Megan James | Community group
Megan James
Phone: +61 419 946 575
Reviews
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25.01.2022 The 'Snap Send Solve' app is a great tool to use to help your local Council team be aware of any issues you spot when you're out and about.
25.01.2022 Anyone for tennis? So wonderful to see the community spirit of those involved in the Warra Tennis Club. Such a fantastic result! Congratulations.
24.01.2022 Restrictions this year have really taught me to appreciate my own backyard (literally)... but now that we can get out and explore a little more why not start with our own regional backyard? Check out the Western Downs Queensland website or download the app (yes there’s a cool app ) to discover some of the surprising treasures sprinkled across the Western Downs. https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au
23.01.2022 It’s been a little over seven months since I was sworn in as a Councillor and I have to say... what an absolutely privilege. People keep asking me how’s the new role? and I can honestly say very rewarding. I feel very fortunate to be in a role that involves listening, learning, reading, chatting, touring, and thinking strategically. It has been a whirlwind - with a COVID response package, masterplan projects, a budget, new local government legislation, year ahead event...s, launches, information sessions and meetings. In amongst this, there have been so many wonderful ordinary moments where I’ve had the honour of meeting new people and getting to know more about our region. [Just a heads up - I’ve met so many new people in such a short space of time, I’m doing my best to keep faces and names in the memory bank, but please don’t be afraid to reintroduce yourself if we cross paths!] I’m not going to lie, there are difficult days. Some decisions that come before Council are black and white, but others have a whole lot of grey. The minutes might show a simple vote for or against a matter, but this does not reflect just how many hours/days/weeks of research and (sometimes sleepless) consideration goes into making each and every decision. What’s next? Council currently has a corporate plan for 2017-2022. In the first quarter of next year, we will be commencing some strategic planning to take WDRC beyond 2022. When I stood for Council I committed to stand up for ‘what matters to you’. So if you have ideas (particularly positive, big picture, future focussed ideas) for what you think your Council should be using as our strategic compass, please email me at [email protected] Thanks for the faith you have put in your Councillors. We have a good team with a wonderful cross section of skills, styles and experience. Look forward to representing you, alongside them, into future.
23.01.2022 It's fantastic to see the brand new netball courts in Chinchilla now completed and ready for use! Council partnered with the Chinchilla Netball Association and ...Chinchilla High School to upgrade this much-loved facility, which will get its first use for club netball tonight. Hear more about what this project means to the community below. See more
23.01.2022 Great to see many of these COVID-19 recovery package projects already underway.
23.01.2022 Regional Small businesses please check out this support from Qld Govt. If you had to close or are highly impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown restrictions, this grant will help you to adapt and sustain operations, and build resilience. Can assist with things like * access digital technologies * respond to online opportunities, * upskill and reskill business owners and staff to benefit from new technologies or business models *embrace business diversification
22.01.2022 When the railway reached what is now Miles, 340 kilometres north west of Brisbane, the workers faced a serious dilemma. 'How do we get the line across treachero...us Dogwood Creek?' The year was 1878 and engineering wasn't what it is today. They eventually succeeded, but progress was slow. An unexpected benefit was that a bustling township grew to service the railway workers 'stuck' at what was then called Dogwood Crossing. You can still experience what the infant settlement was like back then and how it progressed confidently into the first two decades of the 20th century at the Miles Historical Village Museum. Without doubt, this is one of the best museums I've visited. More than 30 original and reproduction buildings positioned to faithfully recreate Miles' colonial main street. There's a saddlery, post office, general store, butcher's, bakery, chemist, boot maker and dairy. The old school, printing shop, garage, police lock-up, hospital, Australian Bank of Commerce and even the town's Union Hotel are on show. And it's not just the number and quality of the buildings that makes this museum stand alone - it's that every building has been kitted out as if it were still being used. The Red Rose Cafe took me on a special journey of nostalgia. Oh, how I loved the little cafe in the metro 'village' where I grew up. It was run by a forever-smiling Greek family that made superb meals that could be enjoyed at wooden tables decorated with checkered cloths and surrounded by straight-back chairs. Their front counter was crammed with old-time sweets that, for me, were a once-a-fortnight treat. I couldn't believe it - my childhood cafe looked just like the Red Rose! There's other exhibits too, such as a fascinating insight into the townsfolk's contributions to keeping Australia safe during wartime. For me though, walking into each building, standing quietly in each room and absorbing the history that literally surrounded me was a magical and unforgettable experience. This museum, just like the town that created it, punches well above its weight in so many ways. The museum is directly across from the Crossroads Caravan Park, has heaps of space for long vehicles and will open a new exhibit in mid November. Hmm, I'll have to visit again! Do yourself a favour and include the Western Downs Queensland on your next adventure. Share this post to let others know about this great place. Like our page to discover more. #greynomadawards #greynomads #ontheroad #regionaltourism #regionalaustralia #seeaustraliafirst #camper #motorhoming #caravanning #pubstay #countrypub #farmstay #caravanpark #stationstay #awards #tourism #AOA21 #aussieadventures #exploreaustralia #vanlife #travellingaustralia #seeaustralia #wonderoutyonder #westerndowns Southern Queensland Country - SQC
22.01.2022 Do you have a loved one who served in the Australian Defence Force or Australian Armed Services? Pay tribute to them on our Services Memorial Wall at Myall Reme...mbrance Park in Dalby. We're currently accepting applications for new plaques. To find out more, contact Council on 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) or download the application form at www.bit.ly/3012LpX.
