Toowoomba, July 4, 2024 – The ongoing staff exchange program between the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) and its Korean sister city, Paju, is fostering a fruitful exchange of best practices and innovative ideas, strengthening ties and enhancing services in both cities.
From June 25 to 28, Paju City Volunteer Centre’s team leader, Sung-Hak Yeo, visited Toowoomba to gain insights into the city’s volunteer programs and management practices.
Mr. Yeo’s visit aimed to study the operational excellence of Toowoomba’s volunteer coordination and to apply these learnings back in Paju.
Earlier this year, inspired by a previous staff exchange, Paju established a Customer Service Centre modelled after Toowoomba’s successful framework.
This latest visit focused on further exploring best practices in volunteer engagement, a critical component of both cities’ civic services.
During his stay, Mr. Yeo toured several TRC-managed facilities, including the Crows Nest Nursery, Crows Nest Art Gallery, Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, and Pittsworth Pioneer Village.
These visits provided Mr. Yeo with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse volunteer programs and their integral role in supporting community services.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald, who personally met with Mr. Yeo, noted that the Korean council officer was particularly impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of Toowoomba’s staff and volunteers.
“Mr. Yeo expressed admiration for the passion he witnessed among our volunteers and staff. He plans to bring several ideas back to Paju, including the development of a nursery service inspired by our Crows Nest Nursery,” Mayor McDonald said.
“Additionally, he is eager to propose the creation of an event register for Paju’s website, the introduction of volunteer-branded lanyards, and the establishment of an annual volunteer recognition program, similar to our celebration during National Volunteer Week,” he added.
Mayor McDonald emphasised that while the sister city relationship with Paju, which has been in place for 21 years, traditionally focused on diplomatic and cultural exchanges, the current emphasis on sharing best practices is driving significant benefits.
The staff exchange program between Toowoomba and Paju continues to be a vital conduit for mutual learning and improvement, showcasing the enduring value of international partnerships in local governance and community development.
For further details on the staff exchange program or to learn more about Toowoomba’s volunteer initiatives, visit the TRC website or contact the Toowoomba Regional Council directly.
Contact: Toowoomba Regional Council TRC Website Phone: +61 7 4688 6611
News and image source: Toowoomba Regional Council
