:Goondiwindi

Goondiwindi is on the Macintyre River in Queensland near the New South Wales border, {{convert|350|km|mi}} south west of the Queensland state capital, Brisbane. The town of Boggabilla is {{Convert|11|km||abbr=}} to the south-east on the New South Wales side of the border. Most of the area surrounding the town is farmland.

Goondiwindi experiences a semi-arid influenced humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa), with hot summers and mild, relatively dry winters. Annual precipitation averages {{convert|621.4|mm}}, with a summer maximum. Record temperatures have ranged from {{convert|45.2|C|F}} on 10 January 1899 to {{convert|-5.6|C|F}} on 24 June 1908.{{cite web |url = https://www.farmonlineweather.com.au/climate/station.jsp?lt=site&lc=41038 |title = Goondiwindi Post Office Climate |publisher = FarmOnline Weather |access-date = July 10, 2024 |archive-date = 10 July 2024 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240710095049/https://www.farmonlineweather.com.au/climate/station.jsp?lt=site&lc=41038 |url-status = live }}

{{Weather box

|collapsed=true

|location = Goondiwindi (28º33'00"S, 150º18'36"E, 217 m AMSL) (1879-1991 normals, extremes 1891-1991)

|metric first = Yes

|single line = Yes

|Jan record high C = 45.2

|Feb record high C = 44.5

|Mar record high C = 42.4

|Apr record high C = 38.2

|May record high C = 34.0

|Jun record high C = 31.2

|Jul record high C = 29.4

|Aug record high C = 34.3

|Sep record high C = 36.7

|Oct record high C = 40.4

|Nov record high C = 43.9

|Dec record high C = 45.2

|Jan high C = 34.1

|Feb high C = 33.1

|Mar high C = 30.9

|Apr high C = 26.9

|May high C = 22.3

|Jun high C = 18.8

|Jul high C = 17.9

|Aug high C = 20.1

|Sep high C = 23.9

|Oct high C = 28.0

|Nov high C = 31.4

|Dec high C = 33.5

|Jan low C = 19.9

|Feb low C = 19.5

|Mar low C = 17.4

|Apr low C = 13.2

|May low C = 9.1

|Jun low C = 6.1

|Jul low C = 4.8

|Aug low C = 6.0

|Sep low C = 9.2

|Oct low C = 13.4

|Nov low C = 16.6

|Dec low C = 18.8

|Jan record low C = 9.6

|Feb record low C = 6.1

|Mar record low C = 4.7

|Apr record low C = 1.8

|May record low C = -2.8

|Jun record low C = -5.6

|Jul record low C = -4.9

|Aug record low C = -3.3

|Sep record low C = -2.2

|Oct record low C = 1.1

|Nov record low C = 4.4

|Dec record low C = 7.8

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation mm = 78.5

|Feb precipitation mm = 69.0

|Mar precipitation mm = 59.5

|Apr precipitation mm = 38.7

|May precipitation mm = 42.9

|Jun precipitation mm = 40.3

|Jul precipitation mm = 41.9

|Aug precipitation mm = 33.1

|Sep precipitation mm = 39.0

|Oct precipitation mm = 48.7

|Nov precipitation mm = 59.8

|Dec precipitation mm = 69.8

|year precipitation mm = 621.4

|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm

|Jan precipitation days = 5.8

|Feb precipitation days = 4.8

|Mar precipitation days = 4.3

|Apr precipitation days = 3.2

|May precipitation days = 3.6

|Jun precipitation days = 3.9

|Jul precipitation days = 4.2

|Aug precipitation days = 3.7

|Sep precipitation days = 3.8

|Oct precipitation days = 5.0

|Nov precipitation days = 5.0

|Dec precipitation days = 5.8

|Jan afthumidity = 39

|Feb afthumidity = 40

|Mar afthumidity = 42

|Apr afthumidity = 43

|May afthumidity = 47

|Jun afthumidity = 52

|Jul afthumidity = 50

|Aug afthumidity = 43

|Sep afthumidity = 38

|Oct afthumidity = 37

|Nov afthumidity = 34

|Dec afthumidity = 36

|Jan dew point C = 14.8

|Feb dew point C = 15.2

|Mar dew point C = 14.1

|Apr dew point C = 11.2

|May dew point C = 8.9

|Jun dew point C = 7.2

|Jul dew point C = 5.7

|Aug dew point C = 5.5

|Sep dew point C = 6.6

|Oct dew point C = 8.9

|Nov dew point C = 10.8

|Dec dew point C = 13.1

|source 1 = Bureau of Meteorology (1879-1991 normals, extremes 1891-1991){{cite web

|url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_041038_All.shtml

|title = Goondiwindi Post Office Climate Statistics (1879-1991)

|publisher = Bureau of Meteorology

|access-date = July 10, 2024

|archive-date = 10 July 2024

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240710095049/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_041038_All.shtml

|url-status = live

}}

}}

Bigambul (also known as Bigambal, Bigumbil, Pikambul, Pikumbul) is an Australian Aboriginal language spoken by the Bigambul people. The Bigambul language region includes the landscape within the local government boundaries of the Goondiwindi Regional Council, including the towns of Goondiwindi, Yelarbon and Texas extending north towards Moonie and Millmerran.{{Cite web|url=https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/4?embed=true|title=Bigambul|website=State Library of Queensland|access-date=15 January 2020|archive-date=5 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905125929/https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/4?embed=true|url-status=live}}

The first British pastoralist to take up land in the area was Richard Hargrave who, in 1840, was employed by John Hosking to form a cattle station along the Macintyre River. Hargrave took 5,000 head of cattle and formed the Gundi Windi (Goondiwindi), Callandoon, Wyemoo and Beeboo stations.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71498254 |title=The Late Mr. Richard Hargrave. |newspaper=Australian Town and Country Journal |volume=LXX |issue=1825 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=25 January 1905 |accessdate=11 September 2023 |page=20 |via=National Library of Australia}} The name Goondiwindi derives from an Aboriginal word with goondi indicating droppings or dung and windi indicating duck, probably connected with the roosting place on a large rock in the Macintyre River.

Over the following years, the Bigambul resisted the occupation of their lands, attacking Hargrave's livestock and shepherds as well as those of other nearby colonists.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228141238 |title=Outrages by the Blacks. |newspaper=The Hunter River Gazette; And Journal Of Agriculture, Commerce, Politics, And News |volume=I |issue=10 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=12 February 1842 |accessdate=11 September 2023 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228141094 |title=MacIntyre River. |newspaper=The Hunter River Gazette; And Journal Of Agriculture, Commerce, Politics, And News |volume=I |issue=14 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=12 March 1842 |accessdate=11 September 2023 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228140973 |title=The Blacks. |newspaper=The Hunter River Gazette; And Journal Of Agriculture, Commerce, Politics, And News |volume=I |issue=15 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=19 March 1842 |accessdate=11 September 2023 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}} In 1843, John Hosking became insolvent but Hargrave stayed on at Gundi Windi until 1844 when he was defeated by Aboriginal resistance and forced to abandon the property.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228249395 |title=Outrages by the Blacks. |newspaper=Parramatta Chronicle and Cumberland General Advertiser |volume=I |issue=47 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=16 November 1844 |accessdate=11 September 2023 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}

