Whanganui: A Model of Resilience, Creativity and Growth

With a population of just 49,000, including 5,000 in rural areas, Whanganui stands as a remarkable example of how small communities can achieve global impact. This dynamic district has leveraged its unique blend of cultural heritage, economic innovation, and community spirit to create a thriving region that truly punches above its weight.

Beautiful Whanganui 

Governance and Vision

Whanganui's governance, with a Mayor and 12 Councillors operating under non-compulsory voting, supports its forward-thinking vision. This structure allows for responsive decision-making while engaging the community in meaningful ways. Their goal of increasing the population to 55,000 by 2034 reflects a clear focus on sustainable growth.

For the Toowoomba Region, Whanganui’s approach reinforces the importance of setting ambitious but achievable growth targets, supported by strategies that integrate economic development, community identity, and cultural investment.

Economic Insights

Whanganui’s $2.4 billion economy thrives on a balanced mix of traditional and innovative industries:

• Global Manufacturing Excellence: Whanganui’s manufacturers have made their mark internationally, producing fire helmets used by the New York Fire Department, building ferries, and crafting car seat covers for luxury brands like Audi and Range Rover.

• Agricultural Strength with Workforce Development Needs: While agriculture remains a cornerstone of Whanganui’s economy, they face challenges with an unskilled and semi-skilled workforce. To reach their $3.4 billion economic target, significant investment in education and training is essential.

Cultural and Heritage Strengths

Whanganui’s deep connection to its history and culture is central to its identity, demonstrated by:

• Te Awa Tupua – The Whanganui River: The legal recognition of the Whanganui River as a person is a globally significant example of integrating indigenous perspectives into governance. The river is not only a cultural symbol but also a driver of eco-tourism and community pride.

• UNESCO City of Design: Whanganui’s designation as a City of Design reflects a commitment to creativity not just in the arts but in architecture, manufacturing, and urban planning. Public art and events like Whanganui Walls have transformed streetscapes and fostered civic pride. Whanganui is very proud to have achieved UNESCO status as New Zealand’s only City of Design. Design is woven through the way they think, their architecture, the nature of their businesses, their creative community and their history of innovation.

• Streetscapes are now filled with artworks celebrating Whanganui’s identity and reflecting their status as a UNESCO City of Design. The street art projects provided an opportunity for local artists to showcase their works across the new streetscapes – from floral biophilic pavement art to the unique bus shelter patterns.

Biophilic Pavement Art

Street Art

Street Art

Street Art

Street Art 

The Sarjeant Gallery: A Beacon of Inspiration

The redevelopment of the Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery exemplifies how vision and collaboration can achieve extraordinary outcomes. The $70 million expansion blends historic and contemporary architecture, reflecting harmony between cultures and providing state-of-the-art facilities for exhibitions, community events, and education.

Te Whare O Rehua Sarjeant Gallery

Mr Henry Sarjeant immigrated to New Zealand in the late 1850s and when he died, 12 February 1912, aged 82 he left property valued at £30,000 ($70M in today’s $) in trust to the Whanganui Borough Council for the purpose of building and maintaining an art gallery and its collection. His legacy is bountiful and enduring. He saw the gallery as “a means of inspiration for ourselves and those who come after us”

View of the Cultural Precinct

The new entranceway features a carved tōtara waka, Māori canoe, which acts as a walk bridge connecting the original neo-classical building to the new wing -  Harmony between the buildings old and the new, harmony between the two cultures Local and tribal stories are front and centre in the expanded Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery and its contemporary new wing. The gallery was named as one of the top 20 cultural spots in National Geographic's "Best of The World" list for 2024. The black-granite addition – named for the late Sir Archie , a Māori elder, has been co-designed with Iwi (indigenous) artists to reflect tribal stories.

Māori Dancers celebrating the new Gallery

The gallery has shaped Wanganui’s past and is destined to take  them into the future. It’s a house of inspiration and creativity where the community and visitors alike can find peace and joy. The opening was not just a celebration of an opening and rededication but one of collaboration, dreams, passion and philanthropy .

The project was realised through community engagement and partnerships and a show of resilience.   Local fundraising initiatives, such as a program encouraging small weekly donations of less than a cup of coffee a week, raised significant funds for the project. The Sarjeant Gallery Trust alone contributed $9 million and established a robust endowment fund, ensuring sustainability.  Overcoming funding challenges and shifting priorities, the gallery project was a true collaboration between Iwi, the Māori, local and central governments and community stakeholders.

Key Takeaways for Toowoomba Region

Our fact-finding mission to Whanganui provided numerous lessons that we can apply to strengthen our region:

Leverage Unique Identity: Whanganui’s success in celebrating its river, arts, and design demonstrates the value of embracing and promoting local identity. Toowoomba can amplify its own stories, from the Garden City brand to our rich indigenous and settler heritage, to attract tourism and investment.

Invest in Creative Industries: Creativity is woven into Whanganui’s economic and cultural fabric. Developing Toowoomba’s creative industries—through initiatives like the Carnival of Flowers, regional arts programs, and gallery expansions—can foster similar growth.

