All the charities awarded grants through the The Queensland Community Foundation‘s 2023 Toowoomba Regional Community Fund

Nearly $50,000 has been distributed to 11 charitable organisations across the Darling Downs in a bid to support the projects which will assist the community in various capacities. Details here.

Nearly $50,000 has been distributed to 11 charitable organisations across the Darling Downs in a bid to support the projects which will assist the community in various capacities.

The Queensland Community Foundation awarded the grants through its 2023 Toowoomba Regional Community Fund, to help strengthen the community and reduce social disadvantage.

Cystic Fibrosis Queensland

Cystic Fibrosis remains one of the most common, life-shortening and chronic illnesses in the country with Cystic Fibrosis Queensland supporting more than 1000 people across the sunshine state, as well as Northern NSW and the Northern Territory.

Established in 1960, the not-for-profit organisation helps raise awareness and funds for research, education, equipment, support programs and welfare subsidies and advocates for improved healthcare and medication options for patients.

The genetic condition affects the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems with symptoms including a chronic cough, wheezing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, frequent lung infections, poor growth and difficulties with gaining weight.

In the timeframe Petrina Fraccaro has been the chief executive officer of the foundation, new modulator drugs have become available in Australia for people living with Cystic Fibrosis.

Petrina Fraccaro.

While there is currently no cure for the condition, research has shown the game-changing medication helps to promote normal functioning of the body’s cells, manage symptoms, improve quality of life and extend one’s lifespan.

“It takes real bravery to live with a chronic illness and I cannot help but admire our community,” Ms Fraccaro said.

“People living with cystic fibrosis are amongst some of the most resilient and tenacious people I have ever met. 

“Life extension continues to expand, and we will not rest until we have a cure.”

With no designated government funding for the condition, individuals generally cover the hefty treatment costs with patients from low-socio economical backgrounds reporting worse health outcomes and lower life expectancy.

Toowoomba lawyer Connie Arundel after her successful double lung transplant for her cystic fibrosis.

Meanwhile, the charity relies heavily on donations with Cystic Fibrosis Queensland receiving a $4000 grant which will be used to help subsidise the electricity bills of members - 20 of which reside in Toowoomba.

“People living with Cystic Fibrosis use airway clearance and medical equipment as part of their daily regimen to manage their condition,” Ms Fraccaro said. 

“We wanted to make sure that the cost-of-living crisis didn’t impact our members ability to maintain clinical adherence.”

The charity also received funding from the Heritage Bank Foundation this year, which was used to purchase personal nebulisers for members.

mainly music

Music makes the world go round and one nationwide program which has been running for more than three decades, is set to change the lives of refugee and Indigenous families through a new upcoming project in Toowoomba.

The mainly music organisation was first established in New Zealand in 1990, followed by Australia in 2000, and aims to assist young children through musical activities.

Melbourne-based visionary Jo Hood said while she was not sure when the program was first established in Toowoomba or how many families it had helped, it had proven to be successful.

mainly music visionary Jo Hood.

“mainly music exists to create joy-filled communities of belonging, together with others, like churches and agencies,” she said.

“Families are under extreme pressure these days - I consider toddlers and teenagers to be the highest pressure point areas. 

“We’re not skilled to support families with teens but we have been supporting families with toddlers for over 30 years.”

In addition to improved learning outcomes for children, the program also assists parents, carers and families to connect, form friendships and overcome isolation.

A group participate in the mainly music program.

Ms Hood said the grant would be used to bring a new project to the region, designed to assist refugee and Indigenous families in Toowoomba by connecting pre-school aged children and their families with others.

We received a portion of what will be required to establish an on-going service in conjunction with the Wilsonton Community Centre,” Ms Hood said.

“We’re hoping that (the) establishing of mainly music for refugee families and families of Aboriginal heritage will then inspire others to financially join.”

OzHarvest

 

With cost of living pressures on the rise, OzHarvest Australia’s big yellow food van is feeding a significant need across the country, as well as Toowoomba and the surrounds.

The food rescue operation has been operating in Toowoomba and Gatton since 2017, and supported more than 20 charities and delivered more than 1.3 million meals locally.

Nationally, the organisation prevents 250 tonnes of food from going to waste every week and delivers the groceries to 1900 charities for free.

Oz Harvest driver (far left) Gareth Walpole delivers food to Paula Caid (centre) and Bea Kressig.

