BRIGHTEN UP: Upbeat news from around the region

Here are just some of the things that happened this week and made us smile.

BRIGHTEN UP: Here are just some of the things that happened in Toowoomba recently to make you smile.

Toowoomba is full of positive news and that is something to celebrate, which is why we are bringing you a weekly dose of good news stories from around the region.

Here are just some of the things that happened this week and made us smile.

Business sprouts from mum’s desire to assist kids

When Toowoomba resident Amy Deane became a qualified teacher, she hoped to use her skills to help educate all children.

But when the mother-of-three’s oldest child Luke began struggling in prep, she realised there was so much more to learn.

The former teacher went back to the books and began studying an extensive course in Multisensory Structured Language (MSL).

And now she’s opening her own business Sprouts Reading Clinic – a private practice that will offer tailor-made and structured programs for children with Dyslexia who require assistance with spelling, writing and reading.

Using a holistic approach, the owner of the new reading clinic said she hopes to incorporate mental health strategies to assist with anxiety and low self-esteem too.

Learn more by clicking here.

Amy Deane said her 12-year-old son Luke has inspired her to open her new business Sprouts Reading Clinic to assist children with reading, writing and spelling. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Chess champ brings trophy home after four decades

It’s been four decades since a regional Queensland chess player has won a statewide competition but now one student has been crowned king.

Toowoomba Grammar School year 10 student Shafiuddin Aanan recently won the U18 Queensland Junior Chess Championship.

The 15-year-old battled it out on the chess board alongside 57 other contenders during the four day tournament.

Winning his final game with a play that involved a sacrifice of the queen, the chess enthusiast is the first regional player to take home the win in more than four decades.

For more information about the big win click here.

Toowoomba Grammar School’s Shafiuddin Aanan has won the title at the U18 Queensland Junior Chess Championship. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Barber comes out of retirement for one final cut

With a career spanning over more than five decades, Toowoomba barber Greg Gabbett has come out of retirement for one last time.

Mr Gabbett closed his store last month but returned for one last chop and a pretty special one at that.

The McKeiver family have been visiting the barber to get their hair cuts since he started his apprenticeship in the late 50s.

Following in the footsteps of his family members Arthur, Glen, Brad and Mitchell, 20-month-old Connor became the family’s fifth generation to sit in Mr Gabbett’s chair.

Click here to read the full story.

Five generations (from left) Glen, Brad, and Mitchell McKeiver watch barber Greg Gabbett cut 20 month old Connor McKeiver’s hair for the first time. 5 generations of the McKeiver family have had their hair cut by Greg Gabbett. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Girl with the pearl earring launches new business

Diamonds are nice but the owner of a new Toowoomba business thinks pearls are the girl’s real best friend.

Toowoomba’s Jess Hayes has always loved pearl jewellery but after years of struggling to find affordable and high quality pieces, the mother-of-two decided to start making her own.

And now Ms Hayes is set to release the first collection and launch her new business Boutiqo next month.

Set to launch her online store on August 7, Ms Hayes said the first collection will feature a range of modern styles in limited edition quantities.

See more by clicking here.

Toowoomba’s Jess Hayes is set to launch new business Boutiqo specialising in handmade pearl jewellery. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba born business going gangbusters with global expansion

When Toowoomba brothers Bryce and Richard Capp first founded their business Milton and King Wallpaper and Fabric Co, little did they know what lay ahead.

Now after more than a decade later, their business has claimed the title of Australia’s largest wallpaper manufacturer, as well as a growing market on an international scale.

Business development manager Jo Capp said 90% of designs manufactured in the Toowoomba factory were exported to America.

And now the brothers are looking to grow their Toowoomba consumer base too.

Read the full story by clicking here.

Milton and King Wallpaper and Fabric Co Toowoomba print operators Brodie Henry (left) and Benjamin Oberhardt. Picture: Nev Madsen