Welcome to Dalby

Welcome to

Experience Dalby

Welcome Community...

From the

Dalby Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to Dalby, where lifestyle and opportunity go hand in hand.

Dalby is ideal for raising a family and growing your career, with quality schools, reliable medical services, and diverse job opportunities. Enjoy a 10-minute commute anywhere in town, giving you more time for what matters.

Dalby’s laid-back country lifestyle

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

is matched with a strong sense of community. Local events, race days, and sport bring people together, creating lasting connections.

The Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports local business and community growth.

We’re excited to welcome you and glad you’re here.

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: Zac Eat Play Learn Connect Meet a Local: Shawnee Contacts & Acknowledgements

Welcome to

4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 22 24

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

Getting Around

6

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.

Dalby to...

Brisbane

209 kilometres

2 hours 40 minutes

Chinchilla

82 kilometres

55 minutes

Gold Coast

263 kilometres

3 hours 10 minutes

Goondiwindi

210 kilometres

2 hours 20 minutes

Jandowae

48 kilometres

35 minutes

Miles

127 kilometres

1 hour 25 minutes

Roma

267 kilometres

3 hours

Sunshine Coast

256 kilometres

3 hours 10 minutes

Tara

90 kilometres

1 hour

Toowoomba

83 kilometres

1 hour 5 minutes

Wandoan

196 kilometres

2 hours 10 minutes

Brisbane Airport

221 kilometres

2 hours 40 minutes

Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport

75 kilometres

55 minutes

7

Events Jan

Australia Day

Mar

Bell Show and Rodeo

May

Opera at Jimbour

Jandowae Timbertown Festival

Bell Bunya Trail Bike Ride

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 Dalby district...

Bell Race Day

Apr Dalby Eisteddfod

Anzac Day

Dalby Wheatmen Ladies Day

June

July

Dalby Diehards Ladies Day

Dalby’s Delicious & DeLIGHTful Festival

Sep

Nov

Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale

biennial

Creekside Markets

8

Rugby Races

Dec

Welcome to

Gowns on the Downs

Dalby Picnic Races

Dalby Show

Words Out West

Aug

Bell Campdraft

Saints Race Day

Dalby Christmas Events

9

Meet a Local Zac, Teacher & Dalby Wheatman Zac is a proud second-generation Dalby local with deep ties to the region, thanks to his parents, who are both successful local business owners.

Growing up as a keen athlete and advocate, he developed a strong sense of community, leadership, and a love for learning through sports. This passion evolved into a dedication to teaching, and today, you can find Zac as a high school teacher at his alma mater.

Below are Zac’s insider tips for living in Dalby.

The Western Downs... has so many things to do. Personally, I sway towards involving myself in sporting activities. Playing rugby union every Saturday continues to gather a large crowd of supporters each and every week, which is fantastic. New or old members can socialise or play for the Wheatmen as they are such an inclusive club.

I’ve stayed in the region... because of the people. I’ve held and developed many close relationships with longtime friends, associates and new people I meet. I’ve seen Dalby develop into the caring community it is.

Dalby has the luxury... of being located close to so many attractions. Each surrounding town has their own thing to offer.

10

For visiting friends and family... especially those who don’t get to experience wide-open landscape like we do, it’s hard to go past just jumping in the car and seeing what there is to be found.

Creeks and rivers, big skies, the bush: we’re very lucky out here!

My lifestyle is... quite diverse, particularly with the variety of activities Dalby has to offer. Having a work/life balance is my priority... I love to stay physical, be involved in the community, network, and spend time with family and friends.

Over the years, Dalby... has changed a lot, and will probably continue. With the development of new homes and facilities, people are continuously relocating themselves here.

Welcome to

Dalby has changed a lot and will probably continue... it’s a great thing to see the town moving forward and expanding our shared views and values.

11

Eat

12

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...

