Welcome to Miles

Welcome to

Experience Miles

Welcome Community...

From the

Miles & District Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to our beautiful and diverse district!

Miles and the surrounding towns have a strong agricultural history and support extensive grain and grazing industries and a large intensive feedlot sector and some irrigated crops. In more recent years the energy and renewable sectors having a large and growing

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

presence in the area. This provides for job security and diversity, and many entrepreneurial opportunities.

Education, sport, and the creative arts are strongly supported and are thriving in our part of the region. Be sure not to miss two of our treasured jewels – the Miles Historical Village and the Dogwood Crossing Centre.

Enjoy your time in the bush!

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: Brenton Eat Play Learn Connect Meet a Local: Steph 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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Situated along Dogwood Creek, with bottle tree-lined streets, Miles sits on the intersection of the Warrego and Leichhardt Highways, 330km northwest of Brisbane. It’s a picturesque town with a lot to do.

Stop by the Miles Historical Village and you’ll understand the town’s proud pioneering heritage, as you take a step back in time walking through streetscapes recreated from the 1920s.

The same pioneering spirit is evident today at Dogwood Crossing, where there’s a strong focus on arts and culture with regular art exhibitions on display.

Including the townships Condamine, Drillham and Dulacca in its district, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to explore, from camping and fishing to watersports.

This culturally rich town and active community offers all essential services from arts and culture, education, medical facilities and sporting clubs.

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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.

Miles to...

Brisbane

336 kilometres

4 hours 5 minutes

Chinchilla

47 kilometres

35 minutes

Dalby

127 kilometres

1 hour 25 minutes

Gold Coast

390 kilometres

4 hours 35 minutes

Goondiwindi

224 kilometres

2 hours 30 minutes

Jandowae

101 kilometres

1 hour 10 minutes

Roma

141 kilometres

1 hour 40 minutes

Sunshine Coast

393 kilometres

4 hours 20 minutes

Tara

100 kilometres

1 hour 5 minutes

Taroom

128 kilometres

1 hour 20 minutes

Toowoomba

210 kilometres

2 hours 30 minutes

Wandoan

69 kilometres

45 minutes

Brisbane Airport

349 kilometres

4 hours 10 minutes

Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport

202 kilometres

2 hours 20 minutes

Roma Airport

145 kilometres

1 hour 55 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 Miles district...

biennial

biennial

Women’s Wellness Day

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Pink Up Your Town

Welcome to

Miles Memorial Trail Ride

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Meet a Local Brenton, Owner of BASO Constructions

Brenton, his wife Kate, and their three children are proud Condamine locals and familiar faces in this tight-knit community. After moving to the area 14 years ago to be closer to family, Brenton, who owns and operates a construction company from Condamine, is an active volunteer at Condamine State School and a coach at the mighty Miles Devils Junior Rugby League Club.

Below are Brenton’s insider tips for living in Condamine.

The sense of community...

Since I’ve been here...

our friendships, and the support of a great school where our kids can comfortably be themselves has kept us in the Western Downs.

there is a lot more agricultural, mining and gas activity that has bought new families into the town, school and sporting teams.

As a family...

If I want to get out of the house for the day...

we have a very outdoor lifestyle. We love the open spaces and the country lifestyle that is still close enough to the comforts of the city.

Our favourite thing about Condamine... is the friendly and supportive nature of our friends and their families. I always love running into friendly faces.

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we head out to the lagoon with friends for a swim or a BBQ, go fishing in the Condamine River, support our local sporting teams or go to family owned farms where there’s always something to do.

My favourite time of year... is when the river is clean and the fish are biting!

Welcome to

We love the open spaces and the country lifestyle that is still close enough to the comforts of the city.

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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 Miles district has to offer...

