More than 300 people march in Toowoomba’s Labour Day parade

Saturday morning shoppers stopped to applaud and admire more than 300 unionists marching through the CBD.

More than 300 people joined in the Labour Day march through Toowoomba’s CBD Saturday morning.

After a flag-raising ceremony on the Village Green and a rousing rendition of Solidarity Forever lead by Pat Menz, the unionists march set off north along Ruthven St before turning west into Margaret St and completing the block along Victoria, Herries and finally back to Ruthven St.

Union members before the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The chanting and singing of the various union members attracted the attention of Saturday morning shoppers, many of whom stopped to applaud in support or just admire the spirit of the marchers.

The CFMEU contingent in particular was very vocal as they made their way through the CBD.

The unionists and supporters heard passionate speeches from a range of people including Queensland Council of Unions Toowoomba president Ronnie Weston, QCU acting general secretary Jacqueline King and QCU president Kate Ruttiman.

Ingrid Powderham marches with Together Union at the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

State Minister for Police and Corrective Services Mark Ryan joined the march in Toowoomba along with former Attorney-General and Member for Toowoomba North Cr Kerry Shine and Labor candidate for Groom Genevieve Allpass.

After the parade, the marchers and supporters gathered for a family day at the Armitage Centre.

Bella Green (left) and Kris Shred march with the TWU at the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

ETU member Mel Street listens to the speakers before the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Genevieve Pearson (centre) leads QTU members at the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Hudson Fearo and Luisa Mark march with the AMIEU contingent at the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

TWU members call for transport reform at the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Queensland Council of Unions Toowoomba president Ronnie Weston speaks before the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Jade Ingham leads the CFMEU members at the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Marching with the AMIEU members are (from left) Isaiah, Kayden, Jonah, Makenna and Daniel Clarke at the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

A union member wears a AWU Vote Yes Voice shirt at the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Marching with the AMIEU members are (from left) Jonah, Makenna, Daniel, Isaiah and Kayden Clarke at the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

AFULE secretary Michael McKitrick with Arkin McKitrick and Natalie Bower listen to speakers at the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Queensland Council of Unions acting general secretary Jacqueline King speaks before the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Queensland Council of Unions honorary president Kate Ruttiman speaks before the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

James Downie marches with the AWU at the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Brenda Heskett holds the flag at half-mast before the Toowoomba Labour Day march, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer