This week TASC’s gardener, Barry planted our Gumbi Gumbi tree as part of our efforts to beautify our workplace.  Did you know the Gumbi Gumbi tree is a traditional aboriginal bush medicine from South West Queensland?  Traditionally it has been used for a wide variety of ailments including coughs, colds and eczema.  Currently there is academic interest in Gumbi Gumbi and how it is used traditionally, with a wonderful ABC article here.

Aboriginal bush medicine is part of the rich tapestry of indigenous culture, knowledge and achievements being celebrated during NAIDOC Week in the first week of July.

It’s a chance for all Australians to celebrate and learn about the oldest, continuous culture on earth and learn more about First Nations culture and history.  The team at TASC are busily putting together the final touches for their stand at this year’s Toowoomba community event being held at the Goods Shed in Victoria St on Monday 4 July and we would love it if you can join us to catch up.  NAIDOC week is a great opportunity to support and get to know your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander communities and we encourage everyone to join the activities. 

More information about NAIDOC Week can be found at www.naidoc.org.au .

It is possible to stop torture. We join millions of people mobilised into direct action to stop torture. Are you with us?

Torture is to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear, causing unbearable pain or suffering, whether physical or mental. Unfortunately, torture can even happen in a family environment.

26 June is an opportunity to call on all stakeholders, civil society and individuals everywhere to unite in support of the hundreds of thousands of people around the world who have been victims of torture and those who are still tortured today.

If you live in Toowoomba, Ipswich or its immediate surroundings or know someone in those areas experiencing any form of torture, contact TASC Legal and Social Justice Services on 07 4616 9700.

To learn more about TASC visit www.tascnational.org.au

Are you needing legal advice outside of business hours? Then TASC may be able to help you in our after hours free legal advice sessions on Monday in Toowoomba.

Make sure to book in for our next sessions to be held on: Monday, 4th July (Family Law).

All sessions from 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

Face to face or phone appointments are available.

As our evening advice sessions are staffed by volunteer solicitors with varied experience the issues we can help with will change from time to time.

Bookings are essential. Contact us on (07) 4616 9700 to enquire whether we can assist you with your issue

Over 800,000 refugees and displaced persons have settled in Australia since 1945. The success of refugee settlement on Queensland’s Darling Downs has been hailed as an example for councils around the country as refugees are helping building the cultural fabric of regional communities.

This year’s Refugee Week theme is ‘Healing’. It raises awareness of the issues affecting refugees and promotes harmony and togetherness. The importance of human connections has been underscored by the pandemic and such lessons can help us in so many ways.  Mainstream and refugee communities alike can draw upon shared hardship to heal wounds, to learn from each other and to move forward. Healing can occur through storytelling, through community and also through realisation of our intrinsic interconnectedness as individuals.

Aged care is more than just a bed in a home, it’s a place where an older person is safe and cared for, a new “home”.

However, an estimated of 50 sexual assaults take place in residential aged care in Australia every week.

TASC joins the #ReadyToListen campaign to build the skills and capacity of aged care service providers to better respond to – and prevent – sexual assault in aged care. Visit opan.org.au/ready-to-listen to access this campaign resources.

TASC is funded by the Queensland Government to deliver Legal and Support Services to seniors. This free service is available to anyone aged 60 years and over and First Nations people aged 50 and over.

If you live in Toowoomba, Ipswich or its immediate surroundings or know someone in those areas who are experiencing any form of abuse, contact TASC Legal and Social Justice Services on 07 4616 9700.

To learn more about TASC or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.tascnational.org.au and click SUPPORT US!

Did you know that between 72,000 and 370,000 LGBTIQ+ people live in Queensland? They work, pay taxes, have families and are active members of our community. However, according to the Queensland Police, up to 62% of them have experienced domestic and family violence (DFV) and are less likely to seek support.

This Pride month is an opportunity for all of us to peacefully raise awareness of this and other issues facing the LGBTIQ+ community. There must be a visible, supported, and joyous event telling people of the LBTQI+ community that it is a beautiful, diverse, supported and welcoming community, one to be a proud member of, and one that deserves the rights and dignities of every human.

If you live in Toowoomba, Ipswich or the surroundings or know someone in those areas who are experiencing any form of abuse, contact TASC Legal and Social Justice Services on 07 4616 9700.

To learn more about TASC or to make a tax deductible donation, visit www.tascnatioanl.org.au and click SUPPORT US!