Welcome to Dalby

Welcome to

Experience Dalby

Welcome

From the Chamber...

Dalby Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Dalby is a great place to raise a family and also build a career.

The combination of education providers and medical facilities along with career opportunities from entry level roles to executive positions offer the best of both worlds. Dalby offers the laid-back country lifestyle along with regular events, races and sport to allow quality family time. There’s a strong community spirit where everyone genuinely looks out for each other.

I would like to extend a personal invitation to explore all that our region has to offer using our welcome guides.

These guides are for those who have recently moved to the Western Downs or are looking to relocate here.

There is a lot of helpful information including available schools, local community groups, recreational and sporting groups and essential services offered in our towns.

Our region is known for its vibrant communities which have a great variety of activities for all ages and interests. From our regional events,

local festivities, arts and culture programs and strong sporting communities, there is something for everyone

I’m excited to be able to these guides comers and hope offer support to our new-

will help Downs. Western into the you settle

Mayor Paul McVeigh Western Downs Regional Council

From the Mayor...

Dalby is the gateway to the Western Downs region and is a short 85km drive from Toowoomba.

There’s a reason more than 12,000 people choose to call Dalby home — with both city amenities and country town hospitality within its borders.

From agriculture to livestock, manufacturing, coal seam gas extraction, coal mining and renewable energy, Dalby lies in the heart of a diverse industry base. The Dalby Regional Saleyards is home to the largest sameday cattle selling yards in Australia and the second largest selling centre in Queensland.

Including the towns of Bell, Kaimkillenbun, Kogan and the Bunya Mountains, Dalby enjoys the country charm of wide open spaces with all the essential services.

Four reasons to call the Western Downs

h ome...

The Western Downs is home to more than 34,000 residents and 8,188 families. The median age of our population is 37 years, and 7.1% of our residents were born overseas. We are proud to be a multicultural community and support diversity and inclusivity.

Combining a country lifestyle with modern living and conveniences, the Western Downs has an assortment of urban centres, quiet small towns, rural lifestyle blocks and an abundance of recreation spaces — something to suit everyone!

Living in the Western Downs is affordable compared to many parts of Queensland. Our average rent is $250 per week, compared to the Queensland average of $395 per week.

Across the region there are 15,000 homes with an average sale price of $200,209 — $258,151 lower than the Queensland average.

The Western Downs boasts one of Australia’s strongest, wellrounded and diverse economies.

Agriculture is a founding pillar of the region, closely followed by intensive agriculture, manufacturing, and more recently large scale investments in the resources industry and renewable energy.

Getting Around

Dalby Picnic Races

Dalby Eisteddfod Big Skies Rugby Races

Meet a Local Glen and Melinda, Owners of Hays Jewellers

Glen and Melinda made their home in Dalby 26 years ago with their young children and new business, Hays Jewelers. They believe a place is what you make it, a concept that keeps them busy in many volunteer positions around town. For anyone moving to the region they offer the same advicethe same advice and that is to reach out and find people to connect with. Dalby is a great community and has something for everyone. Below are Glen and Melinda’s insider tips for living in Dalby.

In the community, believing what you give is what you get. Over the years we have been involved in the likes of Scouts and school tuck-shop with the kids growing up. At the moment our biggest commitments are with Rotary and the Dalby community radio 4DDD. – Melinda

To have the Bunya Mountains so nearby, that’s always a highlight. The serenity of Lake Broadwater and the amazing collection of bird life make this place very special. – Melinda

Our

Is the beautiful Autumn weather. We’re lucky to have warm days even in winter, and the magical skies that come with the change of the season. – Melinda

Other business owners. I can walk up the street and drop in on some of the shop owners, and we catch up and compare notes. It’s very beneficial. – Glen

Myall Creek of an afternoon. It’s a beautiful way to end a day, spending about an hour wandering under the trees right in the heart of town. – Glen

The Delicious and DeLIGHTful Festival held in August. It’s a great weekend with the various food, culture and entertainment. It’s wonderful. – Glen

Being involved with Rotary at the Australia Day Breakfast and Stockhorse Sale each year. It’s a lot of work but so interesting to see how the days are run and the communities that come along to support them. – Melinda

We are both very involved...

Quite often we’ll walk along...

favourite time of year...

I always love running into...

We’re very lucky...

We look forward to...

There are so many benefits, it’s a lovely place to live. It’s small but a friendly community... and economically very strong.

The Western Downs is one of Australia’s largest primary producers and our abundant local produce offers a chance for residents to explore our local produce. Here’s a taste of what the Dalby district has to offer...

The Australian Hotel

Motel Dalby

Butcher’s Pantry Coffee & Takeaway

The Coffee Club Café Dalby Cosy Corner Café

The Country Club Hotel

Criterion Hotel Dalby Curry Resort

Dalby Bowls Club (Friday Night Meals)

Dalby Health Foods

Dalby Kebabs

Dalby Leagues Club

Dalby Sushi Donut King Emmanuel Coffee Co Gembu Sushi

Kobbers Restaurant

Lotus River Chinese Smorgasbord Takeaway

Lum’s Chinese Restaurant

Marissa’s Espresso Marissa’s Espresso Bar

Michaels Café Dalby Michel’s Patisserie

My Noodle Box

Ribs N Roast

Russell Tavern Silver Spoon Tea Room Squires Restaurant (located in Dalby Manor Motor Inn)

Stellarossa Dalby Urban Paddock Windsor Hotel

Pips ‘N’ Cherries

Centre Coffee Shop

Gordon’s Meat

Bellview Hotel

Bunya Mountains

Tavern

Poppies on the Hill Bunya Mountains General Store

Aldi Coles Dalby Foodworks Northside Convenience & Takeaway Woolworths

South Side Supermarket

Domino’s Pizza Hungry Jacks KFC Red Rooster McDonald’s

Subway

The Bun Pub Kogan Hotel

Bunya Mountains Play

Head to the Bunya Mountains lookout for amazing views of our region, or go for a walk on one of the hiking trails.

Lake Broadwater Conservation Park

Perfect for birdwatching, camping and watersports, the lake is the only naturally occuring water body of this type on the Darling Downs.

Dalby Aquatic Centre

Cool down and get fit in the Olympicsized outdoor pool or heated 25m pool.

Myall Creek

Put on your sneakers, get the dog and kids and walk or run along the Myall Creek, day and night. On Saturdays, meet at the Jimbour Street parklands for weekly parkrun.

Bell Biblical Garden

Uncover locally made artworks depicting scenes from the bible at this unique tourist hot-spot. While you’re in town, duck into the Bell Bunya Community Centre for freshlymade scones with rosella jam.

Pioneer Park Museum

Walk through and experience times of old with vintage machinery, authentic colonial buildings and even a working blacksmith shop on display. Mark your calendar for the annual Field Day held on the fourth weekend in May.

Experience Dalby, our small town has a big heart. With plenty to do, including cultural activities, active sporting clubs and groups, and the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, there’s fun activities for the whole family.

Education for all ages is a priority in the Western Downs. There are 33 schools and 24 regulated childhood education and childcare services in the region. Our libraries also offer online education programs.

25th 49th Royal Queensland Regiment (CADETS)

Dalby Aero Club Inc

Dalby Amateur Picnic Races Club Inc

Dalby Area Historical Motorcycle Club of QLD

Dalby Astronomy Group

Dalby Australian Football Club Inc

Dalby Bowls Club

Dalby Bridge Club

Dalby Country Music Club

Dalby Creative Artists

Dalby Cricket Assoc

Dalby Croquet Club

Dalby CWA

Dalby Devils Junior Rugby League

Dalby Diamonds Cheerleading, Drama and Singing

Dalby Diehards Rugby League

Dalby and District Horticultural Society

Dalby and District Campdraft Club Inc

Dalby and District Pony and Hack Club Inc

Dalby & District Rugby

Union Football Club

Dalby and District Swimming Club

Dalby and District Tennis Association

Dalby Family History Society Inc

Dalby Feather Club

Dalby Football Inc

Dalby Girl Guides

Dalby Golf Club Inc

Dalby Gun Club

Dalby Gymnastics Club

Dalby Indoor Bowling Association

Dalby Junior Golf Dalby Karate Club

Dalby Karts Club Inc

Dalby Ladies Bowls Club Inc

Dalby Little Athletics

Dalby Mens Shed

Dalby Motor Cycling Sporting Club

Dalby Netball Assoc.

Dalby North Bowls Club

Dalby PCYC

Dalby PCYC Basketball Association

Dalby PCYC Netball

Dalby Pistol Club Dalby Little Players Theatre Inc

Dalby Quilting and Applique Club Inc

Dalby Singers Community Choir Dalby Squash Centre Social Club

Dalby Table Tennis Association

Dalby Tara Rifle Club

Dalby Thistle Pipe Band Inc

Dalby Toastmasters

Dalby Touch Association Dalby Triathalon Dalby Volleyball

Dalby Yumborra Scouts Restored Vehicle Association

Southern Star Academy of Dance

U3A Dalby Regional Artist Exhibition

Welcome to

Experience warm connection and immerse yourself in Dalby, with a wide variety of community and cultural groups ranging from the arts to social groups and volunteering.

