Community & Business
24 April, 2026
Warm show well attended
Attendance was healthy at the 111th Goombungee Haden Show, an event which continues to punch well above its weight.
Walking into the Showgrounds on a warmer than usual Downs April day, attendees were greeted at the gate by the Apex Club of South Toowoomba.
The 2026 Show was officially opened at 11 o’clock by Mark Leicht, owner of Leichts CIA, which employs 45 people in Goombungee.
Mr Leicht, a long time Show supporter, talked about how he, his wife Kaylene, their parents, their children, and now grandchildren had all been heavily involved in the Show from a young age.
“Events like this are built on passion and creativity,” he said.
“I’m brought to call the Goombungee Haden Show our own.”
Local Showgirl Bridgette Langston was congratulated by just about everyone on her achievement of becoming the Darling Downs Showgirl.
Show President Errol Luck thanked Ms Langston, event sponsors, and Show volunteers for raising funds to meet show costs.
Ms Langston was very busy on the day, judging the Tiny Tots competition and taking part in Nettie’s Country Creations Fashion Parade at 2 o’clock.
The very cute 2026 Tiny Tot winners were Isabelle Spoelder, aged 4, and Ezra Burnett, aged 2.
Attending families enjoyed the Dodgem-cars, trampoline, and face painting in Sideshow Alley.
Many of them took the chance to get up close and personal with animals at the volunteer youth-run Outback Instincts Animal Farm, which is based around 5km south of Goombungee.
As always, the Chainsaw Events and Lawnmower Races provided a spectacle for the passing crowds in the main arena.
Also in the main arena, vintage vehicles drew the eye, while schools such as Downlands College and Concordia Lutheran College showed off their cattle.
Concordia submitted an unusually large pumpkin in a farm produce section which saw over 190 entries this year.
The well attended show saw many former Rosalie Shire residents, such as Cr Trevor Manteufel return to their old stomping ground to catch up with old friends.
The day concluded with a fireworks display.
