Entertainment

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.”

 

Registrations Open for Fringe Festival

CALLING ALL ARTISTS AND PERFORMERS 

In July, Townsville will host the inaugural Northern Fringe Festival running alongside the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA). 
 
The Northern Fringe – in the spirit of Fringe Festivals across the globe – will be an inclusive and an organic festival hosted in theatres, cafes, pop-up venues, laneways and street corners right across Townsville – Australia’s largest tropical city.
 
From live acts, music and comedy to cabaret, all forms of art and performance can play in what will become over time a respected festival on the national Fringe landscape.
 
Performers and artists can submit their event to be part of the 2019 Northern Fringe Festival program NOW!
 
There are only FOUR MORE WEEKS to register so get your act together!
Submit your event


Locals Invited to get Involved with the Northern Fringe

The North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) is fast approaching in July and with it comes Townsville’s first ever Fringe Festival, the Northern Fringe.

Featuring live acts, music, comedy, cabaret and more, the Northern Fringe will be an inclusive and organic festival hosted in theatres, café’s, pop-up venues, laneways and street corners right across the city.

Art and performance of any kind are invited to be a part of the inaugural festival that will showcase Townsville as the arts and culture capital of North Australia.

Townsville City Council is holding an information night next Wednesday and is looking for artists, entertainers, venues and promoters to attend and find out how they can get involved in the Northern Fringe Festival.

Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said the Northern Fringe Festival is a perfect opportunity for the community to get involved in NAFA.

“The Northern Fringe Festival will run alongside our month-long arts festival and is a great way for locals to showcase their venues, art forms and talent,” Cr Doyle said.

“The information night next week at the Old Magistrates Court theatre, will start getting people thinking about what they can do and how to be involved.

“We are really hoping to see a large amount of people at the information night – we want NAFA and the Fringe Festival to be driven by our local arts community.”

The information night is being held on Wednesday 13 March and will feature guest speakers who have been involved in other Fringe Festivals.

What: Northern Fringe Festival Information Night

When: 6 – 8pm, Wednesday 13 March

Where: Old Magistrates Court, cnr Stokes and Sturt St, Townsville City

RSVP – fringe@townsville.qld.gov.au by 5pm 11 March

Bart Millard – “I Can Only Imagine” Interview

Check out this interview about the new movie “I Can Only Imagine”!

Listen in to win tickets to see it opening day – 15 March!!