Happy Valentine’s Day: Meet Toowoomba’s most eligible singles

From medical professionals and emergency service workers to farmers, single parents and pet lovers, here are all the incredible people we have short-listed. SEE THE FULL LIST

Toowoomba’s most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes.

Valentine’s Day has been recognised as the official day to celebrate love since the fourteenth century.

Every year, nearly 150 million Hallmark cards are exchanged, 250 million roses are grown and more than $1bn worth of chocolate is purchased for the special occasion in the US alone.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, The Chronicle asked the community to nominate Toowoomba’s most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes with hundreds of quality suitors put forward.

We’ve managed to narrow the list down to 24 genuine singles looking for love.

From medical professionals and emergency service workers to single parents and pet lovers, here are all the incredible people we have short-listed.

See someone who catches your eye? Simply email [e-mail]

Alyshia Harris, 25 – accounts manager

With a successful career as a major accounts manager for a workwear company, Alyshia is hoping to find a true gentleman to grow old with who loves the outdoors.

Alyshia Harris.

Her proudest achievement to date is being the mum of one boy.

Attracted to country men, Alyshia is looking for someone who has a strong work ethic and is keen to work with her to achieve the ultimate couple goals.

Interested in buying a house with land, Alyshia’s idea of the perfect first date is sitting in the back of her ute and eating takeaway food, while the worst would be going to a fancy restaurant.

Ann-Maree Bange, 43 – nursing assistant

Describing herself as a lover of the great outdoors, animals and someone with a very caring side, Ann-Maree is looking for a partner with similar personality traits, drive and a zest for life.

A mum to three teenage boys, Ann-Maree said her children are incredibly handsome and independent.

Ann-Maree Bange.

The “old school” dater prefers to meet people through traditional avenues, Ann-Maree said respect, a supportive nature, ambition and great communication skills were a must.

Her pet peeves include smoking, no sense of pride and a lack of organisation or time management skills.

Ann-Maree said she hopes to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a registered nurse in the next five years and make a difference in her field.

“It can be the small things that matter in the nursing industry that counts – and I will make my mark on it,” she said.

An ideal first date for Ann-Maree would be a pub meal with a few drinks.

In her spare time she enjoys the company of her children, family and friends but also enjoys the gym and cooking.

Brodie Davies, 22 – aircon technician

When it comes to deal breakers, the answer is simple for Brodie Davis – they must love dogs.

Describing himself as “just your regular 22-year-old tradie”, the aircon technician enjoys camping, four wheel driving and travelling.

Brodie Davies.

His idea of the perfect date is going to the beach and enjoying a nice dinner, but admits he is the type of bloke to just go with the flow.

The aspiring commercial pilot hopes to be travelling the world for work in five years time and is most proud of learning to fly a plane.

Ironically the travel enthusiast’s go-to pick-up line is “are you from France? Because Eiffel for you.”

Cara Yea, 24 – nursing assistant

It’s been a difficult journey for Cara Yea who sadly lost her husband to an illness two years ago.

While her late husband and his family will always hold a special place in her heart, Cara’s sister nominated her for this exercise to help her move on.

Cara Yea.

Interested in men, Cara is looking for a suitor with a kind heart, great sense of humour and outgoing personality.

“I do want someone to respect my past relationship with my husband who passed away,” she said.

“He will always be forever in my heart, and his family mean the world to me and they will always be a part of my life.”

An aunty to three adorable kids, Cara said her ideal partner would also be family-orientated and driven.

The loving pet owner has a cattle dog, mastiff and tabby cat but hopes to one day start a family with the right person too.

Passionate about her work and helping others, Cara’s five year plan includes becoming a registered nurse.

Outside of work you can find Cara at the gym or spending time with her loved ones.

Carlia Brackenbury, 20 – retail assistant

For Carlia, her best pick-up line is ‘are you a parking ticket because you’ve got fine written all over you?’

Carlia Brackenbury.