Around 1848, Richard Purvis Marshall and his brother re-established the Gundi Windi pastoral station with the financial backing of Henry Dangar. Frontier conflict with the Aboriginal people resumed until Frederick Walker and the mounted Native Police under his command arrived in 1849 to crush most of the opposition. In July of that year, Walker and his troopers, accompanied by Marshall and other squatters, routed a large band of Aboriginal warriors at Carbucky, ten kilometres to the west of Gundi Windi.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12908951 |title=McIntyre River. |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |volume=XXVI |issue=3809 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=2 August 1849 |accessdate=12 September 2023 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}} Some reports indicated up to a hundred Aborigines were killed in this skirmish, with Walker expressing that he would have annihilated them all if he had more daylight.{{cite book |last1=Collins |first1=Patrick |title=Goodbye Bussamarai, The Mandandanji Land War, Southern Queensland 1842-1852 |date=2002 |publisher=UQP |location=St Lucia |isbn=0702232939}}{{cite book |last1=Telfer |first1=William |last2=Milliss |first2=Roger |title=The Wallabadah Manuscript |date=1980 |publisher=NSWUP |location=Sydney}} This battle ended Aboriginal resistance in the vicinity. Marshall soon after became a Native Police officer, and in 1855 he was appointed Commandant of that force.{{cite book|last1=Skinner|first1=L.E.|title=Police of the Pastoral Frontier|date=1975|publisher=UQP|location=St Lucia}}

On 19 June 1860, the Queensland Government sold town and country lots in the village of Goondiwindi.{{cite news |date=7 June 1860 |title=Advertising |volume=II |page=1 |newspaper=The Darling Downs Gazette And General Advertiser |issue=105 |location=Queensland, Australia |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75526582 |accessdate=25 December 2022 |via=National Library of Australia}}

Gundiwindi Post Office opened by 1860. It was renamed Goondiwindi by 1861.{{Cite web | last = Phoenix Auctions History | title = Post Office List | publisher = Phoenix Auctions | url = http://www.phoenixauctions.com.au/cgi-bin/wsPhoenix.sh/Viewpocdwrapper.p?SortBy=QLD&filter=*Goondiwindi* | access-date = 22 February 2021 }}

Goondiwindi State School opened on 1 September 1864.{{Citation|title=Queensland schools past and present|publication-date=2010|author1=Queensland Family History Society|edition=Version 1.01|publisher=Queensland Family History Society|isbn=978-1-921171-26-0}}

File:StateLibQld 1 107612 Woodlock's stock and station agent's office in the Goondiwindi floods of 1921.jpg affected the town in 1921]]

Goondiwindi was first proclaimed a municipality on 20 October 1888. The town boundaries have not altered to this day, and, before the Federation of Australia in 1901, the town served as a border crossing between Queensland and New South Wales.{{cite web|title=Goondiwindi|url=http://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/goondiwindi|work=Queensland Places|publisher=Centre for the Government of Queensland, University of Queensland|access-date=9 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213132952/http://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/goondiwindi|archive-date=13 December 2013}} The customs house from that era is now a museum.

Goondiwindi East Provisional School opened on 4 July 1898, becoming Goondiwindi East State School in 1909. The school closed about 1914, reopening again in 1920. It finally closed in 1947.

Goondiwindi West Provisional School opened in 1900, becoming Goondiwindi West State School on 1 January 1909. It closed about 1950.

The South Western railway line from Inglewood reached Goondiwindi on 13 October 1908 with the eastern part of the locality being served by Mooroobie railway station (now abandoned, {{coord|-28.5684|150.3769|type:railwaystation_region:AU-QLD|name=Mooroobie railway station}}) and the town being served by the Goondiwindi railway station ({{coord|-28.5385|150.3068|type:railwaystation_region:AU-QLD|name=Goondiwindi railway station}}).{{Cite web|date=27 August 2020|title=Railway stations and sidings - Queensland|url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/transport-features-queensland-series/resource/84fff9a0-e315-4844-9c4d-63934562a9bd|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005070354/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/transport-features-queensland-series/resource/84fff9a0-e315-4844-9c4d-63934562a9bd|archive-date=5 October 2020|access-date=5 October 2020|website=Queensland Open Data|publisher=Queensland Government}}{{cite book|last=Kerr|first=John|title=Triumph of narrow gauge : a history of Queensland Railways|date=1990|publisher=Boolarong Publications|isbn=978-0-86439-102-5|page=224}} The next section of railway line from Goondiwindi to Talwood opened on 4 May 1910, with the western part of the locality being served by Hunter railway station (now abandoned, {{coord|-28.5103|150.2505|type:railwaystation_region:AU-QLD|name=Hunter railway station}}).

