THE successful integration of Sudanese and other refugees into Toowoomba "tells a story about the kind of community we live in," according to Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio.

Despite its social conservatism, Toowoomba has been quietly welcoming refugees from all corners of the world for nearly two decades.

Cr Antonio said the situation was "probably best encompassed by the word compassion".

"It tells you a story about... many of the Christian churches in Toowoomba who are leaving no stone unturned to make these people feel welcome," he said.

"Maybe whilst we might hold some strong conservative values, an analysis of who we are would find that we're a very compassionate community."

Cr Antonio paid tribute to the church groups, support organisations and police who helped refugees integrate over the years.

"At the end of the day, Melbourne might be able to learn a little bit from the Toowoomba community," he said.

>>Victoria's tense month:

December 2, 2017: A million-dollar property in Altona is left with a $150,000 damage bill after a wild house party in the rented beachfront home. Up to 70 youths of African appearance are reported to have trashed the property.

December 13, 2017: Gang of youths police describe as "of African appearance" assault each other and bystanders at St Kilda Beach. Soon after, 60 youths trash a nearby McDonald's restaurant.

December 18, 2017: Riot police break up a violent street brawl after a party inside a rented AirBnB home spiralled out of control in Werribee. The group responsible is suspected to be Menace to Society - variously described as a gang or a loosely collected group of Sudanese and other teenagers linked to several public order offences.

December 26, 2017: Police officer assaulted at Highpoint Shopping Centre while arresting a boy, 16. The officer was swarmed by a "large gang of youths of African appearance".

December 28, 2017: Victoria Police's Superintendent Therese Fitzgerald said "youth crime in general", rather than gangs associated with an ethnic group, was to blame.

January 1, 2018: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull criticises Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews for his handling of the "African gangs" crisis. Nelly Yoa, a South Sudanese-born athlete, opines in The Age there is a "major issue among young South Sudanese people in Melbourne".

January 3, 2018: Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton claims Victorians are "scared to go out to restaurants" because of gang violence, and hit out at "jokes of sentences" handed down to offenders. Victorian police admit there is a problem with African street gangs. Richard Deng, from the South Sudanese Community Association of Victoria, calls out Prime Minister Turnbull for making Melbourne street violence a political issue, and invites him to see the work of community groups in the city.