Banshees Bar and Artspace new owners

Quirky Ipswich bar (usually adorned with wacky art from local artists), Banshees, has been taken over by new owners Al Wheeler and her partner Tim.  They're Ipswich locals with connections to the Brisbane music scene and the South-East Queensland Festival circuit.  The bar will close from April 15-20 and then re-open with a huge party to celebrate this new chapter in the history of Banshees.  Al said “we love the culture of the place and we want to build upon it and take advantage of the relaxing Covid restrictions to help the blossoming creative scene in Ipswich”.  Their relaunch gig will feature a stacked lineup of Banshees favourites The Flood, Violet, Shakes Fear & the Skeleton Gang, Baltimore Gun Club and Naavikaran.  Banshees was a finalist in the 2021 QMA Metro Venue of the Year Award.

Interviews available contact Al Wheeler 0478 139 156 or email bansheesbar@gmail.com

New koala experiences

Ewe Nique Hobby Farm at Haigslea has launched koala days at the farm.  Families can head in and get a photo with a koala for $20pp during the special days which will run once a month.  You can even book the koala for your birthday party experience at the farm.  The first koala day was held on April 5 and sold out.  The next is coming up on Easter Sunday.

Contact Penny Allen on 0410 487 263

School holidays activities

These school holidays are jam packed full of fun things for the whole family, from new koala encounters at the Ewe Nique Hobby Farm to, motorsport action with the Super Thunder on this weekend and more, there's plenty to see and do in Ipswich.  For a round up of what's on see this list: https://www.discoveripswich.com.au/whats-on-during-the-april-school-holidays-2022/

Contact Carly Morrissey carly.morrissey@ipswich.qld.gov.au

Planes Trains and Autos

The Workshops Rail Museum will once again host PTA as it returns in 2022.  The inaugural event was a huge success and this year's is shaping up to be just as big.  PTA celebrates all things aviation, rail and autos in the City of Ipswich.  Enjoy a range of amazing ground displays and aviation-themed activities. In the air, you will see aerial formation flypasts, a helicopter low pass and aerobatic displays featuring historic warbirds.  History comes alive with hand-on exhibits, huge locomotives and industrial machinery on display. Join a walking tour at Australia's oldest railway workshop still in operation.  Appreciate motorcycles through the ages, muscle cars, emergency vehicles, Defence Force machinery, drag cars and more at this action-packed event!  Get excited for Bumblebee and Optimus Prime. Kids are spoiled for choice with the Nippers Railway adventure playground, interactive displays and hands on activities at the Sciencentre.  Why not make a weekend of it and head to the Queensland Auto Spectacular on Sunday 1 May at Willowbank Raceway for more auto action.

• Ipswich has plenty of Planes Trains and Auto experiences available year-round also, including floating sky high in a hot air balloon (Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights), riding a heritage train with the Queensland Pioneer Steam Trains, visiting the birthplace of rail (The Workshops Rail Museum), taking a ride on a mini-train at Grandchester Model Steam Railway, or visiting the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre during their monthly open days. There's also the V8 Race Experience which runs monthly and puts you in the drivers' seat at Queensland Raceway.

Contact Jack Doonar jack.doonar@ipswich.qld.gov.au or phone 0487 152 839

Heritage train trips return after the floods

The Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway is back this weekend after the floods.  Damage to the train lines had meant that their March running day was cancelled.  But the volunteers have been working hard to get the trains up and running again and Sunday April 10 will be their first ride since the floods.  This first running day will feature a heritage diesel train, not the steam train however as it undergoing maintenance.

Contact Alex on 0422 557 557

Dovetails is turning five

In May Dovetails Restaurant is celebrating its fifth birthday with a special winemakers dinner.  The four-course dinner will see food paired with five wines from Varvaglione, one of the oldest and most awarded Southern Italian wineries.  Varvaglione's winemaker will also be making an appearance, with a live feed to the winery in Italy throughout the dinner to talk all things Italian wine.  Tickets are limited for this unique experience.

Contact Torsten Werner 0428 236 436

4 Hearts Brewing Company launches flood appeal beer

To help raise some money for those still battling with the aftermath of the floods, 4 Hearts Brewing have come up with a new beer and are donating $2 from every carton and $10 from every keg sold to the local community.  The Aftermath Chocolate Brownie Imperial Porter is available now and has been inspired by the angry brown snake that the Brisbane River becomes during flood.

Images available Contact Torsten Werner 0428 236 436

Beergustation, taco Thursdays and pizza party Wednesdays

If we didn't have enough reasons to visit The Pumpyard Bar and Brewery, they've just added a few more to the line-up.  A Mexican themed Taco and Tortilla Thursday has started this month with great combo deals on tacos and tortillas and they've just added a deal for $2 off any pizza on Wednesdays.  The Pumpyard have also just announced the 2022 Beergustation on May 24, an exciting opportunity to experience craft beer and delicious food with an after-hours brewery tour, multiple courses with matching beers and a seat at The Brewer's Table with head brewer Reece to guide the night. 

Contact Torsten Werner 0428 236 436

Celebrate Sri Lankan New Year

Tranquil Tea House owner Dona Perera is gearing up to celebrate Sri Lankan New Year with a special event held to share a small part of her heritage on Saturday April 16 (although the actual day is April 14).  Mrs Perera says the day signifies new beginnings, reconciliation and abundance. And hundreds upon hundreds of cups of tea are served to celebrate in Sri Lanka.  “A simple cup of tea really can change the whole world,” she said.  The April 16 event is limited to 30 people and includes traditional Sri Lankan sweets, breakfast and pure Ceylon English breakfast tea.  There will also be traditional dances and the chance to tase various Ceylon teas. 

Interview opportunity contact Dona Perera on 0413 096 441

Image link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Sb1jZkfbT_K4w36DWf28W16GL-VKRxB5?usp=sharing

For famil enquiries or more images contact carly.morrissey@ipswich.qld.gov.au