Flower power success

Toowoomba businesses and eateries win big with month-long event format

IT’S been a huge month for Toowoomba business owners who have had unprecedented numbers walk through their doors thanks to the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and its new and improved format.

Business owners and leaders say the month-long carnival in 2021 was a “fantastic” event for local business.

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 onemonth period, allowed our local businesses to experience more foot traffic over a longer period of time.

“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.

“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 monthlong 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.”