich Show

Before there was a sideshow alley or a gourmet food pavilion, the Ipswich Show played host to a variety of displays and demonstrations from local and national electrical and food production companies. During the 1940’s, 50’sand 60’s visitors to the Ipswich Show were treated to special displays by R.T. Edwards, Jacaranda Butter factory, Guests Biscuits, Cribb and Foote, Beirne Pty. Ltd., Faulkner Motors, Heinz Food and Ipswich Gas and Coke Company. Women flocked to the show during this period to take a sneak peek at the new fashions arriving at Cribb and Foote or to watch a stylish demonstration of the newest washing machines that would make their lives that much easier. Meanwhile men often visited the show to look at the new motor car and farming equipment showrooms, and hardware demonstrations.

Staff demonstrating electrical appliances at the R T Edwards & Sons electrical appliance display stand at the Ipswich Show, Ipswich, 1957 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

Towels

The first towels in Australia were made at the Queensland Cotton Company, East Ipswich in 1861. The Cotton Mill which was located on what is now known as Joyce Street, was built in 1892 and at the time was the only cotton mill in Australia. Although cotton was a major industry for Ipswich in the early years, there was in some instances a lack of the product and thus it had to be imported from India. The Queensland Cotton Company mill was taken over by the Joyce Brothers in 1907, and was later closed in 1913 to be converted into a Woollen Mill. The mills at one point employed nearly 300 employees and made a wide range of materials with a dyeing department being able to produce over 600 shades in both flannels and velours.

Queensland Cotton Company, East Ipswich, ca. 1898 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

Oldest Newspaper

The oldest newspaper in Queensland is Ipswich publication The Queensland Times, which was first produced in 1859. This publication was founded as the Ipswich Herald and later changed their name in 1861 when the paper was purchased by Hugh Parkinson, Hugh Bowring Sloman and Francis Kidner. When publication first commenced the newspaper existed as a bi-weekly publication before becoming a daily edition in 1908. The Queensland Times Newspaper was produced in various buildings around Ipswich, the most famous of which was the Queensland Times building located on the corner of Ellenborough and Brisbane Streets. This building was constructed in 1888 by architect and former Ipswich Mayor Samuel Shenton with the help of George Brockwell Gill.

Queensland Times building, Ipswich, 1888? – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

Queensland’s first mining labour strike occurred at the Campbell and Towns Mines at Redbank in 1861. According to reports eight miners took part in the demonstration and barricaded the entrance to the mine (now in the vicinity of Goupong Park, 2A Collingwood Drive, Collingwood Park) after owner John Campbell refused to discuss their demands regarding an increase in wages. The miners were later arrested, however the strike continued for approximately two weeks before the eight arrested men were finally released after being found not guilty of criminal conspiracy.

Other significant firsts for Ipswich:

The first Medicare office in Australia was opened in Ipswich in 1984.

The first Premier of Queensland was Ipswich man George Thorn.

The first Grammar school in Queensland was established in Ipswich in 1863.

Doctor John Bradfield, designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was educated at the Ipswich Grammar School.

Australia’s largest operational Air Force Base is RAAF Amberley. Amberley commenced operations as a RAAF Base on 17 June 1940 with Squadron Leader S.A.C.Campbell as its first Commanding Officer. The first RAAF plane arrived in July, a Moth Minor of the No 24 Squadron.

Aerial view of Amberley Air Force Base, Ipswich, 1947 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

The first Queensland coal mine was opened in Ipswich in 1843 by John Williams at Redbank.

The first Queensland racecourse was established in Ipswich and was known as ‘The Grange’ racecourse, and was located at Raceview.

The Incinerator building is the only construction in Australia designed by Walter Burley-Griffin outside of the Australian Capital Territory.

The lamington cake was said to have been first baked and presented to the Governor at the opening of the Ipswich Technical College in June 1900