Episode 20: Mayor Paul Antonio — Leading with Compassion
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio has been Mayor of the region since 2012. Bringing more than 30 years of local government experience to the role, Paul was previously the Deputy Mayor of the Toowoomba Regional Council in its first amalgamated term, and Mayor of Millmerran Shire Council for eight years, having served continuously on Council from 1982-2008.
As Mayor of one of Australia's most family friendly cities, Paul leads the region at a time of intense growth and development. The current and projected spend in the broader region is estimated at more than $11 billion dollars which includes the construction of the much anticipated Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, one of Australia's largest ever inland road projects.
Paul is the founding Chair of the Darling Downs South West Queensland Council of Mayors and Deputy Chair of the Council of Mayors South East Queensland, which collectively represents one in seven Australians.
Other significant initiatives delivered under Paul's leadership include an extensive flood recovery and mitigation program for Toowoomba following the devastating floods of 2011 and 2013; declaration of the region as a Refugee Welcome Zone; and hosting one of Queensland's largest White Ribbon Day events promoting peace, particularly in families and homes.
Paul holds a Diploma of Agriculture, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has held a number of board positions.
Serving as patron of a number of local associations, Paul is also a White Ribbon Ambassador.
In his time away from Council Paul continues his interest in the family farming operation west of Millmerran concentrating on the production of Angus beef and grain.
Paul has been a wonderful supporter of the work that You belong is doing in Toowoomba, and I had a wonderful time sitting down with him City Hall. We talked about how Toowoomba is a city that leads with compassion, and we also took a trip down memory lane and touched on some personal reflections, revealing his down-to-earth approach to life and leadership.
You can follow Paul Antonio on Twitter @TRCMayor.
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Full Transcript
Paul Antonio
I had a very down to earth father, a very strong man, a very hard working man. But he'd always say to me, men and women are not equal. He said we could never do or bring to the world, what women bring to the world. They deserve our respect. And you know, it's about, it's about showing them respect in every possible way. The other day, I had a young Afghani girl who I think will be a great leader in the future, come to my room and spent the day with me. And because I am who I am, and I've been brought up as I've been brought up, I open car doors for her and let her through doors before me. And after a while, we had to have a conversation about that because she'd never seen it and never had that treatment.
Tim Buxton
You're listening to Justice Matters with Tim Buxton. a podcast inspiring the fight for a world where everyone belongs.
Tim Buxton
Hi, everyone. Welcome to the final episode of season one for the Justice matters podcast. I cannot believe that we've made it. In fact I can. I've had such a fantastic time interviewing some incredible guests and quite fittingly, our final guest for Season One is the Mayor of Toowoomba, Paul, Antonio. Now Paul has been an incredible supporter, for you belong from the very beginning. So it's it's really special to have him on. But for 30 years he has served in a local government. He's been the mayor of Toowoomba, for 12 years, he has just been reelected to his third term. He has an incredible history of leading tuber in becoming a refugee welcome city. He stood as an ambassador against gendered violence for White Ribbon, and led that community and really making Toowoomba not only a peaceful city for families, but also a community that is inclusive and welcoming of refugees, and people from all walks and backgrounds. And we get into that in the podcast, we get a little personal as well we step behind the scenes a little bit impulse life, his personal life. I just had a wonderful time sitting down with him in City Hall yesterday and just and just chatting with him such a great down to earth, human being, and incredible leader. But that wraps things up for season one for justice matters. And I'm excited about what season two holds, guys is going to be a fresh turn for justice matters. And I'll be sharing a little bit about what that look like in the coming weeks. There's also mix, there's also some exciting news with you belong, we actually going to launch a brand new podcast featuring featuring refugee stories, that's going to be really special too. So some exciting things coming up. early in the year, we're going to take a little bit of a break, but I'll be putting up content quite regularly some bonus episodes that I've enjoyed recording just for you. That will be going up fairly regularly. So make sure you check your feeds, make sure you jump on YouTube for those videos. I can't wait. Yet to share those with you enjoy yourselves over the Christmas break two guys. We're going to have a Thanksgiving celebration in my house because my lovely American wife loves to keep up those traditions. We got friends and family. So wherever you're at whatever you're doing, whether you're spending some time with your family, with your kids or breaking from school, guys just know that I've just appreciated you journeying with us in this first season. And I really look forward to to working with you again in season two, and hopefully many more. I've got some great guests lined up already. Maybe bringing back some some guests from season one as well. But friends, thanks so much for being a part of this journey. I really appreciate you. Right now though. We have the mayor of Toowoomba, Paul. Antonio.