Welcome to

Aldi Brew Dalby Burrito Bar Butcher’s Pantry Coffee & Takeaway Cafe 63 Coles Criterion Hotel Dalby Curry Resort Dalby Health Foods Dalby Hotel Dalby Kebabs Dalby Leagues Club Dalby Sushi DayDay Wants Noodle Bar Dingers Fish & Burger Co

Pips ‘N’ Cherries Bell Store Bellview Hotel

Off the Grid Cafe Domino’s Pizza Red Rooster Donut King Russell Tavern Foodworks South Side Hungry Jacks Supermarket KFC Squires Restaurant Kobbers Restaurant (located in Dalby Manor Lotus River Chinese Motor Inn) Smorgasbord Takeaway Subway Lum’s Chinese Sushi on Cunningham Restaurant The Australian Hotel Marissa’s Espresso Motel Dalby McDonald’s The Coffee Club Michaels Café Dalby Café Dalby North Dalby Urban Paddock Bowls Club Windsor Hotel (Friday Night Meals)

Northside Convenience & Takeaway

Woolworths

The Bun Hotel Bunya Mountains Tavern Poppies on the Hill Bunya Mountains General Store

Kogan Hotel

13

Play

Bunya Mountains 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 Bell Biblical Garden

Perfect for birdwatching, camping and watersports, the lake is the only naturally occurring 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.

14

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.

Welcome to 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.

15

Learn

16

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 Dalby Beck Street Kindergarten

7 Beck St, Dalby

07 4662 3586

Dalby Christian College Early Learning Centre

2A Mary St, Dalby

07 4672 4222

Goodstart Early Learning Dalby

56 Condamine St, Dalby

1800 222 543

Kath Dickson Kindergarten Dalby South

129 Bunya St, Dalby

07 4662 1078

Milestones Early Learning Dalby

62 Bunya St, Dalby

07 4669 6366

Stuart Street Kindergarten

5 Stuart St, Dalby

07 4662 1739

Kids Club Dalby

144 Bunya St, Dalby

07 4669 8416

PCYC Dalby Fun Squad

Cooper St, Dalby

0427 814 574

Dalby South State School

Cnr Owen & Bunya St, Dalby

07 4672 3888

Dalby Central State School

155 Cunningham St, Dalby

07 4672 3666

Dalby State High School

30 Nicholson St, Dalby

07 4669 0900

Dalby Christian College

2A Mary Street, Dalby

07 4672 4222

Our Lady of the Southern Cross College

2 Nicholson St, Dalby

07 4672 4111

Downs Industry Schools Co Op (DISCO) Inc

169 Cunningham St, Dalby

07 4662 2147

Bell State School

90 Dennis Street, Bell

07 4679 2333

Kaimkillenbun State School

Messenger Street, Kaimkillenbun

07 4663 4155

Kogan State School

High Street, Kogan

07 4668 1721

17

Connect 25th / 49th Royal Queensland Regiment (Cadets)

Bunya Mts & District AmCom Inc. Condamine River Poultry Club Dalby & District Rugby Union Football Club Dalby Amateur Picnic Races Club Inc

Dalby Area Historical Dalby North Bowls Club Motorcycle Club of QLD Dalby PCYC Dalby Australian Dalby Players Little Football Club Inc Theatre Inc Dalby Bowls Club Dalby Quilters Dalby Bridge Club Dalby Singers Dalby Country Community Choir Music Club Dalby Squash Centre Dalby Cricket Assoc Social Club Dalby Croquet Club Dalby Toastmasters Dalby Devils Junior Dalby Touch Association Rugby League Dalby Diehards Rugby Dalby Yumborra Scout Group League Dalby Feather Club

Dalby and District Campdraft Club Inc

Dalby Football Inc

Kaimkillenbun Indoor Bowls Club

Dalby Girl Guides

Karate 4 Kids Dalby

Dalby and District Horticultural Society

Dalby Golf Club Inc

Restored Vehicle Association

Dalby and District Pony and Hack Club Inc

Dalby Indoor Bowls Club Southern Star Academy of Dance Dalby Kart Club Inc U3A Dalby Dalby Model Aero Club Waminda Services Dalby Motocross Club Western Downs Winds Dalby Netball Assoc.

Dalby and District Swimming Club Dalby and District Tennis Association

Dalby Gun Club

Keen to volunteer?

Visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/community-recreation/volunteering 18

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

19

Community Groups Apex Club of Dalby Bell Recreation Reserve Committee

Dalby Local Ambulance Lions of Dalby Inc Committee Meals On Wheels Dalby Masonic Lodge Queensland

Bell RSL Sub Branch

Dalby Mens Shed

Bell Show Society Inc

Dalby Probus Club

Bush Kids

Dalby RSL Sub Branch

Dalby and District Senior Citizens Inc

Dalby Salvation Army

Regional Arts Council Dalby Inc

Dalby Welcoming Community

Rotary Club of Dalby

Dalby and District Show Society Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Darling Downs Branch Australian Stockhorse Society

Dalby Eisteddfod Association Inc

Helping Hands Outreach Project

Dalby FilipinoAustralian Community Association

Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Qld Ltd

Churches

Dalby Uniting Church

Dalby Adventist Church Dalby Baptist Church Dalby Christian Family Church Dalby Christian Outreach Centre Dalby Church of Christ Dalby Presbyterian Church 20

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Dalby Pioneer Independent Baptist Church Dalby Saint Johns Anglican Church Dalby Saint Josephs Catholic Church Dalby

Myall Youth and Community Network Centre Inc

Springvale/Kupunn QCWA Western Downs Friends of the Library Assoc Zonta Club Dalby

St Marks Lutheran Church Dalby Bell Presbyterian Church of Queensland Our Lady Help of Christians Bell

Welcome to

Essential Services Emergency Medical

Western Downs Health Centre

Ambulance, Police & Fire Dalby Hospital 000

07 4669 0555

State Emergency Service (SES)

Dalby Chemist

132 500

Ergon Energy Faults 132 296

07 4580 1144

07 4669 6663

Dalby Family Dental 07 4662 2347

Denture Clinic Dalby 07 4638 7854

Dalby & District Friendly Renner Dental Society Dispensary 07 4662 5333

07 4662 5630

John Davies Dalby Ambulance Station Dalby Wholelife 07 4616 1521 Pharmacy & Healthfoods Optometrists 07 4662 3725 07 4662 2777 Dalby Police Station Eyecare Eyeware 07 4669 9222 Bell Care Pharmacy 07 4669 7072 07 4503 3003 Dalby Fire Station 07 4662 2333 Goondir Health Services Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology 07 4679 5900 Bell Police Station 07 4662 3922 07 4631 6900 Myall Medical Practice QML Pathology 07 4662 2433 07 4662 1660

Aged Care BlueCare Dalby Community Care 1300 258 322

Ningana Retirement Village 07 4669 0100

Karingal Aged Care 07 4669 0557

Additional Services Australia Post 13 13 18

Bell Bunya Community Centre 07 4663 1087

Dalby Library 07 4679 4474

21

I’m always talking about how much I love Dalby... I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!

22

Welcome to

Meet a Newcomer Shawnee, Owner of Dalby Florist

The friendly face of Dalby Florist - a popular and longstanding business in the Western Downs community - Shawnee moved with her family from North Queensland to Dalby seven years ago. Leading a ‘purposeful, adventurous, wholesome and happy’ lifestyle, she is a proud advocate for the town and the people in it.

Below are Shawnee’s insider tips for living in Dalby.

There are so many wonderful things about Dalby...

The level of development and growth...

the beautiful countryside and sunsets, local sporting competitions and country race days, but undoubtedly the best part is its people. They’re hard-working, kind-hearted, and always welcoming. They foster a strong sense of community and they truly bring the region to life!

has surprised me. There are many new businesses, facilities and events in the region, and I’ve met lots of people who’ve made the move from the city to the Western Downs to enjoy a more relaxed and wholesome lifestyle.

I always talk to my friends about... how much I love Dalby. Its agriculture, welcoming country people, great range of local shops, restaurants and cafes, excellent venues and events, and so much more.

I look forward to trying... the new menu items our cafes and restaurants regularly come up with. I’m a bit of a foodie and I love how our region’s chefs use local produce to create delicious new combinations.

We regularly enjoy... water skiing at Lake Broadwater, but I am yet to explore more of that lovely Conservation Park area.

My favourite time of year... is Spring - I’m a florist, of course! Lovely weather, gorgeous flowers blooming and lots of beautiful weddings in the countryside.

A local taught me... to always pack a pair of flats when attending a country race day, because you’ll need them for all of the dancing after the sun goes down!

23

Contacts

Western Downs Regional Council Dalby Customer Visitor Information Centre Service Centre 30 Marble St, Dalby QLD 4405 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) www.wdrc.qld.gov.au info@wdrc.qld.gov.au

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

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 Susan Jacobs Photography, Zac and Shawnee.

25

Notes

26

Welcome to

27