22.01.2022 School holidays start soon, and we pelican't wait! Get creative with us in our free 'Virtual Learn to Draw' session via Zoom on Monday 6 July, featuring the aut...hor and illustrator of 'Pelican't Do It'. Registrations are now open and spots are limited, so be quick! Visit https://westerndowns.spydus.com//spydus/ENQ/WPAC/EVSESENQ for more. See more
22.01.2022 How exciting - we officially have the BEST park in Qld here on the Western Downs!! The Chinchilla Botanic Parkland has been awarded Park of the Year. Here’s some (amateur) happy snaps I took when I was strolling around a couple of months ago (when the gorgeous Gregg Dreise story walk was being featured). This was an average afternoon and there was a young girl roller skating, mums pushing prams, teenagers hanging out, people exercising and visitors sitting at a picnic table.... a lovely combination of active and peaceful....the birds were singing and the sun was shining.... Very proud of this lovely (award winning) open space. https://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/chinchilla-botanic-parkland-to/
22.01.2022 WIN A LONG WEEKEND: Don't miss your chance to win a long weekend (or mid week jaunt) in the the Western Downs. Just 3 hours drive from Brisbane, we have over 40 prizes of 3 nights accommodation to win! Enter now at www.navigatorwesterndowns.com.au
21.01.2022 Good luck to Broncos captain and Dally M Medal winner Ali Brigginshaw in today’s GF! Was great to meet Ali and Paul Dyer in August when they ran a clinic for local young players and showed their support for the Broncos-Dalby School Development Program - a program sponsored by local businesses with Brisbane Broncos’ Darren Burns mentoring young people across the Western Downs in well being, ‘personal brand’ and smarter life choices. So awesome when high profile sports people go out of their way to encourage young people in our region #gobroncos
21.01.2022 We've been busy mapping the condition of our footpath network using this new electric assist trike ! Traditionally this would be completed on-foot, but now we ...can map the footpath network in record time! Keep any eye out for it as we survey more than 125km of footpath across the region! A shout out to the Council staff for their pedal power! #ItsThePeopleThatMakeIt #LoveWesternDowns See more
20.01.2022 This is precious. Graeme can’t say I agree with you when you say it’s just my job. Your contribution to our region goes way beyond that - your versatility is amazing, as is your willingness to capture everything from business selling points, to quirky humour to raw emotion for countless organisations and families... and it’s all done with your trademark humility. Thank you, and our all the amazing artists across our region, for shining a light on Arts and Culture in the Western Downs.
19.01.2022 We are excited to announce the dates have been set for the return of Australia's largest Short Film Festival. This September, Flickerfest will be lighting up ...screens in Chinchilla and Dalby, with special family-friendly events coming to Drillham and Jandowae. Come along and view a range of entertaining, inspiring and award-winning films, hand-picked from 3,500 world class entries! Book your tickets and find out more info here: http://ow.ly/MPnJ50AZdiY
18.01.2022 Ohhh... nice....
18.01.2022 One thing that bothers me is when I hear people say ‘there’s nothing to do in Dalby’....when in reality there is so much on offer!! Dalbyites head on down this morning to Dalby Shoppingworld for the mega sign on day to find out about the sport, arts and community groups in town. This is awesome!!
