BRIGHTEN UP: Upbeat news from around the region

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

BRIGHTEN UP: Here are just some of the things that made us smile in Toowoomba this week.

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.

Big birthday for local theatre

Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre celebrated a major birthday milestone this week.

The local heritage-listed theatre which first opened its doors in 1911, turned 110-years-old on Tuesday.

Taking to the Empire Theatre’s Facebook page the business made a post to celebrate the special occasion.

“The Empire Theatre originally opened on Thursday 29 June in 1911 with the latest technology installed to screen the emerging movie industry pictures,” the post said.

“In November 1928, the Empire Theatre was upgraded to screen the new colour movies.”

Sadly in 1933 a fire destroyed most of the original theatre and it was rebuilt and reopened later that year.

For more information about the history of the Empire Theatre click here.

The Empire Theatre celebrated its 110th birthday on Tuesday.

Local author reveals strange, unusual Toowoomba tales in new book

He’s known for writing about witches and ghosts in Toowoomba and now local man Don Talbot is set to add another book to his growing collection.

The former journalist published his first book almost two decades ago in 2003 and has since released more than 40 books.

Committed to telling a great story, the local author has gone to great lengths while researching and has even met with witches and warlocks.

But now Mr Talbot is working on a new project and is set to release volume 8 of his popular series Toowoomba Strange and Unusual Tales.

Find out more by clicking here.

Toowoomba author Don Talbot shows the cover art of his new book. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Video highlights school teacher’s musical talents

Toowoomba digital marketing business Social Palms recently teamed up with Highlands Christian College to deliver a strategic marketing campaign.

Posting the video on the Social Palms Instagram page, the business said the aim was “to capture a cold target market and steer them toward conversion.”

The video featured music and maths teacher Joel Hunt from Highlands Christian College, playing his guitar.

“I’ve loved to perform on the guitar … my recent passion has really been writing music,” Mr Hunt said.

“I love seeing kids that are so talented and helping them on their journey to getting better, growing, writing and performing.”

Watch the whole video by visiting Social Palms on Instagram or by clicking here.

Special surprise for Toowoomba graduate

Graduations are monumental occasions for most students after years of commitment to their studies but for one Toowoomba local it will be unforgettable for another very special reason.

Grace Scanlon recently graduated from Bond University with a Bachelor of International Relations and law degree.

And while that is certainly something to celebrate – it was just the cherry on top for the 22-year-old graduate.

Ms Scanlon was separated from her Hong Kong-based father Simon Scanlon for 10 long months due to the international border closures with fears he may not be able to attend the ceremony.

Fortunately luck was on the family’s side.

Read the full story by clicking here.

Mary Jane (from left), Sandy, graduate Grace, Simon and Emma Scanlon. Photo: Cavan Flynn.

Growing success: Popularity on the rise for local farming business

While Covid-19 has disrupted the lives of many across the globe, some local farmers and their small businesses have experienced substantial growth.

Owners of local venture Budgee Garlic and Herbs Rod and Joan Kambouris said since the pandemic began 15 months ago, they have seen a rise in demand for their products from across the country.

Operating on a small farm in the scenic foothills of the Great Diving Range about 30 minutes south of Toowoomba, the couple grow and harvest their own chemical-free garlic and herbs.

Click here to read the full story.

Owners of local venture Budgee Garlic and Herbs Rod and Joan Kambouris said since the pandemic began 15 months ago, they have seen a rise in demand for their products from across the country.