Community feedback helps refresh Australia Day events

The results are in on how the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) celebrates Australia Day with nearly 270 people providing feedback through the Australia Day Survey. TRC Acting General Manager for Finance and Business Strategy Ms Ann Marie Ryan said the feedback on our local Australia Day events was generally positive. “The feedback shows that the community loves celebrating Australia Day, but with a few tweaks we can make it even better,” Ms Ryan said. “Aussies celebrate our national day on January 26 in different ways, and the survey responses will help us continue to run Australia Day events that best meet the needs of our local communities. “The survey feedback has given us some great insights into our communities’ views of these events. In particular, the results tell us that residents would like: - to keep the events local - to keep local award categories - more variation of activities from year-to-year - more seating - to keep the tradition and sense of community - eco-friendly products (cutlery and merchandise) - more activities suitable for children - acknowledgment of traditional owners. “While Council has oversight of the celebration structure, the respective Australia Day community committees organise and run the existing ceremonies and the awards selection and presentations. “The results will be reported to the new Council with suggestions gained from the community feedback on how to celebrate our national day.” For more information about Australia Day, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/australiaday