Alcoholics Anonymous celebrates 75 years of supporting Toowoomba residents

Toowoomba Alcoholics Anonymous will celebrate its 75th anniversary this weekend.

Toowoomba’s Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship is celebrating 75 years of helping people recover one day at a time.

Queensland’s first Alcoholics Anonymous began in Brisbane City in 1947. A year later, it was introduced in Toowoomba with the first meetings held in homes with small groups of people.

Now Alcoholics Anonymous Toowoomba run sessions twice a day with more than 150 current members.

A spokesman for AA said people from all walks of life come to the fellowship. Whether they have been sober for 50 years or one day, everyone was welcome and supported.

“Over the years, we’ve had thousands of people come in with a desire to stop drinking,” the spokesman said.

“Alcoholics Anonymous is a very healthy part of the fabric of Toowoomba … quietly going about its business helping those who need it.”

“It’s purely voluntary work … helping a collection of people who know they want to improve their lives.”

Across the 75 years, Alcoholics Anonymous has stuck to what it does best, by providing support and guidance to those who wish to change their lifestyle.

“I think the biggest change occurred during the pandemic. Covid forced face-to-face meetings to move online,” the spokesman said.

“Though we’ve returned to in-person, online meetings are still held regularly.

“It’s really helpful for elderly people who can’t leave their house, women who don’t want to attend at night, and people who live in rural towns.”

This weekend, the annual Toowoomba October Rally will have extra significance, celebrating the 75 years. From Friday evening until Sunday lunchtime, guests will hear from speakers, listen to live music, and enjoy great food and company.

For more information on Alcoholics Anonymous and for information on local meetings head to their website.