Work Live and Love Gundy Life

www.grc.qld.gov.au Welcome to Goondiwindi! Here you will find farmers that are on the cutting edge with technological advances driving efficiencies and higher returns, and numerous multi-million dollar farming properties.

You’ll find locals that are warm and welcoming, who are also heading up major industry bodies, influencing policy and decisions across Hello! this country, and award winning businesses. This Looking for work life balance, is a town that continues to a friendly community, and grow and prosper and the a social life? You won’t beat future is looking bright. Goondiwindi.

CONTENTS

2 Mayor’s Welcome 8 Education Providers 3 We Love Our Region 9 Dining Out & Entertainment 4 Our Economy 10 Local Retail, Library & Cinema, 5 Opportunities and Arts & Culture 5 Housing & Real Estate 11 Sporting Venues 6 Quick Facts 11 Religious & Spiritual Institutions 6 Ease of Access Like many before you, once you 7 Medical Services live in Goondiwindi, you won’t 7 Events ever want to leave your new home.

1 s Mayor of the Goondiwindi region, I am honoured on A behalf of our proud community, to introduce you to Goondiwindi.

There is something for everyone in Goondiwindi! The community is rightly proud of the town’s appearance with Mayor s the immaculate and attractive tree-lined streets, public parks ' and beautiful gardens. As you mingle with the locals you will find that many businesses are family owned and operated, and you will be greeted and impressed by friendly locals, Welcome once voted the friendliest town in .

We can’t wait to welcome you Goondiwindi offers many beautiful and interesting attractions to both tourists and locals, and show you around. and numerous must-do calendar events over the year! Our Water Park, Macintyre River and Botanic Gardens are great assets for the region and warrant sticking around for a few days to try the fishing.

Goondiwindi boasts an abundance of health and fitness facilities, thriving schools, impressive venues, fantastic events and beautifully manicured parks and gardens, there’s so much to take in including our clean fresh air.

As a regional Queensland town we have a younger population per capita than other towns our size, with 11.2% of the population earning more than $1,500 per week.

I invite you to consider Goondiwindi for your next career move.

We can’t wait to welcome you and show you around.

Graeme Scheu Mayor Goondiwindi Regional Council

2 A thriving country town situated on the Macintyre River near the QLD - NSW border. oondiwindi is a thriving country G town situated on the Macintyre River near the Queensland – New South Wales border, and is home to around 6000 locals. ur sporting facilities reflect our active With 5 major highways intersecting at O lifestyle with an 18 hole golf course, Goondiwindi, we are a gateway to the international standard water ski park, outback and natural access point to 4 fields, 3 rugby fields, 2 indoor Queensland for most interstate travellers, , and 10 outdoor netball courts, an We Love Our making it easy for everyone to get here. AFL field, 3 soccer fields, 2 lawns It is the commercial centre of a vast greens, 5 tennis courts, a public swimming agricultural and pastoral region, producing pool and a local gym. Our community cotton, grain, wool, beef, lamb and pork. participation and volunteer base is second Region Goondiwindi also has plenty of options to none. For example the Hell of the West for shopping, dining and entertainment triathlon held in the summer months, an and is a pretty and welcoming town, with event on the national triathlon calendar, Goondiwindi offers a modern country tree-lined streets, well-kept gardens and caters for over 700 participants, none of lifestyle in a family-friendly and incredibly abundant wildlife which is possible without the 300 plus safe environment. Although Goondiwindi volunteers pitching in to help out. is a substantially sized country town, ou’ll find it’s a vibrant, contemporary place with excellent facilities f you live in town the likelihood is that it has the intimate feel of a small, rural Y and amenities, we are always hosting I you are within 3km of your workplace! settlement. events from equestrian extravaganzas, Popping home for lunch or attending concerts, car rally’s to major sporting school parades all becomes an achievable events. We love our adventure part of your new work-life balance. With

he community is close and most welcoming. At any number with Offroad Motorsport Racing and Water everything so close you can also get T of the restaurants, cafes, shops or hotels in town, the staff will Ski Championships to name a couple. proactive on the walking front, or make provide you with a level of service usually reserved for more urban August showcases our passion for all the most of parking right at the front entry locations. Guests are regularly surprised by the breadth of retail things equestrian with Giddy-Up-Gundy to the supermarket, or your workplace. options, and our clothing shops are well known for their quality and offering everything from Race Days, You can say goodbye to driving around style. Cutting competitions, Rodeos, to and looking for a car park once you move to . Goondiwindi!

