Volunteers at the Highfields Pioneer Village are having a special running day on Saturday, 3rd of March for the Model T Ford Bus, which gives rides around the Village grounds. ‘Henry’ as he is affectionately known at the Highfields Pioneer Village was manufactured in 1924 and originally used as a school bus for the Kilcoy State School from 1924 to 1940. Henry the Model T Ford bus can carry 12 people at once and is available for rides for birthday parties, school groups, and weddings and also on the last Sunday of each month where Henry the Bus teams up with Myrtle May the Miniature Steam Train to entertain the kids.
A ride in Henry is the perfect opportunity for people who wish to have a sneak preview of the Village without purchasing a full entry ticket. Tickets for Henry are $3 per child and $5 per adult, children under 5 years are required to have an adult accompany them.
Highfields Pioneer Village in Wirraglen Road is open every day except Christmas Day from 10am to 4pm. For more information please phone the Village office on (07) 4696 6309. Highfields Pioneer Village is run entirely by Volunteers dedicated to preserving the History of the Darling Downs for Future Generations.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio and Tourism and Events Portfolio chair, Cr Geoff McDonald proudly displaying the Australian Tourism Awards trophy
Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers has been crowned the best tourism event in the country for the second year in a row.
Toowoomba’s much-loved carnival has taken out the top gong in a glittering gala presentation at the Australian Tourism Awards in Perth. Toowoomba Regional Council’s tourism leader Cr Geoff McDonald, in Perth for the announcement, said the win was a credit to the team behind the 2016 event which battled inclement weather.
“This is a credit to the thousands of volunteers and community groups that are involved in the 2016 event, and all the people involved in the 67 years before that,” Cr McDonald said “Kate Scott came in as acting coordinator in 2016 which saw inclement weather pull numbers back to just under 200,000 people.”
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has blossomed into a huge celebration of food, music and culture giving the city and region a massive influx of visitors, beating out iconic events including the Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival and Melbourne’s Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix,
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is inviting interested residents to join the second stage of the Central Highfields Master Planning process through to March 16th.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio says residents are welcome to register to attend workshops in early March to hear about and discuss three Master Plan options that have been devised for the Central Highfields area.
Mayor Antonio said Council was determined to work with all sectors of the community to achieve the best outcomes that would deliver a vibrant sub-regional centre to serve Highfields well into the future. Stage 1 Master Planning activities engaged more than 200 Highfields residents in conversation about their values and their vision for the future of the Central Highfields area. “Over the past two months the TRC project team has worked to translate those values into three different Master Plan options for Central Highfields, Mayor Antonio said. “Stage 2 of the Master Plan process seeks to gather community feedback about the options presented and to start work towards understanding what the final and preferred option will look like.”
“We are seeking more community input to review the three options and select the very best ideas and concepts from any of the options. There will be a further chance for the public to review the preferred option in late April, before a final version is presented for Council’s adoption in July 2018.â€Â
Highfields community members are invited to provide their feedback at one of three community workshops. Please register your interest to attend by calling 131 872 or at http://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/HTC
The identical two-hour workshops will be held at the Highfields Cultural Centre, O’Brien Road, Highfields from:
• 6pm-8pm Tuesday, March 6
• 10am-noon Wednesday, March 7
• 10am-noon Saturday, March 10
The sessions will provide:
• a detailed summary about the values provided during Stage 1,
• an overview of the development principles which will underpin future development in Central Highfields,
• an explanation of the three master plan options; and
• an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback
Apart from the three workshops in March, community members were welcome to join a dedicated facebook page to share their ideas and vision for the area. Interested people can also call Council on 131 872 between 8.30am and 5.25pm on weekdays.
“The ongoing planning will influence the long-term development of this 45 hectare precinct in Central Highfields. Cr Glasheen said. “Council’s ownership of land in this area ensures there will be greater clarity and control around the development that the community wishes to see.
“The Master Plan will provide a blueprint that ensures future development, across community, commercial and residential sectors, aligns with stated community expectations, she said. “We want to offer a range of uses and employment prospects for this growing area.â€Â
Interested community members are encouraged to go to http://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/HTC for further information, or call Council on 131 872.
As part of Study Toowoomba, the Cooee Mayoral International Student Welcome has delivered a welcome for new and continuing international students in our region, held on Sunday, 25th February at Cobb+Co Museum.
Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio provided the official welcome to students and highlighted the benefits that International students bring to the local community, and then USQ Chancellor, John Dornbusch addressed the assembly, welcoming students on behalf of the University.
Anne Antonio met with cousin, Mayor Paul Antonio at Cobb + Co MuseumHelen Nolan (USQ Marketing) seen chatting with Cr Nancy Summerfield
The event included indigenous smoking ceremony and dance performances, activities and food options with a distinctive Aussie flavour, an introduction to native animals and reptiles, whipcracking, leather plaiting and sheep dog demonstration (see below).
