Community & Business
10 November, 2025
Jacaranda Day a success
Jacaranda Day 2025 at Goombungee, opened by event founders Keith and Paisley Mathieson, was a tremendous success, with a marching band providing a novel addition to the day’s proceedings.
Kites could be seen flying above the town when approaching on Pechey-Maclagan Road from both east and west.
Event founders Keith and Paisley Mathieson rang the bells to open the event and were front and centre of the parade in a float representing this year’s event theme ‘Cream and Cheese: Celebrating 120 years of Dairy Days’.
They were followed closely by the Goombungee Girl Guides Group, and Goombungee State School.
Community groups like the local QCWA branch, the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the Crows Nest Catholic Church, Goombungee Little Folks Group all marched.
Local businesses Leicht’s CIA and Linmac created dairy-themed floats on their trailers, with Linmac’s dedicated to the Macdonald, Tonscheck and Heinemann dairying families.
Toowoomba Municipal Brass Band provided a marching band at this year’s event, and created a jovial mood by playing the children’s songs ‘Bananas in Pyjamas’ and ‘Wallace and Gromit Theme’.
In scenes reminiscent of times gone by, tractors drove and horses trotted their way down Mocatta Street as part of the parade.
Local politicians such as Mayor Geoff McDonald and Cr Trevor Manteufel took the opportunity to snap photos with the crowds.
The Pioneer Arms Hotel was overflowing with patrons and later that night welcomed nationally-renowned Stanthorpe musician James Blundell, whose performance was affected by the afternoon and evening storms.
D’Aguilar Wildlife Group brought a snake and koala for exhibition, having attended the town for an exhibition.
Dozens of stalls in the median strip of Mocatta Street peddled their wares to interested passers-by, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The event was a great chance for local schools, churches and community groups to raise some much-needed funds for the maintenance of their buildings.
Represented at the event were many former Goombungee residents, young families, visitors from surrounding towns, and interested newcomers.
Despite a record number of parade entries, attendance was down on last year, with rain and the forecast weather keeping some away.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said the organisers of the event deserved credit for pulling together what turned into a magnificent spectacle.
“(On Saturday), the town of Goombungee burst to life, showcasing its stunning Jacarandas in full bloom,” he said.
“Jacaranda Day has been proudly run by the Rosalie Shire Historical Society for three decades (and is) a wonderful celebration of this beautiful township.
“This year saw a record 95 entrants in the parade, a great reflection of the pride and enthusiasm (for the event) across our community.
“Congratulations to the committee for your dedication and hard work in making it another successful community event.”
Goombungee-raised Councillor Trevor Manteufel concurred with the Mayor’s assessment.
“(It was) an excellent day, (with) a wide variety of stalls and display,” Cr Manteufel said.
