Morning Briefing: Gatsby Glamour and Big Budget Dreams in the Garden City

A Golden Glow Over the Garden City

Toowoomba residents can expect a stunning summer day this Thursday, February 5, 2026. Forecasters are predicting a clear, sunny day with temperatures reaching a top of 30°C. It is the perfect weather for the city's current mood, which is one of high-energy and cultural excitement. The city's hospitality sector is buzzing, with central hotels reporting full bookings and local restaurants seeing a significant uptick in patrons. This surge is largely driven by the premiere of the new stage adaptation of The Great Gatsby at the Empire Theatre, which officially opens its doors for a much-anticipated run starting tonight.

The Big Talking Point: A $30 Million Vision

The talk of the town today centers on the Toowoomba Regional Council’s newly released 2026/27 Budget Advocacy Priorities. Mayor Geoff McDonald has officially presented the region's "wish list" to the State and Federal governments, highlighting the projects essential for our growing community. The most discussed item is the demand for a $30 million contribution toward Stage 1 of the Toowoomba Region Sports Precinct. This project is envisioned as a transformational hub for regional talent and major events. Additionally, the Council is pushing for a $3 million co-investment to boost public transport, aiming to improve connectivity across both urban and rural areas. This follows recent news of Pacific Seeds planning a massive new Australian headquarters at Wellcamp, signaling a period of significant infrastructure debate and industrial growth for the region.

Feel-Good Story: A Sailor’s Proud Homecoming

While the ship HMAS Toowoomba is currently on active deployment in the South China Sea, it carries a heart-warming local connection today. Able Seaman Lemeul Setiono, an avionics technician on board the frigate, is celebrating a "proud homecoming" as the ship visits Jakarta. Setiono, who immigrated to Australia from Jakarta as a child, was inspired to join the Navy after witnessing Australian relief efforts during the 2004 Tsunami. Today, his Indonesian family will see him on active service for the first time. It is a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the vessel that bears our city's name as it conducts its regional presence mission.

Community Quick Hits

• TAFE Expansion: Education and employment received a boost this week with the opening of a new $3.8 million gas fitting workshop at the Toowoomba TAFE campus. Furthermore, construction has officially commenced on an $8 million plumbing training tower to help address local skills shortages.
• Summer Tunes: Looking ahead to the weekend, residents are encouraged to pack a picnic for the start of the free "Summer Tunes" program on Saturday. The first session will feature the Celtic sounds of Johnny Jump Up at Irongate Hall.
• Australia Day Echoes: The community continues to celebrate the 2026 Australia Day award recipients, including Citizen of the Year Tony Rehn and the Toowoomba Historical Society, whose contributions remain a key point of local pride this week.