CONTENTS
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welcome
Welcome to the 6th edition of BOLD. In this edition, we’ve put a
spotlight on volunteers - the people in our region that make our days
just that little bit brighter. There is no doubt that we are indebted to
the tireless work of hundreds of volunteers who enhance our region’s
art galleries, museums, libraries, cultural centres, visitor information
centres, parks and so many more of our facilities.
We’re deep into winter now and despite the chill, things are
brightening up around the Toowoomba Region. To begin with, we have
heard the wonderful news that the Federal Government has allocated
$8.4 billion for the Inland Rail Project. This will see more than 75% of the total estimated cost of
the project completed. The efficiency that comes with rail will make our local producers more
competitive and create thousands of jobs in the coming years.
Toowoomba Camellia Show
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Looking forward to the next few months, our region comes alive with winter themed events
including the Camellia Show in July, the Languages and Cultures Festival in August and the
68th Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, which our events team are busily preparing for and just
like you I’m eagerly looking forward to ten days of flowers, food and fun!
Thank you for taking the time to catch up on what’s happening across the region in BOLD.
Finally, I would love to hear your feedback about BOLD. If you want to share your thoughts on
this publication, visit yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/bold
TOOCON Pop Culture Festival
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Mayor Paul Antonio
Cr Paul Antonio
MAYOR, CHAIR - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
P 07 4688 6433 F 07 4631 9170 M 0429 954 109
E [email protected]
35 Years In Local Government
HIghfields Men’s Shed
I’m proud to have recently reached the milestone of 35 years in local government. The
reasons I joined all those years ago are the same as why I love my job now. I wanted to give
something back to the community and see our region get the recognition it deserves.
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When I first stood for Council in my home community of Millmerran, I was encouraged and
supported by a number of good people and these people still inspire me today. Former Shire
Chairmen (who would be known as Mayors today) Bert Andersen, Reg Whitbread, Viv Saal
and George Ezzy were remarkable mentors as they selflessly served their community. My role
as Mayor of the Toowoomba Region looks very different to those early days in Millmerran,
but there are core components that never change –it will always be about service to the
community and leadership.
Winter Art Workshops at TRAG
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CHANGE
PROJECT
The Change Project
My local government journey has been extremely rewarding. I believe achievement and
success is only possible when people work together. Therefore, I want to place on the record
my thanks for the supportive and hardworking teams of people I have worked with over the
years. I’m not just talking about the CEOs and Managers, but the hundreds of officers who
go about serving our residents. From the librarians and parks crew to the customer and
finance service staff, construction and maintenance teams and every local government role in
between, all of which make a difference to the liveability of our community. I consider myself
very fortunate to have worked, and continue to work,
with these brilliant people.
Our region’s future is very bright and it is an honour
to serve as your leader.
Mayor Paul Antonio
Cover image - Street art, Domestic Lane
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Mayor Antonio as Mayor of Millmerran with Millmerran Shire CEO Roy Flynn
www.tr.qld.gov.au/bold
BOLD.