The Centenary festivities to be held in the Newtown Park on Sunday, November 3 from 10am will feature a demonstration by the Australian Lighthorse Association, maypole dancing, a barbeque lunch, grand parade, devonshire teas, children’s rides, flag raising and a history talk.
The book “A Breathing Space for the People: Newtown Park 1913-2013” by Regina Albion and Lorraine Schiller details the fascinating history of the park and will be available for purchase during the celebrations.
The original (but refurbished) spade used by Mayor Hagan of Newtown Town Council to plant a tree in the park in 1913 will be on display during the event.
Cr Sue Englart said it was important to acknowledge the significant role the park has played in Newtown’s history. “The land was originally purchased as a ‘breathing space’ for citizens in 1913,” Cr Englart said. “Since then, Newtown Park has certainly fulfilled its purpose.
“It has hosted vital World War 1 and 2 activities, been used by many different sporting and community groups, and been the source of great enjoyment for local green thumbs, tourists and countless young people who have grown up in the shade of its beautiful trees.
“I encourage everyone to come along and help us celebrate this beautiful park on its special day, Sunday November 3rd.”
Toowoomba Regional Council received a State Government grant of $100,000 for a centennial monument within the park and set aside $236,032 in Council’s budget for improvements within Newtown Park to prepare it for the Centenary celebrations. A new flagpole and lighting at the plinth has been erected this year to commemorate the Centenary.
Submitted by:
Madeleine Tiller
Online Communities Officer
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Toowoomba Reginal Council