Engage the Community: Whether it’s through inclusive fundraising or collaborative decision-making, Whanganui shows the power of community engagement. Toowoomba could adopt similar practices to galvanise support for major projects. As the late Sir Archie Taiaroa, a Māori leader said “If you are going somewhere without your people you are going nowhere”.

Upskill the Workforce: Workforce development is essential for economic growth. Partnering with educational institutions and industry to create targeted training programs could help Toowoomba address labour challenges in key sectors.

Focus on Partnerships: Collaboration between different levels of government, indigenous groups, and private stakeholders was key to Whanganui’s achievements. Strengthening our partnerships with regional indigenous communities and businesses can ensure projects reflect shared values and benefit all.

A Lasting Connection

Our Sister City relationship with Whanganui continues to be an invaluable asset, offering insights and inspiration that can help guide Toowoomba’s development. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Whanganui Council, Iwi partners, and community members for their generosity and willingness to share their journey with us.

This mission has reinforced the importance of learning from others while recognising and building upon our own strengths. As we reflect on Whanganui’s achievements, we are reminded that progress is not the result of one individual or group but the collective effort of a community united by shared goals and aspirations. “No one person can whistle a symphony it takes the orchestra”

With the lessons learned, we have an incredible opportunity to shape Toowoomba’s future and continue to thrive as a region of innovation, heritage, and community spirit.

The Red Bench and Red Shoe Project: A Community’s Stand Against Domestic Violence

I would like to share the story behind two powerful symbols in our community: the Red Bench and the Red Shoe Project. These initiatives are more than mere displays—they represent a commitment to action, a dedication to creating a world where every person can live safely, free from the threat of violence. These symbols serve as reminders of the lives affected by domestic violence, and they stand as calls to action for us all.

The Red Bench, now permanently installed in @ the Empire Theatre, is painted a bold red, reminding us daily of the devastating impact of domestic and gender-based violence. This bench honours those who have suffered in silence, celebrates the resilience of survivors, and mourns those who have been tragically lost. It serves not just as a place to sit, but as a symbol of our commitment to prevent further harm and to build a community where everyone feels safe and valued.

In September 2024, our community came together for the unveiling of the Red Bench, and it was a powerful moment of unity. We expressed a shared vision for change—a vision that says we stand united for the safety, dignity, and future of each person. This bench is not simply a marker; it is a constant reminder that the well-being of one is interconnected with the well-being of all.

On the same morning of the unveiling of the Red Bench, we launched the Red Shoe Project. This project amplifies this message of the Red Bench. The Red Shoe Project is an international movement that uses the image of red shoes to speak to the impact of domestic violence. Each pair of shoes represents a life touched by violence, each empty space between them a void left behind in families, friendships, and communities. When we launched the Red Shoe Project locally, we invited members of the community to donate red shoes, each pair a testament to a story, a memory, a life impacted.

On November 25th, also known as White Ribbon Day, these red shoes will be displayed in a solemn arrangement, each pair placed a body-length apart. This powerful display will serve as a stark visual reminder of the toll that domestic violence takes on our society. Each pair of shoes represents a woman or child whose life was tragically cut short, and each space in between symbolizes the emptiness felt by those left behind.

After this poignant display, the shoes will be auctioned off to raise funds for critical support services in our community. Proceeds will go to services that focus on recognizing, responding to, and referring cases of domestic violence, offering vital support to those affected. This is an opportunity for everyone to take part, to contribute to meaningful action, and to stand in solidarity against violence.

Reflecting on the lives lost to violence, we are reminded of the futures that were taken too soon, of the families forever changed. While these red shoes memorialize these losses, they also embody resilience and hope. They represent a commitment by our community to confront domestic violence head-on and to work toward a future where no one has to suffer in silence.

The Red Shoe Project’s message is unmistakable: “No More.” No more silence, no more turning away, no more pretending this issue isn’t real. Each of us has a role to play—to start conversations, advocate for change, and stand visibly in support of those impacted by domestic violence.

Together, the Red Bench and Red Shoe Project speak not only of past tragedies but also of hope and solidarity. They remind us that our community stands united, ready to make a difference, to create change, and to ensure a safer future for all. Let these symbols inspire us to continue this journey—to #ChangeTheEnding for those who need our support.

Thank you for being part of this collective stand against violence. Let’s continue to build a future where every person in our community can live free from fear, knowing that they are supported, valued, and protected.

Have Your Say: Shaping the Future of Toowoomba's Transport Corridor

Calling fellow residents of Toowoomba! I'm writing this blog post to draw your attention to an important development in our city's infrastructure. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has commenced consultations for a new Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor route. This is an exciting opportunity for us to contribute to the planning process and ensure that our city is well-connected for future growth and development. Your input is crucial, so let's dive in and make our voices heard!

Community Engagement: A Key Ingredient for Success As a firm believer in the power of community engagement, I cannot stress enough how important it is for us to actively participate in this infrastructure project. The success of any development lies in the hands of those it directly impacts—you, me, and our neighbours. By sharing our thoughts and concerns, we can help shape the decision-making process and influence the road alignment plan to better serve our needs.

Your Chance to Make a Difference The time to act is now! This is your opportunity to provide valuable feedback to the Department of Transport and Main Roads. They are eagerly awaiting our suggestions and ideas to ensure the optimal outcome for our beloved Toowoomba.

