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Australia Day In The Toowoomba Region

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Australia Day In The Toowoomba Region

You’re invited to show your national pride by joining any of Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) community celebrations planned for Australia Day on Thursday, January 26th.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Council was pleased to be involved in presenting a range of free events around the region that offered a great family outing. Mayor Antonio said joining fellow residents at these or other functions was a fitting way to celebrate our national day. “I am proud to mark the many benefits of being an Australian and the added good fortune that comes with living in the Toowoomba Region. This is well worth celebrating,” Mayor Antonio said.

Toowoomba Regional Council Australia Day committee chair Cr Mike Williams said Australia Day awards would be presented at respective functions to a host of worthy achievers. “Council congratulates the recipients of community and the wider regional awards who will be announced on Australia Day,” Cr Williams said. “Local committees have awarded these honours in recognition of outstanding service by people in their respective fields.

“It is pleasing to see people rewarded for their volunteer contributions and community service. The good turn is alive and well in our region.
Too often this voluntary work is taken for granted or not appreciated fully by others who do not understand the commitment that is required to run groups and activities.”

Regional Australia Day activities are an important part of the Toowoomba area’s rich traditions. Council is proud to be involved with regional Australia Day ceremonies at Pittsworth, Oakey, Highfields, Crows Nest, Cecil Plains, Cambooya, Clifton, Goombungee and the Picnic Point function in Toowoomba.

“There is no better way to celebrate Australia Day than with other Australians. I urge residents to join community events or other neighbourhood celebrations across the region, ” Cr Williams said. “Events feature short flag raising functions and addresses before a host of games, entertainment and novelty events.”

Toowoomba’s Picnic Point function will be held from 8am to 1pm with a climbing wall, big slide and jumping castle for junior Aussies before a flag raising ceremony with billy tea and lamingtons.

Following an official welcome at 8.50am, the Toowoomba Municipal Band will perform, before the presentation of Australia Day awards from 9.35am, including the W.H. Groom scholarship. A free sausage sizzle with watermelon will be served from 11am followed by the Darling Downs Revue and Australian folk songs performed by Penny Davies and Roger Ilott.

Regional events:

Toowoomba †Picnic Point, 8am to 1pm. Flag raising 8.30am. 9.35am start of official awards ceremony. Free sausage sizzle and watermelon (limited supplies)

Pittsworth †Pittsworth Pioneer Village, Pioneer Way 7am to noon. 7am barbecue breakfast, awards ceremony from 9am including Ambassador address from 2015 Masterchef Australia runner-up Georgia Barnes. Activities include the Postle Sprint, cross cut saw competition, billy cart races and other events. The Ridgee Didge Bush Band will entertain visitors with the function ending at noon.

Oakey †Arthur Shooter Park, Stanley Street, Oakey, 7am start of breakfast (on sale); 8.30am official awards ceremony followed by start of activities at 9.45am. Races from 10am. Noon-2pm entertainment, BYO picnic.

Highfields †Highfields Pioneer Village, 9am-5pm. Official ceremony, including awards function at 2pm.

Cecil Plains/Millmerran †Community Hall park, Cheetham St, Cecil Plains. 7am barbecue breakfast, 9am official function.

Crows Nest †Centenary Park, 6.30am breakfast, official function from 8am.

Cambooya †Cambooya Recreation Grounds, Lucy Street, 8am free breakfast, 8.30am free children’s games and family activities, 9am start of official awards ceremony.

Clifton †F. E. Logan Hall, Meara Place, Clifton, 7-9.30am includes barbecue breakfast.

Goombungee †Goombungee Public Hall, 8.30am-11am. Includes breakfast, awards ceremony. Noon-6pm a pool party at Goombungee pool.

Yarraman †Errol Munt Park playground area 7-11am Clean Up Australia Day followed by a free sausage sizzle.

For a full schedule of regional events, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/australiaday

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We are Back!!!!

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We are Back!!!!


Keep calm, we are back. We hope you had a great holiday season.

Our weekly farmer’s markets start again this week. Come and check out what our local farming and food community have on offer. Every Thursday from 3pm – 7pm on the front lawns at the Empire Theatre 54-56 Neil Street, Toowoomba.

Fruit & Vegies, honey, olives, pork, beef, lamb, turkey, garlic, salad plants, micro herbs and greens, milk, coffee, baked goods, wine, sourdough, market foods and live music from 4.30pm!

See you there

Josie & the team at My Local Feast

Belgian World War I Exhibition In Oakey From 12-29 January

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Belgian World War I Exhibition In Oakey From 12-29 January

An exhibition honouring the World War I sacrifice of Australian personnel on the Western Front in Belgium will be on public display at the Australian Army Flying Museum at Oakey from January 12-29. The Great War in Broad Outlines (The history of the First World War) is a touring exhibition organised by the Belgian Embassy in Canberra to highlight World War I centenary commemorations, with specific reference to actions in Belgium.

