meepmeep

I always wonder why people like meepmeep keepkeep living in a town they obviously don't like. I have a friend from Sydney who has lived here for 30 years and still whinges about what Toowoomba doesn't have and how good its was in the old days in Sydney. Go back to where you come from if you don't like it here. I love it here. I have lived here all my life and have seen it grow from a place where everyone knew everyone to a bigger place that still has a country town feel. It's not to big and not to small. Easy to get anywhere you want to go in a short time. Plenty of great places to shop. No nightmare traffic like in the big cities. However you can quickly be in Brisbane if you want that. It's not for you if you like the exciting fast life in the city, but if you want to live in a quiet, peaceful beautiful, green, relatively safe place come to Toowoomba we like it here.

This is an overly negative review...

Sounds like every other town/city anywhere in Australia. The issues you raise are not unique to Toowoomba - the same thing is happening in EVERY place you think of living in this country! It's a result of taking discipline out of schools; civil libertarians running our justice system and the "I deserve a hand-out and have no respect for anybody let alone myself" mentality of the bogans that now make up the last two generations of this country. I don't live in Toowoomba but I've lived in other major towns and know that anti-social behaviour and people with 'chips on their shoulders' are everywhere!

In reply to imc53 - You wrote "Go back to where you come from if you don't like it here" which doesnt suprise me; theres a lot of people in Toowoomba that have that attitude about people who werent born an (in)bred there. I'm glad you love the town, but you didnt really address ANY of the issues I talked about in my review.

Relatively safe? You say relatively safe but are you actually denying any of what I've described takes place in Toowoomba? You're saying you would feel comfortable walking in the CBD at night (probably to McDonalds after realising there are no restaurants open after 7pm)? In one weekend recently the police recorded 7 assaults in the CBD (including 2 on police), 17 public nuisance offences, 14 DUIs and 13 crashes. Considering the CBD is only about three streets wide - thats a hell of a lot! Not to mention all the burglaries that occcur because of the high percentage of bogan kids with no respect for anyone's property (they never had any of their own property because their parents were always hocking it to buy drugs so they steal everyone elses).

Ask the poor girl that has to put up with armed robberies every few months at Big Dad's Pies on James St if she thinks this place is safe. Ask the woman who was assaulted getting her mail in Annand St in broad daylight recently if she thinks Toowoomba is safe.

Since you didnt address any of the many other issues I discussed in my review, I'm assuming you agree with what I'm saying.

To bowzer - I agree! And yes, I know this is a widespread problem across Australia - and Toowoomba definitely is no different. My review clearly illustrates this :)

I don't know why my review was rated as "unhelpful" - do people want an honest opinion, or a fluffy tourism ad campaign?

Oh also - the water at the moment tastes like what I'd imagine the run-off from the nursery at Bunnings would taste like. You can really taste the chemically-goodness. Boil your water before you drink it, or invest in a good filter system. Gee this town is leaps and bounds ahead of the rest!

I appreciate your honest opinions on the town - I don't take any notice of the 'reviews' written by Real Estate Agents trying to pass a place off as 'paradise' as it's good for their business. Nor do I take any notice of people who write reviews on cities/towns they simply drove through on their 'grey-nomads' tour of Australia. I only wish that more people would discover this site and write, honestly, about what it's like to live where they live. For people who may be considering a transfer to a particular location for employment purposes, it can be very helpful.

For Meepmeep. Just a couple of restaurants open after 7pm include Weis Restaurant (open 365 days a year), Hogs Breath, Sizzlers & Veraison (till 11.30 6 days). These are just the ones I have been to in the last 12 months and there is no doubt many more. Dont know where you are getting your info from but it is wrong...

Hey Bowzer... Very little honesty coming from Meepmeep. Perhaps one too many drinks of that run-off from the nursery at Bunnings they claim to have tasted. I happen to be in Real Estate and am not aware of too many agents that take the 'paradise' aproach. We are always getting a bad wrap from the very small % of agents who do the wrong thing. It's like many professions I guess. We certainly have our problems here mate as they do in any town which you very rightly pointed out. Darn nice place to live in and raise a family though. Just need to stay out of certain areas at certain times which most intelligent would do anyway. Hope you come visit or move here one day so you can see how nice it is for yourself. Enjoy one of the many parks, great shopping, close proximity to Brisbane or even a night out at a restaurant (after 7pm)... I will walk naked to Bourke if you cant find one open after 7pm.. All the best!

