Ipswich Sport Hall of Fame – it’s time
Kate Dodd
The stage is set for Ipswich’s very own Sporting Hall of Fame, designed to showcase the town’s proud and storied sporting history.
There are calls for an Ipswich Sport Hall of Fame to be established as part of the gradual redevelopment of North Ipswich Reserve, which recently began with a $20 million pledge secured by Blair MP Shayne Neumann.
Upon completion, North Ipswich Reserve will be transformed into a sports and entertainment district anchored by a 12,500-seat boutique stadium.
The stadium will be designed for rugby league and football matches whilst also being broadcast capable to ensure NRL and A-League matches can be played at the venue.
Ipswich has a long and proud history of athletes who have achieved sporting greatness in a variety of codes and competitions including Ash Barty, Allan Langer, Shane Watson, Kevin Walters and Craig McDermott.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the redevelopment offers a unique opportunity to honor the city’s celebrated sports stars.
She said that given the city’s rich sporting history, she felt it was long overdue to establish a sporting Hall of Fame in Ipswich.
“As Mayor of a proud sporting city and Patron of Ipswich Jets, I think it is time we considered how best to recognize and celebrate our sporting heroes,” she said.
“We’ve had so many great sporting men and women who have shaped Ipswich. I would love to see this story admired and inspired by our younger generations.
“Ipswich certainly beats its weight when it comes to sporting achievement and I believe an Ipswich Sport Hall of Fame would be welcomed by the community.
“Let’s boldly celebrate our amazing history in sport.
“From Ash Barty, Ali Brigginshaw, Mollie O’Callaghan, Susan Seipel, Tammy Cole and Deb Acason to Shane Watson, the Walters brothers, Allan Langer as well as Noel Kelly, Dud Beattie, Alex Gibb, Col Kitching, Gary Wilkins and Peter Vogler, just to name a few.
“Ipswich has long been the nursery of Australia’s sporting stars and we are fortunate to have such a rich and diverse sporting history.
“I’m passionate about creating a space where we capture and preserve the people, places and stories behind some of these amazing sporting achievements.”
Mayor Harding’s concept for an Ipswich Sports Hall of Fame celebrates the city’s rich sporting history across all sports, abilities and genders.
“Sport is a defining part of the city fabric and plays a significant role in the history of Ipswich,” said Mayor Harding.
“The aim of the Ipswich Sports Hall of Fame is to showcase, protect and share our sporting heritage whilst inspiring the present and future generations of our town. It can easily be incorporated into one of the phases of redevelopment of the North Ipswich Nature Reserve.
“Wouldn’t it be great to have a venue showcasing our sporting greats in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games?”
Mr Neumann said he supports the idea of a sporting Hall of Fame in principle but has never been part of the discussions about upgrading North Ipswich Reserve.
“The money we have invested is for the players and the public to ensure North Ipswich Reserve is suitable for both men and women, with proper amenities to help them play football at an elite level,” he said.
“If [Mayor Harding] would like to have one [sporting hall of fame]put the money on the table.”
Announcing funding for the upgrade last year, Mr Neumann said Ipswich, as “Queensland’s fastest growing local government area, deserved better”.
“Ipswich is Queensland’s sporting hub and an ideal location for NRL and A-League teams. We simply lack the large-scale facilities for large-scale sports and entertainment experiences,” he said.
“After years of neglect by the Liberal National government, Ipswich is poised to see major investment in much-needed infrastructure.”