Interested in meeting a male partner who she can create memories with and one day start a family with, Carlia has previously tried meeting people through dating app Tinder or in person.

Her hobbies include shopping, travelling, spending time with her family and hanging out with her pet Jack Russell Max.

While her deal breakers are men with no goals, no time management skills or who have female best friends.

The retail assistant said she believed she was put forward for the list by family members because they “want grandchildren”.

Cat Evans, 22 – production assistant

She’s travelled the east coast of Australia, has climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge and has a diploma in music and sound production and now Cat is looking for one more thing – love.

Looking for a man of Christian faith, who is kind, calm, spontaneous and happy to explore the world, Cat has just one deal breaker off the top of her head – someone who doesn’t like cats.

Cat Evans.

A pet mum to one cat and two guinea pigs also owns a small photography business specialising in landscape imagery.

The music lover is drawn to electronic dance, house and indie beats and also produces tunes as a hobby.

Cat’s idea of a perfect date is meeting somewhere thoughtful and personal where they can get to know each other, rather than dinner at a restaurant.

Not a fan of cheesy pick-up lines, Cat said she’s heard a fair few in her time.

“When I used to work at Optus I remember I sold a guy a phone and he asked if my number came with it,” she said.

“I needed the commission so I couldn’t tell him to leave the store.”

Craig Dougherty, 44 – semi-truck driver / farmer

He made it to one of the final audition rounds of Farmer Wants A Wife and now Craig is determined to find a hardworking, honest, genuine country woman who loves the outdoors.

Describing himself as an old fashioned country man, Craig believes he is single because he spent the first half of his life focused on his career.

Craig Dougherty.

Purchasing his first property at the age of 20, Craig went on to buy his own farm before his 30th birthday, where he is currently still living.

While he admits he can be a bit of a “workaholic” the hobby farmer said he’s ready to settle down and set his sights on finding love.

Never married and with no kids, Craig said he would be interested in starting a family with the right woman but ultimately just wants to spend the rest of his life with someone special.

In his spare time, the Aussie country bloke loves to spend time on the farm with his two red cattle dogs, go out to dinner or have a barbecue with friends.

His idea of the perfect first date is dinner at a nice country pub or restaurant, followed by a walk to get to know each other a little bit more.

Daniel McCray, 28 – Southern Cross Austereo journalist

He’s been the announcer of international rugby union games and worked as a journalist for some of Toowoomba’s biggest radio stations for almost a year – and now Daniel McCray is on the hunt for love.

Looking for a woman with a great sense of humour, who loves to go on adventures and enjoys the outdoors, Daniel said he hopes to settle down in Toowoomba – and most importantly, adopt a dog.

Daniel McCray.

In five years time he said he hopes to be Mayor of Toowoomba – although admitted this was unlikely to prosper.

Daniel’s hobbies include riding motorbikes, camping, hiking and working on cars and believes the perfect first date would be doing anything outdoors.

Nominated for Toowoomba’s most eligible bachelor’s list by his colleagues, Daniel said he was the only single person in the office so “there must be a level of pity”.

When asked for his best pick-up line Daniel said “do you like sultanas? … How about a date?”

Ethan Bielefeld, age not disclosed – musician / stakeholder engagement officer

When the muso isn’t performing on stage, he is most likely working on DIY projects, going on an outdoor adventure or watching Marvel flicks.

Looking for a kind, genuine and adventurous woman who laughs at his jokes, Ethan also hopes to find someone as passionate as he is about recycling.

Ethan Bielefeld.

Proudest of the appearance of his lawn this season as well as his ability to overcome challenges over the years, Ethan’s idea of the perfect first date is “sunset Super Rooster”.

Nominated by several of his mates, he said he assumed his friends were eager to go on couple retreats.

Imogen Mee, 22 – admin assistant / job seeker

She might be new to the dating world but Imogen has a few special tricks up her sleeve.

Imogen who lives with a disability said she has overcome a lot in her life.

Imogen Mee.

