From the Mayor’s Desk – 4 August 2026
Published on 04 August 2026
‘Exceptionally well done’: 65th Annual Texas Show is biggest on record
The 65th annual Texas Show attracted record-breaking attendance numbers this past fortnight, with thousands of visitors flocking to the showgrounds over the show weekend to enjoy a packed program of traditional favourites and exciting new attractions.
As always, it was a pleasure to attend this much-loved community event, made even more special as the Texas Show celebrated its 65th year. I have to commend everyone involved in the celebration – there really was something in the air this year, and the whole show was just exceptionally well done.
The record turnout is a testament to the dedication, hard work and passion of the Texas Show Society, volunteers, exhibitors, competitors, performers and sponsors who help bring the event to life year after year. A sincere thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, exhibited, performed and supported this year's show.
Council is proud to support the Texas Show through its Community Grants and Donations Program, recognising the important role community events play in bringing people together, celebrating local talent and strengthening the vibrancy of our region.
Darling Downs and South West Queensland Council of Mayors gather in Goondiwindi
Last week, the Goondiwindi Region welcomed local government leaders from across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland (DDSWQ) for the July meeting of the DDSWQ Council of Mayors, held at Goondiwindi Gateway to Training.
The Council of Mayors brings together Mayors and Chief Executive Officers from ten different local government areas: the Goondiwindi Region, Toowoomba Region, Western Downs, Southern Downs, Maranoa, Balonne, Quilpie, Murweh, Paroo and Bulloo councils.
These meetings provide an important opportunity for regional leaders to discuss shared priorities, challenges and opportunities affecting communities across southern and western Queensland.
A key focus of this meeting was ongoing advocacy to oppose the Australian Government's proposed changes to disaster funding arrangements for local councils, following discussions at the 2026 National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra.
Regional councils are often the front lines when disasters strike, and the proposed funding changes would place greater financial pressure on councils and the communities they serve during periods of disaster and recovery.
When funding is reduced, local councils are expected to do more with less. This places increasing pressure on our ability to maintain critical infrastructure, deliver essential services and support communities through disaster recovery, all while managing the expectations of growing regions.
Darling Downs and South West Queensland councils will continue to advocate for fair disaster funding arrangements that give communities the support they need before, during and after natural disasters.
2026-27 Budget: Investing in Waste Services
Continuing, now, with my overview of the key themes from Council’s 2026-27 Budget, and waste management remains one of the most significant and growing service areas for local governments in Queensland. Rising costs are driven by state regulatory requirements, environmental obligations and the ongoing need to maintain safe and sustainable waste facilities across the region.
To meet these challenges, Council will invest $4.45 million in waste management services and infrastructure during 2026-27. This includes $525,000 for a new landfill cell extension at the Inglewood Landfill, ensuring the facility can continue to meet the region's waste disposal needs well into the future.
While waste management represents a significant cost for local government, these investments are essential to protecting public health, safeguarding our environment and delivering reliable waste services for communities across the Goondiwindi Region.
Talent on show at the Goondiwindi Apex Eisteddfod
This week marks the start of the Goondiwindi Apex Eisteddfod, bringing six days of creativity, performance and friendly competition to our community. The Eisteddfod provides performers of all ages with the opportunity to showcase their talents across a wide range of disciplines, and this annual event continues to play an important role in fostering artistic development and celebrating the incredible talent within our region.
Council is proud to support the Goondiwindi Apex Eisteddfod through its Community Grants and Donations Program - recognising the valuable contribution the event makes to the cultural life of our community.
Top points for Toobeah Campdraft
The Toobeah Campdraft was held over the weekend, bringing competitors, spectators, families and supporters together for a fantastic event highlighting community spirit, horsemanship and competition. It’s great to see the campdraft return to the calendar after several years and be so well supported by the community. I’d like to give a special shout-out to Charlie Holcombe and the committee for their outstanding efforts in bringing this event back to town, and for their efforts and investment in ground and facility upgrades this year. The countless hours of work behind the scenes do not go unnoticed and are a testament to their commitment to the community.
Council was proud to support this event through its Community Grants Program. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered and contributed to making the weekend such a success.
The ‘Chemo Commute’ – congratulations to Marcus Hieronymus on fundraising walk
I'd like to congratulate Marcus Hieronymus, who is currently walking more than 400 kilometres from Goondiwindi to Brisbane to raise awareness and vital funds for young people in regional areas facing cancer and their families.
Diagnosed with cancer as a teenager, Marcus regularly travelled from Goondiwindi to Brisbane for life-saving treatment, spending extended periods away from home and his support network. Through his fundraiser, The Chemo Commute, Marcus is retracing that journey on foot in support of Sony Foundation Australia's You Can Stay program.
Marcus's inspiring effort shines a light on the additional challenges many regional families face when accessing specialist medical care, often requiring extensive travel and time away from loved ones.
I congratulate Marcus on this remarkable undertaking and thank him for using his story to make a difference for others - safe travels, and our community will be cheering you on every step of the way.