WESTERN DOWNS
TAKING CHARGE New trainees and apprentices join the ranks
It’s raining Trainees and Apprentices in the Western Downs, with one of Council’s largest contingents of vocational students stepping through the doors last month to kick-start their careers. From business to water operations, and parks and gardens to information technology, 14 keen minds chosen from a record number of applications are now making their mark in communities across our region. Thanks to funding from the Queensland Government’s First Start Program, Council is
able to continue supporting the growth and create career pathways for our local youth and job seekers. And for the second year running we’ve joined forces with Arrow Energy and AFL SportsReady to give our region’s young Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders a competitive edge in the workforce, with two Trainees joining our ranks. We can’t wait to see all the incredible things our newest team members will do across our region in 2018!
MONTHLY UPDATE MARCH 2018
COUNCILLOR SPOTLIGHT It’s been an exciting time as Spokesperson for Economic Development, with lots happening across the region.
Festival, Dalby Delicious and DeLIGHTful Festival and the Miles Back to the Bush Festival. These volunteer committees do a tremendous job in delivering quality major events.
In November, more than 180 people attended the Renewable Energy Roundup held at the Dalby Showgrounds. In partnership with TSBE, the day provided an overview of the energy sector and the opportunities our region is able to afford to investors.
I’d like to recognise our tourism ambassadors who volunteers more than 4,414 hours from July to December last year in visitor information centres across the region.
With $1.2 billion worth of approved renewables projects currently under construction, and an estimated 3,120 regional jobs to be created as a result of $5.5 billion worth of renewables on our books, this further cements the Western Downs as not only the Energy Capital of Queensland but the Energy Capital of Australia. Our tourism team is busy delivering new marketing including brochures, regional banners and car wraps on Council vehicles to promote our major events across the region.
I’d also like to mention the outstanding achievements of our teams at Carinya Aged Care Facility in Miles and Tarcoola Aged Care Facility in Tara, who passed an unannounced visit by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency with flying colours. These staff pride themselves on their quality care and we’re so proud of the work they do. Cr Donna Ashurst Spokesperson for Economic Development
Planning is well and truly underway for the inaugural Big Skies festival which showcases the best of the Western Downs region. It’s an event not to missed! Make sure that you also take the opportunity to support our other Major Events across the region, including the Jandowae Timbertown
TAKE TO THE SKIES Lovers of heights, spectacular sunrises and beautiful patchwork landscapes now’s your chance to tick hot air balloon flight off your bucket list. Because the team behind the inaugural Big Skies festival is offering you the chance to float high above the Jimbour Plains for 45 glorious minutes.
It’s not every day you’ll be able to see Jimbour House or the Bunya Mountains from the sky. So, grab your friends, family or that someone special for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Purchase your tickets for the Big Skies Hot Air Balloon rides at www.bigskies2018.com.au.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND Forget Brisbane, Grafton and even Toowoomba because in a few short years the Western Downs will be wowing locals and visitors with beautiful tree-lined streets. Crepe myrtles, Jacarandas, Flame Trees and Golden Rain Trees (just to name a few) will be turning our region’s streets into serious hot property with Council bringing back the popular Adopt a Street Tree program. Whether you’re from Dalby or Dulacca, Miles or Meandarra you can put your hand up to receive your very own street tree, which will be planted in front of your home by our expert Parks and Open Spaces crew.
Registrations for this year’s planting close Friday 16 March. Call 1300 COUNCIL or fill in our online registration form at www.wdrc.info/adopt-a-street-tree-program/. If you’ve already registered your interest last year, there’s no need to re-register.
Find us on Facebook at Western Downs Regional Council Follow us on Instagram at @westerndownsrc
WESTERN DOWNS
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Best of all, registering to become an adoptee is free, all we ask is that you give your new trees some TLC to help them grow and prosper.
CALL 1300 COUNCIL | WDRC.QLD.GOV.AU