Townsville City Council’s Festival of Stories is back this July as part of the jam-packed North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA).

Festival-goers will be treated to a range of activities from puppet workshops, through to author discussions, and book readings.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the Festival of Stories is always a Townsville favourite and that 2019 would be no different.

“This year the Festival of Stories has a really exciting line-up that will suit kids and adults alike,” Cr Hill said.

“This programme will give the community the opportunity to meet authors, attend demonstrations and really sink their teeth into some great Australian literature.

“It’s fantastic to have the Festival of Stories play such a major role in NAFA – our libraries play a massive part in our vibrant arts and culture scene.”

The full Festival of Stories programme will hit shelves soon with events running during the entire month of July.

Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said the Festival of Stories gives book lovers and budding writers the chance to improve their skills.

“There are some fantastic workshops that residents and visitors can come along to as part of the Festival of Stories,” Cr Doyle said.

“There is an amazing line-up of guests coming to Townsville to share the love of books, stories and creativity with the community and I really hope everyone has a chance to dive into some of the workshops and talks.

“Workshops that require bookings will be live soon and I encourage anyone interested in taking part to get in early.”

Events include:

• Puppet classes with Dead Puppets Society
• Children’s workshops with Sean Murphy
• Graphic novel workshops with Mirranda Burton
• Dreamtime stories and performances including Boori Monty Prior
• One Title One Townsville with Clementine Ford
• Panel discussion with Clementine Ford, Jane Caro and Brodie Lancaster
• Author talk and writing sessions with Fleur McDonald
• Play date with Justine Clark

More events will be released on the official NAFA website soon.

Keep an eye out for details as they become available on: www.nafa-tsv.com.au

Townsville residents will be encouraged to help the city become more environmentally friendly when they attend Eco Fiesta at Queens Gardens this Sunday.

The Townsville City Council event will feature War on Waste presenter Craig Reucassel and popular children’s show The Whales Tale.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said Eco Fiesta is an ideal way to promote sustainable living.

“We are lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world, one of the wonders of the world – the Great Barrier Reef – is on our doorstep,” Cr Hill said.

“The event is designed to increase awareness about environmental issues and sustainability.

“We need to reduce everyday waste, look after our oceans and think about Townsville’s future.”

Community Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said Council is leading by example.

“We have enforced a ban on all single use plastics throughout the planning of this event,” Cr Greaney said.

“All suppliers and vendors have embraced the approach so people won’t see any straws, plastic cups or disposable cutlery.

“We have also extended this to include balloons, plastic bags, plastic drink bottles and food packaging.”

Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr Russ Cook said people can make simple changes to help the environment.

“We’re encouraging Townsville households to follow our lead on single use plastics, but there are other ways to help,” Cr Cook said.

“I’d urge residents across the city to be more vigilant with their recycling.

“Council offers free recycling collections every two weeks and people can take bigger recyclable items to our waste stations for free.”

Eco Fiesta will run from 9am – 3pm at Queens Gardens this Sunday.

Townsville City Council is urging pet owners to get their dogs and cats microchipped for free in Annandale tomorrow.

Residents can get their purr-fect companions microchipped at Murray Dog Park from 8am – 11am.

Community Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said dog and cat lovers should make the most of the op-paw-tunity.

“Dogs and cats are much-loved members of families across Townsville and these microchips will help keep you connected to your pet if it gets out of the yard,” Cr Greaney said.

“It’s never nice if your dog or cat wanders off and these microchips are the best way to reunite you.

“Council has microchipped 564 dogs and cats since it held its first microchipping day in January 2018.”

Cr Greaney said Council is offering free microchipping for registered dogs and approved cats.

“Kittens and puppies have to be at least 8 weeks to be microchipped and I’d encourage everyone to come down to Murray Lyons Crescent and help keep their pets safe,” Cr Greaney said.

“If your dog isn’t registered our staff can help you complete the paperwork tomorrow and register them for a fee – once this is complete they can be microchipped for free.

“We always encourage responsible pet ownership and microchipping is an important part of that.

“A dog or cat will be your best friend for a long time and this is a great way to keep them connected to you if they go missing.”

For all information on Council initiatives, events, programs and news in relation to all things animals, visit the Townsville City Animals Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/TownsvilleCityAnimals/ or call 13 48 10.