The Welcome attracted almost 900 people including University students, school students, adult migrant English program students, host families, education representatives and community members.
International education and training contributes $43 million to the local economy.
The student welcome is a Study Toowoomba initiative delivered by Toowoomba Regional Council, Trade and Investment Queensland and the University of Southern Queensland.
Photo Report:
Sheep Dog Demonstration
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Koala Bear in the workshopRapt in Reptile show with David WiedmanBeautiful little Squirrel Gliders
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It is proposed the official welcome by the Mayor will commence at 2:10pm.
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Interview & photo opportunities.
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Michael Duff Media Relations Officer Stakeholder Engagement and Communications  Toowoomba Regional Council
Experience Chinese culture as Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) celebrates the 2018 Chinese (Lunar) New Year at the Civic Precinct on Sunday 25 February from 10am to 2pm.
This free event is a time for families to come together and wish for good luck in the coming year, all while enjoying and appreciating the grandeur of Chinese culture.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio says the celebrations stand testament to our region’s diversity. “This is the largest Chinese New Year celebration that Toowoomba Region has seen,†Mayor Antonio said. “It marks a proud moment for our community to come together as we celebrate our diversity, prosperity and acceptance.
“Our region is rapidly growing, and it’s great to see the inclusion and celebration of other cultures, he said. “We are also delighted to have an opportunity to highlight Council’s developing international partnership with the Yuecheng District, Shaoxing.â€Â
The celebrations brought a range of exciting entertainment for all ages, with a live Lion Dance performance by Brisbane dance group Red Dragon. Entertainment also included a Chinese orchestra, Chinese puppet show, Chinese calligraphers, Ma Jong classes, cooking and martial arts demonstrations and a school choir.
Parents were encouraged to bring the kids dressed in their best Oriental attire to the Civic Precinct, as the event hosted a best dressed Asian costume competition for school-aged children.
Photo Report:
Dragon DancersA close look at the Dragon maskMartial Arts display
The event is supported by TRC, Taoist Tai Chi  Association, and Pure Land Learning Centre
Round up a group of friends for Toowoomba Regional Council’s free 2018 Seniors’ Concert series, Classics with Cathy, featuring popular southern Queensland entertainer Cathy Drummond.
The concerts will showcase a celebration of numbers made famous by legendary songbirds such as Karen Carpenter, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton and more.
Doors open at 9.30am with a complimentary morning tea followed by the concert and sing-along from 10am to noon.
Bookings are essential, so please call 131 872 or visit a customer service centre to reserve a place.
Dates and venues are:
Toowoomba’s All Seasons Function Centre on Tuesday, February 27 Crow’s Nest Community & RSL Centre on Wednesday, February 28 Oakey Cultural Centre on Thursday, March 1 Kingsthorpe War Memorial Hall on Monday, March 5 Pittsworth Function Centre on Tuesday, March 6 Yarraman Hall on Wednesday, March 7 Millmerran Cultural Centre on Thursday, March 8, and Clifton Nirvana Aged Care on Friday, March 9
The concerts are sponsored by Toowoomba Regional Council with organisational input from Council’s Community Development branch.
The Queensland Community Foundation (QCF) is looking for people in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs who contribute their time and money for the good of others.
Nominations are being sought for the Philanthropy Awards, a kind of ‘Oscars for Philanthropists’, run every year. The awards recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution to a charity or community service through donating time, money, or inspiring generosity in others.
The QCF was established over 20 years ago as an enduring source of funds to serve those in need. In 2015, a QCF sub-fund was established locally †the Toowoomba Regional Community Fund (TRCF). TRCF chair Joy Mingay said being generous in helping others is something we should all support and celebrate.
Jan Knox from Hallmark Property accepting the QCF SME Philanthropist of the Year award at last year’s awards ceremony.
“Toowoomba people have an incredibly giving spirit, and we have a lot of local philanthropists who generously donate their time and money to help others,†she said. “The Awards honour community members and organisations throughout Queensland who make outstanding philanthropic contributions, and I’d love to see some nominees from our local region being recognised for their good work.”
2017 QCF SME Philanthropist of the Year was Hallmark Property from Toowoomba,were nominated by Vanguard Landry Services. I’m hoping to see more winners from the Darling Downs this year.â€Â Ms Mingay said nominations close on March 23, with the winners to be announced and presented at an event to be held in Brisbane in June.ÂÂ
There are five award categories:
§ Corporate Award †for a corporation or business (more than 200 employees) that has created a culture of philanthropy with their organisation and has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to philanthropy.
§ SME Award †this award recognises a small business (less than 200 employees) whose grass-roots level of charitable support has impacted the local community.