Goondiwindi North Provisional School opened in 1901, becoming Goondiwindi North State School on 1 January 1909. It closed due to low student numbers about 1911 but reopened on 24 November 1913 as the Moogoon Road State School. The school closed again due to low student numbers in 1925, but reopened in 1931. It finally closed about 1939.

File:StateLibQld 1 192947 Convent at Goondiwindi, Queensland, 1924.jpg

St Mary's Catholic School opened in 1911 operated by the Sisters of Mercy providing for boarding and day students through Years 1 to 7. In 1965, the school added a secondary department to extend the schooling to Year 10 but the secondary department was closed in 1972. The Sisters operated the school until December 1983, after which lay teachers were employed.{{Cite web|url=http://www.goondiwindi.catholic.edu.au/a-brief-history.html|title=A Brief History|website=St Mary's Parish School|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704231729/http://www.goondiwindi.catholic.edu.au/a-brief-history.html|archive-date=4 July 2017|url-status=live|access-date=5 July 2017}}

On 28 January 1919, the Queensland Government placed restrictions on the border crossing at Goondiwindi to prevent the spread of the Spanish flu into Queensland, which were enforced by the Queensland Police. A medical screening process was used to determine if Queensland residents could safely return to the state.{{Cite web |date=2020-06-09 |title=FROM the VAULT - Queensland Border Policing During 1919 Influenza Outbreak |url=https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/museum/2020/06/09/from-the-vault-queensland-border-policing-during-1919-influenza-outbreak/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Queensland Police Museum |archive-date=9 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609082414/https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/museum/2020/06/09/from-the-vault-queensland-border-policing-during-1919-influenza-outbreak/ |url-status=live }}

The Goondiwindi War Memorial was originally located in Herbert Street and was dedicated on 21 September 1922 by the Queensland Governor, Matthew Nathan. The gates were unveiled in April 1949.{{cite web|title=Goondiwindi War Memorial|url=http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/conflict/ww1/display/91504-goondiwindi-war-memorial|publisher=Monument Australia|access-date=5 April 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407125457/http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/conflict/ww1/display/91504-goondiwindi-war-memorial|archive-date=7 April 2014}}

Goondiwindi State High School opened on 28 January 1964.{{Cite QldSchool|access-date=31 May 2016}}

The most famous resident of Goondiwindi was Gunsynd, a Thoroughbred race horse known as "The Goondiwindi Grey". Guided by Bill Wehlow,{{Cite news|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/racing/gunsynds-sandown-cup-1971-20051112-ge182h.html|title=Gunsynd's Sandown Cup, 1971|last=Daffey|first=Paul|date=12 November 2005|work=The Age|access-date=23 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022232713/https://www.theage.com.au/sport/racing/gunsynds-sandown-cup-1971-20051112-ge182h.html|archive-date=22 October 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Gunsynd had 29 wins including the 1971 Epsom Handicap and the 1972 Cox Plate and came third in the 1972 Melbourne Cup. The name "Gunsynd" came from Goondiwindi Syndicate (Gun=Goondiwindi, Synd=Syndicate). There is a statue of Gunsynd in the town centre.[http://www.waggamba.qld.gov.au/visitors/Gunsynd.shtml Gunsynd 'The Goondiwindi Grey'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829212347/http://www.waggamba.qld.gov.au/visitors/Gunsynd.shtml |date=29 August 2007 }} There is also a Gunsynd museum located in the Goondiwindi Regional Civic Centre at 100 Marshall Street.

Another school, the Goondiwindi Christian Education Centre, opened in 1991 but closed on 13 December 1996.

