Welcome to Tara

Welcome to

Experience Tara

Welcome Community...

From the

Tara Futures Group

Our town offers a well-rounded, vibrant community! Having great schools, health services, recreational parks, and retail options makes it an attractive place to live. It shows a commitment to both quality of life and convenience.

Our calendar offers a wide range of community events designed to bring people together, from fun

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

outdoor activities to engaging cultural celebrations, and everything in between.

Whether you’re interested in arts, fitness, or family-friendly gatherings, we have something for everyone!

Tara offers a unique lifestyle that blends the best of both worlds by combining modern conveniences with the charm and benefits of rural living. Tara is a friendly community where individuals can feel welcome, supported, and valued.

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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In the south-west pocket of the Western Downs, an hour drive from Dalby and Chinchilla, the Tara district extends to Flinton, Glenmorgan, Hannaford, Meandarra, Moonie, The Gums and Westmar.

Tara has a rich history in cattle grazing and sheep shearing, with annual events that see the town swell from 2,000 to over 16,000 people. From the Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races to the Sheepdog Trials, visitors from far and wide flock to Tara for a weekend of true country hospitality.

The wide main street of Tara features beautiful gardens, a leafy-green park and an interesting array of retail shopping and cafes. The town is home to a popular FoodWorks store with a well-stocked delicatessen, perfect for all your daily conveniences.

Put simply, Tara offers everything you need for a quaint rural town.

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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.

Tara to...

Brisbane

299 kilometres

3 hours 30 minutes

Chinchilla

69 kilometres

45 minutes

Dalby

90 kilometres

60 minutes

Gold Coast

354 kilometres

4 hours

Goondiwindi

162 kilometres

1 hour 55 minutes

Jandowae

98 kilometres

1 hour 10 minutes

Miles

99 kilometres

1 hour 5 minutes

Roma

228 kilometres

2 hours 30 minutes

Sunshine Coast

344 kilometres

4 hours 5 minutes

Taroom

228 kilometres

2 hours 30 minutes

Toowoomba

172 kilometres

2 hours

Wandoan

168 kilometres

1 hour 50 minutes

Brisbane Airport

311 kilometres

3 hours 35 minutes

Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport

164 kilometres

1 hour 50 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 Tara district...

Tara Sports Shears Glenmorgan Snake Gully Campdraft

Tara Polocrosse Carnival

Glenmorgan Trail Ride

Tara RSL Commemoration Service

Tara Races

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Pink Ribbon Day

Welcome to

Moonie Yabbie Races biennial

Hannaford Community Campdraft

biennial

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Meet a Local Scott, Owner of Nice & Icy Air Conditioning

Originally from Tamborine Mountain, Scott met Tara-born Sharnee and decided to make the move west in 2023. Initially drawn by the affordable living and housing market, Scott started his own small business and soon fell in love with Tara’s vibrant sense of community. His ‘work hard, ‘play hard’ attitude means when he’s not on the tools, you’ll often find the pair at a local event or simply exploring what the region has to offer.

Below are Scott’s insider tips for living in Tara.

Since I’ve been in Tara... the town is the greenest I’ve ever seen.

With plenty of rain it’s great to see so much green grass.

I would describe my lifestyle in Tara as...

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

Sharnee and I will take a walk around the Tara Lagoon. It’s a great spot for camping, fishing, or just enjoying the view. The sunset at Meandarra Creek is very beautiful too, or we’ll head to the Bunya Mountains for a hike.

My favourite time of year...

flexible, enjoyable and rewarding. There’s a terrific sense of community, great work opportunities, and the affordable living means is Autumn. It’s my time to cool off. Summer is more trips away! the hottest and busiest time of year for me.

I always look forward to... taking the truck and caravan on a road trip.

When friends and family come to visit... the Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum is fantastic. You can’t go past a pub meal at Condamine, or Lake Broadwater either.

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Every two years... the Tara Festival gets bigger and bigger. I never thought there would be a traffic jam in this town but the line gets longer and longer every time.

Only locals know... how to back a winner in a Tara yabbie race.

Welcome to

We’re more social than we’ve ever been. There’s more to do out here than what you might think.

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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 Tara district has to offer...