How to Get Involved Sharing your feedback couldn't be easier. Visit the TMR's website and locate the dedicated section for the Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor. There, you'll find all the necessary information and resources to submit your input. Remember, the deadline for submissions is 11th August, so don't delay—your voice matters!

Impacts on Our Community It's crucial to recognize the potential impact this road alignment project can have on our daily lives, local businesses, and overall regional development. Whether it's improving commuting times, enhancing accessibility to essential services, or minimizing disruptions during construction, our engagement ensures that the project reflects our collective aspirations.

Spread the Word: Unity is Strength I encourage each and every one of you to share this information with your friends, family, and neighbours. By raising awareness and motivating others to participate, we amplify our influence and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. Together, we can shape a road alignment plan that truly serves the needs and aspirations of our vibrant community.

If you have any questions or thoughts that you'd like to share, please click this link

https://www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/toowoomba-ns-transport-corridor

Or don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'm here to listen, and assist you in any way I can. Our collaboration is vital in ensuring that our voices are heard loud and clear.

Toowoomba's future is in our hands. Let's seize this opportunity to actively participate in the consultation process for the Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor. By engaging with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, we can collectively shape the future of our city's infrastructure and ensure that it aligns with our community's vision. Remember, the deadline is approaching, so let's make our voices count and help create a transport corridor that supports Toowoomba's growth and development for years to come.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility

Welcome to the road safety revolution! As a community, we hold the power to make a real difference and ensure the safety of our roads. Each year, countless lives are affected by road accidents, but by coming together and taking action, we can change that. This introduction sets the stage for our community's involvement in promoting road safety and highlights the significant impact we can make by working together. From spreading awareness and organising events to advocating for safer infrastructure and encouraging responsible behaviour, our collective efforts can save lives and create a culture of safety on our roads. So, let's embark on this journey with a shared commitment to road safety.

Together, we can make our neighbourhoods, towns, and cities safer for everyone – pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and passengers alike. It's time to pave the way for a future where accidents are minimised, lives are protected, and each road user can travel without fear. Join us in this vital mission as we empower ourselves and our community to prioritise road safety. Together, we have the power to revolutionise the way we approach road safety, one step at a time. Buckle up, because this is the beginning of a new era – an era where safety is paramount, and our collective efforts will make a lasting impact. Let's get started on this road safety revolution today!

The community plays a vital role in promoting road safety. Here are some ways the community can contribute:

1. 📣 🗣️ Spread awareness: Members of the community can actively participate in spreading awareness about road safety. This can involve sharing information through social media, community newsletters, or organising local campaigns to educate others about safe driving practices.

2. 👮‍♀️Organise events and workshops: Community members can organise road safety events, workshops, or seminars where experts can share their knowledge and provide guidance on safe driving habits. These events can be tailored to different age groups, including children, teenagers, and adults.

3. 🚦Encourage responsible behaviour: Promoting responsible behaviour is crucial for road safety. The community can encourage neighbours, friends, and family members to follow traffic laws, wear seat belts, avoid distractions while driving, and never drink and drive. Setting a good example and reminding others about the importance of responsible behaviour can make a significant impact.

4. 🚗Support local initiatives: Participate in or support local road safety initiatives organised by schools, community centres, or local authorities. This could involve attending awareness campaigns, supporting fundraisers for road safety programs, or volunteering to help with community-led road safety projects.

5. 🚲 Advocate for safer infrastructure: Engage with local authorities and community organisations to advocate for improved road infrastructure and traffic management systems. Encourage the implementation of measures such as speed limits, traffic calming measures, pedestrian crossings, and bike lanes to enhance safety for all road users.

6. 🦺⚠️Report hazards and concerns: Encourage community members to report road hazards, dangerous intersections, or other safety concerns to local authorities. This helps prompt action and ensures that potential risks are addressed promptly.

7. 🚶‍♀️Be a responsible pedestrian: Road safety isn't just for drivers; pedestrians also have a crucial role to play. Encourage community members to follow pedestrian rules, use designated crosswalks, and be mindful of their surroundings when walking near roads.

Safer for Everyone!

By actively engaging in these community-driven efforts, we can collectively create a safer road environment for everyone.

Remember, road safety starts with each individual and their commitment to making responsible choices.

💔 The Heart-Breaking Effect of Domestic Violence

When one person is affected by domestic violence, it has a ripple effect on those around them. Friends, family, and co-workers may also feel the impact, as they may worry about the safety and wellbeing of their loved ones. As a community, we must provide a supportive and compassionate network to help those impacted by domestic violence.

We must also work to prevent domestic violence from happening in the first place. We can do this by raising awareness and educating ourselves and others about the warning signs of abuse. We must also promote healthy relationships and communication skills to prevent conflict from escalating into violence.

When someone is affected by domestic violence, it is important to offer them the support they need. This may include access to safe shelter, counseling, and legal resources. As a community, we must also work to break down the barriers that victims may face when seeking help, such as stigma and fear of retaliation.

It is also important to recognize that domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of their gender, age, or background. As a community, we must be inclusive and supportive of all victims, including those who may face additional barriers due to their identity.

