Stable on the Strand to get funding injection

Townsville City Council’s Community and Cultural Development Committee has recommended continuing funding support for one of Townsville’s most popular Christmas events.

 

Stable on the Strand is back for 2019 and Council is providing $85,447 in funding through the Townsville City Grants and Partnerships program.

 

Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said Council’s support of events like Stable on the Strand is important for developing arts and culture in the community.

 

“Our grants programs play such an important role in building our profile in arts and culture and providing opportunities for local events to grow,” Cr Doyle said.

 

“Stable on the Strand really symbolises what Christmas is about, bringing our community together and celebrating with the people we love.

 

“The event is in its 18th year and it’s great that Council can support these grassroots events through funding arrangements like this.”

 

Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said it’s important the staple events continue, especially after the community was hit by a major disaster.

 

“The entire community was hit hard by the unprecedented monsoon and as we approach the one-year anniversary it’s great to see these events bringing back some continuity and vibrancy into the city,” Cr Greaney said.

 

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what Stable on the Strand puts on for the community this year – it just keeps getting bigger and better.”

 

The report will go to Full Council on 22 October for consideration.

Tobruk Memorial Baths redevelopment progressing swimmingly

Refurbishments to the Tobruk Memorial Baths are progressing swimmingly with crews making good progress on the upgrades.

 

Works completed include the excavation of the old pool, the first concrete pour for the balance tank and a fresh coat of paint going on the building.

 

Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Mark Molachino said the $11.3 million refurbishment is already breathing new life into the Memorial Baths.

 

“The Tobruk Memorial Baths are a massively loved public asset and these refurbishments will revitalise the area and emphasis the heritage of the pools,” Cr Molachino said.

 

“Jackson + Semler are an extremely reputable company and have worked on some big projects across the city and so far, it is looking fantastic here.

 

“These upgrades are expected to support over 120 jobs and is a major infrastructure project that is part of our $409.1 million infrastructure spend for building our city’s future.”

 

The redevelopment includes the installation of a new 50m pool, a new toddler pool, improved disability access, shade awnings and new landscaping.

 

Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said she’s thrilled by the progress being made on the redevelopment of the Tobruk Memorial Baths.

 

“We’re so lucky to have such an incredible pool right along The Strand and the history there can’t be understated so it’s nice to see how well the work is coming together,” Cr Greaney said.

 

“This is a massive job and so far, everything is pulling together really nicely – it’s looking good for a reopening in February.

 

“This project did get pushed back after the unprecedented monsoon so I would like to thank the community for being so patient while we get this completed.”

 

Townsville signs on as first North Queensland Welcoming City

Townsville is now the 40th Welcoming City in the country.

 

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has signed on to the Welcoming Cities program, which helps councils and communities become more inclusive of all newcomers to the city.

 

Townsville’s strong liveability attributes make the city an attractive destination for migrants, 25,574 people who were living in the Townsville City Council in 2016 were born overseas, and 20% had arrived in Australia within the 5 years prior to 2016.

 

Cr Hill said Council was proud to sign on to the program, as it helped establish the city as having a positive reputation.

 

“Townsville is more multicultural now than ever before, and this is something we should celebrate,” Cr Hill said.

 

“The diversity of the local community is one of the things that makes Townsville such a vibrant place to live and work.

 

“We want to do everything we can to welcome and support migrants who choose to make Townsville their new home.”

 

Cr Hill said making the commitment allowed Council to become better informed about how to support migrants into the Townsville community.

 

“Becoming a Welcoming City gives Council new tools to help integrate migrants into the community,” she said.

 

“Council is constantly looking at how it can improve the experiences of newcomers to the city, which as we know can have positive effects on our economy and society.

 

“Being a Welcoming City will help Council see how it’s tracking with cultural diversity and inclusivity.”

 

Townsville joins Brisbane, Livingstone, Balonne, Central Highlands and Toowoomba in becoming a Queensland-based Welcoming City.

 

Check out this Short Film – “Bubu Mei”

Hi ALL!!

Click on the link to watch our latest short film “Bubu Mei” (Grandmother Mother).

 

Bubu Mei  (Watch time is 40 minutes)

 

About the film –
Dr Lin Calvert (now 94) has served as a medical doctor for over 60 years in the jungles of the Gulf of Papua New Guinea. During this time, more than anything else she has become a mother and grandmother to the people of the Gulf province.

