What’s happening?
Mark O’Brien has been appointed President of St Vincent de Paul in Toowoomba, leading efforts to support locals facing hardship.
The Allora resident brings a lifetime of experience, from serving as a mayor to helping establish the Save the Bilby Fund. He has also been part of an internationally touring band.
“I’ve had a life full of opportunities. It would be wrong if I didn’t do something with them,” Mr O’Brien said.
He will work alongside new Executive Officer Mark Copland, who is a lifelong social justice advocate.
“From our Members on the frontline of support, to the volunteers in our Shops, to those who donate or purchase from our retail centres, we all have an important role to play in making a difference to locals doing it tough,” Mr Copland said.
Why it matters?
Demand for support across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs continues to rise, driven by higher living costs and housing pressures.
“It’s been a very challenging time for St Vincent de Paul in the Darling Downs with rising rent costs, rising costs of living and a growth in locals facing homelessness,” Mr O’Brien said.
“But it’s also an exciting time for us to rise to the occasion, form new local connections with the community and each other and remind each other why it’s so important for us to help people in need.
“I feel lucky to be in this position.”
By the numbers:
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More than 35,000 locals were supported across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs in the last financial year, showing strong community reliance on services.
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Support demand has increased by more than 65% since 2020 to 2021, highlighting the sharp rise in hardship across the region.
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Mark O’Brien has been a St Vincent de Paul member for 48 years, reflecting decades of involvement in community support work.
Zoom in
Mr O’Brien said strengthening connections with First Nations communities will be a priority.
He has spent “40 beautiful years” working with Aboriginal communities in the western Downs.
“Being able to spend time with First Australians has been one of the joys of my life,” he said.
“I am keen to help our Society do more reconciliation work and walk ever more strongly beside our first Australians.”
Mr Copland also brings experience in this space, currently serving on the Board for the Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Company.
Zoom out
Toowoomba remains one of the Society’s biggest growth areas for need in Queensland.
The rising demand reflects broader pressures, including housing costs and cost-of-living increases across regional communities.
Local Impact
The new leadership team is expected to strengthen local support networks, from frontline assistance to volunteer and retail operations.
Youth programs are also a key focus.
“We have an incredible team of young servant leaders in Toowoomba, and we want to support them to continue and grow their great work,” Mr O’Brien said.
What to look for next?
Community members can expect more opportunities to get involved through volunteering and membership.
Information is available HERE, as the organisation continues building local connections and support networks.