“I have Autism and anxiety so it does make things harder and makes things more difficult for me than others,” she said.

Seeking a trustworthy man with a nice personality who accepts the person she is wholeheartedly, Imogen imagines the perfect first date entailing getting dressed up and going out to sushi for dinner.

Her favourite pastimes include singing, dancing, shopping, watching musicals or movies in general and hanging out with friends.

Imogen also has a pet Tibetan Spaniel and has taught herself a number of card tricks.

Isaac Pacey, 26 – paramedic

When he’s not saving lives and making a difference in his career of choice, Isaac can be found hiking, working on fitness or trying out the newest restaurants and cafes.

Committed to pushing himself out of his comfort zone, the paramedic is dedicated to saying ‘yes’.

During his time at university, Isaac worked hard to save money and eventually purchased his own home, but has also been awarded several education scholarships and awards.

Isaac Pacey.

Looking for a relationship built on trust and honesty, Isaac said compatibility and a woman who gets along with his family and friendship circle were essential.

Watching the sunset at a beach with a glass of wine would be his preferred option for a first date.

In five years time, he hopes to be excelling in his career, starting a family and creating lifelong memories.

Despite acknowledging it’s cringe-worthiness, Isaac said the funniest pick-up line he’s ever heard has been “you must be a campfire – because you’re super hot and I want s’more”.

Joanna Thompson, 27 – disability support worker / student

Initially shy at first meeting, Joanna said overtime her big personality starts to show despite being just five feet tall.

The single mum has achieved a lot in her life so far from raising her six-year-old son to purchasing a brand-new car outright.

Joanna Thompson.

After a serious relationship and a few dates – one of which was a bit of a disaster – Joanna is looking for a relationship with a trustworthy, honest and respectful man.

“I very recently went on the worst date of my life and ran outta there like Forrest Gump,” she said.

“In five years time I would like to be living in a home I bought, preferably on acreage for my son to run a muck on like I experienced growing up.”

In her spare time Joanna enjoys watching true crime, going camping, reading or playing with her black cat Salem.

Her biggest pet peeves includes people who walk slow or are rude to their elders, while her perfect first date would be dinner, drinks and watching the sunset.

Joshua Slade, 21 – product manager

Interested in getting to know someone who is motivated and can hold an interesting conversation, Joshua is new to the realm of dating.

Joshua Slade.

When he’s not working, Joshua can be found in the kitchen cooking Italian food or baked goods.

He is equally enthusiastic about weekend trips, video games and spending time with his family.

Happy to go with the flow, the 21-year-old said he’s open to all opportunities but hopes to one day experience working overseas.

Luke Fitch, 25 – civil engineer

Looking for a family-orientated woman, Luke has achieved a lot in his 25 years.

Whether he’s training others in Brazilian jiujitsu or spending a day at Sunshine Coast beaches, the Toowoomba man loves to keep busy and meet new people.

Luke Fitch.

The owner of a female cavoodle named Rex was described in his nomination by a friend as “a country boy at heart” who grew up on a dairy farm.

Luke also competes in Brazilian jiujitsu wrestling professionally.

To date, the achievement he’s proudest of is when he rode motorcycles through the Himalayas in northern India.

Paris Palmer, 24 – therapeutic youth worker

Open to meeting a man or woman, Paris said her priority when it comes to dating is finding someone kind.

Paris Palmer.

When she’s not spending time with her three-year-old daughter or working, Paris is likely working out at the gym or hitting the beach.

Put forward by her best friend for the list, Paris sees herself relocating to the coast in five years time.

Although she’s tried online dating apps, the mum-of-one opts for meeting people organically and considers dishonesty and clinginess to be two of her biggest deal breakers.

A perfect first date for Paris would be grabbing a coffee and watching the sun rise.

Olivia Bartelen, 24 – farmer

After her former employer offered her a management position, Olivia decided to trade in the corporate world for her biggest passion – the farm.