Military historians and interested members of the public are invited to view the roller banner displays portraying key events leading up to and during World War I and the major battles that occurred on the Belgian section of the Western Front.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said the coming year and 2018 would see many more centenary memorial commemorations for battles on the Western Front and across many other theatres of The Great War. Names such as Messines, Ypres, Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele are among the actions that occurred in Belgium.

The Great War in Broad Outlines is a Belgian Department for Foreign Affairs exhibition that is supported generously by the Australian Department for Veterans’ Affairs. The exhibition is on loan from the Memorial Museum Passchendaele (MMP) located in Zonnebeke, Belgium and is touring Australia.

The Australian Army has gratefully waived the entry fee. The display is open from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive from 10am to 3pm at Swartz Barracks, Museum Drive at Oakey.

For Australian Army Flying Museum details, please visit http://www.armyflyingmuseum.com.au/#visit-us

Free Music in the Blooms With Summer Tunes

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Free Music in the Blooms With Summer Tunes

Enjoy lazy summer Sundays with an outing to Toowoomba Regional Council’s free Summer Tunes in the Blooms program across January and February starting this Sunday (January 8).

Sunday’s music program starts near the children’s play area in Queens Park for the Children’s Capers segments from 10am to noon. An added feature in Queens Park is free face painting for children of all ages.

Other themes are The Big Bands at Picnic Point, Picnic Pleasures in Laurel Bank Park and Music in the Roses at Newtown Park. These sessions run from noon to 3pm.

The opening week line-ups include The Alison Bryant Quartet at Queens Park with a selection of jazz, swing jazz and rock and roll songs along with Whisky Mac at Newtown Park.

Swing Magic will play a selection of old time swing, jazz, gospel and traditional songs at Laurel Bank Park.

Pack your dancing shoes for Picnic Point where two dance floors will be positioned to take advantage of the Big Bands theme, starting with the aptly named Let’s Dance Band who will perform melodies from the 1960s and 1970s.

The following seven weeks will see performers across pop, rock, Celtic, country, jazz, and big band genres.

Enjoy performances by Yakety Saxes, JEDDY (Jazz Education for Darling Downs Youth Society), Toowoomba Municipal Band, High Altitude Harmony, Women in Harmony, Paul Edwards Quartet, the Jim Miller Big Band, Slow Train Coming, Timeless, Topp Gear, Undercover, Flashback, Jungle Detour, Around the Corner, Blue Room Blues, Garden City Country Music Club, the Damian Black Band, Killin Time, the Broxburn Music Club of Pittsworth, The Darlington String Trio, 2 Timing, The Screaming Chokos and Kelly’s Armour among others.

The Regional Summer Tunes program starts at Oakey on January 29 in Arthur Shooter Park featuring Tux. 10.30am-1pm. It continues on following weeks at:

Crows Nest:  February 5, Centenary Park, Slow Train Coming. Noon-3pm.

Millmerran: February 12, Anzac Park, 2 Timing. 10am-1.30pm.

Pittsworth: February 19, Pittsworth Pioneer Village and Museum, Black Velvet Quartet. Noon-3pm.

Goombungee: February 26, Mocatta St near war memorial, Jazzy Chatz. noon-3pm.

The full program can be viewed at www.tr.qld.gov.au/summertunes

Darling Downs Residents Urged To Party Safe This New Year’s Eve

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Darling Downs Residents Urged To Party Safe This New Year’s Eve

Darling Downs Police are urging party-goers to plan ahead and use common sense as preparations get underway for New Year’s Eve celebrations across the area.

District Officer Superintendent Mark Kelly said police were well-prepared for celebrations  †traditionally one of the busiest for crews across the Downs. “The key to a great New Year’s Eve is to plan ahead †this includes thinking about how much alcohol you’re going to drink and how you’re getting home,” he said.

“Of course, if you’re going to drink, don’t get behind the wheel. Use public transport, or ride sharing services where possible or plan a designated driver. As well, if you are hosting a New Year’s celebration, be sure to register your party with local police. Registering your party provides police the opportunity to supply you with advice and resources. And if things do go wrong on the night, police have the information necessary to quickly and effectively deal with any issues. “

People will see a significant police presence across the district and those police will be focusing on road safety and good order.

“It is critical that everyone remains vigilant and if you do see anything suspicious, report it immediately,” he said. “Police won’t tolerate anti-social behaviour from party-goers. If you or anyone you’re out with engages in violent or anti-social behaviour, we will not hesitate to take action.

“Unfortunately from time to time, we do see individuals engaging in anti-social behaviour on New Year’s Eve. If you do see that happen, walk away, don’t get involved and if necessary, contact police as soon as possible. New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate with family and friends and we want to see residents having a good time, safely and responsibly. Look out for your mates, keep your cool and see 2017 in with a good start.”