Tim Buxton
Well, Paul, thank you so much for being a part of the Justice matters podcast.
Paul Antonio
Glad to be here.
Tim Buxton
Yeah, well, this is the last of my episodes that I have the 20th they've season one. And I'm really just been sitting down talking with people from all over the world that have been doing incredible work, representing the needs of, of the disadvantaged in their communities and wherever that they're working. And I'm thrilled that You get to be the final a guest on my show. And these are people that I, I feel like I have a connection or a friendship with and so I really appreciate you being the final guest on this. This season.
Paul Antonio
It's an honor and welcome to Toowoomba. very compassionate community.
Tim Buxton
Yeah. So and I first of all want to congratulate you on your is that your third? What would you call it your third...
Paul Antonio
Third term as mayor, I had been Mayor elsewhere before the amalgamation for two terms. So I'm actually in my fifth term as a mayor. But that's good it’s great to serve a community. I enjoy it.
Tim Buxton
Yeah. And, you know, 30 plus years of work in local government. And what I really want to ask you off the off the rank is did you like what made you get in politics in the first place?
Paul Antonio
Well, you know, I was quite a young person, I was just in my very early 30s, I decided I wanted to do something for my community, which was the community millmerran. And of course, after some 18 years there, I became the mayor. And I was made for ideas. And then now, when they amalgamated everything, of course, which wasn't the smartest thing that beauty government ever did, but that's where we are, and we have no option.
Tim Buxton
Now, what is kind of another kind of curiosity I have with, you know, a lot of people that enter into politics, whether it be local government, is they might have this tendency to maybe use that as a stepping stone to, to try and gain higher levels of government. What I've admired about you is your commitment to this community. And what is made you kind of really want to focus on on on really kind of this community for so long.
Paul Antonio
Well, I think this is a great community for staff. And, you know, it was all accidental. I believe very strongly in my life, that there's been a hand on my shoulder, guiding me through life. And this all happened for a reason. I will recall the very first day I spoke to my dad, who was a very, very hard working farmer, who, you know, that was his life. That's what he did. And I walked across so I can take you to the exact spot where we went. And I just said to my Dad, I'm going to stand for the local council. I can't repeat exactly what his words were, he was Aussie Bushman. But they were not encouraging. And, you know, I guess I've always thought about that some nights when you get home at 11 o'clock. You see, public life is not easy, and particularly if you're prepared to take a stand on issues. And there's been times when people have made threats. There's been times when I've needed security. There's been all those sort of things have happened to me during this period. But when you look around you and see things that you've done things that your organizations cheaper community and see the legacies that you've left, you know, 12 years ago, we didn't have an airport in Toowoomba. 12 years ago, they were still a dream. That was the bypass, both those things have happened. When I talk about an airport, we do have one of our own airports, small one. But we are now connected to half the world's population within 12 hours, and that's opportunity for this area. So and look, I said there were so many things that we've done. We've recovered from floods, we've done a whole lot of stuff.
Tim Buxton
Yeah, speaking of airports, it was just a few months ago before the restrictions of COVID. Set in, in fact, right before you know things like international flights were closed down that I remember going to the Toowoomba airport to welcome some families that were had found refuge here in Australia, Toowoomba was that they're going to be their new home they come from from Iraq and some from Syria. And they were getting off off the plane and into the bus to make their new home here in Toowoomba, and it was just I would say there's one of the things I'd love to talk with you about is some of the significant achievements that you've you've been a part of in in Toowoomba being a welcoming city, a city of refuge, a city of welcome. Not for just the last few years, but for decades now. You know, can you speak into what that means for you?
