CelticFest success: Queensland's largest celebration of Scottish and Irish heritage brought thousands of people to Warwick at the weekend. Organisers say 10,000 people visited the showgrounds for the biennial CelticFest Warwick, an event which showcased highland games, pipe bands, dancing and lost trades. Organisers say the weather was hot and the two biggest-selling drinks at the bar were Irish stouts and ciders.
Photo: Participants at CelticFest Warwick at the weekend. Image supplied: David Wilson
Helipad out of action: The Warwick Hospital helipad is temporarily closed as a safety review takes place. Downwash safety measures are being reviewed and enhanced after some arrivals raised concerns. Patients needing transfers are now being flown to the Warwick Aerodrome before being taken to hospital by paramedics. A Darling Downs Health spokesperson says the helipad's closure is currently causing no significant impacts.
Money for housing projects: Three housing projects across the Goondiwindi and Southern Downs regions have received a combined $2.4 million though the state government's Residential Activation Fund. The money will be spent on shared infrastructure at Goondiwindi's Parkridge Estate, including upgrading a sewage pumping station. Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton says they've been given $800,000 to complete detailed design work for water and sewage infrastructure for new housing west of Warwick.
Crime prevention funding: The state government has injected $850,000 into three Darling Downs organisations in an attempt to kickstart youth crime prevention measures. Adapt Mentorship Indigenous Corporation, Downs Industry Schools Co-Op and Village Support will share the funding. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli travelled to Toowoomba to make the announcement and says it's part of a commitment he made during the election campaign to reduce victim numbers. | 
