Step By Step Training

28/08/2026

It's Happening! Come and visit this great city! Loads of family friendly events! A multi-generational, multi-cultural and Multi-coloured event!

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (TCOF) is typically held in September, through to early October each year throughout Toowoomba, Queensland.

25/08/2026

I'd love to invite you all to experience my garden in Toowoomba this September.
I am part of the largest Private Open Garden Event in Australia.

You will experience a vibrant celebration of gardens, art, and remembrance, at this special Open Garden. Part of the Art Trail event taking place with FREE entry every weekend throughout September 2026.

This is my second time as an entrant in the annual The Chronicle Garden Competition and offers you a colourful and inspiring experience featuring an extraordinary variety of flowering plants, vegetables, fruit trees, themed garden spaces, and artistic displays.

I am dedicated the entry to my dear friend who lost her life last year as a result of domestic violence. I have created a space of reflection, awareness, and hope.

There is also a moving “Lest We Forget” garden area, dedicated to the service and sacrifice of Australia’s Armed Forces.

Adding to the experience, respected Toowoomba artist Vivienne Heckels will be displaying, demonstrating, and selling her artwork as part of the wider Toowoomba Art Trail which coincides. You will have the opportunity to meet the artist, watch live demonstrations, and purchase unique original works.

Something for everyone, including:
- Daily Teddy Bears’ Picnic
- “Adopt a Bear” fundraising activity supporting Back to the Bush Koalas (buy a bear to take home)
- Gifts and specialty items for sale, supporting Protea Place – Women’s Support Centre.
- Unique Plants will be available for purchase
- Coffee and snacks are also available for sale
- Gardening Hints and Tips available from the Gardener
- Beautiful photographic opportunities throughout the gardens

Event Details:
Location: 114 Nelson Street, Middle Ridge, Toowoomba
Dates: Every weekend in September 2026, including 18th–27th September
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm daily
Entry Cost: FREE
Bus Parking is Available and the front garden is wheelchair accessible.
Media & Public Enquiries or to arrange a private tour please contact:
Heather Smith
Phone: 0488 171 500
Email: [email protected]

Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras, friends, and their love of gardens, art, and community spirit for a memorable Toowoomba spring experience.
The event aims to support important community organisations while celebrating creativity, resilience, and the joy that gardens can bring.
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Images and further information are available on request please email: Heather at [email protected] or [email protected]

14/07/2026

Another life stolen from us all. RIP gorgeous girl.

Today our hearts are with the family, friends and everyone who loved Jana Armstrong.
While Jana was not known personally to the team at Protea Place, news of her passing has deeply saddened us. Every life lost leaves an immeasurable void, and our thoughts are with those who are now navigating unimaginable grief.
We extend our sincerest condolences and send our love, strength and compassion to Jana's family, her friends, and all who are mourning her.
From all of us at Protea Place, we hold you in our hearts. 💜
To support Jana’s family
https://gofund.me/bca29ddfc

11/05/2026

I have been working through the grief of losing a friend due to domestic violence. Here is an article I have written to hopefully help others that are struggling.
If anyone is interested in a short course I am developing around understanding DV and responding to concerns, please contact me.

How to understand the grief we feel and move forward when we lose a loved one to domestic violence. Anger, guilt and questions are normal.

07/07/2025

Don't fall into the trap of 'diagnosing' yourself, or people around you with mental health issues.
Instead, leave it to the experts.
This article provides some really useful information to ensure you access the professionals to get a formal diagnosis, if needed.
https://stepbystep.training/resist-the-urge-to-diagnose-mental-health-issues/

Resist the urge to diagnose our own and others' mental health issues. Leave the diagnosis to the professionals.

25/02/2025

To stay happy and mentally healthy, one of the cheapest and easiest ways to do this is to keep moving. The old saying ‘Move it or Lose it!’ is relevant today more than ever. Our jobs and our lives are increasingly spent sitting down. Keeping physically active creates endorphins and this keeps your body healthy and this will help you to stay mentally healthy.

Research is clear that staying happy and mentally healthy by keeping physically active is an easy way to reduce stress as well as improve your overall outlook on life.

https://youtube.com/shorts/9_iTvAAgrAo

Move it or Lose it! Keeping physically active keeps your body healthy and this will help you to stay mentally healthy. Doing things you love in the sunshine ...

12/12/2023

Trust in the Workplace - Good for Mental Health - Good for Everyone!
https://stepbystep.training/trust-in-the-workplace-for-good-mental-health/

Trust in the workplace for good mental health. 3 key tools to improve workplace trust involving managers, employees and culture.

02/08/2023

I hope you enjoy this short article packed with hints and tips to improve mental health in your workplace!

king about mental health. Everyone is affected by mental health issues in some capacity. Whether struggling themselves, or supporting someone. Mental Health in your workplace is more important than ever.