LIVE, WORK AND PLAY LIFESTYLE, JOBS AND COMMUNITY COMBINE TO MAKE THE WESTERN DOWNS THE IDEAL PLACE TO CALL HOME - TSBE
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2019 EDITION
RRP $7.95
EXPLORE
THE REGION’S
GROWING
LIFESTYLE
ATTRACTING
FAMILIES AND
BUSINESS
LIV E, WOR K A ND PLA Y
LIFESTYLE, JOBS AND COMMUNITY COMBINE TO MAKE
THE WESTERN DOWNS THE IDEAL PLACE TO CALL HOME
The Western Downs
14
Just two and a half hours’ drive is a resilient and diverse economy our region has a reputation for a CONTENTS
west of Brisbane and an easy supported by a skilled workforce strong cultural scene, stunning
three hours from the Gold and and thriving jobs market. natural beauty and parklands and 4 WELCOME
A region where every
Sunshine Coasts, the Western for hosting fantastic events. The
town has a story
Downs combines the charm
of country living with the ease
As the energy capital of
Australia, we continue to attract
newest addition to our lineup, the
Big Skies Festival, celebrates all 6 G’DAY WESTERN DOWNS
What the Census says about us
35
of access to metropolitan national interest for our wide that makes us great — attracting
centres. It’s a rare mix. open plains and abundance of visitors from across Australia to 8 AROUND THE REGION
A local’s guide to region’s
sunshine. Coal, gas, ethanol, enjoy all our region has to offer. cafe culture
Many people are discovering the wind and solar energy generation
12 INDULGE IN DINING DELIGHTS
combination of good professional form the cornerstone of our The Western Downs - an A local’s guide to region’s
opportunities and a great lifestyle, economy, reinforced by our affordable place for families to cafe culture
with our population continuing
to grow, currently sitting at
traditional agriculture,
intensive agriculture and
live, work, prosper and play. 14 EVENTS GUIDE
Massive festivals pay
06
almost 34,000 in an area that manufacturing industries. homage to history
covers the size of Switzerland. 16 ENTREPRENEURS SET UP SHOP
But we’re not all solar and Petrina’s love of fashion
With many positive things going sorghum on the Western Downs. 18 REAL ESTATE
for us here on the Western From camel racing in Tara to Pursuing the Great
Downs, one of our key strengths watermelon skiing in Chinchilla, Australian Dream
20 CREATIVITY ON SHOW
08
Explore gallery exhibitions
24 INFRASTRUCTURE
Energy capital of Queensland
generates massive projects
ABOUT ‘LIVE
29 IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL
More than just water
WESTERN DOWNS’
Welcome to LIVE Western Downs , highlighting the
28 TRANSPORT SORTED best the Western Downs has to offer.
Region delivers with road, rail and air
Talking daily to new and long-term residents of the
30 FOCUS ON EDUCATION Western Downs the story is always the same: they
Best and brightest strive love where they live and want to share the best kept
for excellence secret in Queensland with other potential new residents
35 AGRICULTURE interested in making the Western Downs home.
Where tradition meets innovation It is our pleasure here at TSBE, in partnership with Western Downs Regional
36 HEALTHCARE Council, to launch LIVE Western Downs and shine a spotlight on the enviable
New services connecting the region lifestyle and career opportunities on offer for those considering a ‘tree change’.
40 SPORTS The Western Downs spurred by sound economic growth and investment enjoys
Sports stars on the track, in the consistently low unemployment which means that excellent career and business
pool or on the field opportunities exist across numerous industries. Combining these opportunities
with affordable housing and friendly, open communities means new residents are
42 STAY A LITTLE LONGER often blown away by how easy it is to settle into the region.
Pitch a tent or cool off by the creeks
It’s a district known for welcoming industry and innovation and a stronghold for
sectors including agriculture, energy, manufacturing and tourism. At TSBE, we link
business with opportunity and we can help you establish or expand your enterprise
C O N T RI B U T O RS in the region that’s home to almost 5,000 local businesses.
LIVE Western Downs magazine is We hope this publication has inspired you to explore what life could be like in the
produced with the help of the region’s ‘Big Skies’ region.
best photographers Dan Proud of Ali Davenport
Dan Proud Photography and Melissa TSBE CEO
Batterham of MiaMia Photography.
Additional photography has been TSBE is an independent, business-led organisation working actively in
the Western Downs and surrounding regions to help local businesses
provided by Western Downs Regional
1804050
and promote the area so that our regional economy can continue
Council and Linda Mantova. to thrive and grow. For more information about TSBE’s activity in the
Western Downs please contact us on 4639 4600 or www.tsbe.com.au.
2 LIVE WESTERN DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 3
WELCOME TO THE REGION
The Sky’s the Limit
Region thrives as economy
continues to perform
PHOTOGRAPHY DAN PROUD
T he Western Downs’ economy
is achieving significant
growth as the net wealth
The Tong Park piggery near Warra
is the second largest in the
country and is evidence of the
and full of diverse and exciting
employment opportunities.
Manufacturing in the Western
generated by the local economy scale of the local industry.
Downs is growing too as many
increases at an impressive
Agriculture remains the region’s businesses perform well in local,
rate. The cornerstones of
largest employer however national and even global export
the economy are made up by
it is closely followed by the markets. Businesses like Dalby-
their agriculture, intensive
construction and mining sectors. based White Industries, a metal
agriculture, manufacturing
fabrication company with a vast
and energy sectors. Known for good reason as the array of products for industry and
In the year ending 2017 alone Energy Capital of Australia, the niche international markets, are
gross regional product increased Western Downs is home to many exporting turbocharger cylinder
by 14.2%, now that’s a lot of major projects forming ‘five heads and other products to
very productive local businesses pillars’ of energy in the region markets in Japan and America
and industries! namely: coal, coal seam gas, (think NASCAR racing!). This is
ethanol, wind and solar. just scratching the surface with
In the last Agricultural Census
Renewable and coal seam gas many similar examples of local
by the Australian Bureau of
projects are in the media regularly innovation across food, machinery
Statistics in 2016, agricultural
announcing investments. With 18 and equipment manufacturing.
output in Western Downs totalled
$892 million. Broadacre farming solar farm developments approved The Western Downs has the
including cereal crops totalled and the country’s largest windfarm lowest unemployment rate in
49.4% of the production with on their doorstep, not to mention regional Queensland and with all
intensive livestock accounted the multibillion-dollar investments this activity it is unsurprising that
for 47.7% of the remainder of that have been made over the they are warmly welcoming new
output in value terms. This is not last decade into the region’s residents chasing fresh country
surprising with companies like ongoing and long-term coal seam air and affordable living without
the Sunpork Group continuing to gas industry, it’s evident that having to compromise the next
grow their assets in the region. the region is financially strong step for their careers.
