From post-war feel-good fun to economic drawcard

WHAT an amazing week in Toowoomba – last Friday I was lucky enough to attend the University of Southern Queensland graduation ceremony and see Kerry Betros be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business for his ongoing service to the community – not only in his role as Chairman of Heritage Bank but to so many other worthwhile community organisations.

Kerry attributed his success at Heritage Bank to having studied at our local university.

Congratulations Kerry, this achievement is very well deserved.

The chamber’s very own Louise Venz, our events and conferences coordinator, also received her Bachelor of Communication degree – and as you can imagine, like so many proud families, the Chamber family is very proud of Louise and her achievements.

Toowoomba chamber played a major role in bringing the University of Southern Queensland to fruition.

That same wonderful regional university now has more than 26,000 students enrolled with 4400 of those on campus.

Imagine the economic impact to our city of such an incredible organisation.

A university like USQ is so important to a regional centre like Toowoomba and must continue to be supported by the local business community.

Toowoomba chamber has been responsible for many key events and outcomes for this community, not least of which was the creation of the Carnival of Flowers after World War II, and here we are about to celebrate the carnival’s 70 years.

The economic impact of carnival to the business community must never be overlooked.

In 2018 it was estimated that carnival returned $26 million to the city in direct benefit.

I love carnival time – it represents everything that is wonderful about our city, and I look forward to catching up with many of our members and friends at the Qantas Gala Dinner, the Grand Central Floral Parade, the Heritage Bank Flower Food and Wine Festival and of course The Chronicle Garden Competition.

A big shout out to those organisations who are all so closely aligned with the Toowoomba chamber and our city.

Congratulations to our Toowoomba Regional Council gardeners and community gardeners for all your hard work in what has been very trying conditions this year.

You make our city so beautiful and I look forward to showing it off to friends and family, as I am sure so many of you will do, in the coming days. Happy carnival to you all.