By coming together as a community, we can work to end domestic violence and create a safer, more equitable society for all. We must show empathy, support, and care for those impacted by domestic violence, and work to create a culture that prioritises healthy relationships and non-violent conflict resolution.

👉 If you or someone you know is experiencing DV please visit https://dvac.org.au/ for help & advice.

👉Also check out https://www.toowoombatogether.org/ for more info

To Be or Not to Be…………..

This vision recognises the value of promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity, which not only enriches the cultural fabric of the Region, but also helps to foster a sense of community among residents.

By showcasing the diverse range of artistic and cultural expressions, the Region can attract visitors from outside the region and establish itself as a vibrant cultural hub.

It’s important to support and empower local artists and creatives. This vision recognises that artists and creatives are essential to our cultural vitality and they require the resources, networks, and opportunities to thrive and contribute to our cultural fabric. By providing these resources and opportunities, the Region can help to create a supportive environment for artists to pursue their creative endeavours, build their careers, and connect with other creatives in the community. This can also help to attract new talent to the city, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation that benefits the wider community.

The strategy illustrates a holistic approach to promoting a vibrant and thriving arts and cultural community in the Toowoomba Region. By showcasing the richness of our culture and heritage through engaging festivals and events and by supporting and empowering local artists and creatives, Toowoomba Region can establish itself as a cultural destination and foster a sense of community pride and identity. This can not only enrich the lives of residents, creating a more vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community, but also benefit the local economy.

The future of the cultural scene in the Toowoomba Region is likely to be shaped by a range of factors, including technological advancements, social issues and location history and identity. It will be exciting to see how the cultural environment evolves in the coming years.

Congratulations to all involved with the Summit and I await with eager anticipation about what lies ahead for our Region!

The Toowoomb Hospital Foundation: A Pillar of The Community

The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation have been a steadfast organisation in the Toowoomba community since 1991 and since have continually blown our community away with their incredible fundraising events, charity organisations and work they do for their patient wellness programs and people in need.

They have come a very long way since their first donation given in 1995 for just $500. The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation supports our community by helping to fund equipment, services and programs as well as staff development, research and scholarships for Darling Downs Health.

They are a team of passionate, caring and incredible individuals who are helping care for families and their loved ones in our region. 100% of the donations recieved go exactly where they are needed, whether it is a new maternity ward, funding for research and so much more.

The foundation provides funding for state of the art equipment and care designed to enhance the level of care their patients recieve and ensure they are being given the best possible care.

Their patient wellness programs feature musical therapy, art therapy and delta dog therapy as alternative modes of therapy for patients in need. It is an excellent progam designed to help chronically or mentally ill people.

One of their current initiatives is the ability to hire a free sunscreen truck for events in order to make sure that everyone has readily available to sun safety - an extremely important initiaitve this time of year!

This is just listing a few of the amazing things they are currently doing to help the community and support their patients.

So, how can you continue to support them? Attend events, give donations, become a sponsor! There are so many fun and creative options for you to choose from.

Visit their website to find out more!

Staying Safe in Sunny Queensland: How to Prevent and Detect Melanoma

Melanoma is perhaps the most insidious form of cancer with thousands of Australians being diagnosed with the disease every single year. Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Although it is one of the less common types of skin cancer, melanoma is considered the most serious types of skin cancer because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body, especially if not detected early. The earlier melanoma is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be. Further, early detection of this form of cancer often leads to highly successful treatment.

Melissa was diagnosed with Melanoma 10 years ago after he sister and hairdresser discovered an unsual spot on her scalp. Luckily Melissa was persuaded to go and have her spot examened early and she was able to have the cancer cut out of her scalp. She has just been cleared after her 6 monthly check up, 10 years on. The ultimate key to this illness is early detection and vigilance in its prevention!

Melanoma of the skin is known as cutaneous melanoma; however, there are many subcatagories of this cancer such as: Superficial spreading melanoma, Nodular melanoma, Lentigo maligna melanoma, Acral lentiginous melanoma and Desmoplastic melanoma.

The main cause of cancer is overexposure to UV radiation. When your unprotected skin is exposed to UV radiation, the structure and behaviour of the cells can change. Anyone can potentially develop this cancer but there are certain groups who are pose a higher risk. Those who have unprotected exposure to UV radiation, who have many moles or who are fair skinned are more predisposed to the illness. Further, a family history of the illness can also increase one’s risk.

So, what can you do to ? Well, luckily there are lots of options, principle of them being protect yourself in the sun and avoid unnecessary exposure to UV radiation! If you are someone who is at risk of developing this form of cancer, be sure to get yourself a mole and skin check incrementally in order to be safe. We will say it one more time, early detection is the key!

Coping with Stress: How to Live in a Post-Pandemic World

Post-Pandemic World:

The COVID-19 pandemic saw the upheaval of many global certainties we got used to in our daily lives. Naturally, these rapid and drastic changes created an immense amount of uncertainty. All of these factors can, understandably, affect our stress levels. Everybody responds differently to change and in a world that is changing as fast as ours, it’s important to be a little introspective and become in tune with your stress responses!

