Ebelthite, Pandzic Claim Ipswich Titles

Fran and Ted of Metro Hotel Ipswich International, with the Mayor of Ipswich and Tennis Players

Experience prevailed over youth on finals day of the 2013 City of Ipswich Tennis International, with Australian Colin Ebelthite and Croatian qualifier Jelena Pandzic clinching the titles at Ipswich Grammar Park Tennis Centre.

In hot conditions, South Australian Ebelthite won his first Pro Tour title since 2010 with a hard fought 6-4 6-7(7) 6-2 victory over New South Wales qualifier Jonathon Cooper.

One break of serve was enough for Ebelthite to close out the first set 6-4 against an agitated Cooper, yet Cooper started to stretch Ebelthite in the second set with aggressive groundstrokes and variety.

He looked set to take the second set after building a 5-2 lead before Ebelthite stormed back to force a second set tiebreak. Ebelthite saved one set point at 7-6 before Cooper closed the tiebreak out 9-7.

Both players required a change of attire in the oppressive conditions for the deciding third set, and it was Ebelthite who lifted his game once again with several net rushes, forcing a break at 3-2 in the third set.

He closed the match out with a series of unreturnable first serves.

Ebelthite was happy with the win and said he hoped it was a springboard for a good 2013 season.

“(I’m) just really happy to win the tournament here in Ipswich. I’d like to congratulate Jonathan on such a great week and I’m sure he will keep up his good form,” he said.

“I’d like to thank all of the sponsors and everyone that works hard behind the scenes to make these events happen. It’s great to have these types of events here in Australia.”

In the women’s final, Pandzic won the 10th Pro Tour title of her career with a 7-5 2-6 6-2 over West Australian 18-year-old Storm Sanders.

Sanders raced to a 5-2 lead in the first set before Pandzic reeled off five games in a row to win the opening set 7-5. In a seesawing affair Sanders regained the momentum by winning the next five games before closing out the second set 6-2.

However, Pandzic would not be denied, winning a tough third set 6-2 and ecstatic with her victory.

“I’m so happy to win this week as a qualifier. The tournament has been really nice and I would especially like to thank the City of Ipswich and everyone who has made the tournament possible.”

Metro Hotel Ipswich International’s second MICE Expo

An invitation to BEN to attend Metro Hotel Ipswich International’s second MICE Expo attracted conference and events planners from as far afield as the Gold Coast.

It was an experience that included a Brisbane Airport pickup in a white stretch limo, the fine hospitality of the Metro Hotel, hot air ballooning over Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley, a stroll through historic Queens Park, a helicopter tour of the city and a touch down at beautiful Brookwater Golf & Country Club with lunch overlooking the fairway at Drift Restaurant and a luxuriating spa treatment at Sang Day Spa.

Gary Long and Div Grover, Metro Hospitality Group, enjoying Ipswich’s Queen’s Park.

Foster & Allen - Live at the Civic Theatre Ipswich

Ireland’s most famous and successful singing duo, Foster & Allen, are returning to Ipswich. Mick Foster and Tony Allen first toured Australia in 1983 and this will be their 18th trip ‘Down Under’.  These charismatic singers have been performing their unique blend of easy listening and folk music for over 30 years.

Their popularity is proven with sell-out concerts and ever-increasing record sales.  Between them, Foster & Allen have sold 18 million records, making them one of Ireland’s biggest entertainment exports and putting them in the same league as U2, Enya, Boyzone and The Corrs.

Their 23 albums have included the immensely popular The Rambles of Spring, A Bunch of Thyme, Maggie and After All These Years.  After more than 30 years Foster & Allen’s popularity continues to flourish and local fans should book tickets promptly as their concerts always sell well.

Room On The Broom - Ipswich Civic Theatre

The team behind The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child return with songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up – and their grown-ups.

How the cat purred and how the witch grinned, as they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind.

The witch and her cat are flying happily on their broomstick – until a stormy wind blows away the witch’s hat, bow and wand. A helpful dog, a bird and a frog find the witch’s lost things, and they all hop on the broom for a ride. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – the broom snaps in two!

When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch? And will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?

Ipswich Is Holding the Aces - Conferences and Functions

Ipswich, Queensland‘s oldest provincial city, is an alluring blend of heritage charm, metropolitan
sophistication and expansive green spaces. Just 45 minutes west of Brisbane and an hour from the
Gold Coast, Ipswich combines rich heritage with the energy of being the hub of today’s growth
region in South East Queensland.

The Metro Hotel Ipswich International is 4.5 star, six storey property overlooking one of the pristine parklands. Offering 97 Accommodation Rooms, consisting of 11 One Bedroom Apartments, 2 Executive Spa Suites, 68 Superior Rooms and 16 Deluxe Rooms.
7 first class Conference and is fast emerging as a strong, affordable destination for small and mid-sized
business events.

Book and hold your Conference before 31st March
For a minimum of 15 delegates on a
Day Delegates Package of $59.00 per delegate
50% OFF Room Hire,
Plus- Free of Charge Data Projector, Screen and Microphone

Fran Edney Sales Manager 07 3812 8077
fedney@metrohg.com

ICC Seniors Concert - Moments to Remember

Directed by Sandra Breen.

Set in the bygone Radio Studio in Ipswich, featuring the 4IP Big Band, David Greenwood, John Knox and the talented Ipswich Seniors’ Concert cast and crew in music, fun and comedy.

Enjoy radio commercials of old, skits, great songs including Anything Goes by Cole Porter, Young at Heart by Johnny Richards, Moonlight and Roses by Edwin H. Lemare, The Very Thought of You by Ray Noble and many more old favourites.

SHOW DETAILS Dates: Tuesday 9 April 2013 Time: 10:00am (special needs show -please call 3810 6100 to book) 1:30pm (general public show) Tickets: All Tickets $8.00 More Info: Music & Concerts Send To A Friend: Think someone else will enjoy this show? Then forward this to your friends.

HOW TO BOOK Phone: 3810 6100 (Credit Card Only) Monday - Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm In Person: Visit the Ticket Office located at:143 Brisbane Street, Ipswich (Ipswich City Council Customer Service Centre). Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm If you order online, you can now select your seat or let us choose the best available for your group.

MICE Expo to Show Off Ipswich City - Metro Hotel Ispwich International

IPSWICH businesses will showcase the city as a host for future events and conferences at the MICE Expo at the Metro Hotel Ipswich International, South St, on March 13.

On show to regional event organisers will be the many products and services on offer in Ipswich, including hot air ballooning, helicopter winery tours, golf, beauty treatments, art galleries and boutique shopping.

The MICE expo runs from 11am-2pm.

Exhibitors on display at the hotel will include Drift restaurant, Pterodactyl Helicopters, The Wine Company, Sang's Day Spa, Simply Elegant Occasions, Ipswich Tourism, Ipswich Sports House, Ipswich Office of Economic Development and limousine services.

Phone 3812 8077 for details.

View the Official Metro Hotel Ipswich International website