"I happen to be in Real Estate and am not aware of too many agents that take the 'paradise' aproach."

Hahahahahahahahahahaha - *catches breath* - HAhahahahahahahahaha

Coming from someone who works in real estate ...that is hilarious.

But anyway....

Hogs Breath and Sizzlers?? Wow, fine dining at its best!

So you agree that Weis & Veraison are quality Restaurants? So that should be enough then shouldnt it to show people that there are good restuarants open after 7 pm... Now lets be freinds from here on in and tell people what a nice place Toowoomba really is (apart from those couple of things that you mentioned- which I agree with-) but they happen everywhere dont they....

Weis & Veraison are both great restaurants!

In my first review I mentioned the good things about Toowoomba - great shopping & dining options, hundreds of parks, good employment opportunities. I'm just not prepared to be "all fluff" and no reality when it comes to my reviews. And frankly, what I mentioned in my review is the reality we face in Toowoomba! Yes, it happens everywhere (except maybe the whole running out of water issue), but that doesnt mean it shouldnt be mentioned in a review.

If I was moving somewhere and wanted to know what it was like, I'd like to know the reality, not the glossy tourism ad campaigns you get from most websites.

While I appreciate honesty from people, I do think it's bizarre that you have so much to complain about in a city where you actually live. Why don't you move?? I'm confused as to why you would want to stay somewhere you clearly hate.

My husband and I are thinking of moving to Toowoomba with our little girl, so while I found your article helpful, it's certainly not the only opinion we're going to take into consideration. We have friends who love it there, and they are in no way like any of the Toowoomba natives you talk about. Personally, what turns me off most is your negativity and sarcasm. If people in Toowoomba are really like that, then no thanks. We'll stay in over-populated, traffic-congested, ridiculously house priced Brisbane. See how I'm complaining about Brisbane? But I'm actually trying to get out of it. Funny that.

Oh, and clearly judging people for what they do for a living is part of living in Toowoomba too, because you have an obvious distaste for real estate agents, who can't all be as dishonest as you make them out to be.

Maybe a move would be good for you - perhaps help you to shed that nasty negativity? Give it a go!

To address your questions KM32 - "Why don't you move??" - I'm moving away from Toowoomba in two months for a job transfer. Couldn't happen fast enough :)

"you have an obvious distaste for real estate agents" - no I don't, I don't think they are ALL dishonest - just some.

I've always found that reading the local newspaper of the town is a good indication of what to expect. Go to www.thechronicle.com.au and check it out - this mornings headlines are "USQ Student Robbed At Gunpoint" and "Teenagers Filmed Lamb Slaughter". Theres also a story on the taxi driver who is accused of sexually assaulting a female passenger.

Funny that, I never used to be so negative until I came here. Maybe a seachange will be a good thing!

I have to say I have had a good giggle at meepmeep's comments, and I mean that as a compliment. It's funny because everything he/she has said is completely 100% true!! Particularly the dining after 7pm. From personal experience (last night in actual fact) my child's friend decided they wanted to go to "Sizzler" for dinner (yes I know!!!). When we got there at 7pm the carpark was full and there was a long queue. By 8.15pm when we left the place was a ghost town. Perhaps it's the crime rate making people scurry home as early as possible.

And yes, the "go back to where you came from" comment is used abundantly here. Seems to be a little bit of lack of understanding/compassion/ignorance/fear of people that are not like the every day run of the mill people here.

May well be a great place to bring up children given the quantity of public and private schools but just as long as you leave town before your daughters turn in to teenagers. The great unwashed hanging around outside Gardentown as mentioned by meepmeep is just telling it like it is. It's a very sad reflection on society in Toowoomba that either these young adults have no interest or lack of direction and are satisfied to sit around bumming smokes off strangers while trying to 'score' (whether that be a new potential pregnant teenager girl or their drug of choice).

And before you go thinking I'm some critical old fuddy duddy, I'm 35 and lived all over Australia and the world. Toowoomba has so much potential and beautiful places, its just sad that the population let it down somewhat (obviously there are exceptions to the rule but I'm talking about the majority).

