110 year commitment to regional town kept with COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan

The Titleys brand includes five shops in the small North Queensland town; a country department store, a footwear store, workwear, sportswear a western clothing outlet and employs 32 local people. 

Owner Tony Titley will be able to continue supporting his staff and the community where possible with a COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan.  

The loan scheme administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority, provides finance of up to $250,000 for businesses and non-profit organisations impacted by COVID-19 to assist with carry-on expenses such as employee wages, rent and rates and other expenditure. 

Mr Titley said the business was well-known in Charters Towers and supported many community events and sports teams but COVID-19 restrictions meant they had to rethink how they operated.  

“When COVID hit there were a few sleepless nights but with the QRIDA loan is fantastic, it has much more favourable terms,” he said. 

“With the help of the QRIDA loan and JobKeeper, things are looking pretty good. I am confident we will get through. It’s hard to predict the future at this stage but I am reasonably confident we can get through this and come out the other side in reasonable shape.  

“It’s important we do stay open to let people know we ae still here and haven’t given up. If people want stuff, they know they can come and get it. 

“Many see us as an essential service for people on the farms and rural communities. The online store has been a saviour, the online sales have been quite phenomenal. 

“The QRIDA loan will keep us trading and keep people employed in our little country town. We have a very different outlook now, it’s good.” 

Mr Titley said the financial support allowed him to continue supporting staff where possible, which was a vital and long-standing commitment the business had to the entire Charters Towers community.  

“It’s important to employ people in small country towns, you have to do it to keep our towns going,” he said.  

“I am very aware jobs support the whole community, especially for young people who would normally have to move away to find work and this affects the whole community, not just economically but socially.  

Mr Titley said his application was approved within days.  

“It was a piece of cake really; we had our financial data at our fingertips, and our accountant was very quick in providing additional information. The application was very easy, and we were approved within a matter of days,” he said. 

For important information about your loan visit the COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan page.

QRIDA is delivering the $1 billion COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan Scheme on behalf of the Queensland Government.