Gala Fashion Evening to Kick Start Ipswich Fashion Festival 2013 - Metro Hotels

Local designers, fashion students and retailers will take centre stage at a Gala Fashion Evening to be held as part of Ipswich Fashion Festival 2013 in the Metro Hotel Ipswich International Grandchester Ballroom on Friday 25^th October from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.

Wine and canapés will be served at 6.30pm on The Terrace, followed by a Runway Show featuring the best of local and regional fashion design at 7.00pm, a spectacular performance by Ipswich-based Allula Productions’ burlesque show, and the announcement of the winners of the PFAFF Student Design Awards. Stefan Hair Salon will be providing a complimentary Hair & Beauty Bar set up for guests attending the function from 4.30 to 6.30pm.  Bookings are not required.

This premier regional fashion event of the year will showcase the latest creations from local and metropolitan designers and retailers, including Leigh Buchanan Designs, When Freddie met Lilly by Vanessa Hoe, Naked in the Night Clothing Co., Loose Lemur Clothing, Queensland Bridal Design, and ready-to-wear to name just a few.

Metro Hotel Ipswich International General Manager Ted Matthews said the fashion evening was a wonderful way of showcasing the enormous amount of local talent and fashion available in Ipswich, while also providing a great excuse for a night of entertainment for all.

“Ipswich is fortunate to have so much wonderful fashion on offer but we also enjoy getting together for a great night out,” he said.  “The Gala Fashion Evening has been organised to not only celebrate the diversity of fashion and design here in Ipswich, but also to be a night of great fun, fashion and music!”

The 2-day Festival will continue on Saturday 26 October with the Vintage Vixens and Retro Rockabilly Fashion Fiesta in Ipswich City Mall from 9.30am to 1.30pm, featuring a parade of recycled and up-cycled fashion, and numerous stalls packed with vintage and retro clothing and accessories.

At 1pm, that same day, there will be a Catwalk Collections parade at Riverlink Shopping Centre, at which designer pieces will be exhibited, along with bridal fashion design and student design award winners.

 

Tickets to the Gala Fashion Evening are $22.00, and are available from Ipswich Events Corporation or you can ring 3812 2974. Guests wanting to stay at the hotel can call the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321 or the hotel direct on 07 3812 8077.

A City Wide Celebration - Moon Festival

Chinese language students with red lanterns ahead of the Chinese Moon Festival next week. (Image: Claudia Baxter)

IPSWICH'S Chinese community hopes to get the rest of the city involved in its first annual Moon Festival, to be held on September 21.

The Moon Festival is a traditional family celebration in the Chinese community, but one that has not been enjoyed in Ipswich until members of the Australian Culture Link Association's Alpha Chinese School got the ball rolling.

ACCLA president Windy Wu said the event aimed to promote the exchange of cultures, crafts, knowledge and ideas between ordinary people.

"In Chinese culture and tradition, Moon Festival is a day for family to be together and have fun," Ms Wu said.

"To the Chinese the full moon represents the whole family siting at the round table and there are many legends and stories associated with Moon Festival."

The event, to be staged at Ipswich Central State School Hall, will feature Chinese music, drama, singing, dancing and other cultural performances.

Members of the public will be able to enjoy the activities for free.

Ms Wu said the Australia China Culture Link Association was a non-profit organisation promoting cultural exchange between China and Australia through language lessons in both countries.

Alpha Chinese School is part of ACCLA and it has been providing local community classes of Chinese language and culture.

"This is the first time that the Chinese Moon Festival will be accessible to Ipswich, and we have created this event as an opportunity for all cultures to come together," Ms Wu said.

FAST FACTS

When: September 21 from 10am-noon

Where: Ipswich Central State School Hall, 2A Griffith Rd, Ipswich

Ipswich Home and Lifestyle Expo

Ipswich Home and Lifestyle Expo

Come and join us for a week end of fun filled activities, prizes, demonstrations and special offers from our exhibitors and Sponsors. Here are some of the activities happening over the week end : 

• River 949fm - Outside broadcast and special promotions

• Mitre 10 DIY demonstrations 

• Free hearing tests offered

• Free movie tickets given away every hour

• Chainsaw demonstrations

• Ride-on mower obstacle course

• Kids entertainment including Baby Animal farm & Jumping Castle

• Artist demonstrations

• Helicopter Mystery Flight for 2 people to be won

• Mystery Prize valued at $288 to be won by a lucky Expo visitor

• Plus much more ...... see Program for further details and times

ABOUT IPSWICH

Ipswich is Australia’s smartest city and one of the world’s most intelligent as recently named for the second year in a row by Intelligent Communities Smart21. The Intelligent Communities Forum is a non-profit think tank that focuses on job creation and economic development in the broadband economy.