Paul Antonio
Well, personally, I've seen Thomas a very diverse community always and then if we want to see diversity, we've only got to look in the mirror many of us and I've got five different nationalities in my mic and many of those people who came here in probably difficult circumstances on my mother's side, a young couple came to Australia and ultimately Toowoomba because they were unable to marry in Germany. The husband was from a poor family. She was from a rich family. It was absolutely forbidden. So like China's love, like chose to be together, they chose to leave Germany and end up here in Australia. There are so many stories like that. And I think the people who are coming here now, absolutely no different to that. Yeah, they're coming here to a land of opportunity where you can make a brand new start in in terms of Toowoomba being a compassionate place. Yes, it is. It's a wonderful place. And it was in 2013. When we decided we'd confirm that by making khumba refugee welcome zone. But there are other things we do we have an amazing Harmony Day here in Toowoomba. They went when all the different. It's a die when all the different people different groupings of people come together and walk the streets. And we just let them know that we are one. But then there's language, some cultural festival. I don't know if you've been to that. But it would be the good subject of a very good story, huh? Because each year we celebrate, you know, a particular nationality. And each year we have dozens and we have hundreds, up to 17,000 people turn up to see these hundred different displays from the different nationalities who are represented here in Toowoomba. We're proud of the heritage. I tell people who come here to be proud of your heritage, but make absolutely sure you embrace and understand the Australian culture because it's a beauty.
Tim Buxton
Yeah. You know, most people when they hear of tumor, they think of things like the Festival of flowers, which is a remarkable event to in the springtime. And I think it's I think it's wonderful to know that there's tumors leading the way in so many so many in so many ways, as it is being known now as a place where where people really want to come especially refugees are clamoring really to come up come up when they when they do move here. So
Paul Antonio
there are some interesting stories. We're getting a lot of Zd people here now. Yeah, live beautiful, gentle people. Now, one year we received 900 of them. 950 In fact, but 150 CDs from elsewhere in Australia, and particularly from the central coast of New South Wales relocated to Toowoomba. Yeah, specifically, because it was such a great reputation. I'm not afraid of that. I think that's a great thing. And we're working hard to get these people through the language barrier. Yeah, we're working hard to get them jobs. And goodness me up. It's a beautiful thing. Yeah.
Tim Buxton
I mean, and like you said, there's there's obvious challenges. And one of the stock challenges, we realize, when you get to know the history, that the trauma that goes through generations, as we celebrate on August 3, then their memory memories of the genocide that took place. those challenges though they're difficult and in what do you think it's gonna take for timber and for communities at large to be able to embrace people that have gone through that level of, you know, intense suffering and pain? What are some of the?
Paul Antonio
Well, I think those people who have gone through intense suffering and pain will carry that. And by and large, they carry it for a couple of generations, at least. And but we've got to just be who we are. I was walking through Queen's Park, yeah, beautiful park one day, and I ran into a group of people. And I tried to get a conversation going, and finally through somebody who had a bit of English. I spoke to these people. I said, Are you happy here? And oh, yes, we're happy here. This is just heaven. This is just beautiful. This is just wonderful. There are no bonds, there are no guns. There's nothing like that around these slices. And that's what they've come to enjoy. That's what we fought for in this country that has never, ever forget those who fought for our freedoms. And of course, if you want to look at that particular area, you'll find that's where one was stood out. We had some tremendous efforts from this area, like all of Australia, but it will say our own 25th battalion from Toowoomba, who won the first land battle against the enemy in World War Two, when you're in New Guinea, our boys, our boys, we lost a lot. We lost over 100 but in saying that, there's a battle amazing battle. It was significant call the Battle of Mumbai. And I respect greatly those people have fought for our freedoms, because we enjoy them and we should be so thankful.
Tim Buxton
Yeah. Now not Unfortunately, not everybody. You know, some at this time and die there can be different people that have differing opinions and views someone like yourself who, who grew up and instilled such Compassion in the way that you've LED and welcomes. But for those that, for them, it's still a controversial issue, whether it be immigration or what how do we respond? What would What do you think it is that, Matt, I don't want to say made you but what do you think it that, that you've kind of leaned into, that is major lead in in that more compassionate, open, welcoming route, rather than maybe Hey, the more questioning, hey, we don't know if we should help in this way.