See, the problem with the above comment is this: tell me one regional "city" in Australia that does not have such problems. I think you'll be hard pressed to find one....

Hahaha @ "the great unwashed". Classic!

So HandyAndy - you're saying that just because Toowoomba isn't the only regional city that has these problems they shouldn't be mentioned at all? That kind of misses the point about giving an opinion about a town on this forum, doesn't it?

Anyway I have to go and find some spare fence palings to replace the ones that a gang of teenagers ripped out at about 2am last night. How do I know the culprits are teenagers? Because they woke me up after they spent 10 minutes smashing up a phone box across the road from me, then ripped out the palings as they walked past my home.

I think the teenage hooligan problems are widespread across the whole of this once-great country. I live on the Tweed (border of NSW and QLD) and we have the same issues here. I moved here from a very quiet little seaside village on the NSW north coast and soon after arriving here, thought I'd made a huge mistake (keep in mind that I'm only 32 with very young children) due to the escalating youth crime issues here. I seriously considered packing-up and leaving the area, but, after reading 'revues' on other large regional cities/towns, it seems the same problems are being suffered everywhere. ie. youth gangs, violence, antisocial behaviour, hoons, graffitti, etc, etc, etc. I now blame our weak judicial system, our way-too-generous welfare system and the political correct 'do-gooders' of society in general who, over the last 20 years or so, have changed the face of our country for the worse. Just ask any school teacher or Police Officer who has been in their professions for over 20 years and I'll run naked down my street if ANY of them say kids/society today has more respect than they did 20 years ago.

Forgot to add that the 'quiet little seaside village' that I grew up in and left is now on the news most nights for it's youth crime problems as well. Very often 'seachange' towns are the worst for this!

I have to agree with meepmeep. It's sad but so very true. If your "from" Toowoomba, you think this town is "normal". If your new here, you definately realise it's far from it...

I too find this review overly negative too. I have lived in many other towns & cities, & have chosen to raise my family on the outskirts of Toowoomba. We have so many fantastic & progressive schools & medical facilities here, as well as some of the most beautiful parks & gardens in Queensland.
Of course it has a conservative element - most country towns, with a rich history, where generations choose to stay do, but there is a vibrant, cultural & progressive element too. As much as I love Toowoomba, I do find the wowsers frustrating at times, but I also do not think it is necessary for every town in Australia to offer the same services as each other e.g. Sunday trading (which has since been implemented anyway).
Youth crime & boredom are not localised to Toowoomba - there is that element to society Australia wide. I think you will find that per head, crime here is no worse than anywhere else - Toowoomba is quite a large place for a country town.
Have you tried The Angel Cafe? Always open, fabulous service, great food!
Water - get a tank - we don't have town water, & rely on our tanks, & a bore supply (we are on acreage though). I did vote "yes" for recycled water.
I am sad that you haven't enjoyed your time in Toowoomba meepmeep, but the old adage "you can't please everyone" comes to mind. & I'd live here any day over that smog infested traffic jam Brisbane or the drug addled coasts - great for a short holiday, but, leave the beach & investigate the suburbs you'll find more teens smoking dope & partying on other illicit drugs there than here.
Hope you find your happy place - glad I've found mine.

I don't think the issue is discipline in schools - it's discipline in the home that is lacking browzer.

meepmeep - all towns have a "gardentown" or similar shopping centre/area that attract loitering undesirables - instead of slagging them off, perhaps we should be looking for solutions to these problems? I see you have no problem airing your grievances, but I wonder what your thoughts are to help solve these issues, to make all our towns safer & more pleasant places to live.

meepmeep where the hell do you live. Why not try a good suburb. I would have thought someone so judgemental and high and mighty would live at the best address in town. Yes there are parts of Toowoomba (few) where i wouldnt live in the same way that there are suburbs in Brisbane, Sydney and just about anywhere else in Australia where i wouldn't live. (Before all the dogooders start screaming about this comment be honest with yourself there ARE areas you wouldnt choose to live in) I live in a nice quite area where i walk alone at night and feel no fear. When are you leaving town Meepmeep let us know we'll throw you a big sendoff at Gardentown.

