Welcome to Chinchilla

Welcome to

Experience Chinchilla

Welcome Community...

From the

Chinchilla Community Commerce & Industry Inc. Chinchilla is a vibrant community, ideal for living, working, and playing. Located in the Surat Basin, our town offers economic prosperity and exceptional liveability. With a diverse industry base and excellent education and employment opportunities, Chinchilla thrives.

From the

Mayor...

Mayor Andrew Smith Western Downs Regional Council It is my pleasure to welcome you to the wonderful Western Downs!

I invite you to explore everything that our vast and vibrant region has to offer. Whether you’ve recently moved to the Western Downs, or are thinking about making a move, our Welcome Guides will give you an overview of the opportunities that await you and your family in our region.

This guide is packed full of helpful information about our local schools, community and sporting groups, essential services, regional events, attractions, and much more.

Offering the best of the laid-back 2

Our community features a wide range of sporting, recreational, and support service facilities, ensuring a high quality of life. Chinchilla hosts events like the One Long Table Multicultural Food Festival, Community Christmas Celebrations, and the Regional Business Summit.

We’re proud of our progress and strong sense of community. Visit and discover why so many fall in love with Chinchilla.

rural lifestyle combined with urban convenience, stunning natural landscapes, and active communities filled with friendly locals, there really is something for everyone in the Western Downs.

We have a saying on the Western Downs - it’s the people that make it. I am excited to be able to offer support to our newcomers, and hope that these guides will help you to learn more about your new home and the wonderful, vibrant Western Downs community.

Contents About Getting Around Events Meet a Local: Terri Eat Play Learn Connect Meet a Local: Seth Contacts & Acknowledgements

Welcome to

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Council respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners, the Barunggam, Iman (Yiman), Bigambul, Wakka Wakka, and the Jarowair people, as the custodians of this land. We pay respect to all Aboriginal community Elders, past and present, who have resided in the Western Downs and have been an integral part of the history of the region.

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Located two hours north west of Toowoomba on the Warrego Highway, between Miles and Dalby, Chinchilla is known as the melon capital of Australia, producing 25 percent of all Australian watermelons.

Including the surrounding townships of Brigalow, Kogan and Warra, Chinchilla also has a rich history in fossicking for petrified wood, attracting fossickers from all over the world to seek out its own special variety, Chinchilla Red. The Chinchilla Weir is also popular with locals and visitors interested in birdwatching, camping, fishing and water sports.

Chinchilla has no shortage of medical facilities, including its own hospital, private dental practices, general practitioners and a number of specialists.

With plenty of open space and outdoor activities, including the new Chinchilla Cultural Precinct, an award-winning 4.2 hectare Botanic Parkland, and the refurbished multi-purpose skate park, Chinchilla is a popular town to raise a family and a thriving community punching well above its weight.

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Welcome to

Four reasons to call the Western Downs

home...

The Western Downs is home to more than 35,000 residents and almost 10,000 families. The median age of our population is 37 years, and 8% 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 weekly rent is 45% cheaper than Brisbane.

Across the region, the average residential home price is around $300,000 — almost half of the median regional Queensland house price.

The Western Downs’ diverse economic base means that opportunities are plentiful across agriculture, intensive agriculture, energy and manufacturing industries. With large projects in infrastructure, energy and agriculture on the horizon, our local economy is buzzing with investors from all over the world.

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Getting Around

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Welcome to

The Western Downs covers an area of 38,000 square kilometres — roughly the size of Switzerland. We invite you to explore our vast region and enjoy what the Western Downs has to offer.

Chinchilla to...

