Welcome to Chinchilla

Welcome to

Experience Chinchilla

Welcome

From the Community...

Chinchilla Community Commerce & Industry Inc.

Chinchilla is a great place to live and raise a family, with a broad range of childcare facilities and schooling options, with an extensive range of sporting clubs for all ages. The town holds a number of festivals and events across the weekends, which are run by volunteers who

Mayor...

have a passion to contribute to the liveability of the community.

We offer diversity in employment and industries, and we’re personally proud of how much the town has progressed over the past decade. Chinchilla offers services and facilities that are unmatched with other towns of the same population size.

I would like to extend a personal invitation to explore all that our region has to offer using our welcome guides.

These guides are for those who have recently moved to the Western Downs or are looking to relocate here.

There is a lot of helpful information including available schools, local community groups, recreational and sporting groups and essential services offered in our towns.

Our region is known for its vibrant communities which have a great variety of activities for all ages and interests. From our regional events,

local festivities, arts and culture programs and strong sporting communities, there is something for everyone

I’m excited to be able to these guides comers and hope offer support to our new-

will help Downs. Western into the you settle

Mayor Paul McVeigh Western Downs Regional Council

From the

Located two hours west of Toowoomba on the Warrego Highway, between Miles and Dalby, Chinchilla is known as the melon capital of Australia, producing 25 percent of all Australian watermelons.

Including the surrounding townships of Brigalow, Kogan and Warra, Chinchilla also has a rich history in fossicking for petrified wood, attracting fossickers from all over the world to seek out its own special variety, Chinchilla Red. The Chinchilla Weir is also popular with locals and visitors interested in birdwatching, camping, fishing and water sports.

Chinchilla has no shortage of medical facilities, including its own hospital, private dental practices, general practitioners and a number of specialists.

With plenty of open space and outdoor activities, including the new 4.2 hectare Botanic Parkland adjacent to the town centre, and the refurbished multi-purpose skate park, Chinchilla is a popular town to raise a family and a thriving community punching well above its weight.

Four reasons to call the Western Downs

home...

Welcome

The Western Downs is home to more than 34,000 residents and 8,188 families. The median age of our population is 37 years, and 7.1% 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 rent is $250 per week, compared to the Queensland average of $395 per week.

Across the region there are 15,000 homes with an average sale price of $200,209 — $258,151 lower than the Queensland average.

The Western Downs boasts one of Australia’s strongest, wellrounded and diverse economies.

Agriculture is a founding pillar of the region, closely followed by intensive agriculture, manufacturing, and more recently large scale investments in the resources industry and renewable energy.

Getting Around

in the Western Downs is rich with experiences and events that attract Queensland and interstate travellers. See what’s on the calendar for the Chinchilla district...

Brigalow Bush Carnival Chinchilla Grandfather Clock Campdraft

Meet a Local

Louise and Greg, Owners of MFE

Louise and Greg have been living in Chinchilla for 12 years now. The couple settled in, started a company and a family here, now they couldn’t be happier with their life in the Western Downs. Their passion for the region is evident in both their home and work lives. They would like their story to encourage people to move out and make themselves at home in the Chinchilla community.

Below are Louise and Greg’s insider tips for living in Chinchilla.

Our lifestyle in Chinchilla...

Is very active. We’re both involved in school boards and community groups, MFE provides sponsorship to different events. So we are very involved. – Greg

When we’re not at work...

We’re following the kids around to their different sports or taking them for a swim or to the Botanic Parklands. – Louise

I love running into...

Everyone down the street. It takes me about 45 minutes to get milk because I stop and talk to just about everyone. – Greg

Since we’ve been here...

The region has really come along in terms of facilities. Woolworths, McDonald’s, expansion in the schools and sporting clubs, events have got bigger, even our industrial areas and housing have all grown significantly. – Louise

When friends visit...

We quite often get them out and about, whether that be on the farm or around town. Most of them don’t have the luxury of our wide open spaces in their everyday lives so they always comment on how relaxing it is, no matter the activity. – Louise

When hiring people...

We look to our locals and offer relocation assistance to bring workers and their families to town. Either way, we want them to fall in love with the place because that gives us longevity in their careers here at MFE and a workforce that is engaged in our community. – Greg

We look forward to...

One Long Table. It’s full of multiculturalism, showcasing the diversity of people and food in our area. For a small town like ours it’s fantastic. The kids love it too. – Louise

We have become very involved here and as a reflection of that we make sure we employ locals and give back to our community.

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 Chinchilla district has to offer...

Amelia’s

The Big Melon Play

Chinchilla Museum

Take a step back in time and visit the Chinchilla Historical Museum to experience the town just as it was in its pioneering days. On the first Sunday of the month, let the kids slip back to yesteryear riding the miniature train that snakes through the museum grounds.

Barakula Forest

Barakula is the largest state forest in the Southern Hemisphere: great for cycling, taking a drive along the forest roads and bush walking.