Oh meepmeep...I think you've been too kind. The food here is terrible! The only reason people think it is good is because they desperately want to believe that real food tastes that way... and the coffee in most places might as well be mud. There are a few saving graces with the coffee but the cost is outrageous. And the cost of living- the rent is cheaper but the food, the medical bills, the utilities are all a lot more expensive than in major cities.

The traffic may not seem like much but the drivers are inconsiderate and the hoons make the roads downright dangerous on a Thursday night. Particularly if it's foggy. To be honest I used to feel safer walking through Collingwood in Melbourne at night than I do going to McDonalds in Toowoomba IN THE DAY. I grew up here, I've done my fair share of boot-riding and hanging out of cars shouting profanities, and I went to a dodgy private school where we had our undies checked for the quality of their colour!!!!! This place is weird and conservative and I will say it...backwards. If you think it is fantastic...you've never left- or only ever lived in Brisbane. But I know you Toowoombogans will just get defensive and cranky and tell me I'm wrong because that's what y'all do. Just admit it...you're bored out of your brain and just looking for a fight, at least it gives you something to do. Dukes up Toowoomba!

MrBus has taken over where meepmeep left off. I can see he/she is looking for a good tongue lashing. I am happy to oblige. As with Meepmeep why are you living here? I think Meepmeep should have jumped on MrBus and they both should have riden out of town and kept right on going. If you feel safe walking in Collingwood, go ahead, do it, go and walk in Collingwood. Fair enough you are entitled to your opinion, and i would understand if you lived somewhere else. Why choose to live in a town that you don't like, and then have the hide to tell the people who like it here that they should leave because only then will they be able to see how "weird, conservative and backward" Toowoomba really is. Why have you come back MrBus couldn't you hack it in the big city? I would have thought someone so allknowing, critical and condescending would be so successful that they could choose where they live. If you live somewhere else write a review on your town/city, and leave ours alone.

Can anyone tell me the best areas to live in inner city toowoomba? Under $300,000? Thanks

If you can afford East Toowoomba (east of Lindsay St) or Rangeville. Otherwise Kearney Springs. It depends what you are looking for. Older character homes in tree lined streets are in East Toowoomba or Newtown. We lived in Newtown about 10 years ago, & while I loved the cosmopolitan feel (all sorts lived there - young professionals, families, elderly; & we could walk everywhere), we were very conscious of locking doors & windows, & we had a dog for security. If you prefer a newer style home, Kearney Springs or Middle Ridge would be more suitable. Rangeville is considered a desirable suburb, but has many 60's & 70's style homes, as does Centenary Heights. These are the suburbs that generally have seen good growth in real estate prices. Hope that has been of some help to you.

Wow, that was a quick reply, thank you. I'm going to Toowoomba this weekend to have a look around. I love the older style weather board homes (but in good condition). I am a bit concerned about security as a lot of reviews mention the crime rate in nToowoomba. I would hope to be working in the CBD, so don't want to be too far out of town. I hear public transport is not great. Please also let me know which suburbs to avoid, if you have the time. (flooding etc,) I was told to avoid housing commission areas but I don't know which areas they are? Thanks again

Hi, the areas that flooded were right in the centre of town, where the storm water drains & railway lines run through - evidence of flooding is still there, so you will be able to tell. Not quite so many houses in Toowoomba itself were damaged - more businesses.
Areas to avoid if you want to be away from the housing commission, etc would be Wilsonton (any of the streets in particular with names that relate to wine - such as Champagne etc have got a bad rap over the years), Darling Heights has a high population of rental accommodation being close to USQ, & Rockville, & Harlaxton also offer cheaper rental, & government housing. Harristown too offers a mixed population, as does Newtown & The Mort Estate. Although in Harristown, Newtown & the Mort Estate, you will find some beautiful older style homes for a more reasonable price. Not saying these areas are bad, but I would suggest checking out the streets at peak hours, & at night to check out the night life! (especially if there is a pub around the corner!). Good luck, I'm sure you will find something you love, & hope you enjoy your move to Toowoomba!

Thank you so much. Your review is very helpful, exactly the sort of info I was after. I appreciate your time

Aussie fun...I would also avoid anywhere too close to the range, James St or Margaret St...the traffic can be incessantly noisy. And stay on the ridges.

