Community & Business
23 March, 2026
Students attend Mayoral Leadership Morning Tea
Young leaders brought fresh ideas and big‑picture thinking to the table last week, helping shape discussions on future challenges at the annual Mayoral Leadership Morning Tea.
Secondary students from across the Region, including Pittsworth, travelled to Highfields to take part in a collaborative workshop designed to give young people a direct voice in Council’s thinking about the future of the Region.
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Geoff McDonald said the event focused on listening to young people and learning from their perspectives, as well as strengthening the relationships between schools.
“As Council leaders, it’s our responsibility to listen to the people who will inherit this Region,” he said.
“These students bring strong views and a genuine interest in their communities and we value the opportunity to hear what matters to them.”
This year’s Morning Tea introduced a workshop-style format with interactive discussions between students, Councillors and Council staff.
“We deliberately shifted away from talking at young people and focused instead on listening to them,” Mayor McDonald said.
“The conversations today help Council better understand the challenges and opportunities young people see for the future of our Region.”
Discussions focused on waste management, sustainability and long-term regional planning.
Cr Melissa Taylor, Water and Waste portfolio spokesperson told the students waste management is an ongoing challenge.
“What we do with waste affects the health of our community, the environment and (Council’s) bottom line.”
She said the feedback from the students would be sent to the State Government and considered as part of their waste strategy.
Students worked in mixed-school groups, encouraging the exchange of ideas between different communities and back-grounds, before sharing key themes with Council leaders.
Mayor McDonald said involving young people early benefited both Council and the community.
“These are complex issues with long-term impacts,” he said.
“By engaging with young people now, Council gains valuable insights and students gain a better understanding of how local government works and the responsibilities we carry on behalf of the community.”
Mayor McDonald thanked students for their willingness to contribute.
“Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about responsibility and service,” he said.
“The fact these students have stepped forward gives me confidence in the future of the Toowoomba Region.”
Pittsworth State High School (PSHS) captains Lachlan Folker and Freya Santsingh were in attendance.
Freya said it was great to hear the perspectives of other student leaders from Toowoomba.
Lachlan said the conference was an opportunity for young leaders to work together to make a difference.
He said a key goal for him this year is to get the whole cohort to participate in school events, create a culture where no one feels “too cool” to participate in an event.
So far this year, the PSHS Student Representative Council (SRC) has run a Bros and Besties Free Dress Day, and is looking to hold a Motor Neurone Disease fundraiser.
