Xmas on the Downs: Your guide to the region’s festive events
With school holidays and Christmas fast approaching, we’ve sourced a list of all the events around the region to entertain children and families of all ages. Find them here.
Community
Bright Futures: Southern Downs’ high achievers of 2023
As the schooling year comes to an end for Queensland students, schools around the state held their awards nights to showcase their brightest stars. See a list of high achievers from the Southern Downs and Granite Belt here.
210 days in hospital: Qld newborn’s harrowing medical journey
A Stanthorpe family has had to endure the unthinkable after the premature birth of their newborn revealed an array of heartbreaking, serious medical diagnosis that has seen her spend almost two-thirds of a year in hospital. See how the Paterson family has persevered here.
Bushfire recovery: Groups rally around southwest region devastated by fire
The recent catastrophic bushfires that devastated parts of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt have had a major impact on local wildlife, structures and land. See how those communities have been rallying support to help rebuild here.
Country cops come to rescue of dogs during bushfire emergency
Queensland Police have released footage of officers’ narrow rescue of a group of beagles on a property near Dalveen, as a nearby bushfire was closing in. See the daring rescue here.
‘Unique’ American style burgers put Stanthorpe diner on the map
Offering a blend of American-style menu items, a Stanthorpe diner has been named as boasting one of Queensland’s best burgers and the owners don’t plan on stopping there. Full story here.
REVEALED: Southern Downs’ cutest toddler 2023
It was a tough competition for family and friends of the Southern Downs’ cutest toddler nominees, with the crown going to a very brave girl with a rare medical condition who’s just faced her 60th hospital trip. Winner and runners up here.
Listed: Trick or treat streets around southwest Queensland
As spooky season is quickly upon us, it’s time to whip out your creepiest costume come October 31. Find the full list of addresses around southwest Queensland where you can trick or treat this Halloween here.
‘Stolen opportunity’: Indigenous community shattered by LNP announcement
David Crisafulli’s shock announcement the LNP would put a stop to the Path to Treaty if elected next October, pouring more salt in the wounds of First Nations people following the Voice referendum defeat. More details here.
Fire warning: How to make sure you’re prepared for bushfire season
After losing his own family home in a bushfire, a Southern Downs volunteer firefighter has urged residents to be prepared for this year’s bushfire season. See advice on how best to prepare here.
‘Set people free’: Totems of Hope opens in time for Mental Health Week
In less than a year participants of the Happy Chat support group in Stanthorpe have helped create a space for the wider community to find solitude, as their Totems of Hope gala officially opened in time for mental health week. Full story here.
Survey: Insurance claim battle of 2022 major floods
In the aftermath of the flooding that swept across our nation in 2022, the House of Representatives Economic Committee has launched an inquiry into the preparedness of insurers and are calling on residents affected to submit their story. Full details here.
Parents fume over push to close eKindy pods across Queensland
After angry parents raised the alarm a remote kindergarten program would be shut down, the education minister has stepped in.
Small acts of kindness: Stanthorpe residents raising awareness for a good cause
Two very passionate Stanthorpe locals have selflessly stepped up this month to raise awareness for two separate causes, both of which share equal importance in our society. See how they’re making a difference here.
Young Southern Downs soccer star set to play in Germany
A Stanthorpe Carlton United Football Club under-13 star is kicking his way towards a future career in professional football, with the young talent selected to play in Germany next year after playing in a little-known tournament in northern NSW. Full story here.
Homegrown rugby league star heads to NZ for Aus Uni’s comp
Stanthorpe Gremlins homegrown star fullback is spearheading a future career in professional rugby league as he prepares to play in the Australian Universities Rugby League competition in New Zealand this month. Full details here.
Man hospitalised following motorbike crash west of Warwick
A man in his 40s was taken to hospital following a collision between a vehicle and a motorbike west of Warwick. Here’s what we know so far.
‘I’ll deck you’: Supporters scuffle as Voice referendum heats up
A video has emerged on social media showing how the upcoming referendum debate has divided the region, with supporters clashing publicly in Stanthorpe. WATCH THE VIDEO.
Virtual reality technology changing Southern Downs lives
Endeavour Warwick’s new learning and lifestyle hub features interactive education tools that have seen clients learn more than just essential lifestyle skills, impressing family, friends and staff. Full story here.
Understanding the Voice: Southern Downs MP slammed over ‘hurtful’ No comments
An Indigenous Yes campaigner and a political candidate for the region have slammed an MP’s ‘disheartening’ comments regarding the Voice following a positive summit on understanding the referendum this week.
SURVEY: Streets you can trick or treat on in the southwest for Halloween 2023
We’re on the hunt to locate the southwest streets participating in Halloween trick or treating this year. Submit your street here.
Kids helping kids: How goat farm helped Stanthorpe couple’s IVF journey
A Stanthorpe family-run miniature goat stud has seen their prized possessions feature in many southeast Queensland shows in the past five years, but their greatest achievement was providing a therapeutic escape to their devoted owners on their IVF journey. Full story here.
‘Fairytale’: Stanthorpe TV star announces big news
A fourth generation farmer from Pozieres, who became a reality TV star, has announced some ‘incredible’ news months after the finale aired.
‘Time to step up’: Southern Downs called to action over Voice referendum
The Southern Downs region is among those divided over the upcoming Voice referendum, with many community leaders calling for action. Full story here.
REVEALED: Southern Downs’ best electrician for 2023
Many talented electricians from the Southern Downs were nominated for the 2023 crown and now we can reveal who the region has chosen as their favourite. Find out the winner and finalists here.
