Community & Business
28 March, 2025
Collaboration key to Showcasing Pittsworth and Surrounds success
On Saturday, 22 March, the very best aspects of our country town were on proud display for the annual Showcasing Pittsworth and Surrounds. The day was a collaboration between volunteers and community groups who united to promote Pittsworth’s unique characteristics.
Despite the sweltering humidity, the Blooming Pittsworth markets at Centenary Park attracted a generous crowd.
They were the first port of call for the 59 visitors who arrived on the DownsSteam train shortly after 11am from Drayton.
A crowd of spectators waited near the track for the steam train’s arrival, where a selection of Peter Rohde’s classic cars were on display.
The most prominent of them, a Yellow Cab Co. taxi, featured in the 2013 movie The Great Gatsby which was filmed in New South Wales.
A bus supplied by Darling Downs Transit was standing by to chauffeur visitors to the open gardens, and on a tour of our fine town.
The steam train then took 61 people out to Brookstead for a scenic trip through the some of the best farming country on the Downs.
Ros Scotney of DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum said the steam train added an extra element of excitement to the day, and she was pleased to see so many locals take advantage of the trip out to Brookstead.
The face painting in the park was a hit with young kids, who were surprised by a visit from the Ashton’s Circus clown.
The community band, Black Inc. entertained with a range of genres including the musical piece Favourite Things from The Sound of Music, and the Pink Panther Theme.
Leading the ensemble was nationally renowned conductor, Martin Crook from Hodgson Vale, who stepped in to fill the role for Peta Watt.
Ms Scotney, who is also the Chair of Gardens of the Downs, said word-of-mouth is a powerful tool of communication, and after Saturday, word will quickly spread of Pittsworth as a must-visit destination.
A highlight for her, was seeing all of the town’s volunteers come together to promote Pittsworth.
“I always feel very proud to see Pittsworth come together - all our volunteers, community groups and shops,” Ms Scotney said.
“I’d like to thank everyone who played role in the day.”
Nearly 200 people visited the open gardens of David and Gay Kearey in Beresford Street, and Dan and Jo Pearce in Grange Drive.
Seventy-six people passed through the doors of the Sondrio Gallery to view Bruce Griffith’s watercolour exhibition.
A display from local photographers of “Pittsworth in Pictures” was on show at the Function Centre, compiled by members of Happy Snappers of the Downs, and Pittsworth U3A Photography groups.
Showcasing Pittsworth and Surrounds is an initiative of Gardens of the Downs and Pittsworth District Alliance.