Now working for her dad on the family farm between Moree and Goondiwindi, the 24-year-old country girl said she is also considering a career in mining.

Olivia Bartelen.

When she’s not getting her hands dirty on the job, Olivia is likely playing touch and AFL, playing with her two pet kelpies or spending time with her friends – most of whom already have children.

Interested in a gentleman who has a great relationship with his family and a fun side, Olivia said she loves country men but cannot date someone younger than her.

Living in a rural area and after striking no luck on the likes of Tinder, Plenty of Fish or at the local pub, the ambitious and hard working farmer is hoping this experiment may deliver.

Olivia said she was “pretty easy to please” and was content with sitting on the beach or grabbing “a feed at the pub” for a first date outing.

Her proudest accomplishment was obtaining her full truck licence.

“I can drive a triple,” she said.

While she hasn’t tested it out on anyone yet, Olivia said her favourite Knock Knock joke turned pick-up line has had her friends in stitches.

Her five year plan includes being set up financially, travelling and starting a family.

Sarah Stinton, 25 – retail manager

Offering the best of both worlds, Sarah is always up for a new adventure but also appreciates the comfort of staying in and spending the night at home.

Sarah Stinton.

Whether she’s bushwalking, watching a burlesque show with a cocktail in hand or grabbing mexican takeaway for a movie night, Sarah is the life of the party.

But her life hasn’t come without its challenges which have only inspired her to keep going and never give up.

“I once read a quote – ‘a partnership is where the we is more important than the I’ – this really resonated with me as I would like to find someone who is interested in supporting shared goals and working together,” Sarah said.

Over the next five years, Sarah sees herself expanding her business knowledge and hopes to one day get married and have kids without putting a time limit on it.

While she currently has no pets, she admits she is a big dog lover and longs to become a pet parent again one day.

Interested in meeting a man whose life aspirations align with her own, Sarah said her biggest deal breakers are rude or disrespectful people.

Scott Laman, 27 – administration officer for Queensland Health

From swiping right on dating apps to speed dating at a Toowoomba bar, Scott has tried just about every avenue of dating there is and now he has placed his trust in The Chronicle.

Scott Laman.

Looking for a female who can handle his dad jokes, challenge him to be a better person and make him laugh till he cries, Scott wants a relationship built on mutual respect and support.

Whether he pushing himself to the limits in Cross Fit, hiking up a mountain or going on an adventure, Scott is always living life to the fullest.

Taking the time to recharge is also high on his priorities list, whether it be enjoying a cold beer at the pub or a cup of coffee at a local cafe.

While he likes to keep up with the latest fashion trends, the fitness enthusiast also is not afraid to get his hands dirty and constantly aims to excel both from a professional and personal stance.

From bench pressing twice his weight at the gym to excelling in his middle management profession, Scott said he has achieved a lot he’s proud of.

“I guess you could say I’m crushing it in both the boardroom and the weight room,” he said.

“Laughter is the best medicine and the key to a successful relationship is finding someone who can make you laugh, even on the toughest days.

“I’m a bit of a goofball at heart and I’m always up for trying something new or making a fool of myself for the sake of a good joke.”

Selena Petersen, 43 – grain grower and grazier

Adventurous, positive and friendly are the best ways to describe Selena who is looking for a male partner who shares similar interests with her, particularly in agriculture.

Selena Petersen.

Qualities she looks for in a potential partner include a witty sense of humour, intelligence and optimism.

When Selena isn’t working on the land, she will most likely be spending time in her garden or catching up with friends and family.

“In five years I see myself having a steady flow of being happy, healthy and enjoying what I do for a living,” she said.

“A perfect first date would be dinner at a nice restaurant with the most important ingredient – great conversation.”

Selena said while she does not have a pick-up line, ‘hello’ was always a great way to start a conversation.

Sophie Mullins, 21 – pilot

For the past 12 months Sophie has been working on a station in South Australia mustering cattle and spotting camels from the air.

Sophie Mullins.