Tireless community volunteer named Southern Downs’ top citizen
Some of the most dedicated people across our region have been honoured for their efforts in their communities. See the full list of award recipients and read the inspiring story behind the 2023 citizen of the year.
Stanthorpe principal awarded OAM for lifetime of service
A Stanthorpe man, who has been principal at a local school since 2017, has received one of Australia’s greatest honours for his dedication to his community. Read his inspiring story here.
2020 State Election Debate at the Windmill Motel in Mackay
Mackay Chamber of Commerce Queensland Election 2020 debate
$5k a pop: Warwick drug dealers named
From a mother of seven busted selling ice and marijuana to a ‘talented sportsman’ who turned to meth after a break-up, the people busted for drug dealing in Warwick on more than 150 collective occasions can be revealed. Full list:
In photos: Crowds hit 2022 Stanthorpe Show
Beloved country trades, traditions, and 150 years of the town’s history were on full display at the 2022 Stanthorpe Show, with crowds hitting the Showgrounds for a massive weekend of fun.
Revealed: Stanthorpe’s cutest toddler for 2022 crowned
The race for the title went down to the wire, but the final votes have been tallied and it’s time to reveal your winner! Meet your cutest 2022 toddler and the adorable little ones rounding out the top five here:
BIG BUNDY TRIVIA: How many of these questions can you solve?
THINK you know all things Bundy? We’ve compiled an epic quiz to test your knowledge (don’t worry, all the answers are at the bottom).
Brave Stanthorpe teen raises tackles fear to raise vital funds
A shock diagnosis has spurred a Stanthorpe high school student to challenge the stigma around the chronic condition while raising crucial dollars in an inspirational awareness campaign.
GALLERY: Huge crowds hit Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Festival
The main weekend of the epic biennial celebration went off with a bang, with hundreds hitting Stanthorpe to sample the best of the Granite Belt and catch iconic events including the grand parade and grape-stomping. SEE PHOTOS HERE.
Vote now to decide Stanthorpe’s cutest 2021 baby
Several gorgeous Stanthorpe bubs have been nominated in the race for the title of the town’s cutest baby, but only one can be the winner! Vote now for your favourite here.
$150k new future for Stanthorpe netball finally unveiled
Years of planning and hard work have finally paid off for the Stanthorpe Netball Association as massive upgrades to their facility are opened to the community for the first time.
Explained: Vaccination rules for every citizenship ceremony in Qld
Councils across Queensland have been forced to make last-minute changes to citizenship ceremonies. Here’s how your council plans to run the Australia Day event.
Covid hits Southern Downs as state records 369 infections
It’s been confirmed at least one case of Covid-19 has been detected on the Southern Downs as the state records a spike of 369 new infections. LATEST LOCAL UPDATE
‘Forever 16’: Tragedy as teen dies after horror workplace incident
Tributes have flooded social media after a beloved Western Downs teen was killed in a nightmare workplace incident, just a week before Christmas.
Live at the Factory: Warwick favourites to rock out with ‘hell of a show’
After Covid wiped out live entertainment, homegrown talents Sleeping Dogs took matters into their own hands. This weekend they are going to light up and rock the iconic Parmalat Precinct like never before. Full details:
Full list: Southern Downs school leaders for 2022 revealed
These are the young guns across Warwick and the wider Southern Downs set to lead their cohorts through a massive year in 2022. Meet all the region’s new young leaders here:
Warwick dam spillway gates to open after years of brutal drought
‘From the outhouse to the penthouse’: Just two years ago it was feared the vital water source was going to run dry as it sat at just 4 per cent, but now heavy falls have sent Leslie Dam to capacity and floodgates are expected to open imminently.
Baby among 4 rescued from roaring floodwaters near Warwick
Emergency crews used human chains and braved waist-high waters to carry out two dramatic rescues overnight, as floodwaters swept two separate cars into roaring floodwaters.
Revealed: Stanthorpe’s best teacher for 2021 crowned
‘I’m gobsmacked, it’s very rewarding’: The final votes have been tallied and the winner has been decided! Meet Stanthorpe’s best teacher for 2021 and see what makes them stand out here.
Up to $83m: Warwick’s secret rich lister wages revealed
Public servants and private business owners are raking in the cash across Warwick and the wider Southern Downs. See the full list of those earning the big bucks and how much they’re worth here. FULL LIST
Teen with Covid spent days in Warwick while infectious
A woman who spent ‘a couple of days’ in Warwick before testing positive to Covid has become the town’s second confirmed link to the virus, after a Warwick man was diagnosed this week. FULL DETAILS HERE:
‘Major flooding likely’: Warwick put on watch as storms, heavy rain predicted
Incredible amounts of rain are expected to fall in the Warwick and Stanthorpe areas in coming days, with experts warning the intense weather system is likely to cause major flooding across the entire region. Full details here:
Revealed: Stanthorpe’s cutest dog for 2021 crowned
The last few votes have been tallied and now it’s time to reveal the winner! Find out which adorable pup has taken out the title and the top 5 finalists here.
‘It’s real’: Southern Downs residents speak out on climate change
More than a dozen members of the community have had their say on climate change and the environment, and they certainly didn’t hold back. Find out what people had to say here:
Mega gallery: 135+ photos from 2021 Stanthorpe Cup
Stanthorpe again showed why the annual race day remains one of country racing’s best, with thousands of people rolling up for the five race meet. Check out the full gallery here:
Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/stanthorpe/community/page/3