Chinchilla Melon Festival Program 2019

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CHINCHILLA

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FESTIV L 14-17 February 2019

www.melonfest.com.au 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival

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Introduction

How it all started

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In 1994, with the Chinchilla community suffering from long-term drought, it was realized the spirit of the stricken district needed a boost of confidence. A small band of dedicated volunteers formed a committee to promote Chinchilla’s dominant contribution to the Australian Melon Industry. The first festival attracted about 2500 visitors to the town and surrounding areas.

By 2017 — the last festival — the crowd had swelled to around 14,000 with the fun and exciting events drawing revellers from far and wide.

Through sheer hard yakka and unswerving dedication, the townspeople of Chinchilla and its committee have built an impressive family-fun festival around its famous watermelon. That’s why it appeals to so many national and international travellers.

The 2019 Festival is the 14th to be held and also celebrates a remarkable 25 years since that small beginning.

The committee and the Chinchilla District look forward to your participation in what is promising to be the biggest and best festival yet.

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Saturday, Monday events

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....................................... Trivia Night ................................................................

SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY

Chinchilla Cultural Centre CHINCHILLA STATE HIGH SCHOOL P & C EVENT

80-86 Heeney Street Doors open at 6pm | First round at 7pm $20 per person | Tables to provide own nibbles Licenced bar operating 1st prize $500, 2nd prize $300, 3rd prize $100 Enquiries: 0408 205 750

....................................... Art Gallery Art Show Preview....

MONDAY 11 FEBRUARY

Lapunyah Art Gallery LAPUNYAH ART GALLERY EVENT

6pm at the Lapunyah Art Gallery Wine & Cheese evening | 80-86 Heeney Street Announcement of the winners of the 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival Art Competition.

FREE EVENT | Enquiries: 4668 9908

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Wednesday, Thursday events

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....................................... Social Bowls Day ...........................................

WEDNESDAY 13 FEBRUARY

Chinchilla Bowls Club CHINCHILLA BOWLS CLUB EVENT

Wednesday Mixed Social Bowls Names in by 12.30pm | Play at 1pm Everyone welcome | Enquiries: 0477 019 682

....................................... Melon Farm Tours ........................................

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY

Catch the bus to the local Melon Farm Tour 1: Depart 8.30 to 11am Tour 2: Depart 1pm to 3.30pm Pickup: Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre Chinchilla Street (Warrego Highway) $30 | TICKETS: trybooking.com | 0488 737 060

....................................... Origin of Gas Tour ..........................................

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY

Discover what happens behind the scenes at the Condabri Central gas plant Tour 1: Board bus 8.15am for 8.30am sharp departure Tour 2: Board bus 12.45pm for 1pm sharp departure Pickup: Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre BOOKINGS: trybooking.com FREE EVENT | Enquiries: 1800 526 369

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Thursday events

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....................................... Come 4 Lunch .......................................................

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY

Chinchilla Cultural Centre CHINCHILLA UNITING CHURCH EVENT

11am for pre-lunch drinks | Main auditorium open at 11.45am | 80-86 Heeney Street Special guest speaker: Ruby Slipperz 3-course sit down luncheon | Licenced bar operating $60 per head — all tickets to be pre-purchased TICKETS: trybooking.com | 0499 045 611

....................................... Movie Premiere .................................................

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY

proudly sponsored by

Chinchilla Cinema 6pm | Green Book movie starts 7pm 80-86 Heeney Street $25 per head | Nibbles & wine included TICKETS: trybooking.com | 0488 737 060

Specialising in Rural Earthworks

....................................... Melon Big Bash T20 .................................

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY

Recreation Grounds 20/20 match CHINCHILLA & DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION EVENT

QLD Bulls Masters vs Chinchilla & District Watermelons Gates open 4.30pm | Match starts at 6pm Bar open 5.30 to 11pm | Music/DJ until 11pm ENTRY: $5 | Under 16 FREE | Canteen & BBQ available Enquiries: 0438 841 292 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival

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Friday events

....................................... Melon Farm Tours ........................................

FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Catch the bus to the local Melon Farm Tour 1: Depart 8.30 to 11am Tour 2: Depart 9am to 11.30am Pickup: Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre Chinchilla Street (Warrego Highway) $30 | TICKETS: trybooking.com | 0488 737 060

....................................... Golf Day ........................................................................

FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Chinchilla Golf Club CHINCHILLA GOLF CLUB EVENT

1pm for a 1.30pm start 3 ball Ambrose | $60 per team Test your skills on the golf course Enquiries: 0419 668 849

Proudly sponsored by

...... Big Melon Weigh-In -- Kids Competition .....

FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Big Melon Weigh In — Kids Competition In 2019 a Kids Competition is being held for the first time to celebrate 25 years of the Chinchilla Melon Festival. Come along and watch the kids present their melon for the Kids Weigh-In. 3pm to 4pm | Primary School Oval, Middle Street Proudly sponsored by 6

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Friday events

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....................................... Big Melon Weigh-In .................................

FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Big Melon Weigh-In & Most Marketable Melons 3pm to 4pm | Primary School Oval, Middle Street Check out the biggest/heaviest melon.

Previous Big Melon Winners Proudly sponsored by

1994

Dennis & Jan Dickman (Chinchilla) 66.2kg

1995

Roger & Cathy Madder (Chinchilla) 55kg

1997

Ross Olm (non melon grower) (Chinchilla) 57.5kg

1999

Dennis & Jan Dickman (Chinchilla) 82.2kg

2001

Garry Marsden (Bundaberg grower) 72.25kg

2003

Dennis & Jan Dickman (Chinchilla) 63.6kg

2005

DK & CD Reed (Kingaroy) 83.6kg

2007

Bernie & Matt Davies (Chinchilla) 87.5kg

2009

Bernie & Matt Davies (Chinchilla) 70.6kg

2011

Kyron Sturgess (Chinchilla) 56kg

2013

Kyron Sturgess (Chinchilla) 86kg

2015

Chris Davies (Chinchilla) 63.5kg

2017

Kyron & Bec Sturgess (Chinchilla) 75kg

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Friday events

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....................................... Beach Party ...........................................................

FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Club Hotel CLUB HOTEL EVENT

5pm to 2am

Entertainment Outside: Mick Lindsay supported by JEDIAH Inside: Stage-Dive DJs, DJ Damo, DJ Tyla, DJ Paypay TICKETS: $25 Eventbrite | $25 at the door Enquiries: 4669 1100

....................................... Melon Rodeo ...........................................................

FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Chinchilla Showgrounds CHINCHILLA A&P ASSOCIATION EVENT

Zeller Street Gates open 5pm | Rodeo kicks off at 6pm ENTRY: $15 Adults | Children 8-17 $5 | Under 8 free Tickets purchased at the gate | Enquiries: 4662 7194 8

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....................................... Friday Festival Feast ................................

FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Primary School Oval, ‘The Cage’ Marquee open air dining | relaxed atmosphere 6pm to 11pm | Colamba Street $45 per head for a hearty 3 course meal $20 per 10 years old and under (under 3 free) Entertainment by local Chinchilla girl Jane Zerbst TICKETS: trybooking.com | 0414 901 158 pre-purchase Proudly sponsored by

....................................... Kids' Movie Night .............................................

FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Chinchilla Primary School Grounds WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL EVENT

All children must have a parent or guardian’s supervision for the duration of the evening.

Chinchilla State School Primary School, Front Oval Grab a sausage sizzle from 6pm, movie to commence approx 7pm Gather the kids for some lighthearted entertainment on the Friday night with “Trolls” featuring on the big screen under the stars.

FREE EVENT: Evening will conclude by 9.45pm

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Saturday events

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....................................... Poet's Breakfast ................................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

proudly sponsored by

Fuller Place 7am to 9am 80-86 Heeney Street Enjoy a hearty bacon and egg breakfast cooked by the Queensland Cancer Fund Chinchilla branch, while having a laugh with three of Australia’s top performing bush poets: Gary Fogarty, Melanie Hall, and Susie Carcary.

Breakfast $12

....................................... Market Stalls .........................................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Chinchilla CBD 7.30am to 3.30pm | Heeney Street Check out all the market stalls — more than 150 — for quality crafts, fashion and food markets!

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Saturday events

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....................................... Melon Face Painter .....................................

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SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Chinchilla Cultural Centre Auditorium 9am to 3pm | 80-86 Heeney Street FREE KIDS FACE PAINTING proudly sponsored by

....................................... Chef - Matt Golinski .......................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Cultural Centre Wattle Room 4 sessions: 9.30am | 11.30am | 1.30pm | 2.30pm 80-86 Heeney Street proudly sponsored by Matt Golinski is a highly regarded, professional chef with a passion for creating cuisine using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients.

FREE DEMONSTRATIONS

....................................... "Street Entertainment" ...............................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Memphis Moovers — Music on the Moove!

10am to 3pm | Entertainers are roving Chinchilla CBD Moovin’ Music! That’s what proudly sponsored by the Memphis Movers do! The Memphis Moovers will surprise you when they appear, roving in one of their cute novelty cars.

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Saturday events

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....................................... Melon Procession ...........................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Starting top of Heeney Street Theme — Silver, 25 years and all things Melon Starting 10.30am Proudly sponsored by Be entertained by colourful floats, buskers & street entertainment.

....................................... "The Cage" .....................................................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Chinchilla Primary School Oval 11am to midnight | Colamba Street Entertainment in the bar after the concert: Eight Second Ride.