18.01.2022 Speaking of things to do.... the Bell pool party is on now!! Great day for it!
17.01.2022 Coming to Dalby and Chinchilla cinemas this weekend
17.01.2022 Something to look forward to! Congrats to the Back to the Bush committee for coming up with a great plan for 2021! Mark it in the diaries now!
16.01.2022 I have goosebumps running down my arms and tears in my eyes. Thank you Susan Jacobs Photography for applying your incredible videography skills and empathy, thanks to the sponsors who have supported this project, and thanks to the Soldier Settlers and your families for ... well... for everything.... then and now. #itsthepeoplethatmakeit
14.01.2022 The Tara Lagoon Parklands is a wonderful example of community vision becoming a reality. Born from an inspirational walk, this wonderful project was spearheaded by the Tara Futures Group and supported by the Australian Government, WDRC, Shell QGC and Origin and was officially opened by David Littleproud MP in late April. . It was a privilege to be at the opening (thanks Ken for the heartfelt Welcome to Country). This was an opportunity to acknowledge the work of Joe and Je...nny Abbott and Brent Arnold who volunteered their time to project-manage this on behalf of the Tara Futures Group and create lasting legacy. . WDRC is now embarking on a $4.8million project to undertake the next stage of Tara Lagoon revitalisation with support from Qld Government. This will be an incredible tourism and community asset for Tara. www.wdrc.qld.gov.au//our-communities/major-projects/tara-/ . So much respect and gratitude for Joe and Jenny for their community spirit, commitment and professionalism and wishing them well as they step down from their executive roles on the Futures Group and take a well earned rest. Best wishes to the in-coming committee. #itsthepeoplethatmakeit See more
13.01.2022 Here's an inspiring tear-jerker showing at Western Downs Cinemas this weekend. Why not go along and (COVID-safely) enjoy an outing at the movies. For what's on go to https://westerndownscinemas.com.au/
13.01.2022 Nice to have some time in Miles this week... dropped in to Dogwood for The Arts Dinner LIVE & Online evening to hear about activating arts and cultural spaces through public programming. Enjoyed dining, chatting with tourists and business owners and of course... a spot of shopping
13.01.2022 Last year I was fortunate enough to get a first-hand glimpse of a small Tasmanian community that had completely turned its economic fate around by introducing world class mountain bike trails... so when this idea was introduced as part of WDRC’s COVID-19 package I have to to say I was excited about the flow-on effect it could offer for our region. Can’t wait to see the wheels in motion on this one!
12.01.2022 Last week we sadly bid farewell to the printed versions of the Dalby Herald, Chinchilla News and Rural Weekly. Thank you to the many hands and minds who have helped produce the local papers over the past 155 years. You were all part something special. The sands of time have brought us change. The flow-on will be impacting across many sectors, but I feel very confident that country people will draw on the resilience and flexibility they know all too well, and find a way to ...adapt to online news and advertising. We can be angry and sad at the end of this era, or we can choose to be grateful to have lived in a time when we knew the feeling of holding a newspaper. Read my personal reflection www.facebook.com/notes/megan-james/vale-the-printed-rural-newspaper/10221248110128893/
12.01.2022 Is there someone in the community who deserves recognition?? A quiet achiever/volunteer who you believe should be acknowledged? Don’t miss this chance! You have until Sat night to nominate them for an Aussie Day award!!!
