Posted By michellef on May 8, 2013

Children swimming in the Ipswich Baths with a viewing deck. Changing rooms below, males’ one side and females on the other. The Baths were located on Bell Street – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

In the early days of Ipswich, households purchased water for their use.  There was generally little left over for bathing at the end of each day.  One could take a dip in the Bremer River to wash or cool down, however in the 1850s this was illegal to do within the Town border.  If caught you could receive a hefty fine. Bath Houses had been established in Brisbane on the river and proved to be popular amongst the community.

In 1852 the first Bathing House in Ipswich was erected by Owen Connor.  The ‘Flower Bank Bathing House’ was built on the Bremer River, Flowerbank (Satan’s Depression), and could be rented out quarterly or for the season.

In 1865 Public Baths were built by the Ipswich City Council on the banks of the Bremer River near St. Marys Church.  Named the Corporation Baths these baths were quite small. Men and women were not allowed to bath together so there were set times when women could bath alone and times allotted for male bathing.  In 1887 these baths were washed away by flood.

The new baths were erected in 1891 with the cost being threepence for a bath. The baths were dug out of solid rock and reinforced with concrete.  The bath was 60ft long by 20ft wide and the depth was from 3ft to 7ft. It was divided into 2 compartments – one for males and the other for females, and included 10 dressing rooms and four warm baths.  A valve was added for easy emptying into the river.

The Baths were well attended and on hot days became quite crowded, so in 1919 the Ipswich City Council agreed to erect new larger Baths on the old Girls Central State School site, in Bremer Street, Ipswich (the Transit Centre at the river end of Bell Street now occupies this spot). This Bath was known as the Bremer Park Pool and was 100ft by 33ft wide.  There were dressing rooms to accommodate 170 bathers and enough tiered seating above these to comfortably seat 700 people.

The new Swimming Baths or Bremer Park Pool was officially opened in January 1921. The pool was emptied twice a week because there was no filtration or modern equipment as used today, however they did throw handfuls of chlorine in when needed.   The only time you could see the bottom of the pool was when it was emptied. The pool was emptied on Sunday nights and Wednesday nights and refilled the next day.

In 1924 mixed bathing was still prohibited by council regulations. The pool was not being well patronised and was suffering financially because of this.  It was suggested that certain days be set aside as family days hoping to bring back a community following.  This option proved favourable.

The baths became very popular especially with families and swimming clubs. Swimming carnivals were regularly held with diving and relay competitions. The Bremer Park Pool hosted the Annual State Country Swimming Championships and the All Schools Swimming Carnival.  Swimming proved to be a very popular pastime in Ipswich and many clubs were formed sparking strong competition.  Nightly swimming competitions became big events with huge crowds turning out to watch and cheer on their teams.  Some of the early Ipswich swimming clubs were the Ipswich and District Amateur Swimming association, Vikings Swimming Club, The Railway Swimming Club, The Christian Brothers Swimming Club and The Starlight Swimming Club.

The Bremer Park Pool played host to several talented foreign swimmers on occasion.  Arne Borgs (the famous Swedish swimmer); Japanese swimmers Katsuo Takaishi and Takahiro Saitoh; German swimmer Gustav Froelich and Hawaiian swimmer Kyoshi Nakama were some who visited Ipswich.

In 1939 two new wings of tiered seating were constructed to cater to the large crowds that came to the swimming competitions and championships which were being held there.  In 1950 members of the Sydney Olympic Swimming Club visited the city Baths and entertained crowds with Water ballet and synchronised swimming displays.

In 1958 the Baths at Bremer Park were demolished to make way for the East St entrance onto the David Trumpy Bridge.

Cubs and Cub leaders from Rosewood at the swimming baths in Ipswich, ca. 1951 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

Information taken from: Brisbane Courier 17 January 1921 ’New Baths at Ipswich’, 20 January 1939 ‘BORG’S TIME BEATEN – Nakama Breaks Old Record’, 18 November 1937 ‘Ipswich Opening’, 22 December 1865 ‘IPSWICH’, The Western Star & Roma Advertiser 9 January 1924 ‘Swimming Baths and Mixed Bathing’ , The Ipswich Advertiser 23 November 1988 ‘History of Ipswich Sport’ , The Moreton Bay Courier 19 November 1853 ‘FLOWER BANK BATHING HOUSE’, The Bremer River by Robyn Buchanan, Ipswich in the 20^th Century by Robyn Buchanan

