The Ergon Energy Tidy Towns Regional Awards (Darling Downs) were presented recently in Toowoomba at Marks Courtyard, City Hall with Toowoomba Regional Council towns featuring prominently.
Two of the awards were secured by Oakey:
1. The OneSteel Recycling PARTNERSHIPS AWARD
Over 130 agencies and individuals are partners involved in the Oakey Jigsaw initiative. The social problems of the town were highlighted and Health Services, indigenous workers, Toowoomba Regional Council, State Government, churches, community groups, sporting clubs, Emergency Services, employment services and the University of Southern Queensland all had valuble input into a plan to address Oakey’s problems. They all worked together to understand each other’s roles, the services they were able to offer, and shared knowledge to ensure Oakey’s future is positive and productive.
2. YOUNG LEGENDS AWARD
One of the outcomes of the Oakey Jigsaw projectwas the formation of the Oakey Traditional Dance Troupe which consists of between 30 and 40 children and teenagers led by a 16 year old who knows that it is “OK to be aboriginal in Oakey.’ The Troupe has performed at Oakey, Toowoomba (with John Williamson) and Dalby Shows and a number of other community events. Very positive outcomes from this initiative include the boost to the childrens’ self esteem and a very noticeable attitude change amongst Oakey’s aboriginal youth.
Audio Report – Gordon Patterson speaks with David Totenhofer, Lorraine See and Jennifer Wharton.