12.01.2022 We're excited to announce the Dalby Outdoor Pool is now open With the weather starting to heat up it's the perfect time to get out and enjoy our regional pools For more information or for opening hours contact Swim Fit Dalby - www.swimfit.com.au/our-centres/dalby
08.01.2022 Enjoyed hanging out with a lovely group of business owners and community-minded folk from Jandowae and Warra at the Google My Business workshop last week - thanks Jandowae Business and Community Group. Sessions at Wandoan (today) and Miles (tomorrow). Practical hands-on workshops delivered by WDRC team in partnership with local chambers - highly recommend for businesses wanting to boost their online presence. https://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/google-my-business/
07.01.2022 Community groups Want a hand with improving energy efficiency and reducing your power bill? Check out the Federal Coalition Government’s $10.2 million Powering Communities Program! The Hon David Littleproud MP is seeking EOIs from eligible groups in our region, but the form must be in by TOMORROW. Contact Mr Littleproud’s electorate office 4662 2715 or email [email protected] to access a form. For more information on the program, including eligibility guidelines, visit https://business.gov.au/grants/powering-communities-program, call 13 28 46 or check out this video https://youtu.be/gk27N3Qpqp0
07.01.2022 Have you heard about our exciting plans for the Waterloo Plain Park at Wandoan? We're investing in this beautiful park to make it an even better recreational sp...ot for our locals and visitors to camp and enjoy the outdoor magic of the Western Downs. The Waterloo Plain Park is one of the major projects involved in our COVID-19 Recovery Package to provide jobs for our community and stimulate the local economy. To find out more, visit our website at www.wdrc.info/recovery
07.01.2022 BRAVO!! to IMPACT Ensemble on a fantastic performance of We come from Dalby last night (some making their debut on stage!). A mature, heartfelt piece about friendship and connection to people and places and how change shapes us (oh and Council roadworks ;) ). Written by the performers in collaboration with their amazing Director, it was the first ever IMPACT Ensemble Program to be held outside Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre... and you guys ROCKED!! Delighted that the Qld Govt partnered with Western Downs Regional Council through the Regional Arts Development Fund to make this possible for our young people.
07.01.2022 This piece just hits me right in the heart. Feeling such gratefulness for those who came before us and worked so hard to create the communities we live in, but also a tinge of self-reproach as I think of how much I take for granted in my daily life. Reminds me not to lose sight of what’s important. This is the story of Wandoan. The soldier settlers of that district in the early 50s. But it’s a wonderful insight to soldier settlements and the many communities that evolved across Australia after both World Wars 1 and 2. Make yourself a cuppa, flick this up onto a big screen (if you can) and just soak it in.
06.01.2022 Some might think that our Anzac story began on this morning 106 years ago, as quiet rowboats waited just off the peninsula at Gallipoli. Now that is true, that’s when we entered our first conflict as one people. But the story of those times - and all the times since - didn’t begin on battlefields, on land, at sea or in the sky. It began in the homes and the farms and the towns and the suburbs across our great country. It’s in those places that selflessness, duty, respect and... responsibility were learned. Where love of family, the community and country is warmed and is kindled in the youngest hearts and the oldest minds. . These words spoken by our Prime Minister this morning hit home for me. . As I laid wreaths and sipped a cuppa alongside returned servicemen and women, and the families of those who served but have since passed, in Jandowae and Warra today, I felt incredible gratitude. Such extraordinary acts of service from ordinary country families... where a sense of duty and community was taught, cherished, lived and passed on to the next generation. It was such a privilege to be a part of these two ceremonies on behalf of Western Downs Regional Council. Lest we forget.
06.01.2022 Western Downs’ small businesses - if you have been impacted by COVID-19 please check out this QLD Govt grant... it’s designed to help eligible businesses get back on track, adopt new technologies, get online, upskill and/or diversify... click the link for criteria and eligibility.
06.01.2022 Enjoyed welcoming the U14 team from Saints Rugby Club Peregian Springs to Dalby as part of their end of season tour on the weekend. Great to see our local clubs show such wonderful hospitality to visitors... gave them all a Western Downs Queensland tourism pack to entice them to come back with their families to explore the whole region! #ourgrassisgreener
06.01.2022 WDRC has taken an important step towards a regional focus on water by agreeing to join the Downs and Border Councils' Water Alliance. It's early days yet, but we are hopeful that joining forces with our neighbouring regional councils will give us a much stronger voice, and help us build a collective vision for water security for all current and future regional needs.
05.01.2022 Helping Hands is looking for new premises. These guys are incredibly giving of their time and compassion and would love to find a way to continue to support people who need a little ‘hand up’. If you know of something suitable please contact the Helping Hands team.
