Welcome to Jandowae

Welcome to

Experience Jandowae

Welcome Community...

From the

Jandowae Business Group

Jandowae is a great place to be!

There is a lot of support within the community, from home daycare, the kindergarten, to our hospital and health services.

In Jandowae, everyone comes together for the benefit of our great community.

There is a strong community spirit, and there is always someone willing to help out when needed.

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

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 Eat Play Learn Connect Meet a Newcomer 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 in the eastern pocket of the Western Downs region, 49km northwest of Dalby is Jandowae, named from the Indigenous language meaning camp or waterhole due to its location on the Jandowae Creek. The district extends to Burra Burri, Canaga, Cooranga North, Jimbour, Jinghi Valley and Warra.

In the early days, Jandowae was known as a timber town, with the timber and milling industries making an important contribution to the growth of the town. A trip to Jandowae is like a walk down memory lane, with some of the original shop facades still on display today.

Jandowae has a vibrant and active community who will tell you the town punches above its weight for community spirit and social activities. The busy town has all the essential services, including a hospital, medical centre, school and modern Council Customer Service Centre, Library and Queensland Government Agency office.

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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.

Jandowae to...

Brisbane

257 kilometres

3 hours 10 minutes

Chinchilla

56 kilometres

40 minutes

Dalby

49 kilometres

35 minutes

Sunshine Coast

276 kilometres

3 hours 30 minutes

Goondiwindi

243 kilometres

2 hour 45 minutes

Kingaroy

96 kilometres

1 hour 10 minutes

Miles

101 kilometres

1 hour 10 minutes

Roma

243 kilometres

2 hours 45 minutes

Gold Coast

312 kilometres

3 hours 55 minutes

Tara

98 kilometres

1 hour 10 minutes

Toowoomba

131 kilometres

1 hour 35 minutes

Wandoan

170 kilometres

1 hours 55 minutes

Brisbane Airport

270 kilometres

3 hours 5 minutes

Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport

123 kilometres

1 hour 35 minutes

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Events

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 Jandowae district...

Feb Jandowae Show

Jandowae Fish Hooks Season Launch

Warra Races

Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races

Jandowae Campdraft

Dalby’s Delicious & DeLIGHTful Festival biennial

MWE Charity Golf Day

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Nov

Emergency Services Bowls Day

Chinchilla Melon Festival

Welcome to

Jandowae Races

Rosevale Bull Sale

Jandowae Pony Club Gymkhana TBC

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Meet a Local Amelia & Michael, Business Owners Amelia and ‘Woodsy’ are true Jandowae locals, born and bred. As exemplars of their tight-knit town, the duo are proud business owners (opening Michael Wood Electrical in 2007, and more recently purchasing the Jandowae Post Office), dedicated volunteers (for virtually every club on offer), and community champions (with the annual Michael Wood Electrical Golf Day raising funds for local causes). When they’re not following their three children across the region for junior sport, an ideal day for the family is ‘at the pub or bowlsy’.

Below are Amelia & Michael’s insider tips for living in Jandowae.

Jandowae is our home... and we love the peaceful lifestyle: no traffic jams, no hustle. We have friendly businesses and services like Wambo Medical, the local hospital, a great school, a nice pharmacy, grocery shop, the best hairdresser, awardwinning butcher, three terrific watering holes, local Spar, and many more. It’s a safe place to raise kids with plenty to do, including local sporting groups and brilliant community events like the Timbertown Festival, the Show, and now the Jandowae Campdraft.

Really, what more could you ask for?

Our favourite thing to do... as a family is head out for a hit of golf or game of bowls, then probably head to either the Middle or Bottom Pub for a counter lunch – which doesn’t happen often enough!

However, on a weekend, we love to hook up the caravan and go. Last weekend our son had cricket in Miles, so after we closed the Post Office we took the caravan out there for the weekend. So many beautiful little spots to enjoy!

A lot has changed...

Only locals know...

with small businesses moving online and shop fronts repurposed and turned into homes. But we’ve also seen growth in local businesses and we’ve seen the next generation step up and take on their family farms, shops, business, and raising their own kids in this great little town they were raised.

that Jandowae has the best BBQ Chef in the Western Downs, Bill Wood.

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Our favourite time of year... is school holidays.

Welcome to

We love the commitment of our community to keep all our clubs and events going year in and year out.

Most people know each other, and neighbours are always ready to lend a hand.

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Eat

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The Western Downs is one of Australia’s largest primary producers, providing residents with an opportunity to explore our plentiful local produce. Here’s a taste of what the Jandowae district has to offer...

Welcome to

Exchange Hotel

41 High Street, Jandowae

07 4668 5139

Wombat’s Cafe & Grill

48 High Street, Jandowae

07 4668 5250

Jandowae Bowls Club

94 High Street, Jandowae

0490 786 143

Jandowae Hotel Motel

32 High Street, Jandowae

07 4517 2750

Warra Hotel

Talbot Street, Warra

07 4668 1203

SPAR Supermarket

61/67 High Street, Jandowae

07 4668 5883

Nelson Family Meats

43 High Street, Jandowae

07 4668 5439

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Play

Painted Power Pole Walk

Award-winning Western Downs artist, Graeme McCullough painted 29 power poles with designs depicting local community groups, services, businesses and landscapes of the local area. Take a stroll and get to know the history of the community, pole by pole.

Athlone Cottage Throw down a picnic blanket at Lions Park and meander across the road to Athlone Cottage to learn about the heritage of the cottage from the 1890s.

