Toowoomba has joined the well-known international cities such as Beavercreek in Ohio, Dangamvura in Zimbabwe, and Moron in Argentina, to be officially named an International City of Peace.
The city was officially granted the title at a ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Saturday.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said he was excited to join the International Cities of Peace movement alongside the other 452 international cities.
“Toowoomba is the second city in Australia to carry the International City of Peace title which is something to be very proud of,” Mayor McDonald said.
“This will be our community’s legacy to building peace and it will represent our ongoing efforts towards social inclusion and cultural understanding.”
“As a Refugee Welcome Zone for over a decade, it is only fitting we are also designated as an International City of Peace.”
Hawksbury in New South Wales is the only other Australian city to be included in the list.
Becoming the state’s first recognised of peace was a community-led initiative. Haniff Abdul Razak of Pure Land Learning College Association and Dr Uma Kumar of the Toowoomba branch of Heartfulness Institute Australia applied to the International Cities of Peace Board on the city’s behalf.
“I’m delighted this is something our community has pursued it makes this accomplishment even more special. It shows our community has a true desire for peace,” Mayor McDonald said.
Pure Land Learning College, which teaches local and international students the practice of Buddhism, have been instrumental in establishing the Toowoomba Youth Peace Group, the Goodwill Committee and the Toowoomba Interfaith Working Group.
The Toowoomba branch of Heartfulness Institution Australia have been an equal supporter of these programs which have advocated for social cohesion and stronger intercultural relationships.
Dr Uma said becoming an International City of Peace was a vision of more than 20 years.
“Receiving this award was an extraordinary honour,’’ Dr Uma said. “Peace is something we strive towards in our everyday lives and now we have a title which proves our dedication.
“We couldn’t be happier.”