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Tags: Bremer Park Pool, Corporation Baths, Flower Bank, Flower Bank Baths, Flowerbank, Flowerbank Baths, Ipswich Baths

Posted By erin on April 26, 2013

St Mary’s Catholic School, Ipswich, ca. 1950 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

Catholic education began in Ipswich with the  establishment of the first Catholic school in 1861 by Father McGinty. The development of this school, located on the corner of Elizabeth and Mary Streets, prompted the Sisters of Mercy to travel to Ipswich in 1863 to begin teaching 180 pupils from Ipswich and surrounding areas. In 1884 construction on the new St Mary’s Convent School began on land behind the presbytery and in 1885 the new school was officially opened with 300 new pupils enrolling. It was said that during these early years the school prided itself in areas such as music, drawing, painting, singing and needlework.

In 1909 three additional buildings were added to the rear of the original convent building, with the blessing of the foundation stone carried out by Archbishop Dunne. After their completion the school developed an excellent reputation with many people approving of the school’s wonderful “Primary and Secondary education which included Languages, Higher Mathematics, and other subjects required for the Queensland University Examinations” (“Ipswich Heritage Study”, 1992). At this point in time St Mary’s Convent School taught both male and female pupils, however in 1946 the first section of the girls school known as St Mary’s College began construction.

The first section of the St Mary’s College Girls School was opened in 1948 as a two storey building that housed an assembly floor, science lab, kitchen, laundry and dressmaking room, ten classrooms, administration offices, library, lunchroom and typing room. The old St Mary’s Convent School was then transformed in to the Infants’ School with the added inclusion of a Primary grade. Up until this time many of the Sisters of Mercy were still teaching within the Schools.  However after celebrating their Centenary in 1963, the first lay teachers joined the staffing team.

The current High School of St Mary’s College was later established in 1968 with many extensions being added over the years. This year in May the school will celebrate 150 years of operating as one of Queensland’s first Catholic schools outside of Brisbane. If you are interested in participating in any of  the events being held by the College next month please visit St Mary’s College online for more information.

Class from St Mary’s Catholic School, Ipswich 1938 to 1939 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

Information taken from: “Ipswich Heritage Study”, “Art and Education – St Mary’s  College” (The QT), “St Mary’s College – strong tradition and bright future” (The QT),”College history”  www.stmarys.qld.edu.au)

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Tags: Ipswich, St Mary's Church, st marys college ipswich, st marys primary school

Posted By erin on April 11, 2013

Many of the images in Picture Ipswich have been kindly provided by the community. Along the way gems have come to light that are unable to be identified or important information is missing and because of this we need the community’s help.

We are always looking for photos depicting the people of Ipswich. The photograph below is believed to have been taken in Ipswich during World War 1. The young soldier inserted at the top right is believed to one Richard Turner who was born in Gateshead England. He moved to Australia in 1911 with his parents and siblings where they settled in Ipswich. Mr Turner was employed at the Railway Workshops before he enlisted to serve as a soldier overseas. Robert Turner had an pleasant tenor voice and he sang throughout his life, which leads us to believe that this may be a group photograph of a choir possibly based in Ipswich or Blackstone. If you are able to identify this group or any individuals pictured please contact the Digital Archivist at the Ipswich Library at: pictureipswich@library.ipswich.qld.gov.au

Can you identify this group? – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

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Tags: Choirs, Ipswich, picture puzzle, world war 1

Posted By jo on March 16, 2013

St Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 and is a holiday that commemorates Saint Patrick, a missionary who brought Christianity to Ireland in A.D. 400s.

In the past, St Patrick’s Day was a major event in Ipswich with parades, sports days and dinners being held to mark the occasion.  Many of the local shops would close for the day and residents would take part in the festivities.   After an early Mass was attended at St. Mary’s Church, the parade would start with the mounted police heading the procession and would wind through the main streets of Ipswich and finish at the show grounds.

A lot of the local businesses, clubs and schools would participate in the parade and the procession line was sometimes about a quarter of a mile long.  The Harp of Erin Hotel (now the Metropole),  the Ipswich Railway Band, boys from the Christian Brothers College, St. Mary’s Convent girls and members from the Irish society as well as decorated vehicles were some who participated on the day.  A lot of hard work was put into decorating the Irish-themed festive floats that would parade the streets.   After the parade, sports activities such as running races, tug-o-war, high jump, cycle and pony races, bending and melon races were held at the show grounds.  Sometimes a football game or a race meet were held on this day as a celebration.