Ipswich has a growing population of over 175,000. It is developing major new residential suburbs including Ripley, with a projected population of 120,000 in environmentally friendly housing and Springfield, which is the largest privately owned master planned city in Australia providing for a further population growth of 85,000.

Industrial activity is well underway in 14 industrial/commercial parks in various stages of development. This includes the Swanbank Enterprise Park and the Citiswich Business Park which offer leasing opportunities and the 3,800 hectare Ebenezer Industrial Precinct designated as a regional development area under the SEQ Regional Plan.

2013 Melbourne Cup at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Attend the 2013 Melbourne Cup at Metro Hotel Ipswich International – the best venue in Ipswich to enjoy the race that stops the country!

$75.00 per person

Complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival

• Raffles & Sweepstakes

• Watch the race live on the Big Screen

• Fashions on the Field Competition

Location: 43 South Street (Cnr Foote Lane) Ipswich Qld 4305

- Cash bar facilities will be available on the day -

BOOK TODAY: Kimberley (07) 3812 – 8077

Or email: EventsIpswich@MetroHG.com

www.MetroHotels.com.au

See below for menu:

Fashions on the Field Competition

Camp Quality 1000K Bike Ride - Ipswich to Newscastle

35 cyclists and one award-winning singer to cycle 1,000 km from Ipswich to Newcastle

From September 6-15, 35 cyclists, 20 support crew, two wacky puppets and award-winning country singer Catherine Britt will all embark on a 1,000km journey from Ipswich in Queensland to Newcastle in NSW, raising funds and awareness to create a better life for every child living with cancer in Australia.

The epic cycle challenge - the Glencore 1,000kms4Kids - will begin in Ipswich on September 6 and pass through the towns of Toowoomba, Warwick, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Uralla, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Murrurundi, Singleton and finish in Newcastle on September 15. 

Riders will cycle from Ipswich, Qld, to Newcastle, NSW

The event has grown year on year - in 2011, 18 cyclists participated and raised $115,000. Last year, 30 cyclists participated and raised $250,000. This year the goal is for the 35 participating cyclists to raise $300,000 - which would be enough for Camp Quality to support 75 families who have a child living with cancer for the next year.

Along the cycle route, the McDonald's Camp Quality puppets will perform at primary schools in a fun and educational show which teaches pupils how to be supportive and understanding of children living with cancer.

Donna George, Camp Quality Fundraising Coordinator, said: "Taking Camp Quality's message on the road in this way is such a great way for us to engage local communities with our work. As well as raising funds to help create a better life for every child living with cancer, our puppet show travels with us to teach pupils how to be supportive of kids with cancer. In addition, the cyclists and support crew spread around Camp Quality's infectious mantra of optimism and fun therapy - so I urge local communities along the route to turn out in force to cheer the cyclists on and enjoy the exciting atmosphere." 

Country singer Catherine Britt said: "I've been so inspired by the heartbreak cures that Camp Quality offers to families going through such a traumatic time, that I've agreed to cycle all 1,000kms of the challenge. It's going to be an amazing 10 days - I only hope my legs last the distance!"

Country singer Catherine Britt is proud to be part of 1000kms4Kids

On Sunday September 8, the mayor of Tenterfield, Peter Petty, will be riding into Tenterfield with the cyclists.

Cyclists will arrive at The Junction Hotel, Newcastle from 11am on Sunday September 15 for a major welcome home party and family fun day. Festivities will start at 9.00am and food, live entertainment, street stalls, balloons, face painting and some Camp Quality style fun therapy will be on offer. All locals are invited to attend.

To sponsor a rider or to find our more, visitwww.mycampquality.org.au/1000ks4kids  or contact Donna George on 02 4947 8311.

Source: http://www.campquality.org.au/news/2013-09/1000kms.aspx

Ipswich Fashion Festival 2013

Don't Miss the 2013 Ipswich Fashion Festival - Catwalk, Culture and Couture

TICKETS ON SALE NOW – ONLY $22.00 per person. 

PHONE: 3812 - 2974

Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Grandchester Ballroom

Friday 25 October 2013

6.30pm—8.30pm

The premier fashion event of the year! A celebration of the diversity of fashion, design and culture.

Runway Designs by Leigh Buchanan Designs and Vanessa Hoe “When Freddie met Lilly’, Naked in the Night Clothing Co, Qld Bridal Design, Pret a Porter, and the PFAFF Student Design Awards.

Wine & canapés 6.30pm on The Terrace.

Runway Showing:7.00pm

Spectacular performance by Allula Productions

Free Guest Hair & Beauty Bar 4.30pm—6.30pm . Bookings essential.