Coping With Stress:

Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient. Stress can have negative physical and emotional effects on the body. It can reduce the quality of sleep, worsen chronic health conditions and also cause headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes. Further, it can cause feelings of fear and anxiety, worsen mental health issues, and changes appetite, energy, desires, and interests.

Here are a few ways to reduce your stress levels:

1. take a break from reading and watching news stories (including social media). Staying informed is important but overstimulation and constant press coverage on the pandemic may worsen your heightened stress levels.

2. take care of your body! Making sure you are fueling your body well with sleep, nourishing foods and good old H2O is extremely important for keeping your cortisol levels in check! Meditating and exercise are also important and useful tools for keeping your body fit and healthy.

3. Don’t be afraid to talk it out. The pandemic hit everyone hard and chances are that people in your life will be able to relate and empathise with your struggle. Staying connected during a time that has created so much isolation is of paramount importance!

Small Ways to Care For Yourself on The Daily:

There are a number of small acts of TLC that you can engage in on a daily basis in order to help keep those pesky stressors at bay. Taking time for yourself and doing something you enjoy for a few moments a day is an amazing way to unwind. Whether that is by spending some time outdoors, doing yoga or reading a good book, all that matters is that you feel relaxed! Treat your body well by making sure that you are fueling it with the appropriate amount of nutrients. If you look after your body, it will look after you. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle has become harder since the pandemic because we became so physically restrained. However, finding the time to keep your body moving and engage in some physical exercise does wonders for your mental and phsycial health.

Learning to manage stress is a key building block for success. Make sure to look after yourself and help others during these uncertain times!

The Battle of One Tree Hill: Recognition and Remembrance

The Battle of One Tree Hill is one of the most well-known series of conflicts that took place between European settlers and the Jagera and other Aboriginal groups in the Darling Downs area in the colony of Queensland in the 1840s, as part of the Australian frontier wars.

One Tree Hill, now known as Tabletop mountain, was the battle site for this conflict and the Jarega people were led by a man named Multuggerah, a fierce and tactical leader who triumphed over the colonial fighters.

Prior to the battle, settlers had only had minimal contact with native tribes from closer to the Moreton Bay settlement but had never come in contact with the Jagera people. Their leader, Multuggerah was content with maintaining distance from the settlers as long as they respected and did not encroach on their land: the Lockyer Valley. This did not last very long. By 1842, there were several colonial attempts to settle in the valley., Darling Downs and Upper Brisbane areas. However, they were met with fierce resistance from a collection of ‘mountain tribes’ united under Multuggerah, a warrior, strategist and diplomat. After the deliberate poisoning of 60 First Nation’s men in 1842 at Kilcoy Station, the resistance grew in force and Multuggerah hatched a plan to weed out the colonial squatters looking to settle in the area.

Him and his men began ambushing supplies that came through to the valley, gradually depriving the settlers of any resources as there remained only one road in and out of the newly settled area. Their success in stopping the cavalcade at One Tree Hill. The settlers attempted to retaliate but were easily stopped by the unfamiliar terrain. Multuggerah emerged victoriously.

However, attempts to colonise the area did not end here and Dr Simpson, a colonial settler and commissioner, continued with his efforts to overthrow Multuggerah and claim the area for 5 years. Many leaders were killed during attacks but reportedly not Multuggerah himself. The battle was memorialised in 2005 and in 2008, the Toowoomba Regional Council signed the Indigenous Land Use Agreement recognizing Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people as the traditional owners of the area.

This resistance campaign was a symbol and a beacon of indigenous defiance against the colonial settlement. It was a day when First Nations people, stood up together and said ‘No more’. It was an incredible display of bravery and sacrifice that deserves great recognition and memorialisation.

The Joys of Public Transport: Kan Go Bus Services

One never truly stops learning about family. Theoretically, as the closest people in your life, their capacity to surprise you should be relatively slim. However, Melissa’s father, delightfully surprised her the other day when she took him to service his car. Just as she offered to drop him back home, he said, “No Lissa, I love catching the bus…I don’t know why more people in Toowoomba don’t do it…it’s so easy and so convenient!” Apparently, Ray Taylor enjoys catching the bus quite regularly!

As chair of the Regional Active and Public Transport Advisory Committee (RAPTAC), Cr Melissa Taylor is a massive champion for the benefits and efficacy of public transport. Our region is going through an incredible period of growth and in order to ensure stability and facilitate this growth, our public transport must be up to snuff!

The more observant among you may have noticed less Translink busses scurrying around the eastern side of Toowoomba recently. TransLink provides urban bus services in the Garden City through a contract with Bus Queensland, who recently purchased two Hino Poncho buses.

The newer buses will replace the older buses which were being used on the Kan-go On Demand service in the Rangeville area.

Melissa says that, “as a Committee, we feel the Kan-go provides a unique and invaluable public transport service to the Region.”

The Kan-go buses provide an on demand service which allows residents in a specified area in Rangeville to pre-book a ride from their home into the city. Further, the smaller size of the 18-seat buses allows them to easily navigate smaller suburban streets where larger buses struggle. Feedback provided to Translink has been extremely positive and the TRC are hopeful and excited for the possibilities and convenience it will bring our community.