Brisbane

290 kilometres

3 hours 25 minutes

Dalby

82 kilometres

55 minutes

Gold Coast

345 kilometres

3 hours 55 minutes

Goondiwindi

231 kilometres

2 hours 35 minutes

Jandowae

56 kilometres

40 minutes

Miles

47 kilometres

35 minutes

Roma

188 kilometres

2 hours 5 minutes

Sunshine Coast

345 kilometres

3 hours 55 minutes

Tara

69 kilometres

45 minutes

Toowoomba

164 kilometres

2 hours

Wandoan

116 kilometres

1 hour 20 minutes

Brisbane Airport

302 kilometres

3 hours 30 minutes

Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport

156 kilometres

1 hour 50 minutes

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Events Jan biennial

Apr

Sep 8

Feb

Australia Day

Opera at Jimbour

Oct

Life in the Western Downs is rich with experiences and events that attract Queensland and interstate travellers. See what’s on the calendar for the Chinchilla district...

Chinchilla Grandfather Clock Campdraft

May

Anzac Day

June

World Science Festival Queensland

Words Out West

July

NAIDOC Week

Aug

Brigalow Bush Carnival

Chinchilla Touch Fast 4 Carnival

Dec

Christmas Events

Welcome to

Chinchilla Show

Chinchilla Auto Show

One Long Table

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Meet a Local Terri, Founder of Red Hill Creative Terri was born and raised on a farm just north of Chinchilla, and it’s truly a part of who she is. After moving away right out of high school, Terri returned home and has now been back for over 10 years raising her family.

Her favourite thing about the town that has ‘given her so much’ is the sense of connection and familiar faces wherever she goes, with the ‘warmth of the community unmatched’.

Below are Terri’s insider tips for living in Chinchilla.

The Western Downs... has this perfect blend of opportunity and peace. It’s a place where you can build a meaningful career or business while still enjoying a slower, more intentional pace of life. The landscape, the people, and the lifestyle: it all keeps me grounded and inspired.

I always look forward to... the Chinchilla Melon Festival. The event was started to give the community a much needed boost economically and spiritually after years of drought, and ever since has been an integral celebration on the community’s calendar!

When friends visit... we love taking them to the Botanic Parklands or out to the weir for a BBQ and play. Plus an obligatory photo opportunity at the giant watermelon! We are so lucky to have such a variety of spaces to enjoy.

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I don’t think I could choose... my favourite time of year. From mild sunny winters, to the wildflowers and jacarandas in spring, the outdoor get togethers and summer storms, through to the rich golden energy of autumn. Each season offers its own unique rhythm, and that’s what I love most about living here—it’s always changing, always beautiful.

I’ve seen Chinchilla grow... in amazing ways over the years.

We’ve embraced new businesses and opportunities while still holding onto that small-town charm and strong sense of community.

Only locals know... that Chinchilla watermelons are truly the most delicious grown in Australia!

Welcome to

I enjoy the simplicity of rural living but also thrive on the creativity my work brings to the community.

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Eat

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 Chinchilla district has to offer...

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Welcome to

Chinchilla

Charleys Creek Cafe

Dorney’s Cake Shop

Purple Cow Butchery

Cheong Kong Chinese Restaurant

Drakes Chinchilla

Salty’s Seafood Takeaway

Chinchilla Bowls Club

Fuzzy’s Bakery

Chinchilla Cinema Candy Bar

KFC

FoodWorks Gleeson Quality Meats

Subway Thai House Chinchilla The Club Hotel The Coffee Club Café Chinchilla

Chinchilla Farmers Market

Masala Hut

Chinchilla Great Western Motor Inn

Merritt’s Bakery

The Commercial Hotel Chinchilla

Chinchilla RSL Memorial Club

Palms Restaurant

The Palms Motel

Panache Cafe and Homewares

Woolworths

Domino’s Pizza

McDonald’s

Brigalow Kogan

Brigalow General Store

Warra

Kogan Hotel

Liberty Warra

White Rock Café

Warra Hotel

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Play

Chinchilla Museum

Take a step back in time and visit the Chinchilla Historical Museum to experience the town just as it was in its pioneering days. On the first Sunday of the month, let the kids slip back to yesteryear riding the miniature train that snakes through the museum grounds.

Barakula Forest

Barakula is the largest state forest in the Southern Hemisphere: great for cycling, taking a drive along the forest roads and bush walking.