Welcome to

Bullocky’s Rest

5 Wambo St, Condamine 0418 961 929

Condamine Hotel

1 Wambo St, Condamine 07 4627 7219

Hotel Australia Miles

55 Murilla St, Miles

07 4627 1106

Mace’s Hot Bread Miles

3 Pine St, Miles

07 4627 1592

Miles Bowls Club

2/4 Eleanor St, Miles

0433 186 436

The Creek Café Miles

49 Murilla St, Miles

07 4627 2797

The Q Hotel Miles

31 Murilla St, Miles

07 4627 1152

Windsor Hotel Miles

39 Murilla St, Miles

07 4627 1159

The Dulacca Hotel (The Pink Pub)

Lot 4 Glynn Ave, Dulacca 07 4627 6101

Chaplain Butchery (inside IGA)

110 Murilla St, Miles

07 4627 1028

Miles Foodworks

37 Murilla St, Miles

07 4627 1178

Miles IGA

112 Murilla St, Miles

07 4627 1521

T&J Butchery Miles

24 Murilla St, Miles

07 4627 2193

Condamine Roadhouse

16 Wambo St, Condamine 07 4627 7106

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Play Gil Weir A short 5 kilometres from Miles on the Dogwood Creek is Gil Weir. A local favourite for fishing and water sports, you’ll also find rare pink waterlilies during summer and early autumn.

Possum Park Once a Second World War ammunition dump, sleep in an underground bunker and enjoy early morning birdwatching at this unique holiday destination.

Miles Historical Village Walk through the open-air museum and learn about the district’s strong pioneering history with 30 replica shopfronts from the 1920s.

Miles Parkrun Held every Saturday from 7am at Moraby Park, get active and meet new friends.

Dogwood Crossing Art Gallery The gallery holds regular local and touring art exhibitions, as well as school holiday activities for children.

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Welcome to Experience Miles: our small town has a big heart. With plenty to do, including cultural experiences, 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

Murilla Long Day Care & Kindergarten Centre

131 - 133 Murilla St, Miles QLD 4415 07 4627 2108 mccm.org.au/long-day-care

Murilla Kindergarten Association Inc

86 Marian St, Miles QLD 4415 0492 022 504 candk.asn.au/centre/murillakindergarten-assn-inc

Condamine State Primary School

5 Kennedy St, Condamine QLD 4416 07 4627 7147 condaminess.eq.edu.au

Drillham State School

13 Jardine St, Drillham QLD 4424 07 4627 6289 drillhamss.eq.edu.au

Dulacca State School

North Rd, Dulacca QLD 4425 07 4627 6155 dulaccass.eq.edu.au

Miles State School

Constance St, Miles QLD 4415 07 4628 0333 milesss.eq.edu.au

Miles State High School

Pine St, Miles QLD 4415 07 4628 5111 milesshs.eq.edu.au

Children 0 to 12 years Operates 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday Children 3.5 years to 4.5 years Operates 8.30am to 2.30pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

Prep to Year 6

Prep to Year 6

Prep to Year 6

Prep to Year 6

Junior School: Year 7 to Year 10 Senior School: Year 10 to Year 12

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Connect Community Groups

Condamine-Arubial QCWA

Miles Driver Reviver

Condamine State School P&C Association

Miles Historical Village Museum

Drillham Hall and Recreation Committee Inc

Miles Meals on Wheels

Drillham State School P&C Association

Miles Local Chaplaincy Committee Miles QCWA Miles R.S.L Sub-branch

Dulacca State School P&C

Miles Regional Arts Council

Friends of Carinya Inc

Miles Senior Citizens Association

Grosmont State School P&C Association

Miles State High School P & C Association

Guluguba State School P&C Association

Miles State School P & C Association

Miles & District Chamber of Commerce

Murilla Community Centre

Miles & District Hospital Auxiliary

Murilla Landcare Group

Miles & District Show Society Inc

Queensland Country Fishing (Miles)

Miles Ambulance Committee

Rural Fire Service South Western Region

Miles Back to the Bush Festival Committee

Murilla Garden Club

Keen to volunteer?