The Border Rivers Christian College was established in 2015, as a primary and secondary school (P-12) although only P-8 schooling was available in its first year, with Years 9 to 12 classes commencing each successive year.{{Cite web|url=http://brcc.qld.edu.au/about-2/|title=About|website=Border Rivers Christian College|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705001331/http://brcc.qld.edu.au/about-2/|archive-date=5 July 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=5 July 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.goondiwindiargus.com.au/story/3240239/a-boarding-school-for-goondiwindi/|title=A boarding School for Goondiwindi|last=Cobb|first=Grace|date=29 July 2015|work=Goondiwindi Argus|access-date=5 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705002101/http://www.goondiwindiargus.com.au/story/3240239/a-boarding-school-for-goondiwindi/|archive-date=5 July 2017|url-status=live}} The school commenced using the buildings of the former Goondiwindi Christian Education Centre at 111 Calladoon Street.{{Cite news|url=http://www.goondiwindiargus.com.au/story/4263233/border-rivers-grows/|title=Border Rivers Christian College building site underway|last=Schmack|first=Naomi|date=1 November 2016|work=Goondiwindi Argus|access-date=5 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705002942/http://www.goondiwindiargus.com.au/story/4263233/border-rivers-grows/|archive-date=5 July 2017|url-status=live}}

The current Goondiwindi Public Library building was opened in 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|title=Public Libraries Statistical Bulletin 2016-17|date=November 2017|website=Public Libraries Connect|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130022546/http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|archive-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=29 January 2018}}

File:Goondiwindi Civic Centre (2012).jpg

Goondiwindi has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:

• Goondiwindi War Memorial, Marshall Street{{cite QHR|15307|Goondiwindi War Memorial|600532|access-date=8 July 2013}}
• Goondiwindi Civic Centre, 100 Marshall Street{{cite QHR|15306|Goondiwindi Civic Centre|600531|access-date=8 July 2013}}
• Customs House Museum, 1 McLean Street{{cite QHR|15305|Customs House Museum|600530|access-date=8 July 2013}}
• Wyaga Homestead, Millmerran Road, Wyaga{{cite QHR|15715|Wyaga Homestead|600940|access-date=8 July 2013}}

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the locality of Goondiwindi had a population of 6,230.{{Census 2021 AUS|id=SAL31202|name=Goondiwindi (SAL)|access-date=28 February 2023|quick=on}}

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 8.1% of the population.
• 84.4% of people were born in Australia and 87.3% spoke only English at home.
• The most common responses for religion were No Religion 26.8%, Catholic 26.1% and Anglican 23.5%.

In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, the locality of Goondiwindi had a population of 6,355.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 5.9% of the population.
• 83.1% of people were born in Australia and 86.6% spoke only English at home.
• The most common responses for religion were Anglican 28.9%, Catholic 28.2% and No Religion 15.7%.{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC31213|name=Goondiwindi (SSC)|accessdate=20 October 2018|quick=on}}

File:StateLibQld 1 152751 Marshall Street, Goondiwindi, ca. 1945.jpg

The town is a major transport nexus between the southern states and Queensland. The Newell, Leichhardt, Gore, Cunningham, Barwon and Bruxner Highways all merge at Goondiwindi or close by. The town is the administrative centre for the Goondiwindi Region. Goondiwindi is a popular stopping point for interstate travellers, and has several motels and restaurants.[http://www.waggamba.qld.gov.au/visitors/ Welcome to Goondiwindi & District]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=Kerry Raymond |fix-attempted=yes }} Goondiwindi Airport is located north of the town off the Cunningham Highway ({{Coord|-28.526|150.325|type:airport_region:AU-QLD|name=Goondiwindi Airport}}).{{Cite web|url=https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/residents/community-facilities/goondiwindi-aerodrome|title=Goondiwindi Aerodrome|website=Goondiwindi Regional Council|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305231456/https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/residents/community-facilities/goondiwindi-aerodrome|archive-date=5 March 2019|access-date=2019-12-30}}

