Toowong Company’s Award-Winning Spirit Highlights Call for Volunteer Nominations

With nominations for the Queensland Volunteering Awards now extended, Toowong’s Auto & General stands out as a reminder of how giving back gets recognised.



The strong culture of giving is once again in focus, as nominations for the Queensland Volunteering Awards 2025 have been extended until 14 April. Volunteering Queensland is calling on communities across the state to recognise the efforts of individuals, groups and workplaces making a real difference — just as Toowong-based insurer Auto & General did last year.

The extension gives more time for schools, community groups and local leaders to nominate outstanding volunteers. Volunteering Queensland aims to shine a light on those who quietly power their neighbourhoods, support vulnerable people and contribute to building stronger communities.

Volunteer Queensland
Photo Credit: Supplied

Recognising Workplace Giving

Auto & General, headquartered in Toowong, was recognised with the Queensland Volunteering Impact Award – Corporate in 2024 for its staff-led community efforts. The company’s A&G Difference program supports employees through paid volunteering leave, fundraising matched by the business, and ongoing support for non-profits across Queensland.

Auto & General in Toowong
Photo Credit: Auto & General

Their example shows how corporate programs can go beyond donations, creating opportunities for staff to volunteer time, offer practical help and strengthen local networks. One of their most notable partnerships is with Act for Kids, which has received more than $5.6 million in support since 2008.

Auto & General in Toowong
Photo Credit: Auto & General

Volunteering Queensland notes that awards like these serve to highlight not just large-scale efforts, but the wide range of contributions taking place in workplaces, homes, schools and regional centres across the state.

Encouraging Broader Recognition

The Queensland Volunteering Awards include categories for individual volunteers, young people, community organisations and corporate programs. Past winners like Auto & General reflect the diversity of volunteerism and its long-term impact.

By extending the deadline to 14 April, Volunteering Queensland hopes more community members will step forward to nominate those who consistently give their time and skills without expecting recognition. The award ceremony will take place in May as part of National Volunteer Week.



How to Nominate

Nominations can be made online through the official Volunteering Queensland website. The process is open to all Queenslanders who want to recognise the efforts of someone in their school, community group, workplace or neighbourhood. Finalists will be invited to a special event in Brisbane to celebrate National Volunteer Week and the role volunteers play in shaping a more connected, caring state.

Published 4-April-2025

Proposal to Turn Former ABC Site into Public Park Gets a Boost

Since the Sunland Group abandoned its plans to build the touted ‘Champagne Flute’ development the former ABC Brisbane headquarters in Toowong, talks of turning it into a park have been reignited.

There have been suggestions to turn it into a public park with community facilities like gardens and barbecues, but to make this a reality, Brisbane City Council would have to buy back the land.

Deputy Mayor Krista Adams confirmed that the Council is interested in purchasing a portion of the lot at 600 Coronation Drive. This statement came after Greens MPs initiated a survey asking residents what they what to see happen at the former ABC site.

The survey by Greens MP Michael Berkman and Councillor for The Gabba Jonathan Sri revealed that most of the respondents are looking forward to seeing a public garden on the site.

Around 88% of all respondents believe the government should buy back the ABC site. Only 4% said the government should not buy back the land whilst the remaining 8% are still not sure.

Almost 2,500 people participated in the survey and more than 100 local residents came to the community forum to share their ideas.

When asked what else they would like to see with the public space, locals suggest a spot to have a picnic, barbecues, a space to throw a frisbee, or a public pool.



Photo Credit: michaelberkman.com.au

“This area of Brisbane is becoming incredibly high density and multicultural, and backyards are increasingly either non-existent or tiny for most people. How amazing it would be to have community food gardens, especially giving people from other cultures the chance to grow traditional food plants and share this knowledge with the community,” one resident shared.

Other suggestions include incorporating a few cafes and restaurants, public art space, or a space for outdoor performances.

“We’ll especially be looking out for funding to buy back the ABC site and land a walking and cycling bridge to West End at that location,” Mr Berkman said through a Facebook post.

Meanwhile, Sunland announced earlier that they are planning a new development for the site, but will not give further details until a new development application is lodged.