A banquet was often held in St. Mary’s Presbytery with the room being decorated gaily in evergreens and such, and the tables filled with large amounts of food and beverage.  A concert was put on in St. Mary’s hall after dinner with large attendances as members of the public and local Catholic Students sang.

St Patrick’s Day Parade, Ipswich, 1930s – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

Information taken from “Ipswich in the 20th Century” by Robyn Buchanan; Ipswich City Council’s Heritage Information Kit  http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/documents/…); The Brisbane Courier, 19 March 1928 and Sunday Mail (Brisbane), 16 Mar 1930.

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Tags: Harp of Erin Hotel, Ireland, Parade, St Mary's Church, St Patrick's Day

Posted By erin on February 20, 2013

Here are 10 reasons to love our historical town of Ipswich:

1. The Ipswich Show – The show was established by the Queensland Pastoral Society with the first show held on the 2nd of April 1873 near Churchhill. Eventually the show was moved to the present site at the Ipswich Showgrounds. Today it is a yearly event held in May where Ipswich residents can celebrate the city’s rich agricultural history.

2. The Jacaranda Arch, Brisbane Terrace Goodna – Jacarandas flower every October with breathtaking results, especially in the small suburb of Goodna, where the trees line several streets along the Bremer River. So much so that in 1968 the Jacaranda Festival was established to celebrate the flowering of this beautiful tree. The trees were thought to be planted in the 1930s, when according to reports, new mothers leaving the maternity hospital were given Jacaranda seedlings.

3. Jacaranda Milk Factory – The Jacaranda Butter Milk Factory in Booval had a rich history spanning back to 1901 when the first factory was established by the Queensland Farmers’ Co-op Association Limited (later known as Dairy Farmers) in Booval. In 1962 the Factory produced 9 1/2 million pounds of utter and 3 million gallons of milk and was also providing 10,000 bottles of milk  (416 gallons) to 82 schools in and around the Ipswich area. The factory was most famous for its production of the Jacaranda Iced Coffee.

4. Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir – This choir was first established in 1886 and holds an important part in Ipswich and Queensland’s history as it is the state’s longest running choir to date. The choir originated in Blackstone having been founded by the Welsh community of Ipswich. The choir has won numerous awards over the years including a number of Queensland Eisteddfods and musical competitions.

5. The Railway Workshops and Museum – The Railway workshops were established in 1864 near The Terrace at North Ipswich, however they were later moved to a larger site at an old Rifle Range in the same area. By 1914 the Railway Workshops employed close to 1500 people , with trains carting a large number of employees to and from work each day. The workshops main undertaking was the building of  carriages, however this changed in the 1880s when many steam engines were designed in England but built in the Workshop. Today the site serves as a Museum for the public to explore Ipswich’s rich railway history.

6. St Mary’s Catholic Church – The first St Mary’s Church was built by Fr. McGinty, however in 1900  this was considered to be too small so it was decided by Fr. Horan that a new St Mary’s Church be constructed. The Church was designed by F. D. G Stanley and was completed and opened in 1904. The church is listed on the State Heritage Register and forms part of St Mary’s College.

7. McMahon’s Soft Drink – Frank McMahon established McMahon’s Soft Drink Factory in 1934 in West Street Ipswich. The soft drink was sold to residents at 3 large bottles for 3 shillings. As well as serving the public, McMahon’s also had a contract with the Army during the second world war. During this time Frank McMahon purchased the property on West Street and also extended the factory from Darling Street to Martin Street. In 1989 the factory was sold to Cadbury-Schweppes but residents of Ipswich will always remember the amazing flavours of McMahon’s soft drinks.

8. Ipswich Turf Club – The Ipswich Turf Club was first established in 1848, when it was at this time considered one of the first major centres for horse racing and the most popular in Australia. The first race meeting was held a number of years later in 1859 and in 1890 the Ipswich Amateur Turf club was officially established and housed at Bundamba Racecourse. Today the Ipswich Turf Club plays host to several races throughout the year, but none more appealing to the people of Ipswich than the annual Ipswich Cup held in June.

9. Ipswich Gas Works – The Ipswich Gas and Coke Company was first established near the Bremer River (The Terrace, North Ipswich) in 1877 where they laid the first gas mains that would provide much needed lighting for the streets of Ipswich and also to residents. In the 1950s a gasometer was constructed so that the natural gas being used by Ipswich residents could be stored, metered and controlled. This can still be seen at the site of the Riverlink Shopping Centre.