Goondiwindi State School is a co-educational government primary school (P–6). In 2016, the school had an enrolment of 514 students with 45 teachers (37 full-time equivalent) and 23 non-teaching staff (18 full-time equivalent).{{Cite web|url=https://goondiwnss.eq.edu.au/Supportandresources/Formsanddocuments/Annual%20reports/annual-report-2016.docx|title=2016 School Annual Report|website=Goondiwindi State School|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704225507/https://goondiwnss.eq.edu.au/Supportandresources/Formsanddocuments/Annual%20reports/annual-report-2016.docx|archive-date=4 July 2017|url-status=live|access-date=5 July 2017}} The school opened on 1 September 1864 and is one of the oldest primary schools in Queensland.{{Cite web|url=http://education.qld.gov.au/library/edhistory/topics/oldest-schools.html|title=The oldest state primary schools in Queensland|website=education.qld.gov.au|language=en-AU|access-date=29 January 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123131611/http://education.qld.gov.au/library/edhistory/topics/oldest-schools.html|archive-date=23 January 2018|df=dmy-all}}

Goondiwindi State High School is a co-educational government secondary school (7–12). In 2016, the school had an enrolment of 526 students with 53 teachers (49 full-time equivalent) with 29 non-teaching staff (20 equivalent).{{Cite web|url=https://goondiwishs.eq.edu.au/Supportandresources/Formsanddocuments/Annual%20reports/GSHS-school-annual-report-2016.pdf|title=2016 School Annual Report|website=Goondiwindi State High School|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704225801/https://goondiwishs.eq.edu.au/Supportandresources/Formsanddocuments/Annual%20reports/GSHS-school-annual-report-2016.pdf|archive-date=4 July 2017|url-status=live|access-date=5 July 2017}} The high school opened on 28 January 1964.

St Mary's Parish School is a co-educational Roman Catholic primary and middle school (P–10). In 2017, the school has an enrolment of 395 students.{{Cite web|url=http://www.goondiwindi.catholic.edu.au/|title=St Mary's Parish School|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704230929/http://www.goondiwindi.catholic.edu.au/|archive-date=4 July 2017|url-status=live|access-date=5 July 2017}}

The Border Rivers Christian College is a co-educational non-denominational primary and secondary Christian school. In 2017, the school is moving to purpose-built premises in Lilly Street, which are expected to included boarding facilities.

These schools are well-established, have solid community ties, and contribute to the community and surrounding areas. Goondiwindi State High School won the 2006 Showcase award, given to schools which display excellence in all areas.{{Cite web|url=http://education.qld.gov.au/community/events/showcase/2006-award-winners.html|title=Showcase|website=Department of Education and Training|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120655/http://education.qld.gov.au/community/events/showcase/2006-award-winners.html|archive-date=19 January 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=19 January 2018}}

Goondiwindi is a centre for agriculture, producing a diverse range of crops and fibres including wool and beef, cotton, sorghum, corn, wheat, barley and chickpeas.

Goondiwindi is well known for its dry season but still lasting in with many crops.{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}{{Clarify|date=June 2023}}

File:Goondiwindi - War Memorial Park Monument.jpg

Goondiwindi hosts the Natural Heritage and Water Park. The development of the park was the result of the closure of nearby Boobera Lagoon (approximately {{convert|20|km}} west of Goondiwindi) to power boats in order to better preserve artifacts or evidences of indigenous culture. The Lagoon had been a favourite spot for waterskiing for the local area and was the only suitable waterbody for the purpose.{{Cite web|url=https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/water-park|title=Water Park|website=Goondiwindi Regional Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903202606/https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/water-park|archive-date=3 September 2018|url-status=live|access-date=19 October 2018}} The Goondiwindi Town Council petitioned the Australian Government, which responded (through Environment Australia) by funding the National Heritage & Water Park, to make available skiing and boating facilities and to provide a focal point for tourism and recreation in the town and district.{{cn|date=February 2025}}