ENTRY: $5 per person (over 18s) proudly sponsored by

....................................... Melon Dash for Cash ..............................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

proudly sponsored by

Heeney Street 12 noon | Register from 11am: Shell’s QGC Registration tent on the School Oval Test your fitness in a mad dash for cash while carrying a whole melon the whole way. You must wear enclosed footwear and have a registration band to enter.

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Saturday events

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....................................... Melon Time Story Telling ....................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Chinchilla Cultural Centre Foyer 3 sessions: 12pm | 2pm | 3pm

....................................... Classic Car Show ............................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Middle Street outside Anglican church 12 noon to 4pm Take a nostalgic stroll down memory lane by wandering among a fabulous display of classic cars to admire. Hosted by the Chinchilla Auto & Motor Group.

....................................... Bike n Blend .............................................................

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School Oval 12 noon to 4pm Create your own peddlepowered smoothies — fun and delicious exercise.

Proudly sponsored by

....................................... Fuller Place Entertainment ............

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Fuller Place 12pm to 3pm.

Sit back and enjoy all the amazing talent.

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Saturday events

MELON SHOP

63 Heeney Street 4-8 Feb: M-F 9-5pm 11-15 Feb: M-F 9-5pm Saturday 9 Feb: 9am - 12noon Saturday 16 Feb: 7am - 5pm

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REGISTRATION FORMS FOR ARENA

Registration Forms are required to be completed before you can participate in any ARENA events.

Shell’s QGC Registration Tent is located at top north-east corner of the Arena. Once registration forms have been completed and signed, an armband will be placed on your arm to allow you to participate.

If under 18, your parent/guardian must sign form.

............. Shell's QGC Arena of Melon Events .............

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

School Oval 12.30pm to 5pm Watch all the Melon Events in the Shell QGC Arena. proudly sponsored by

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Saturday events

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....................................... Melon Skiing ...........................................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Arena 12.30pm to 4pm Requires one person skiing on melon skins. Squish your feet into a pair of water melons and ski all the way down the course. proudly sponsored by

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Saturday events

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....................................... Melon Bungy ..........................................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

proudly sponsored by

Arena 12.30pm to 4pm Heats: 12.30pm to 3pm Champion of Champions at 3pm Requires four people — all attached to a bungy rope on a slippery mat covered with melon. The aim is to reach and retrieve your melon!

....................................... Melon Pip Spitting .........................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

School Oval

proudly sponsored by

Step up for the ‘spit-tacular’ Pip Spitting Competition in the CS Energy marquee on the oval.

Must register at Shell’s QGC registration tent.

Heats from 12.30pm | Final at 3.30pm An open and junior championship event (junior 13 years and under) 16

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Saturday events

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....................................... Slip, Dip and Pull .........................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Arena

proudly sponsored by

12.30pm to 4pm See who the strongest team is in the slippery tug-o-war.

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Saturday events

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.... Miss Melon "Love" 2019 Pinup Pageant ....

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

School Assembly Building

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1pm Pin Up Pageant with up to 15 beautiful ladies.

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....................................... Kid's Entertainment .....................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY ........

Chinchilla Cultural proudly sponsored by

Centre Auditorium

1pm to 4pm Moovin’ Balloonin’ Fun Balloon School and Uke for Kids (Uke Workshops throughout the day — fun for 20 minutes).

....................................... Showtime F M X Team .........................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Middle Street 3 events: 1pm | 3pm | 5pm FMX Stunt Show, with rider photo and autograph session, plus interactive bike displays.

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Saturday events

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....................................... Free Melon Feast .............................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Under the Big Tree

proudly sponsored by

3pm Try a refreshing slice of delicious melon near the arena under the Big Tree.

....................................... Celebrity Melon Eating ...........................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Arena

proudly sponsored by

3pm The festival wouldn’t happen without the generous sponsors — watch our sponsors eat as much melon as they can without using their hands.

NEW ....................................... Kids Rocky Roll .................................................

EVENT SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Fuller Place

proudly sponsored by

3pm Primary School aged kids Watch the little kids roll the rockmelon to see who’s melon will go the furthest!

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Saturday events

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....................................... Melon Chariot Race ....................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

proudly sponsored by

Arena Assemble at 4pm | Start 4.30pm Register team at Shell’s QGC registration tent from 11am CHINCHILLA Chariots to be made from melon packing cartons, pallets and readymade axles. Race is held in the Arena. Participants must wear enclosed footwear. Aim is to race the entire lap and not fall off!

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Saturday events

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....................................... Melon Iron Man / Woman ..........

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Arena

proudly sponsored by

Assemble 4pm | Start 4.30pm Register team at Shell’s QGC registration tent from 11am Requires two participants per team. Maximum of 20 male teams and 20 female teams. Ironman circuit contains obstacles, challenges and tasks to showcase the physicality of the Melon Industry. Aim to complete the circuit with an intact melon in the fastest time.

