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Last Updated: Tuesday, 09 May 2023 12:20

Published: Tuesday, 09 May 2023 11:59

“How can you not believe there is a creator?” Australian landscape photographer Ken Duncan OAM asked almost 500 people attending this morning’s (May 9) 29th Toowoomba Mayoral Prayer Breakfast at Rumours.

“Don’t you see the sun coming up or feel the breeze? The only thing blocking the light is our own shadow," Mr Duncan said. 

A highlight reel of images from around the world, including a charging polar bear taken recently in the Svalbard archipelago north of Norway, reinforced Mr Duncan’s mission to show the beauty of creation.

“We need to keep a constant reminder of what we could lose. We are custodians," he said.

“Open your eyes. How does it happen by chance? I’m showing the beauty of God’s creation.”

Mr Duncan said photographs of his father Jim’s missionary work in the Kimberley region of Western Australia had excited him growing up.

A trip back to the Kimberley with his father changed his life.

He said time spent with the Aboriginal elders and people in the Kimberley helped him realise that the journey should be as important as the destination.

After working in photo mini-labs, Mr Duncan said he was determined to find a meaning in life. His pioneering work in panoramic landscape photography has taken him around the world.

“Never allow your dreams to be measured by a bank balance,” Mr Duncan said.

The morning started with a welcome by Town Crier Kevin Howarth and featured two musical pieces specially composed by Rhod McNeill and performed by Tonia Paroz and Evan Shelton, with a scripture reading by Rev. Daniel Wallace and a prayer that was prepared and shared by Pastor Ada Boland.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio thanked all sponsors and supporters at the Breakfast for their ongoing generosity.

He said funds raised from the Mayoral Prayer Breakfast will be presented to Civic Assist and Adapt Mentorship and Consultancy in coming weeks.

Pastor Andrew Hoey, who is the Senior Minister at Rangeville Community Church and Toowoomba Mayoral Prayer Breakfast committee chair, also thanked the guest performers and speakers along with all supporters for contributing to the fundraiser.

Caption: Pastor Andrew Hoey (left) with guest speaker Ken Duncan OAM and Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio at this morning’s 2023 Toowoomba Mayoral Prayer Breakfast at Rumours.