Paul Antonio
I guess my upbringing and my beliefs. I had two amazing parents who I come from a very mixed marriage of a Catholic versus a Lutheran. Okay. And they were two clearly either sides of the Christian faith, but both professing that beautiful Christian faith that we all have this idea. They came together in the middle. They came together as Anglicans because it was a we live in the country. A lovely Anglican priest floating around, he'll do we will become we all grew up as Anglicans. And of course, yeah, you know, in that era, you didn't mix with a Catholic if you're an Anglican, if you didn't make sure the Presbyterian if you're wrong, we can all that's crazy stuff. You know, the beautiful thing about now that things taught me a lesson, I that experience in my life where I understood bigotry, yeah. But to see people working together. Yeah. And you know, I go to many churches. I'm an Anglican. I go to my church Sunday, but yeah, this coming Sunday, I'm going to the Baptist Church, to see a new man become the new leader in the church. And I get enjoyment out of that. But family is a big thing, you know, and I've got some beautiful grandchildren and a wonderful son, and it's all lovely.
Tim Buxton
Justice matters is brought to you by You belong. If you'd like to learn more about their work, empowering refugees to integrate and thrive in Australia, head on over to you belong.org.au. There, you'll find ways to get involved, volunteer and financially get behind the several initiatives they've got going on. There's also a stack of articles and blogs that you'll find there that are really informative and engaging. Now, did you know this podcast is actually a video podcast featured on YouTube, just search justice matters. TV on YouTube and watch each episode right there. And while you're there, hit subscribe and get notified each time a new video drops.
Tim Buxton
Speaking of family, there's a practice that we've started to in to instill it on a weekly basis in my home and we call it family Council, you'll be pleased to know I got this from this lovely African lady who who grew up her dad was into politics. And he said we're going to have counsel every week. And he taught them that politics is in everyday life. It's not just relegated for the people in Canberra, it or in the city hall. And so what we've done are kind of borrowed this idea from Harris, we all sit down and we all get a chance to voice what issues we have in our home. And it could be Dad, you can do you have there's two rules, you can say anything you want. At this time, you could criticize Mom, you could criticize Dad, you could criticize your brothers and sisters, you could talk about anything. But the second rule is you can't there's none of anything that shared he doesn't go outside of this campus as well. So it gives them that safety to share. And so we talk and usually it's always Lily, you know, the youngest daughter, she's always coming into my room and messing it up. And then I have to clean it up. And usually it's this problem with the other kid that they want to talk about. And I'm trying to help them to realize, look, there's a lot of things we could talk about about where we go on vacation or holidays or what, what decisions we get to do as a family, but it gives them an opportunity, I guess, to have a voice. And you realize that if you don't have a voice, if you choose not to come, then you can't either complain to about the decisions that have been made. Anyways, I say all that to say, when it comes to, you know the importance of representing everybody in your community because that's a challenge, right? You have people, small business owners, you have large corporations and businesses, you have people from all walks and backs and life backgrounds in life and you're representing them. But at this at the same time, there's this commitment to to ensure that the weak and the poor and the vulnerable in that community don't fall through the cracks. And as I'm really passionate obviously about coming alongside the vulnerable and the support That challenge of how do you how do you balance? As the mayor I'm, I'm, I'm amazed at what people in your position have to deal with on a day to day basis. How do you balance representing everybody and then helping people to not bicker with each other and complain about each other, but to look towards a positive future that they can create happen? How do you do that? What's your key,
Paul Antonio
