Community & Business
8 November, 2024
Jacaranda Day bigger than ever
Large crowds visited Goombungee for the return of Jacaranda Day, 30 years after the first iteration of the event.
On a pleasant overcast day with a cool breeze, travellers young and old made their way up to the High Country.
Local politicians flocked to the event to be seen by the crowds, which were unofficially estimated by an event co-ordinator to be just short of 5,000.
Goombungee Girl Guides led the way in the Parade, which made a welcome return this year.
Goombungee Little Folks Group won the Best Parade entry, dressing up in Wiggles costumes, with the ‘Big Red Car’ making its first appearance in the town.
They were followed by a cavalcade of vehicles, including regular visitors, the Darling Downs Chapter of the MG Car Club of Queensland.
Ian Stewart-Koster led a group of Duneske Clydesdales, who had travelled from Nutgrove to take part, and the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland’s Outback Riders added to the Parade’s equine presence.
Dancing groups from Toowoomba and Highfields entertained the crowds, and were well complemented by a performance from Toowoomba’s belly dancing group.
Rosalie Shire Historical Museum was a hub of activity and hosted the official opening of the event, which followed a performance from the Goombungee Community Choir, which was ably conducted by Bronwyn Herbertson.
Event sponsor, Keith Mathieson, now 88, returned to Goombungee to ring the old Uniting Church bell with other major sponsors Toowoomba Regional Council, represented by Mayor Geoff McDonald and New Acland Coal, represented by Community Liaison Officer Linda Sexton.
Former Mayor Paul Antonio watched on with former Rosalie Shire Mayor Noel Strohfeld, as former Rosalie Shire Clerk Ross Phipps gave a speech about the history of the event.
Mr Phipps spoke about how Jacaranda Day had grown from modest beginnings, with the first event being a morning tea and fashion parade, held in the garden of Cath and Jim Hartley, then principal of Goombungee State School.
“Over the past thirty years the Jacaranda Day Celebrations and parade have continued, thanks to the efforts of many people who have a love for this town and district,” Mr Phipps said.
“Before I declare the event open, I would like to pay a tribute to Keith and Paisley Mathieson, who have recently left Goombungee for a sea-change in Toowoomba
“They are two of the longest serving members of the Rosalie Shire Historical Society since it was formed so long ago.
“Over their lifetimes they have both been a great asset to the Goombungee community, and although they are now residing in Toowoomba, (turning to face the Mathiesons) I know your hearts will always be in Goombungee.
Elsewhere, kites filled the sky at the Sports and Recreation Reserve, while the Goombungee Hall opened its grounds for a Market Day down the road.
The local Vintage Cow cafe and Spar were extremely well patronised throughout the day.
The High Country Community Band kept the crowds entertained post-parade and St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church provided an open-dining experience on the church grounds.
Event Co-ordinator Scott Alderdice thanked the many community groups and volunteers who had contributed to the Day.
“Just wanted to say thank you to all the many, many people who were a part of the extraordinary celebration in Goombungee. (We saw) so many people contributing to the overall experience and building a genuine sense of wellbeing and inclusion,” Mr Alderdice said.
“So many people from different walks of life; different skills and experience - and yet sharing what they do and how they do it with a smile and a generous welcome and a wave. And that is the spirit of community. It was a privilege to be a part of it.”
Parade winners received a trophy constructed by local Neville Hartwig, made out of jacaranda and silky oak.
Best in Parade: Goombungee Little Folks Group;
Best Decorated: Leicht’s CIA;
Best Restored in Parade: Red Morris Ute - Scott and Debbie Smith.
Stall holders reported having a good day, and welcomed the shift back to Mocatta Street this year.
Walking through the median area, visitors could not move more than a few metres without coming across a stall.
Local state schools were among the stallholders who enjoyed the chance to engage with community.
Those in attendance said they had not seen such a large crowd previously.