READY TO
HARVEST
Broadacre farming
is not only lucrative
for the economy,
it also creates some
stunning scenery.
Here a sea of
rusty red sorghum
stretches to
the horizon.
4 LIVE WESTERN DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 5
LIVING IN THE WESTERN DOWNS
G’
DA Y W ESTER N
D OW N S
WHAT THE LATEST CENSUS
REVEALS ABOUT US
PHOTOGRAPHY DAN PROUD AND
MIAMIA PHOTOGRAPHY
Ask one of your 34,000 neighbours that live here what
makes the Western Downs so special and you’ll hear it’s
the opportunity to grow your own business, know your
neighbour and raise a family in stunning surroundings.
The latest Census data » More than 61% of us are
shows that this is a region working full-time, much
to admire, with cheaper higher than the state and
and more expansive national average of 57%.
housing than capital WHAT DO YOU LOVE
cities, a multicultural
» We have about the same
number of managers and ABOUT LIVING IN THE
community and plenty of
professionals (30%) as we WESTERN DOWNS?
jobs on offer.
do labourers and tradies.
» On average we’re 37, We work hard and play
have two cars at home hard, with half of those
and pay about $200 a employed clocking more
week in rent. Compare than 40 hours a week
that to Brisbane’s weekly
» An Englishman, Irishman Share your story on social at
rent of $355, or the state
and Scotsman walk into @WesternDownsRC
average of $330.
a bar … Add a touch of and don’t forget to
» This means you can German to the story and #LoveWesternDowns
afford to settle down you’ve covered the major
right here. We’re spread ancestries in the region.
out across 15,000
» Aboriginal and Torres
homes, with one-in-four
Strait Islanders make
residents working towards
up more than 5% of
the Australian dream of
the population.
paying off their mortgage.
Our average repayments » There’s 8,188 families
are about $1400 a month living here, and for those
which is also cheaper than with kids, there’s two at
the state average of $1733 home. That’s the perfect
or the nation’s $1755. And number to avoid the age-
needless to say there’s old problem of who sits
plenty more bang for your in the middle seat in the
buck in the Western Downs back on long drives.
6 LIVE WESTERN DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 7
AROUND THE REGION AROUND THE REGION
Around the Region
There
’s more to the Western Downs than the
stunning landscapes. Whether it’ s adventure sports
or captivating history you’
re after, we’ve got it all.
PHOTOGRAPHY DAN PROUD, MIAMIA PHOTOGRAPHY Chinchilla Weir Prickly Pear, Western Downs Sorghum on the Western Downs
T he Western Downs
leads residents and
journey-makers on a tour of
machinery collections in
Queensland, along with
authentic colonial buildings
monument dedicated to
the Cactoblastis moth,
whose larvae eradicated
WANDOAN sprawling country in every and heritage artefacts. If the invasive prickly pear
direction. Across the region tractors aren’t your thing cactus that was destroying
there’s an all-in country then why not immerse valuable farming land.
spirit that shines through a yourself in local art and
The Miles Historical Village
backdrop to exploration and culture at the MyALL 107
Museum is an iconic centre
adventure, with the perfect precinct instead, or simply
in the region. Established in
mix of pubs, restaurants take a stroll along the banks
1971, locals and visitors alike
and hidden cafés to treat of Myall Creek.
can take a step back in time
yourself as you go.
DULACCA
The Warra Hotel is a exploring the more than 30
MILES The Cunningham, majestic pub that’s been buildings in the turn-of-the-
DRILLHAM
Leichhardt, Warrego lovingly restored to its early century village including a
CHINCHILLA and Moonie highways days in 1906. It’s a part of hospital, café, bank, post
JANDOWAE link a variety of unique a historical area in the town office and bakery.
BRIGALOW
destinations and local that includes a pedestrian
WARRA Craft beer can be hard to
tourism hotspots. underpass linking the two
CONDAMINE BELL find on tap outside of major
JIMBOUR sides of Warra separated
WEST cities, but the Windsor
KAIMKILLENBUN by the railway.
KOGAN Hotel in Miles has been
Many move west from
Early explorer Ludwig named the first pub to
Toowoomba along the
Leichhardt and his party set stock Pirate Life beers on
DALBY Warrego Highway, through
out from the Darling Downs tap in Queensland, with a
GLENMORGAN the major towns of Dalby,
in the mid-1840s. In one dark ale being served to
TARA Chinchilla and Miles, with
expedition members of his patrons. Co-owner Jaimee
plenty of stops enroute.
MEANDARRA party disappeared without Neilsen said the decision to
Brigalow’s general store a trace. Now a popular add the keg to the line-up
is often the first stop on fishing hole, Charley’s Creek was to serve fly-in-fly-out
the way, both Brigalow and in Chinchilla was named workers. 4 Pines Draught
Macalister’s landmark silos after aboriginal tracker also features on the pour
on display that locals may Charley Fisher, who saved list at the pub.
one day see painted with Leichhardt and his party,
Take a weekend to check-
MOONIE stunning murals like the tracking them on horseback
out Possum Park, about
adorned silos at Thallon, for 70 miles.
20km north of Miles, where
south of St George.
For licensed fossickers, you can stay in underground
Visit Dalby’s Pioneer Park Chinchilla offers a trail bunkers that were once
Museum which has one of through rural properties part of RAAF Kowguran, an
the largest working pioneer in search of petrified explosive storage site used
tractors and agricultural wood, ending at a in World War Two.
8 LIVE WESTERN DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 9
AROUND THE REGION AROUND THE REGION
SAVE THE
DATE
Time your trip
and you could
include a day out
to see the annual
Opera at Jimbour
in July hosted
at the iconic
local Homestead
or spend a
fashionable
weekend trackside
in Dalby by day.
CHINCHILLA’S
NORTH hut. The museum also has BOTANIC
PARKLANDS SET
Tara’s original police station
From Dalby head north
jailhouse and court house.
to hike or camp at the
TO FLOURISH
stunning Bunya The Meandarra ANZAC
Mountains at the edge Memorial Museum
of the Western Downs, or celebrates the bravery and
explore small towns like sacrifice of the first Anzacs
Jimbour and Jandowae,
or Bell and Kaimkillenbun.
with memorabilia collected
by locals over 30 years.
TAKE TIME OUT TO ENJOY
The Bun pub is well-known,
along with Jimbour’s
Glenmorgan’s Myall THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Park Botanic Garden
historic homestead.
Gallery is dedicated to PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
For those headed north Dorothy Gordon, housing
from Miles along the a collection of her original
Leichhardt Highway, stop wildflower paintings and is Hot summer days in Chinchilla are set to be cooled off with
in at Wandoan to visit the a host to touring and local construction underway on the largest parklands project
Juandah Head Station. exhibitions with a botanical in the region, an almost $6 million Botanic Parklands.
focus. Montys Garage
SOUTH
Vintage Car Museum is a
Or take the southern
route from Miles through
1940s-style auto garage
with 70 restored vehicles.
