Community update on toilet upgrades at the GWCCC

Published on 27 August 2025

Goondiwindi Regional Council is committed to improving the Goondiwindi Waggamba Community Cultural Centre (GWCCC), a cherished community asset. While we know the current renovation works on the bathroom facilities have been an inconvenience for locals and event organisers, Council continues to work closely with each group to minimise disruption.

The toilet renovation project was to be completed by June 2025 and has unfortunately faced delays due to the limited availability of contractors and materials. This challenge is affecting projects across the region. "Availability of contractors and supplies is a widespread issue," said the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM. "We went to market initially in 2024 for this project and had no respondents. We want a state-of-the-art facility and have pursued all options to deliver improvements that will be of benefit to all users for years to come."

Cr Susie Kelly holds Council’s Portfolio for Community Facilities and said Council has taken proactive steps to support groups impacted by the delays. “For the recent Goondiwindi Apex Eisteddfod, we advised the committee in advance and met to discuss options and provided additional portable toilets with internal lighting and cleaning services. Council have also offered a reduction in venue hire fees to impacted hirers.

“Council had earlier this year suspended hire of the facility throughout the expected works period to allow the works to be completed by the end of June with minimum disruption. Once the delays were identified, Council worked with hirers to support the bookings as best we can. To help keep the project moving as quickly as possible, Council officers also made the decision to change some of the bathroom fittings after being advised that the original selections could have caused further delays,” the Mayor said.

“Even with the on-going onsite work, the Apex Eisteddfod event was once again a great success, reinforcing the GWCCC's reputation as a vital regional venue.

“We are now working with the Goondiwindi Rotary committee to prepare for the upcoming Gourmet in Gundy event.  The foyer toilets are expected to be fully functional for Gourmet, and Council is committed to ensuring that there are enough facilities onsite to support the thousands that attend the much-anticipated annual Gourmet in Gundy,” Mayor Springborg said.

These upgrades are part of Council's broader commitment to enhancing the GWCCC's comfort, functionality and appeal. The enhancements, including the new toilets, internal painting, and new carpet installation, aim to benefit the many groups and events that rely on the GWCCC, one of the few venues in the Darling Downs region capable of hosting up to 600 people. These improvements will not only enhance the user experience but also increase the appeal of the GWCCC as a regional venue.

"We're especially grateful to the many local organisations that regularly use this facility and have shown patience and understanding while we work through these necessary upgrades," said Mayor Springborg. "Their ongoing involvement in addressing these temporary works shows the commitment from all to keep the facility at its best now and into the future."

“The good news is that in just a couple of months the centre will be looking fantastic and ready once again to proudly host the many special events and conferences that bring our region together and showcase the Goondiwindi Region as ‘Regional Australia at its Best,” Cr Kelly said.