Community & Business
22 January, 2026
Tavern steps up to host Aus Day Games
The iconic Oakey Dunny Races are making a return at the Bernborough Tavern on Australia this year after it had been shut down by Toowoomba Regional Council.
Proprietor Michael Carpenter has picked up some of the games run at Arthur Shooter Park last year.
Events at the Tavern start at 10.30am after the official Australia Day Awards Ceremony ends across the road at the Oakey Cultural Centre.
Games Program:
10.30am: Junior Sack Race
11am: Adults Sack Races
11.30am: Junior Thong Throwing Comp
1pm: Dunny Races
2pm: Mini Pie Eating Iron Man Comp
A mechanical bull competition will be running throughout the day with junior and senior classes.
There’s also live music, a sausage sizzle, face painting and raffles.
The official Australia Day Awards program runs from 7.30am-10.30am and includes the Awards Ceremony, free barbecue breakfast courtesy of the Oakey Lions Club, free face painting and morning tea at the Oakey Cultural Centre.
Meanwhile there is also fun to be had at the Jondaryan Woolshed, events run from 8.30am-1.30pm and include free Train Rides, Damper from the Damper Hut, Water Park, Face Painting, Animal Nursery, Games, Tug-O-War, Bee Keeping Demo, Blacksmithing, Shearing and plenty of food options for the whole family.
Entry is $12 for adults, $10 for concession card holders, $6 for children (aged 5-14) and children under 5 go free.
The Grand Hotel is also running its own special event, the Yabby Races. Proceeds from this event will support Oakey Junior Rugby League.