T he parklands ties the town’s tourism attraction as
the home of the watermelon, and will bring families
together with a waterpark and recreational space.
Condamine to explore
The tiny settlement Indigenous cultural history, the railway heritage at the
Tara, Meandarra, Moonie
of Moonie, where the site and a Megafauna Discovery Space pays homage
or Glenmorgan.
Leichhardt and Moonie to Chinchilla’s ‘giant wombat’ mega-marsupial are all
The Tara and District Highways intersect, is included in the design.
Historical Museum houses home to Australia’s first oil
Like many major projects to boost tourism and liveability,
much of the town’s heritage, field established in 1961
the Parklands have been talked about since the 1970s,
from a 1929 fire engine and is still operational
finally finding a home on the 4.2 hectare site. Stop in off
to shearing mementos, today. The town is also
the highway and enjoy a break with the kids.
Blue Moon picture theatre home to the now biennial
projection equipment, and an Yabbie Races which are set Welcoming major performances in the future, the site will
authentic 1912 ‘Brauers’ slab to be held in March 2019. also house an amphitheatre for up to 1500 revellers.
10 LIVE WESTERN DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 11
EATING OUT EATING OUT
TRY THESE
Something Tasty
PIPS’N’CHERRIES,
BELL
ON FOR KATTY CAKES, DALBY
TRY: The chocolate
TRY: Steak sandwich SIZE Katrina’s main street café
Annette and Kate’s offers a rotating menu of
destination café is stunning cupcakes from
a scenic 30-minute Lemon Curd to Tiramisu,
drive from Dalby. The delicious lunch options
LOCAL’S GUIDE TO DINING IN, FROM renovated Freemason’s including toasted
paninis, and a range of
hall is filled with
vintage furniture and sandwiches for those
HIGH-TEA TO STEAK SANDWICHES displays to match the on the run. Looking for
feel of the café with something special? She
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED sweets in store. RESTAURANTS creates cakes for
For ethnic special occasions.
cuisine in Dalby,
WANDOAN CAFÉ AND try out the URBAN PADDOCK,
recently opened
COFFEE SHOP, DALBY
Lum’s Chinese
WANDOAN Restaurant’s TRY: Quambi Rueben
TRY: Fish, chips & salad sweet and sour Transforming the
pork, or try a historic Quambi House
Stop in at the
dish from their just off the highway,
gorgeous coffee shop
menu, including Urban Paddock offers
in Royds Street, 45
gluten-free. Lotus sunny verandas, a
minutes north of Miles,
River Chinese gift store and most
and try out a coffee
Smorgasbord importantly, seasonal
and cake, smoothie,
Restaurant and menus. An outdoor
salad wrap or a fruit
My Noodle Box are playground encourages
platter for a healthy
some of Dalby’s families to take time
way to hit the highway.
diverse dining out together.
options. There
are also Thai and
JAMPACK’D CAFÉ, THE DOWNTOWN
Indian restaurants
JANDOWAE offering something CAFÉ, CHINCHILLA
Sample a range of delicious. TRY: Chicken Parmi
flavours. Cara is
Chinchilla’s Giving the café new
making her mark
Masala Hut offers life in early 2017, owner
on Jandowae. Make
an Indian menu Jatinder has revamped
sure you stop in for
with curry, korma the former Rustlers
breakfast or coffee
and tandoori Espresso Bar to open
and try a slice of
meals that can The Downtown, offering
homemade cheesecake
be enjoyed in- new menus, world
with flavours like
store, takeaway flavours and
Lamington or Mocha
or delivered. his own twist on
at the family run café.
Thai Delicious favourite recipes.
and Cheong
Kong Chinese
restaurant offer
THE CREEK CAFÉ, MOONIE CROSSROADS,
delicious flavours.
Local produce is the secret MILES MOONIE
ingredient behind the fresh TRY: The Eggs Benny TRY: Pork Belly
flavours and gourmet
offerings in restaurants Hiding just off the A roadhouse with the
across the Western Downs. main highway, the lot, Moonie Crossroads
From traditional pub fare to offers locals and weary
café encompasses a
authentic cuisine, the region travellers alike, country
florist and gift shop.
has mouth-watering menus hospitality with a fuel
Catering to paleo and station, hotel, bottle
to suit every taste, with many gluten-free and serving
entrepreneurs looking to stake shop, caravan park,
fresh juices, decadent and an art gallery, this
their claim in the industry.
breakfast options and is the one local hotspot.
lunches on the go, this
cafe is well-known.
12 LIVE WESTERN DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 13
EVENTS CALENDAR
P LE NT Y T O Thousands of visitors and families flock to towns across the Western Downs
to celebrate the historical, cultural and agricultural success. Grab the swag or
Had a great time at any of these events?
CELE B R A T E campervan because once you set up at the camp grounds, you’ll struggle to leave!
Share your story at @WesternDownsRC and don’t forget to #LoveWesternDowns
CHINCHILLA MELON FESTIVAL
Bring a change of clothes! Once you see the melon skiing TARA FESTIVAL OF CULTURE AND CAMEL RACES
and bungees, you’ll be ready to get messy. If you haven’t seen a jockey saddle up a camel then try and
race them down the final furlong, this is the event for you.
Thousands of melons are chased down the main street,
carved up and trampled on at the all-in biennial festival The biennial Festival of Culture and Camel Races is a
for the senses. Jump on the bus for a farm tour or watch three-day event for the senses, with the Tara Camel Cup,
the rodeo, biggest melon weigh-in, cooking demos and multicultural shows and dancers, busking, bus tours and
even a beach party at the pub that gives the festival its food from all over the world on offer.
well-deserved reputation.
FEBRUARY 14 – 17, 2019 AUGUST 2 – 4, 2019
BIG SKIES FESTIVAL DALBY’S DELICIOUS AND DELIGHTFUL FESTIVAL
Western Downs Regional Council’s newest festival A one-day spring festival celebrating Dalby’s rich
kicked off in 2018 and showcases the best of the west. multi-cultural community, the Delicious and DeLIGHTful
Festival brings together a year’s worth of themed
Joining the inaugural week-long Big Skies Festival, locals
lantern workshops, with 2017 hosting a dinosaur theme
and visitors went trackside for the Dalby Picnic Races,
and 2018 showcasing under the sea creations.
stayed out under the stars for the Camp Oven Experience,
and went on a guided tour of the galaxy with Big Night Sky. The lantern parade is the festival’s signature event
The Day on the Plain music festival at the iconic Jimbour throughout the town with hundreds of huge creations
House amphitheatre topped off the showcase with massive floating along the streets, capping off a day of performance,
artists. Get ready to do it all again in 2019. workshops, markets and international flavours.