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Jandowae Dam Jandowae Dam is the perfect relaxation spot. Camping isn’t permitted at the dam, however it’s a local favourite for an afternoon of fishing, birdwatching, kayaking or a family barbeque.

Local Sports Dive in to Jandowae’s active sporting community by joining a team or committee. Squash, golf, bowls, football and tennis are local hot-spots and a great way to meet new people.

Dingo Barrier Fence Head to the start of the 5,000+ kilometre Dingo Barrier Fence — the longest fence in the world, just 16 kilometres drive from Jandowae.

Welcome to Experience Jandowae: 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.

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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

Jandowae Early Learning Centre

Warra St, Jandowae QLD 4410 07 4668 5065 fgpmoreton.org/jandowae-elc

Storytime at Jandowae

Jandowae Library 22 George St, Jandowae QLD 4410 07 4668 4480 westerndownslibraries.com

Jandowae State School

44 George St, Jandowae QLD 4410 07 4668 4333 jandowaess.eq.edu.au

Jimbour State School

2421 Dalby-Jandowae Rd, Jimbour East QLD 4406 07 4663 6120 jimbourss.eq.edu.au

Warra State School

10 Lytton Street, Warra QLD 441107 07 4668 1144 warrass.eq.edu.au

Children 3 to 5 years Operates 8:40am to 2:50pm, Thursday, Friday and alternate Wednesdays

Children 5 years and under 10am, 2nd and 5th Tuesday of the month

Prep to Year 10

Prep to Year 6

Children 3 to 5 years Prep to Year 6

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Connect Activities & Sporting Clubs Cooranga North Campdraft Association District 9 NBHA Barrel Racing Jandowae and District Campdraft Association

Jandowae Mens Shed Jandowae Netball Club Jandowae Pony Club Jandowae Race Club

Jandowae Bowls Club

Jandowae Ski Club

Jandowae Boxing Club

Jandowae Social Darts Club

Jandowae Cottage Craft Inc Jandowae Fish Hooks Senior Rugby League

Jandowae Show Committee Jandowae Squash Club

Jandowae Garden Club

Jandowae Swimming Club

Jandowae Golf Club

Jandowae Tennis Club

Jandowae Jackaroos Junior Rugby League

Jandowae Yarners Craft Group Sunday Social Jandowae

Jandowae Junior Rugby League Jandowae Light Horse Brigade

Keen to volunteer?

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

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

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Community Groups Jandowae and District Progress and Heritage Society Jandowae and District Show Society Jandowae Business and Community Group Jandowae Lions Club Jandowae Fire Brigade Jandowae Meals on Wheels Jandowae State School P&C Committee Jandowae Timbertown Festival Committee QCWA Cooranga North QCWA Jinghi Valley Rural Fire Brigades

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Churches Jandowae Uniting Church Country Hope Church Jandowae St Pauls Anglican Church Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

Welcome to

Essential Services Emergency

Medical

Ambulance, Police & Fire

Jandowae Hospital

Jandowae Fire Station

Jandowae Pharmacy

Jandowae Police Station

Wambo Medical Centre

000 000

131 444

07 4668 4555

07 4668 5342

07 4668 5188

State Emergency Service (SES) 132 500

Aged Care Taralga Retirement Village 07 4668 5433

Home Care Services (Southern Cross Care Qld) 07 4678 7828

Additional Services Australia Post 13 13 18

Wambo Cares

Jandowae Community Cultural Centre

0499 878 648

1300 268 624

Blue Care

Jandowae QGAP

1300 258 322

07 4668 5488

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We hoped to find a quiet country town away from the hustle and bustle of the more populated areas with a great community to raise our sons. Jandowae ticked all the boxes for us.

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Welcome to

Meet a Newcomer

Liz, Business Owner & Jandowae State School P&C President

Liz and her husband Trev and moved to Jandowae with three two boys almost three and a half years ago. After travelling full-time around Australia, it was time to settle down again — and they found Jandowae to be the perfect spot. Describing her lifestyle as ‘relaxed, easy-going and flexible,’ living in Jandowae gives Liz the opportunity to slow down, connect as a family and be present in her boys’ lives.

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

I love that for a small town...

Jandowae is so well catered for with medical and emergency services, a P-10 school along with many sporting and recreational clubs. We operate our business from home and I volunteer at the school as P&C President. Our sons have enjoyed participating in sports such as swimming, fitness / boxing classes, karate and tennis.

I always tell my friends and family... how peaceful and friendly the town is.

There’s always someone giving you a wave or stopping for a chat when they meet you on the street.

I want to explore...

Jimbour House. I’d love to do a tour of the building and grounds. It’s so beautiful.

It’s surprised me... how many industries and opportunities there are for young people to gain a qualification and begin a career in the region. There is also so much support through government and private programs to help our children reach their career goals.

The first person I met was...

Lillian Krog. We stayed at the showground in our caravan while we searched for a home in the area. Lillian was so welcoming and helpful.

My favourite thing... about living in Jandowae is driving along the Dalby Jandowae Road at dusk and seeing the most incredible sunsets over the paddocks.

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Contacts

Western Downs Regional Council Jandowae Customer Visitor Information Centre Service Centre 22 George Street, Jandowae QLD 4410 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) www.wdrc.qld.gov.au info@wdrc.qld.gov.au

Corner of George & High Streets, Jandowae QLD 4410 07 4668 4480 www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au tourism@wdrc.qld.gov.au

Jandowae Business & Community Group 0400 720 4690438 636 884 www.jandowae.cciq.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 Karel Brownhall (Karel B Photography) and the Wood and Yule families.

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Notes

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Welcome to

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