In December 2021 The Chronicle hosted an event for the Toowoomba community to come together and create a shared vision for the Olympics in Groom. I was proud to attend the event as an independent community candidate for federal parliament, and to write a submission for the current 100 day review.
This morning I was again in attendance at the Toowoomba Equestrian Centre Chris Burton Breakfast at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.
Members of state and local government were also present, and are now united in their support of the Toowoomba Equestrian Centre for Excellence as a 2032 Olympics venue.
Olympic medalist Chris Burton was the keynote speaker, and he shared some memorable words about his journey to the London and Paris games. Like many Olympic stories, it was one of dedication and perseverance, but also highlighted the other feat, the logistical Olympics, that he and his supporters had to undertake before he and his horse Shadow Man ever set hoof in the arena.
Chris, his wife, his sponsors, trainers, friends, family and members of the equestrian community were all part of getting them there, a task impossible without collaboration.
The journey to host the equestrian events in Toowoomba will require a similar feat, and it will not be possible without all levels of government working together, with industry bodies, businesses and organisations to make all the puzzle pieces fall into place.
In his preparation, Chris repeated advice he was given. “Don’t think of the outcome, think of the process. Think of the job you’ve got to do.”
I am focused on the task ahead of us in securing a new equestrian centre in Toowoomba. As Chris said, “it might seem like an impossible mountain to climb, but tenacity wins out in the end. “
The Toowoomba Equestrian Centre breakfast was hosted by The Chronicle and Member for Condamine Pat Weir. Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts was also in attendance. The federal member for Groom sent his apologies.
