Toowoomba youth crime: Residents, leaders leave tributes, flowers for CBD assault victim Robert Brown

Physical tributes of flowers have already started appearing at the site of Robert Brown’s violent assault in the Toowoomba CBD, ahead of a major community safety forum on youth crime.

The Toowoomba community has expressed its sadness at the death of Robert Brown, a week after he was brutally assaulted in the city’s centre.

Flowers started appearing on Tuesday at the spot of Mr Brown’s alleged assault on Margaret St outside Grand Central Shopping Centre on February 6.

The incident sent the 75-year-old photography and motorsport enthusiast into cardiac arrest, leaving him in a critical condition in hospital until he died on Monday.

Three teenagers have been charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, however following his death police are expected to upgrade the charges, following the results of a post-mortem report.

The Chronicle is encouraging residents to leave flowers to honour Robert Brown who died as result of injuries suffered in an alleged robbery outside Grand Central, Tuesday, February 14, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mr Brown’s death, which sparked a backlash over youth crime culminating in a state government forum at the Empire Theatre on Wednesday night, led to an outpouring of grief from major politicians and community leaders.

The Toowoomba Photographic Society, of which Robert was a member, said Mr Brown was talented and kind-hearted.

Photographer Robert Brown. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“Robert was known for his unique eye and ability to capture beauty in everyday moments, and he had a passion for photography that was evident in every one of his works,” it said on social media.

“Robert’s loss is a significant blow to the photography community, and his work will be greatly missed.

“He had a keen eye for detail and was able to capture the essence of his subjects with his camera.

“Robert was not just a photographer, but a friend, a mentor, and a source of inspiration for many.”

Opposition leader David Crisafulli said he was “deeply saddened” to learn about the Toowoomba region’s loss.

Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki passed on his condolences to Mr Brown’s family, calling his death a “tragedy that should have never happened”.

His Toowoomba North colleague Trevor Watts said the community had been “shaken” by the assault.