Faith

Go in the running to win $100 voucher with Townsville CityLibraries

Have your say on Townsville CityLibraries with the We Love Our Libraries survey this month. The online survey takes a look at how locals use their libraries so Townsville City Council can better understand what residents’ library needs are. Community and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson, Councillor Colleen Doyle, said this was an easy way to make sure the city’s libraries were providing the best services for our community.

“We want to hear from you and find out what you love about your local library and what could be done even better,” Cr Doyle said. “Council is always looking for ways to improve the services that we offer, and this three-minute survey is a quick and easy way to know what you’d like to see at your library.” Cr Doyle said completing the We Love Our Libraries survey could be done two ways.

“It’s very easy to do the We Love Our Libraries survey. Simply fill out the survey online or in person at your favourite CityLibraries branch to have your say,” she said. “Once you’ve done that, you’ll be in the draw for a chance to win one of five $100 gift vouchers.”

To fill out the We Love Our Libraries survey, visit www.townsville.qld.gov.au. The survey is open until 29 February.

 

Extra funding to help flood-affected families with back to school expenses

The Palaszczuk Government is pitching in to help Townsville families affected by the 2019 floods get on top of New Year expenses such as back-to-school costs. Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was providing a one-off funding contribution of $7000 to the North Townsville Community Hub to distribute to flood-affected families. “We have identified a need for assistance to support families, who were impacted by the Monsoon Trough flooding event in early 2019, with back-to-school expenses and other start-of-year costs,” Mrs O’Rourke said. “A year may have passed since the flooding devastated the Townsville community, but for many families the financial impacts are still being felt.

“This funding will help families kick start their 2020 and help get their children back into school while they continue their ongoing recovery from the floods. “We know that back-to-school costs can be tough on families and that’s why we’re giving these flood-affected families a helping hand.” The North Townsville Community Hub is a Palaszczuk Government funded neighbourhood centre serving areas of Townsville including Bohle Plains, Deeragun, Mount Louisa and Northern Beaches. The service receives more than $120,000 funding each year to deliver community support services through the neighbourhood centre, as well as more than $5700 in Emergency Relief funding and $1500 to deliver the Connect NDIS Volunteer Program.

Mrs O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to the long-term recovery of flood-affected communities in Townsville. “We’re here for the long haul to support flood-affected Townsville residents to recover and rebuild in the wake of the 2019 Monsoon Trough event,” she said. “To date more than $30.7 million in personal hardship assistance has been paid out, benefitting almost 103,000 flood-affected residents in Townsville. “This funding was delivered under the jointly-funded Commonwealth/State-Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).”

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.