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 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.

Region’s gymnastics studio raises bar after growing success

After the growing success of a Toowoomba gymnastics studio, the business has teamed up with a leading national brand to encourage more children to step up to the beam.

Between 11,000 and 14,000 kids enter the doors of Allstars Gymnastics Academy every week.

Now the Toowoomba-based studio has partnered with national health and leisure company Belgravia Kids.

Allstars owner Vicki Flamsteed said the joint venture meant future opportunities to expand in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs were possible.

But that’s not the only exciting news for the studio with Ms Flamsteed recently appointed as Belgravia Kids’ chief executive officer for Queensland too.

Read the full story by clicking here.

Allstar gymnastics owner Vicki Flamsteed with Sophie Chester (left) and Lilly Killgour, Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

People’s choice awarded to designer for thinking outside the ‘box’

DIY enthusiasts, schools and community groups recently put their tools and imaginations to the test and took part in an annual fundraising campaign.

The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation launched its Pop-up Pallet event earlier this month, to showcases a range of handcrafted pieces using recycled pallets.

And now the winner of the Toowoomba Orthadontist’s People’s Choice award has been revealed.

Ray Montey walked away with the award for his pallet bench seat creation which this year, generated the highest bidding amount of $600.

Proceeds raised through auctioning the items off, will help create a electrophysiology service which will see patients be able to receive lifesaving treatments in Toowoomba.

Ray Montey was awarded the Toowoomba Orthdadontist's People's Choice award for making his own pallet bench seat.

Whiskey business: New tattoo studio draws on experience

He gave his dad a tattoo when he was just six-years-old and now a popular artist has started his own business.

Tattoos have been a part of Ben Smith’s life for as long as he can remember.

Inspired by his dad who was a tattooist himself, Mr Smith knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps from a young age.

So at 16-years-old he started his tattooing apprenticeship.

Now after working in the industry for more than 20 years, 17 of which he has spent in Toowoomba, Mr Smith has opened his very own store – Whisky Time Tattoo.

His new business is set to open its doors in the coming days alongside 2IC Scott Hornery and pays respect to their drink of choice.

Find out more by clicking here.

Ben Smith (seated) and Scott Hornery have opened Whisky Time Tattoo in Ruthven St. Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Patrons set to ‘flock’ to new Toowoomba cafe

It’s a dream of Anne Kerr’s that has been brewing for some time and now her brand new cafe is coming to fruition.

The owner of a charity and disability support business has found a base for her two existing organisations as well as her new venture – The Flamingle Cafe, which will be managed by her daughter Taylor Kerr.

The flamingo-themed cafe features pastel shades of pinks and greens and the mother and daughter duo aren’t afraid of a pun or two, with footprints that read ‘please stand 1.5 flocking metres a part.’

With plenty of menu items to choose from, the new eatery offers ‘flamboyant’ breakfast items, ‘flamazing’ burgers and frozen ‘flocks’.

And while Ms Kerr is excited to open the new cafe, it won’t be her only business calling the Russell St building home.

Her aged care and disability support business Anne’s Angels which has been operating in Toowoomba for a decade, and charity Anne’s Angel’s Enterprises will now have a permanent base beside the new cafe.

See more by clicking here.

Taylor Kerr (left) and her mother Anne Kerr are about to open Flamingle Cafe in Russell St Toowoomba. Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Generous birthday boy gives back to the Toowoomba community

Most 10-year-old kids would celebrate their birthday with cake, presents and playing with friends.

But when Toowoomba boy Onkarveer Singh Khalsa recently turned 10, he chose to spend the day giving back to those in need.

Donating hotdogs and soft drink to Tony’s Kitchen, Onkarveer said he wanted to assist people in the community who go without food and shelter.

Click here to read the full story.

Onkarveer Singh Khalsa spent his 10th birthday donating hotdogs and soft drink to the less fortunate down at Tony's Kitchen.