Publication

BUNYA PROJECT EXPANSION

The Bunya Mountains has opened its arms to new accommodation opportunities to drive tourism. The Western Downs Regional Council is searching for experienced developers capable of providing the region with high-end, short-term accommodation. That...

MADDY’S QUEST TO CONQUER WORLD RECORDS AND DISABILITY STIGMA

not uncommon to stumble upon a collage of athletes in colourful fitness attire spread across your social media channels, creating a viewer’s daily inspirational fix. Training day after day with runs at 4am, reaching speeds most can only dream of,...

RISING UP FROM ASH

A pitch invasion and a fourhour celebration from local fans followed Ash Taylor’s biggest win as a coach on Saturday. The former Gold Coast Titan, who once signed a $3 million contract over three years, has found a new home as coach of the Oakey Bears...

CHEERS FOR SEVEN YEARS

Falling to a record-setting seventh straight O’Callaghan Cup defeat, heartbroken Downlands College players left the field in tears on Saturday. As Grammar celebrated their 42-12 win, Kevin Farlow continued to support his fellow Downlanders. Making...

AXE IN MUM’S HEAD

Months away from turning 18 and on a restorative justice order for assault, a teen terrorised a mother, turning off her electricity in a bid to lure her outside and “meet” an axe he had “for her face”. The teen filmed himself at the front door making...

TIME TO Spring INTO ACTION

Spring has nearly sprung, and the Lockyer Valley is blooming ready for a celebration. The whole area will turn into one big seasonal escape next month as part of an expansion to the everpopular Laidley Spring Festival. The festival is introducing...

RURAL HEROES MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Some of Australia’s greatest athletes have come from the regions – sprinter Cathy Freeman, cycling great Cadel Evans, international golfing star Greg Norman. Now there’s an eager breed following in their footsteps. Sprinter Xanthee Watts from...

MUM’S PLAN TO TACKLE BULLYING

Brooke Nissen realised her beautiful daughter Ella would be treated differently by the world from the moment she was born. “One of the nurses in the hospital said, ‘oh it’s a pity you didn’t have a boy because you just cover it with a beard’,” the...

HOSPITAL CREEP

A Darling Downs Health supervisor who covertly filmed up the skirts of his female colleagues has been described as “honest, supportive and dependable in the work, a true gentlemen, and had solid moral code.” Stephen Robert Ibell has pleaded guilty to...

SCHOOL’S HISTORIC MILESTONE

From an embattled primary school with less than 10 students in the early 1960s, the future of Meringandan State School is stronger than ever as it celebrates its 150th year. Born-and-bred Meringandan local Errol Luck said his father “fought like hell”...

SLUG ON GRANNY FLATS

Toowoomba residents wanting to build a granny flat or second dwelling on their property will now be hit upwards of $13,500 in charges as part of sweeping changes by council.

MUM’S BEDTIME INVENTION HITS SHELVES

As most Toowoomba parents could attest to, Mia Tait found some real challenges as she transitioned her son into a big boy bed — and the frustrations sparked some ingenuity. “Bedtime is a pretty hectic time – I’ve heard it described as like the...

CITY GETS NEW $6M WORKOUT

More than $6 million has been invested into the Toowoomba fitness community with the new Fitness Cartel, which opens this Thursday. With a foundation of 40 gyms behind him, Nathan James knows what he is doing, and he is positive the region will reap...

LEADING THE WAY IN HOUSING APPROVALS

The Darling Downs is the heart of a housing boom, with the region leading the state in new housing approvals, according to new data released by Master Builders Queensland. There were 2015 homes and units approved across Toowoomba and the southwest in...

A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN

Toowoomba’s newest Titan, Bodhi Sharpley, has the potential to be an NRL star, according to coach Josh Hannay. Handed the No.17 jersey on Sunday, the 19-year-old made his debut in the 51st minute of the Gold Coast Titans’ 36-26 loss to the Newcastle...

HOMELESS CAMP IN CITY PARK

More than 7000 Toowoomba residents have backed a council homeless camp, with Clewley Park flagged as a possible site amid a surging housing crisis.

SHOW THEM YOU CARE, MS CAMM

Queensland’s embattled domestic violence minister Amanda Camm has been urged to visit Charleville in the wake of a shocking suspected murdersuicide that has sent “ripples” through the community. Ms Camm has yet to travel to the western Queensland town...

TEEN’S HWY DEATH WISH

A teenager who had held her licence for only six weeks has been caught driving at high speed on a major Queensland highway. The 17-year-old P-plater was fined nearly $2000 and will lose her licence for six months after she was caught travelling at...

