A somewhat serendipitous love story praising the strength of partnerships has been retold at the 27th Toowoomba Mayoral Prayer Breakfast on 14 May. South West Queensland Director of CatholicCare Social Services Kate Venables recounted her story of girl meets boy in the villages of Papau New Guinea. Despite a girlhood vow not to marry a missionary, clergyman or Englishman, she managed to forge a lifelong partnership with her now husband, Cameron Venables.

“We had no electricity, running water or familiar food, but we were surrounded by a massive ‘family’,” Mrs Venables said. “When the going gets tough, families step up. Our own family was raised by a village and it taught us how to be parents.”

These early personal experiences gave them transferable communal lessons they are now implementing in their work lives. “In Toowoomba we do partnerships well. It’s not about competition, but working together. I have found our community asking, ‘what can I do for others? What can I do for the lost and lonely, the least, the last and the left out?'”

Her husband, the Anglican Bishop for Queensland’s western region mirrored her sentiments, stating how faith will encourage us to take our opportunities. “Faith in God helps us to bring hope to people who are despairing and brings good news to a world facing challenges,” he said.

A touching tribute was then performed by Bishop Venables in memory of murdered Melbourne teenager Eurydice Dixon, stating how everyone has their role in changing the culture of violence. The morning also including musical performances by Bonnie Blue and Dale White, partnered with prayers from USQ Chaplain coordinator Dr Stephen Wanyonyi and Annie Cathcart. Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonia thanked the sponsors and supporters of the event, saying their generous donations would go to charities Eva’s Place and Hear and Say.

If you enjoyed this, please read our article on the Toowoomba start up, Spark Girlz.