Community & Business
23 October, 2025
Country Week kicks off
From the Opening Dinner on Friday night onwards, last weekend was packed with Clifton Country Week festivities.
The opening dinner was a change in format by the Clifton & District Progress Association for Clifton Country Week and was well received.
Progress Association President Margaret May said there were just over 50 attendees at the dinner, which featured live music by the Tilberry Greens, who kindly offered to perform again for free on Saturday.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald and Condamine MP Pat Weir were guests at the dinner as well as the opening of the Art Exhibition that took place before the dinner.
On Saturday, Ms May said the day went well although numbers were down overall when compared to previous years.
The street markets took a big blow as several vendors pulled out in the days leading up to the event or simply did not show up.
Ms May said by the time they pulled out it was simply too late to find replacements for the vendors, which included two coffee vans, snow cones, doughnuts, fairy floss and more.
“That was disappointing, but what can you do,” she said.
“The new stallholders enjoyed it.
“Overall we were pretty pleased.
“For a town our size it was a good day.”
The heat undoubtedly had an effect on attendance, with the mercury reaching 30°C by 11am.
Clifton also faced competition from other events in the local area, with the Wyreema State School 130th anniversary and the re-opening of the Wheatsheaf Hotel at East Greenmount both taking place.
Elsewhere on Saturday, there were more than 30 cars entered at Saint Francis de Sales School’s Car and Bike Show ‘n’ Shine.
Recent weather conditions saw the Iris and Rose Show with less iris entries than usual, however there was no dip in quality with some excellent flowers on show.
Ms May said the DownsSteam Heritage Train Trip on Saturday had 45 guests travel to Clifton from Warwick, with a further 70 taking the trip from Clifton to Greenmount and back.
Clifton State High School took the reins of the trivia night this year and about 70 participants enjoyed the night that took advantage of the school’s new hall.
On Sunday, the Garage Sale Trail saw 19 official garage sales take place in Clifton and Nobby.
A few other garage sales also sprung up on the day, including people from outlying areas selling out of their car boots at the CWA.
Across Country Week, Ms May said this year the local schools and Treasure Island were involved well.
Alongside the best decorated bike, scooter and pram competition that saw children competing, the little ones from Treasure Island made a trip to the Clifton Nursing Home to judge the aged residents on the best decorated walkers.
“It’s important we have everyone involved in our community,” Ms May said.
Country Week is far from over, with the QCWA Cent sale and Devonshire Tea continuing today and tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday, from 9am until 1pm.
The Art Exhibition is also open today and tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday, from 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.
Night bowls is on Thursday evening, including prizes, raffles and supper - names in by 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
On Friday, the Warwick Choral Society Concert at the QCWA rooms begins at 10am and the Bush Dance at the F. E. Logan Hall starts at 6pm.
Of course Country Week concludes with Race Day on Saturday.
Ms May said the Progress Association is appreciative of a successful grant from Toowoomba Regional Council totalling nearly $3,000 for Country Week, as well as a donation from the Clifton Jockey Club.
In the coming weeks feedback will be sought on how Country Week went and how it could be improved for next year.