:D imc53...I completely appreciate that you might like it here. My parents seem to, either that or they've just got sucked into the vortex. The air is clean, the soil is excellent for growing lovely flowers and tomatoes, it's extremely quiet...on all fronts except for the bogans. There's a lovely cuckoo clock shop just out of town...what more could you want? Occasionally some half decent music and theatre even dares to grace the stages on offer (but seldom return...). I am just putting out a heads up to those who are looking at moving here and hoping that there might be some culture or progressive thinking on offer in the town. There is not. It is conservative, and filled with either people who are bored and wasted or people who think they are more important than they are and are too cosy in their Canterbury jerseys to care. Having said that, lots of people are very nice in a nice and quiet, don't get up dear... kind of way. If you are one of them, then good for you dear. Have another iced vovo.

Oh valleyview....this progressive and cultural element you talk about....where is it? I genuinely would like to know, I've been looking for it for over 30years and still haven't seen hide nor hair.

Is there a live music venue somewhere that doesn't have an R.M Williams dress code? Is there an organic cafe with a permaculture diplay garden and educational facitlity? Is there an art gallery that houses street art, international exhibitions and cutting edge local fashion design? Where are the indigenous elders and aboriginal cultural centres. Where are the international food shops (other than the excellent asian groceries) where can I buy decent lebanese bread and authentic turkish coffee? Where are the glitzy gay clubs? These are the questions I have of Toowoomba.

One of my primary concerns is that many people who might have brought these things to town, have been chased away by teenage bogans wearing knuckle rings, shouting abuse and blaring their confederate air horns. Or that the aged wise ones of the town think that "those out-of-towners" are not what this country need.

4350- another negative whinger heard from. I don't understand someone who has lived all over this country and the world who doesn't know that most of these problems happen everywhere. Crime is widespread. Drug taking is epidemic in teenagers everywhere. To make out that these problems are only happening in Toowoomba is ridiculous. MrBus don't talk to me like some silly old dear. I hate iced vovos. The way you talk down to everyone i would have thought you WERE one of the cosy Canterbury Jersey wearers. I'm sure you think you are so much better then the Bogans you refer to, and yet you don't like the snobs either. Where do you fit in poor MrBus. Whats keeping you here go to where the music and theatre suit, but i think they'll be hard pressed to make you happy.

thanks for your response MrBus - it's ValeView actually, a picturesque little place just 6ks out of Toowoomba, where we are proud to be a part of the Toowoomba region. We may be a little behind, in your opinion, but at least we aren't snobs!
The wineries in our region are producing lovely wine, to go with the organic produce that is locally produced - we even have 2 farmer's markets (town square, near council chambers, & at USQ). New & inventive coffee shops & restaurants are opening up, many displaying local art. What about the Queen's Park Craft Markets, etc. I believe that Bon Amici's has live music. We've seen great music & theatre at the beautiful Empire Theatre, but you know what - Brisbane is really not that far away for a night out if you don't like what's on offer here.
There are many local schools, early education centres, etc that are very progressive - have you not heard of the Maridahdi Community school, or Chiselhurst, or Rosemont Cottage, Withcott Early Learning Centre or dare I say it, even many of the state schools that offer alternative learning, embracing such things as sustainable living, environmental awareness, multi-culturalism, etc.
We have a legal brothel - surely that is somewhat progressive!
I understand that you are not happy with Toowoomba - we don't all have our collars turned up & wear pearls to watch the kid's play sport, but I have found that most of Toowoomba performs amazingly well in a crisis, & the community comes together to help out - did you not see the amazing community that did everything it could after the floods? That's the sort of place I want to raise my children in - a place where people help each other out, regardless of the brand of coffee that is served!
I think you'll find that even the bogans helped out during the floods.
It seems to me your biggest beef is that you don't know where the gay club is!!!!

there are also the community organic gardens in behind Goggs St, that you can be a part of. If you look hard enough, I'm sure you'll find more!

My apologies valeview... It is an oversight to get your name wrong. I actually went to Chiselhurst as a child so am very familiar with it. I go to the markets that are sparsely attended and seem to offer less and less each fortnight and I have been to every cafe I can find and although there are a couple of gems, I have to say that I find them, generally, to be severely lacking in barista skills. I have been to the Gogg St gardens, I have searched highfields and still, I find ingrained conservatism masquerading as being progressive.

