REPORT FROM BARRY: 12 March 2009.

The city of Toowoomba is Australia’s largest non capital inland city and is located in the State of Queensland (Qld). It has a population of close to 100,000. On March 15 2008 the city amalgamated with the seven Shire Councils to form a new Regional Council for 200,000 people. This is the largest amalgamation in Queensland. The GSE team met with the new Mayor, three of his councillors and the CEO.
The 2050 community plan was released last September. The City is proud of being named The Queensland Tidy Towns winner in 2007. The Garden City is an example of community-driven environmental improvements and sustainability in the regional and rural areas. An example of this is the continued high priority for the dwindling water levels and supplies and the respective management strategies (the storage dams are at 10% of capacity).

Visit to Browns Falls near Killarney SE Queensland

Geoff, President of host club, Rotary Club of Toowoomba East, appears to be having a cooling shower under the Browns Falls, during the team visit to Browns and Queen Mary Falls.

Inquisitive lizard checks out the team on way to Browns Falls near Killarney SE Qld.

A rarely seen lizard had a close look at the team as they passed along creek bed on way to Browns Falls.

Team visits Cobb and Co museum in Toowoomba

Team leader Barry at the mural of a Cobb and Co coach used extensively throughout Eastern Australia in the 1800's. [Cobb and Co had similar services to Wells Fargo in USA.].. Many coaches and horse drawn vehicles are preserved at the museum along with local history items and memorabilia from long ago, plus exhibits from Aboriginal history.

GSE team visits Toowoomba's Scented Garden - for visually impaired - built by Rotary Club of Toowoomba East

The team enjoyed a stroll through the scented gardens accompanied by GSE organiser and host 'dad', coach driver, Ross W.

WARWICK on way to Queen Mary Falls 7 March

Cheryl and Kristi take on a little sustenance prior to long walk to Browns Falls and Queen Mary Falls. SE Queensland.

All complaints re photos and comments - refer Graham. (on behalf of Barry)

Visit to Queen Mary Falls Via Killarney SE Queensland

Barry in deep discussions with Rotary hosts at Spring Creek Mountain Cafe

Susanna enjoys a ride on a koala bear after a long trip from Toowoomba to Killarney (Sat 7 March.)