From the Mayor’s Desk – 13 October 2026
Published on 13 October 2026
Queensland councils have been heard: Commonwealth retains disaster recovery funding
I'll begin this fortnight's column with welcome news from Friday, as the Australian Government reversed its proposed changes to Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements following strong advocacy from councils across Queensland.
The Commonwealth Government will no longer pursue a move to split disaster recovery funding 50-50 with states and territories, it announced. Instead, the current Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) will remain in place, with the Commonwealth continuing to contribute up to 75% of eligible recovery and reconstruction costs.
This is a sensible and much-needed decision. I'd like to thank the Australian Government for listening to the concerns raised by local government, as well as acknowledge the Queensland Government and the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) for their strong leadership and advocacy on this issue. Their efforts helped to highlight the significant impact these proposed changes would have had on Queensland communities.
The decision is particularly timely, with the announcement coming during Get Ready Queensland Week, which reminds us of the importance of preparing for future severe weather events. Here in our region, its significance is even more apparent as work gets underway on the largest capital works project in our history: the Goondiwindi Levee Restoration Works. Jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the project will repair significant erosion along the levee and strengthen the infrastructure that has long safeguarded our community from flood inundation – helping it continue to provide flood protection for generations to come. Local governments such as ours, with small revenue bases, had no ability to either fund or absorb the cost of these projects or the consequences of the now-defunct funding changes.
Tens of millions of dollars have also been allocated to our Council over the last few years to repair our roads - from Riverton in the East to Weengallon in the West - from the run of unusually wet years that we experienced.
For councils such as ours, DRFA funding is critical. Maintaining this level of support ensures we can continue rebuilding essential infrastructure and helping communities recover stronger after disasters.
Lanescape Festival continues to elevate regional arts
I'd like to congratulate the Lanescape team on delivering another fantastic community event. The festival once again brought Goondiwindi to life with a vibrant mix of art, entertainment and live music. Highlights included a great performance by local group Max and the Meat Ants, as well as the opportunity to bid on a sculpture by artist Tommy Páll in a special auction. There was an amazing crowd of people, including families and younger community members who turned out to enjoy the festivities.
We are fortunate to have such a passionate and dedicated arts community here in the Goondiwindi Region, and Lanescape showcases that creativity and talent on an impressive scale. The arts play an important role in bringing people together, enriching regional life and contributing to the vibrancy of our communities – and the Lanescape team deserves great credit for their vision and commitment in delivering an event that continues to celebrate and elevate the arts in our region.
Charity Dinner raises important funds for Goondiwindi Hospital
On Friday evening, we also had the very special Goondiwindi Hospital Auxiliary Charity Dinner at the Royal Hotel. We were privileged to welcome Wayne Bennett, alongside guest speakers Alfie Langer and Greg Ritchie, who shared stories, insights and plenty of laughs throughout the evening.
The event showcased the incredible generosity of our community, raising valuable funds for improvements at Goondiwindi Hospital. A highlight was the fundraising efforts of David Batterham's charity bike ride - I understand that, as a first priority, raised funds will be going towards the addition of a second bathroom to the hospital’s birthing suite, greatly improving the facility for local families.
Congratulations to the Goondiwindi Hospital Auxiliary and everyone involved in making the evening such a success. The dedication of the organising committee, together with the generosity of sponsors, donors and attendees, is a wonderful reflection of the community spirit that makes our region so special – and will make a meaningful difference to healthcare services in our region.
Firefighters Remembrance Day
On Saturday, I was honoured to attend the Firefighters Remembrance Day service in Toowoomba. Observed annually across Queensland on the 10th day of the 10th month, this important occasion provides an opportunity to pause and remember the 60 Queensland firefighters who have died protecting our communities since 1877. At 10am, communities across the state observed a minute's silence in their honour.
The service included the reading of the Firefighters' Prayer, a roll call of fallen firefighters and the tolling of a station bell for each life lost in the line of duty.
This day is always a moving reminder of the courage, dedication and selflessness shown by firefighters every day. It feels extremely pertinent this year, as we head into what is forecast to be a hot and dry summer, following challenging conditions across much of the region in recent months. At a time when many communities will rely on the commitment of our emergency services, it is important to recognise the sacrifices firefighters and their families make to keep others safe.
On behalf of our community, I thank all current and former firefighters for their service and extend my sincere appreciation to the families who support them. Their dedication, often in the face of significant personal sacrifice, helps protect lives, property and communities across Queensland.
Celebrating 75 Years of St Maria Goretti
On Saturday afternoon, I had the pleasure of joining staff, students, families and community members in Inglewood to celebrate the remarkable milestone of 75 years of St Maria Goretti Primary School.
It was a wonderful day of celebration, featuring school tours, a historic uniform fashion parade and student performances that reflected on the school's rich history. A particular highlight was the opening of the new outdoor learning space, with commemorative plaques recognising the many people who have contributed to the school's story over the years. The day was capped off with live music and entertainment, including the return of the ever-popular yabby races to raise funds for the Parent Engagement Network.
What stood out most was the strong sense of community that St Maria Goretti has fostered for generations. For 75 years, the school has been a place of learning, connection and belonging for countless local families.
Congratulations to everyone involved in organising this special celebration and to all those who have helped shape St Maria Goretti into such an important part of the Inglewood community. Here's to a proud legacy and a bright future ahead.
Volunteers report strong tourism season at Goondiwindi Visitor Information Centre
This fortnight, I met with the Goondiwindi Visitor Information Centre (VIC) steering committee and volunteers to discuss the strong tourism season and the important role the VIC continues to play in welcoming visitors to our region.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated volunteer base supporting the VIC. An impressive 95 per cent of all open hours are covered by volunteers, with Council's Customer Service team assisting to fill the remainder. Their contribution is invaluable and helps ensure visitors receive a warm welcome and a wealth of local knowledge.
Visitors to the VIC can browse a range of locally inspired products and souvenirs, from tea towels featuring local artists and the famous Gunsynd, caps, local produce and more. Interestingly, volunteers reported that the humble postcard remains one of the most popular purchases, with visitors and locals alike still sending a handwritten note to family and friends across Australia and around the world.
Our VIC volunteers have a strong sense of our region, regularly familiarising themselves with visitor attractions and experiences around our entire region, including Inglewood and Texas, and they aim to assist visitors to have the best possible experience that our region has to offer.
A sincere thank you to all our VIC volunteers for the time, commitment and local pride you bring to this important role.