Toowoomba husband and wife guest speakers at 2019 Mayoral Prayer Breakfast

A Toowoomba husband and wife will be the first guest co-speakers for the Mayoral Prayer Breakfast at Rumours International on Tuesday, May 14.

CatholicCare Social Services South West Queensland Director Kate Venables and her husband, Anglican Bishop for the Western Region Cameron Venables, pictured, will share the stage at the 2019 Mayoral fundraiser.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio today also announced proceeds from the 27th annual function would be donated to Hear and Say and Eva’s Place.

Tickets are now on sale. (see full details below).

“Kate and Cameron, who have three adult children, are dedicated to helping people across our community through their respective leadership and pastoral roles,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Our region is fortunate to have numerous support services that assist people who are experiencing difficulties in different aspects of their lives.

“These organisations also organise and support a range of activities that add greater richness to our lives, especially for young people, migrants who are settling in our city and senior citizens.

“I look forward to hearing about how they deliver their caring services and how other residents might be able to offer assistance in some way.”

The couple draws on an impressive work history across social services, teaching and theology in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Mayor Antonio said he was pleased funds from this year’s breakfast would be distributed to help clients of Hear and Say plus Eva’s Place.

Hear and Say is a Queensland-wide charity with a mission to help families achieve optimal outcomes for their children with hearing loss by teaching them to listen and speak.

Eva’s Place is a not-for profit, community agency that supports women facing unintended, crisis or unsupported pregnancy.

From the earliest days of pregnancy until their baby is 12-months-old, women and teens can access free, confidential services which include pregnancy consulting, counselling (including counselling for pregnancy loss), mentoring, baby goods and a support group.

“The Mayoral Prayer Breakfast has the distinction of being one of the few events of its kind in Australia that is completely supported by its home businesses and organisations with proceeds delivered back to a chosen charity,” Mayor Antonio said.

“The function highlights the everyday work of many community and charity groups that often goes unnoticed by the wider community.”

Mayor Antonio paid tribute to suppliers and sponsors who continued to provide priceless assistance to the fundraiser.

“Many supporters, such as TAFE South West, Rumours, numerous food suppliers such as Betros Brothers and hospitality students from St Saviour’s and St Joseph’s College, have been loyal and valuable backers from the first function. I again thank all business people and volunteers for contributing to the function which has raised almost $290,000 for more than 30 charities in this region.”

Residents are invited to join the community breakfast at Rumours International, 323 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba from 6am on May 14.

Prices are $25 for adult tickets and $12 for school-age children.

Tickets can be purchased at Council’s Little Street Customer Service Centre in Toowoomba from 8.30am to 5pm on weekdays.

Tickets also can be bought by calling 131 872 or via Council’s website by visiting www.tr.qld.gov.au/breakfast 

All credit cards, except Diners Club and American Express, can be used.