What’s happening?
A Toowoomba family-owned business has upgraded its security systems to better protect staff, customers and its showroom, with support from the Secure Communities Partnership Program grant.
Curtain Warehouse & Interiors has installed an upgraded Ajax CCTV system with an integrated alarm, as well as personal distress fobs for staff. The upgrades are aimed at improving safety during day-to-day operations, especially when employees are opening or closing the showroom, or walking between the car park and building.
Curtain Warehouse & Interiors co-owner Samuel Thomson is among the recent recipients of the Queensland Government program, which helps small and family businesses improve security and deter crime through practical upgrades.
Why it matters?
Curtain Warehouse & Interiors co-owner Daniel Thomson said the funding had helped the business complete a major security upgrade that would have been much harder to deliver without support.
“As a family-owned business, protecting our staff, customers and livelihood is incredibly important,” Mr Thomson said.
“Even an attempted break-in can disrupt operations, delay customer orders, increase insurance costs and create unnecessary stress for our team.
“The funding has helped us make a major security upgrade that would have been much harder to complete as a small family-owned business.
“For Curtain Warehouse & Interiors, these upgrades provide a stronger deterrent, faster response if something happens, and greater peace of mind for our employees and customers.”
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Nicolle Kelly said the program was helping create safer places for businesses to operate and for customers to visit.
“The Secure Communities Partnership Program is vital for creating safe and supportive environments where small and family businesses can thrive,” Ms Kelly said.
“By addressing safety concerns, the Queensland Government is not just protecting businesses – it’s ensuring customers feel confident and secure visiting these areas, which helps local economies to flourish.”
Local Impact
For Curtain Warehouse & Interiors, the personal distress fobs are a key part of the upgrade because they support staff during the quieter and more vulnerable parts of the day.
“The personal distress alarms are especially important for our staff when opening or closing the showroom and walking between the car park and building early in the morning or late at night,” Mr Thomson said.
He said the improvements were designed to help both employees and customers feel safer in the local store.
“We hope these improvements provide peace of mind for everyone who walks through our doors. Our employees deserve to work in a safe and secure environment, and our customers should feel comfortable knowing they’re visiting a well-protected local business.”
Mr Thomson said the grant also showed how targeted support can help small businesses act sooner on safety concerns. For many operators, security upgrades can be needed but difficult to fund while managing daily costs.
“Small businesses are the backbone of local communities, but many operate with limited resources. Programs like this make it possible for businesses like ours to invest in security improvements that we may otherwise have to delay.
“When local businesses feel secure, they are more likely to continue investing, employing local people and contributing to the growth of the region.”
By the numbers
- The Secure Communities Partnership Program is backed by $40 million in Queensland Government funding, giving eligible businesses support for security upgrades that may otherwise be delayed.
- Curtain Warehouse & Interiors is one of 62 recent recipients, showing the program is already reaching small and family businesses across Queensland.
- The current funding round is open until 30 June 2026, or until funding is fully allocated, giving eligible businesses a clear deadline to apply.
Zoom In
The upgrade at Curtain Warehouse & Interiors is focused on practical security measures, rather than cosmetic changes. The new CCTV system and integrated alarm are designed to improve deterrence and response, while the personal distress fobs give staff a direct way to seek help if they feel unsafe.
Mr Thomson said the program had made a genuine difference and urged other eligible businesses to consider applying.
“I would strongly encourage eligible businesses to apply. The application process was worthwhile, and the funding made a genuine difference to our business.
“Investing in security is not just about protecting property – it’s about protecting your staff, your customers and everything you’ve worked hard to build.”
Zoom Out
The Secure Communities Partnership Program is part of the Queensland Government’s wider commitment to making the state safer and preventing crime before it happens. The program can support upgrades such as CCTV, bollards, lockable fencing and improved perimeter security.
Ms Kelly said the program was making a real difference for small and family businesses by helping reduce crime and improve safety.
“The Secure Communities Partnership Program is making a real difference for Queensland small and family businesses by reducing crime and improving safety. When businesses and their customers feel secure, it creates a positive environment for growth, stronger relationships, and vibrant local communities.”
She said the program was also about strengthening the future of small business across the state.
“The Secure Communities Partnership Program is more than a safety initiative – it’s an investment in the future of Queensland’s small businesses. By helping create safer environments to run a business, customers will feel comfortable and secure, which strengthens local businesses and builds thriving, connected communities.”
What To Look For Next?
Eligible small and family businesses can apply for the current round of funding until 30 June 2026, unless the funding is fully allocated earlier.
With security upgrades now in place at Curtain Warehouse & Interiors, the focus will be on how the improvements support staff confidence, customer safety and daily operations at the Toowoomba showroom.
More information, including eligibility criteria and application details, is available at business.qld.gov.au/securegrant.