“A lot of good comes out of the hearts of Toowoomba people.”

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Peter Taylor made the candid assessment when presenting the proceeds of this year’s Mayoral Prayer Breakfast to beneficiary representatives on Wednesday, October 21.

Cr Taylor presented cheques for $5390 each to Sunrise Way vice president Robert Ketton and Good Sports Toowoomba project officer Andrew Allpass.

The charities, chosen by the Mayoral Prayer Breakfast committee in consultation with the Mayor, offer dedicated drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education programs. Cr Taylor said it was a coincidence the chosen charities worked in a similar field.

“These programs are about saving lives and addressing attitudes to drugs and alcohol,” he said.

“As a passionate advocate for young people, I fully support these programs. The charities’ education and rehabilitation message extends to people of all ages by showing how to live and have fun without alcohol and drugs.”

Cr Taylor thanked residents for supporting the breakfast. In its 17-year history the function has raised almost $200,000 for a range of charities.

“Apart from financial contributions, the function relies on generous donations of goods and services from many faithful sponsors.

“All the food suppliers pitch in year after year. TAFE does a wonderful job on the morning with its hospitality students.

“The entire function underlines the strength of community support for worthy charities.”

Mr Ketton said subject to negotiations, Sunrise Way was on track to open its doors to clients next year. He said the organisation was finalising discussions for operational funding.

“Sunrise Way has had fantastic community support and when fully operational it will be able to cater for a maximum 15 male and 11 female clients,” Mr Ketton said.

The facility, which is run by a non-government community organisation, will cater for the assessment, referral and rehabilitation of people recovering from alcohol and other drug dependencies in a therapeutic community.

Good Sports is a non-profit program supported by the Federal Government’s Department of Health and Ageing and by the Queensland Government via Queensland Health, the Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation Services) and the Treasury’s Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing.

The free program offers sporting organisations specific training and education covering the responsible service of alcohol. Members are guided through training to help clubs reach accreditation requirements. Mr Allpass said the funds would help promote the program to interested groups.

Clubs wishing to find out more about the Good Sports program can contact Andrew Allpass on 0402 285 689 or by visiting the website (www.goodsports.com.au).

Caption: Good Sports Toowoomba project officer Andrew Allpass (left) and Sunrise Way vice president Robert Ketton accept Mayoral Prayer Breakfast donations from Mayor Peter Taylor and Mayoral Prayer Breakfast committee chairman Pastor Ian Shelton.