THRILLED to be receiving the Keys to the City, Ipswich State High School Rugby League Academy head coach Josh Bretherton described his team's recent Australian final success as “staggering”.
It was an emotion-charged, rare sporting feat that lifted Ipswich into the national spotlight.
The Ipswich school team won an unprecedented triple treat of South East Queensland, Queensland and Australian titles during a sensational unbeaten run.
Bretherton is now delighted to join his players and support staff in receiving the city's top accolade.
“To be conferred with the Keys to the City is a recognition of the tenacious commitment and hard work the staff and students have shown over the last 10 years,” Bretherton said.
“To have their efforts commemorated by the Mayor and Council in this way is an honour that we will value for a lifetime, and something we could only have dreamed of.
“We all feel very proud to be part of the Ipswich community, and the special place the Ipswich State
High School Rugby League program now has in the sporting landscape of Australia.”
A community function will now be organised to present the Keys to the City to Ipswich State High School in coming weeks.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the school - from the teachers, coaches, supporters and the players – have created a successful world-class rugby league program the whole city can be proud of.
“Council will give the Keys to the City to ISHS to acknowledge and celebrate the school’s historic achievement of winning the Allan Langer Trophy, Phil Hall Cup and the National Schoolboys Cup,” Cr Harding said.
“This was the first time ISHS had made the national final, capping off what had been a fairytale, undefeated season.
“ISHS has demonstrated its commitment to furthering the ideals of our city – achieving national
recognition for their outstanding performance while representing Ipswich with pride, skill and honour.”
Previous recipients of the Keys to the City include tennis champion Ash Barty, Ipswich Elder Aunty Faye Carr, international cricketer Shane Watson, the Ipswich Jets, Queensland Police Service, swimmer Leah Neale, soccer player Kasey Wehrmann and record-breaking sportswoman Deborah Acason (nee Lovely).
Ipswich's Broncos rugby league connection – Allan Langer, Kevin and Kerrod Walters – also received the accolade and memorable parade after winning the NRL grand final.
Community, Cultural, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said the granting and presentation of the Keys to the City is the highest honour our city can give to an
individual or organisation.
“ISHS has a long and proud history as a nursery for future rugby league stars,” Cr Fechner said.
“This year’s exceptional achievements on the football field build on this history and bolster the school’s stellar reputation as a provider of sporting opportunities and pathways where dedicated coaches and inspirational role models work to develop elite athletes and valued citizens.”
Division 4 Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said ISHS took a holistic approach with their sporting programs.
“Not only does ISHS focus on skills on the field, but their program also helps with social and emotional development of the players and who they are as a person.”