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JOIN THE HUB

Why a Creative Hub?

Meet Hub Director Marianne Buchanan

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"Hi, I'm Marianne Buchanan, arts teacher, puppeteer, actress and Director of Starlet Creative Industries, and I'm so excited to be bringing @Starlet Creative Hub to life.​


"The idea for @Starlet began after a conversation with a lovely creative friend who dreamed of a space where people could gather for pop-up cafés, theatre, art, workshops and community events.

So I started crunching numbers, exploring venues and asking a simple question:

Could I create a space where these dreams could become reality?

After finding the beautiful Russell Street venue, the answer became a resounding yes.

My vision is to create a vibrant creative hub where my lovely friend—and many others—can enjoy coffee, painting, theatre, workshops and creative ventures, all coming together in one affordable and welcoming creative place.

I can't wait to open the doors and welcome you into @Starlet Level 1/17 Russell Street, Toowoomba in July!"

  • Why a creative hub?

  • Creative communities need places to gather.

  • Not everyone can afford large commercial venues. Not every artist needs a formal gallery. Not every rehearsal needs a theatre. And not every creative business can afford a standalone lease.

  • @Starlet has been created to bridge the gap between:

    • large formal venues
    • isolated solo creatives
    • Passionate artists in need of a creative community.

  • The vision is to create a space that is:

    • welcoming
    • affordable
    • flexible
    • professionally managed
    • creatively alive
    • and built on respect and collaboration.

  • We believe creative spaces should:

    • support people, not exhaust them
    • encourage experimentation and growth
    • remain accessible to emerging creatives
    • allow independent businesses to thrive side by side
    • and strengthen community through the arts.

  • At @Starlet, independent creatives and businesses maintain ownership over their own work, events and identities while sharing a larger ecosystem of support, visibility and connection.

  • This means:

    • artists remain autonomous
    • businesses use their own ABNs, permits, licenses and insurance
    • events remain independently managed
    • and the venue itself becomes a shared platform for opportunity.

  • We envision a future where:

    • artists collaborate instead of compete
    • creative businesses can start small and grow
    • community events feel welcoming and alive
    • and people have somewhere to belong creatively.

  • @Starlet is not just about hiring rooms.

  • It’s about building sustainable creative infrastructure for Toowoomba.

  • The Culture We Want to Build

  • @Starlet has been created with the belief that creative spaces should feel:

    • welcoming
    • respectful
    • collaborative
    • professional
    • ethical
    • and community-minded.

  • We believe the strongest creative ecosystems are built when:

    • people feel safe to create
    • independent voices are respected
    • businesses maintain autonomy
    • and shared spaces are cared for collectively.

@Starlet has been designed as a sustainable creative ecosystem built on both heart and structure.

Community Values

  • Our intention is to build a culture that values:

  • Respect

    For people, ideas, differences and shared environments.

  • Professionalism

    Clear communication, accountability and sustainable creative practice.

  • Collaboration

    Supporting one another rather than competing.

  • Accessibility

    Creating affordable opportunities for emerging and established creatives alike.

  • Stewardship

    Caring for shared creative infrastructure so it remains sustainable long term.

  • Community

    Encouraging meaningful connection through creativity, conversation and shared experience.

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Community Impact
@Starlet Creative Hub believes creativity has the power to strengthen communities.
As a social enterprise operated by Starlet Creative Industries, we are committed to supporting local artists, community wellbeing and positive social outcomes.
As the hub grows, we aim to contribute to community initiatives and organisations making a difference in the lives of others, including Starlet Creative Industries' long-standing support of Amity Place and its work supporting individuals and families affected by domestic and family violence.
Through fundraising events, partnerships and future community impact initiatives, we hope to use creativity as a force for connection, empowerment and positive change.

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