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Celebrating Our Local Environmental Champions

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Celebrating Our Local Environmental Champions

DDEC Announces 2025 AGM Award Winners

The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) is proud to announce the winners of our 2025 Annual Awards, formally recognised at our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 27 August.

This year’s recipients embody the spirit of grassroots action, resilience, and care for the land, water, and wildlife of the Darling Downs. DDEC Coordinator, Ahri Tallon, said the awards are a way to honour those who have gone above and beyond in protecting and restoring our local environment.

“These award winners have shown that change is made by people who care enough to act — whether that’s rescuing a single injured koala, planting thousands of trees, or fighting for our precious farmland in the courts,” Mr Tallon said. “They are an inspiration not just to our region, but to Queensland and Australia as a whole.”
The Koala Whisperer – Mrs Sandra McKay:  Individual Annual Achievement Award
From the quiet streets of Crows Nest, Sandra “Sandie” McKay has become a tireless protector of our local koalas. Through the High Country Koala Action Group Inc, she rescues injured wildlife at all hours, organises habitat restoration plantings, and inspires her community through education and events. Her dedication proves that one person’s passion can mobilise an entire community for conservation.
Local Legend of the Land Court – Ms Aileen Harrison:  Individual for a Lifetime Achievement Award.
For more than a decade, Aileen Harrison led the Oakey Coal Action Alliance in a landmark fight to protect prime agricultural and strategic cropping land from coal mining. Standing firm against political shifts, legal challenges, and intense pressure, Aileen has defended water resources and farmland that feed our communities, embodying courage and tenacity in the face of enormous odds.
Koala Krusaders – Gomaren & Doctors Creek Catchment Landcare Group:  Group Annual Achievement Award.
For over 24 years, this Landcare group has brought landholders together to care for their catchment. Their ambitious “Bring Back Koalas” project has already planted more than 6,000 koala food trees, linked vital wildlife corridors, and engaged hundreds of residents in habitat restoration and environmental education. Their work ensures future generations might still see koalas in the wild.

Mr Tallon said the AGM was not just a governance milestone, but also a celebration of community. “Our region’s environmental future depends on everyday people stepping up. These winners remind us that whether your impact is felt in a single valley or across the state, it matters — deeply.”

The DDEC AGM and Awards Ceremony was held on Wednesday 27 August at 5.30pm at 1a Heller St Rangeville, with all members and supporters attending

Submitted By:
Ahri Tallon – Coordinator, Darling Downs Environment Council
info@ddec.org.au
0455 619 454
Photographs: Ann Alcock.

Charity Race Day Tickets Now On Sale!

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Charity Race Day Tickets Now On Sale!

Tickets for the Toowoomba Hospice Charity Race Day, proudly supported by Neil Mansell Transport, are now available! Join us at Clifford Park Racecourse on Friday 6th September to kick off the Spring Racing Carnival in style.

Toowoomba Hospice Business Manager, Mark Munro, said he was looking forward to another successful event. “We hope to welcome at least 200 guests this year. We’ve made a few exciting changes to encourage everyone to dig a little deeper, with the aim of raising $30,000 for the Hospice,” Mr Munro said.

Race Day is one of the Hospice’s major fundraising and social events, with all proceeds helping fund the daily operations of this vital community facility, which provides free palliative care for adults.

Tickets are just $110 and can be purchased via the Hospice website: www.toowoombahospice.org.au/hospice-charity-race-day

Your ticket includes:
 Racecourse entry
 Complimentary drink on arrival
 Canapés
 A delicious two-course plated dinner (alternate drop)

Toowoomba Hospice Fundraising and Events Coordinator, Claire Roselio, said: “The best part of supporting our Charity Race Day is knowing you’re raising funds for your local Hospice.

The Toowoomba Hospice is a local charity, proud to reinvest the money raised back into our community – supporting local businesses, companies, families, and individuals.”

For more information
�� events@toowoombahospice.org.au
�� 07 4659 8500

World Science Festival Queensland Returns To Toowoomba With Robots And Rocketry

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World Science Festival Queensland Returns To Toowoomba With Robots And Rocketry

Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience as World Science Festival Queensland returns to Toowoomba in August at Queensland Museum Cobb+Co.