The 210 ha recreational water park opened in early 2004. The purpose built {{convert|3|km|mi}} water channel allows water sports such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, canoeing and boating. It is home to a varied bird life; it provides picnic and swimming areas.[http://www.goondiwindirc.qld.gov.au/web/guest/home/-/journal_content/56/17518/317871 Goondiwindi Regional Council] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706122035/http://www.goondiwindirc.qld.gov.au/web/guest/home/-/journal_content/56/17518/317871 |date=6 July 2011 }} Remedial work was performed in 2008 to seal leaks, which caused the lagoon to be dry for a period.Report, SMK Consultants pty ltd, to Goondiwindi Regional Council, October 2009

The Goondiwindi Botanic Garden of the Western Woodlands on the western side of the town features 25 hectares of species native to the Upper Darling Basin.{{cn|date=February 2025}} It is unique in that plants are displayed in communities merging into each other as occurs in nature. With the first plantings in 1986, many of the upper-storey large trees are approaching maturity, and the focus is now on mid and lower storey plantings.{{cn|date=February 2025}}

The Garden has an extensive Eremophila collection. Some 22 plant communities feature endemic species such as brigalow (Acacia harpophylla), belah (Casuarina cristata), Chinchilla white gum (Eucalyptus argophloia), ooline (Cadellia pentastylis), ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon) and gidyea (Acacia aneura). The planting program is supported by an on-site propagation facility comprising a glass house, heater-mister unit, large shade house and storage container.{{cn|date=February 2025}}

Owned and run by the community for the community, the Garden features an island surrounded by a deep lake. An outdoor stage in a tranquil bushland setting is used for performances and social events such as weddings and christenings.{{cn|date=February 2025}} Frequent use is made of the shelter sheds and barbeques. The Garden is also the home of the Goondiwindi Dragon Boat Club, and the lake is used by the Goondiwindi Triathlon Club for kids' mini tris and the iconic Hell of the West when river conditions are not suitable for the swim leg.{{cn|date=February 2025}}

Goondiwindi has an active sporting community, with rugby union, rugby league, cricket, golf, tennis, Australian football, netball, swimming etc. The town built a large indoor gymnasium for use by the general public and school groups. A major sports highlight is the annual "Hell Of The West" triathlon, in February, which sees entrants from across the country.{{cn|date=February 2025}}

Boobera Lagoon is a permanent water hole to the west of the town. Bendidee National Park is located a short drive to the north east of the town.

File:Customs House Museum (2012) - angle view.jpg

Goondiwindi has a range of facilities open to the general public; these include Goondiwindi Waggamba community cultural centre, swimming pool, art gallery, heritage listed custom house museum and a public library.{{cite web |url= http://queenslandplaces.com.au/goondiwindi |title= Goondiwindi |publisher= Centre for the Government of Queensland |access-date= 27 January 2011 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110301074414/http://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/goondiwindi |archive-date= 1 March 2011 |df= dmy-all }} The Goondiwindi Regional Council operates a public library in Goondiwindi at 100 Marshall Street.{{Cite web|url=http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries/branches/goondiwindi/goondiwindi_library|title=Goondiwindi Library|date=16 December 2015|website=Public Libraries Connect|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129141036/http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries/branches/goondiwindi/goondiwindi_library|archive-date=29 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=29 January 2018}}

Goondiwindi Uniting Church is at 59 Elizabeth Drive ({{Coord|-28.5434|150.2978|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Goondiwindi Uniting Church}}).{{cite web|title=Find a Church|url=https://ucaqld.com.au/find-a-church/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024234524/https://ucaqld.com.au/find-a-church/|archive-date=24 October 2020|access-date=22 November 2020|website=Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod}}{{Cite web|title=Goondiwindi Community Uniting Church|url=https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/uniting-church-in-australia/directory/2528-goondiwindi-community-uniting-church|access-date=2021-10-19|website=Churches Australia|language=en-AU|archive-date=28 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028170526/https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/denominations/uniting-church-in-australia/directory/2528-goondiwindi-community-uniting-church|url-status=live}} The church was previously at 13 Moffatt Street.{{Cite web|title=Goondiwindi Uniting Church - Former|url=https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/locations/queensland/all-towns/directory/884-goondiwindi-uniting-church-former|access-date=2021-10-19|website=Churches Australia|language=en-AU|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021202643/https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/locations/queensland/all-towns/directory/884-goondiwindi-uniting-church-former|url-status=live}}