BRIDGING THE PAY GAP

The Toowoomba Regional Council has attained pay parity for the first time, with female workers at the organisation now paid better on average than their male counterparts.

JUSTICE SLAMS FOOTY ABUSER

A scathing Court of Appeal justice has refused a child sex offender leave to appeal his jail sentence, finding none of his arguments hold water. Toowoomba’s Jaiden Fidge pleaded guilty to a single charge of sexual penetration of a child under the age...

QLD’S BEST DARK SKIES ARE ONLY A DRIVE AWAY

Queensland’s best spots to stare at the starry skies above and marvel at the majesty of the Milky Way are within a short drive of Toowoomba, new Life-Flight Lottery data has revealed. Lake Broadwater on the Western Downs and Charleville’s Cosmos...

POST-CYCLONE LOOK FOR MURAL

A mural that has for the past decade offered hope and inspiration to young people has been given a facelift. Street artist Matt Adnate was commissioned to rejuvenate the work he painted on the Department of Youth Justice building in Neil Street, and...

TRIBUTES FOR JULIA

Friends and former colleagues have paid tribute to Julia Brunsdon who was found dead in a suspected murdersuicide, saying she was “an absolute joy” to be around. Ms Brunsdon, 23, was found dead alongside a 45-year-old man, in what police suspect to be...

DOUBLE-PASS GIVEAWAY FOR FRINGE FESTIVAL

Dreaming of seeing Vanessa Amorosi or Dami Im live at the Empire tomorrow night? Here’s your chance! Download the Chronicle app, turn on notifications, and be ready for a shot to win a double pass. We’ll send you a special competition link today at...

TODDLERS SAVED FROM HOUSE FIRE

The actions of two men have potentially saved the lives of five children after a fire ignited at a home in Stanthorpe.

I’M A COUNTR Y BOY … with a gold medal

A kaleidoscope of sounds, the rising dread of unease, and the swirling scent of chlorine all eased to nothing as Ben Armbruster walked across the arena to take his first strokes in the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. In that specific moment,...

PAINTING THE TOWN

Toowoomba’s landmark The Empire theatre has been transformed into an otherworldly garden for the next week, courtesy of a Brisbanebased artist. Phoebe Paradise, the Queensland Fringe’s inaugural artist-in-residence, said the animation titled Where the...

DENNY’S GOLDEN MOMENT

For Allora’s champion discus thrower Matt Denny, it is not just the Commonwealth Games gold medal he will bring home from Glasgow. It is the golden memories that will stay with him for the rest of his life. Moments after clinching the gold medal in...

TEACHER VACANCY SHOCK

A teacher drought is gripping regional schools in the Darling Downs and Maranoa as new figures show our classrooms are experiencing a sharp spike in vacancies.

JOURNEY TO GOLD

Australia’s newest swimming superstar Ben Armbruster made two-hour round trips twice a day just to reach a heated pool. Now he has a Commonwealth Games gold medal to show for it. Living in the Southern Downs, a then 17year-old Armbruster drove a...

FARMERS FACE FLU THREAT

Downs producers behind 85 per cent of Queensland’s eggs are bracing for H5 bird flu.

WATER SUPPLY DEBATE DIVIDES

Three Toowoomba councillors have voted against adding fluoride to a new water treatment plant, continuing debate over who should bear responsibility for the health measure.

ARMBRUSTER MAKES SPLASH AT GAMES

Australia’s Matt Temple has missed out on his first individual gold medal at a major international competition by the smallest possible margin – 100th of a second. The 27-year-old from South Australia has been among the world’s best 100m butterfly...

TRACKSIDE BOOM FOR DOWNS

The racing business is booming, and the Darling Downs-Maranoa region is setting a fast pace, injecting more than $186m into the economy in the past financial year.

WIND FARM MOVES FORWARD

Work on a $700m wind farm that could power 100,000 Queensland homes looks set to ramp up this year, after the Toowoomba council granted a lifespan extension.

VIGIL TONIGHT FOR JANA

The Toowoomba community will gather tonight for a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to mum Jana Armstrong. The death of the 30-yearold has shattered the community, with the vigil a chance to stand together, shine a light and raise awareness. Humaira...

STAR JUDGE FOR OUR GARDENS

Preparing to lend her expert eye to Toowoomba’s finest floral displays, celebrated horticulturalist Melissa King has been revealed as a guest judge for the 2026 The Chronicle Garden Competition. King has blossomed into one of Australia’s most popular...