She is known as a woman of great commitment, especially to her patients. She has always been available. Even on the day of her husband Peter’s funeral, she didn’t neglect her patients, going onward rounds before and after.
She has been passionate about helping birthing mothers and attended every delivery she could. She taught nursing students in the classroom five days a week, and clinically in the wards seven days a week.
She has chosen to live simply and enjoys local produce, much out of her own garden (her pineapples and bananas are legendary). Her daily routines of wards, devotions and classroom are interspersed with her love for gardens (and hatred of weeds) and her love of reading (especially aloud to children) and keeping up-to-date with medical journals.
She is often asked to speak at PNG medical conferences and speaks with authority on simple medical procedures and old medicines that are no longer in use. Many have enjoyed her fresh approach to medicine.
She has been honoured by the PNG government for services to Papua New Guinea and has received Queen’s honours and NZ service awards. The Royal Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society honoured her with life membership.

She continues to live at Kapuna and enjoy the fruits of her garden, spending her days reading, walking, and praying with all who visit her.

Want to know more –

Mindfood article 

Watch some of our other work –

Amea ( 5 minutes)
People of Poroi (7 minutes)

Townsville selected by Australian Cruise Association as the 2020 Conference Venue

The Australian Cruise Association (ACA) announced that it will hold its 24th annual conference and AGM in Townsville, Queensland, in September 2020.

The successful bid by Townsville Enterprise Limited, Townsville City Council and the Port of Townsville was supported by Tourism Events Queensland.

Tourism Industry Development Minister, Kate Jones said Queensland’s cruise industry was growing strongly and welcomed the conference to Townsville.

“Queensland’s cruise industry is worth $1.1B to the state’s economy and to host this conference once again will ensure we have the attention of cruise line decision-makers from across Australia and around the globe,” Ms. Jones said.

The announcement was made at the final session of the 2019 ACA Conference.

Making the announcement, Jill Abel, CEO of ACA said, “We are looking forward to bringing the conference back to Queensland which is enjoying a high level of cruise visits.  It is also important for us to support Australia’s regional port network which plays an increasingly important role in the growth of the cruise tourism sector in Australia. As such, this will be the fourth year our Conference has been held outside a gateway city.”

“In the previous cruise season, 16 cruise ships visited Townsville attracting over 20,000 passengers and crew,” said Townsville Enterprise CEO, Patricia O’Callaghan.

“Having the opportunity to welcome the cruise industry to our city in 2020 will only help to raise awareness for all that Townsville has to offer and see us increase our cruise business even more.”

It is anticipated that around 120 people will attend the Conference in Townsville to be held from 9-11 September 2020.  This includes leading national and international cruise executives and representatives from the supply side of the cruise sector – shore excursion operators, port authorities, provedores, shipping agents and tour businesses. 

Commenting on the successful bid, Cr Jenny Hill, Mayor of the City of said “This is a wonderful outcome for Townsville as it will give us the opportunity to showcase our fascinating and progressive coastal city to attendees. With numerous tourism offerings such as our rich military history, diverse nature experiences and extensive events calendar, we are the perfect stop on any cruise itinerary.”

“Regional ports provide opportunities for cruise passengers to step outside the metropolitan landscape and immerse themselves in the fascinating regional experiences which make up the colourful fabric of our country.  Townsville delivers on those in spades with support from the enthusiastic community including the welcoming volunteers, transportation operators and the local businesses including retailers, cafes and tour companies. It is also a highly accessible port and passenger terminal” added Jill Abel.

The Port of Townsville CEO, Ranee Crosby said the hosting of the Conference is extremely timely for Townsville as it comes during the Port’s $193 million investment to widen the navigation channels.  “We have a very strong focus on growing cruise visits, and our channel widening project will enable us to accommodate the larger ships visiting Queensland to our world-class cruise ship terminal.”

 

About Australian Cruise Association:

Australian Cruise Association is the co-operative marketing brand for cruise tourism in the Australia and Pacific region and represents a diversity of interests including regional ports, international, national and state tourism agencies, shipping agents, inbound tour operators and companies dedicated to marketing the region as a world-class cruise destination.