05.01.2022 An effective, 20 second hand washing routine is one of the best ways to stop germs in their tracks We show you how, in a step-by-step guide, press
05.01.2022 Recognising our youth for their valuable contributions to the community is incredibly important to us! Whether it be for their demonstrated leadership, innovati...on or creativity, or their place as an active role model in our region, we want them to know their efforts are seen and appreciated! If you know someone like this between the ages of 16 and 25, help us give recognition where it is deserved by nominating them for Young Citizen of the Year. Nominate now by following the link - http://ow.ly/6UUp50BjBjX
05.01.2022 So much love for Pub Choir and the sponsors for making this happen!! Thank you for coming to Dalby!! It was just so much fun! Astrid, Waveney and team you are amazing! Please come back to Western Downs!! (Can’t wait social distancing isn’t a thing and we can pack the pub to the rafters to fill it with song!!)#experiencewesterndowns #itsthepeoplethatmakeit
05.01.2022 Keep up to date with all the various attractions and events that are starting to open up (with COVID-safe considerations in place) by checking out Western Downs Invites You.
05.01.2022 It would be awesome to have a Western Downs family featured!
04.01.2022 The eve of Anzac Day was such a poignant time to officially open Wandoan’s Avenue of Honour. Yesterday hundreds of people came from far and wide to commemorate the returned servicemen who were part the Govt’s soldier settler scheme in Wandoan in the early 50s. These families moved to the area to establish working farms and became such a vital part of the town’s foundations. It was so precious to see the friends and families of the soldier settlers gathered together reconn...ecting and reminiscing. I happened to chance upon a spare seat next to an elegantly dressed lady who turned out to be one of the soldier settlers wives - 95 year old Jean Perrett who, as fate would have it, was also one of my late Nanna’s dearest friends (they had met as teenagers and remained close friends until my Nanna’s passing 2013). It is a small world. So lovely to catch up with Jean and your beautiful family. Thank you to Pat Devlin and Bob Williams for your vision, to the incredible Council team members who made this all come together, and to all the families I met yesterday for being so generous with your stories of days gone by. The contribution of these soldiers settlers, both in how they served their country and how they helped shape Wandoan, is now figuratively and literally cemented in Wandoan.
03.01.2022 Applications are NOW OPEN for our Community Spirit Grants. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for initiatives focussed on improving health, education and live...ability in regional and remote Queensland communities. Applications close 31 August. Interested groups should visit https://qcoalfoundation.org/our-in/community-grant-program/ for more information See more
03.01.2022 Looking for a place to stretch your legs after a long drive through the Western Downs? Take a short detour off the Leichhardt Highway for Wandoan and make tra...cks for the Waterloo Plains Environmental Park. This peaceful spot is perfect for a relaxing pitstop or if you want to stay a little longer, Waterloo Plains is a donation run campsite with toilets and the magic words - hot showers! Be sure to keep an eye out for the birds and wildlife that call Waterloo Plains home as well #experiencewesterndowns Want to explore Wandoan a little further? https://bit.ly/35nHDhD @greynomadawards (IG)
03.01.2022 Check it out! Did you know you can keep up to date with all the latest Council news by signing up to our weekly eNewsletter Our eNews delivers the latest Coun...cil project updates, videos, adventure spotlights, pound pet features, Instagram highlights and more! To stay up to date, make sure you register your email at www.wdrc.info/enews and keep an eye out for next week's edition
02.01.2022 How lovely to get this mention for Waterloo Plains!
01.01.2022 Dalby Show !! so proud of how the community came together to support this great country event...that’s been going for 151 years! Congrats to the Dalby and District Show Society... so much hard work goes into preparing for this event (especially with all the COVIDSafe requirements). #itsthepeoplethatmakeit . Ps seems I got the memo about the black and white spotty dress code .... The show continues tomorrow - tickets at www.dalbydistrictshow.com See more
01.01.2022 These gorgeous snapshots of artists expressing their love of their our local landscapes, communities and their craft is just so heartwarming.. highly recommend viewing!
01.01.2022 FIRST LOOK Funding has been secured for the exciting Miles CBD Streetscape Revitalisation project which will enhance the liveability of the town and encoura...ge more people to stop, visit and stay longer! Council partnered with the local community to ensure the new activations and storytelling initiatives create a meaningful space they can be proud of. This project is possible thanks to Council's COVID-19 Recovery Package and Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. For more information visit wdrc.info/miles-cbd-streetscape
