The St George region’s tiny town of Thallon and it’s 250 strong residents are celebrating having taken out not one, but two Golds at the Grey Nomad awards, announced on Friday 8 March, winning for Best Grey Nomad Friendly Town and Best Grey Nomad Experience in Queensland.
This recognition is a stellar example of how this small town turned its fortunes around.
In the 1990’s, when the passenger railway services ceased, the once-vibrant hub struggled to survive as jobs dried up and families left, Thallon faced the threat of becoming a ghost town – even almost losing it’s much cherished 4497 postcode.
Through innovative thinking and unwavering perseverance, Thallon transformed itself into a must-visit destination for Grey Nomads and travellers alike.
With iconic landmarks like the giant statue of ‘William’ the hairy-nosed wombat and the stunning Thallon painted GrainCorp Silos, the town has captured the imagination of all who pass through.
Balonne Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Matthew Magin welcomed the awards saying they recognised the charm and character of Thallon as a sought-after tourist destination.
“As a Shire, we are delighted to once again be acknowledged for the unique experience our Shire presents to tourists and travellers in the region,” he said.
“We are so proud of what our region has to offer and these Awards are just another reason for travellers to come and visit our beautiful part of the world.
“The comradery of the recent pub choir combined perfectly with the iconic Thallon setting to showcase the people, mateship and quaint charm of the town.
“I would particularly like to thank the Thallon Progress Association for their diligent efforts in coordinating and managing the Thallon Pub Choir event, which also received a nomination in these awards.
“Recently, we invested $220,000 to upgrade the McGeever Recreational Campgrounds at the base of the iconic muralled grain silos in Thallon to further improve the experience our region offers to travelling visitors.
“We would encourage anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle to come out to our region and experience first-hand the award-winning tourist experiences our Shire has on offer.”
