Toowoomba businesswoman Joy Mingay to focus on Western Clydesdales success after missing out on council position

After narrowly missing out twice on becoming a councillor, a Toowoomba small business veteran says she is now focused on turning the Clydesdales into a rugby league force – on and off the field.

She’s nearly become a councillor twice, but Toowoomba business identity Joy Mingay has all but closed the door on her political aspirations to focus on helping turn the Western Clydesdales into a rugby league powerhouse.

The former owner of Classic Recruiting and ex-president of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce narrowly missed out on securing the vacant councillor position last week, losing to Edwina Farquhar in the final round of voting.

The pair were seen embracing after the result was announced.

The heartbreaking result came three years after she finished 11th at the 2020 local government elections, polling behind Tim McMahon for the final spot on the council.

“Always the bridesmaid,” Ms Mingay joked.

The dedicated small business advocate said she was “disappointed” but not saddened after missing out, noting it would likely be her final tilt at the job.

“It wasn’t meant to be and I’m not bitter or upset,” she said.

“I always was very pragmatic this time around, I worked my backside off in 2020 an I’m a seasoned campaigner, but this one was always going to be the personal choices of 10 people.

“I’ve been overwhelmed with the generosity of the people who also stood — the young ones who gave me a hug outside City Hall were really touching.

“Never say never, but maybe politics isn’t for me.”

Joy Mingay chats to Ray and Madeline Taylor. Pre polling at the Goods Shed in Toowoomba. Friday, 20th Mar, 2020.

Ms Mingay said she was instead ready to focus even more on her role as a board member of the Toowoomba Clydesdales, declaring her intention to make them a dominant force in the Hostplus Cup.

A Queensland Rugby League appointee and the only woman on the committee, Ms Mingay said a recent trip to the Redcliffe Dolphins’ home stadium and facilities during grand final week had inspired her to replicate it in Toowoomba.

The Dolphins, which enjoyed its first season in the NRL this year, have become not just a regular finals fixture in the state league but also a lucrative commercial outfit thanks to successful property and business ventures.

“That’s what I’ll be focusing on — this is an opportunity and we’ve got the QRL on our side,” Ms Mingay said.

“Knowing a community like Redcliffe, which is very busy right now, is very invested (in the Dolphins) — it makes me realise we need to get that here.”

Ms Mingay said she was working with the board to develop commercial opportunities for the Clydesdales, as well as advocating for a home ground at the level of the Dolphins’ Kayo Stadium.

“We really need to get a new stadium and think how we become more commercially-oriented,” she said.

“I’m a QRL appointment and we need to move into a much bigger level (going forward).”

The Clydesdales finished their first season back in the Hostplus Cup in 13th position out of 15 clubs, posting just three wins.

The team does not own its home stadium or have a leagues club and other commercial opportunities.