27 APRIL – 5 MAY 2019 AUGUST 17, 2019
JANDOWAE TIMBERTOWN FESTIVAL MILES BACK TO THE BUSH FESTIVAL
The Timbertown Festival brings the streets of Miles residents show off life in the
Jandowae to life every two years, celebrating it’s bush at the biennial hometown festival.
10th anniversary in 2018.
Those attending the festival are given a glimpse of
Barrel racing, chainsaw sculpting, busking, wood chopping, artist yesteryear at the Miles Historical Village Museum’s bygone
and photography exhibitions, the sausage king competition and era streetscape, while the CBD experience is supercharged
the signature street festival and grand parade draw thousands with a street parade. Country hospitality comes forward as
to the town and a boost to locals and the local economy. The pubs and hotels fill out, high teas are hosted, and events
festival has been held every second year since 2002 as part of including tractor pulls and a bush obstacle course get under
what used to be the June long weekend in Queensland. way over four days.
JUNE 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020
OPERA AT JIMBOUR
TOWN SHOW SCHEDULE
Pack a bottle of wine, some nibbles and grab your picnic
Each regional town celebrates its
blanket as you head to the sprawling historic Jimbour
talent and success at the local show.
House to watch the Opera at the massive amphitheatre.
The show schedule across the year offers each town the
Staged by the Queensland Music Festival and the
chance to highlight the diverse skills of their community,
Western Downs Regional Council, this event attracts
while opening the region up to tourism. For those living in
up to 10,000 visitors. The first performance was held in
the Western Downs, be sure to head out when shows are
2003 hosting the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra and
on to get a true feel for the community you live in and a
rising stars of Australian opera, with the internationally
chance to get to know your neighbours.
acclaimed festival that travels the state.
27 JULY 2019 ANNUALLY
14 LIVE
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WESTERNDOWNS
SHOPPING INDUSTRY
OPPORTUNITY
KNOCKS
BIG DREAMS
PETRINA O’SULLIVAN IS
BRINGING HIGH END
FASHION TO CHINCHILLA
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
A newly purchased shop has given downtown Chinchilla
something that rivals the boutiques in bigger cities.
BUSINESS OWNERS
TAKE THE PLUNGE
T his new store is
providing a place
for fashionistas.
clubs and being active
in the school community
have given Petrina an
Taroom, north of
Wandoan, is open for
insight into the demands Petunia’s Fashion
Petrina O’Sullivan is the business, with four
owner, Petrina
of the ladies of the region. new shops highlighting
owner of a new boutique
in downtown Chinchilla,
Petunia’s Fashion. Petrina
“Chinchilla is a great
friendly town to live in
O’Sullivan has big
plans for her business. NAVIGATOR PROGRAM the success of an
entrepreneurial spirit
purchased the shop in
July 2018 and couldn’t
and it is wonderful to
have the support of the
BUILDING WESTERN in the town. These
new businesses can
DOWNS BUSINESS
be happier with how people that live here.” set the example for
the community has the continued growth
Petrina has big plans for in other small towns,
embraced her shop.
the future of Petunia’s with a homewares
“I have lived in Chinchilla Fashion and will introduce Supporting regional innovators store and coffee
all of my life and went more homewares lounge, a clothing
to both primary school and gifts ideas in the PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED store, shoe shop
and high school in town,” coming months. “Since and butchery all
said Petrina. owning the store l have opening in 2018.
introduced local candles, The Western Downs Business Navigator Program is helping develop new
“I am a wife and a mother
scrunchies, jewellery and business opportunities in the region to capture the next big idea. » Andrea Beard, along
to four boys between the with her husband
cowhide bags from the
ages of 14 to 20 so it is
nice to be surrounded by
Sunshine Coast and this AHEAD OF The program, which is an initiative “Through the Business Navigators
Justin, a fifth-
generation butcher,
is just the beginning,” of Shell’s QGC and delivered by Program, we want to provide local
such pretty and feminine
things at work.”
she said. THE PACK Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, businesses with more opportunities
opened AJ’s Country
Meats in mid-May.
“I also really love the offers consultation and guidance to to connect and grow their ideas and
“Being local l have had
racing fashions and I will business owners and entrepreneurs. to remain sustainable well into the » Deberella Shoes
great response from the future,” he said. owner Deborah
definitely be prepared Two full-time coaches support 45
residents in Chinchilla, Graham had waited
with plenty of stock small to medium business owners or “This will support a thriving regional
Miles and surrounding many years before
for the racing calender entrepreneurs in the region over the economy, making businesses more
areas,” she said. taking the plunge to
meaning locals don’t three-year program. viable and creating jobs for local people.
have to travel to get their open her retail store.
Being involved over the Petunia’s Fashion
years in many sporting fashionable racewear.” stocks brands The coaches provide individual, “We are looking forward to seeing » Clothing store
including: face-to-face coaching to help locals what new and innovative ideas are HB Styles is run by
evolve fledgling ideas into commercial developed in the region.” Taroom’s Hayley
» Cooper St products and thriving businesses. Bennett, and
» Elliatt Many business owners and
» Threadz These coaches bring extensive entrepreneurs have already submitted » Tania Kerlin’s My
Australia experience and expertise in financial their ideas to the coaches in a pitch Country Lane has
» Sunny Girl planning, business development, challenge in a bid to win one of the big been humbled by the
» Little Lies innovation and entrepreneurship cash prizes on offer. local support from
» Wish support to their role. residents.
For more information about
Shell’s QGC Operations Manager, the program contact Neil Daly,
Nagaraj Ramaraj, said the program aims Lead Business Navigator at
to diversify the region’s business sector. neil@navigatorwesterndowns.com.au.
16 LIVE
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REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
MILLION-DOLLAR
INVESTMENTS
The changing face of the Western Downs
In the past 12 months Dalby
has seen a huge boost in
development, with major
10 already in the market. These
rebuilds, renovations and new
construction projects are
retail and commercial hub by
owners and businessmen Ian
Tresillian and Bruce White.
retailers joining the town. injecting millions of dollars into
The Country Club Hotel that
Residents have watched as the Dalby economy.
sat empty after a fire in has
the huge construction projects
Travellers driving through Dalby reopened with a stunning
behind hardware retailer
will see the major facelift of renovation that maintains
R E A L E S T ATE These rebuilds,
renovations and new
construction projects
Bunnings and supermarket
giant ALDI take place. The price
not only the Warrego Highway,
but the former RSL building
the building’s heritage after
being bought in 2017 by new
tag for the Bunnings store build
ON T H E R ISE are injecting millions
of dollars into the
is $12 million, bringing with it
jobs during construction.
that has been transformed
into office space. Accounting
owner Keith and Anne Beer for
$810,000. The Beer’s previously
Dalby economy. business Crowe Horwath has ran the Dalby McDonald’s for a
These businesses add to a moved into the centre, with number of years. Dalby State
IT’S A GREAT TIME TO OWN YOUR competitive retail market in the more spaces available to School that fronts the highway
town, that supports Foodworks, create a new bustling business is also undergoing a major $6.6
OWN PIECE OF THE DOWNS Coles, Woolworths and Betros hub. The tired site was empty million build after a devastating
Bros for fresh food and vege, for more than four years after fire on Anzac Day in 2017. This
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED as well as Home Timber and the RSL closed its doors, will see a two-storey building
Hardware and Sunshine Mitre before being revamped as the with five classrooms built.