3 oondiwindi is a thriving country town! Our unemployment rate is 2.7%, and all Gdata trends predicted by local, state and federal governments indicate growth (in some cases the modelling predicts significant growth) across our region in the coming decade. Couples and families that choose to move to Goondiwindi can easily find suitable employment for partners and family.

The main industry in this region is agriculture, and the Goondiwindi Local Government Area is recognised as the third most productive region in the country. We are also neighbours to the richest local government area in , Moree, and many of their residents spend time in Goondiwindi accessing our exceptional services, great shopping, and quality professionals. Whilst our population at census states approximately 11,000 in reality our town is estimated to service over 25,000, which results in an increase of services (e.g. health) being available, and also a boost to our economy. Large scale cereal and broad acre crops and cotton, along with cattle, sheep, and many other enterprises are spread across Our the region. This is reflected in the local employment structure where the top employing industries are diversified agriculture and services to the agriculture sectors including road freight transport as well as retail, accommodation and food services, which cater for the locals and the stop-over visitors. Government sectors Economy are also major employers in the region, whilst aged care residential services are of growing importance to the local economy.

Goondiwindi is a A recent community forum identified that the Goondiwindi region is not the thriving country town! typical farmer image, with a piece of straw hanging out the side of the mouth. Our region is home to many entrepreneurs and innovators, from drone technology to leading manufacturing solutions and leadership in sustainable and regenerative farming solutions. One of our local pharmacists happily shares how she moved to Goondiwindi for love, and never expected to grow her business to be recognised as Australian pharmacy of the year (2017).

We have all the tradies that you would find in a major metropolitan area! With our growing population you will find that this sector is often looking for additional employees or opportunities for new providers in the market. The National Disability Insurance Scheme is available in our area for children and adults.

Professional services are also found locally. From accountants, to lawyers, to financial planners, small business experts, insurance brokers and engineers, music teachers, and veterinarians

4 Opportunities

We believe that the windows of opportunity for small business and industry in the region are extensive. Housing and

The strength of this belief is based in at least five key factors: Real Estate • The region’s diversity of natural resources and rural production. • The scope for value-added production We emphasise that the Goondiwindi and even export potential. region is a location full of “ground floor” According to the Queensland Valuation available and with the levee covering opportunities. It offers great potential • The excellent scope for identification and Sales database the median house approximately 14km of the river, you rewards to those who have the vision of eco-tourism and other tourism value in Goondiwindi at December 2016 will find experience the peace of limited to see where South East Queensland is opportunities. was $288,000. Compared to the State neighbours and the wildlife of the River at heading, and where growth opportunities median price of $440,000, this makes your doorstep. Alternatively you might be • The regions central positioning as hub will emerge over the next five to fifteen housing affordability really attainable for looking for semi-rural blocks with a few of strong rural growth. years. many. acres for your hobby farm, and plenty of • The increasing pressure, restrictions space for the kids to be kids! and costs on business and industry From this perspective, the greatest long- The median rent (RTA – Mar 17) for a 2 in the greater metropolitan areas will term opportunities exist in establishing bedroom flat/ unit is $200, and the median Of course you will also find a selection of force many businesses to explore the now, while establishment and/or rent for a 3 bedroom house is $280 per scalable farming properties in this rich economic and lifestyle advantages of relocation costs are so comparatively week. agriculture area, with our region in the top relocation. three most productive agriculture regions attractive for those with vision and a true We have a waterpark estate, where it’s modern day pioneering spirit. in Australia. For more information about the growth and all about lifestyle, a new prestigious strength in agriculture, and opportunities development with stunning water views, The local real estate agencies we Further, there are numerous businesses for investment or start-up in agriculture, with the majority of lots featuring absolute recommend you research or contact are: long established in the area whose owners visit the report completed by Regional water frontage for residents to make have enjoyed a lifetime of involvement • Border Property and Livestock Development Australia highlighting the most of walkways, water sports, and and who are looking to sell or retire. • Elders Ltd current economic factors and future adjoining parkland with play equipment, These may offer excellent opportunity • First National Real Estate George Sloss growth opportunities. bbq facilities, and swimming. Or you can for younger professionals or business • Goondiwindi Property Rentals consider river frontage property right www.rda-ddsw.org.au/fileadmin/user_ minded families wanting to grow with the • Goondiwindi Rural and Residential on the Macintyre River. There are older upload/Southern_Qld_-Opportunities_ region and have access to excellent rural • Raine & Horne Goondiwindi and established homes, or new blocks in_Agriculture_MEDIUM.pdf lifestyle. • Ray White Rural Goondiwindi