Tickets: $22.00pp. Phone 3812 2974

All tickets enter the draw to win fabulous prizes.

Vintage Vixens & Retro Rockabilly’ Fashion Fiesta!

9.30am—1.30pm

Ipswich City Mall

Saturday 26 October 2013

Stalls packed with vintage and retro clothing and accessories and preloved fashion. Join us for the Prom King and Queen pageant, Vintage Cars, Swing Dance, Fashion Parade, Miss Lindy Charm School, the Sugar Shakers, and so much more.

‘Catwalk Collections’ Fashion Parade

Riverlink Shopping Centre

1.00pm

Saturday 26 October 2013

The Gala Fashion Designs cross the Bremer River. Where high-end fashion meets Ready to Wear. Parade includes Designer pieces, Qld Bridal Designs, Pret a Porter, and the Student Design Award winners.

Welcome to Ipswich - Where Buddhism is Big

HELPING HANDS: Julia Wu (front), the principal of Tzu Chi Foundation Australia based at the Gold Coast, and other members of the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation donate books to Metro Hotel Ipswich International and library services in Ipswich

THE caring ties that bind Ipswich and the Tzu Chi Foundation have been strengthened with an agreement between the city council and the Buddhist group. 

The Tzu Chi Foundation, which live by the creed that it is more of a blessing to serve others than be served, unexpectedly flew into Ipswich after the 2011 floods and has continued to help, regularly giving out care packages. 

After the floods, the group known as Blue Angels due to their distinctive outfits gave $500, blankets and other supplies to 2000 families. 
Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale, who has developed a close relationship with Tzu Chi, is delighted with the agreement signed on Monday. 

"The founder of the organisation has over 10 million followers and this is the first agreement of its kind in the world," the Mayor said. 

"This is not a business agreement. It is an agreement based on care and compassion between a great city and a great organisation." 

Now, in a world-first, guests at the Metro Hotel International in Ipswich will be able to learn more about the Tzu Chi Foundation. 

Cr Pisasale and Ted Matthews from the Metro Hotel International yesterday accepted a special presentation from the Buddhist compassion relief organisation. 
Copies of a book on Jing Si Aphorisms will be in each of the hotel's 97 rooms and copies were also given to the city's library service. 

Cr Pisasale said the donation was yet another wonderful gift to the city by the foundation. 
"We are pleased to be able to accept these books which will provide the hotel's guests and Ipswich library patrons with the chance to learn more about the basics of the foundation," he said. 
"This book is in four different languages - English, Japanese, Italian and Chinese - and this hotel will be the first in the world to get it." 

In the book, Dharma Master Cheng Yen has translated the essence of the Buddha's teachings to exemplify life lessons. 

Cr Pisasale said the council looked forward to working closely with the Tzu Chi Foundation. 
"The foundation believes compassion is not only expressed through words but is to be realised through service to humanity," he said. 

"With integrity, compassion, joy and courage we will embrace a bright and promising future together. 
"People think that because Tzu Chi is a Buddhist organisation that they're there to sell Buddhism; they're not. 
"But part of their religion is care and compassion for the community." 

Buddhism Basics 

• Buddhism is a religion that encompasses beliefs and practices based on teachings attributed to the Buddha, meaning "the awakened one".
• The Buddha lived and taught in the eastern part of India some time between the sixth and fourth centuries BC.
• He is recognised by Buddhists as an enlightened teacher who shared his insights to help sentient beings end their suffering and attain the sublime state of nirvana.

When Dad Married Fury – By David Williamson

Featuring – John Wood, David James, Drew Tingwell, Annie Last, Nell Feeney, Tanya Burne and Jan Friedl.

Watch out because here comes the bride…Incongruous brothers Ian and Ben are on their way to Sydney to visit their recently widowed father. Three big surprises are in store when they arrive at his 75th birthday celebrations.

The ‘Old Man’ is worth $100 million. He’s gone and married Fury, an American beauty queen half his age. There is no pre-nup…With his trademark wit and skilful blending of contemporary culture within the ageless framework of family greed, jealousy, love and expectation, Australia’s leading playwright David Williamson delivers another gripping play and his most memorable characters to date.  Is there more to the beautiful Fury than meets the eye? Is Alan the father he thinks he is? Do Ben’s loyalties lie with his wife, his dad or himself? Can Ian contain his greed long enough to get a signature on the right will? And who is to blame for the death of Ben’s father-in-law?  One thing is for certain: everything changed when Dad married Fury.

Check out the Promo Video for When Dad Married Fury

Find Nearby accommodation at Metro Hotel Ipswich International