History shows way to move forward
MEMBER for Groom John McVeigh is a student of the region’s history and believes the lessons of yesteryear continue to drive Toowoomba forward.
From a multi-generational Downs family, he spent his early years on a grain farm near Jondaryan and started school at Jondaryan State School.
He moved to Toowoomba to complete his education at St Joseph’s and finally Downlands College.
“I have a lot of great memories growing up on the farm,” Dr McVeigh said.
“Even after moving to Toowoomba we spent a lot of time on the farm and out about on the Downs as many of my extended family are still involved in agriculture.”
“I took a slightly different path working in agribusiness which took me all around the world, but as is often the case when you come from this area, I kept being drawn back to the Downs,” he said.
Dr McVeigh and his wife Anita raised six children on the Downs and although they are now studying and starting careers they have a ‘sneaking feeling’ they will all keep returning to the top of the range.
Dr McVeigh’s father was a Federal politician in the 1970s and 80s, but it was not a path the Member for Groom initially saw for himself.
“I loved what I did as an agribusiness consultant, but many colleagues encouraged me to first have a tilt at Council and then move to State and finally Federal politics,” Dr McVeigh said.
“They encouraged me, given my passion for the region and my years of experience in community, education and regional development groups.
“I just know I am extremely humbled to serve
this region and will continue to push hard to get the Downs recognised on the national stage.”
Dr McVeigh is also a student of local history and believes past lessons are still as important today.
“I was a small boy when the Jondaryan Woolshed
celebrated its centenary.”
“My forebears in the McVeigh and Meara families were leaders in agricultural activities and I am fascinated to see the Toowoomba railway’s historic role in national logistics in the late 1800s now being repeated through the Second Range Crossing, Wellcamp Airport and Inland Rail.
“There are many examples of far-sighted vision from our city’s past — our city’s forefathers believed hard work, seizing opportunities and embracing change were the keys to success.”
Dr McVeigh hopes to continue this tradition and help foster growth, prosperity and innovation.
“The Downs has so much more potential to be a leader for regional Australia and a driver of the national economy,” he said.
❝
I hope that we can continue this tradition and help foster growth, prosperity and innovation in our region.
— Member for Groom, John
McVeigh