5 Ease of Access

With 5 major highways intersecting at Goondiwindi, we are easily accessible via road and air.

oondiwindi is a regional area with taxi services, car hire (Hertz and Avis), and a range G of buses for hire. Most activities are within walking distance and guests can leave the car and enjoy the facilities and local food, shops and activities without the cost of parking or public transport.

11,038 19,294 1,893 621 mm population square km’s local businesses avg rainfall GOONDIWINDI AIRPORT BUS Available for private air There is a daily bus charters service from Brisbane to Brisbane to Goondiwindi Goondiwindi and return (4 hours) MOREE AIRPORT with Crisps coaches. Sydney to Moree Gold Coast to Goondiwindi Local buses can be Quick Facts (Qantas) (4 hours and 30 minutes) booked for shuttle Brisbane to Moree services. Moree to Goondiwindi (Fly Corporate) (1 hour and 20 minutes) TAXI Summer Autumn Winter Spring Goondiwindi has a local TOOWOOMBA AIRPORT Sunshine Coast to taxi service available Mean Max Temp 33.6 26.7 18.9 27.8 Sydney to Toowoomba Goondiwindi 24hrs a day, seven days a (Qantas) (5 hours) Mean Min Temp 19.4 13.2 5.6 13 Melbourne to Toowoomba week, with a fleet Sydney to Goondiwindi (Airnorth) to accomodate all (8 hours and 45 minutes) Mean Monthly Rainfall (mm) 72.4 47 38.4 49.2 Townsville to requirements including Toowoomba (Airnorth) Toowoomba to maxi and wheelchair Monthly Mean of Days with 5.5 3.7 3.9 4.6 Cairns to Toowoomba Goondiwindi accessible. Rain(>1mm) (Airnorth) (2 hours 30 minutes)

72.7% of the local population has access to the internet, with farm occupants living away Airports Warwick to Goondiwindi Bus & Taxi from the major hubs facing the most challenges. The NBN rollout is scheduled within this (2 hours) region in 2018 with residents generally expecting FTTC or FTTN to be available within the Self-Drive town area.

6 Events

Event Name Month Goondiwindi Golf Competitions various Goondiwindi Race Days various E & E Hell of the West Triathlon February Goondiwindi Picnic Races April Goondiwindi Easter on the Macintyre April Goondiwindi Show May Goondiwindi RiverJam June Goondiwindi - Ladies day June Goondiwindi - Ladies day July Albins ARB Offroad 400 Offroad August Medical Goondiwindi Polo Tournament August Goondiwindi Cotton Cutting Futurity August Weengallon Pink Ladies Day August Gourmet in Gundy September Services Gundy Plucked Duck B & S Ball September Goondiwindi & District Community Gardens Markets September A broad range of medical and allied health Gundy Medical Muster September services available. Goondiwindi CampDraft October Care Goondiwindi Colour Run October Melbourne Cup Luncheons November Being a town passionate about participation in sports, we are comforted that, in Goondiwindi Christmas Markets December the case of an emergency, we have a broad range of medical and allied health services available.

