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Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2021: Jilly’s Cafe, Dine Darling Downs benefit from new carnival dates

The new and improved format for the already-popular Carnival of Flowers has done nothing but impress business owners and residents who say the layout was “fantastic” for business.

Kathleen Flanagan and Teddy, in Laurel Bank Park, on the way to join the Toowoomba For Climate Action entry in the floral parade of the Carnival of Flowers, Saturday, September 18, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Kathleen Flanagan and Teddy, in Laurel Bank Park, on the way to join the Toowoomba For Climate Action entry in the floral parade of the Carnival of Flowers, Saturday, September 18, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

It’s been a Carnival of Flowers for the record books.

A raring success in its new form, the month-long Carnival of Flowers event for 2021 welcomed Darling Downs residents and visitors from across Queensland.

But the real winners of the event were accommodation providers and eateries, who say they experienced foot traffic through their doors like never before.

Dine Darling Downs founder Kristen O’Brien said the new and improved layout of the event, having it over a one-month period, allowed our local businesses to experience more foot traffic over a longer period of time.

With the assistance of Kristen O'Brien from Dine Darling Downs, the couple were able to recently rebrand and reboot their online store to offer a larger range of products and easier shipping options.
With the assistance of Kristen O'Brien from Dine Darling Downs, the couple were able to recently rebrand and reboot their online store to offer a larger range of products and easier shipping options.

“We have been restricted with Covid and it has been a difficult time,” she said.

“There’s been uncertainty, particularly a few moths ago when there were lockdowns in LGAs like Lockyer Valley and Brisbane.

“Even though we were not in lockdown, our industries really felt that.

“So for them, it’s wonderful to see we’ve gone through Carnival without Covid scares.

“It gives them a bit of hope leading into Christmas, and restores their faith that people are going to turn up.”

Ms O’Brien said Dine Darling Downs had focused on promoting local business at a time where Toowoomba was flooded with visitors and prospective customers.

“All of the travellers who came here are coming back and coming back soon,” she said.

“It’s up to us to shine a light on those local businesses.

“It’s a kickstart in the summer and Christmas period.”

Jilly’s Cafe owner Lisa Bentley said the cafe had particularly benefited from the increased business through their doors, saying they’d had a mix of locals and visitors coming into their cafe.

Mark Bentley and Zanthie Verrall of Jilly's in the Margaret Street cafe, Monday, May 24, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Mark Bentley and Zanthie Verrall of Jilly's in the Margaret Street cafe, Monday, May 24, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“It has helped create a very great vibe for the whole month for Toowoomba,” she said.

Jilly’s Cafe was one eatery that participated in the #trEATS campaign operated by the Toowoomba Regional Council.

The owner said the program was instrumental in getting more customers through the door, and helped revitalise their own menu.

“We just love it because it’s something different for the girls to be inspired by, gives the chef something different, and a talking point for us,” she said.

“They love getting behind anything that’s different.”

Ms O’Brien and Ms Bentley said they hoped the carnival would continue as a month-long extravaganza.

“I’m a big fan of the format because it’s not just one bite,” Ms O’Brien said.

“Toowoomba has come to life.”

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/toowoomba/toowoomba-carnival-of-flowers-2021-jillys-cafe-dine-darling-downs-benefit-from-new-carnival-dates/news-story/df10d2c3ed4a24ca4ae5c6d47042c7e9