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

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

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Activities & Sporting Clubs

Miles Cricket Club

Condamine Cods Rugby Club

Miles Horse & Pony Club Inc

Condamine Gun Club Inc

Miles Memorial Trail Ride

Condamine Bell Campdraft

Miles Parkrun

Dogwood Motor and Auto Group

Miles Tennis Club Inc

Dulacca Needles and Patches

Miles Touch Football Club

Dulacca Sports Club

Murilla Garden Club

Miles & District Amateur Picnic Race Club Inc

Saints Weightlifting Club

Miles & District Amateur Swimming Club Inc Miles & District Football Club Inc Miles & District Junior Netball Club Miles & District Netball Association Inc Miles Bowls Club

Churches Miles Presbyterian Church Holy Cross Catholic Church St Luke’s Anglican Church Redeemer Lutheran Church Crossroads Christian Outreach Centre Miles Jehovah’s Witnesses 20

Miles Devils Junior & Senior Rugby League Miles Golf Club Inc

Welcome to

Essential Services Emergency

Medical

Ambulance, Police & Fire

Miles Medical Centre

000

07 4627 1388

Miles Fire Station

Miles Pharmacy

Miles Police Station

Miles Hospital

07 4596 9400 07 4622 9797

State Emergency Service (SES) 132 500

Ergon Energy Faults 132 296

Aged Care Southern Cross Care Miles - Carinya 07 4628 5395

Miles Milton House 07 4628 5600

07 4627 1522 07 4628 5600

Additional Services Australia Post 13 13 18

Murilla Community Centre 07 4627 2027

Dogwood Crossing, Miles (Art Gallery and Library) 07 4628 5330

Murilla Respite Service 07 4627 2027

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Miles still upholds its historical charm, cultural richness, natural beauty & offers plenty of opportunity which is what has kept us here for all this time.

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Meet a Local Steph, Finance Broker at

Welcome to

Homestead Agribusiness

When Steph first met her husband Kurt over 17 years ago, the pair had only planned to stay in Miles for a few years — but naturally, they fell in love with the people, opportunities and family values a rural lifestyle brings. Outside of their businesses (with Steph opening a new office on Murilla Street, and Kurt juggling multiple roles) you can find them volunteering for community groups, at local events, or just spending time with friends and family.

Below are Steph’s insider tips for living in Miles.

I’d describe Miles as...

a laid back, relaxed community where everyone is so helpful. The town wouldn’t be what it is without the input from the community to keep local organisations and businesses thriving.

There’s so much to explore... when friends and family come to visit. We love eating at the Windsor – it’s our favourite pub and you can always count on a great meal. The Historical Village Museum is a real highlight, featuring authentic structures from the 19th and 20th centuries that offer visitors a glimpse into the town’s pioneering past.

Another favourite is Dogwood Creek, which offers picturesque natural settings and is great for nature walks and scenic views.

We also love attending the Back to the Bush Festival, where the whole town comes together to celebrate with music, food, and a true taste of country life.

If we want to get out of the house for the day... we like to take our children bike riding, helping on the farm, scooter rides, eating out at the local pubs, visiting the local weir, visiting friends, going to the local parks, getting a coffee from the café or having morning tea at Mace’s Hot Bread Miles. Only locals know that the best pies and bread are from Mace’s and no other bakery compares!

Miles provides a multitude of opportunity... for anyone willing to bring services to the area. With the town’s community so closeknit, Miles offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with a strong focus on family values and community events.

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Contacts Western Downs Regional Council Miles Customer Visitor Information Centre Service Centre Dogwood Crossing 81 Murilla St, Miles QLD 4415 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) www.wdrc.qld.gov.au info@wdrc.qld.gov.au

Miles Historical Village & Museum 141 Murilla St, Miles QLD 4415 07 4678 7804 www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au tourism@wdrc.qld.gov.au

Miles & District Chamber of Commerce www.facebook.com/mileschamberofcommerce

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 Rachel Osborne Photography, and the O’Brien and Logan families.

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Notes

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Welcome to

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