I am also very familiar with the Empire and the fact that there is only one cafe that seems committed to live music is what worries me. A town this size could support so much more... and why doesn't it? That is my main beef. The fact that many people would rather sit at home or get drunk in parks than do something or experience something productive or creative.

There are lovely people in town, I have met many, but, I have not met people who step beyond the norm and push cultural boundaries, or even express themselves honestly. There is a lot of conformity. Perhaps they do push Toowoomba's boundaries, but Toowoomba is very restricted and restrictive. That is my beef.

imc5...at least we have one thing in common, we both hate iced vovos. The fact is, I am painfully aware that I do not fit in in Toowoomba because there are so few social elements to fit into. Again, my beef. Bogan, canterbury wearer or silent mainstream conformist. That seems to be the lot. As for being condescending, all I can say is that it's true, my Caterbury wearing Toowoomba education is quite possibly to blame.

Oh and as for response to the floods, yeh, thumbs up Toowoomba. But I think you'd find, like drug problems and bogans, that communities anywhere in Australia would rally together under those circumstances. Anywhere I've lived in Australia through a crisis, has always responded supportively.

Mrbus now you've made me feel bad. I'm sorry you feel you don't fit in good luck finding your happy place.

Oh Mr Bus I think we could be best friends!!!! Everything I've read I keep saying YES YES too!!! As I said in my original post (which some of the other posters obviously havent read in full) is "Toowoomba has so much potential and beautiful places, its just sad that the population let it down somewhat (obviously there are exceptions to the rule but I'm talking about the majority)".


imc53's attitude is exactly the thing I'm talking about. "Go back to where you came from cos we only want OUR type here".... the sad thing being what OUR type actually is. Diversity is something Toowoomba has yet to come to terms with.

And imc53, grab your bifocals ("To make out that these problems are only happening in Toowoomba is ridiculous"), I never said Toowoomba is the ONLY place with youth problems. I said it is a problem here in Toowoomba, which is what this forum is about, not every other town.

Mr Bus I think you're exactly right in that those people that could have brought diversity into Toowoomba have been scared away by comments like "go back to where you came from". Toowoomba does have potential, the conservative population are really doing this place an injustice by not welcoming change and making it an even better place.

4350- I'd say MrBus has too much taste and brains to be your friend. Have you ever thought that people not being friendly to you is your problem not theirs. Maybe theres something obnoxious about you. Quoting people in hillbilly speak is hardly going to endear you to them. Never has anyone said "Go back to where you come from cos we only want OUR type here" Leave the condescending chat to MrBus he does it so much better. Your a cheap imitation. No bifocals deary.

Thank you imc53, I'm sorry I told you to eat an iced vovo.

4350...for both our sakes I really hope that some of the more extreme locals stop chasing witches and put their pitchforks down. Then maybe Toowoomba could support a half decent live music scene, a funky gallery, decent souvlaki and something for those kids to do. Surely they can't begrudge that?

Hee hee... sorry imc53 it's just that the hillbilly speak is so tempting when your faced such a social brick wall. It is really difficult here if you're even just a little bit different.

You are funny MrBus and being different is a good thing.

Oh now...you're just saying that. Would you still think I was OK if I told you I was an ethnic transvestite hippie with a nose ring and wore only oddly matched stripey stockings with no shoes? Or would you just think I was funny in a not good way?

Oh imc53 you have just proved my theory, you are the very epitome of the type I'm talking about.

And by the way, I have heard the phrase "go back to where you came from" multiple times here in Toowoomba!!! Usually directed at international university students or Sudanese residents - and every time unprompted and unwarranted. It's a shame these ethnocentric attitudes still pervade in the 21st century.

Ohh sweety you seem not to understand the concept of a forum!! Agreement is not the same thing as imitation, and everyone is entitled to share their opinion just as you are quite actively doing. Perhaps bifocals are not the only thing you need.

Not just funny Mrbus downright hilarious i hope its true I'll be able to pick you out in a crowd.

What! So you can pitchfork me out of town?? No thanks...I'll stay home and hose the sozzled teenagers off my footpath. Anyways, if I go out I've learned better than to rock Toowoomba's tiny paper boat, I'll be the one looking awkward and culturally repressed in my moleskins and collar, to be adventurous I might wear stripey socks...or a scarf...or an earring in the wrong ear...or some shimmer gloss lippie....ooh... "now that that's just going too far MrBus, get back into your tiny minded box, why don't you just go back where you came from." (....banjo plays....)