T he great Australian
dream to own your
home is made easier
With such harsh falls, real
estate agents are now
beginning to see the trends
The market for
commercial real estate
is also growing, with
on the Western Downs, toward returned optimism, sites across the Western
with property prices with positive growth in the Downs bought and sold
well below capital city region. Higher clearance to investors looking to
counterparts. rates are showing signs of the future of the region,
the market picking up, with as major infrastructure
From massive blocks of Dalby recording its highest projects get underway.
land at a steal to the number of residential sales
claim to fame of having in 2018 at 190. New infrastructure,
the country’s cheapest industry and housing
house and land sold in The affordable house affordability is enticing
Dulacca for $25,000 in prices continue to attract families and business
2018, now is the perfect buyers, with first home to the South West
time to jump into the buyers and new residents region, attracting people
housing market. to the region able to who want a country
secure their future in lifestyle and professional
Prices slumped in the buyers’ market. Real rewarding career.
many Western Downs estate agents are seeing
towns following the end clearance rates returning LJ Hooker is just one
of the construction to pre-boom numbers. of many residential and
phase of the resources commercial real estate
boom. The tightening The median price of a companies to specialise
of lending criteria and home in Dalby is now in the Western Downs.
market changes also around $210,000, with The team cover an area Brand new carpark & travelator entrance off Marble Street
prices closer to $300,000
affected prices.
in the pre-boom period.
of 8000 sq kms to find Over 40 Specialty Stores
the best buys and leasing
In the past five years
towns in the region have
With Dalby now hosting arrangements on offer. Undercover Parking with more than 450 Carparks
a Bunnings store, DIY
seen price drops of about weekend home-fixers Other agents include Ray 220 seat Foodcourt
40 per cent across the are looking to be the White, Fitzsimmons Real
Western Downs, with next House Rules winners, Estate Dalby, RuralCo, 5 Star Parents Room
Chinchilla hit the hardest just like Luke and Cody Surat Basin Real Estate Free Wifi , 17-67 Cunningham St, Dalby QLD
as some prices drop by Cook, who took out the and Dalby Real Estate
50 per cent in five years. competition in 2016. and Rentals.
dalbyshoppingworld.com.au OPEN 7 DAYS
18 LIVE WESTERN DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 19ART AND CULTURE
CHECK IT
OUT
F OR THE A R T
L OV ER S 01
01 Chinchilla artist, Syliva
Secombe with her art for the 02
Western Downs regional Artists’
Exhibition at Dogwood Crossing
TAKE A STROLL THROUGH Regional Artists Exhibition.
EXHIBITIONS TO REVEAL HIDDEN 02 The Moonie Crossroads
hosts an eclectic mix of art
in its gallery.
TALENTS IN WESTERN DOWNS 03 Miles Historical Village
Museum takes you to a
PHOTOGRAPHY WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
bygone era with a heritage
streetscape to explore.
The region mixes its heritage and creativity to showcase
04 A Dingo sculpture in
a vibrant art scene hosted throughout each town’s art
Jandowae marks the start
galleries, museums and historical villages.
of the 5,400km dingo barrier
fence to keep them out, as
T he two-level purpose- Dogwood Crossing in well as a replica of a piece of
built Gallery 107 in Miles is a jewel in the 03 the original fence from 1948. 04
Dalby has maintained the region’s exhibition crown,
site’s history as an indoor with a curved wall gallery
sports centre, keeping used for curated shows
the timber floor and walls as well as a traditional
of the squash courts exhibition space and
to create a unique and collections. Touring
engaging exhibition space exhibitions of emerging
to rival metro art centres. and established artists
The building which was are opened at the gallery
the town’s former council to a wide audience.
chambers, often hosts Dogwood Crossing is also
touring exhibitions for art home to the town’s library
lovers in the Western Downs. and other services.
The gallery is part of the
Historical slab hut, Athlone
cultural precinct MyALL 107
Cottage, circa 1890, was
which includes a cinema,
restored and moved to
library and radio station.
its current site in 2001 in
Community-run Lapunyah Jandowae by the local
Art Gallery in Chinchilla progress association. The
offers two exhibition spaces cottage originally had an
– the Heartwood and Outer ant bed dirt floor, with
Wood, for touring works visitors exploring how
as well and to display the settlers lived. Its original
Community Collection home is now the site of
with a range of well-known the town dam.
artists including botanist
Original buildings, as far
Grace Lithgow.
back as the 1850s, still
Wandoan’s Leichhardt stand at the Juandah
Gallery is housed within Historical Site that became
the town’s library, regularly the town of Wandoan.
hosting exhibitions from Immerse yourself in the
Wandoan’s Arts Council. station’s past with a folk
Bluebelles Art Gallery in Bell museum, check out the old
hosts monthly exhibitions of Juandah Store and stroll
local artists and members the site that once ran up to
of the Bell Art Group. 50,000 head of cattle.
20 LIVE WESTERN DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 21CHINCHILLA FORESTRY CHINCHILLA FORESTRY
DID YOU
CHINCH I L L A T O HON OUR
KNOW?
F O R E S T R Y H I STOR Y
“We will have one of the in the early hours looking To ensure their preservation,
last standing fire towers in for a puff of smoke,” he said. the museum partnered with
existence at our museum,” Queensland Department of
It wasn’t unusual for him
Mr Truscott said. Agriculture and Fisheries
to spot two or three small
FIRE TOWERS HELD IN HERITAGE “Fire spotters would fires in a day.
(DAF) in 2016 to preserve
the region’s fire towers,
climb the dizzying heights
The Chinchilla Museum
CENTRE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS Chinchilla Historical
Society volunteer Frank
alone every day during is home to one of the
with two towers already
installed on the grounds.
Truscott, president
fire season, and spend largest collections of
PHOTOGRAPHY LINDA MANTOVA up to eight hours in Chinchilla Museum Fire tower builder
Cath Brandon and fellow forestry and sawmill
volunteer Charles Hazard solitude peering across president Cath Brandon Arthur Leis
memorabilia in Australia. constructed 28
with the last remaining the forest with binoculars said with the centre’s
Drones, survey technology and satellite systems may have rendered three-legged fire tower in The fire towers were in state fire towers from
at the ready.” design ready, it was now
the need for fire spotters redundant, but for forestry employee Frank Queensland housed at the forests across Queensland 1957 to 1987.
