BRIGHTEN UP: Upbeat news from around the Toowoomba 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 that made us smile.

Why retirees are choosing to call Garden City home

Toowoomba local Shirley Armstrong is one of many retirees loving life in the region.

Recent data released by the Department of Social Services revealed Toowoomba is the state’s third most popular destination for pensioners to call home with 13,575 retirees residing under the postcode 4350.

When Ms Armstrong and her husband left their rural property out West in 1998 to move to the Garden City, they were initially worried about the change.

But it’s a decision the mother, grandmother and great-grandmother has never regretted.

Talking about why she loves the Toowoomba region, Ms Armstrong said it’s a friendly place to live with great facilities and a nice climate.

Read the full story by clicking here.

HAPPY AS SHIRLEY: Local retiree Shirley Armstrong talks about life in Toowoomba. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Doughnut Day is hole in one

The only thing better than reaching the end of the working week is that Friday is International Donut Day.

And OMG Donuts Darling Downs is celebrating by offering free delivery on all orders containing 12 doughnuts or more.

Grab your sugar fix by clicking here.

SWEET IDEA: OMG Donuts Darling Downs is offering free delivery on Friday to celebrate International Doughnut Day. Picture: OMG Darling Downs.

Wheels in motion: Restoration project on-route to final stop

It’s full steam ahead for a local tourism operator who are on the verge of finalising an exciting long-term project.

Local volunteers at the DownSteam Tourist Railway and Museum have been hard at work and are in the final stages of restoring the historical C16 steam train The Pride of Toowoomba.

Working on the exciting project since 2018, the steam train is just months away from transporting tourists and locals around the region.

Find out more by clicking here.

JOURNEY'S END: DownSteam Tourist Railway and Museum volunteer project manager Andrew Caldwell said the restoration of The Pride of Toowoomba is nearing completion. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Strong mum promotes self-care as tribute to daughter

When Claire Shum, 23, first began making her own bath and shower products, it started out as a fun hobby.

With plans to start her own small business Ms Shum put these dreams on hold and when she experienced a devastating tragedy.

And while her wounds will never truly heal, the Toowoomba small business owner has relaunched her business The Soap Box Co hoping her products helps to remind others going through a tough time to prioritise self-care.

For more information click here.

SELF-CARE: After experiencing her own personal tragedy, Claire Shum has witnessed the power in self-care and has launched a business to help others who may be struggling. Picture: Rhylea Millar.

Toowoomba local takes home mega jackpot

One lucky Toowoomba local is $200,000 richer after his mega jackpot win.

Purchasing the winning ticket from Campbells News and Casket on Ruthven St, the local man scored the guaranteed first prize of $200,000 in the Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot.

The news came at the perfect time with the winning ticketholder admitting his day had been a bit ‘rough’ before finding out.

Still processing the exciting news, the man said he planned to spend the cash on a few little holidays and save the rest for his retirement.

Click here for the full story.

BEST DAY EVER: Toowoomba man wins big in Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot, taking home the prize of $200,000.