From the Mayor's Desk - 15 April 2025

Published on 15 April 2025

New Goondiwindi-based Department of Youth Justice Officer role is launched

The Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner, Mr. Ian Leavers, visited Goondiwindi last week to mark the beginning of a newly-formed, Goondiwindi-based role within the Department of Youth Justice. This new, local Youth Justice Officer role will focus on closely supervising repeat juvenile offenders subject to court-ordered supervision.

For years, I have advocated that managing these cases cannot be effectively done on a drive-in, drive-out basis. However, until now, the model involved officers travelling from as far as Roma or Toowoomba to oversee cases. I am delighted that Council, with the support of Mr Leavers in his role as Cross-Border Commissioner, was able to successfully advocate for the creation of this local Youth Justice Officer role, to be based in Goondiwindi.

Fulfilling this role is Mr. Bob Bennett, former head of the Warwick CIB with deep ties to the Goondiwindi and Boggabilla areas. Mr Bennett is well-known and respected in his policing career for his considerable experience and no-nonsense approach. This locally-based model will ensure that juvenile offenders, and the agencies working with them, are held accountable to make sure nobody slips through the cracks. Providing intensive case management and supervision, Mr Bennett will also have a strong focus on providing opportunities for these young offenders. I look forward to the work he will do in this role and the outcomes it will achieve for our cross-border community.

State government kicks off $2 million commitment to Care Goondiwindi

Last week, the Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm MP, along with James Lister MP visited Goondiwindi to fulfil a pre-election commitment of a $2 million investment towards the relocation and expansion of Care Goondiwindi.

The funding is intended to enable Care Goondiwindi to acquire suitable land for the relocation and expansion of their services, along with the development of a new Neighbourhood Centre (including commissioning a design and detailed business case). Once these steps are completed, Care Goondiwindi will seek additional funding to begin construction.

As demand for Care Goondiwindi’s services continues to grow, the need for additional space has become critical. The organisation is a cornerstone of local disability and social support services, including critical early intervention support for at-risk children and their families, and this investment will kickstart the development of a new, purpose-built centre that will better equip Care Goondiwindi to meet growing demand.

Statewide charity silo art tour showcases region, supports local family

I was delighted last week to attend a charity dinner as part of a statewide silo art tour by children’s charity Just 4 Kids. Just 4 Kids aims to assist children who are in need through illness or social and economic circumstances. Their annual charity trip this year was a Regional Silo Tour, travelling as far as Biloela before finishing with a bang in the Goondiwindi Region for three days. This really goes to show the impact and reputation of the public art in our region, especially the GrainCorp Silos at Yelarbon (‘When the Rain Comes’), which continues to draw visitors from far and wide.

I was also pleased to witness the appreciation of a local Yelarbon family who had a 6.6kVA solar energy system supplied by RESINC Solar and installed by local the local Phoenix Energy team. This will greatly assist with reducing electricity costs for this local family, who were selected by Care Goondiwindi.

Sky-high ‘Smoko’ is newest addition to Goondiwindi Region public art trail

Another feather was added to the cap of Goondiwindi Region public art last weekend, with the official opening of Angus Wilson’s new larger-than-life sculptural creation, ‘Smoko in the Meadow’. This towering installation is the latest in the growing series of artworks at Nungwai, on the Cunningham Highway, which forms an integral part of the Goondiwindi Region’s public art trail. Congratulations to Angus on his latest work – and thank you for continuing to allow and encourage visitors to stop and appreciate the Nungwai exhibit. If you’ve yet to see the new artwork for yourself yet, please make a trip out there to experience the distorting, Alice in Wonderland-like scale of the ‘Smoko’ scene.

Border Rivers Food and Fibre meeting

The past fortnight, Cr Julia Spicer OAM and I attended the Border Rivers Food and Fibre Group AGM. The group represents the interests of water users from Texas across to Mungindi and promotes the sustainable growth of our agricultural economy. The group continues to have a strong focus on water policy issues that will impact our region and economy.

Council Ordinary Meeting in Texas

A reminder that Council’s next Ordinary Meeting is scheduled in Texas at the Memorial Hall next Wednesday, 23 April. As always, I’d like to invite residents to come along to the meeting at 9am, followed by a community morning tea with the Councillors. Please RSVP by this Friday 18 April on 07 4671 7400 if you are attending for catering purposes.