Gympie businessman Roger Broadley remembered after sudden death

Farmer, scientist, businessman and advocate - Roger Broadley has been remembered as a “true cornerstone” of the Gympie business community and the CBD following his sudden death.

Lorraine and Roger Broadley at Toyworld, their business in the heart of Gympie. Photo Renee Pilcher / The Gympie Times

The Gympie business community has paid tribute to an outspoken businessman who was an active and passionate part of the Mary Street retail community for many decades.

Roger Broadley, 80, died on Sunday following complications from Covid.

His legacy includes a strong and loyal presence in Mary Street and the Gympie CBD, rebuilding after devastating floods and surviving the emergence of more and more shopping centres away from the heart of the city.

He and wife Lorraine have owned the building that houses Toyworld and Twiga Books since 1994.

Toyworld reopens

The couple took over the Toyworld business in 2014, describing it as “the best business location in town,” floods or no floods.

Lorraine and Roger Broadley when they reopened Toyworld in 2014. Photo Renee Pilcher / The Gympie Times

Three years later they opened Twiga Books, Gympie’s last surviving book store. 

Before going into local business, Mr Broadley was a banana grower and agricultural scientist who specialised in nematode (roundworm) research with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

Over the years, he enjoyed a good working relationship with The Gympie Times, contributing opinion pieces on flood levees and voicing his opinion of the Toolara wind farm. 

Gympie Times editor Shelley Strachan described Mr Broadley as a Mary Street “institution”.

“He and Lorraine have been important leaders in the Gympie business community for decades,” she said.

“In my many years working with The Gympie Times, Mr Broadley was always polite and helpful.

Roger Broadley outside Twiga Bookstore in Mary Street, Gympie.

“He will be sadly missed by many people.

“My heart goes out to Lorraine.”

CBD Action Alliance chairman Tony Goodman described Mr Broadley as “a true cornerstone of Mary Street”.

He said Mr Broadley and his wife “steered the ship of Toyworld and Twiga Bookshop with unwavering dedication, becoming an integral part of our community”.

“Roger’s impact stretched far beyond the storefronts; he was a vocal champion for our town centre, consistently advocating for its growth and prosperity.

“His enduring support for our night-time street festivals reflected his genuine desire to see Mary St thrive as a lively and inviting destination.

“On behalf of the entire community of traders, we extend our deepest sympathies to Lorraine and the family as we mourn the loss of one of our colleagues.”

Mr Broadley’s funeral will be held on Monday, February 19, 2024.