This year’s theme, Robots and Rocketry, will explore the cutting-edge wonders of STEM through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.

The festival kicks off on Friday 15 August with a Student Day, offering school groups and home educators a day of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) learning, followed by a free Community Day on Saturday 16 August.

Whether you’re a budding scientist, a curious explorer, or simply looking for a fun, family-friendly outing, this free event promises to ignite imagination and spark curiosity for all ages.

Visitors will be able to experience three activity zones:
Lift Off: An exciting area where visitors can launch their own rockets and reach for the stars.
Roving Worlds: Perfect for tech enthusiasts, this zone offers engaging robotics and coding activities.
Surviving Space: A fascinating look into the science of growing plants in outer space, offering insights into life beyond Earth.

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said World Science Festival Queensland is an exciting fusion of science learning, inspiration, and entertainment. “Over the past 10 years, the World Science Festival Brisbane and its regional touring program has engaged nearly two million students and community members across Queensland, generating more than $54 million for the state’s economy,” Minister Langbroek said.

“The Crisafulli Government recognises and supports World Science Festival Queensland as an important educational platform that sparks curiosity in STEM learning in our communities.”

GERKIES.COM.AU

Queensland Museum – World Science Festival Ipswich 2024

Queensland Museum CEO Dr Jim Thompson said World Science Festival Queensland continues to captivate audiences with stimulating STEM activations that inspire awe in our universe and the exciting possibilities of tomorrow.

 

“By bringing this highly anticipated and much-enjoyed event from New York to Brisbane, Toowoomba and beyond, Queensland Museum is fulfilling its goal to provide transformational engagement that educate, entertain and connect people across this great state,” Dr Thompson said. “Following Toowoomba, World Science Festival Queensland will travel to Gladstone on 29-30 August.”

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore the wonders of science and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Entry and all activities for Community Day are FREE and the Student Day is fully booked.  For more information on World Science Festival Queensland in Toowoomba, visit worldsciencefestival.com.au

Submitted By:
Jess Walters
Marketing and Media Officer
Marketing and Communication
Queensland Museum Cobb+Co

Powerful New Partnership To Deliver Positive Outcomes for Queensland Pupils

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Powerful New Partnership To Deliver Positive Outcomes for Queensland Pupils

Two Queensland institutions have come together to deliver much needed positive outcomes for Queensland families by building safer, healthier communities for young people to thrive. P&Cs Qld has been supporting P&Cs to deliver positive outcomes for students in state schools for more than 77 years while PCYC Queensland has been creating safer, more connected environments for Queensland’s young people and families since 1948.

P&Cs Qld CEO Scott Wiseman (left) and PCYC CEO Phil Schultz

P&Cs Qld CEO Scott Wiseman said the new partnership was an exciting collaboration set to deliver much-needed support for Queensland families. “Every parent has heard of PCYC and the important work they do to support families across Queensland,” Mr Wiseman said. “We know many parents will already know about this wonderful organisation, PCYC, with many having some experience with their programs as children. Who hasn’t been to a Blue Light Disco?”

However, Mr Wiseman said PCYC now offered many more incredible programs that supported families and helped keep children on the right track and in education. “We are proud to be working with this trusted organisation,” he said. “Our values are aligned and complement our own mission at P&Cs Qld to give “every child every chance” to succeed in education and in life through fostering parental and community engagement in a thriving and successful education system.”

“We have the platforms to promote not only their programs targeting students but also to deliver important information to parents that will help them develop knowledge and skills to become positive role models to their children and in the school and wider community.”

Mr Wiseman said the partnership had already delivered dividends with PCYC Queensland a major sponsor of the recent P&Cs Qld Stare Conference on the Gold Coast. “This important conference brought together P&C members and parents from across the state together to connect, learn, network and share their success stories.”

“Talking of success stories, PCYC also sponsored several of our prestigious annual P&C Awards, which celebrated the dedicated and hard-working P&Cs and the work they do to support state school to give every child every chance to succeed in education and in life.“I’m looking forward to seeing where this partnership will take us,” Mr Wiseman said.

