CHRONICLE COLUMN – EMPOWERING THROUGH CONNECTION – 25 MARCH 2025
The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce continues to strive to be a pillar of our vibrant business community, leading initiatives that inspire growth and inclusiveness.
Our Business Connect Program is a standout program supported by the Queensland Government. Over the past two years the program has had 160 participants with 96 securing employment and 160 have completed the Toowoomba Chamber ready for work program.
Our new project is called the Yarn Mentor Connect Advocate. This Skilling Queenslanders for Work project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government. The project’s primary goal is to support First Nations women over 18 through culturally sensitive, non-accredited training. It’s a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering meaningful partnerships between First Nations women and local businesses, paving the way for collaboration and empowerment.
Key highlights include:
· Employment and Training Connections: Creating opportunities for participants and local businesses to connect.
· Cultural Exchange: Sharing the richness of First Nations heritage to foster mutual respect and understanding among business leaders.
The initiative’s hands-on collaborative approach that proposes three transformative projects:
· Native Herb & Sensory Garden Upgrade at Murray Gardens, Cobb+Co Museum to enrich experience incorporates cultural heritage and practical skills;
· Native Cooking Class On Country Project: Showcasing Indigenous cooking traditions while fostering community engagement; and
· First Nations Art Project: Celebrating creativity through art, connecting participants with Toowoomba’s cultural fabric.
The intent of these initiatives is to offer real-world opportunities to build skills, connect with mentors, and strengthen ties with Toowoomba’s business ecosystem. By integrating Indigenous cultural knowledge into the heart of these projects, the program supports participants’ development while celebrating the unique contributions of First Nations women.
The Yarn Mentor Connect Advocate Project is our commitment to inclusive growth. Connecting people to business by embracing cultural exchange and collaboration.
We aim at the Chamber empowers individuals and builds a united community ready to thrive together. Want to know more? Want to get involved? Email admin@toowoombachamber.com.au
