SQEA Launch Event
Collaboration key to SEQ’s Future Workforce This month I had the honour of attending the launch of something truly exciting, which aims to cut through red tape, unlock regional funding, and champion the future of our region. The University of Southern Queensland, in collaboration with TAFE Queensland, has launched the Southern Queensland Education Alliance (SQEA) […]
Toowoomba is Blooming with Opportunity
Each September, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers transforms our city into a celebration of colour, creativity, and community. What began more than seventy years ago as a modest parade has grown into an internationally recognised festival, drawing – 16 September For the Toowoomba Chamber, the Carnival represents more than flowers – it symbolises the strength […]
Celebrating a Century of Local Radio
864 Triple M turns 100 (formerly 4GR) On August 16, 2025, 864 Triple M (formerly known as 4GR) celebrated an extraordinary milestone: 100 years of broadcasting. As Queensland’s oldest commercial radio station, 4GR made its inaugural broadcast in 1925, right here in Toowoomba. A century on, its impact continues to echo across our region as […]
Housing Heart and Hope
Housing, Heart and Hope for our CBD The Toowoomba Chamber welcomes the announcement of a 60-unit apartment development on Ruthven Street. This isn’t just a tick in the “more homes” box—it’s a significant step toward the kind of CBD revitalisation Toowoomba so urgently needs. At the Chamber, we’ve been vocal about the dual challenges facing […]
The changing IR Landscape
Beyond Compliance – Navigating a Changing IR Landscape with Purpose While the 2024/25 industrial relations (IR) landscape has seen fewer headline grabbing legislative introductions compared to previous years, the ripple effects of prior reforms continue to be felt. Several significant changes passed in recent years are now coming into force, requiring employers to adapt and […]
Why Celebrating Business Matters
CHRONICLE COLUMN | WHY CELEBRATING BUSINESS EXCELLENCE MATTERS Toowoomba’s business community is the lifeblood of our region, with over 17,000 businesses, more than 98% of which are small businesses, driving innovation, employment, and community spirit. The 2025 Little Pig Consulting Business Excellence Awards, hosted by the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, are more than just trophies; […]
Balancing Wage Rises
CHRONICLE COLUMN: 20 May 2025 | Balancing Wage Rises Toowoomba’s small business community is bracing for more financial strain, with the Fair Work Commission’s recent announcement of a 3.5% increase to minimum wage and the rise of the Superannuation Guarantee to 12% from 1 July 2025. We understand the intent—to support low-paid workers after years […]
Inland Rail Have your Say
CHRONICLE COLUMN: 20 May 2025 | Inland Rail – Have your Say The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the transformative Inland Rail project, recognising its potential to deliver lasting economic and business benefits to our region. As a once-in-a-generation infrastructure investment, Inland Rail will strengthen Toowoomba’s position as a key logistics and freight hub, […]
Run and Won
CHRONICLE COLUMN: 5 May 2025 | RUN AND WON Is it over yet? Another election, more political skulduggery. Personal attacks in Fowler, Dickson, in my view, lacked integrity. Leaders’ response…… I do not support doctored images and using derogatory terms without retort. Based on the reported responses to these actions from the leaders of our […]
Backing Our Charities
CHRONICLE COLUMN – Backing Our Charities Is Backing Toowoomba’s Future Toowoomba is home to some of the most dedicated and impactful charities in regional Australia—Momentum Mental Health, Hope Horizons, and Protea Place among them. These organisations aren’t simply filling gaps in the system—they are doing the critical work of saving lives, restoring dignity, and building […]