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A Revised Toowoomba Carnival Of Flowers Set To Bloom In 2020

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A Revised Toowoomba Carnival Of Flowers Set To Bloom In 2020

The iconic Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is to go ahead, announcing that more than 170,000 blooms have been planted across the city’s major parks and public spaces to create a spectacular canvas of colour for much needed celebrations in September.

 

In a year that has seen a raft of events cancelled due to COVID-19, the Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio confirmed the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers would bloom brightly again this September, as one of the first major events to be staged post-lockdown.

 

The 2020 program features more than 30 events and activations with 48 local tour departures ready to go. All events, experiences and areas will be managed with COVID-19 safe plans in place.

 

Toowoomba is primed and ready to showcase it’s natural beauty. Nothing can stop the power of the flower and we’re inviting people from all over to come and play in the petals this Spring,” Mayor Antonio said.

Mayor Antonio said the event would once again be the shining light for the Region. The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers was established in 1949 to stimulate the economy after the war, and some 71 years later we see this iconic national event again stepping up to the task of celebrating community spirit, welcoming visitors to the city and flying the flag for our Region.”


Headlining the 2020 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers are the parks and public spaces, including Laurel Bank Park and the Botanic Gardens of Queens Park, not affected by COVID-19 restrictions which will be left to self-distancing..

 

Floral displays, music and parkland entertainment, a ferris wheel, food trucks and twilight tours will all take place right across September in the parks.

 

The Night Garden, powered by Ergon Energy, is being embedded into the Botanic Gardens and will become a free 10-day event. More than 106,000 people enjoyed the Botanic Gardens during the 10 days of Carnival in 2019.

 

In a creative twist, the famous Grand Central Floral Parade will become a static installation of decorated floats throughout Grand Central shopping centre in the heart of the city. A new addition to the 2020 program is the Itty-Bitty Parade, a miniature-sized virtual parade that will air on big screens, websites and social media platforms at 3pm on September 19th.

 

The program features a new region-wide food trail called #trEATS, as well as the popular Talking Pub and Foodie Dinner Tours, guided and non-guided walking tours, as well as activations at the famous Spring Bluff Railway Station, Cobb + Co Museum and the much-loved floral group displays.

 

After a spectacular 70th anniversary event in 2019, we were adamant that COVID-19 would not be stopping us,” Mayor Antonio said. Every day we field emails and calls from people right across Australia asking if Carnival is on, and I’d like to thank all our supporters and stakeholders for their understanding as we worked through the health concerns and attendance restrictions of this new world.

 

In 2019 the number one attraction for visitors was the public park floral displays, with Laurel Bank Park recording over 79,000 attendees and Queens Park Botanic Gardens over 106,000 visitors over the 10 days.

 

While numbers may be down this year due to COVID-19, the 170,000 blooms will still colour the city and are all 100 per cent free to see. We are the garden city, our rich red volcanic soils along the escarpment and our dynamic black soil plains surrounding us are the envy of many green thumbs around the world, so we need to show the world how it’s done. This is what makes Carnival so special. It’s a celebration everyone can take part in and we look forward to welcoming everyone back again this September.”


Mayor Antonio said that in line with COVID19-safe requirements, the Heritage Bank Festival of Food and Wine, as well as the Qantas Gala Dinner, will both be rested in 2020.
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He encouraged locals to invite their family and friends to Toowoomba for the event in September, to show off” the city in the best possible way!

Mayor Antonio said I encourage everyone to lock in their overnight stays in Toowoomba early, book your bed plus your dining locations now so you can be guaranteed a spot. There is so much to see and do with all the petals in our parks. Take a road trip around the region, buy a #trEAT or two and help local businesses get back on their feet.” 

 

Queensland Minister for State Development, Tourism and Innovation Kate Jones said Toowoomba was the place to be in September.

 

For more than 70 years Queensland’s internationally-recognised Carnival has been built around promoting our natural beauty and colourful blooms each Spring,” Ms Jones said.

 

This event is vital when it comes to supporting local businesses and local jobs.

 

With our borders now open to most of Australia, we’re urging Aussies to head to Toowoomba this September for a great holiday.”

 

For Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2020 – event highlights 18 to 27 September 2020 See www.tcof.com.au for more.