TransLink is currently running on demand trials in other areas across the state. On demand services currently operate in Logan, Mt Tamborine, Ipswich and Hervey Bay, along with Toowoomba.

To use the Kan-go service, residents must call their number, 1800 231 248, and pre-book their trips at least an hour in advance. For more information, head to the Translink website!

COVID-19 and Education: Response and What Happens Next

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted every aspect of our lives and that state of our education systems has been no exception. We have had university students complete entire years of their degree online over the last two years, zoom formals, online assessment on a scale we have never seen before.

According to UNESCO, by the end of March 2020 over 1.5 billion pupils or 87 per cent of the world’s student population across 165 countries had been affected by school closures caused by COVID-19. The impact on students has varied form jurisdicition to jurisdiction which some fear will create some discrepancies further down the track for students who suffered from signficant time periods of inattendance. In early May, only 3 percent of children in Victorian government schools were in attendance, whereas the Northern Territory had returned to normal levels of 79 per cent.

The difference reflects government advice in those states at the time, which in turn reflects a difference in infection rates. In addition, the most populous states of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland have had the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases, and authorities there have proceeded with a cautious, staggered reopening of schools. Further closures will likely continue as new cases arise in schools.

Educators and facilities have worked immensely hard to try and adapt to their unsual conditions over the course of the pandemic.. In a matter of weeks, schools have had to find and implement viable alternatives to the traditional model of teaching in a physical classroom.

However, COVID-19 has resulted in a very different form of school-led remote learning that comes with considerable challenges, including:

• reduced one-to-one engagement with teachers

• difficulty in ascertaining engagement levels of students

• restricted ability to monitor individual student progress

• increased level of oversight required from parents and carers (particularly for younger children)

• increased social isolation and reduced ability to support student wellbeing

• interruption to learning support for those children with additional needs

• differential levels of access to technology, including internet and devices, to support learning.]]

returning to a state of normalcy after the pandemic is not something that will be immediate. There will be lasting effects on the economy that will take time to mend. This will undoubtedly impact the education system as well. However, this does provide and intriguing opportunity for educators to look at new, innovative modes of pedagogy. It will be up to the educational institutions and governments to use these unprecedented times to their benefit in any way they can.

Foundation of a Community: The Importance of Infrastucture

All challenges to modern development depend on the need for reliable and efficient infrastructure. Concrete, steel and fiber-optic cable are the essential building blocks of the economy.

Infrastructure facilitates trade and powers businesses while also connecting workers and creating more employment opportunities within communities. It is the key to all sustainable and prosperous economic development. Further, it is essential for protecting communities and cities against the growing unpredictability of the natural environment. Quality infrastructure connects people to higher-level employment, education and healthcare opportunities, which promotes healthy economic growth. This is exactly the kind of thing we are aiming to support in our region so that we can watch the community continue to flourish and grow in the coming years.

What’s more, efficient public transport and access to clean energy significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Given the current state of the natural world, the transition to sustainable options in all facets of modern life will become essential.

Demographic and cultural changes are also calling for strong infrastructure. demographic and cultural changes, such as the aging and diversification of our society, shrinking households and domestic migration, underscore the need for new transportation and telecommunications to connect people and communities. The percentage of licensed drivers among the young is the lowest in three decades, as more of them use public transit and many others use new services for sharing cars and bikes.

The Australian government has committed to tackling infrastructure bottlenecks to help create the right conditions for sustainable economic growth and to enhance trade and investment opportunities across the region and we are determined to be ready and ahead of the curve when it comes to healthy economic growth and strong infrastructure.

Body Image Awareness Week: A Healthy Body is a Beautiful Body

Glossy magazines, social media and photoshop have made modern society a veritable landmine for men and women alike struggling with their body image and self-talk. When we are constantly bombarded with unrealistic beauty standards, it is easy for negative thoughts to creep in and unhealthy comparisons to be made.

While this issues generally affects women more prominently, it is not a solely female problem and often men struggle in silence. Approximately 91% of women are unhappy with their bodies and resort to dieting to achieve their ideal body shape.

This is a frankly horrifying statistic. Our bodies do so much for us and bless us with the ability to move, enjoy life and function. So, why are we conditioned to be so self critical? The simple answer is, we shouldn’t be.

We, as a society, must move towards and era of social acceptance. Towards, a society that is more health conscious than look conscious.

We are calling on the community to acknowledge that all bodies are important, and all bodies deserve politeness, honour and care from ourselves and from others. This is true in all circumstances, but particularly in spaces where people are affected by eating disorders.

Having an unhealthy relationship with your body can negatively affect you in a multitude of ways which is why we must all take steps to build a healthy relationship with our bodies. To start with, we can do three key things.

1. Reject Diet Culture

   dieting and diet culture proliferate the idea that thin/small bodies are more valuable and attractive. It often involves a pre-occupation with dieting and exercise to alter body size, and can extend to cosmetic procedures to achieve these goals. Failing to adhere to the standards of diet culture can cause anxiety, shame, worthlessness and in some cases, eating disorders. It can be hard to disentangle yourself from diet culture because it can be everywhere, from movies, TV, social media, advertisements, to health professional advice, family and social beliefs.

