Toowoomba celebrates peace
THE International Day of Peace will be celebrated in Toowoomba’s Laurel Bank Park from 1pm on Saturday with a host colour and community.
A collection of Toowoomba community groups have organised the day including Toowoomba Regional Council, Heartfulness Institute of Australia, City Lions Club, Goodwill Committee and Pure Land Learning College.
“The theme of the day is ‘Advancing in Peace’,” explained chair Dr Uma Kumar.
“It will be a casual, family day of community.”
While this was the first of its kind in Toowoomba, Dr Uma said it was hoped to make the day an annual event.
The group is part of a push to make Toowoomba a “Model City of Peace and Harmony” under the United Nations banner and the group has already received permission to use the United Nations Association Australia logo.
“The United Nations wants it to be global, but we do it in our own pocket,” Dr Uma said.
“The UN is about inclusivity and community, and this is the start for us.”
Haniff Abdul Razak of Pure Land College said for some years Toowoomba had been striving to be recognised as a Model City of Peace and Harmony.
“We represent a mini United Nations,” he said.
Saturday’s celebrations will kick off at 1pm in Laurel Bank Park with music by the Yakety Saxes Band, followed by a welcome to country and an address by Mayor Paul Antonio.
The afternoon will have a range of entertainment including The Irish Club Session Players, African group Adonal Choir, the Hridayam School of Dance Bharatanatyam and the U3A Chinese Dance Group.
Community leaders will also address the crowd.