Toowoomba Regional Council, Media Release, 20 July 2021
Operations of the Jondaryan Woolshed will transition to Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) following a decision at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 20 July.
Speaking at the meeting, TRC Finance and Business Strategy Committee Chair Cr Geoff McDonald said Council would take over the day-to-day operations, following a request made by the Jondaryan Woolshed Board.
“We’ve been working closely with the Jondaryan Woolshed Board for quite some time now and it’s been clear that we all have a shared vision to preserve this much-loved facility,” Cr McDonald said.
“To ensure this happens, the Board proposed to step down from all operational functions and instead act as a strategic advisory group.
“The Board believes Council is better placed to manage the day-to-day activities of the Woolshed in regard to the financial operations, staffing, maintenance and managing functions.
“Council has agreed to this request and is pleased the current members of the Board want to continue being involved as the shared knowledge from this group will no doubt be valuable as we move forward.
“Council and the Board will work together to ensure appropriate decisions are made in relation to existing staff, following consultation with them.
“Council values each and every staff member and volunteer of the Woolshed and would like to thank them for their work and contribution to date. We will support them throughout this change to ensure it’s as smooth as possible.
“This is the best possible outcome for the Woolshed, its staff and volunteers and the Board while Council undertakes a building and safety assessment.
“The building and safety assessment will also present us with an opportunity to look at the best operating model for this facility as we move forward.
“There is a general agreement the existing business model may no longer be the best fit for this facility and as such, we will need to speak with the local community and potential business partners, to look at what could be a better fit.
“The Jondaryan Woolshed links us to our past and is an integral part of our Region’s heritage and a valued tourism attraction.
“Council would like to thank the community for their patience and support of the Jondaryan Woolshed during this transition.”
For more information contact Council on 131 872.
