Immersed in Ipswich

 

Tulmur Place

Ipswich also known in the Yagara language as Tulmur is located 40 km West from the Queensland Capital of Brisbane Australia. Traditional owners of the Ipswich region are the Clans that make up the Yagara/Yugara Language Group (the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul People).  Tulmur place was created within the Nicholas Street Precinct, a pedestrian only space used for cultural events, family friendly activities and festivals.  The space celebrates the local First Nations culture with a range of public art displays.  The artworks include "Way of life" (2020) by Kim Ah Sam and Kyra Manktelow which is a display of traditional fish traps that shows the connection of First nationals people to local waterways and cultural practices. Read more about the artworks here and here .

 

 

A beautiful mural entitled "Trade Routes" created by Kyra Manktelow is displayed on the ceiling of the pavilion and depicts the First Nations peoples trading pathways throughout the Ipswich area. 

 Native animal bronze sculptures decorate Tulmur place with a platypus (Meiwah in the local language) and brush tailed rock wallaby which are found within the Ipswich area. The sculptures were created by Kim Ah Sam and Kyra Manktelow.  

 

A wonderful sculpture entitled "Standing" is displayed outside the Ipswich council chambers, it was created by Lincoln Austin. It depicts Ipswich's floral emblem the Eucalyptus curtisii (Plunkett mallee) which is near threatened. The sculpture glows a bright green at night.

Street art

I found a few street art pieces around the city of Ipswich was nice to see a mix of artworks ranging from First Nations inspired to traditional street art murals. 

Distant Country by Rachel Sarra (2020)  at Ipswich Health Plaza

Two figures behind Glass by Fintan Magee at Limestone Centre South Street (2020)

Beautiful Bus seats

Ipswich is under going a beautification project this includes the creation of public art, cultural events and green space within the city. The local bus seats along Bell street were created by local First Nations artist Robin “Tallman” Wakkajinda whose goal is to support the local community through visual art and storytelling.The designs feature native animals including the platypus and the natural beauty of the Ipswich region.

Crocodile

Emu

Platypus design

Snake

Ipswich Nature Centre

Just a short walk or drive from Ipswich train station is the Ipswich Nature centre home to native animals. The park promotes conservation and is volunteer run. The park is a lovely place I'd recommend visiting the bird aviary as is well designed and a lot of beautiful birds. The nocturnal bilby house and spotted quoll were highlights as well.

Map

Glossy Ibis

Lace Monitor

Fresh water turtle

Spotted quoll

Carpet python

Magpie Goose

Numbelli Seat by Sandy Robertson, Phillip Gardner and Shannon Ruska

Final thoughts

 Ipswich is a lovely town and I like the introduction of public art and street art. The nature park and Tulmur place are a great place for local community and tourists. I'd love to visit again when an event is held there to experience the space.

Video extras  

Below is more footage from my visit to Ipswich