State member for Toowoomba South, David Janetzki, is a fifth-generation Toowoomba local. The multi-talented politician enjoys a good game of cricket, playing the piano and spending quality time with his family. Lindsay Brennan spoke to him about his life outside of wok.

Q: You are a fifth-generation Toowoomba local. What do you love about Toowoomba?

A: I believe that Toowoomba is the best place in the world to raise a family, build a fulfilling career and retire in. It’s a beautiful city with endless opportunities for everyone who lives here!

Q: What are some of your favourite memories from growing up in Toowoomba?

A: I was born in Toowoomba and raised on the family dairy farm near Jondaryan. Farming life meant fortnightly shopping trips to Toowoomba (Pigott’s in particular) as a child. I started playing cricket in Toowoomba when I was 10 years old and have fond memories of foggy mornings, green playing fields and plenty of competitive games! I first lived in Toowoomba when attending boarding school at Concordia College. My wife was born and raised in Toowoomba and today we love the open spaces and amazing people our family gets to meet.

Q: You and your family are very musical. What instruments do you play and when did you start learning?

A: My Mum taught piano to all the kids around Jondaryan, Acland, Quinalow, Goombungee and Oakey – including me from the age of 6! My wife Mel studied opera at USQ and went on to perform at the Sydney Opera House and with opera companies around Europe. So my Mum’s piano lessons came in handy given I married an opera singer! Today we enjoy performing at retirement villages, aged care facilities and charitable events around the city. We have already been booked in to perform at the Christmas Wonderland this year by the Lions Club of Toowoomba West!

Q: What are some of your other hobbies and how did you become interested in them?

A: Music has always been an important part of our family’s life and we enjoy playing together. Our girls play the piano and our youngest plays the double bass even though it’s bigger than her! I spend plenty of time in Brisbane (3-4 months) and attend evening functions when I am home so time with my family is precious. When time allows, we also love our road trips exploring new parts of Queensland.

Q: In the past you have worked with Opera Queensland to promote the arts in regional communities. Why is access to arts important for all Australians?

A: My work with Opera Queensland was very rewarding. The arts broaden horizons and encourage creativity. This is very important in regional communities that lack access to the variety of artistic experiences when compared to residents in urban areas. We are blessed in Toowoomba with the Empire Theatres and many societies, orchestras, festivals, choirs and groups that provide an outlet for artistic expression.

Q: You have also assisted to develop social enterprise across Toowoomba. How does social enterprise benefit the local community?

A: I served on the board that built the Vanguard Laundry social enterprise project in Toowoomba. In an age where governments are under budgetary pressure, community services organisations need to be innovative in approaching their funding needs and revenue streams. Social enterprise helps fill this gap by creating a self-sustaining business while delivering a beneficial social outcome. I am working hard to ensure that governments develop policies that support social enterprise initiatives and closely consider their procurement policies on large scale projects.

Q: What are some of your goals for 2017, both professionally and personally?

A: Professionally, I am committed to working hard and listening to Toowoomba South residents to understand their concerns and represent their interests to the best of my ability. I enjoy helping constituents – especially pensioners – with issues they have with government departments or other levels of government. I also enjoy solving problems with schools and community organisations who do so much for our community cohesion. These are key goals for 2017.

Personally, I cherish every moment I spend with my family and am keen to stay fit and active. I’m sure letter boxing and door knocking in an election year will help me achieve that goal!