Since obtaining her commercial pilot licence, Sophie has been working towards building enough hours to one day join the Royal Flying Doctor Service to help people across the country.

Her hobbies include reading, photography, camping, four wheel driving, cars and spending time with her two pet koolie dogs.

While Sophie admits she doesn’t have any pick-up lines up her sleeve, she believes the cheesy ones are always best.

“I don’t really have an idea for a perfect (first date),” she said.

“The first one will never be perfect, but that’s what makes it enjoyable to look back on.”

Stephanie Hartmann, 28 – fitness instructor

When it comes to Stephanie she knows exactly what she’s looking for – a man with a good heart, pure intentions, sense of humour and someone who is future and family-focused.

Stephanie Hartmann.

The qualified fitness instructor ironically spends her spare time at the gym, but you could also find her taking her five-year-old daughter to the park or beach.

Despite a few interesting online dating experiences, Stephanie is ready to put herself back out there again with just a few deal breakers – no smoking, no party animals and someone who is taller than Stephanie’s 169cm height.

The mum-of-one said she believed she was put forward for the list because she was selfless, wholesome, had a big heart and was seeking a “long lasting, forever and old school kind of love”.

She hopes to be engaged or married to the love of her life in five years time with more children on cards and a family home.

Taloi Nankivell, 38 – aviation firefighter

Coffee, an adventurous hike leading to a rock pool, solving the mystery of an escape room and finishing the night off with dinner and a rom-com is how Taloi will woo his next date.

Taloi Nankivell.

The New Zealand born bloke just relocated from Brisbane to Oakey where he works as an aviation firefighter at the Military Base.

New to the area, he’s keen to meet someone organically and form a genuine connection.

His ideal woman will be funny, authentically themselves and a great communicator with an adventurous spirit.

His two pet huskies Fang and Ghost are his world and Taloi loves to take them out.

The new local also enjoys being outdoors, by the water, travelling and exercising – but there’s also more than meets the eye.

“My secret guilty pleasure is a good rom-com movie with a cheese platter,” he said.

“The boys at work don’t know that so they’ll probably give me a bit of grief after this.”

Although he dabbled in online dating, Taloi’s mum often tries to set him up with her hairdressers and nail technicians.

While Taloi admits he doesn’t have a designated pick-up line, his dogs usually do the trick.

He plans to meet the right person, get married and start a family in the next five years.

Tanya Campbell, 35 – registered nurse: oncology

For Tanya Campbell, she loves nothing more than exploring the outdoors, whether it be climbing mountains or diving into rock pools and waterfalls.

Tanya Campbell.

A mother to a nine-year-old son, Tanya said she is looking for an honest and supportive partner with genuine intentions.

Interested in men, she said she wants to be someone’s biggest cheerleader in life and vice-versa.

After giving online dating a go, Tanya is ready to put herself out there again after her loved ones nominated her for this exercise.

Working in the oncology unit, the mum-of-one said she loves her job and the strength of her patients is a timely reminder of the importance of being kind to others.

In five years time, Tanya sees herself in the same career, owning a block of land and adopting some farm animals.

Travis Dowling, 37 – theatre director, youth arts worker and university lecturer

A man who wears many hats is Travis who in addition to his successful career is also a doctoral candidate.

Travis Dowling.

Keen to start a family and adopt a golden labrador one day, Travis admits he’s not the biggest fan of cats – but could learn to accept them for the right person.

A self-proclaimed ‘bad texter’ Travis enjoys meeting people organically and likes the idea of enjoying a wine or cocktail at a nice bar (but definitely not a club) for a first date.

In his spare time, the theatre lecturer partakes in archery and goes to the gym, but can also be found at the theatre, pub with mates or cheering on his favourite sporting teams.

He also has a tendency to get hooked on tacky sci-fi series and films.

Passionate about seeing the students he mentors excel in the arts industry, Travis has many career aspirations he hopes to achieve and wants to form a long-term relationship with a compassionate and kind woman.