CHRONICLE COLUMN – Backing Our Charities Is Backing Toowoomba’s Future
Toowoomba is home to some of the most dedicated and impactful charities in regional Australia—Momentum Mental Health, Hope Horizons, and Protea Place among them. These organisations aren’t simply filling gaps in the system—they are doing the critical work of saving lives, restoring dignity, and building a stronger, more resilient community.
But they cannot do it alone.
As we head into a federal election, the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce urges all candidates and parties to prioritise sustained, meaningful investment in local, frontline charities. These organisations aren’t just compassionate; they are cost-effective. They prevent long-term burdens on health, justice, and welfare systems by addressing challenges early and holistically.
Right now, Momentum Mental Health is at risk of losing funding despite years of transformative work in mental wellbeing. Hope Horizons continues to deliver vital cancer wellness support, and Protea Place remains a safe haven for vulnerable women—all while operating under increasing financial and regulatory strain.
Local business, volunteers, and donors show up every day. It’s time our elected officials do the same.
This election offers an opportunity. A chance for political leaders to demonstrate they are listening to regional communities like ours. By backing our charities, they are not just funding services—they are investing in people, in potential, and in the future of Toowoomba.
The Chamber calls on state and federal representatives to ensure that these essential organisations have the security and support they need to continue their work. Because when our charities are strong, our economy, our workforce, and our community are stronger too.
And that’s something every candidate should stand behind.
What are your thoughts? Are the elected officials in our region doing enough for our local heros? Email admin@toowoombachamber.com.au