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Saturday events

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....................................... Free Family Concert ...................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Primary School Oval

Mental As Anything

6pm till late Sit back and relax and enjoy the free family-friendly entertainment.

Main act: Mental As Anything supported by Ban Solo, Eight Second Ride and Wakka Wakka Dancers.

Ban Solo

Eight Second Ride

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Wakka Wakka Dancers

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Saturday events

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....................................... Laser Light Show ..........................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Primary School Oval

proudly sponsored by

6pm till late Look to the skies as the laser show lights up Chinchilla!

....................................... Beer Garden Party .....................................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Commercial Hotel Chinchilla COMMERCIAL HOTEL CHINCHILLA EVENT

6pm to 2am Some Blond supported by DJ Tyla Enquiries: 4662 7524

....................................... Beach Party Recovery ..........................

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Club Hotel Chinchilla CLUB HOTEL EVENT

8pm till late | Heeney Street JEDIAH supported by DJ Damo Enquiries: 4669 1100 2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival

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Sunday events

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....................................... Melon Fest Sunday Markets .........

SUNDAY 17 FEBRUARY

Melon Fest Sunday Markets

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7am to 12pm | St Joseph’s School Oval Enjoy relaxed Sunday morning browsing through hand-crafts, bric-a-brac and souvenirs Enquiries: 4662 7850

....................................... Poet's Breakfast ................................................ proudly sponsored by

SUNDAY 17 FEBRUARY

Chinchilla Museum 7.30am to 9.30am Villiers Street | Please bring your own chair Walk up poets welcome Breakfast available from Qld Cancer Council: $12 Mini train rides on the day: $2 per ride

....................................... Melon Bowls Day ..........................................

SUNDAY 17 FEBRUARY

Chinchilla Bowls Club CHINCHILLA BOWLS CLUB EVENT

Names in by 12pm | 1pm start Park Street Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of social bowls Enquiries: 0477 019 682

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A message from our sponsor

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Sponsor’s message Shell’s QGC Business is proud to once again be a major supporter of the Chinchilla Melon Festival in 2019.

We recognise the significant contributions which this event provides to Chinchilla and the Western Downs region.

We appreciate the chance to participate in this iconic community festival.

Shell’s QGC Business acknowledges the support that the Western Downs region has provided us as we continue with our operations.

Our people join in the life of local social, civic and sporting clubs that vitalise regional communities. This way, Shell becomes part of the community and the community becomes part of Shell.

Our staff are delighted to again support the renowned Melon Games Arena, so come by and say hello.

We'll be keen to help out, give you directions or just hear how you are enjoying the day.

We are sure this year's festival will once again be a huge success and showcase what makes Chinchilla and the Western Downs Region such a great place to live.

From the whole team at Shell’s QGC Business.

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Acknowledgement & Sponsors

Thank You

A big thank you to all our volunteers, Chinchilla community and our melon growers who have been so much a part of this festival and the previous 13 festivals.

Thanks to all businesses who advertised via newspaper, radio and television in conjunction with the CHINCHILLA MELON FESTIVAL.

Watch all the action on the...

Origin Big Screen

MEDIA SPONSORS Toowoomba

INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERS

David McKay & Gary Aspden

Clyde Osborne

ANNOUNCER: Aaron Ryan 26

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Warrego Highway

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Town Map

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Railway St Club Hotel Central Motor Inn

Mayne St

ATM

NAB Bank

Post Office

CBA Bank Amusement Rides

Market Stalls ANZ Bank

Chinchilla State Primary School

Police

WDRC Chinchilla Customer Service Centre Fuller Place Gallery

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Ambulance

Middle St

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Market Stalls

Westpac Bank

Entry

Big Tree Information Stall

Market Stalls

Theatre St

ARENA See page 28

Water Tower

Villiers St

T Entry T

Showtime FMX Team

ATM

Heeney St

Melon Shop

RSL Club ATM

QCWA

Mitre 10

Market Stalls

Colamba St

Woolworths

Market Stalls

FEAST STREET ~ All Food Stalls

Bell St

Cultural Centre & Cinema

Toilets ATM ATM

Market Stalls

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School Hall

Legend:

Chinchilla Central

CAR PARK

Map not to scale

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Site Map

Market stalls

grandstands

entry

grandstands

Market stalls

Information Stall

Market stalls

School Hall

toilets Market stalls

registration

Arena Games

bar entry Middle Street

first aid post

entry emergency exit

Big Tree

P&C BBQ

to Melon Shop

stage

entry toilets LET S

Heeney Street

Market stalls

School Assembly Building

toilets

amusement rides

water tower

toilets Showtime FMX Team Map not to scale

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2019 Chinchilla Melon Festival

Colamba Street

Bell Street

FEAST STREET ~ All Food Stalls

Market stalls