LIFEFLIGHT CREW IN RIGHT PLACE

BUILDING AN EMPIRE

It’s one of the biggest success stories in the history of Queensland tourism. How a kid from Toowoomba who worked as a pizza delivery driver and theme park lifeguard to put himself through university, forged a hotel empire valued at more than...

FROM THE DOWNS TO THE WORLD

Determined to defend the gold medal he won in Birmingham four years ago, Matthew Denny headlines a star-studded Australia Commonwealth Games squad. The Paris Olympic Games bronze medallist heads to Glasgow in career-best form, having thrown an Aussie...

RAGE AGAINST THE ESTATE

Rural Toowoomba region residents are up in arms about a proposed development that will feature lots as small as 330 sqm.

DV EXPERTS SOUNDING THE ALARM

Toowoomba’s only government-funded men’s behavioural change program has a months-long wait and can help just 30 men at a time, as social workers call for more funding. The city’s social workers are now calling for more support from the state and...

1000 NEW HOMES

The first lots have been unlocked in the city’s western corridor as a direct consequence of the council’s new $195m water treatment plant, just hours after the state government approved funding for it.

UNLOCKING OUR FUTURE

» Crisafulli: Rail to city within a decade is an ambitious plan » City to grow with 17,000 new homes see where we will expand!

STANDING STRONG FOR JANA

The man accused of murdering and dumping the body of 30-year-old mum Jana Armstrong has appeared in Toowoomba Magistrates Court today for the first mention. Indian-born taxi driver Dharminder Singh, 48, fronted court on Monday morning on charges of...

HEARTS BREAK FOR JANA

The partner of Toowoomba mother Jana Armstrong has been charged with her murder after her body was found in bushland by pig hunters four days after she disappeared. Ms Armstrong’s cousins, Lara and Hannah Sweedman, visited the scene where her body was...

GROOM MP HITS BACK

Toowoomba’s federal member Garth Hamilton has hit back at fierce criticisms following his suspension from parliament, remaining defiant in the face of calls by a powerful Queensland businessman for him to be replaced by his own party. Mr Hamilton’s...

SEARCH FOR JANA

The family of missing Toowoomba mother Jana Armstrong, 30, is appealing for anyone with information about her disappearance to contact police. The mother of a four-month-old was last seen at a Newtown unit on Tuesday and her white Hyundai Kona was...

STARS IN OUR CITY

From comedy legend Jim Jefferies to musical icons Vanessa Amorosi and Dami Im, Queensland Fringe is hitting the road from Charleville to Toowoomba’s Empire. Queensland Fringe will feature headline performances from a variety of top acts, as well as...

PUBLICAN TO THE RESCUE

A Darling Downs publican leapt into what he feared was a brazen daylight carjacking – only to discover the dramatic truth once he pulled the man from the vehicle.

WAGNER TAKES AIM AT GARTH

One of Queensland’s top businessmen has slammed the performance of Groom MP Garth Hamilton, who faces a battle for his job against One Nation. Wagner Corporation’s John Wagner said Mr Hamilton has “got to go” from the LNP after his outburst in...

CULTURE AND CONNECTION

Young people wait eagerly for their opening performance, their skin painted with traditional white ochre, while families sit gathered in large, laughing circles across the grass. Nearby, the delicious aroma of sizzling barbecue sausages floats through...

STAGE FLIGHT

While he is currently starring in the lead role of the Australian production of The Book of Mormon, born-and-bred Toowoomba man Sean Johnston admits his journey to the stage was anything but smooth sailing. Reflecting on his days as a year 11 student...

PLANS TO CONNECT

Toowoomba has collected millions from ratepayers for public transport, but residents in growing towns still cannot get to work – and the deputy mayor says it’s time to act. Toowoomba Regional Council will explore trial routes to smaller communities as...

GARTH GOES OFF

Toowoomba MP Garth Hamilton has not backed down after he copped a parliamentary suspension for his expletive-laden outburst during Question Time. He ejected himself from the House of Representatives in response to an accusation made by a minister...

BUDGET BROKEN DOWN

Toowoomba ratepayers will be slugged an extra $120 a year in rates as part of the council’s newest budget, but the mayor declared the situation could’ve been even worse without state government support. The general rate for most residential properties...

WINERY DREAM UNCORKED

Nestled in the picturesque Granite Belt, anticipation is palpable for the region’s newest premium winery experience, set to open its doors this July. The Mediterraneaninspired Meteora Vineyard is owned by the Catsoulis family who, despite never...

JUMPING FOR JOY IN QUEENS PARK

Queens Park has become the ultimate bouncy adventure playground to kick off the winter school holidays — and Paige Robertson wasn’t going to let her son Austin miss that opportunity. “It was awesome — Austin had the best time, and so did I,” the...

