KP Protection Services questioning council’s decision to overlook them for Carnival of Flowers
In the wake of a Toowoomba doughnut business being overlooked for this year’s Carnival of Flowers, a local security firm is asking why they too were snubbed.
Council
Don't miss out on the headlines from Council. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Ari Kucuku was upset reading how a Toowoomba doughnut business had been passed over to be part of the lucrative Carnival of Flowers in favour of an out-of-town company.
The owner of KP Protection Services was angry because something similar had happened to him.
“No one said to me anything about offering security for the carnival,” Mr Kucuku said.
“They didn’t even invite me (to tender) at all.”
Mr Kucuku, whose Toowoomba business employs more than 90 staff and works with the Toowoomba Hospital and Fitzy’s, has called on the Toowoomba Regional Council to take greater steps to prioritise local businesses for the carnival.
His comments come after OMG Decadent Doughnuts Darling Downs revealed it had been rejected for a stall at the Food and Wine Festival, with organisers instead selecting a business based outside the region.
The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce has discovered several other local businesses were either not approached to tender or rejected in favour of coast-based entities, in industries such as hospitality, event management and public relations.
Mr Kucuku said he understood the council had gone with a Brisbane-based security company for the festival.
“When I saw that story (about OMG Decadent Doughnuts), I got upset about it because they’re good people,” he said.
“We are a local company, and I started it here in Toowoomba.
“I help the community all the time, when they have charity events and they need something donated I will provide guards for free.”
Mr Kucuku said he paid his guards above industry rates in the belief it was better for the city to have well-paid staff.
“We pay our guys good wages, above award rates,” he said.
“Most of the companies pay a flat rate, and the council goes for the cheapest one.
“But I pay my wages so the money goes back into the community.”
‘What are they hiding?’: Major Carnival event’s future now in doubt
The Toowoomba Regional Council has refused to reveal whether a key event at the Carnival of Flowers will return in 2025, as questions have been raised about its future.
Revealed: What could be coming to Highfields’ new town centre
A planned town centre for one of the region’s fastest-growing communities has been updated for the first time in seven years, with residents now able to give feedback on it. What’s new in the plan.
Up to 700 lots: Major inner-city project revived in big housing boost
Toowoomba’s depleted housing stocks are set for a boost in the coming years, after a developer revived plans for a project near the new hospital. Here’s when lots could be available:
West St closes for asphalting, pick your detour
Detours may be in place as asphalt overlay works continue on West St. Here’s why the street looks so shiny:
Council urged to step up after ‘encouraging’ koala numbers revealed
‘Encouraging’ trends within the Toowoomba region’s koala population have prompted advocates to call on the council to increase efforts to further protect the beloved marsupial.
‘Embarrassing’: Splash out for splash park?
YOUR SAY: Residents of Australia’s largest inland city without a splash park have responded with frustration, embarrassment, and the practical challenges of the Garden City’s water play facilities, after the mayor hosed down the idea of building one.