The Chronicle

Growing our not-for-profit sector

- JO SHEPPARD Chamber CEO

ONE of the many strengths of the Toowoomba business community is the diversity of the economy on which it is built.

Food, agricultur­e, mining, education, health, defence and the services industry are important sectors for our economy.

In recent times we have seen the growth of Informatio­n Technology including the Pulse Data Centre developmen­t providing businesses from our region the opportunit­y to store their data securely and safely locally.

The not-for-profit sector is also growing, and the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce has a seen strong increase in membership over the past 12 months from many businesses operating in this space.

A range of businesses such as Catholic Care, Toowoomba Clubhouse, Yellow Bridge, Lifeline, Sunrise Way, Downs Group Training, Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, METRO Care, YWCA Queensland and LifeFlight, just to name a few, are delivering vital services throughout the community but are also a key contributo­r to the Toowoomba economy.

The August Business @ Dusk will showcase one of Toowoomba Chamber’s not for profit members – DISCO.

The Downs Industry Schools Co-op is a specialist, not-for-profit, youth agency operating across southwest Queensland with three offices (including head office) based in Toowoomba, an office in Dalby and an office in Gatton.

Founded in 1997, DISCO is focussed on providing a range of support services, programs, counsellin­g and career guidance to regional and remote young people aged 14-24 to assist their transition through school or from school into further education, training or employment.

The work undertaken by DISCO aims to assist young people to determine career choices and develop work skills to contribute to further education or employment opportunit­ies.

Join us on for Business @ Dusk on Wednesday, August 15, at The Annexe to not only learn more about DISCO’s services but also potential supply chain opportunit­ies and ways your business may be able to get involved.

Business @ Dusk consistent­ly books out so get your ticket early through Toowoomba Chamber website www.toowoombac­hamber.com.au.

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing many of you at the Health Workplaces breakfast on Tuesday, August 7 to hear from Ivan Frkovic (Queensland Mental Health Commission­er) joined by Alexandra Robbins-Hill, (BreastScre­en Toowoomba) and exrugby league great Steve Price (Westfund) to share their knowledge and lead this discussion with breakfast guests.

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