Story behind the smiles
Bailin Hallett
I’VE lived in Toowoomba for 17-18 years or so. Forever basically.
I’ve worked here at Supanews since I was just out of high school, so about five or six years now.
I like surfing. I’ve been down to Surfers Paradise the last couple of days taking photos - it’s something I get paid for.
It’s good fun.
How’d that come about? I was surfing one day with some people, they were like, “Hey dude, if we take some photos of you is that alright?”
I said yeah and they gave me some money afterwards and gave me a card.
I’ve ended up taking photos in Vanuatu for surfing.
All I have to do is wear something they want me to wear, like using a specific board or board shorts or wet suits.
I’ve been doing it for three years now.
What do I like about Toowoomba? Probably the fact it’s not too big. It’s not a Brisbane, it’s not a Gold Coast, it’s still got that community feel to it.
Jody Hallett
I’M A mum with two kids. My son works here with me - he needs a haircut. My daughter’s at Clifford Park Special School. I work a few different jobs - four in fact - this is one of them.
I keep myself busy. I’m a camper I like camping and kayaking.
I’d live outside if I could. My favourite place to go camping is national parks - it doesn’t necessarily matter where - just the closest one for a week.
I was born in Toowoomba but moved away for half my life and then moved back again. I spent four years in New Guinea with my family when I was younger.
It was so different but I loved it. There was no television, just back to basics. I moved back to Toowoomba 17-18 years ago. I like that Toowoomba’s family-friendly, happy place. The only thing missing is the beach.
Jacqui O’Sullivan
I WORK here at Supanews as a casual, taking care of the stationary ordering and everything like that.
I’m studying as well at the moment - teaching and business. Everyone says that’s an interesting combination. It’s a bit of a niche in the market because no one does it.
I hope to become a teacher of business and economic subjects at school. I’m in my third year.
I went to boarding school in Toowoomba but just moved back this year.
I was living in Brisbane for four years in between.
My partner got a job at St Mary’s so we moved back but we always wanted to move back to Toowoomba.
Brisbane was a bit too big for me. Toowoomba is just a comfortable, nice place to be, I think.
Geordie Fraser
I’M CURRENTLY a student out at University of Southern Queensland.
I just finished my first year doing a Bachelor of Arts. Hopefully it’ll turn into a Masters of Education and I’ll end up teaching in high school.
I’m studying English and legal studies with the arts degree. I lived here until I was about 18 then moved to Brisbane and came back at the start of this year.
What do I like about Toowoomba? It’s very laid-back, very relaxed.