Goondiwindi's weekly newspaper is the Goondiwindi Argus.{{Citation | title=The Goondiwindi argus | publication-date=1882 | publisher=Goondiwindi Argus | issn=1836-1943 }} There are several radio stations, including Now FM 88.7, 2VM 89.5, ABC Local Radio, 92.7, Rebel FM 96.3, Breeze FM 98.7, Tourist Radio 88FM.

Goondiwindi has a rugby union team which compete in the Darling Downs Rugby Union competition. A rugby league team, the Goondiwindi Boars, competes in the Toowoomba Rugby League and has produced many great talents with players going on to play in junior representative sides, the QLD and NSW Cup, NRL and International Rugby League competitions.

An Australian rules football team, the Goondiwindi Hawks (founded 1980), plays out of the Riddles Oval and competes in the AFL Darling Downs competition.

{{unreferenced section|date=June 2023}}

• Luke Covell – Former NRL and International Player with New Zealand Warriors, Wests Tigers, and Cronulla Sharks.
• Gene Fairbanks – Former Super Rugby Player with the Reds, Brumbies, and Western Force.
• Gunsynd – Famous racehorse known as "The Goondiwindi Grey"
• Ethan Lowe – Former NRL Player with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and won a premiership with the North Queensland Cowboys in 2015. Lowe made his debut for the Queensland State of Origin side in 2019.
• Brayden McGrady – NRL Player with Dolphins.
• Mark Offerdahl – Australian rugby league footballer representing the USA.

In 2020, the town was parodied in the third episode of adult animated series YOLO: Crystal Fantasy. Goondiwindi is portrayed as an outback town hosting the Dusty Truck 'n' Donut Muster, an annual motorsport, music, and food festival.{{Citation |title=Goondiwindi's Dusty Truck 'N Donut Muster {{!}} YOLO: Crystal Fantasy {{!}} adult swim |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG7gR3yiGF8 |access-date=2023-08-02 |language=en |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802212352/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG7gR3yiGF8 |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=YOLO: Crystal Fantasy {{!}} Rooobah To Goondiwindi {{!}} Tonight on E4 {{!}} Adult Swim UK |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn6pWjEK86c |access-date=2023-08-02 |language=en}} The event turns out to be a trap to lure the protagonist to be sacrificed to a sinkhole in an attempt to bring about an "even muddier" promised land.{{Cite web |last=Kurland |first=Daniel |date=2020-08-10 |title=Review: YOLO: Crystal Fantasy "The Dusty Truck 'n' Donut Muster" |url=https://www.bubbleblabber.com/2020/08/review-yolo-crystal-fantasy-the-dusty-truck-n-donut-muster/ |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=Bubbleblabber |language=en-US |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802212400/https://www.bubbleblabber.com/2020/08/review-yolo-crystal-fantasy-the-dusty-truck-n-donut-muster/ |url-status=live }}

{{portal|Queensland}}

• Goondiwindi Border Bridge
• Tomkins incident

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Goondiwindi}}

• {{cite web|title=Goondiwindi|url=http://queenslandplaces.com.au/goondiwindi|website=Queensland Places|publisher=Centre for the Government of Queensland, University of Queensland}}
• {{cite web|title=Town map of Goondiwindi|url=https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-town-goondiwindi-1977.jpg|date=1977|publisher=Queensland Government}}
• [http://www.goondiwindiargus.com.au/ Goondiwindi Argus]

{{Goondiwindi Region}}

{{Darling Downs}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Towns in Queensland

Category:Towns in the Darling Downs

Category:Newell Highway

Category:Goondiwindi Region

Category:1888 establishments in Australia

Category:Populated places established in 1888

Category:Localities in Queensland