MrBus a few years back i had a friend Neil he was about 6ft 4in and he used to come out to clubs with us dressed as a beautiful woman. He was accepted and loved by everyone. He also invited us to a gay dance at the old army barracks where a great night was had by all. I can't believe things have changed that much. I pretty much accept people as they are and so do my friends. Hope you find a nice crowd. Bye

is any of this slinging match actually of any help to anyone? Little bit over it guys!

I agree.

I had a lovely gay friend who got badly beaten in a churchyard when we went clubbing for having an earring and it's taken years for his "friends" to accept him as he is, some of them never have. So I s'pose we've both seen different sides of the coin. I've also had asian friends who were racially slurred the entire time they lived here..and I have been told to leave town because I didn't wear shoes. It is ludicrous that these things happen so regularly in a town of this size, in this day and age. There are plenty of small towns where these things happen and you kind of expect it...but Toowoomba is not a small town anymore. It needs to grow up and learn to live with other people.

Many of the general populace is still not as open-minded as you are imc53. That is why so many people get upset living here, we come here being happy open-minded people and get abused and witness atrocious behaviour towards others and it saps all the joy out of you. You've got a thicker skin than I do if you can see past it, and I think maybe you have an important role to play in making change here. The whingers you get upset with have completely valid points and the fact that you love the town does not excuse the apalling behaviour on the streets. I use to love living here too when all that mattered was the parks and flowers.

This slinging match is exactly what Toowoomba is to me. People trying to express themselves, having different views and being trounced for being themselves. Not saying I'm innocent there...but I am a Toowoomba kid after all. I think it's necessary for people considering moving here to know what this town is about, it's definately a town for some and not for others. Well I'm off to the shop to buy some ridiculously over-priced organic vegies and get back to looking for somewhere a little more inspriring and dynamic to live.

charming....

Ahhhh.... See all that above? That's Toowoomba for you.
Glad to have left (and I'm sure some friendly local will follow this up with "glad to see ya gone").

In summary: it's a swamp on the top of a hill, filled with small-minded people who love it because most of them have never left and don't realise the place isn't normal.

Beens living here almost 2 years now so thought I would address a few of the comments here and give an update.
Firstly Multiculturalism, Yes I am a Christian and do try to welcome all people, but you only have to see what "some" people from other countries do in other major towns and cities, that gives me and many I know reservations about having them here in Toowoomba. Having said that we go out of our way to make them welcome if they reject that well not much we can do.
Drugs they are sadly everywhere but I have never see drug pushes on any street in Toowoomba as is the case in other cities, sure I accept that it may go on in hidden areas, but again not as bad as other places.
Schools again some very good schools and brand new Mary Mackillop College at Highfields it a top school, as is the brand new Highfields State High school
The complaint lack of shopping, well the 500 million expansion to Grand Central should solve that issue with stage 1 set to open in September.
The range being blocked and closed cutting off supplies, well there is the back road down through Murphy Creek Road so I dont think we are exactly "cut off" with the new by bass approved and under construction that will certainly make the trip to Brisbane faster and save truck drivers time and money in getting there goods not only to Toowoomba but to the Surat Basin.
Nothing for kids to do, again I think Council is starting to address that issue. We now have the new 82 hectare sports park out at Highfields just 20 minuets out of Toowoomba with multiple football, tennis, netball, cricket, soccer pitches with more being added, along with plenty of parking and bathroom facilities.
Well Camp Airport is up and running with direct flights to Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney, as well as regional towns in Qld and destinations are slowly being added.
Cultural, the new City Library has opened and the Empire Theatre has been refurbished.
There are long term plans to develop the old railway yards in to something like Brisbane's south bank, that will be a major plus for residents and tourists.
I have found neighbours to be far better than in other towns I have lived in where after 3 years despite our efforts to make friends we didn't even know who lived next door to us.
Negatives ? Yes I agree Council needs to do far more for the outer suburbs especially in regards to roads and planting trees, but people are still moving here in increasing numbers. We are out near Highfields and the growth is there for all to see. We have 2 good shopping centres providing all we need on a day to day basis.
Over all I still think Toowoomba is a good place to live . My opinion of course.