Students come to table for Family Week
THE loud ringing of the old Wagner family dinner bell brought in a group of primary school students to the Come to the Table Family Week launch.
The year six students from Christian Outreach College joined with members of the Family Week committee and other dignitaries at InBound Brasserie Platform to signify the importance of having dinner with your family.
The bell, from Family Week patron Mary Wagner, was the same one used to call her own children to dinner.
Committee member Cr Geoff McDonald said coming to the table was important for a number of reason but science had proven it boosted child vocabulary, reduced obesity and medical conditions, improved behaviour, enhanced relationships, improved academic achievement and saved money.
“So that’s why coming to the table is so important and it comes in all shapes and forms as well,” he said.
“We, of course, have the school family; we have all different groups as well that come together as families to celebrate in the broader sense of the word.”
Year six student Ellie Muller was one of the students seated around the long table morning tea yesterday.
With two younger brothers and a sister, she knows the importance of family.
“(It’s about) being kind and loving and caring for one another,” she said.
“Just having lots of people to help you and have fun with.”
Family week was officially launched by Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio who said Toowoomba was known across the country as being one of the most family-friendly cities.
Family Week will be held from October 22-30. The goal is for businesses, clubs or individuals to organise an initiative, activity or event which recognises the importance of families.
For more information and to get involved go to familyweek.com.au.