§ Community Award †recognises an outstanding individual, family or family foundation with a proven record of exceptional financial generosity and volunteer leadership to one or more Queensland based non-profit organisations. The recipient of this award will have the privilege of nominating a charity of their choice to receive a $2,000 donation sponsored by The Public Trustee.
§ Emerging Award †this award will honour an innovative, emerging philanthropist, team of students or giving circle, whose significant early achievements embody the qualities that define philanthropic excellence, including outstanding generosity and creativity. This Award is not about the biggest cheque, financial contribution, or largest public profile, and will recognise an individual, or a group of young people aged 17-35 years. The recipient of this award will be able to nominate a charity of their choice to receive a $2,000 donation sponsored by QIC.
§ Higher Education Award †the QCF Higher Education Philanthropist of the Year Award will recognise an outstanding individual, family or family foundation with a proven record of exceptional financial generosity and volunteer leadership to one or more Queensland based tertiary education institutions. The recipient of this award will be able to nominate a charity of their choice to receive a $2,000 donation sponsored by QUT.
Visit qcf.org.au for more information on the award categories and how to nominate.
 ABOUT THE QUEENSLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (QCF)
§ Launched in 1997, the QCF will distribute $2.5 million to charities in 2018.  A charitable trust, the QCF is a state leader in promoting philanthropy, and creates opportunities for non-profits to grow in the quest to deliver quality effective community services.
§ QCF celebrated their 20th anniversary last year. They have distributed over $20 million for charitable purposes since 1997, creating lasting change for more than 300 charities each year.
§ The QCF was established as an enduring source of funds to serve those in need. With QCF, your generosity can help generations to come. Donations are carefully managed, prudently invested and the income distributed to provide continuing support for local charitable causes.
§ The Founding Sponsors of the Queensland Community Foundation are QIC (owner of Grand Central) and The Public Trustee. Money given to the QCF is prudently managed by the Public Trustee of Queensland and Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), one of Australia’s leading investment advisors. Running costs are also met by these two sponsors.
ABOUT THE TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COMMUNITY FUND (TRCF)
The Toowoomba Regional Community Fund provides an opportunity to give back and improve our local community in which we live and care about… to ‘give where you live’.
It was launched in 2015, with Grand Central donating $50,000 over five years to the local fund.
TRCF is aimed at strengthening the community by facilitating giving and by partnering with donors to build an enduring source of funding from which to support charitable projects.
The regional grants program aims to support eligible charitable organisations providing local service delivery in areas such as aged care, family support, children, health and welfare, youth and arts.
By donating and/or leaving a bequest to QCF for the Toowoomba Regional Community Fund you are helping create a lasting legacy.
To find out more about how you can ‘give where you live’ contact QCF on 3360 3854 or email enquiries@qcf.org.au. All donations are tax-deductible.
Submitted by: Diane Balke Community Liaisons Manager Grand Central Shopping Centre Toowoomba
Highfields Fitness & Recreation Centre is hosting a Community Expo focussed on fitness and recreation on Sunday 18 February 2018.
Toowoomba Regional Council Environment and Community Committee Chair Cr Geoff McDonald said the expo aims to bring together agencies and service providers to showcase the products they have on offer.
“An example of Council’s commitment to good Health is the award-winning CHANGE Project which has a host of low-cost programs designed to offer simple tips that promote healthy cooking, eating and exercise regimes.
“The Highfields fitness and community expo is an opportunity for the residents to come along and talk to providers about the support they can give the community in meeting their fitness goals,” Cr McDonald said. There will be a whole host of community groups, recreational and sporting clubs at the expo that could be your next leisure pursuit. The day will be a fun and informative event and will bring together groups including our local emergency services, sporting, recreation and fitness clubs. There will be plenty of activities for young and old to get involved in on the day.”
Friends of the Library are having a book sale. Fitness groups will be supplying in-body scans and group fitness demos plus there will be food stalls, children’s activities, skating and scooter workshops, Boga Mat classes, Downs Little Lifeguard demos and much much more. Stall holders will be hosting an information/static display or showcasing their services by activity or demonstration or by providing promotional material.
There will also be representatives from Queensland Fire and Rescue, Highfields Senior Citizens, Bluerhythmix Dance, Highfields Football Club (Soccer), Highfields & District Junior Rugby League Club Inc, Highfields Scout Group as well as NDIS service providers.
“If your New Year’s resolution was to get more involved in the community or get fit, this may be the perfect opportunity to follow through, meet some people and join a local club,” Cr McDonald said.
About the Expo
Where: Highfields Fitness and Recreation Centre, 1 O’Brien Rd Highfields – 07 4699 6530
When: 8.00am to 4.00pm, Sunday 18 February 2018
Expo stalls will be open from 9am to 12pm and activities will run from 8am to 4pm.
Entry cost will be $10 (family), $4 (adult), $2 (student/child). The entry fee includes the use of the aquatic centre so bring your swimmers.
