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Toowoomba to join nationwide Light-Up for Feeding Tube Awareness

What’s happening?

Toowoomba landmarks will light up purple and blue from 2–8 February 2025 as part of Feeding Tube Awareness Week (FTAW).

This national initiative, led by ausEE Inc., will see over 120 landmarks across Australia and New Zealand participate to raise awareness about tube feeding and unite communities.

Toowoomba joins other Queensland cities like Brisbane, Rockhampton, and Townsville in highlighting the importance of this life-saving medical intervention.

Why it matters?

Tube feeding, also known as enteral nutrition, is crucial for individuals who cannot eat or drink enough to meet their nutritional needs due to medical conditions, including eosinophilic diseases.

Sarah Gray, CEO of ausEE Inc., emphasised, “Feeding Tube Awareness Week aims to increase community support and understanding about tube feeding and the impact on individuals, carers, and families.”

This awareness campaign reduces stigma and fosters better understanding and support for those relying on feeding tubes.

Local Impact

Toowoomba residents are encouraged to visit illuminated landmarks, take photos, and share them on social media with hashtags like #FTAWLightUp, #FTAW2025, and #TubieTuesday.

The city’s participation symbolises solidarity with individuals and families managing life with feeding tubes, amplifying the message of inclusion and understanding.

Victoria street Bridge/ Photo by 16thman(flicker)

By the Numbers

  • Over 120 landmarks in Australia and New Zealand will light up during FTAW.
  • ausEE Inc., established in 2009, continues to champion awareness and advocacy for eosinophilic diseases.
  • Many individuals with eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) rely on feeding tubes or special elemental formulas for their nutritional needs.
Annex (rear of City Hall)

Zoom In

Toowoomba’s involvement in the #FTAWLightUp campaign highlights the city’s commitment to raising awareness for an often-overlooked medical need.

As Sarah Gray explained, “Purple is a common colour of feeding tube supplies, and blue represents what flows through the tube, be it blended foods, breastmilk, formula, or water.”

Residents can also explore #MyTubie stories and #SpecialistSpotlight profiles throughout the week to gain deeper insights into the realities of tube feeding.

Zoom Out

Feeding Tube Awareness Week extends far beyond Toowoomba, with participation from landmarks in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and other cities across Australia and New Zealand.

This unified effort fosters awareness of tube feeding, impacting thousands of Australians and furthering ausEE’s advocacy and research initiatives.

Landmarks who participated last Feeding Tube Awareness Week 2024

What to Look for Next?

Discover more #MyTubie stories, learn about the latest advocacy updates, and find Toowoomba landmarks participating in the #FTAWLightUp campaign by visiting feedingtubeaware.com.au.

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