Congratulations to the Jandowae Business and Community Group for organising the Year Ahead Dinner last night at the Jandowae Golf Club. President Celeste Nelson and Mayor Paul McVeigh provided both an update on last years' achievements for Jandowae and exciting upcoming plans for the town. The dinner was a highlight too — locally produced beef, pork and lamb went down a treat with guests!

Hey community groups! Do you know that we've rolled out a brand new grant opportunity, just for you? The 'Community Activation Program' is all about support our groups and committees in doing what they do best — running events and initiatives that promote our active and vibrant Western Downs communities. Sound like you? Head to http://bit.ly/2xP2gl6 to find out more and apply.

You've heard the news — Council will be offering free parking down Dalby's CBD for the first time in 50 years. After comprehensive consultation with the local business community, the 204 parking meters in the town centre will be discontinued from Monday 22 July. But what happens if long-term parkers congest the main street, leaving no spaces for local shoppers? Don't worry, we heard you loud and clear. Council staff will continue to monitor and enforce time limits on vehicles, with short-term parking available from 15 minutes up to two hours. Expect to see new signage and footpath and paving repairs completed before Christmas too.

A friendly reminder to all of our dog parents in the Western Downs — current registrations expire on Wednesday 31 July. If you're registering a furry friend for the first time, drop into one of our Customer Contact Centres across the region. If you're renewing a registration, why not do it online? Log into Council's eServices portal to make online payments anytime (www.wdrc.info/make-a-payment) or make the change to digital and sign up for Smart Notices (www.wdrc.info/smart-notices).

Did you join us at the Dalby Chamber of Commerce Progressive Dinner last night, as a part of Council's Year Ahead Series? Guests enjoyed the opportunity to network and hear about the exciting new projects on the horizon for Dalby — as well as indulge in the delicious fare on offer from The Australian Hotel Motel Dalby, O'Shea's Windsor Hotel and The Dalby Donut Man. Jandowae, we'll be seeing you on Thursday 18 July at the Jandowae Golf Club from 6.30pm. For more information, visit the Jandowae Business and Community Group page.