The ‘Keys to the City of Ipswich’ were presented to Ipswich State High School (ISHS) on 21 October in Tulmur Place, to acknowledge its historical triple-title sporting achievement in rugby league.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the whole of Ipswich was invited to celebrate the school’s success.
Council presented the keys at a civic event celebrating the school’s historic achievement of winning the Allan Langer Trophy, Phil Hall Cup and the National Schoolboys Cup this year.
“It is the first time the school had made the national final, capping off what had been a fairy tale, undefeated season…” Mayor Harding said before the event.
Community, Cultural, Arts and Sport Committee chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said awarding the keyswas the highest honour the city can confer on an individual, group or organisation.
“The tradition is derived from medieval times, when a key was given to the gates of a walled city which were guarded during the day and locked at night, giving the recipient freedom to enter and leave the city at will,” Cr Fechner said.
“In modern times it is a symbolic, ornamental key with past recipients including tennis champion Ash Barty, the Ipswich Jets, Broncos Rugby League Football Club, Michael Voss, Deborah Lovely and Kasey Wehrmann.”
Division Four Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said ISHS deserved the recognition.
“The whole city is proud of this team and the school for their outstanding performance while representing Ipswich with pride, skill and honour,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
Division Four Councillor Russell Milligan said the ISHS rugby league team had defied the odds all season.
“The three titles further cement the school’s reputation as a training ground for future champions where dedicated coaches and inspirational role models work to develop elite athletes and valued citizens,” Cr Milligan said.
