Jessica Flynn, Editor

Western Downs Magazines was born in 1994 years ago, back then it was just one magazine in A5 size, servicing the old Wambo Shire. The magazine was known as the ‘Jandowae and District Magazine’ and was created by Gloria and Laurie Instone.

In March of 2007 the ‘Jandowae and District Magazine’ was sold to Jessica Flynn, a new-comer to the Jandowae area, since having married a local ‘Canaga’ boy and relocating from Brisbane. Since that take over the ‘Jandowae and District Magazine’ has continued to grow and due to its success Jessica was asked to establish a similar magazine for the Dalby area, this magazine, ‘Dalby’s Monthly Mag’ commenced in 2008, and has become an extremely useful communication tool for the area.

In 2009 the ‘Jandowae & District Magazine’ was approached to expand their services into Tara and the surrounding districts. So, as of 2010 The ‘Jandowae & District Magazine’ has operated under the banner of ‘Western Downs Magazine’s along with the ‘Tara & District Magazine’ and ‘Dalby’s Monthly Mag’.

Late in 2011 Western Downs Magazines decided it was time for Chinchilla to have its own magazine as well so, the Chinchilla Vine established in November of 2011.

2011 also brought about another exciting development in the form of Western Downs Directory. In today’s increasingly online environment, it’s vital for businesses to have a strong web presence. Western Downs Directory offers affordable online advertising across a wide range of categories and aims to be the one-stop directory for the Western Downs.

2012 has seen the final area of the Western Downs Region covered with the establishment of the ‘Miles & District Magazine’, which is distributed to the old Murilla Shire.

Due to a demand for high quality graphic design, photography and local printing, Western Downs Magazines has expanded to include a new business venture: ‘Western Downs PDP’ (Print Design Photography). Western Downs PDP is a multi-faceted design, print and photography studio, focused on delivering high quality products and services throughout Queensland.

Shelly Barclay, Advertising Manager

As well as working as our Advertising Manager, Shelly Barclay is also an ‘Earth Angel’ for ‘Angel Flight’ along with donating her time to the ‘Pyjama Angel Foundation’. Shelly is also a very proud Mum of three girls and doting Grandmother to her only grandson.

Amy Skerman, Graphic Designer

Amy is a Dalby girl who graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts. She joined the Western Downs Magazines team in November that year.

Macarla Shepherd, Photographer

Macarla is a photographer living and working in the Western Downs. Photography has been a life long passion encouraged by her parents from a young age. Macarla works mainly outdoors with natural light. She loves portrait photography and being able to capture moments in people's lives.

Lynelle Urquhart, Photographer & Writer

Lynelle and family live and work on a cattle breeding and cropping farm at Moonie. She also teaches part time at a couple of local primary schools. Lynelle is state webmaster for ICPA (an educational lobby group) and is the publicity person for many local groups including the Moonie Sports Club and Moonie ICPA.

Amelia Wood, Photographer

Amelia was introduced to and fell in love with photography at school. She is now thriving in her new role, motherhood, living with her young son and husband in Jandowae. Amelia is a very active member of the Jandowae Community and is heavily involved with many committees in the area.

James Barclay, Photographer

James Barclay is a South Burnett based professional, freelance photographer. With over 45 years’ experience, he covers all aspects of the art and regularly conducts Basic to Advance photo courses.