A Modern Health Hub Serving Ipswich
The After Hours Clinic and its grounds are deeply tied to Ipswich’s long history, spanning back 137 years. Originally established in 1885 as the Blackstone State School, its creation was driven by necessity. At the time, the only schools accessible by horse or foot were Newtown School and Lower Bundamba School, both too far for many families.
Determined to provide closer access to education, the Blackstone community came together and formed a building committee to construct the school.
By 1886, construction began on two initial buildings: a classroom and a teacher's residence, marking the beginning of Blackstone’s educational legacy.
A Thriving Community and Changing Times
On January 17, 1887, Blackstone State School opened its doors to 63 students with a welcoming ceremony. Over the next few years, it became a thriving hub of education, growing to serve 161 students by 1892—making it one of the largest schools in the district at the time.
However, as the local mining industry declined, families began moving away to seek job opportunities, leading to falling enrolments. Despite this, the school adapted to the community’s needs, adding an infants’ room in 1910 and a demountable classroom (later converted into a library) in 1984.
In 2007, under the Queensland Government’s “State Schools of Tomorrow” program, Blackstone State School was evaluated for future operations. Despite significant community efforts to save the school, it officially closed in 2009, marking the end of its educational chapter.
