City service recognised Power 100 nominations from readers
‘‘ PETER AND ELEANOR HAVE SPENT DECADES ADVOCATING FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE CITY’S HISTORIC STREETSCAPES.
THE community knows best the people who influence and shape their lives.
And that has become clear with The Chronicle’s inaugural Power 100 series released in full at the weekend.
The comprehensive, yet subjective, list called for nominations of the men and women - and families - who have influenced your lives and earned your respect and recognition. So here are some more. This week, The Chronicle will profile the powerful people as nominated by you, so keep the nominations coming to news@thechronicle.com.au this week, with why they should be on the list. PETER CULLEN
THE Toowoomba Regional Council’s mantra is “Rich Traditions, Bold Ambitions”.
Toowoomba Historical Society committee member Peter Cullen embodies that ethos.
A regarded historian and authority on Toowoomba’s past, Mr Cullen pioneered the immensely popular Tombstone Tours which run as part of the annual Carnival of Flowers.
Some people joke Mr Cullen must know all the secrets of the dead at the city’s resting places including the Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery as he can wander the grounds and rattle off the stories of tragic accidents, war-time heroes and community milestones.
But he understands and appreciates there is always more to learn about the past, and over the years has strived to tell and inform the public.
Mr Cullen is a sought-after genealogist to help trace family lineage through the ages and discover untold stories of people’s forebears, as well as family entities and interesting individuals.
In submitting his name for inclusion on The Chronicle’s Power 100 community list, Mr Cullen’s nominator said his “wealth of knowledge is second to none and his quiet efficiency ensures no historic fact or event is not recognised and preserved”.
Mr Cullen and his wife Eleanor are considered living treasures by those who know them and appreciate their work.
“Peter and Eleanor have spent decades advocating for the preservation of the city’s historic street-scapes and the city deserves to acknowledge their enormous contribution towards the maintenance of the city’s liveability,” the submission stated.
DAMON PHILLIPS
ROYAL Agricultural Society of Queensland CEO Damon Phillips has deftly steered the region’s agricultural show movement through a turbulent time.
Battling rising cost of living, adverse weather in Toowoomba and pressure to deliver value for money, Mr Phillips has faced the difficult task of ensuring the lasting legacy of the Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Show.
And with so many factors beyond his control, Mr Phillips has each year stood up and proudly promoted the annual event in Toowoomba.
As a staple on the state’s show circuit, and one of just a handful of royal shows across Australia, it’s a mammoth undertaking but one whose future appears in steady hands under his tenure.
Mr Phillips is also secretary of the RASQ Harness Racing Club. DON’T miss the next instalment of The Chronicle’s Power 100 as nominated by the community online tomorrow at thechronicle.com.au.