Submitted by:
Brendan Steinhardt
Principal Media and Strategic Relations
Stakeholder Engagement and Communications
Toowoomba Regional Council

CBD Parking Fees Reinstated From July 1, 2020

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CBD Parking Fees Reinstated From July 1, 2020

Paid parking resumes across Toowoomba’s CBD at Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) on-street and off-street car parks from Wednesday, July 1, 2020.


TRC Infrastructure Services portfolio leader Cr Melissa Taylor is reminding motorists that the regular schedule of parking fees will apply at all Council-operated parking spaces from the start of the new financial year.

Cr Taylor said Council suspended all car parking fees in late April as part of its $10.5 million stage one pandemic economic relief package.

Council offered relief to motorists and showed its support for city businesses by waiving all parking fees through to June 30, 2020,” Cr Taylor said.

This package complemented state and federal government initiatives which directly targeted support for eligible businesses and their employees who were affected by the Coronavirus lockdown across the country.

Motorists are reminded that free one-hour parking is still available in Ruthven and Margaret streets in Toowoomba’s CBD (in Margaret Street between Neil and Victoria Streets and Ruthven Street between Herries Street and Chalk Drive).”

For full details of car park locations, fees and the 3P parking zone Central Traffic Area map, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/carparking

Submitted by:
Angus Moffatt
Media Relations Officer
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Toowoomba Regional Council

RADAC Nominations Sought By TRC

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RADAC Nominations Sought By TRC

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is seeking nominations to fill 13 positions for the new term of the Regional Access and Disability Advisory Committee (RADAC).


Cr McMahon, RADAC chair and TRC’s Environment and Community Services portfolio leader, said Council welcomed expressions of interest from people across the region who wished to serve on the voluntary committee.

Cr McMahon said the advisory committee’s role was to represent the interests of people with a disability or access issues,  and inform Council about the extent of these issues and suggested solutions.

I encourage people who want the chance to articulate problems and solve issues to nominate for the vacant positions by July 10,” Cr McMahon said.

Applicants are encouraged to read through the Terms of Reference and position description. Please refer to www.tr.qld.gov.au/advisorycommittees  Enquiries can be directed to 131 872.

Submitted by:
Angus Moffatt
Media Relations Officer
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Toowoomba Regional Council

Proposed Toowoomba Hospital Redevelopment

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Proposed Toowoomba Hospital Redevelopment

The proposed redeveloped Toowoomba Hospital, which would be located at the Baillie Henderson Hospital campus, is a large greenfield site which would deliver new and expanded health care services for our region’s growing population, while preserving the rich history and unique heritage-listed buildings at the site.

Darling Downs Health and Building Queensland are currently working together on a detailed business case that will be presented to the Queensland Government in late 2020 to inform decisions about the hospital’s design, staging and funding.

Darling Downs Health Director of Projects, Property & Planning Phil Gregory said community consultation is an important step in preparing the detailed business case. “We have consulted with key stakeholder groups to develop a concept design for the proposed redeveloped Toowoomba Hospital that would bring world-class, innovative health care to the Darling Downs region, andwe are now seeking feedback on this from the community,” he said.

We specifically want to know what impact you think the proposed new and expanded services and facilities at the redeveloped hospital may have on you and your family’s health and access to care.”

Mr Gregory said a key benefit of the proposed Toowoomba Hospital redevelopment at the Baillie Henderson Hospital campus was the large size of the site, allowing for future expansion as the region’s population and health care needs grew.

We envisage a master planned health campus with the redeveloped hospital at its core, surrounded by a range of multi-disciplinary health services, and health research and education facilities,” he said.

We are also planning for the inclusion of community facilities including childcare, accommodation, aged care, allied health, biomedical research and training. Car parking would be provided across the site for patients, staff and visitors, and discussions for public transport options are ongoing.”

The proposed redeveloped hospital’s design includes a series of medium height buildings designed to complement the topography of the landscape, with views to the surrounding hills and physical access to the tree-lined natural surrounds for patients and staff.
[cleveryoutube video=”krVhlL6vKwY” vidstyle=”1″ pic=”” afterpic=”” width=”” quality=”inherit” starttime=”” endtime=”” caption=”” showexpander=”off” alignment=”left” newser=”” margin=”true”]The building design would integrate a range of environmentally sustainable initiatives including natural daylight and ventilation where possible, rainwater harvesting, energy efficiency measures such as LED lighting, careful selection of construction materials, smart metering, recycling and solar energy generation.

