15 November, 2021
Crowds back at Goombungee for Jacaranda Day
An estimated 3,000-plus people packed Goombungee for the popular Jacaranda Day festival with crowds from across southern Queensland gathering to enjoy the country hospitality, entertainment and fun-filled street parade.
After COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the 2019 event, the local event has bounced back bigger than ever with the festival drawing an attendance three times the population of Goombungee.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio officially launched the event alongside Cathy Hartley from the Rosalie Shire Historical Society.
He said the “vibrancy” of the small town was evident on Saturday.
Mayor Antonio said following the uncertainty of COVID-19, the numbers of people at Jacaranda Day show that small communities can recover.
“COVID-19 has caused this community, this nation and this world a fair bit of grief, but when you come out to [Jacaranda Day] you realise that there is a life after. You realise that people want to get out,” he said.
“Every small community across the region has something special and in Goombungee it’s jacarandas.
“Ever since the first festival in 1993, Jacaranda Day has gone from strength to strength. It means a tremendous amount to the people who live in Goombungee.”
Ms Hartley said along-side bringing a financial injection to the township, the Jacaranda Day also brought a social benefit to the local residents.
“The day gives people the opportunity to catch up with others and people from other regions,” she said.
“The benefits are huge and we are just thrilled that with the success of this years event.”
