Council supports family events

IPSWICH Awakening and the Purga Elders and Descendants Aboriginal Corporation will each receive $2000 as part of the Community Development Grants Program.

Arts, Community and Cultural Services committee chairperson Cr Charlie Pisasale said the funds would be used to stage events that would benefit the local community.

"Ipswich Awakening will use this money to help stage the annual Easter Monday Funday, while the Purga Elders and Descendants Aboriginal Corporation will use the funds for the Purga Family Day," Cr Pisasale said.

"Both these organisations do wonderful things within our community and I am pleased to announce this funding boost that will allow them to continue running programs and events that will benefit Ipswich.

"A family-friendly environment is part of what makes Ipswich a great place to raise a family, and these family fun days showcase this.

"The Ipswich Awakening Easter Monday Funday is held annually, while the Purga Elders is holding their inaugural family day event."

Cr Pisasale said Ipswich Awakening's Easter Monday Funday was an Ipswich institution, having been held for the past 17 years. This year's event will be held at Queens Park and will include carnival rides, interactive activities and refreshments. Up to 20,000 are expected to attend.

Meanwhile, the Purga Family Day will be held on May 8 and will celebrate the life of Australian boxer Ron Richards, who lived at the Purga Aboriginal Mission during the 1940s and 50s. 

The Community Development Grants Program helps non-profit organisations by providing funding for community infrastructure, events and the purchasing of necessary equipment.