The proposed redeveloped hospital would have more beds, treatment areas, Emergency Department spaces and operating theatres.

The proposed redevelopment would also provide an opportunity to more easily integrate new technologies, with artificial intelligence, genomics, data analytics, digital wearable devices, apps, robotics, virtual reality, drone technology and 3D printing all being considered.

Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings and ongoing requirements for social distancing, Darling Downs Health is seeking feedback on the proposed redeveloped Toowoomba Hospital online, or by phone or post.

You can:
• Visit https://www.health.qld.gov.au/darlingdowns/our projects/toowoomba-hospital-redevelopment for project information, to complete the survey, or join us online at a community session
• Follow Darling Downs Health on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/darlingdownshealth) to stay
up-to-date with the redevelopment detailed business case
• Email your feedback to NewToowoombaHospital@health.qld.gov.au
• Send your thoughts via post to Toowoomba Hospital Redevelopment Consultation, PMB 2,
Toowoomba Hospital, West Street, Toowoomba, Queensland, 4350
• Phone (07) 4616 6000 to request a hard copy of the survey, ask questions and provide feedback between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

A newly redeveloped Toowoomba Hospital would be an investment in our future healthcare and we need our communities to help us shape it,” Mr Gregory said.
Submitted by:
Media, Communications & Engagement Team
Media and Communication, Executive Services
Baillie Henderson Hospital, Toowoomba, QLD 4350

Wear Maroon For Queensland’s Birthday

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Wear Maroon For Queensland’s Birthday

Toowoomba will glow maroon as the city landmarks light up to celebrate Queensland’s 161st Birthday on Saturday 6th June.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio is encouraging the community to wear maroon this week to show how much we love our State.

Toowoomba’s CBD will be awash with a maroon glow as the coloured lights on the Outer Circulating Road, The Annex and City Hall change to honour our state’s birthday,” Mayor Antonio said.

Queensland Day (6th June) celebrates the day 161 years ago when Queen Victoria gave her approval that we should separate from the colony of New South Wales. The State of Queensland was declared, and we haven’t looked back since.”

While Queensland Day celebrations won’t witness our usual flag-raising or lamington cakes this year, we can still revel in our good fortune of living in the most magnificent Region in the best State and the greatest nation in the world.”

2020 is the year to celebrate our State by buying local from a Queensland business or grab the ingredients for our Region’s most famous culinary concept, the lamington.”
[cleveryoutube video=”bSqvibKC0HQ” vidstyle=”5″ pic=”” afterpic=”” width=”” quality=”inherit” starttime=”” endtime=”” caption=”” showexpander=”off” alignment=”center” newser=”” margin=”true”]”This year we can still wear maroon, put up a flag or create a sign for our gate or importantly we could ring a fellow Queenslander to make sure they are alright.”

We have so much to celebrate on this 6th June as Queenslanders -together let’s support our mates as we celebrate our great State.”

Submitted by:
Michael Duff
Senior Media Relations Officer
Stakeholder Engagement and Communications
Toowoomba Regional Council

A New Name For Kleinton Park?

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A New Name For Kleinton Park?


A new name has been proposed for a small remnant area of bushland at Charmaine Crescent, Kleinton, north of Toowoomba.

The bushland area is home to remnant endangered dry vine rainforest which was prevalent in the Highfields area before development.

The Friends of the Escarpment Parks volunteer group has requested if Council would consider formally naming an area of land at Charmaine Court, Kleinton as Leopard Ash Bushland Park.

Toowoomba Regional Council Parks and Recreation Services portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said the volunteer organisation had applied to Council requesting a permanent name for the 0.75ha parcel of land that has been known informally as Meringandan East Road Open space.

The Friends of the Escarpment Parks volunteer group undertakes some maintenance of the area,” Cr McMahon said.

The group wishes to see the park name reflect one of the important remnant tree species, the Leopard Ash tree (flindersia collina), that is native to the area.

This small but important bushland area also is home to a diversity of plants and wildlife.”

Residents who wish to provide any comments, support the proposed name change or have alternative name suggestions are encouraged to send responses to info@tr.qld.gov.au by June 19 or call 131 872.