Chinchilla Weir

A great spot for fishing, swimming and bird watching, with a newlyupgraded campground perfect for weekend staycations.

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The Big Melon

Visit Wotif’s ‘Next Big Thing’ attraction for a fun photo or selfie.

While you’re there, stop by the Visitor Information Centre to get your fossicking license.

Charley’s Creek

Charley’s Creek winds its way around the outskirts of town and there’s a walking track beside the watercourse to hug its journey.

Chinchilla Botanic

Parkland

Spread over 4.2 hectares of green space, kids can make a splash in the watermelon-themed water park, show off their best Spider-Man impersonation on the rock climbing wall, or ride their bike or scooter along the enclosed pathways throughout the parkland.

Welcome to Experience Chinchilla: 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 something for the whole family.

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Learn

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Education for all ages is a priority in the Western Downs. There are 33 schools and 25 regulated childhood education and childcare services in the region. Our libraries also offer online education programs.

Welcome to

Busy Bees Childcare

3 Braithwaite St, Chinchilla

1300 851 331

C&K Chinchilla Community Kindergarten

24/26 Colamba St, Chinchilla

07 4662 7028

NCC Early Learners

14 Villiers St, Chinchilla

07 4668 9412

Chinchilla Christian College

88 Oak St, Chinchilla

07 4668 9777

Chinchilla State High School

7 Tara Rd, Chinchilla

07 4672 9333

Chinchilla State Primary School

36–40 Bell St, Chinchilla

07 4672 9222

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

74 Middle St, Chinchilla

07 4662 7850

Brigalow State School

9 Banana Bridge Rd, Brigalow

07 4665 2107

Kogan State School

High St, Kogan

07 46681721

Warra State School

Robinson Rd, Warra

07 4668 1144

Chinchilla TAFE Campus

9 Zeller St, Chinchilla

1300 308 233

Country Universities Centre 27 Bell St, Chinchilla (CUC) Western Downs

0447 063 539

Chinchilla Regional University Study Hub

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Connect Brigalow Cricket Club Brigalow Tennis Club Canaga Cricket Club Chilla Chicks Line Dancing Chinchilla A & P Assoc Chinchilla Aero Club Chinchilla Archery Club Chinchilla Bowls Club

Chinchilla Garden Club Chinchilla Golf Club Chinchilla Gun Club Chinchilla Gymnastic Club Chinchilla Lapidary Group Chinchilla Motocross Club

Chinchilla Ski Club Chinchilla Sharks Amateur Swimming Club Inc Chinchilla Squash Club Chinchilla Tennis Association Chinchilla Touch Association Crossroads Cricket Club

Chinchilla Cadets

Chinchilla Netball Association

Football Chinchilla

Chinchilla Campdraft Association

Chinchilla Patches & Piecemakers

Glow Dance Co

Chinchilla Clay Target Club

Chinchilla Polocrosse Club

Chinchilla Concert Band

Chinchilla Pony Club

Chinchilla Country Music Club Chinchilla Cricket Club Chinchilla Fishing and Restocking Club Inc

Chinchilla Potters and Painters Chinchilla Race Club Chinchilla Rugby League Football Club

Girl Guides Chinchilla Grandfather Clock Campdraft Association Lapunyah Art Gallery Southern Star Academy of Dance Scouts Chinchilla Xpression Dance Academy

Keen to volunteer?

Visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/community-recreation/volunteering

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Welcome to Enjoy a warm connection and immerse yourself in Chinchilla, where a wide variety of community and cultural groups—from the arts to social gatherings and volunteering— await you.