OzHarvest’s Queensland engagement manager Celeste Schubiger said the delivery service was extended from two to five days a week in October 2020, due to high demand.

“We’re currently delivering over 220,00 meals every year, thanks to 28 local food donors and a team of volunteers,” Ms Schubiger said.

“The rising cost of living is impacting so many new people and demand for food relief is higher than ever… many of the charities we support could take double the amount of food to meet demand.

“Seeing the positive impact our food has on the community is heartwarming and gives us the motivation to keep doing what we do every single day.” 

The $2750 grant received will be used to help fund defensive driver training courses to ensure the safety of drivers.

Gab (left) and Naomi from Protea Place receive a food delivery from Oz Harvest.

Ms Schubiger said the organisation relied heavily on donations from corporate partners, local funders and the general public with every dollar received allowing the service to deliver two meals to someone in need.

While the demand remains high, the state’s engagement manager said OzHarvest was at “absolute capacity” in Toowoomba.

“The daunting rise in demand due to the cost-of-living crisis means that there’s much more to be done to ensure no one goes hungry in Toowoomba, but we can only do it with the assistance of the community,” she said.

“We learned that local charities, who are on our waiting list, are forced to travel to Brisbane to secure food. 

“This is particularly heartbreaking seeing that Toowoomba is one of Australia’s food bowls, producing so much of our fresh and nutritious food.

“The local community can contribute by donating food, their time and or money so that we can continue to nourish the Toowoomba community.”

The Lighthouse Toowoomba

 

Children’s literacy charity The Lighthouse Toowoomba was one of the organisations to receive a $3500 grant to recreate its Hello Baby Calendar initiative for the second time.

Chief operating officer Emily MacManus said the engaging program involved children aged eight years and under drawing pictures to represent a healthy lifestyle.

The exercise which promotes connect, being active, keep learning, be aware and help others as the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’.

The Lighthouse Toowoomba captain Emily MacManus (left) and lighthouse keeper Emma Mactaggart with Hello Baby! 2023 calendar. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“This gets the children thinking about wellbeing and creating drawings on how to implement these in their lives,” Ms MacManus said.

“We then choose 12 to be printed into a beautiful calendar along with helpful links, organisations and phone numbers for new parents.

“The calendar is distributed to the new babies born at The Toowoomba Hospital (to serve as) a beautiful gift to the newest members of our community from some of the youngest members of our community.”

Since opening its Margaret St building in early 2022, the Toowoomba charity has engaged with more than 7800 people, run hundreds of children’s workshops and rehomed almost 10,000 books to children in need.

The Lighthouse Toowoomba captain Emily MacManus (left) and lighthouse keeper Emma Mactaggart with Hello Baby! 2023 calendar and entries in the 2024 edition. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Passionate about removing barriers for families and encouraging young people to express their creativity, Ms MacManus said the charity offered literacy-based workshops to ‘children in crisis’ at no cost.

In addition, The Lighthouse also showcases the region’s artistic talent in its exhibition space The Write Gallery.

“We believe that by fostering a love of reading and the arts, we can make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in our community,” Ms MacManus said.

“My favourite part of the job is seeing the ripple effect on children’s lives that will lead to huge positive waves of change in their future.”

The charity is working to launch several new and exciting projects including a narrative therapy based program, a Read to Lead initiative which encourages parents and carers to start reading to children at an early age and several upcoming exhibitions.

The Older Men’s Network (TOMNET)

 

More than two decades ago, eight blokes established The Older Men’s Network (TOMNET) to help their mates who were struggling with the change of routine after entering retirement.

Whether it’s helping men regain a sense of independence and meaning or putting them in touch with a like-minded support network, TOMNET’s Retired Blokes Program covers all areas.

Offering physical, emotional and social support to men over the age of 50, the community-based organisation has more than 265 members aged between 50 and 93 years.

TOMNET general manager Shannon Wade said every day she was inspired by group members and their willingness to help others.

Shannon Wade.

“Without a plan, some men struggle with the loss of their role, identity, purpose, sense of contribution and achievement their career gave them, and it’s not uncommon within two years of retirement when the ‘to do lists’ are done, many start to wonder what’s next,” Ms Wade said. 

“Retirement can also trigger a range of emotions - some of which can lead to depression, anxiety, anger, and suicidal thoughts, with one man over 65 dying by suicide every day in Australia.

“I find joy and inspiration in the meaningful work (our members) do, the positive impact they create, and the opportunities they have to make a difference in the lives of the communities they serve. 