The Goondiwindi hospital provides the community with general medicine, Big or small, community or tourist focused, not for profit or commercial general surgery, obstetrics, long stay care, paediatrics emergency, high business, any and all events are welcome on the Goondiwindi Council dependency care, outpatients, palliative care and acute care services. Events Calendar. Other allied health: ambulance, chiropractor, dentists, massage, physiotherapy, The Calendar was set up to help the region plan for future events, as well occupational therapy, radiography, social work, dietetics, tele heath, speech as become a marketing tool for tourists and locals to know what is going and pathology. on in their community. To find more information about a specific event, or date please visit - All Our local medical centre currently operates with 12 local doctors, many of you need to do is go to the Council website - whom are long term Goondiwindi folk. They are open 6 days a week and also www.grc.qld.gov.au\events have a unique relationship with the local hospital ensuring continuity of care and medical advice for any local in need of medical support.

7 Border Rivers Education Quality Christian College order Rivers Christian College education is B opened its doors in 2015 and transitioned to its brand new Providers important purpose built facility in mid 2017. The school is fast expanding its Goondiwindi prides itself on being a family town, to us. enrolment capacity and additional therefore there is no surprise that quality education years of schooling. Border Rivers is important to us. Christian College provides a Christian education, encouraging faith in Jesus Christ, and fostering an attitude of service to others and the community we live in, and instil a desire to learn for life.

Goondiwindi State Goondiwindi State St Marys Parish School Early Childhood Primary School High School t Mary’s Parish School, has been here are several early childhood ur school currently has an enrolment oondiwindi State High School is a S operating in Goondiwindi since education options in the O of approximately 540 students G rural school of approximately 500 1911. It is a co-educational Catholic T Goondiwindi region, please contact from Prep to Year 6. Goondiwindi State students and 85 teaching and ancillary School with a current enrolment of one of the following providers to find School has been part of our community staff. Our year 7 to 12 curriculum is 395 students in the Primary (P-6) out more. since 1864 and has a very proud tradition designed to provide diverse pathways and Middle School (7-8), with year 9 of community based education with a through productive community/industry commencing in 2018. St Mary’s Parish • Coolabah Early Childhood vision for supporting the development of partnerships, innovative challenges to School is committed to all students Development Centre future citizens who have the skills and create lifelong learners and active citizens being given every opportunity • Goondiwindi & District Family knowledge to contribute and thrive in the and pride in success by encouraging to reach their full potential. This Day Care wider community. We are very proud of and rewarding achievement, initiative is done in a caring, secure and our school, students and community and and enterprise. Goondiwindi State High Catholic/Christian environment that • Goondiwindi and District Child welcome new families to our school. It School is committed to high quality promotes learning, resilience, self- Care Centre really is Just Great at Gundy State. learning programs that cater for the needs discovery and development of the • Goondiwindi Kindergarten and interests of all students. whole child. • Lead Childcare

8 The Larder Cafe

There are currently 35 eating night often include DJ’s, feast, a vegetarian delight, establishments across dance floors, concerts, the old school chicken parmy or Goondiwindi! traditional meat raffle, all the simply a burger and chips major sporting games on the you will always feel satisfied Whether you love Thai, big screen and karaoke! with your choice. Dining Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, are a sucker for a great steak, Quality and value for money And we can’t forget that are a vege lover or traditional remain a high priority coffee lovers can be found fish and chips, or you like the in Goondiwindi, and of in the bush too!! All your Out and finer dining options, there is course our pubs, cafes and favourite coffee beans are no reason to miss out on your restaurants survive by dotted around town, and favourites just because you delivering on both! you’ll quickly discover which live in the country. places have a morning line Whether you are wanting to Entertainment up for their long black or flat We have four major pubs, so eat in or take away, Gundy white! you can mix it up, depending has a massive range of on what you feel like. Options choices to fill your appetite on a Friday or Saturday whether you feel a breakfast