2. Cleanse Your Social Media

   Being constantly surrounded by ‘perfect’ bodies will only do negative things for your mental health and your progress. We must remind ourselves that we have complete control over who you follow and what you choose to watch. Put your mental health first and remove people who promote unrealistic beauty standards and negatively impact your body image.

3. Embrace and Rewire Our Thinking to Acknowledge Health At Any Size Principles

   We must affirm a holistic definition of health, which cannot be characterized as simply the absence of physical or mental illness, limitation, or disease. Rather, health exists on a continuum that varies with time and circumstance for each individual. Health should be conceived as a resource or capacity available to all regardless of health condition or ability level, and not as an outcome or objective of living. Pursuing health is neither a moral imperative nor an individual obligation, and health status should never be used to judge, oppress, or determine the value of an individual.

Circular Economy: What is it? Is it possible?

In honour of National Tree Planting Day, it seems only fair to talk about how we, as a society, might move towards a way of living in harmony with nature instead of how we currently choose to use the Earth, which, let’s be honest, is destroying it… rapidly.

Enter, the concept of a circular economy. The insurgence and popularisation of environmentalism have caused a few buzz words to pop up every now and again. Circular economy and zero waste living are definitely on this list, but many do not actually know what these concepts mean or entail. Often, vague statements with very little useful information are given which create further confusion and resistence in the face of climate action.

So, let’s break it down. Circular economy, also known as circularity, is a system that aims to tackle climate issues such as pollution, global warming, climate change and waste, by encouraging the reuse, repurposing, recycling and sharing of materials and goods. Instead of buying a new dishwasher when your old one stops working, try to have it fixed. Hand down old electronic devices to friends and family. Reupholster old or worn furniture instead of purchasing more.

We currrently live in a linear economy. We manufacture goods, use them and once they are of no more use, we throw them out and upgrade to a newer, shinier model. This is all well and good, except the toll on the environment is astronomical because the average lifespan of our belongings (phones, clothes, furniture) has dramatically decreased in past decades, meaning our average waste output has dramatically increased. The process is often summarised as “take, make, waste”.

The concept of circular economy posits that instead of discarding old or unwanted goods, we find ways to repurpose, reuse or fix them. This is generalised as the “take , make, dispose” system which puts any waste items through a waste valorisaiton which allows waste and energy to become input for other processes such as compost or scrapped parts used in other manufacturing.

Okay, now we have an idea of what a circular economy actually entails, here lies the million dollar question. Is it actually possible for the entire world to shift to a circular economy. The short answer, yes. However, whether the world will shift, is an entirely different story.

Many businesses have taken to employing circularity in their business models and while studies have shown that the transition from linear to circular can be a slow one, it is entirely doable. A large part of the battle with things such as this, is changing the societal mindset around them. It is, in large part, a mental gain. We must remind ourselves that the choices we make as individuals do matter and that we have a social responsibility to look after our home. Massive amounts of change have started with a single person.

We must ask ourselves: If not now, when? If not me, who?

Sustainable Infrastructure: Planning for Tomorrow's World

Rapid climate change is demanding innovative and sustainable ways of doing and accomplishing the things we do on a daily basis. Recycling rather than disposing, opting for energy efficiency, refusing to endorse unsustainable practices, and so much more. Implementing sustainable infrastructue into this everygrowing list of eco-friendly initiatives is essential for tomorrow’s world.

Sustainable infrastcuture restores, preserves and integrates the natural enviornment, inlcluding biodiversity and ecosystems, by supporting the sustainable and efficient use of natural resources, including energy, water, and materials.

It also limits all types of pollution over the life cycle of the project and contributes to a low - carbon, resilient , and resource - efficient economy. Sustainable infrastructure projects are ( or should be) sited and designed to ensure resilienc e to climate and natural disaster risks.

Infrastructure that is built now will determine ou r climate future . It is estimated that g lobally, 60% of carbon emissions arise from the construction and operation of the existing infrastructure stock and a further 35 – 60% of the future carbon budget will be taken up by infrastructure.

infrastructure is the backbone of development and as such, we must look forward with new and sustainable methods in order to ensure progress does not suffer for the sake of sustainability. Environmentalism is no longer a choice. It is an essential element to everything we do as people and we have a responsibility to ourselves and to our planet to take care of it.

Road Safety Week QLD: Use Your Street Smarts

Last week was Queensland’s Road Safety Week and as such, it seems like the perfect time to review and drive home, pun intended, some of the key takeaways from this year!

Motor accidents take the lives of thousands of people every single year. By April 2021, there were 301 road deaths in Queensland alone. It is vitally important that we, as a community, are constantly working to stay vigilant on the road and remain educated on safe driving techniques.

StreetsSmarts is a Queensland Government operated, real time education program designed to help people polish their road awareness and keep our roads safer. When it comes to road safety, the hard truth is – no matter how good we think we are, we can always improve. StreetsSmarts provides tips and tools to all road users—from cyclists to heavy-vehicle operators—because if we are on the roads, we have a responsibility to keep them as safe as possible.