New Year’s Eve safety tips:

  • Use public transport or ride sharing services where possible and be patient with other commuters waiting for these services;
  • Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. If you feel threatened or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, leave immediately and go to a place where you feel safe;
  • Trust your instincts and recognise warning signs;
  • Develop a network of people who will assist you in an emergency and let them know where you are going and when you are likely to return;
  • Look after your friends;
  • Consider the necessity of the items you are carrying in your handbag or wallet, and try to keep valuables to a minimum.

Safety tips for those planning on drinking on New Year’s Eve:

  • Plan ahead as to how many drinks you will have and stick to the plan by monitoring your drinking;
  • Book a ride home with a taxi or ride sharing service or designate a driver to ensure you and your friends get home safely;
  • Eat before and during drinking;
  • Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at a sensible pace;
  • Avoid mixing drinks and finish each drink before you have another;
  • Get involved in other activities, for example playing pool or dancing;
  • Do not leave drinks unattended;
  • Only accept drinks from people you trust. Watch the staff members as they make your drink; and
  • If someone offers to buy you a drink, go up to the bar with that person and accept the drink there.

Further information and personal safety tips can be located on the Queensland Police Service website at https://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/cscp/default.htm

Submitted by:
QPS Media

The Bishop’s Christmas Message 2016

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The Bishop’s Christmas Message 2016


The Most Reverend Robert McGuckin DD MLC JLC, Bishop of the Diocese of Toowoomba with this year’s Christmas Message…

A Happy Birthday To Toowoomba’s Thursday Farmer’s Market

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A Happy Birthday To Toowoomba’s Thursday Farmer’s Market

My Local Feast Farmers’ Market celebrates 1 year

As we near Christmas celebrations, the My Local Feast Farmers’ Market gets ready to blow out its first birthday candle. The brainchild of Josie Townsend, the weekly farmers’ market is designed to attract regular shoppers and tourists alike, looking to genuinely support local farmers by directly buying locally.

The numbers at the markets have been a bit of a rollercoaster as Toowoombians adjust to a weekly mid-week farmers’ market and the organisers contend with a statistically high number of wet and bad weather days hitting on Thursdays in the Toowoomba CBD.

Josie Townsend, founder said, ”Farmers’ markets and buying direct from farmers or local grocers or butchers who buy direct from farmers creates an opportunity to build strong foundations in local communities, especially rural and regional areas. They also help us build friendships, build community capacity and increase our health, ie they get us off our couches and walking in the fresh air.”

Ben and Carolyn Hunter of Ben & Co at the Market

Notwithstanding the many barriers to a new business starting, the market has become a breeding ground for new ventures. Recently, the social enterprise Ben & Co worked with the organisers to launch their new baking business at the markets and this week they welcome the first ever sourdough baker who grinds his own flour from locally grown grains.

The birthday celebrations will include a Treasure Hunt for the kids with a farmers’ market gift at the end, face-painting, a birthday cake celebration (and maybe a bottle or two of celebration bubbly) and also our regular weekly draw for a Christmas Ham or regional produce box. Our birthday cake will be cut at 5pm.

The markets start from 3pm every Thursday and go until 7pm. There are fruit and vegetable producers, beef, lamb, pork, turkey, chicken, pasta, baked goods, olives, jams and kitchen garden suppliers.

“Some people think our market is solely an organic one. It’s not. We support all farmers, but we find our farmers understand that people want as few chemicals as possible sprayed on what they will consume. We also find that produce in season is a lot cheaper than other places.”

The treasure hunt for children will commence at 3.30pm and finish at 4.30pm this week.


Photo Roundup:

The last slice – the delicious Ben & Co birthday cake was shared with visitors and stallholders (It didn’t last long).
Rosie pouring the bubbly for Josie
Andrew Passfield and Enya Hetherington entertained visitors
Svetlana (Oreshke Russian biscuits) celebrating with champagne

Roadworks Warrego Highway (Toowoomba Range)

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Roadworks Warrego Highway (Toowoomba Range)

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will be undertaking resurfacing works on sections of the westbound
lane of the Toowoomba Range on Sunday, 11 December 2016, weather permitting.

Contractor Boral will be undertaking works over a 24 hour period in order to minimise the impact on traffic and maximise
safety for the travelling public and road workers.

While works are underway, a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place. One lane will remain open at all times and
traffic controllers will be in place to minimise traffic delays, however minor delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected.

The safety of motorists and road workers is our top priority and we ask that motorists drive to changed traffic conditions
and obey all signage and instructions from traffic controllers during the course of the works.

We thank you in anticipation for your patience and understanding during the delivery of these important works and
apologise for any inconvenience they may cause. For further information on these works, please contact TMR on
4639 0777 or email downsSWR@tmr.qld.gov.au

For up-to-date information on traffic disruptions, visit the 13 19 40 Traffic and Travel Information website at
www.131940.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.

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