PCYC CEO Phil Schultz said PCYC Queensland was delighted to be embarking upon a partnership with P&Cs Qld. “The two organisations are aligned in purpose and values – and, importantly, our commitment to the young people in our community, Mr Schultz said. “I know that working together, we can make great strides in creating safer, more connected environments for Queensland’s young people and families.

“This collaboration is about building stronger bridges between school communities and the opportunities available to their members at PCYC clubs across the state. “We know that when young people are engaged, active, and supported, they thrive. “We also know that communities are strongest when we work together—when parents, schools, police, youth workers, and volunteers come together with shared intent. “I look forward to some great collaboration ahead,” he said.

Submitted By:
Karl Brien, Marketing and Communications Manager,
P&Cs Qld
Email: karl@pandcsqld.com.au

Global Cancer Leader And UniSQ Professor Named Queensland Great

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Global Cancer Leader And UniSQ Professor Named Queensland Great

One of Australia’s most respected voices in cancer control, Professor Jeff Dunn AO, has been named a Queensland Great, recognising more than four decades of life-changing service to the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) professor has dedicated his career to improving cancer survivorship, driving legislative change, advocating for investment in regional services, and creating ground-breaking support programs for cancer patients and their families.
Professor Dunn was presented with the Queensland Great award – an honour reserved for a select group of extraordinary Queenslanders – at a ceremony at Customs House recently.

Reflecting on his career, Professor Dunn said he was deeply humbled to receive the recognition. “To be born and raised in Queensland is a great privilege, conferring values all Queenslanders share, including respect for the fair go, a fighting chance, and a future that our children can cherish,” he said. “While my life’s path has been in cancer control, my motivating passion has always been to contribute where I can to eliminating pain and suffering, harnessing a restless sense of hope that our individual efforts can make a difference for the collective.”

“For me, the greatest achievement of my career has been the unflinching promotion of patient-centred care, so that no patient walks alone with cancer. I am tremendously proud to have played a role in improving cancer control at home and abroad, and am deeply humbled to stand on this great Queensland soil and be recognised as a Queensland Great.”

A bronze plaque acknowledging the achievement will be installed at Roma Street Parkland.

UniSQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Nelson congratulated Professor Dunn on the prestigious honour. “Professor Jeff Dunn has changed the face of cancer care in Queensland and beyond,” Professor Nelson said. “His leadership, compassion, and commitment to supporting people affected by cancer exemplify what it means to be a Queensland Great.”

Among his most significant contributions are:
Facilitating the investment of over $100 million in funding for cancer control in Queensland
Championing the introduction of the world’s most progressive tobacco control legislation
Establishing Queensland’s first dedicated cancer helpline, counselling service, and community-based cancer research centre
Bringing global health conferences to Queensland with an estimated economic value of $50 million
Securing access to cancer registry data for Queensland cancer researchers, saving countless lives
Pioneering world-leading community-based support to contribute to the increase in cancer survival from 45% in 1989 to 66% today
 
Professor Dunn serves as UniSQ Chair of Cancer Survivorship and is Chief of Mission and Head of Research at the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. His research has been published in more than 200 publications and he has been ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide for oncology and clinical medicine.

Professor Dunn was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in 2014 for distinguished service to medical administration.

Submitted By:
Chris Walker,
Email: chris.walker@unisq.edu.au

 

$2 Million MAKO Robot Is Changing Lives

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$2 Million MAKO Robot Is Changing Lives

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Darling Downs community, Toowoomba Hospital is now home to one of the most advanced surgical tools in Australia — the Stryker MAKO Robotic Arm. This $2 million piece of equipment is already transforming the way joint replacements are performed, improving the lives of patients across the region.

The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation Board recently visited the Orthopaedic team to witness the robot in action, guided by Director of Orthopaedics, Dr Chris Wall. The visit showcased not only the precision of robotic-assisted surgery, but the real impact donor funding is having on public healthcare.

Dr Chris Wall, said the MAKO Robot is a game-changer for both surgeons and patients. “For knee replacements and hip replacements, it’s going to make the position of the implants very easy, very precise, very accurate and we hope that will improve outcomes for our patients,” Dr Wall explained. “That means less post-op pain, quicker recovery, and more consistent long-term outcomes for our patients.”