Obeying road rules, following safety directions, minimising distractions and being present while driving will all help in achieving this goal. However, we also have a responsibility to watch out for our mates and other members of our community. Educate your children and young members of your community on the dangers of drink driving, drugs, fatigue, speeding and cell phone use. The death toll in young drivers is exponentially higher than that of older motorists and education is the best method for combatting this issue.

What’s more, taking a defensive driving course to keep your skills up to snuff is never a bad idea and will help give you a higher chance at staying safe in problematic or dangerous situations on the road.

We hope everyone stays safe on the roads and remember the more we use our street smarts, the safer our roads will be!

Cross-Cultural Tolerance and Understanding in Our Community

Multi-culturalism and diversity are some of hte greatest parts of being an Australian. We are able to proudly share in rich cultural traditions with people from every corner of the globe. Traditions, festivals, cuisines and religions dating back hundreds of years, shared through joint experiences and understanding.

Cultural tolerance and understanding is not always simple or easy. However, it is something that our society and community should aim to make pillars of the world we are trying to build and strive towards. Diveristy has benefits in all aspects of our lives. Just recently we posted an article looking at the tremendous benefits of diversity in the workplace but the advantages reach much further than this.

Understanding and being receptive of new cultures and ideas influences every aspect and facet of our existence. It allows us to expand our minds past our own upbringings and experiences and share in an netire world of possibility. However, despite all this amazing potential, this culturual eutopia is hard won.

Systemic racism and intercultural conflict have plagued every part of the world, including Australia. However, in the past few years, there has been a clear shift to open an inter-cultural dialogue and to move towards a world in which this diveristy is not only tolerated but celebrated. We have accomplished so much over the last hundred years. This is the next step and we all have a social responsibility to be part of it.

In the famous words of Jean Monnet, a French diplomat, “If I were to do it all over again, I would begin with culture.”

Looking After Your Mental Health During COVID-19

When news about the COVID-19 virus spread back in 2019, I don’t think anyone could have predicted the true impact it would have on the entire globe. If someone had told me back then that international travel would be locked down and people would be forced to stay in their homes for weeks on end, I would have stared at them like they had grown another head.

Sadly, the reality of this situation and these unprecedented times have left many people feeling helpless, directionless, and unsure of how to move forward. Given the recent lockdown in South East Queensland, it seems fitting to discuss how to put your wellbeing and mental health first during these difficult times.

Physical distancing and isolation inevitably leave people feeling alone, anxious, stressed, and worried. As human beings, we crave physical interaction with one another. Living without human contact and constantly worrying about maintaining social distancing measures is taxing on our mental health.

Being aware of how you’re feeling and knowing what you can do to look after your mental wellbeing is an important part of staying healthy during this challenging time. You must make a conscious effort to check in with yourself and seek out avenues to help maintain healthy self-talk. This can be through a support network of friends and family or through talking to a therapist.

Looking after your physical health is an essential part of maintaining your mental health. Regularly exercising and eating well will have a tremendous positive impact. Even during times of lockdown, it is important to keep this in mind. Stress and anxiety may also be negatively affecting your sleeping patterns but sleep is another essential ingredient to a healthy mind. If you struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, there are apps and programs at your disposal which may help.

Living in the virtual age is a blessing during this pandemic because it allows us to remain connected. Be proactive with video calling and texting your friends and family in order to satiate some of that need for human contact.

Maintaining a routine can be extremely difficult with restrictions changing at a moments notice but trying to establish solid rituals and routines are also useful tools when dealing with mental health because they give a sense of order and accomplishment to your day.

Finally, our last tip, is to give yourself a break every now and again. Step outside, get some fresh air and remember that you are handling this insane world as best you can.

We can help support eachother through this pandemic. If you see someone in need of help, reach out.

Domestic Violence: A Serious Problem Facing Australians

For many years domestic violence seemed to be swept under the rug as an unpleasant topic of discussion that one should not bring up during civilised conversations. However, when talking to police officers and lawyers alike, one discovers it is far from uncommon.

I once spoke to an officer who said that it was a blessing if they could get through a single night without having a domestic violence call come through. He said both men and women played the role of the abused and abuser and it was all too common for children to be involved.

Why then, was this such an unspoken about issue for so many years? Why aren’t there more resources to educate our society on how to prevent and protect people from this kind of abuse?

In recent years, the awareness in the media for domestic violence has increased exponentially and it has been rightfully recognised as an extreme problem in Australia. While it most definitely is not a singularly female problem, women often tend to be the victims of this kind of abuse and the statistics are plainly horrifying.

Statistically, 1 woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner. 1 in 3 Australian women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. 1 in 5 Australian women has experienced sexual violence. 71% of cases involving child homicide or death have involved household or domestic violence.

In order to prevent and erase domestic violence, we must first, as a community, make a conscious effort to understand it. Education is key. Prevention efforts should ultimately reduce the occurrence of DV by promoting healthy, respectful, nonviolent relationships. Healthy relationships can be promoted by addressing change at all levels of the social ecology that influence DV: individual, relationship, community, and society.

We all have a social responsibility to stop and help change these problematic behaviours by choosing to educate our youth and call out inappropriate behaviour. Bad things happen when good people choose to do nothing. We must rise as a community and as a region in order to help prevent this domestic violence epidemic.