Residents and businesses offer support to woman assaulted at Clifford Gardens

In a generous turn of events, residents and businesses have joined forces to assist victims of crime, including an elderly woman recently assaulted at a popular shopping centre.

The Toowoomba community has rallied together to assist victims of crime, after a recent attack left the region shocked.

Toowoomba mum Kelly Skowronski was left horrified after she learnt an elderly woman was assaulted and robbed by two teenage girls at Clifford Gardens.

“It’s really sad that this is the world our kids are now growing up in, and I would like them to be impacted by the kindness in the world, rather than these horrible things that are happening to people,” she said.

“With the increased crime and all the negativity in the world, I thought it was time that we show there is positivity and good people in the world.”

(from left) Paul Wiedman from Paul Wiedman Electrical, Robbie Hawkswell from Platinum Glass and Security and Kelly Skowronski are on a path to help a victim of crime. Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Ms Skowronski has encouraged people to participate in acts of kindness, particularly for the elderly woman and others impacted by crime.

Residents have offered to accompany her when shopping, offer her comfort and support while others have offered to add additional security to her home.

“It’s incredible to see the variety of people who are wanting to help and show their own acts of kindness,” Ms Skowronski said.

“Even if it’s as little as a comment of we’re thinking of you, it doesn’t have to cost money to show someone that they’re still important and you still care and there is still good.

“I wanted her to know that she has support, she’s not alone and there is still good with us and in our towns.”

Paul Wiedman of Paul Wiedman Electrical has offered to supply and install security cameras free of charge on the woman’s home.

“When it happened, I thought what if that was my parents or my grandparents … I would do whatever I could to protect them and make them feel safe,” he said.

“She has had a traumatic experience, so hopefully this can give her piece of mind and help her sleep better.”

Mr Wiedman said security cameras played a vital part in haltering attempted break-ins to his property twice in the past month.

“The cameras picked them up and scared them off … who knows what would have happened if we didn’t have those,” he said.

Friend of Mr Wiedman, Robbie Hawkswell of Platinum Glass and Security offered to provide and install a Prowler Proof ForceField security door free of charge for the woman.

“It’s not nice when you see anyone (being impacted) … but it’s even worse when you see elderly people in our area being targeted,” he said.

“This is a way to give back, and if nothing else, if it gives this lady piece of mind and to know she’s safe, that will play a huge piece in her recovery.

“Let’s get this done and do it together (Toowoomba).”

Ms Skowronski said the overwhelming support for those impacted by crime had been heartwarming, and she hoped people pave the way through the negativity.

A Toowoomba Acts of Kindness page has been created to help those impacted by crime, and hopefully reach the woman and her family.