Keen to volunteer?

Visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/volunteering/ for more.

Community Groups

Apex Club of Dalby

Asthma Foundation of Queensland Dalby Branch

Blue Care Bush Kids

Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Dalby and District Disabled Veterans Association

Dalby and District Senior Citizens Inc Dalby and District Show Society

Dalby and District National Seniors Association

Darling Downs Branch Australian Stockhorse Society

Churches

Assemblies of God

Dalby

Saint Johns Anglican Church Dalby Dalby Presbyterian Church

Dalby Church of Christ Dalby Uniting Church Dalby Baptist Church

Dalby Eisteddford Association Inc

Dalby Neighbourhood Watch

Dalby FilipinoAustralian Community Association

Dalby Probus Club

Dalby RSL Sub Branch Dalby Salvation Army Dalby Welcoming Community Dalby Womens Networking Group

Friends of Myall Creek Landcare and Catchment Management

Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Qld Ltd Lions of Dalby Inc

Myall Youth and Community Network Centre Inc

National Rodeo Council of Australia Inc

Qld Country Womens Association Regional Arts Council Dalby Inc Rotary Club of Dalby St Vincent Community Services Western Downs Friends of the Library Assoc YWCA Qld Dalby Zonta Club Dalby

St Marks Lutheran Church Dalby Dalby Christian Outreach Centre

Dalby Seventh Day Adventist Church

Saint Josephs Catholic Church Dalby Pioneer Independent Baptist Church Dalby

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Dalby

Dalby Gospel Chapel Macalister Lutheran Church

Bell Presbyterian Church of Queensland Christians Catholic Church Bell

We didn’t know what to expect when we moved out here... there are many things this region has to offer and we can offer in return.

Welcome to

Meet a Newcomer

Thu and Alberto, Tree-changers

After looking across Queensland for land to buy, Thu and Alberto found a home they could make their own in Kogan. A place where they can spread out, slow down and continue to run their businesses while balancing their new minimal waste lifestyle. Above all, the Western Downs has offered them a lifestyle where they can connect with, learn from and give back to their community, something they are both passionate about.

Below are Thu and Alberto’s insider tips for living in Kogan.

Before relocating...

We both have lived in major cities. When we decided to purchase land we wanted a good bit of space and a lifestyle change. We looked all across regional and coastal Queensland before finding this block of land and making the commitment. – Thu

More than anything, after looking and researching so many places, affordability met the quality of life we were looking for in the Western Downs. Here in Kogan we have access to Chinchilla, Tara and Dalby and all the facilities they provide. – Alberto

I like the fresh air...

And the peace and quiet to think and relax. Running our own businesses means we do not have to operate on standard hours. This lifestyle gives us the flexibility to control our own time and work at our own pace. – Thu

You get the best night’s sleep under an incredible night sky and very friendly people everywhere. – Alberto

A local taught me...

Everything I know about farming our property. We do not have a farming background but have found a lot of support from everybody that is nearby. From rainfall and roof catchment to sheep numbers and wild dog management. –Alberto

How to grow fruit trees in our new climate. She has a lot of established fruit trees and has given me a lot of tips for getting my own garden to thrive. We really appreciate that they share their knowledge so openly. – Thu

This community is very friendly...

So it’s easy to relate to people. It’s in our nature to reach out to people and create connections. A small, close knit community makes living together a lot easier. – Thu

Contacts

Western Downs Regional Council

Dalby Customer Service Centre

30 Marble St, Dalby QLD 4405

1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) www.wdrc.qld.gov.au info@wdrc.qld.gov.au

Visitor Information Centre

Drayton St (in Thomas Jack Park), Dalby QLD 4405 07 4679 4461 www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au tourism@wdrc.qld.gov.au

Dalby Chamber of Commerce & Industry

P.O Box 663 Dalby QLD 4405 07 4662 4050 www.dalbychamber.com.au admin@dalbychamber.com.au

www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/ Queensland/Western_Downs

Welcome

Acknowledgements

With thanks to Shell’ s QGC Business

With a third of our staff and contractors calling the Western Downs home, we know the region is a fantastic place to live, work and raise a family.

We want more of our employees living locally and we know the Western Downs has so much to offer. We are proud to support the production of these welcome guides for people moving to the area.

Relocating anywhere new is often daunting, with many factors unknown. With information on key resources such as schools, services, businesses and community groups easily accessible in these packs, we’re confident the transition for individuals and families will be made easier.

And by showcasing the unique character of what brings the towns ‘alive’ we are confident your new life in the Western Downs will be exciting.

This guide was funded by Shell’s QGC Business and produced by Western Downs Regional Council. Information is current as at 30 April 2022.