From the Mayor’s Desk - 26 May 2026
Published on 26 May 2026
Advocacy for improved childcare access continues
Alongside the team at Council, I am working closely with local families to find a solution to the challenges our region is facing with childcare, and a strong, community‑led advocacy is emerging in this space.
While the primary responsibility for the provision of childcare service sits with the Australian Government, Council is - along with local advocate Angela Cochrane of the Future Care Project - advocating on behalf of local families and highlighting the barriers that are holding back growth.
We currently have two not‑for‑profit childcare providers in Goondiwindi with approved development applications for expansion. Although Council approvals are in place, they must now secure the funding they need for construction - a process that won’t happen overnight, especially for community-run centres.
In the meantime, I am hearing frequently from local families and potential providers who continue to face heavy red tape and regulatory hurdles when trying to access In‑Home Care funding. This remains a major barrier to flexible childcare options in rural communities like ours, where a one‑size‑fits‑all model of centre‑based care simply isn’t the best option for many. I have recently written to the Australian Minister for Early Childhood Education, the Honourable Dr Jess Walsh, to highlight these concerns and to request her assistance.
Goondiwindi Region proposed as host of future Queensland Community Cabinet meeting
This week, I have written to the Premier of Queensland the Honourable David Crisafulli MP, proposing the Goondiwindi Region as the host for a future Community Cabinet meeting. Community Cabinets bring the centre of Government to a local community for a couple of days, with the Premier and the other 18 Cabinet Ministers and senior officials in attendance. This invitation follows a recent conversation which I had with the Premier, where I made the suggestion and he was very supportive of it.
The invitation is strongly supported by the Member for Southern Downs, James Lister MP and we both see this as a great opportunity to showcase the Goondiwindi Region and work through issues which are important to our community. I will keep you up to date in a future Mayor’s column.
Regional Leadership Network visit helps align issues shared locally and across the state
I was pleased to welcome regional directors from the Regional Leaders Network (RLN), Darling Downs and South West, to Goondiwindi last week, which was a valuable opportunity to talk through the challenges and opportunities we’re seeing both locally and across the state.
The RLN brings together senior leaders from Queensland Government agencies to collaborate, align priorities and improve service delivery across regions. By working together, agencies can better coordinate responses to complex issues that don’t sit with just one department, such as housing, while also considering local contexts and challenges – a drive-in, drive-out method of service delivery is just an example.
In our region, the network works closely with the Office of the Cross-Border Commissioner Bob Gee, to help better understand and respond to the unique challenges faced by border communities, particularly when it comes to workforce and service delivery.
Thanks to everyone involved for making the trip to Goondiwindi and for their ongoing commitment to working collaboratively for better outcomes in our region.
Town Planning Review – survey now closed, feedback to be provided soon
Council is currently reviewing its Planning Scheme to ensure it reflects local needs, current conditions and a clear, long‑term vision for the future of our region.
The public survey closed on Sunday, following community workshops, along with around 30 face-to-face interviews with interested residents. I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to be involved - whether you attended a session or shared your feedback through the survey.
I had the opportunity to attend each session in Goondiwindi, Inglewood and Texas, and it was great to hear firsthand the ideas and perspectives from across our communities on what is an important, though often overlooked, topic.
Community feedback is now being reviewed, and I look forward to providing an update to residents soon.
MacIntyre Gazette celebrates 1,500 issues
I’d like to extend my deepest congratulations to Lester and Heidi Dawson at the MacIntyre Gazette in Texas, which recently celebrated its 1,500th issue since April, 1995. The paper was first printed from the Dawson family’s Inglewood farm office ‘Talbragar’, born out of a concern for the lack of regional communications at the time – and has proudly served as the voice of the local area since then.
31 years in print is no mean feat - especially in an ever-increasingly digital world. Their success is a huge win for regional news, and testament to their dedication to serve their local community with news, classifieds, local adverts and more – not forgetting the irreplaceable ‘Heidi’s corner’. A sincere congratulations. and thank you for all you’ve done for our community in these past 31 years.
Veteran Car Club Rally brings history to life in Texas
This past weekend, a bygone era was brought to life in Texas as the Veteran Car Club Australia (Queensland) Inc. brought their classic car rally to town.
Residents had the opportunity to see, hear and truly appreciate these historic pre-1919 vehicles - both up close and as they travelled through the district. The rally transformed a range of local sites - including the Showgrounds, Greenup Meeting Place, Texas Heritage Centre and Tobacco Museum, Railway Museum, and Bonshaw Primary School - into open-air, living museums.
It was a terrific display of motoring history from a time when cars were built to last, so clearly demonstrated through the passion and care of the members. Thank you to the VCCA for sharing this unique experience with the community.
Tale as old as time, told anew: congratulations to Goondiwindi State High’s Beauty and the Beast
This weekend, Goondiwindi State High School students brought fairytale magic to the Cultural Centre with an enchanting production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. So much time, care and commitment go into a production like this behind the scenes - every rehearsal and late night paid off in an outstanding performance. It’s a wonderful reminder that dedication and teamwork can create something truly unforgettable.
Congratulations to the talented cast and crew, their families, volunteers, and the dedicated GSHS staff and administration - and to everyone who supported the show. Well done, and bravo.