What’s happening?
Breakaway Toowoomba Inc. will celebrate its anniversary on 25 March 2026, with a formal event followed by an informal celebration.
The event will bring together community leaders, staff, clients, families and supporters. Guests will hear from Breakaway Chair Shane Kamler, Acting CEO Rodney Watton and Toowoomba Regional Councillor Melissa Taylor.
Cake and refreshments will follow the launch, with guests invited to stay and celebrate the milestone together. Interviews and photo opportunities will also be available at the event.
As part of its celebrations, Breakaway is also seeking Expressions of Interest for a community-wide All Abilities Fun Day.
The proposed event is intended to be welcoming, accessible and joyful. It is designed as a day where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can come together, connect, take part in activities and celebrate inclusion in the community.
Breakaway is inviting people who would like to help shape the event, as well as those interested in contributing through entertainment, activities, workshops, stalls or other ideas.
Why it matters
Breakaway began in 1986 as a small family-led initiative created by families seeking better opportunities and inclusion for people with disability.
Since then, it has become a long-standing part of the Toowoomba community, supporting people with disability to live with greater independence, choice and connection to their community.
Chair Shane Kamler said the anniversary was a chance to reflect on the organisation’s beginnings and the people who helped build it.
“Breakaway began with a small group of families who believed their loved ones deserved greater opportunity, dignity and inclusion. Forty years later, that same vision continues to guide our work and inspire the services we deliver across the region.”
Acting CEO Rodney Watton said the milestone belonged to the wider community as well.
“This anniversary is really about recognising the people behind the journey, the clients and families who trusted us, the staff who bring compassion and professionalism every day, and the community partners who are as passionate as we are about a truly inclusive community.”
The BTI40 program also points to the future, with the organisation planning activities across 2026 that recognise its history while continuing its focus on inclusion.
Local impact
The proposed All Abilities Fun Day is being shaped as a community event with inclusion at its centre.
Breakaway is looking for people living with disabilities, family members and carers to help guide the development of the event through a Community Reference Group.
Their lived experience is expected to help ensure the event reflects the needs and voices of the community it celebrates.
The organisation is also welcoming interest from individuals, artists, performers, community groups, organisations and activity providers who would like to contribute.
For Toowoomba, that creates space for a wider community event built around participation, connection and accessibility.
By the numbers
- Breakaway Toowoomba Inc. is marking 40 years in 2026, reflecting four decades of disability support across the Toowoomba region.
- The organisation is seeking interest from two groups, a Community Reference Group and event participants, performers and activity providers.
- The BTI40 launch program will feature three speakers, with remarks from Shane Kamler, Rodney Watton and Councillor Melissa Taylor.
Zoom in
The call for Expressions of Interest gives the community a direct role in shaping one of the BTI40 activities.
Breakaway wants guidance from people with lived experience, while also opening the door to creative contributions from performers, artists, groups and activity providers.
That approach keeps the event focused on the people it is intended to celebrate.
Zoom out
Breakaway’s story began with families who wanted better opportunities, dignity and inclusion for their loved ones.
Over time, that local effort grew into an organisation that has remained part of the region’s community life.
Its 40th anniversary reflects both that long history and its ongoing role in disability support across Toowoomba.
What to look for next?
The official BTI40 launch will take place at 3 pm on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
The event will also outline activities planned throughout 2026 as part of the anniversary celebrations.
People who want to help shape the All Abilities Fun Day, or contribute ideas, can complete the Expressions of Interest form here:
BTI40 All Abilities Fun Day – Expressions of Interest Form: https://forms.office.com/r/RKQUewxXt1