Chinchilla Museum.
down to sourcing funding
Truscott, the job was vital to protecting the Barakula State Forest. Another museum volunteer for many decades to spot for the build. He built the
and fire spotter Charles potential bush fires, which first three-
Hazard spent more than “It is hoped we’ll attract
T he forest spans more than The Chinchilla Museum stepped saved the valuable timber legged tower in
40 years scaling the towers resources from wildfires forestry buffs from around
280,000 hectares from north in to preserve history, creating the Queensland at
to keep watch during fire for about 70 years. the country, as there are
east of Chinchilla to Brigalow, Fire Tower Interpretive Centre. Mount Binga, in
season, from the months of very few places you can see
and for decades spotters One of the unique features the Yarraman area
Mr Truscott now volunteers teaching September to March. a similar display,” she said.
of this region’s fire towers is in 1967. Leis is
watched from lookout towers for the next generation on how the
“Sometimes I’d work seven their three-leg construction, Ms Brandon said once also believed to be
the early warning signs of danger. forest was protected in the past. behind the design.
days a week particularly like the Coondara fire tower the centre was complete,
during storm season due to that stood for 40 years, it would create a new
lightning strikes that start traditionally tours had tourism opportunity and
wild fires. I was in the tower four legs. attraction for Chinchilla.
Chinchilla Museum
The extensive grounds of the Museum has a
collection of buildings that have many stories to
tell, including the first State School with wall charts,
handy crafts by students and much more.
There is a 1890’s slab hut and community halls
show casing the life style of local communities. The
sheds have a large and varied collection of farm
machinery.
The Cypress Pine Centre alongside the steam saw
mill documents the history of the timber industry in
Chinchilla.
The miniature train runs the first Sunday of every
month and is available for birthday parties.
OPENING HOURS
Thursday to Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm The Chinchilla Men’s Shed is also located at the
Sunday10:30am to 4:00pm Museum and is open every Thursday from
Monday 9:00am to 4:00pm 9:00am to 12:00pm.
CLOSED Tuesday and Wednesday
Wongongera Cottage www.chinchillamuseum.com.au
22 LIVE
LIVEWESTERN
WESTERNDOWNS
DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 23DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT
The network power grid capacity has » Glencore is set to establish a $7
also grown, thanks to the renewable billion coal project in Wandoan,
sectors inputs in the region, with 10 coal potentially producing up to 22 million
fired power stations sharing the grid with tonnes of thermal coal annually when
gas and renewable energy developers. operational. Before this project can
Another key strength of our region is begin, it will require a rail link to the
WE ARE SHINING! our skilled workforce which soak up
construction roles that have emerged
Port of Gladstone for export.
» The $500 million Western Downs
in the past decade, with manufacturing Solar Energy Farm at Kogan marked
and haulage companies also benefiting
WESTERN DOWNS PROVES IT’S THE from the growth in projects.
the 10th approval of a solar project
in the region. Tilt Renewables and
WHAT’S IN THE REGION: Yellow Solar submitted plans for up
ENERGY CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA to 900,000 solar panels on land
» Project Charlie: QGC’s $1.7 billion
surrounding the Powerlink Western
PHOTOGRAPHY WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL coal seam gas development near
Wandoan creating close to 1600 Downs sub-station near the Kogan
jobs during its two year construction Creek Power Station in Hopeland.
M ore than $5.5 billion in
renewable energy projects
are in the pipeline, including
and taking advantage of the ramp
up in activity at a number of solar
farm sites in the region.
phase, and up to 400 wells.
» AGL’s wind farm is expected to have
» Other companies in the region
include APLNG, Yancoal’s Cameby
a capacity of up to 460MW, with plans Downs Mine, APA’s Darling Downs
AGL’s $820 million Coopers Gap
A whole range of industries to add electricity to Queensland’s Solar Farm and Beelbee Solar Farm,
wind farm, and 15 approved
and local businesses support power grid by 2020. This wind farm Gladstone LNG, QCLNG, Senex
solar projects and counting.
these developments, creating could supply up to 240,000 households Energy’s Western Surat Gas Project,
During the construction of
strong flow-on effects throughout and generate up to 200 jobs. Stanmore Coal and Equis Energy.
Australian largest wind farm,
the supply chain. Hotels and
massive turbine blades will be
motels have benefited from
headed to site, as well as the
workers driving in and out of
parts needed to set up the site
the region, as well as local
at Cooranga North, near Bell.
contractors over a diverse range
These projects offer short and of services picking up contracts
BUSINESS long-term work within the region,
with residents already noticing
which support construction and
operational services. Developments totalling billions of
dollars are taking place or are in the
PROFILE pipeline, which bodes well for future
prosperity on the Western Downs.
TRAINING CENTRE SCALES
HEIGHTS OF SUCCESS
Diamond Protection
Chinchilla is giving residents
and resource workers the
opportunity to be trained
in vertical rescue, HAZMAT
and firefighting as part
of its training arsenal,
keeping employees and
jobs in the region.
This reduces the need for
employers to send staff
to Brisbane for training,
reducing time spent away
from work sites as well as
fatigue for those travelling
return by car. The centre can
host sessions for schools,
emergency services groups
like QFES and the SES, as
well as community groups.
24 LIVE
LIVEWESTERN
WESTERNDOWNS
DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 25OPPORTUNITY INDUSTRY
OPPORTUNITY
WESTERN DOWNS IS A
KNOCKS
PLACE OF OPPORTUNITY
FOR YOUNG WORKERS
Western Downs Regional Council is at
the forefront of offering young people
the opportunity to start their careers JOBS, TRAINEESHIPS,
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED & APPRENTICESHIPS
Growing and training
the workforce in
FOLLOWING THE WIND
M any have
prospered from
a traineeship or
and dynamic element to
our workforce.”
traineeship with
Council has given me
the chance to become
the region is a key
avenue to retaining What it’ s like to work on
local professionals
apprenticeship
Council currently has 30
trainees and apprentices
independent, be part of
and maximising
Australia’
s largest windfarm project
according to Mayor a great organisation and
across a diverse range of local procurement
Paul McVeigh. do a job I really enjoy,” PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED The Coopers Gap
departments. and opportunities in
she said. Wind Farm will have
“In the Western Downs, the Western Downs.