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Essential Services

Emergency

Medical

Ambulance, Police & Fire

Chinchilla Hospital

000

07 4662 8888

Chinchilla Ambulance Station

Chinchilla Pharmacy

Chinchilla Fire Station

Chinchilla Dental Practice

Chinchilla Police Station

Chinchilla Medical Practice

Chinchilla Rural Fire Brigade

Eyecare Eyewear

Kogan & District Rural Fire Brigade

Your Pharmacy Chinchilla

State Emergency Service (SES)

Goondir Health Services

07 4662 7000 07 4662 7166 07 4672 9666 07 4665 5102

07 4668 1855 132 500

Ergon Energy Faults 132 296

Aged Care Southern Cross Care Illoura Village 07 4628 5395

Additional Services Australia Post 13 13 18

Chinchilla Library 07 4660 7270 20

07 4662 7162 07 4662 8311 07 4662 7188 07 4668 9888

07 4662 8588

07 4573 6841

Welcome to

Community Groups

Apex Club Chinchilla Blue Light Chinchilla Brigalow Hall Committee Brigalow Bush Carnival Committee Brigalow State School P&C Chinchilla Auto & Motor Group Chinchilla Christian College Playgroup

Churches

Baptist Church Church of Christ Combined Churches Youth Group

Chinchilla Concert Band Chinchilla Historical Society Inc Chinchilla Horticultural Society Chinchilla Rural Fire Brigade Chinchilla SES Chinchilla Scout Group Country Womens Association Farm Angels

Kup of Kindness Kogan Progress Association & Memorial Hall Kogan & District Neighbourhood Watch & Community Lions Club Chinchilla Meals on Wheels Chinchilla Rotary Club Chinchilla

Country Hope Church Gospel Hall Jehovah’s Witness Life Church Our Lady Help of Christians Chinchilla Catholic Church

Presbyterian Church St Cecilia’s Chinchilla Parish Seventh Day Adventist Trinity Lutheran Church Uniting Church

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The Western Downs is a region that is visionary and progressive and hasn’t become stale and out of date.

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Welcome to

Meet a Local Seth,Founder of Gerkies.com.au and Gerkies Storm Chasing

A Chinchilla local for 17 years, Seth has seen the region become a hotspot for business, tourism and lifestyle. As an in-demand cinematographer, you’ll be hard-pressed to find Seth without a camera in hand — whether it’s capturing one of many local events on Chinchilla’s calendar, or on the road in pursuit of severe weather events as one-half of father/son duo Gerkies Storm Chasing.

Below are Seth’s insider tips for living in Chinchilla.

My favourite thing about Chinchilla is...

Chinchilla has the best wide-open landscapes...

it has always been genuinely friendly.

People are supportive and are community orientated. Businesses seek opportunities to collaborate, locals always support community events, and most people know each other which allows me to feel connected and a part of a wider team.

and vast, unobstructed views — I enjoy watching a thunderstorm move over me from 50km away. It’s one of the best spots nation-wide for storm chasing. During quieter storm months, these unique landscapes make for perfect footage for my upcoming documentary.

I’d describe my lifestyle as... peaceful, safe and welcoming.

As a business owner... we support and sponsor local community events including One Long Table and NAIDOC week — it’s a great opportunity to give back to our community who have given so much to us. For example, our communityfocused Facebook page (Gerkies Storm Chasing), has an audience of 24k+ thanks to local followers.

I always look forward to... meeting and working with new people.

Most people are supportive, down to earth and genuine. There’s something about the respect that majority of people have for each other here in Chinchilla.

Only locals know... this region is just as good as the east coast areas, without sitting in traffic every morning for two hours just to get to work.

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Contacts

Western Downs Regional Council Chinchilla Customer Visitor Information Centre Service Centre 80-86 Heeney St, Chinchilla QLD 4413 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) www.wdrc.qld.gov.au info@wdrc.qld.gov.au

Warrego Highway, Chinchilla QLD 4413 07 4660 7291 www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au tourism@wdrc.qld.gov.au

Chinchilla Community Commerce & Industry Inc. Dorney Building, 97 Chinchilla St Chinchilla QLD 4413 07 4668 9172 www.chinchilla.com.au events@chinchilla.org.au

Want to know more about who’s who and what’s happening in your town? www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/ Queensland/Western_Downs 24

Welcome to

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 1 January 2025.

With thanks to Gerkies, Terri and Seth.

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Notes

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Welcome to

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