New Toowoomba crime forum announced, closed to wider community

A follow-up crime roundtable has been announced to keep discussing Toowoomba’s continuing crime woes. But unlike the crime forum earlier this year, only a select few will get a seat at the table.

Following the explosive Toowoomba Crime Forum in February, government officials will return in October to provide an update on what is being done to reduce crime.

But this time there will be a curated guest list.

The community has been calling for change following the death of avid photographer Robert Brown, who was allegedly robbed in a broad daylight assault outside Grand Central Shopping Centre.

Robert Brown.

The crime shocked Toowoomba and sparked the Queensland-wide Enough Is Enough youth crime campaign that demanded the state government to make juvenile justice a top priority.

The next crime forum, hosted by the Safer Toowoomba Regional Partnerships, will be held on Friday, October 6.

A Queensland Police spokesman said Toowoomba victim advocates, business and government representatives will attend the roundtable alongside Police Minister Mark Ryan and Commissioner Katarina Carroll.

“The roundtable will provide a forum for continue discussions on (current) strategies to support community safety in Toowoomba … (and) enable the continual development of future strategies,” he said.

Toowoomba mayor and safer Toowoomba Regional Partnerships president Geoff McDonald said the council supported the event.

“Council welcomes the opportunity for victims of crime and community organisations to raise their concerns and speak directly with senior Police, including Commissioner Katarina Carroll, and Police Minister Mark Ryan,” he said.

“The establishment of the Co-Responder Youth Teams is a welcome initiative that offers confidence to the community that effective work is happening on the ground.”

Mayor Geoff McDonald chairs at a special meeting – Friday, July 28, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Darling Downs District Officer Superintendent Doug McDonald, who will also be in attendance, said crime rates were falling.

“While even one instance of criminal offending is one too many, I’m encouraged by the progress we are making in Toowoomba through the various strategies we have put in place,” he said.

“This roundtable will help us continue to build on the significant work that has been done to address local challenges.”

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said her department made a commitment to the Toowoomba community which resulted in a raft of local initiatives being implemented.

“We know that being a victim of crime can be life-changing and it can really impact people on many levels,” she said.

“That is why the QPS has switched its focus to ensure that we are always taking a victim-centric approach to our work.”

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll, acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler and Assistant Commissioner Charysse Pond listen to Mr Geoff McDonald at the Toowoomba Community Safety Forum at Empire Theatres, Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The forum announcement comes as police reveal a statewide operation has led to nearly 400 Darling Downs offenders being charged with more than 700 alleged crimes.

Operation Victor Unison has resulted in more than 6700 people being charged across the state with more than 11200 offences – including 2300 juveniles being arrested on 4400 charges.

A key part of the operation includes “extreme high visibility patrols”.

Nearly 10,000 of these have been done across the Darling Downs.

In the Darling Downs, 385 adults have also been charged with 744 offences while 186 juveniles have been charged with 328 offences.

Originally published as New Toowoomba crime forum announced, closed to wider community