New Acland Coal donates $20,000 to Jacaranda Day Festival at Goombungee to revive Toowoomba region event in 2024
Organisers of the popular Goombungee Jacaranda Day festival, which was cancelled suddenly last year, are celebrating after a $20,000 donation from a mining giant revived the event.
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A popular festival in a small town outside Toowoomba will return in 2024 following its cancellation last year, thanks largely to a donation from a mining company.
The Jacaranda Day festival in Goombungee has been revived after New Acland Coal revealed it would donate $20,000 over two years towards the Rosalie Shire Historical Society.
The event, held every October, was supposed to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2023 until it was cancelled just a week out due to new conditions set by the Toowoomba Regional Council.
The news came as a shock for Goombungee residents and business owners, who not only enjoy the various activities and displays but also the tourism injection into the town’s economy.
Society president Denise Iseppi said NAC’s commitment would ensure organisers could move ahead with this year’s festival, slated for November 1.
“Jacaranda Day is the premier community and cultural event on the Goombungee calendar,” she said.
“New Acland Coal’s support is a huge vote of confidence for the event.
“Jacaranda Day celebrates Goombungee’s proud history and magnificent jacaranda trees which line the main street.
“Jacaranda Day will feature a historic vehicle parade, an outdoor art exhibition, steam engine and machinery displays, face-painting and a local market.”
Coal mine general manager Dave O’Dwyer said the company had donated more than $300,000 to a variety of local groups over the past six months.
“Sponsoring and supporting local organisations and events allows us to build stronger and more sustainable communities,” he said.
“More than 90 per cent of the current workforce live within 50km of New Acland Mine, including at Goombungee.
“It’s a privilege to support the Rosalie Shire Historical Society who are responsible for Jacaranda Day.”
It comes as the mine continues to ramp up its third stage outside Oakey, with more than 150 employees already recruited.
Up to 600 workers will be needed during construction, while the permanent workforce will number 400 over the life of the project.
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