a capacity 453
we have many school Karsha Dewis started her “There are so many Thanks to a range When Tim Knill decided to pack up his life as a Civil Engineer 14 years ago to MW and produce
leavers who are eager business traineeship with opportunities at Western of training providers embark on a Master’s degree in Science at the Danish Technical University, he around 1,510,000
to start their careers,” Council in February 2018. Downs Regional Council, already established didn’t think it would lead to managing the construction of Australia’s largest MWh of renewable
he said. you can set yourself up across the region, as windfarm. But he wouldn’t have it any other way, working between Dalby and
The 18-year-old works energy, powering
for a great career from well as traineeships Kingaroy in regional Queensland, overseeing the Coopers Gap Windfarm Project.
in the Tara Customer approximately
“At Council we want business to working in on offer at businesses
Service Centre and said 264,000 average
to foster their ambition our parks and gardens. like Western Downs
starting her professional Australian homes.
and talents to help Regional Council, “I’ve had an amazing Investment Corporation contract to design and
our community. career with Western “I love coming to work career since returning build the windfarm.
graduates and those (and its clients) to
Downs Regional Council each day because there from Denmark. I’ve been
looking for a career develop, own and
“We take on new trainees is a great atmosphere, Tim said GE-CATCON
was a great decision. change can stay working in the renewable manage approximately
and apprentices every everyone is willing to help will be responsible for a
where they live, or join energy sector ever 1,000 MW of large-
year who provide a fresh “Taking the business out and give you a fair go.” ‘whole of project’ solution.
the lifestyle on offer. since,” Mr Knill said. scale renewable energy
infrastructure assets “GE-CATCON are
Tertiary training Tim is well known at “What I am really
and projects. responsible for
organisations like the Cooranga North loving about
the engineering,
TAFE QLD and Hall, where he meets Tim finds working on the project is
procurement and
the University of regularly with locals, the Coopers Gap the drive and
construction of the
Southern Queensland and on site at one of project a deeply motivation I see
provide futures project and this includes
the 10 host properties rewarding experience. from everyone
to students across supply, transportation,
for the 123 turbines. associated with
the region. There “It has been a long time and erection, fit-out and
Construction has begun Coopers Gap.”
are TAFE campuses coming and projects of commissioning of the
on the 850 million Tim Knill
located in Chinchilla, this magnitude don’t just wind generation turbines.
dollar project and Tim is
Dalby and Roma. keeping a close eye on ‘happen’; it is a result of “Things are well on
the progress. an incredible amount of the way now and
WHERE TO GO TO
work and communication soon people will be
FIND EMPLOYMENT “This project is with key stakeholders. seeing large turbine
» Golden West intended to be the
“Everyone believes components, including
Apprenticeships second greenfield
the 67 metre long blades,
project developed by in what we are
» Celotti Workforce being transported to
» Busy at Work the Powering Australian accomplishing, and
site,” he said.
» MAX Employment Renewables Fund everyone is aligned to
» Classic Recruitment (PARF) and is an that goal; it’s a very “They will be pretty
» GO2 People important innovative collaborative space.” conspicuous on the local
piece within their roads and will spark a
A consortium between
portfolio,” Mr Knill said. lot of interest,” he said.
electrical giant, GE,
PARF is a landmark and civil engineering Tim said the project
partnership created by construction company, is on track to be
AGL and Queensland CATCON, won the completed by June 2019.
26 LIVE WESTERN DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 27TRANSPORT INDUSTRY
WELL CONNECTED WATER SPECIALISTS
Residents are never far away from H20 haulage service delivers
their desired destinations local business success
PHOTOGRAPHY CMT HAULAGE
W ith the Western Downs
accessible via road,
explore the outback via rail?
The Westlander passenger rail
Toowoomba Second Range
Crossing, also affectionately
rail and air, residents find
themselves more connected
than ever to the rest of
takes passengers to Charleville
twice weekly stopping in Dalby,
referred to by locals as the
Western Downs Connection
Road. This is good news
C MT Haulage owners
Craig and Mandy
Turner knew Miles, in
CMT specialises in water
cartage services for
the coal seam gas and
loading time. The round-
the-clock service
offered makes sure the
Chinchilla and Miles.
Australia and the world. especially for our regular road Toowoomba Wellcamp the heart of the Surat construction industries. projects get done.
This is certainly no isolated users the ‘truckies’ who deliver Airport and its direct Basin’s resources
Within a few hours drive of region in fact, thanks to passenger flights to It’s not just the size of As well as providing
big equipment to the mines powerhouse, was the
most of the region, drivers Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport hubs such as Sydney, the machinery and rig haulage services,
and agricultural product to the perfect home base
can make their way to and its direct passenger Melbourne and support services that CMT is part of grass-
Port of Brisbane as well. to set up their water
multimillion shopping flights to hubs such as Sydney, Townsville [means that] CMT offers, it’s the roots discussions on
haulage company.
centres in Toowoomba, Melbourne and Townsville, With the sheer majority of residents can literally be speed, a critical factor improving safety when it
dinosaur fossil exhibits in far residents can literally be local residents travelling to transported anywhere The saying “without trucks for production and comes to the oil and gas
western Queensland at the transported anywhere in the work by road it is pleasing in the world from an Australia stops” rings extraction needs. industry. Holding a high
Eromanga Natural History world from an airport less than to note that by June 2019, a airport less than an true for the family-owned safety standard, CMT
$635 million upgrade of the hour from Dalby. and operated logistics The water tankers Haulage are recognised
Museum or a number of an hour from Dalby.
Warrego Highway from the company, with CMT staff provide one of the as the preferred supplier
picturesque coastal towns
For those heading to or from west of Miles to Toowoomba knowing how great the industry’s fastest of rig support, water
along the Sunshine Coast.
Brisbane for work or play, your will be complete making outback landscape can loading and unloading and in-field wash down
Why not try something journey will be more efficient weekly or daily commutes be from the long hauls rates at 2,000 litres a services in the Western
different and hop on a train to thanks to the $1.6 billion even easier. behind the rig. minute, and a 12-minute Downs region.
Photo credit: Lucy RC Photography
Surat Basin Industry Specialists in:
FAMI LY OWNED SINCE
2011
& OPER ATE D IN
THE SURAT BASIN
• 24 hour Rig Support
• Rig Moves
• Dust Suppression MORE THAN
• Infield wash downs JUST WATER
• Potable Water
•
•
Weed Hygiene Certificates
Stores / Hot Shot Deliveries 24 / 7 FROM
SERVICE MILES
It’s easier to fly local when you fly direct from
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport - connecting the
Western Downs to Sydney, Melbourne,
North Queensland and Western Queensland.
FIND US ON FA CE BOOK
www.cmthaulage.com.au 1300 856 815 | 0417 710 125
28 LIVE WESTERN DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 29EDUCATION EDUCATION
OPPORTUNITY
KNOCKS
LOCAL SCHOOLS TAFE PATHWAYS BEGIN
CHALLENGE NEXT The Chinchilla IN WESTERN DOWNS
TAFE campus,
GENERATION
located in the
grounds of the
HIGH SCHOOLS
Chinchilla State
School’
s the life in
High School, is
a hub for the
OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND FOR STUDENTS
agricultural,
the Western Downs resources and LOOKING TO STUDY A TRADE
construction
PHOTOGRAPHY WESTERN DOWNS industries in PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
REGIONAL COUNCIL the region.