With over 400 joint surgeries performed each year at Toowoomba Hospital, the introduction of the MAKO Robot makes these procedures safer and more efficient. It also helps attract top surgical talent and reduces the need for patients to travel to Brisbane for care — keeping world-class treatment close to home.

The Stryker MAKO Robotic Arm was entirely funded through community support, including proceeds from Wellbean Co cafés, hospital car park revenue, and generous donations from individuals and businesses across the region.

Submitted By:
Melinda Bond
Brand & Performance Officer
Toowoomba Hospital Foundation

Winter Warmth Appeal at Grand Central

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Winter Warmth Appeal at Grand Central

Clean out that cupboard and find those winter woolies to donate at Grand Central this May, to help those who need a bit of warmth during winter. Civic Assist’s Winter Warmth Appeal will again be supported by Grand Central with a mega collection point on Level One, near Myer from Wednesday 14th May to Saturday 17th May.

Civic Assist’s Helen Muller at the Mega Collection Booth , Grand Central

Civic Assist supports the Toowoomba community by distributing warm clothing and bedding to those people and families who are doing it tough.

Community Relations Manager Georgina Bayly said Grand Central was proud to support the work undertaken by Civic Assist by providing an easy donation point. “We invite the community to deliver quality pre-loved and new winter clothing and bedding to the redemption booth.”

“Bring in a large bag of good new or pre-loved winter clothing or blankets, and as a little thanks, the first 50 people to donate a large bag of goods will receive a $20 Gift Card to spend in Grand Central.” (Gift cards are limited, terms apply)

Civic Assists CEO says “A bag of warm clothes and blankets can have a profound impact on individuals and families. It makes such a difference to feel valued by people in the community, who give something to help them stay warm.”

Grand Central will be a donation point for the Winter Warmth appeal from now to Saturday 17th May, however the Civic Assist campaign continues until Friday 27th June with various donation points across Toowoomba.

The Enchanted Florist, Cnr Russell & Holberton Streets Newtown
Framed Espressobar, Hurstaway & Ruthven Streets, Toowoomba
City Civic Assist Support Centre, 258 Spring Street Kearney’s Spring

The Civic Assist Team may be contacted by emailing winterwarmth@civicassist.org.au or phone 4631 5822.

Submitted By:
Georgina Bayly
Community Relations Manager
Grand Central
Cnr Margaret & Dent St
grandcentralshopping.com.au

Bishop Ken Howell On The Death Of Pope Francis

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Bishop Ken Howell On The Death Of Pope Francis

Together with the priests, religious and lay faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba I join my prayers upon learning the sad news of the death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

His Holiness dedicated his life to serving God and the Church with unwavering faith, compassion, and humility. As we mourn this great loss, let us also celebrate his remarkable legacy not just as the head of the Catholic Church, but as a world leader. May we find comfort in our shared faith and the hope of eternal life.

I find myself this morning remembering my two meetings with Pope Francis. The first was as a newly ordained bishop in 2017 attending a program of formation in Rome following my ordination. The Pope spoke briefly with us all and met us with warmth and great interest.

Pope Francis with Bishop Ken Howell on the occasion of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ visit to Rome in 2019. Picture supplied by Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba

The second was the occasion of the Australian Bishops visit to Rome in 2019. The Pope spoke with us for almost two hours where we discussed many matters with him in a very casual and relaxed meeting.This is a great example of his style as Pope. He welcomed every person he met with warmth and with a deep respect of the dignity of every human person. It was here that his light shone out, especially in his respect and care for the marginalised.

He preached that Christ came for all people especially those on the peripheries of society, and it was here that he showed particular care and deep interest in their lives.

Pope Francis was obviously deeply moved by some of the terrible conflicts happening in our world. He regularly called for peace, and we could tell that his heart was broken by the senseless killing of the innocent, and the destruction of their homes and family lives.

So much can be said about this humble and sincere servant of Christ. Pope Francis showed us how to be “holy” in the very best sense of that word. He was deeply in love with Jesus whom he served with great devotion, and he showed this in the way he loved the Church and worked tirelessly to share the fullness of the Gospel message.

May he rest in the peace of the Christ whom he both loved and served with energy and devotion.

Submitted By:
Ingrid McTaggart
Communications Officer
Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba
Email: imctaggart@twb.catholic.org.au

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