Mayor’s plan: from Garden City to ‘Compassionate City’

TOOWOOMBA has always been called the Garden City, but would we want to be known officially as the “Compassionate City”?

That’s the question Mayor Paul Antonio wants to ask of his colleagues and the general public, saying he was bringing a proposal to the council soon.

Under the plan, the council would promote the city and the region for its compassionate nature and community spirit.

Cr Antonio said the idea, pitched to him by Metro Care Toowoomba’s Matt Gregg, was in response to the incredible work done with refugee re-settlement and also support for people battling homelessness, addiction and domestic violence.

“I have to praise the work of all the agencies around here, but I’m particularly impressed with the work of the Christian churches and the compassion they have for this community,” he said.

“It’s not unique to Toowoomba, but I think we have a particular way to do it.

“I think you’d also find that we did the 200-a-year refugee re-settlement plan very well.

“Certainly a discussion on (re-branding the city) is war- ranted. I’m thinking about bringing something to council.”

Cr Antonio added that he didn’t want to disregard Toowoomba’s existing names, such as the Garden City.

Not all have agreed with the Mayor’s idea, with an online poll from The Chronicle revealing more than 80 per cent believed Toowoomba already had enough nicknames and monikers.

“Paul don’t change what ain’t broke,” Alan Sawyer comment on Facebook.

“No, it has always been known as the Garden City not the Compassionate City,” Betty Hopkins added.