Some of the early stuff you spoke, earlier in that conversation about your Family Council, have a look at the yarning circles the indigenous people have had FOR thousands of years where there is a yarning circle, everyone sits and they are equal regardless of their rank in society. And they had rank in society too. But everybody has a say and it's very much in keeping with what you have just said, Look, there are times when I walk away from stuff, you know, people annoying me too much I get a lot of people coming in and coming here trying to take advantage of me and I call them tire kickers, they've got a big deal. But if you put the money in Paul, your council put some money in this will happen to Toowoomba, it will be so good for everybody. But it's all about themselves. You've got to watch that. But I I you know, the last three weekends I've I don't know hope nothing happens to me this weekend. But I've dealt with sad issues around females. So you know, there was a lady didn't have a house and she was thinking of suicide in London, the lady was being harassed by somebody. And there was another person as well. And I seem to have a fair bit of compassion for that I very strongly was a white ribbon ambassador, very strongly involved in the red bench thing, which is about domestic violence. And I've been quite excited by this concept called standby you which is Yeah, technology now that people just wear the moment there's an issue in their life, they press a button on their technology or something happens. And their friends, not the police. Yeah, but their friends come into it. I've heard some amazing stories around that about, you know, some of the young men who've been badly impacted by having served this country in Afghanistan or wherever, they don't come back the same person. But as I start to get a bit angry, people ring them, their dad rings, their brother rings, they're good mitering because their partner has a this particular stand by you technology they use. And I've just been in a conversation about how we can help. Because that keeps the police out of the equation, but it diffuses difficult situations. They're the sort of things I love, I love helping people. I always have loved helping people. And I've, I think when you give, you get a lot more back than taking, you get a lot more back if you can give to help someone the most beautiful story the other day, there are awards that we hand out every year called a miracle that she was absolutely beautiful, absolutely beautiful. And the young man got leukemia, huh. He fought his way through that. And he's now in remission. Another young student at his school got leukemia, that young man, he got the Leukemia in the first place, is standing by that young man who's just called helping him goes through that journey that in life that he's going through the the sort of things that really float my boat. You know, I hate violence, particularly guys, women, I had a very down to earth father, a very strong man, a very hard working man. But he'd always say to me, men and women are not equal. He said we could never do or bring to the world, what women bring to the world. They deserve our respect. And you know, it's about, it's about showing them respect in every possible way. The other day, I had a young Afghan ego, who I think will be a great leader in the future, come to my room and spent the day with me. And because I am who I am, and I've been bought up as I've been bought up, I open car doors for and letter through doors before me. And after a while, we had to have a conversation about that, because she'd never seen that had never had that tree. And, you know, we have a great culture here in Australia. There's some sad things about it. But we need to concentrate on the good bits, and build that. And that's probably part of what the Christian church can do. It's part of what good people who care for the community can do to demonstrate that you'll see some of our recently arrived refugees who do not get this. You see dad walking in front having a smoke bomb coming along with the children and all the parcels behind that. I feel like going over and giving someone a hand and kicking the backside or something I've had in that circumstance, all that but, you know, I have tremendous respect for the women in my life. And yeah,
Tim Buxton
yeah, I was, you know, recently actually interviewed the now new director of the Australian director for white ribbon. And, and we got to talk a lot about some of those issues around that. And it's, it's been wonderful to see how tumor has led the why the largest white ribbon event in Australia, these issues of creating a community where families are safe, where everybody is welcome.
Paul Antonio
I think so. And, you know, I feel sad for anyone who lives through violence, but it's out there, it continues to grow. I had the pleasure of attending a function in the Redlands region, the Lord the mayor down there is a lady called Karen Williams, who is a beautiful person, I would her the mayor of lochia was here as well with me, and we had a lovely time. And the people who spoke were the parents of that beautiful lady that was burned in the car with three children. And you know, talk about giving back. Those two people, that mother and that father who lost their daughter, lost two granddaughters and lost a grandson. And they are devoting their life, to getting the story out there about all that sort of thing. The difficulty there is with men who control women's lives and won't let them weigh a certain color clothes and all this crazy. So there needs to be a pathway for those people of safety. And of course, it isn't really they because this fellow found them. And he did that horrible thing. And then he took his own life. Of course, I think the only thing that I would suggest he got the order wrong. tragic, tragic, tragic.
