This town on the border of Queensland and NSW has a strong sense of community and agriculture initiatives.

THIS THRIVING BORDER TOWN IN SOUTH-WEST QUEENSLAND IS KNOWN FOR ITS INNOVATIVE FARMING AND BALANCED LIFESTYLE.

A STROLL THROUGH Goondiwindi’s jacaranda-lined town centre reveals the vitality of this community, 346 kilometres south-west of Brisbane, bordering Queensland and NSW. It’s mid-week and the middle of the drought but there’s busy foot traffic along Marshall Street as farmers, graziers and townsfolk stop to chat while having their morning coffee or collecting supplies. Just around the corner is Goondiwindi’s latest public art display, the Bowen Lane murals. This is a cultural point of interest for both residents and visitors who pass through this junction of five major highways. Last year, well-known local artist Ian Tremewen painted a vibrant mural for the project, which was established by a committee of locals. Some of the early initiators of Lanescape Goondiwindi were farmers and artists Angus and Sandie Wilson, who live on the outskirts of town at Nungwai where they breed Angus cattle. The couple also have a dryland farm across the border. Angus describes Goondiwindi as a great place to live. “The co-operation, support and volunteers we have in our community are what makes it so amazing.” With a population of over 6300 residents, Goondiwindi is a close-knit community with a resurgence of young people returning to the thriving hub of primary production. The area’s farms produce cotton, grain, wool, lamb, beef and pork. It’s a community that supports people willing to “have a go”, says business owner Julia Telford, who moved to the town in 2006 and runs her consultancy Engage and Create Consulting from the Goondiwindi Business Hub. “The innovation in agriculture in this region over the years is astounding, and the town continues to attract highly skilled people who are interested in building a business, raising a family — or both,” she says. “Like any regional town it gives back what you are prepared to put in.” Goondiwindi Cotton owner and founder Sam Coulton is a long-time advocate for the region and his family were early farming pioneers of the district. “The produce and culture of our town is so strong,” he says. One of the highlights of the year is the Discover Farming event in May which Sam describes as an opportunity to “showcase our products and lifestyle”. “It’s the diversity that keeps the town going,” he adds, “as well as innovation and a true country sense of pride.” > For more information, visit grc.qld.gov.au/work-liveand-love-gundy-life

GOONDIWINDI QUEENSLAND ON THE MOVE Sandie and Angus Wilson in Bowen Lane, a community public art project supported by Goondiwindi’s Chamber of Commerce and the local council. FACING PAGE The Macintyre River forms a natural border with NSW and keeps Goondiwindi green and spirits high during the dry.

Sam Coulton with his three-year-old wolfhound Smithfield cross Booma. CLOCKWISE, FROM RIGHT The Memorial to the Levee. This old carbeen tree was once the town’s only way of measuring river height; the entrance to Bowen Lane; Grevillea robusta; a hat at Audrey boutique. FACING PAGE One of many quaint cottages in the town.

Stop for brunch at Urban Quarter 4390. CLOCKWISE, FROM RIGHT A town sign; the old council chambers on Marshall Street are open to the public; Julia Telford; Customs House Museum; the Border Bridge was built in 1914. FACING PAGE, FROM TOP The iconic Victoria Hotel; pay a visit to Goondiwindi Cotton’s showroom. Julia Telford OWNER, ENGAGE AND CREATE CONSULTING Goondiwindi resident for 13 years.