Toowoomba to be declared Refugee Welcome Zone

Details

Created on Tuesday, 18 June 2013 08:22

Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 June 2013 17:23

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will become the third local government area in Queensland to become a "Refugee Welcome Zone" on June 22.

A Refugee Welcome Zone is a Local Government Area that has made a commitment in spirit to welcoming refugees into the community, upholding the human rights of refugees, demonstrating compassion for refugees and enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community.

This public commitment is also an acknowledgment of the tremendous contributions refugees have made to Australian society in the fields of medicine, science, engineering, sport, education and the arts.

"We are proud to recognise the work of families, schools, churches and service providers who have made Toowoomba a place of welcome for refugees over the years," TRC Mayor Paul Antonio said.

"In joining Brisbane, Townsville and 80 other welcome zones across the country we also recognise the extraordinary courage and resilience of people who have sought protection in our community. We have doctors, nurses, teachers and engineers who have all made a new life for themselves in Toowoomba.

"We are all the richer for their contribution to our community."

By making this declaration, it is hoped that local government will be encouraged in their continuing efforts to support the men, women and children who make the difficult journey to Australia to seek our protection.

The Refugee Welcome Zone initiative began in June 2002 as part of Refugee Week celebrations.

At the time, 15 councils and shires in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia were declared Refugee Welcome Zones.

This year, TRC is partnering with other lead agencies (Multicultural Development Association; Toowoomba Diocese Social Justice Commission; Toowoomba Refugee and Migrant Support (TRAMS-Centacare), SQIT and their communities) to celebrate Refugee Week.

On Saturday, June 22, Cr Antonio will officially declare Toowoomba a Refugee Welcome Zone, along with Mr Bobby Whitfield - a member of the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA).

This declaration will be part of the "Walk Together" community event that will start from the Village Green (behind Toowoomba's City Hall) at 12.45pm.

Multicultural Development Association CEO Ms Kerrin Benson said Walk Together was about promoting the message that refugees and migrants are welcome in Australia.

"We see everyday the overwhelming support that exists in the community for refugees and asylum seekers," Ms Benson said.

"This event is about showcasing this support and giving people a public and fun way to demonstrate it.

"The event is also about walking in solidarity with the millions around the world who walk every day to escape conflict and persecution, and for basic survival.

"This is a public event and we invite everyone to come down and join in. It's a great opportunity to help celebrate the friendship, the respect and the strong ties we share with the many different cultures that call the TRC region home," Cr Antonio said.

For more information contact:

• Roberto Garcia - Toowoomba Regional Council - Community Development Officer – Multicultural 4688 6300 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Mark Copland - Catholic Diocese Social Justice Commission – Executive Officer - 4613 0895 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Toowoomba Regional Council News - June 19, 2013

Details

Created on Wednesday, 19 June 2013 11:51

Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 June 2013 12:08

This week's video news segment will include the following:

• Toowoomba to be declared Refugee Welcome Zone,
• Residents to be notified about waste collection changes,
• Why access to City Hall has temporarily changed,
• Mayor to brave the chills for Sleepout,
• And how you can win $8000 worth of prizes.

Click on the video below to watch this edition of Council News.

Ravensbourne roads top priority following rain

Details

Created on Friday, 14 June 2013 16:30

Last Updated on Friday, 14 June 2013 16:30

Toowoomba Regional Council contractors will work over the weekend to continue repairing roads in the Ravensbourne area adversely impacted by a combination of recent wet weather and the materials used in rebuilding them.

Infrastructure Committee chair Cr Carol Taylor acknowledged the community frustration at the current state of roads in the Ravensbourne area.

"Council takes full responsibility for this and is already moving to rectify those areas impacted by the unfortunate combination of road materials and weather conditions," she said.

"The gravel on the newly repaired roads comes from Taylor's Pit and, when combined with saturating rainfall, causes the road surface to become muddy and slippery in sections."

Read more: Ravensbourne roads top priority following rain

Residents to be notified about waste collection day changes

Details

Created on Friday, 14 June 2013 14:39

Last Updated on Friday, 14 June 2013 14:53

Residents across parts of Toowoomba as well as Highfields and surrounding areas will be notified directly about any changes to their waste collection days.

Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste Projects portfolio leader Cr Nancy Sommerfield, pictured, said changes to some collection days and some recycling weeks would affect residents in parts of Toowoomba, Highfields, Blue Mountain Heights, Kleinton, Cawdor and parts of Cabarlah from July 1.

Read more: Residents to be notified about waste collection day changes

Video conferencing offers public better access to Council

Details

Created on Thursday, 13 June 2013 15:44

Last Updated on Friday, 14 June 2013 16:18

Communicating with Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will now be even easier after the launch of a new video conferencing project today.

Speaking at the service's launch at City Hall, TRC Mayor Paul Antonio said the project aims to provide a faster and more convenient communication channel for members of the community to contact and interact with Council.

"This is a great initiative and will allow the public to directly contact Council officers through a video call and booking facility," Cr Antonio said.

Read more: Video conferencing offers public better access to Council

Nominations sought for two Advisory Committees

Details

Created on Thursday, 13 June 2013 14:26

Last Updated on Friday, 14 June 2013 08:47

Members of the community with an interest in either active and public transport or the Toowoomba Aerodrome are invited to nominate for Council advisory committees.

Nominations are being sought by close-of-business Monday, July 1 for the new Regional Active and Public Transport Advisory Committee (RAPTAC) and the new Toowoomba Aerodrome Advisory Committee (TAAC).

Read more: Nominations sought for two Advisory Committees

Pay pet registration by June 30

Details

Created on Thursday, 13 June 2013 12:51

Last Updated on Friday, 14 June 2013 16:19

Toowoomba region pet owners are reminded to renew animal registrations by June 30.

Residents with new animals or who have moved to the region are responsible for ensuring animals are registered with Council.

Council also appreciates pet owners updating registration details if they are leaving the region or when a pet dies.

"Having animals registered is the best way to help reunite owners with lost pets," Toowoomba Regional Council Environmental Health portfolio leader Cr Sue Englart said.

"Registration is compulsory for all cats and dogs across Queensland, including the Toowoomba region."

Read more: Pay pet registration by June 30