Tim Buxton
You know, I've heard it said that sometimes people aren't willing to take action on in justices until it affects them personally, until someone in their life was impacted by it. And then you're forced to actually be aware of the pain and the suffering of it. But I would argue it doesn't have to be
Paul Antonio
known that way. But then again, of course, if you do do some of those things, and I've been caught, I guess, trying to protect females, particularly from harassment, that kind of thing. And they come to me, they talk to me about it, they're sad, they cry. And that affects me that's had a big effect on me, but then they will not do anything about it. Yeah. Because women are in a difficult position here. Yeah, you know, they don't want to do that. Because of the fixer employment, it affects a whole range of things. There are some unpleasant men in this world. And I hope they can be exposed one day in a very special way.
Tim Buxton
Well, I appreciate all that you've done as an ambassador, and as someone that is leading this community that you're leading in that role. As we finish things up, just I'd love to just ask you. What would you What would you tell yourself? When you were 30 years old, just getting into politics? What would you want to tell yourself, then that you now know?
Paul Antonio
So much fun? No, you know, I think the thing that keeps me going is legacies, legacy projects. We talked about the importance and bypasses and a big rail line, all those sort of dreams you had. I don't know what I would have said to myself, probably something similar to what dad said, I wasn't staying there for a long time. I was getting in there to do something for my community, because I thought I could. Yeah, you know, we were very, we were going through a very successful period with our farming operation. I was reasonably well educated. You know, as far as the community was concerned, I gay I've served for 12 elections. And there are moments when I wonder why. But then there are moments when I'm so thankful that I've been guided in this direction, because I'm satisfied for what I've given to my community. I'm very satisfied for their tough times. You know, I lost my wife during this last period. And that's tough. And that was motoneuron. That was a seven year journey. That wasn't easy. But we got through it. And I helped other Roger libertarian, as well, as was mayor during that period. So, you know, I think there's a there's a reason for doing what you do. And I think there's a hand on every person's shoulder that wants to have a think about it. And you're guided through life. And maybe, you know, they say you make your own luck and all that sort of thing. But I think there's a divine intervention in everybody's life. I think there's, we're guided by the principles that we have. I wouldn't change anything.
Tim Buxton
Yeah, Paul. You mentioned your grandkids. And you mentioned how important legacies mean. I'd love to know how your grandkids would describe you.
Paul Antonio
And that's very interesting because I interact a lot with two granddaughters who are living on the property. Yeah. And I've got to tell you a good story about my great house, we bought a brand new tractor and for the farming operation was tractor number. It wasn't a big deal to dad, but my son obviously, must have been a bit. Muscle fit something. Yeah. And I went out there one day soon after Judas passed, and we were my son and I were talking. And then these two beautiful little girls who were 10 and seven wanted to talk to puppy wanted to talk to puppy. So finally they got puppy and with furrowed brow. They said, puppy, we have a new tractor. I said, Oh, yeah. I didn't sort of wasn't surprised at that at all. I said, Okay. They said, puppy. Our new tractor has satellite tracking, and its automated steering, and it's computer controlled. We think it's best that you don't drive it. And I it's something that will take to my grave. But now these beautiful little girls, I show me unlimited love. Yeah. And they're very special. I think they're a little bit embarrassed. Actually, there was another incident where the younger one Scarlett, who's a very strong little lady. She was born prematurely and 12 weeks premiere, and we were worried that she wouldn't make it but my goodness made the man that Mary Scarlet will ever work cut out for cutting up. But she came down to watch a ceremony here one day where I wore my gown and my chains. never said a word but snap bit about an hour and a quarter to drive home to our real home. And on the way home. She finally about an hour out of town here. She said to her daddy, daddy, my puppy, how long's he been wearing a dress and beads for these a lacing so you'll never forget that they're the precious bits of life. And seeing these little people grow up and in a beautiful family with just the right amount of discipline. Living in the country. And I know the facts of life at a very early age set of young people. The younger one will one day no doubt be managing our farming operation. She is a cracker. The other one wants to probably wants to be something like a doctor or it'll be something to do with young children. And she's very, very good at that. And she's in grade 10 next year. And these little girls come down to boarding school and then because we don't have those facilities, close hand, yeah. But they're going to be wonderful citizens. I'm very proud of them. I think they're picking up a bit I think the young one, she's got potential to be me. Yeah. But actually, the young one will tell we'll work our way through,
Tim Buxton
It's in the blood.
