It may be February already, but it’s never too late to say Happy New Year Ipswich! Does it feel a little different already? Of course! Are we beyond excited for all 2020 is going to bring? Absolutely.

However, it’s impossible to focus on new beginnings without acknowledging the deep rifts and damage caused by the devastating bushfires, which have been raging since September 2019. The impacts have been felt all around the country, yet so too have the extraordinary efforts displayed in communities working together to fight, support and rebuild. Because of this, we made a special effort to focus on how the RAAF communities at Amberley have been pitching in to help, including transporting a desalination plant to Kangaroo Island, preparing kitchen units for Orbost, and having a chat with Logistics Officer David Weekley about Operation Bushfire Assist.

As the heat continues to grow, the lure of air-con and pools grows greater. So we have made sure to include some perfect places to go to cool off, and what to wear while you’re there, as well as some fantastic prizes that will have you escaping to the movies, playhouse and library.

Don’t forget to check out the Big Book Sale, enter the competitions and put your name in the running for one of the upcoming blockbusters.

Welcome to 2020, it’s all happening here in the Swich’!

We’re super excited to have the amazing Ipswich Girls’ & Junior Grammar School gracing the cover. You can read our full issue here!

Luciana