9 Local Retail Arts and Culture Library and Cinema

Goondiwindi has purposefully resisted Goondiwindi has a strong appreciation for The Goondiwindi Regional Council library the establishment of a ‘shopping centre’, arts and cultural experiences. A town of our provides a wide range of services including instead wanting to keep the charm of a size is often large enough to host regional books and magazines, audio books, music main street, making our town attractive and tours such as the Queensland Ballet, Busby cd’s, videos and reference material. Ask staff interactive! We have a Coles supermarket, Marou or Bush to Bach. We have an active about special needs services such as large and a Foodworks which ensures you have 7 young writer’s association, performing arts print/audio books and internet accessibility. day a week access to your everyday grocery group, and numerous local bands, and music The Goondiwindi library is also a member needs. Other retail businesses include teachers. Local artists are supported, and of the Rural Libraries Queensland, this Nutmeg Home - Home Living Target Country, Supercheap Auto, Mitre 10, are provided with opportunity to showcase fantastic service gives residents 24/7 access Home Timber and Hardware, 2 pharmacies, their artwork at the local gallery alongside to resources and services. Members can newsagent, toy store, discount stores, op the touring exhibitions, and workshop request items be transferred to our library, shops, post office (open on Saturdays), opportunities are regularly funded to help renew library loans and access online or cinema, homewares, organic foods, jeweller, boost local engagement in the arts. The downloadable content. electrical stores, sports stores, furniture region has numerous active aboriginal Also operated by the Goondiwindi Regional stores and much more. artists and opportunitites for the community Council is the renovated (2012) and restored to learn more about our local aboriginal For the ladies that are also accustomed Goondiwindi cinema. The original cinema history and culture. to ensuring they look their best there are building was built as a Town Hall/ Civic numerous fashion boutiques, including Centre in 1937, and formed a cinema around designer shoe stores, as well as over 20 1950 until 1978, with intermittent use since hairdressers in town, as well as beauticians, then. and massage options. In 2010 Council received funding to undertake The major banks all have branches in a full restoration, restoring the art-deco Goondiwindi, as well as a few rural banks. décor. In 2015 the cinema reopened, with The Townhouse - Restaurant its unique décor complimented with state of the art technology to maximise your viewing experience of movies, or the occasional live performance. The Goondiwindi Cinema shows all the best new releases offering locals great value for money.

10

Roberta Fairbanks Audrey’s - Ladies Fashion of Stylish Kids Australia Goondiwindi Cinema To give you a little taste the following is a Religious summary of some of our sporting facilities: and Spiritual • Gilbert Oval & Barry McGregor Oval - Regularly used for fixtures of rugby Institutions league, soccer and men’s , 3 field and various configurations for The town sustains a breadth of formal and junior cricket and soccer informal worship options for residents.

• Goondiwindi Bowls Club Churches with regular services include:

• Goondiwindi Golf & Country Club - 18 • Anglican Holy Trinity Church Hole grass greens golf course • Assemblies of God • Goondiwindi Natural Heritage and Water Park - 3km watercourse provides • Catholic St Mary’s Church

opportunities for water sports of all kinds • Congregational Living Bible Fellowship including water skiing, waterboarding, • Goondiwindi Uniting Church canoeing and boating. It is also the perfect place to view the vast bird life, • Lutheran Living Waters Church

have a picnic on the lawn or swim at the • Presbyterian St Andrew Church “ designated” area

• Goondiwindi Race Club (Turf Track)

Sporting • PCYC Goondiwindi - Regularly used for , , indoor netball, badminton, , boxing, Venues gymnastics, air-conditioned gym and pulse room.

• Pool Whether you are a kid or just young at • Riddles Oval cricket - Regularly used heart, if you are a sports fiend you will for fixtures of rugby union, ladies touch be amongst friends in Goondiwindi. It is football, outdoor netball and likely that you will find there are just not • Schools – Goondiwindi SHS, SS and St enough days in the week for you to make Marys - A range of well-kept sporting the most of the friendly competition and fields and ovals that complement the other offerings in town. social options on offer in Goondiwindi. • Skatepark

11 Get In Touch

Contact Us

Office: LMB 7, Inglewood Qld 4387 Phone: (07) 4671 7400 Fax: (07) 4671 7433 E-mail: [email protected] www.grc.qld.au