Paul Antonio
Well, it isn't really in the My dad was never interested in that. I'd spoke about the German fellow that came in and couldn't marry in Germany, he was on the Gehry board or something like that many, many years ago upon where the character number council airport is. And he was a fairly prominent member of society. But you know, being a migrant, he probably wouldn't have a good command of English. But you know, when I get up in the morning and have a look in the mirror, that's the important time you think it'll work out whether you believe in yourself whether you believe you're okay. And let's get on with it.
Tim Buxton
So thinking about getting up and and going forward. What is your pipeline for the future? You're obviously what do you have another round in you after the show?
Paul Antonio
This is about it very, very clear to everybody that this is my last term. Yeah, I intend to go back to my property and probably do a fair bit of traveling. I've got a beautiful home out there in the country. And I'm very blessed to have a couple of ladies who made it their business to go to my house a couple of times a week and just check the garden and I put in some watering systems. It's It's beautiful out there. It's so peaceful. But I intend to do a bit of traveling but also want to be involved in the farming operation and work with my son and you know, I'll be I won't be telling him what to do. But I will be an advisor. No, we'll probably start off with the first few jackaroo Yeah, not no recognition of prior learning. But now I love it out there and yeah, you know, we've It's so peaceful and that's where I'm going I'll keep an eye on the house and I would really like to have a spot me to see where I can go from time to time. I might do that too. We'll see on wigs out. I don't mind northern New South Wales. Beautiful, beautiful spot, see, but do a bit of traveling and just enjoy my life and just walk away. It'll be hard after the effort that I put in. But I think There are young people coming through this council now who might get standing leaders. And I look forward to sitting back and writing the odd letter to the paper about what they're doing wrong.
Tim Buxton
Yeah. Ther you go... Why does justice matter to you?
Paul Antonio
Why did justice?
Tim Buxton
Why does justice matter to you?
Paul Antonio
What doing things Right?
Tim Buxton
Yeah, that there be justice in general
Paul Antonio
Ah, I think it's terribly, terribly important that everybody be on a level playing field. And I say from time to time, people aren't, you know, I've been singled out, because a number of reasons, I guess, for criticism by politics, you know, I've been dragged through the mire a few times. And depending on where you go, it depends on how it works out. But um, I didn't think that they were times when I've seen justice in my life. But you just got to be bigger than that. You've just got to keep going. But I think it's important. Justice is justice. That's what it's meant to be. People have a fair go. And sometimes you see they don't, but it cuts both white people out there who, you know, really, they deserve a rougher treatment than they're getting some people who are constantly stealing cars and all that sort of thing. There must be a better way forward for them. Surely, you know, it's like, get laid out, like pinch your car and crash it, burn it. And goodness knows what, two weeks later they do it again? I'm sorry. I don't like that. You know, I come from the private sector. I'm not afraid of that. I'm very proud of it. In fact, because the private sector, when you look at the investment in this community, you look at the jobs that are created when you look at the goodness done. Okay, huh, the government's do a bit, but they generate a fair bit of more effort coming out of the private sector.
