Celebrating those who helped shape our great Garden City
SOMETIME back, I was contacted by Mr Garry Chew who inquired as to whether I would be willing to pen a few words for an upcoming book titled High Vis Toowoomba which was to be a celebration of the people who helped shape the Garden City.
I didn’t really think I’d helped shape the Garden City, but it seemed to be a nice offer, so I agreed.
Garry said he was co-ordinating 60 older (cheeky bugger!), locals to tell their stories for Word Fest Toowoomba which is a festival about writing, authors, poetry, illustration and wordplay for all ages and tastes.
I “penned,” and finally got to meet Garry in Queen’s Park for a photo session – and the camera didn’t lie, I am an older person!
Garry put these five questions to each contributor:
1. About you
2 Your contribution to the Toowoomba Community and/or personal achievement
3. Your favourite pastime or place to go in Toowoomba
4. Your message to young people about the future
5. What you see as Toowoomba’s strengths
On Monday of last week, Mrs J and I attended the book launch at Oaks Hotel.
We were treated to some wonderful presentations coordinated by the inspirational/funny/ caring Master of Ceremonies Kim Cahill of “Toowoomba and Darling Downs.”
First up was Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement CEO Lizzie Adams who delivered a traditional “Welcome to Country” and told of her life, her struggles and the struggles of Indigenous Australians.
Toowoomba Region Councillor
Don’t go to the coast, that salt water will make you rust!
James O’Shea was next and he recounted his life, told of his adoration of his mum and dad (I reckon Pat, RIP was the best racecaller in Australia) and how wonderful it was to be born and raised here.
Pharmacist Molly Bell, though initially reluctant to speak, was the star of the launch as she told her brave tale about infant medical issues, tragedy, triumph and academic pursuit to land her where she finds herself today – if you’re ever looking for an after-dinner speaker, keep Molly in mind.
And then came the launch and a group photo with many of the High Vis team, and I confess I only knew Michelle Alroe, Graham Barron OAM, Lindsay Booth, the Betros family, Jo Capp, Sue Englart, Roberto Garcia, Greg Kowald, Rowes, Muhammed Haniff Bin Razak, the Taylor family, Cr Carol Taylor and Simon Underwood, which demonstrates that our real heroes don’t beat their own drums.
And my message to youngsters? When you finish school or tertiary studies, stay here where it’s still a country town, though a tad bigger, and there are plenty of jobs. Don’t go to the coast, that salt water will make you rust!
Buy the book, it’s only $20, at www.wordfesttoowoomba.com.au/ book-store/