TRC thanks volunteers, partner groups for devoted service

Published on 22 May 2026

Performing useful deeds for the community, gaining personal satisfaction and making friends motivates 100-year-old Ray Addison to volunteer with The Friends of the Escarpment Parks.

Mr Addison this week was joined by a couple of hundred Toowoomba Regional Council-managed (TRC) volunteers and fellow volunteers who are involved with TRC partnership groups, such as The Friends of the Escarpment Parks, at a thank you function timed for National Volunteer Week (May 18-24).

Mr Addison and his late wife, Eunice, joined The Friends of the Escarpment Parks in 2004 after arriving in Australia from England a year earlier.

“I saw an ad for volunteers, and after meeting the Friends’ president, I was given a trowel and started on conservation programs in the bushland parks,” Mr Addison recalled.

Apart from his efforts in Redwood Park, Duggan Park, Hancock Street Park, Nielsen Park and numerous other Toowoomba bushland parks, Mr Addison also served as the group’s treasurer for many years.

“Volunteering really made me feel part of the Toowoomba community,” Mr Addison added.

Tyson Chapman, a current Toowoomba Regional Youth Leader, said volunteering with the youth program helped him gain valuable experience, reference leads for future jobs and the enjoyment of helping other people.

“Volunteering offers a lot of opportunities to be involved in projects and activities such as events for Youth Week and pool parties. The involvement also builds relationships,” Tyson said.

TRC Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald and fellow Councillors thanked TRC volunteers and TRC’s partnership groups for their service.

Mayor McDonald said the celebration was a fitting way to recognise the extraordinary service provided by volunteers, with the 2026 theme, Your Year to Volunteer.

“Whether welcoming visitors, helping preserve our heritage, guiding young people, supporting community celebrations, caring for bushland and natural places, assisting in our museums or galleries, or contributing to advisory committees and working groups, our volunteers are making a meaningful difference for residents,” Mayor McDonald said.

“National Volunteer Week is a chance to turn the attention on our volunteers and thank them for the tremendous commitment they display and pride they take in serving the wider Region.

“Our Region is also fortunate to have volunteers who serve in countless other community organisations that help residents every day.”

More information about volunteering with TRC programs can be viewed at, www.tr.qld.gov.au/volunteer

Caption: Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald congratulates Ray Addison for his voluntary efforts with The Friends of the Escarpment Parks. (top)

Cr James O’Shea with Toowoomba Regional Youth Leader Tyson Chapman.