10. The Queensland Times – First established in 1859 as the Ipswich Herald, the Queensland Times is a paper that reports on Ipswich for Ipswich. The North Australian, Ipswich’s first newspaper, played a large part in the development of the Queensland Times as both the Editor and Foreman were previously employed at the former newspaper. In 1861 the name of Ipswich Herald was changed to the Queensland Times with the Editor being J. C. Thompson. Over the years it has been a a bi-weekly, tri-weekly and finally a daily publication.

Interior of the Queensland Times building, 1920s – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

References:

Queensland Times “Jacaranda avenues stemmed from mums” (14/12/2010), “Factory closes after 110 years” (30/04/2010), “History links city with races”.

The Ipswich Advisor “Qld. Farmers’ Co-op. Assn. Ltd.” (03/05/1962), “No. 5: McMahon’s Soft Drinks” (08/02/1962).

“Ipswich in the 20th Century” by Robyn Buchanan

“Icons of Ipswich” by Paul Geddes

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Tags: Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir, Booval, Bundamba Racecourse, Goodna, Ipswich, Ipswich Gas and Coke Company, Ipswich Railway Workshops, Ipswich show, Ipswich Turf Club, Jacaranda Tree, McMahon's Soft Drink Factory, Milk and Butter Factory, St Mary's Church, The Queensland Times

Posted By erin on February 19, 2013

This year Ipswich Grammar School celebrates 150 years as Queensland’s first secondary school. The school was established in 1863 after the Queensland Government passed the Grammar School Act in 1860, which entitled any district wishing to establish a grammar school to a small grant for every 1000 pounds raised by the locals. Ipswich residents thought there was a great need to establish a secondary school in the area and eventually they were able to raise 1000 pounds.  A board of trustees was established in 1862 and included the likes of Benjamin Cribb, George Thorn, John Panton and Henry Challinor as Chairman. It was early on that 162 acres of land by the Bremer River was granted by the Government to the trustees who promptly set about deciding, by a healthy competition, who would design the Ipswich Grammar School.

This competition however, was not a success and after a time it was decided that the one entrant, a Mr Benjamin Backhouse, would be suitable for the job. In 1862 Mr Backhouse started to design a neo-Gothic structure that cost a total of 2890 pounds, the equivalent of $12,000 and with the help of builders Fergusson and McLaughlin it was completed in 1863. On the morning of Thursday the 24th of September 1863, Governor Sir George Ferguson Bowen officially opened the first section of Ipswich Grammar School, which included the wing continuing the Bell Tower and the upper section of the Great Hall. Such an event it was, that many shops opened early and closed for the ceremony and the remainder of the day in honour of the celebration and of His Excellency’s visit.

Ipswich Grammar School Great Hall Interior, Ipswich 1920′s – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

Upon first opening the Ipswich Grammar School had only 16 young men enrolled for classes, which commenced a fortnight after the official opening, however this increased as the years went on. The fees were as follows: 3 guineas ($6.30) for day boys, seven guineas ($14.70) for day boarders and 15 guineas ($31.50) for resident boarders. During 1920-1930 enrolment at the school was said to average between 130-150 students, however the end of World War 2 brought about a rapid increase and a need for a quick expansion.

Over the Grammar School’s 150 years it has undergone many changes including expansions and extensions. The first of these occurred in 1865 when the Great Hall was expanded by Fergusson and McLaughlin. Again in 1877 architect F. D. G. Stanley was asked to design a gymnasium, manual arts building and a number of dormitories for the school, with Karl Langer being commissioned as the builder. A further extension was added in 1901 when the famous architect George Brockwell Gill designed a balcony and developed plans for the building that later became Bradfield House. More recent extensions include those completed by Bruce Buchanan Architects in 1985 and 1987, which included an Art School based on an existing boarding house and the Clive Wyman building. Many of these buildings hold historic significance to the state of Queensland and most are listed by the National Trust of Queensland.

