A Million Reasons to Celebrate: Friends of the Empire Reach a Staggering Milestone
The Empire celebrates a million-dollar milestone this month, with the Friends of The Empire having donated more than $1M to the theatre since the group’s formation in 1997.
The milestone reflects the tireless commitment of an independent, close-knit community of arts lovers who have long been the unseen force behind the theatre’s warmth and vitality.
As ushers, concierge staff, catering helpers and backstage tour guides, the Friends have shaped the experience of countless audience members and performers who passed through The Empire’s doors.
From memberships to canteen takings, every dollar the Friends raise is channelled directly back into The Empire, collectively endowing Toowoomba's world-class arts precinct with more than $1M to date.
Today, the Friends comprise 197 volunteers, and in 2025 alone, they contributed more than 10,000 hours to support shows, programs, and community events, in a testament to the generosity and passion that continue to drive the group.
Margaret Turnbull, President of the Friends of The Empire and one of the dedicated members whose homemade biscuits have greeted backstage artists for years, shared her pride in reaching the milestone.
“Donating $1M is an incredible achievement but it’s all due to the people behind the scenes,” she said.
"The Friends are the heart of The Empire."
Margaret Turnbull
"Every usher, every tour, every moment they give makes this theatre feel like a home for our community. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together.”
Over the decades, the Friends’ generosity has funded initiatives that have permanently shaped the theatre’s capabilities, from installing a sprung floor in the Armitage Centre to supporting youth programs, workshops, and the annual THRIVE Festival.
Their support has also backed major productions, including & JULIET, and facilitated essential equipment upgrades, including trollies, curtains and sound systems.
Chair of The Empire Andrew Wielandt echoed the sentiment, describing the Friends as integral to the theatre’s identity.
“The Friends are the backbone of The Empire,” he said.
"Year after year, they show up with a smile, give their time without hesitation and make every person who walks through our doors feel genuinely welcome"
Andrew Wielandt
“That kind of dedication is priceless and what this group has built is truly unique. I can’t imagine you’d find a volunteer community like this at any other theatre in Queensland and reaching $1M is a fitting tribute to everything they represent.”
As the Friends mark this extraordinary milestone, their contribution remains a cornerstone of The Empire’s story and testament to the power of the community.
For more information about the Friends of The Empire Theatre or to learn how to get involved, visit here.
#What’s New
The Empire has lowered the curtain on a dazzling season of the global pop musical & JULIET, with the hit production wrapping up its sensational six-show run on Sunday 22 March.
The Empire today announced that Mr Andrew Wielandt will retire from the Board of Empire Theatres Pty Ltd and step down as Chair on 17 April 2026, marking the conclusion of 19 years of dedicated service to the organisation and the arts community.
An all-singing, all-dancing, all-star cast of more than two dozen young performers will bring the worldwide smash-hit musical, & JULIET, to Toowoomba’s esteemed Empire Theatre in 2026.
The Empire Foundation has once again demonstrated its dedication to nurturing the next generation of performers, presenting the 2025 Youth Bursaries to outstanding young artists from across the region.
The Empire’s annual school holiday event, THRIVE Festival, has wrapped for 2025 with a record-breaking 5,127 people attending the four-day celebration of creativity, play and storytelling.
Shakespeare and a smash hit soundtrack collide at The Empire as preparations for the 2026 in-house production of & JULIET kick off with the appointment of Queensland-based Director, Tim Hill.
