From The Mayor's Desk 22 March 2024

Following the caretaker provisions due to the Local Government Election on 16 March 2024 and the announcement by the Queensland Electoral Commission this week that I have been elected, I am now back to public statements and regular updates through the fortnightly From The Mayor’s Desk column. I wish to express my gratitude to residents across the region for their support. Whilst the caretaker period limits Councillor’s capacity to make public statements, core mayoral and councillor activities have been on-going, and it has been my pleasure to be out and about across the region for a busy few weeks. We expect that the Queensland Electoral Commission will finalise the election results and declare the new councillors on Wednesday the 27th of March.

Launch of new chemotherapy service in Goondiwindi

Cr O’Shea and I attended the recent opening of the new chemotherapy service at the Goondiwindi Hospital. This is an important addition to our healthcare service for eligible cancer patients in our region. The dedicated chemotherapy room provides vital treatment closer to home, reducing travel and accommodation expenses and allowing patients, caregivers, and families to focus on recovery. While our region already has good healthcare services, adding this new service at the hospital will allow patients to receive their treatment locally, reducing stress and allowing recovery to start promptly. Well done to the team at the Gundy Hospital and the Hospital Auxiliary who supplied essential equipment for the comfort of patients as well. 

Macintyre Ag Summit

On Thursday, 14 March, I had the privilege of opening the Suncorp Agribusiness Summit 2024. Council was proud to support this two-day event through our Community Grants program. Our region is known for its agricultural excellence, and the event attracted a strong contingent from the other regional centres to network and learn. Congratulations to Macintyre Ag Alliance on a fantastic achievement for the region. The Summit event included a field day at Billa Billa Sports Club, a tour of local properties “Goondooee” and “Monte Cristo”, and a conference held at the Goondiwindi Waggamba Community Cultural Centre.

Inglewood Show

The annual Inglewood Show was a fantastic weekend event for locals and visitors to the region, showcasing various demonstrations. Seeing so many locals actively participating in the arena events, the pavilion competitions and displays was a pleasure. We are fortunate to have community-minded residents in our region who generously volunteer their time and resources to make this significant event possible. The Saturday night fireworks were a highlight for the young and the old. Congratulations to the Inglewood Show Society and all the volunteers for another outstanding show this year.

VIC Steering Committee

Last month, the Goondiwindi Visitor Information Centre (VIC) Steering Committee meeting provided an opportunity for the local volunteers to discuss the operations of the Goondiwindi VIC and key tourism issues in the region. These volunteers are the backbone of the VIC, and their commitment and dedication make it possible for us to deliver an excellent service. We appreciate our volunteers hard work and commitment to providing this valuable service to visitors who travel from near and far. Council also manages Visitor Information Centre services in Texas and Inglewood.

Belinda McGowan Foundation Cuddle Bed

Along with Cr Kelly, I attended the presentation of a cuddle bed by Belinda McGowan Foundation to the Inglewood Hospital. Cuddle beds are designed, so that a terminally ill patient can be close to their loved ones during palliative care. The foundation has been established to honour the late Belinda McGowan who wanted to leave a lasting legacy following her terminal diagnosis. The foundation has an aim to donate a bed to all hospitals across the Darling Downs, with the next bed planned for Goondiwindi.

Hell of the West Weekend

As the weekend of 23-24 March approaches, many visitors and athletes will arrive to participate alongside our residents and sportsmen and women in the annual Hell of the West weekend. This event attracts athletes and visitors from across the country and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our region as 'Regional Australia at its Best'. The festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit. I want to acknowledge the local volunteers, vendors, and sponsors who have generously contributed their time and resources to help make this event the best possible. Their support and dedication are appreciated. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Hell of the West 2024, knowing it will be an unforgettable experience for all.