30K HOMES HINGING ON NEW PLANT

The Toowoomba Regional Council has lodged a $150m funding bid for a new water treatment plant that could unlock 33,000 homes and pave the way for passenger rail to Brisbane.

SPEAKER IN FIGHT FOR SEAT

Members of the Liberal National Party believe a Toowoomba region MP and state parliament Speaker could face a fight for his seat after a drive in branch membership. About a dozen members of the Condamine LNP branch believe a membership drive in the...

COUNCIL’S WIN ON WASTE

A “stroke of a pen” by the Queensland government could save Toowoomba residents tens of millions of dollars in rates over the next decade, as part of the crucial change in the state budget. Treasurer and Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki’s “no frills”...

ANSWERS DELAYED

An inquest into the killing of a Toowoomba teenager that was held up by Queensland’s DNA fiasco has been further delayed so a person of interest could obtain legal advice. Annette Jane Mason was 15 when she was found bludgeoned to death in her bed at...

URBAN RUSH TO REGIONS

New figures have cemented Toowoomba’s status as a major regional hotspot, recording the strongest year-on-year population growth from our capital cities.

SHARED PLATES, SHARED STORIES

Hundreds of Toowoomba residents gathered at the West St mosque to celebrate their 13th open day, with this year’s theme of ‘food, fun, friendship and faith’. Imam Dr Mohammad Aminul Islam Azhari of the Toowoomba Mosque said that all cultures...

$45M PLAN FOR HOMES RESCUED

A long-awaited $45m subdivision north of Toowoomba is finally on track for completion after it was rescued from development hell by a Brisbane firm. Endeavour DM’s James Gautrey confirmed he had taken over Kilalah Park housing estate off Alexander Ave...

A DAY FOR MUM AND CHELSEA

Western Clydesdales are urging Darling Downs and South West Queensland league fans to saddle up and head for Toowoomba Sports Ground this Saturday. Squaring off in a top-of-thetable BMD Premiership clash the Clydesdales will face Burleigh Bears in...

BURGER BAR COMING TO OUR CITY

After much anticipation, Milky Lane will open their first Toowoomba store in the coming months in the heart of the CBD. Famous for their juicy burgers and sweet milkshakes, Milky Lane has stores in 12 locations including Adelaide and Surfers Paradise...

STACKED AUSSIE ROCK ROYALTY TOUR ANNOUNCED

Red Hot Summer has announced its dates for 2026, and the Garden City will be the first Queensland city to start the tour. The festival series will create history in 2026 and is thrilled to announce for the first time in 40 years Australian Crawl will...

SCHOOL TO BRING RUGBY BOOST

Kicking off alongside the Carnival of Flowers, international rugby sevens will come to Toowoomba in 2027. Toowoomba Grammar School will play host to the tournament with 15 countries already signed up for the invite-only Rugby Heritage Cup. Taking...

COMIC-GEDDON

The Toowoomba Showgrounds were turned into a celebration of all things superhero, anime and pop culture at the weekend for the fourth annual Comic-Geddon. More than 2000 people streamed through the gates enjoying a record-breaking 120 stalls including...

BACK ON THE SADDLE

Jockey Skye Bogenhuber has made an incredible return to racing four years after lifethreatening brain injuries took away her career and nearly her killed her. In 2022 a second major head injury in the span of just four years scared the veteran jockey...

VINTAGE ELEGANCE

They say something borrowed brings good luck and for Gabriel Cho borrowing her mother’s original 1980s wedding dress and veil brought pure magic to her special day. On Easter Saturday, April 4, Gabriel and John Cho celebrated their picture-perfect...

KEEP UP THE FIGHT CHELSEA

Raw emotion and tears poured out of the Western Clydesdales BMD Premiership squad on Saturday as the team secured one of the club’s grittiest wins in its history. The tears came as players thought about teammate Chelsea Middleton who suffered...

‘SOLE-FUL’ DONATION

Students and parents of Darling Heights State School are set to benefit from the donation of dozens of shoes through a local running club. The Toowoomba Road Runners conducted their first ever shoe drive, which resulted in 50 pairs of running shoes...

CITIZENS FIRST FOR HOUSING

Federal MP Garth Hamilton has slammed the Albanese government’s approach to the First Home Guarantee, saying it should be focused towards helping existing Australians get into housing. It comes after the federal government stridently defended its...

DEMANDS FOR SAFER SHOPPING

Grand Central Shopping Centre management has responded to community concerns after the second knife attack at the centre in a matter of weeks. A spokesman for the centre said its response to Wednesday’s knife attack followed the procedures set by...