The Dalby TAFE There is plenty of opportunity in the Western Downs for students
More than a quarter (28%) of the population campus, located a who wish to pursue their careers through TAFE.
on the Western Downs population are aged five minute drive
between 0-18 years, making school aged from the town
education campuses vital for teaching the centre, offers TAFE Queensland Downs to offer students at the various skills required
next generation growing up in the region. courses in several operates two campuses Dalby State High School and in the engineering and
study areas in the Western Downs at Chinchilla State High School construction trades,” he said.
including aged Dalby and Chinchilla. the opportunity to be part of
W ith schools dotted regularly competing the program. “It gives them first-hand
care, agriculture, TAFE opportunities for experience of the type
around the region, in sports, science,
automotive, crime young people in the Faculty Director of
students are given the maths, events and of work conducted in trades
and justice, child Western Downs can begin Manufacturing of TAFE
best start in life and a academia, creating a focused on engineering
care, engineering, in High School through the Queensland Southwest
chance to study where cohesive and interactive and construction.
first aid, general Try-A-Trade program. Region, Michael Lehman,
they live. Some attend learning environment.
education, and “These programs are a
the nearby Toowoomba The program offers Year said offering school
Musician Josh Arnold hospitality. The precursor to the VET in
boarding campuses, while 10 students the chance students the chance
has spent time at many campus has School programs which
other students make the to experience up to seven to develop their skills
of these campuses, fully-equipped are a pathway to an
long bus trip each day different trades and learn through trade programs
leading workshops to trade workshops
to their local state or the manual aspects of was a great pathway into apprenticeship for Western
develop a music video for automotive
private school gates apprenticeships. further education. Downs students when they
to highlight the unique and engineering
leave school.”
Friendly competition successes of the school students. TAFE Queensland “The Try-A-Trade program
across the campuses is and region. Check them collaborates with gives students the The trades on offer as part
encouraged, with schools out on YouTube. engineering and construction opportunity to experience, of the program focus on
businesses in the Western in a condensed format, engineering and construction.
30 LIVE WESTERN DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 31EDUCATION EDUCATION
QUALI TY LEARNI NG
Catholic Schools
Ag college on site
breeds bright futures
PHOTOGRAPHY LINDA MANTOVA
Students reach their full potential as Catholic One of the best school-based agriculture facilities in the country is found right
education campuses foster bright minds here at Dalby State High School (DSHS) with teachers leading the way to deliver
innovative programs for students.
WORDS DR PAT COUGHLAN: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
– CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, DIOCESE OF TOOWOOMBA
A s one of only two
state schools in
Australia that have
two full days of hands-
on agriculture, as well as
a full day of engineering
hectares, known as Moola,
gifted to the campus.
Toowoomba Catholic Schools has a proud history of delivering high quality Ms Milne said the school
boarding facilities, at the schools’ Trade
educational opportunities for students from Prep to Year 12 across Toowoomba operated two herds of
DSHS took over Centre, and two days of
and South West Queensland. From Roma in the North to Stanthorpe in the South; commercial Lim-Fleck/
the former Dalby core senior subjects.”
Quilpie in the West to Toowoomba in the East. Simmental cross cattle on
Agricultural College
Classes on soil testing, their two farms, including
site seven years ago,
cropping, and cattle 40 breeders. The program
A t the heart of
Catholic education
is a fundamental
is that schools are
exemplary places of
learning where every
each student for a rich
and fulfilling life.
and now operate their
Agricultural Science
and Ag Futures
farming are held to
teach students the
also run cropping and
breeding programs.
Discover what makes first step in running a
belief in the unlimited student experiences programs known as the “We have a selective
a Catholic school farming enterprise. Dalby State High School
potential of every academic success. The DSHS Bunya Campus. breeding program for our Ag Futures Program
community unique. Graduates of the
student. This belief, second is that schools stud and commercial students (from left) Marlee
Whether you are a DSHS Science and program come away
supported by Gospel are exemplary places flock of Dorper sheep, Grady from Dalby, Tayla
parent or caregiver Agriculture Department with a Certificate II
values, inspires our of spiritual life and running 64 breeding Carlin and Henry Marks,
looking for a quality Head Peter Donnan said in Agriculture as well both from Canberra,
mission to form Catholic faith where ewes at the Bunya
education for your child, there were currently as a Certificate II in with DSHS Ag subject
men and women of every student comes campus,” she said.
a prospective teacher or 60 boarders at the Engineering that places
co-ordinator Janine Milne.
competence, conscience to know and experience Together, they’re processing
school officer who’d like Bunya campus, with the them in a prime position “We were given a $2000
and compassionate the loving presence of some of the school’s flock
to join our dynamic team, majority choosing to when they leave high sale credit from the
commitment. Jesus in their lives. of dorper sheep.
or you’d like to volunteer board to ease the daily school to continue Curtis family’s Bellevue
For Toowoomba By working in to support our students school commute. The studying at one of the stud at Millmerran,
Catholic Schools this partnership with parents, in reaching their full campus also welcomes tertiary institutions. which has allowed us to
mission has two pillars parishes and the broader potential, we’d love to students from far north purchase a quality ram
which support and community our schools hear from you. Visit our Queensland, Canberra, Ag Futures Program
to put over our ewes.”
guide how we envisage deliver a world class website or contact your and Thargomindah student Tayla Carlin said
our work. The first education that prepares local Catholic school. to learn about coming from a non-rural The school also fields
agricultural practices. background, and as a a competitive steer
mature age student she team who have tasted
“Dalby is the only state found Dalby’s Ag program success at shows
school in Queensland the most appealing. throughout the Western
with an Ag Futures Downs, as well as the
Program, and our all-day “I did a lot of research
before I enrolled, and it Brisbane Ekka.
delivery is quite unique,”
Mr Donnan said. is the best facilitated ag For some, the next
school farm in Australia,” step after secondary
“Our ultimate goal is to Tayla said. education is to stay
become a model school
Senior Agriculture teacher in the region and
for Ag teaching, with
Janine Milne said learning attend the Queensland
a very high-profile Ag
off the land was made Agricultural Training
syllabus, which allows
possible with the Bunya College in Dalby, where
students a broad
campus spanning 404 students can take on a
knowledge across all
hectares at the former traineeship, focusing on
facets of agriculture.”
Dalby Ag College site, agriculture, cropping and
“No other school offers and a second site at 120 energy industries.
32 LIVE WESTERN DOWNS LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 33You can also read
