Wedding strategy to boost industry in Toowoomba region

A new strategy designed to provide a boost to the wedding industry in Toowoomba will be executed following the easing of restrictions this week.

The newly formed Wedding Industry Collaboration met for the first time last week and included (from left) Todd Rohl, Toowoomba Chamber, Ian Wickham, In the Booth, Mary Reid, Go Local First and Ray Hunt from Highfields Business District Connections.

A new wedding industry strategy will boost microbusinesses in the Toowoomba region thanks to the collaboration of industry groups.

Representatives from Go Local First, Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, Regional Development Australia, Toowoomba Darling Downing.com.au, Highfields District Business Connections, and Ian Wickham from In The Booth, a member of the Australian Bridal Industry Academy, attended their first meeting together last week to discuss the regional wedding strategy.

Meeting chair and small business advocate Mary Reid said the collaboration would draw on its collective skills and connections to create some exciting regional programs that would support all businesses including smaller operators.

“The Australian Wedding industry is worth $7.2 billion – it’s a significant contributor to the national economy and also to our local economy,” she said.

“Toowoomba has more than 70 wedding venues and more than 140 vendors but COVID-19 restrictions have resulted in a 70% reduction across the sector.

“Toowoomba is well placed to grow the wedding industry and bring more people and money to town.

“It’s time to work together and get businesses back on their feet.

“We are already looking at how we can assist small operators apply for grants, and how we can provide training workshops.”

The timely collaboration comes as the Queensland Government eases COVID-19 restrictions allowing 200 people to attend weddings from November 17.

The group is expecting to release information on its future plans in the next few weeks.

Any wedding industry businesses can direct inquiries to Ian Wickham, from In The Booth at [e-mail] or Mary Reid of Go Local First at [e-mail].