Entertainment

Yule be sorry if you miss Townsville’s 25 Days of Discounts

Enjoying the Townsville CBD this Christmas time has just gotten a whole lot cheaper with the roll out of 25 Days of Discounts.

The Townsville City Council initiative involves a range of unique CBD traders who have a variety of discounts available at their stores in the lead up to Christmas Day.

Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said 25 Days of Discounts was extremely popular when it was launched last year.

“Council has worked with local businesses and franchises set up in the city centre and over on Magnetic Island to create a coupon flyer with more than 20 discounts and deals,” Cr Greaney said.

“This is a fun way to help locals celebrate Christmas together and make sure our CBD’s economy is stimulated throughout the festive season.”

Cr Greaney said businesses were expecting a high amount of uptake.

“We have some really great discounts on offer with the 25 Days of Discounts promotion, and we’re hoping locals and visitors take advantage of this and grab themselves some bargains,” she said.

“We all know wallets are stretched at this time of year, so it’s a great idea to save yourself a bit of money when you’re buying Christmas presents or going out for a bite to eat.”

Cr Greaney said the savings didn’t stop there, with Council also rolling out its free two-hour parking offer.

“Free parking will be available for more than 500 two-hour parking spots across the city for the whole month of December,” she said.

“It’s a great time to get your Christmas shopping done, enjoy some local food and entertainment with your family, and save some money while you’re at it.”

25 Days of Discounts runs from 1 to 24 December at participating traders.

To download the coupon flyer, head to https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-townsville/christmas-together-2019/25-days-of-discounts .

Stinger net installation starts this week

Nets are being rolled out at Townsville beaches this week to mark the start of the stinger season.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said protecting locals and visitors to the city was a priority for Council.

“Enjoying our great beaches is part of the North Queensland lifestyle, which is why Council makes installing stinger nets a priority as we head into summer,” Cr Hill said.

“We have a high number of visitors to Townsville in the summer months, and these nets play a vital role in protecting everyone who wants to enjoy our beaches from stingers.

“Council installs six nets across the city to make sure locals and visitors can make the most of summer while staying safe.”

Community Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said it was important to remember that stinger nets weren’t a silver bullet for swim safety.

“The nets offer a high level of protection, but they can’t stop every sting,” Cr Greaney said.

“Swimmers should take other precautions like wearing a stinger suit and keeping a close eye on kids.”

For more information about stinger net locations and lifeguard patrols, visit http://bit.ly/2Ja7hIF.

Net installation

Tuesday, 29 October: Balgal Beach

Wednesday, 30 October: Magnetic Island

Thursday, 31 October: Strand

Friday, 1 November: Pallarenda

THE QUIZMASTER AND THE AUCTIONEER

A Quizmaster & an Auctioneer will join forces to raise funds for North Queensland’s Christmas Festival, Stable on the Strand. Trivia questions and Auction Items will morph together to help ensure Stable on the Strand continues for another year! Quizmaster Graeme McCourt said, “I have been mc-ing Trivia Nights for more than 10 years and I believe this event for Stable on the Strand will be a fabulous night and not to be missed by Stable supporters, families, businesses and ‘trivia tragics’”. Auctioneer Jason Chester responded, “I’m intent on making this a fun night for everyone and raising heaps of dollars for this great event, Stable on the Strand, so bring your spare cash or a credit card!” Trivia Night Event Manager Daniel Rudge advised, “Our theme this year is ‘Country’. There will be great prizes for Best Dressed Table & Best Dressed Persons on that theme. Other great prizes will be awarded to Table Trivia Winners who have the highest scores across a large range of topics.” Stable on the Strand’s Trivia night details: Where: Northreach Baptist Church, 38 Canterbury Rd. Kirwan When: Sat 19 October Time: 5 – 9pm (food available from 5pm, Trivia starts at 6pm)

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.”