“Seeing real-world outcomes for our members such as improved mental health, increased social engagement, and enhanced overall quality of life is extremely fulfilling.”

The grant valued at $2500 will be used to purchase laptops for members who will use it for learning and connection purposes in the organisation’s information hub and for programs.

Volunteers will also be able to use the laptop on weekly excursions to aged care facilities, along with guest speakers at monthly meeting presentations.

TOMNET members (from left) Nev Bambrick, John Slack-Smith, Jim Aulbury and Stan Carroll prepare the club barbecue trailer, Thursday, August 10, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Before the not-for-profit was awarded the grant, TOMNET’s existing laptop was nearly a decade old, had reduced function and usability and the repairs or upgrades to the device were not economically viable.

In addition to weekly meetings, events, barbecues and other programs, TOMNET also offered volunteering opportunities which support older men and disadvantaged youth in Toowoomba.

The organisation’s Intergenerational Program continues to grow and the not-for-profit has now connected with the Mothercraft Childcare Centre, Newtown State Primary School, Centenary Heights State High School.

Meanwhile TOMNET volunteers are mentoring participants at the Toowoomba Flexi-School and through the PCYC’s Braking the Cycle Program.

“These programs make a significant impact on the lives of older men and foster a sense of community, purpose, and well-being,” Ms Wade said.

“The Intergenerational Programs provide opportunities for children to learn from and connect with the older generation and it gives older people a sense of purpose and helps to reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness.”

When they are not mentoring Toowoomba’s youth, TOMNET volunteers can be found manning the barbecue at various charity events, as well as the BMS Mitre 10 on Stenner St every second Saturday of each month.  

You Belong

 

With almost a lifetime of humanitarian experience under his belt, Tim Buxton has always been passionate about helping people in need.

The founder of You Belong started the organisation in 2017, and was living in Iraq with his family and helping refugees who had escaped ISIS, at the time.

With more than two decades of experience working in the field, Mr Buxton said the heartfelt work was part of his “DNA” after growing up in a family full of Christian missionaries.

“The day we landed was the same day ISIS invaded Iraq so about two million people landed on our doorstep because they were desperate for help,” Mr Buxton said.

When asked to describe a moment which ignited his desire to make an impact, Mr Buxton said he was inspired by “the little things” and “every time” he spoke to someone.

“We welcome and empower newly settled way makers and families in Toowoomba, who through no fault of their own, have lost everything - and some of them are victims of the most atrocious things you could witness,” he said.

“Seeing the progress someone has made from when they first arrived to excelling, prospering and creating a meaningful life is pretty amazing.

“If you’re looking for it, the inspiration screams at you every single day.”

You Belong founders Timothy & Sarah Buxton.

Every quarter, Mr Buxton and his team put together a Welcome Picnic to embrace refugees and celebrate their arrivals with a feast, cultural dancing, musical performances and fun children’s activities. 

The organisation also facilitates programs including cooking and art, to further empower new Australians by either learning or teaching a new skill and building social connections.Through these initiatives, the founder said attendees were able to build social connections, learn different cultures and work towards filling gaps in the settlement process.

“For us, it’s all about giving these incredibly courageous families who now call Toowoomba home, the tools they need to strengthen and address the emotional and mental trauma they have experienced,” Mr Buxton said. 

“We also want to help them to overcome unique challenges they face and provide a welcoming and supportive environment through connection because emotional wellbeing is fundamental.”

The Toowoomba team, which consists of three part-time employees and dozens of volunteers, most of who have lived experience as former refugees, also invite members of the Indigenous community to honour the custodians of the land.

Covering the costs of the food, venue hire, children’s entertainment and a cook, the organisation was awarded a $4000 grant.

The You Belong Welcome Picnic in Toowoomba.

Mr Buxton said he was working to grow the Welcome Picnic events and increase greater community involvement.

He said he also hoped to expand the organisation across South east Queensland to broaden the impact and help as many people as possible.

Passionate about helping refugee women to feel independent and empowered, the founder said he had also started a mentoring program for learner drivers.

Calling on members of the community to volunteer as supervising drivers, Mr Buxton said the role would simply involve sitting in the car with students and helping them build their hours to ultimately get their licence.

“We don’t want women to be stuck at home or unable to pick their children up from school - we want to see these women be independent, drive on the road safely and help serve them in their new lives,” Mr Buxton said.