What Toowoomba’s leaders learnt from their own fathers
FATHER’S Day is a special time for every dad in the Toowoomba region, including some of our community’s most notable citizens.
The Chronicle spoke to some of the city’s leaders across politics, business and community about the lessons their fathers taught them.
1. PAUL ANTONIO
GROWING up in a farming family, Cr Antonio reflected on the discipline and hard work ethic that his father Kevin instilled into him.
“He had an incredible focus on his family – he was the sort of man who absolutely admired my mother and was very respectful of every female he worked around,” he said.
“He taught me a lot of lessons – he guided me with wise words and I remember when he got pancreatic cancer and died in 1983 — he only lasted a few months.
“He became quite philosophical and shared some wise words.
“One of the things he said to me when he was dying was about (my son) Craig, who would’ve been nine at the time.
“He said I was doing well on the land but don’t spoil that boy.”
Ironically, Cr Antonio said his father wasn’t particularly keen on him entering politics, but adding that he was a firm believer in education.
“I was the first Antonio to pass Grade 10 — he believed strongly in education,” he said.
2. GEOFF MCDONALD
THE deputy mayor said he had learned many lessons from his notable father John “Cracker” McDonald.
Cr McDonald described his dad as his hero.
“I have been blessed with amazing parents who earn ‘hero’ status in my mind,” he said.
“A few of the common phrases and ultimately life lessons dad continues to impart (include) to put your shoulder to the wheel, be kind to each other and be grateful for small mercies.
“Being humble in victory and gracious in defeat, placing the needs of others before one’s self, respecting differences of opinions, share a meal with friends regularly and laugh often are all examples of dad’s influence.
“Dad has been a leader of influence and is proof that achieving great heights in one’s endeavour is best achieved when one keeps their feet firmly on the ground.”
3. KATE VENABLES (CatholicCare)
ONE of the leading voices in the region’s social services service, Mrs Venables said her desire to help vulnerable people was driven by her father.
“Three things that come to mind: a love of words and their meaning (he was a Latin teacher as a young man), a strong interest in the history of people and place, and an unwavering faith in the call to act for others who cannot act for themselves,” she said.
Mrs Venables said fatherhood should be based on unconditional love and guidance.
“I believe that fatherhood does not have to mean a blood relationship, but it does mean, at its best, the deep and unconditional love that has an inbuilt protection and desire for a father to support their child to flourish,” she said.
4. BRAD FITZGIBBONS (Fitzy’s)
POPULAR Toowoomba publican Brad Fitzgibbons learned the trade from his father John, who is still the owner of Fitzy’s Toowoomba.
Mr Fitzgibbons said his dad
played a huge role in shaping his work ethic and dedication to business.
“He taught me about work ethic and respect first and foremost, not just in a work space but in all aspects of life,” he said.
“Oh, and that things just don’t come to you in life — if you want something you’ve got to go out and grab it with both hands and he wasn’t wrong.”
Mr Fitzgibbons said fatherhood today was more involved than in previous years, but always based on love and support.
“As a proud father-of-four I strive to give them opportunities that they may not have had otherwise and to guide them away from making the same mistakes that I did growing up,” he said.
5. LIZZIE ADAMS (Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement)
INDIGENOUS health advocate Lizzie Adams won’t be able to spend Father’s Day on Sunday with her dad Len
Gaulton, who lives in Charleville.
But the CEO of Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement said she still recalls the key lessons the father-of-seven imparted onto her.
“He taught me that to get along in life you got to have a job to earn your money — (he also) taught me how to drive,” she said.
She said fatherhood was about being a mentor who wasn’t afraid to show their true feelings.
6. NAT SPARY (Base Services)
BASE Services co-ordinator Nat Spary has a complicated relationship with Father’s Day, since he admits to knowing his father very well.
But he said the occasion is a chance to celebrate the relationship he has with his own sons.
“I really believe that it’s one of the most important jobs,” he said.
“I believe that with mental health as such a big issue, we have to have fathers that are gentle, an example and always encouraging.
“I remember a comment I said to my son, which was ‘you’re doing better than you think you are’.”
7. ALI DAVENPORT (TSBE)
AS the CEO of the region’s top economic advisory group, Ms Davenport said her father taught her not to take life too seriously.
“My dad is probably the most upbeat person I know — he’s always got a twinkle in his eye, ready with a new joke and he brings a lot of laughter and cheekiness wherever he goes,” she said.
“He’s interested in people and is the kind of guy that will try to make the person working in the supermarket laugh.
“If you’ve ever met a friendly, happy, whistling, jovial bloke who went out of his way to find out your story and make you laugh, then you’ve probably met my dad.
“He’s also really smart and his general knowledge is great for quizzes. I love him to bits.”