Welcome to

Tara Café

2/25 Day St, Tara

07 4665 3152

Tara Hotel

35 Day St, Tara

07 4665 3214

Tara Bowls Club

1 Fry St, Tara

07 4665 3329

Sara Street Café

Sara St, Meandarra

07 4665 6121

Meandarra Royal Hotel

3 Sara St, Meandarra

07 4665 6183

Moonie Crossroads Hotel

Cnr Leichhardt & Moonie 07 4665 0200 Hwy, Moonie

Glenmorgan Bottle Tree Inn

Cnr Godfrey & Lorna St, Glenmorgan

07 4665 6727

Westmar Roadhouse

Moonie Hwy, Westmar

07 4663 0751

FoodWorks

22 Milne Street, Tara

07 4665 3188

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Play

Public Art

Tara Lagoon Parklands

The How Ya Goin? mural by Western Downs artists Regina Hyland is a playful reminder to check in on your mates — as well as the perfect selfie spot!

Enjoy a BBQ or picnic at the Tara Lagoon Parklands, and check out the Walk of Remembrance Gardens and nearby Settlers Park.

Meandarra ANZAC

Myall Park Botanic Gardens One hour west of Tara you will find the Myall Park Botanic Garden near Glenmorgan, famous for the ‘Robyn Gordon’ grevillea. Enjoy the gardens, camping ground, accommodation, cafe and art gallery.

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Memorial Museum Take a history tour at the Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum with the comprehensive display of military memorabilia from all three Armed Services: Navy, Army and Air Force. Learn about the battles our local war veterans fought, while you cast your eyes over the collection, which includes a Canberra Bomber, a Grant Tank and a Water Buffalo tank.

Welcome to Experience Tara: 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 C&K Childcare

41 Porter St, Tara QLD 4421 07 4665 3376 candk.asn.au/tara

Glenmorgan State School Prep to Year 6

Clive St, Glenmorgan QLD 4423 07 4665 6757 glenmorganss.eq.edu.au

Hannaford State School

Hannaford Rd, Hannaford QLD 4406

Children 6 weeks to 5 years (daytime care) Children 5 years to 12 years (after school care) Operates 7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday

Prep to Year 6

07 4665 9239 hannafordss.eq.edu.au

Meandarra State School

Sara St, Meandarra QLD 4422 07 4678 533 meandarrass.eq.edu.au

Moonie State School

11305 Moonie Hwy, Moonie QLD 4406 07 4665 0133 mooniess.eq.edu.au

St Joseph’s

3 Fry St, Tara QLD 4421 07 4665 3259 tara.catholic.edu.au

Tara Shire State College

22 Binnie St, Tara QLD 4421 07 4678 7333 tarashiresc.eq.edu.au

The Gums State School

11935 Surat Development Rd, The Gums QLD 4406 07 4665 9170 thegumsss.eq.edu.au

Westmar State School

18425 Moonie Hwy, Westmar QLD 4422 07 4663 0777 westmarss.eq.edu.au

Prep to Year 6

Kindergarten to Year 6

Prep to Year 6

Primary: Prep to Year 6 Junior: Year 7 to Year 9 Senior: Year 10 to Year 12 Prep to Year 6

Kindergarten to Year 6

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Connect Community

Myall Park Botanic Garden

Groups

St Joseph’s School P&F Association

50 and Better Program

Tara Apex Club

54 Reasons

Tara Country Chatters Toastmasters

Friends of Tarcoola

Tara Craft Association

Glenmorgan Art Group

Tara Crisis Support Association

Glenmorgan CWA

Tara Decorative Artist & Tara Quilters

Hannaford Patchwork Club

Tara Festival Inc

Hannaford Rose and Geranium Club

Tara Futures Group

Inglestone CWA Meandarra / Glenmorgan RSL (QLD) Sub Branch

Tara and District Historical Society

Tara Hospital Auxiliary Tara Lioness Club Tara Masonic Club

Meandarra Ambulance Committee

Tara Meals on Wheels Association

Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum Committee

Tara Neighbourhood Centre

Meandarra School of Arts Hall Committee

Tara Senior Citizens Club

Meandarra State School P&C Moonie RTC Volunteers Moonie State School P&C Moonie Visual Arts Group

Tara RSL (QLD) Sub Branch Tara Womens Show Auxiliary TSSC P&C Association Westmar State School P&C Association Wieambilla South Country Club

Keen to volunteer?

