Autumn Feast 2024: Toowoomba Chamber seeking further information from council over $100k sponsorship offer

Despite receiving $100,000 ‘in-principle’ sponsorship from Toowoomba Regional Council, organisers behind a proposed 10-day event say the Garden City’s newest festival is no sure thing. DETAILS HERE.

The organisers behind Toowoomba’s newest festival say the 10-day event is no guarantee despite a $100,000 “in-principle” sponsorship from the council.

Autumn Feast, organised by the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Dine Darling Downs, is one step closer to being launched in 2024 after Toowoomba Region councillors voted to support the event.

The festival, which has been promoted as a celebration of local arts, culture, food and music, has been tipped to deliver millions to the region in tourism dollars.

Councillors voted at Tuesday’s ordinary meeting to “consider supporting” the event up to $100,000.

But the offer is contingent on organisers returning with a new events budget and proposal, before establishing key deliverables and KPIs in a new agreement.

Small business owners Ben Johnson and Petria Cumner in Queens Park are excited for Autumn Feast, a new event organised by Chamber, Thursday, May 11, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Chamber CEO Todd Rohl welcomed the announcement, while noting he still needed “further clarification” from council about the conditions.

“We would like to thank the councillors who have today shown their support for Autumn Feast 2024,” he said.

“We are very excited about delivering this event for the community however, we will not be able to make comment on the direction of the Autumn Feast until we get more information and further clarification from the Toowoomba Regional Council on the conditions of their support and ensure that we can meet those conditions.”

Environment and community chair councillor James O’Shea said Autumn Feast held the potential to fill a gap in Toowoomba’s tourism market.
“The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce is aiming to host an event which features food, art and music experiences across the entire region during a time of year that is typically more quiet,” he said.

“Council is supportive of the concept and believes the festival would support our local business, bringing jobs and economic activity.

“With the full details of the event still being organised, council will work with the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce to ensure there are maximum benefits to the community.”