From the Mayor’s Desk – 23 June 2026

Published on 23 June 2026

Community Cabinet comes to Goondiwindi in August

This fortnight, I welcomed the announcement that the Queensland Government's Community Cabinet will be held in Goondiwindi on 30 and 31 August this year. Community Cabinet provides a valuable opportunity for residents in our region to engage directly with the Premier, Ministers and senior government officials.

I thank the Premier, David Crisafulli, for quickly and enthusiastically responding to my invitation to host a Community Cabinet meeting in Goondiwindi. I also express my gratitude to our state member, James Lister MP, for his keen advocacy for this initiative.

Community Cabinet is an important forum that brings government decision-makers into regional communities to listen, learn and better understand local priorities, while also allowing us to showcase our region’s strengths and contributions to Queensland’s economy and liveability.

Registrations are expected to be opened by the Queensland Government in early August 2026, and I encourage residents, businesses and community organisations to take advantage of this opportunity.

You can find out more information about Community Cabinet here:

https://www.qld.gov.au/government/engage/communitycabinet

‘Games for all of Queensland’: Goondiwindi Cotton campaign gains momentum

Last week, Goondiwindi Cotton announced it was putting its hand up to supply clothing and uniforms for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I was delighted to be invited to support their campaign, Gundy Goes for Gold.

The Goondiwindi Region grows world-class cotton, and this campaign represents more than a single business opportunity. It’s a chance for the Goondiwindi Region - and regional Queensland more broadly - to share in the recognition of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Early economic modelling suggests a successful bid for Goondiwindi Cotton could deliver more than $40 million in economic output to the community over five years.

The Brisbane 2032 Games have been described as a ‘Games for all of Queensland’. As one of the first campaigns out of the starting blocks, this bid provides a practical opportunity to demonstrate that commitment - by showcasing regional Queensland people, skills and supply chains to the world stage.

I strongly encourage residents, as well as friends and family across the country, to show their support by signing the community pledge below and help demonstrate that Goondiwindi is ready for gold, and that regional businesses should be prioritised: gundygoesforgold.com.au

2026-27 Budget focuses on core responsibilities of local government

Goondiwindi Regional Council adopted its 2026–27 Budget last Wednesday. This budget is unashamedly focused on Council’s core responsibilities: it’s about keeping our tap water running, making sure our waste is collected, that our local council roads are up to standard, our libraries are offering services that our communities want, that our streets are proud and presentable, our parks and gardens are thriving and inviting, and that we’ve kept downward pressure on rates.

In upcoming editions of this column, I will spend some time highlighting some of the key projects planned in this budget – from a new roundabout as part of the Goondiwindi Streetscape Project, to a new playground in Yelarbon and a $1.8 million renewal of the Inglewood Sewerage Pump Station.

Goondiwindi welcomes world-class live orchestra

Earlier this fortnight, my fellow councillors and I were delighted to attend the first night of the regional tour of Camerata, Queensland's Chamber Orchestra.

Across two days, Camerata brought the magic of a world-class live orchestra to Goondiwindi. The visit culminated in an evening concert featuring a mix of classic works by Bach, Mozart and others, alongside contemporary pieces by Queensland composers. The program also included a range of wonderful community experiences, from school and kindy shows to community rehearsals and even a jam session for local musicians – with more than 50 locals joining Camerata on stage during the finale.

Council is proud to support initiatives like this through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government (through Arts Queensland) and local government to support arts and cultural activities across the state.

A sincere thank-you to the organisers for bringing such an outstanding program to our region -providing our community with the opportunity to experience world-class performances and connect through music right here on our doorstep.

Small Schools take spotlight at Macintyre Cluster Athletics Carnival

My Council colleagues and I were also delighted to attend the annual Macintyre Cluster (Small Schools) Athletics Carnival, held last week at Gilbert Oval in Goondiwindi. The event brings together primary students from Kindon, Kioma, Yelarbon and Talwood schools to compete in a range of track and field events.

It’s always wonderful to see students from our local small schools come together for a great day of competition, teamwork and school spirit. Congratulations to all who achieved personal bests, and, most importantly, demonstrated excellent sportsmanship by encouraging and supporting one another.

A special thank you to the staff and families who travelled to attend and cheer on the students, and to the Talwood team for their efforts in organising and coordinating such a wonderful event.

Under Eights Week turns 70

2026 marks a significant milestone for Queensland’s annual Under Eights Week, celebrating 70 years of promoting the importance of learning through play.

Inglewood hosted its event earlier this month, with Goondiwindi following at the Border Rivers Christian College campus. Both events featured a fun-filled morning of activities for children. Goondiwindi also welcomed older residents for the much-loved Under 8s and Over 80s Day, where guests enjoyed connecting with families and sharing a complimentary morning tea.

A big thank you to Council’s team and councillors who took part by manning stalls and reading stories – and to all who made the milestone celebration such a success.