Gympie Regional Council

14/09/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Du Rietz Art Awards and to all the artists who entered this year’s exhibition 👏

More than 150 people joined us at Gympie Regional Gallery for the awards night, celebrating an incredible showcase of local and visiting artistic talent.

The exhibition is open until 9 October, with voting for the People’s Choice Award open until 2 October. Drop into the Gallery, explore the exhibition and cast your vote!

For more information about the Du Rietz Art Awards, visit gympie.qld.gov.au/draa

11/09/2026

Get Ready, Gympie Region

Bushfire and storm season is fast approaching, and now is the time for Gympie Region residents to start preparing.

Bushfires can happen anywhere, anytime. Taking simple steps now can help you and your family know what to do if a bushfire threatens your home or community.

Start by making a Bushfire Survival Plan, preparing an evacuation kit, saving important emergency contacts and deciding where you will go if you need to leave.

Don’t wait until an emergency happens. Get prepared now 👉 https://bushfire-survival-plan.qfes.qld.gov.au/

11/09/2026

Here's what's making news in this month's Gympie Regional Council eNews:

👷Gympie Region reaping the rewards of visionary planning and record investment
🏆Nominations open for Senior Citizens of the Year
🔥Tips to get prepared this disaster season
🌳Free Trees Program open now
⭐Plus info on upcoming events, current works notices, employment opportunities & more!

Subscribe to our new monthly email newsletter for the latest on Council projects, events, opportunities, and important community updates... all in one place!

Don't miss out on our next edition, delivered straight to your inbox on Friday 25 September.
Subscribe today: https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/Council/News-and-Notices/Email-Newsletters

10/09/2026

Can you help keep the Kilkivan Great Horse Ride alive? 🐎

The future of this iconic event depends on the community stepping forward. A 'last chance' meeting will be held on Monday 22 September at 6.30pm at the Gympie Regional Council Kilkivan Office to form a new organising committee and keep this much-loved event going.

The good news? A healthy budget is in place, there is a pre-approved Council grant, and full handover support will be provided.

If you'd like to see the Ride continue for future generations, come along and get involved!

** LAST CHANCE FOR THE KILKIVAN GREAT HORSE RIDE**
The KGHR has been a much-loved special event for Kilkivan community & the Gympie Region for 40 years. This event will be gone forever if an organising committee cannot be found to take it forward.
* there is a healthy budget in place
* a GRC grant is pre-approved
* full handover and support guaranteed
A meeting has been set for Tuesday 22 September at 6.30pm in the council offices at Kilkivan. Message this page if you require online access to the meeting.

10/09/2026

🏡 Got an idea for your property?

Mary Valley residents and businesses are being encouraged to join Council at next week's Mary Valley ‘Ask Council’ event, to learn more about land use, permits, grants, business ideas, and opportunities that could support growth in the area.

The pilot event has been developed in response to community demand for quick, simple advice as the region prepares for opportunities associated with the Borumba Hydro Project, the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, and increased tourism and population growth.

📅 Wednesday 16 September 2026
📍 Mary Valley Memorial Hall (RSL Hall), Imbil
💬 20 minute, one-on-one appointments
🕝 Afternoon session: 2.30pm–4.30pm
🌙 Evening session: 5.30pm–7.30pm
👉 Bookings are essential. Register: https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/Community/Events-and-Initiatives/Whats-On/Council-Events-Folder/ASK-COUNCIL-What-can-I-do-on-my-property

09/09/2026

Funding pedalled out for our rail trails 🚲

Council is partnering with the Queensland Government to enhance recreation opportunities across the region, with funding secured to restore key sections of the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Trail and extend the Mary Valley Trail by 500m into Imbil.

These improvements will make it easier for visitors to explore the region, discover local businesses and enjoy our great outdoors 🚶🌳

To find out more, visit gympie.qld.gov.au/Council/News-and-Notices/Funding-pedalled-out-to-restore-Rail-Trails

09/09/2026

Did you know Council’s libraries, gallery and The Pavilion welcomed a combined 223,953 visits during the 2025-26 financial year?

That included:
📚 197,485 visits to Gympie Regional Libraries
🎨 9,529 visits to Gympie Regional Gallery
🏛️ 16,939 visits to The Pavilion Conference & Reception Centre

From borrowing a book, exploring an exhibition or attending an event, these facilities provide spaces for our community to learn, connect and share new experiences.

This strong visitation showcases the importance of investing in these much-loved community spaces. Council’s 2026–27 budget includes $90,000 for future renewals at Tin Can Bay Library and Rainbow Beach Library and Community Centre, as well as the next stage of renewal works at Gympie Regional Gallery.

These figures were among the highlights of Council’s latest Community Sustainability Directorate quarterly report. Read the full report at gympie.qld.gov.au/q4-community-update-2025-26

08/09/2026

Bravo! by Opera Queensland is coming to Gympie!

Pack a picnic blanket or camping chair and come enjoy opera’s greatest hits under the stars at a concert perfect for opera lovers and newcomers alike.

📅 Tuesday 13 October, 7pm
📍 Nelson Reserve Soundshell
🎟️ FREE

To find out more, visit gympie.qld.gov.au/Bravo-by-Opera-Queensland

This project is supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Gympie Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland 🤝

07/09/2026

The 2026 Senior Citizen of the Year nominations are NOW OPEN 🏆

Do you know a local over 60 who’s making a difference in our community through volunteering, grandparenting, sports, cultural activities, or preserving our history? Nominate them now and give them the recognition they deserve!

These awards, held as part of Queensland Seniors Month, honour the outstanding contributions of our senior citizens who help make the Gympie region a vibrant and connected place to live.

🗓️ Nominations close Monday, 19 October at 5pm

🏆 Winners announced Thursday, 29 October at the Gympie Region Seniors Expo

💻 Find out more or complete an online nomination: gympie.qld.gov.au/seniors

04/09/2026

Heart of Gold is turning 20 ✨

For two decades, Gympie’s very own Heart Of Gold International Short Film Festival has brought incredible stories, filmmakers and audiences from around the world to our region.

From 12–20 September, Heart of Gold returns for nine days of brilliant short films, live music, special events, workshops, talks and plenty more.

There’s lots happening across the festival! Check out the full program and grab your tickets at heartofgold.com.au