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

Welcome to Enjoy a warm connection and immerse yourself in Tara, 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 Flinton Race Club Glenmorgan Rodeo & Campdraft Association Inc Glenmorgan Shooting Club

Tara and District Junior Rugby League Tara Bowls Club Inc Tara Fish Restocking Committee Tara Golf Club Inc Tara P A & H Show Society Inc Tara Polocrosse Club Inc

Hannaford Club Inc

Tara Pony Club Inc

Hannaford Community Campdraft

Tara Race Club Inc Tara Shire Social Netball Club

Hannaford Pony Club

Tara Social Squash Club

Inglestone Sports Club & Community Centre

Tara Tennis Club Inc

Meandarra Bowls Club Meandarra School Show

Tara Working Sheepdog Association

Moonie Clay Target Club

The Gums Sports Club

Moonie Sports Club Inc

Westmar Inglestone ICPA

Tara & District Cricket Association

Westmar Pony Club

Tara Amateur Swimming Club

Tara Touch Football

Westmar Sports Club & Campdraft

Churches Assemblies of God Glenmorgan Community Church

St Mary of the Angels Catholic Church

Meandarra Assembly of God Church

Tara Uniting Church

St Martin’s of Tours Anglican Church 20

Tara Community Church

Welcome to

Essential Services Emergency

Medical

Ambulance, Police & Fire

Tara Hospital

Ergon Energy Faults

Tara Medical Centre

State Emergency Service (SES)

Tara Pharmacy

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132 296 132 500

07 4678 7900 07 4665 3335 07 4665 3250

Tara Police Station 07 4620 3077

Aged Care Southern Cross Care Tarcoola (Tara) 07 4678 7892

Tara Home Care 1300 306 442

Meandarra Home Care 1300 306 442

Additional Services Australia Post 13 13 18

Meandarra Library 07 4665 6147

Tara Library 07 4665 3246

Tara Neighbourhood Centre 07 4665 3508

Tara QGAP 07 4665 3130

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Tara is so much more than first meets the eye... just come and spend a minute to slow down and take a breath.

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Welcome to

Meet a Newcomer Katie, Caretaker at Tara Lagoon Parklands

Katie first moved to the Western Downs to family property Four Pegs (near Hannaford) at the turn of the century. Since then, she’s never left the region, and more than 20 years later jumped at the opportunity to return to the Tara district. She describes her new caretaker role as ‘the best job!’, keeping busy maintaining the idyllic spot, welcoming locals and visitors, and finally ditching the gym membership in favour of the great outdoors.

Below are Katie’s insider tips for living in Tara.

Tara is...

I’ve been surprised...

not only incredibly welcoming as a community, but is also quite socially busy. In the last six months Tara Lagoon Parklands has been involved in Tara Festival of Culture, the fishing competition, the photos for the high school formal, birthday parties, a wedding and baptism, and more BBQs and picnics than I have been able to keep track of!

by the Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races – I cannot believe what a small core group of around a dozen local volunteers were able to make happen! If you haven’t been to the festival, I highly recommend it!

A brilliantly run, fantastic, fun weekend.

I love...

I want to explore...

how friendly the community is. No matter where you go, you always get a friendly wave, hello and asked how things are going.

so many places! I haven’t had a chance to visit some of the more tucked away places in the region. You know those spots that are a little more remote and have the feeling of being a million miles away from everywhere.

I believe that...

A local taught me...

after a few tough years, tourism can help make a difference, and Tara Lagoon Parklands is perfectly placed to do just that! I love being a part of something that can make a meaningful change to my community.

not to judge a book by its cover! If someone has the opportunity to do good, they almost always do.

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Contacts

Western Downs Regional Council Visitor Information Tara Customer Centre Service Centre 19 Fry St, Tara QLD 4421 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) www.wdrc.qld.gov.au info@wdrc.qld.gov.au

19 Fry St, Tara QLD 4421 07 4678 7804 www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au tourism@wdrc.qld.gov.au

Tara Futures Group www.facebook.com/tarafuturesgroup

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, Katie, Scott and Sharnee.

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Notes

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Welcome to

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