Tim Buxton
You mentioned that, just a couple months ago, my car was stolen by a young teenager. And we went, I actually ended up hearing them take it out of my driveway. And I like who's taking my car got in my other car. And sure enough, a few hours later, after getting in touch with the police, it was found and they caught the young offender, 14 year old, I had the opportunity to sit down in a little conference like this with the police present. Unfortunately, this 14 year old had no one in his life. Parents were in Melbourne, he'd been sent up to live with this, his grandma, and that didn't go so well. And so essentially was living on streets. And I had the opportunity to sit down with him and talk with him through this process. Now they've got called the restorative justice process. And sure enough, it helped me realize this is systemic, this is my it's this, there is something beyond just this, this child and like you said, There's got to be a better way forward, I was able to let him know the impact it had on me, he was able to confess and explain what had happened. Unfortunately, I wish we could, I met We made an agreement at that day to actually I would meet him and try and mentor him. And then we do some community service together, I would take him to the local community center and we move on these things, but we lost contact with him and we don't know where he is. And it kind of kind of was like, ah, we were so close to hopefully being able to do a quarter turn in this kid's life. And you can't like you said we can't control the decisions people make, but we can try our best to get to the root cause. And can we prevent this? Whether it been domestic violence
Paul Antonio
You know in life, when I take a helicopter view of this community, the biggest problem I see is tied up in parenting. And the example that set by some people, there is a belief in Australia to that. I think there's a belief in entitlement. You don't have to work if you don't want to, because they'll look after you. You know, I think every young person at the age of about 17 or 18 should give a year to their country. Whether it be working in emergency services, whether it be in the part time army, whether it be just in the green army, whatever it might be, yeah, but we are so blessed, lucky, whatever way you want to have it to live in this country. And don't we are suffering to this country. Each and every one of us.
Tim Buxton
I'm sure Yeah, we do. Well, thank you, Paul. That's like I feel like I could we could keep going but I know your time is precious, and you've given me this time and I really enjoyed chatting with you today.
Paul Antonio
Know anytime. I'm just an average guy. You know, I, I'm not a leader because I come from the shot. And I said, that's for sure I come from a very common hard working background. And I'm so thankful to God that I came from that background because that's given me tremendous strength. I am who I am. And that's the advice I can give to everybody. Yeah, the who you don't pretend to be somebody else.
Tim Buxton
Fantastic advice. Thanks a lot, Paul, really appreciate it.
Paul Antonio
Thank you. Thanks a lot.
Tim Buxton
Well, folks, that rounds out season one, I hope you enjoyed my conversation with the mayor of Toowoomba, Paul, Antonio, guys, you can listen to a little bit more of our conversation, we stay on and talk just a bit more. And you can do that by becoming a patron of the show get access to this bonus video, as well as so many other bonus videos and audio podcasts and episodes that I produce just for you. Head on over to patreon.com/justice matters. And it just cost as little as $1 a month to be a patron. And you can get access to heaps cool merch too depending on the level of support you bring. Guys, I cannot believe we've made it to the end. And I really want to say another special thanks to all the patrons out there. Everyone that is supporting us and supporting you belong that has made this season so successful. Speaking of You Belong, we are so excited to be launching a brand new podcast, I talked about it in the intro, I just want to remind you guys, it's going to be coming out in the new year we're going to be featuring refugee stories, and those that are really on the front lines serving and working with newly settled families and refugees that are here in Australia. I can't wait to bring that to you. As well as Season Two of the Justice Matters podcast with a few new tweaks up our sleeves, it's gonna be loads of fun.
Now, for the last time of season one, I get to thank Jose Biotto, the audio visual engineer, and you have just done a phenomenal job, the set that you helped me set up the editing that you do tirelessly each week, and just the professionalism you bring night you have made produced such a phenomenal podcast, and I'm so proud of you. And I'm just so grateful to be able to work with you. Thanks a lot, mate. And as always, the music for the Justice Matters podcast, the theme song is called "Turning Over Tables". It's quite fitting, I think. And that's brought to us by John Ardnt and David Gungor from "The Brilliance". Go check him out. They produce phenomenal music. And lastly, guys, there's one more way you can support this show. You know how to do that. And it's simply by just hitting five on Apple podcasts, or giving me a thumbs up on YouTube. Following and sharing an episode. Maybe leaving a review, there's so many different ways if you could take the time to do that. I'd really really appreciate it.
I cannot wait to be working on season two get that in the production for that very, very shortly. We're already working on some tweaks to the graphics have lots of fun getting ready for that and introducing to you some new guests. I won't be joining you for another episode of season one next week. But there's gonna be some bonus episodes dropping in so make sure you stay tuned for those episodes in your feed. They'll be coming all throughout the Christmas holidays and the Christmas break before we launch Justice Matters Season Two the end of January 2021. Thanks so much for listening. I am your host Tim Buxton.