The architecture may be significant but there have also been many pupils taught in these grounds that have made important contributions to the history of Queensland, Australia and even the world over. The school has produced six Rhodes Scholars and numerous sporting greats including Roy Emerson, Don Talbot, Phil Carson and Craig McDermott. Here are just a few more that have made significant impact upon graduation:

Alfred Backhouse (1867) – QLD Supreme Court Judge and Vice Chancellor of Sydney University

J. J. C. Bradford (1885) – Designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Raymond Dart – Professor of Anthropology at Witwatersrand University, South Africa. He made a discovery that ‘placed man’s origin in Africa, instead of the previously favoured Asia’

Sir Llew Edwards – State Deputy Premier and Chairman of Expo ’88

Hugh Cornish -  Television executive

Thomas Shapcott – Author and Poet

This year Ipswich Grammar School celebrates 150 years, with numerous events being held throughout 2013 to engage Ipswich residents in the school’s great accomplishments. A book will also be launched in March entitled “The story of IGS 1863-2013″.

Ipswich Grammar School 1868 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

References: “School earns a fine reputation” (Queensland Times), “Proud school history dates back to 1863″ (Queensland Times 16/06/1991), “Ipswich boasts first high school” (Queensland Times 17/01/1986), “Art and Education – Ipswich Grammar School” (Ipswich Adviser 25/10/1962), “States first high school started with 16 students” (Ipswich Grammar School 125th Anniversary supplement in the Queensland Times 04/10/1988), “Ipswich Municipal Centenary” by Leslie E. Slaughter, “Ipswich Heritage Study 1991″ by the Ipswich Heritage Study Consultancy Team.

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Tags: Benjamin Blackhouse, Benjamin Cribb, Dr Henry Challinor, George Thorn, Ipswich Grammar School, John Panton, Rhodes Scholars

Posted By erin on January 14, 2013

In 1898 the Department of Public Instruction developed a poster that was to be displayed in schools around Queensland to teach and enforce appropriate behaviour and manners to children. The rules were recited daily by students and were expected to be followed, to avoid a beating with the cane.

Transcript of “Good Manners” chart

‘Courtesy, Politeness or Good Manners, means kindly and thoughtful consideration for others. A Celebrated writer has said that a Boy who is Courteous and Pure is an honour to his country. Brave and Noble men and women are always Courteous. Three of the bravest and greatest men who ever live – the Duke of Wellington, General Gordon and General Washington – were distinguished for their courteous behaviour.

Courteous Boys and Girls will always be careful to observe the following RULES :-

As to themselves: Be Honest, Truthful, and Pure; Do not use Bad Language; Keep out of Bad Company; Keep your Face and Hands clean and your Clothes and Boots brushed and neat.

At Home: Help your Parents as much as you can, and do your best to please them; Be kind to your Brothers and Sisters; Do not be Selfish, but share all your Good Things.

At School: Be Respectful to your Teachers, and help them as much as you can – their work is very difficult and trying; Observe the School Rules; Do not “Copy”, nor Cheat in any way; Do not Cut the Desks or write in the Reading Books, etc; Never let another be Punished in mistake of yourself – this is Cowardly and Mean.

At play: Do not Cheat at Games; Do not Bully – only Cowards do this; Be Pleasant and not Quarrelsome; Do not Jeer at your Schoolmates, or call them by Names which they do not like.

In the street: Salute your Ministers, Teachers and Acquaintances when you meet them – they will Salute you in return; Do not Push or run against people; Do not Chalk on walls, doors, nor gates; Do not Throw Stones, nor destroy Property; Do not Annoy Shopkeepers by Loitering; Do not throw Slides on the pavement, nor throw Orange Peel or Banana Skins there – dangerous accidents often result from these practices; Do not make Fun of Old or Crippled people, but be particularly polite to them, as well as to Strangers and Foreigners

At table: Always Wash your Hands and Face before coming to the Table; Do not put your Knife to your Mouth; Look after Other People – do not Help yourself only; Do not be greedy; Do not Speak or Drink with Food in your Mouth; Turn your head away from the Table and put your Hand or Handkerchief before your Mouth when you Sneeze or Cough; Do not sit with your Elbows on the Table.

Everywhere: Never be Rude to anybody, whether old or younger, richer or poorer then yourself; Remember to say “Please” or “Thank-You”, “Yes, Sir” or Yes, Ma’am, “No, Sir” or “No, Ma’am”; Before entering a room it is often courteous to Knock at the Door – Do not forget to close the door quietly behind you; Always show attention to Older People and Strangers by opening the door for them, bringing what they require (hat, chair etc.), giving up your seat for them if necessary and in every possible way saving them trouble; Never Interrupt when a person is speaking; Always Mind your own Business; Be Punctual; Be Tidy.