Chinchilla Weir

A great spot for fishing, swimming and bird watching, with a newlyupgraded campground perfect for weekend staycations.

Visit Wotif’s ‘Next Big Thing’ attraction for a fun photo or selfie. While you’re there, stop by the Visitor Information Centre to get your fossicking license.

Charley’s Creek

Charley’s Creek winds its way around the outskirts of town and there’s a walking track beside the watercourse to hug its journey.

Chinchilla Botanic Parkland

Spread over 4.2 hectares of green space, kids can make a splash in the watermelon-themed water park, put on their best Spider-Man impersonation on the rock climbing wall, or ride their bike or scooter along the enclosed pathways throughout the parkland.

Experience Chinchilla, 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.

Education for all ages is a priority in the Western Downs. There are 33 schools and 24 regulated childhood education and childcare services in the region. Our libraries also offer online education programs.

Art @ Kogan

Brigalow Cricket Club

Brigalow Tennis Club

Chinchilla Aero Club

Chinchilla Archery Club

Chinchilla Bowls Club

Chinchilla Rugby League Football Club

Chinchilla Cadets

Chinchilla Clay Target Club

Chinchilla Concert Band

Chinchilla Cricket Club

Chinchilla Fishing Club

Chinchilla Floral Art Group

Chinchilla Football Club

Chinchilla Golf Club

Chinchilla Gymnastic Club

Chinchilla Netball Association

Chinchilla Polocrosse Club

Chinchilla Pony Club Chinchilla Ski Club

Chinchilla Squash Centre

Chinchilla Tennis Association

Chinchilla Touch Association Country Music Club

Girl Guides Chinchilla Motocross Club

Potters and Painters Scouts Chinchilla Soccer Club Swimfit Chinchilla Xpression Dance Academy

Keen to volunteer? Visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/volunteering/ for more.

Welcome to

Experience warm connection and immerse yourself in Chinchilla, with a wide variety of community and cultural groups ranging from the arts to social clubs and volunteering.

Community Groups

Apex Club Chinchilla

Blue Light Chinchilla

Brigalow Hall Committee

Brigalow Bush Carnival Committee

Brigalow State School P&C

Chinchilla Auto & Motor Group Chinchilla Community ConneXions

Chinchilla Concert Band

Christian Outreach

Chinchilla Historical Society

Chinchilla Horticultural Society

Chinchilla Play Group Chinchilla Rural Fire Brigade

Chinchillla SES

Kogan Progress Association & Memorial Hall

Kogan & District Neighbourhood Watch & Community

Drought Angels

Welcome to Country Womens Association Kup of Kindness

Lions Club Chinchilla Meals on Wheels Chinchilla Rotary Club Chinchilla Scouts Chinchilla

Country Hope Church

Church of Christ Combined Churches Youth Group Jehovah’s Witness

Our Lady Help of Christians Chinchilla Catholic Church

Presbyterian Church

Seventh-Day Adventist Church St Cecilia’s Chinchilla Parish Trinity Lutheran Church Uniting Church

I love my life here, I have the busiest social life but it’s so peaceful at the same time... Chinchilla is a thriving community.

Meet a Newcomer

Georgia and Eve, Teachers and Housemates

Georgia and Eve, two young teachers new to the Western Downs, met each other and an exciting new lifestyle when they moved to Chinchilla almost two years ago. Getting out of their comfort zone, they each have embraced a full social calendar and the friendly locals that make up the vibrant community. They feel the power in bringing their experiences to a small town that gives them so much in return.

Below are Georgia and Eve’s insider tips for living in Chinchilla.

I came here initially...

For my rural stint but since being here I have felt drawn to the country. It’s the best thing I have ever done. – Georgia

I grew up in Toowoomba and loved teaching there, but I was looking for a place to live that offered a smaller community. Somewhere I could get involved and get to know the people. – Eve

A local taught me...

How to do old time dances. Chinchilla State High hold an event called the PQ Ball. You get all dressed up and learn old time dances like the gypsy tap and partner dances. It’s so much fun and you can’t experience it in many places anymore. – Eve

How to be brave. The kids at school are fearless. I have learned how to defend myself against the bugs. – Georgia

Easygoing. – Eve

I would describe Chinchilla as... Definitely, peaceful. – Georgia

I was surprised by...

The amount of activities on offer. Monday to Friday, if you want to do something every night, there is something on, sometimes even two things and you have to choose! – Eve

And people wanting to introduce you to things or bring you along to try something new. There is always something going on in town. – Georgia

The first person I met...

Was Ralph. He is a man in his 80’s who plays tennis. He has upped my tennis game but also helped me realise social sport here is heavy on the social. – Eve

Was Trina at Petunias. She was the first impression I got of Chinchilla when I moved out. Everyone in Chinchilla is like that, very welcoming and warm. –Georgia

Welcome

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 6 June 2022.