Submitted by:
Angus Moffatt
Media Relations Officer
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Toowoomba Regional Council

Reconciliation Week – ‘In This Together 2020′

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Reconciliation Week – ‘In This Together 2020′

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio is urging the community to take time to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live on during National Reconciliation Week from Wednesday, 27th May to 3rd June 2020.

Mayor Antonio said during National Reconciliation Week; we acknowledge the Aboriginal parties whose song lines traverse the lands we are on today and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

This is a significant time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort,” Mayor Antonio said.

Reconciliation Week recognises two significant dates that all Australians can be proud of, the anniversaries of the 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo land rights decision.

These historically significant dates still matter today. They show us that Australians have come together in the past to stand up for what’s right so we can build a brighter future, together.
[cleveryoutube video=”npSe29UyarA” vidstyle=”1″ pic=”” afterpic=”” width=”” quality=”inherit” starttime=”” endtime=”” caption=”” showexpander=”off” alignment=”left” newser=”” margin=”true”]At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Reconciliation Week, 20 years on from when Australia came together to walk on bridges and roads across the nation to show support for a more reconciled Australia.”

Deputy Mayor, Cr Geoff McDonald said that just over 12 months ago, in January 2019 Council formally appointed the first community representatives on the newly established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.

The core functions of this committee’s formation is to develop and implement the Toowoomba Regional Council Reconciliation Action Plan and advise Council on strategy and planning with cultural input, and also to assist in growing Indigenous tourism,” Cr McDonald said.

We often talk about the various Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander links we have in our region and the establishment of the Advisory Committee has formalised these connections throughout the Council.

This essential committee is guiding Council on the cultural needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community.

The theme for this year’s Reconciliation Week is ‘In This Together 2020′, and who would have known during this challenging time, how fitting this message would be.

Despite our isolation, we celebrate our first peoples, and re-commit to working together as a nation towards reconciliation.”

For more information about National Reconciliation Week go to www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/

Annual Appeal Brings Warmth To Cold Winters

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Annual Appeal Brings Warmth To Cold Winters

For more than 10 years, the Civic Assist Winter Warmth Appeal has provided many households in our region with support.

This year, with the added impact of COVID-19, the need is greater than ever. At a time when many a closet may be almost bare, Civic Assist is asking the public to help make a difference by donating quality winter clothes and blankets for people doing it tough.

Civic Assist Operations Manager, Helen Muller said, The team at our Support Centre is reporting an increase in requests for winter clothing and bedding from our partner organisations, such as those who work with people who are particularly vulnerable or at-risk.

Donating to the Winter Warmth Appeal is one way we can all do something to help. I’ve seen firsthand the difference that receiving a bag of warm clothes has made to someone,” Mrs Muller said. It means so much to them to feel valued by someone else in the community who doesn’t know them, but wants to help them stay warm.”

Appeal volunteers are already busy sorting donations at the Civic Assist Support Centre, including blankets, jumpers, jackets and bedding,

Civic Assist is calling for donations of new or quality pre-loved items that can be used to help households in need. The appeal will run until the end of June. Those wanting to donate items can drop them off at:
• Civic Assist Support Centre, 258 Spring Street Toowoomba – open Monday and Friday between 9am and 3pm;
• Civic Assist Donation Bin on the main driveway at 258 Spring Street, Toowoomba or
• Email info@civicassist.org.au to arrange pick up.
Socially distancing and cannot come out to drop off a donation? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Head to civicassist.org.au to make a donation online. Every $ raised goes to purchase blankets and warm clothing. Also, vouchers are  supplied to community groups for their clients to redeem in exchange for donated items.
Exciting News – Our Support Centre (Shop) is reopening and is in a new venue. We have moved to the HUB behind Civic Church 258 Spring Street, and will be open on Mondays  and Fridays, 9am to 3pm.

Donations of Warm clothing and bedding can be dropped to the shop or placed in the collection bin on the main driveway. We urgently need quality new or pre-loved blankets all sizes and warm clothing, especially for boys size 3 to 14.

Submitted by:
Helen Muller / Operations Manager
Dip Counselling, Dip Community Services
Civic Assist, Toowoomba
07 4631 5822
helen.muller@civicassist.org.au

 

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