Remember: All these rules respecting your conduct towards others are included  in the one GOLDEN RULE, “always do to others as you would wish them to do to you if you were in their place”.  Whenever, therefore, you are in doubt as to how you should act towards others ask yourself this question, “How should I like them to act towards me if I were in their place?” and then Do what your conscience tells you is right.’

Ipswich Girls Grammar School Dining Room, 1925 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

Information taken from http://education.qld.gov.au/library/edhistory/topics/manners.html, “Cane enforces golden rule” The Queensland times.

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Tags: schools

Posted By jo on January 7, 2013

The Viva Cribb Bursary Program gives residents of Ipswich over 18 years of age the opportunity to apply for funding to assist with the cost of documenting, recording or publishing a “significant aspect of the local history of Ipswich”. The bursary was established in honour of Miss Viva Cribb who was dedicated to preserving the history of this city and also to encourage the community to explore Ipswich’s historical significance.

Applicants of the Viva Cribb Bursary could be in with a chance to recieve funding of up to $5,000 towards the research, documentation and publishing process. Applications open on the 14 January 2013 and close on 25 February 2013. For more information contact the Digital Archivist on (07) 3810 7272 or visit the Ipswich City Council website at http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/community/grants_sponsorships/viva_cribb_bursary/index.php

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Tags: Viva Cribb Bursary Program

Posted By janetteh on November 19, 2012

Telegraph poles, Brisbane Street 1910 – photograph courtesy of Picture Ipswich

There is a lot of excitement about the Government’s rollout of the National Broadband Network in Ipswich as it will improve our capability and speed in communications and information gathering. In 1861, the people of Ipswich were just as excited by the opening of the first Telegraph lines connecting them to Brisbane. This technology also improved dramatically the capability and speed of information to and from the Ipswich residents of the time.

The Telegraph office was opened on Saturday, April 13, 1861 at the Ipswich Post Office. On that first day 22 telegrams were handled. The first telegram was sent from J. Bramston, Clerk of the Executive Council to the Police Magistrate of Ipswich, Colonel Gray, congratulating the people of Ipswich on the establishment of telegraphic communications. The longest telegram sent on that momentous day was sent by a Mr Roberts and was twenty-one words long and cost three shillings and ten pence.

Information taken from “What hath God Wrought. A history of the Queensland Telegraph Service from 1861″ by P.J. Gribble Telecom Australia, and various Queensland Times articles.

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Tags: technology, telegraph, Telegraph poles

Posted By erin on November 14, 2012

Triassic Fossil locality, 41 Cairns Road, Ebbw Vale, Ipswich, 1991 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

Fossil sites in the area of Ipswich have been well known by locals for many years. There are several Triassic fossil sites in the surrounding suburbs of Ipswich including sites at Redbank Plains, Dinmore, Ebbw Vale and Mount Crosby. The fossil site of Redbank Plains is an area located on Jones and Brittains Road,  that is fast being developed into housing for the growing population of Ipswich. However, there are still said to be examples in the area that show fossils of fish, crocodiles, turtles, birds, insects and plants contained in rocky outcrops of shale and ironstone. Previous specimens uncovered in this area were said to have been found in small holes on surrounding slopes, however, much of these areas now have been developed.

The area of Dinmore also contains a fossil site specifically within the local Dinmore Quarry, which is said to be home to several late Triassic flora. The site was once home to several breeds of Dicroidium flora (ferns), bryophytes (moss) and gymnosperm (conifers, cycads) which have now formed fossils within the Blackstone shale that is present at the site. The site is also said to contain fossils of insects and other invertebrates, which have been preserved in Lacustrine (lake) sediments present in this area.

Mount Crosby also has a large fossil reserve located on the old Mount Crosby Railway line adjacent to Mount Crosby Road near College’s Crossing. The site is said to contain insect fossils, which are relatively rare but abundant in this area. The fossils present at the Mount Crosby site mainly contain parts of insects such as wings, which are preserved in shale deposits and situated in a pipeline easement.

All of these sites will eventually be under threat from future developments in the local and surrounding areas, as the population of Ipswich increases. Therefore it is important to preserve these sites, their heritage and the value that they bring to the areas in which they reside.

Information taken from “Australia’s fossil heritage” by the CSIRO.

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Tags: Dinmore, Ebbw Vale, Fossils, Mount Crosby, Redbank Plains