Parenting

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).”

Have your say on Riverway upgrades

Townsville City Council wants to know how you use Riverway in order to optimise the proposed Riverway Splash Water Park. Townsville Acting Mayor Les Walker said Council was keen to hear from anyone who visited Riverway. “Riverway is an important precinct and Council wants to ensure any future improvements take into consideration community feedback,” Cr Walker said.

“It is important that we invest in all areas of the city, and in doing so we aim to get it right. “Getting it right means creating a vibrant community space that can be used by people of all ages.” Local councillor Verena Coombe said Council had made it easier than ever for locals to voice their opinions on future developments. “A Splash Park that can be enjoyed by young families is definitely something Council is eager to invest in,” Cr Coombe said.

“I have spoken to a number of locals and others who use Riverway regularly who are all keen to see something like this is added to the area. “We’d like to hear from more people who use the Riverway area, so we can understand what is important to you as key users of the precinct. “By registering and completing this short survey, you can not only contribute to the future of Riverway, but importantly we can keep you up to date with the outcomes of our public consultation.” Public consultation on the proposed Riverway Splash Water Park runs from Monday 13 January until Friday 21 February.

 

To learn more and take the survey, visit haveyoursay.townsville.qld.gov.au.

 

Pick up a pet to be yours pawever this Valentine’s Day

 

Add some love to your life this Valentine’s Day with Townsville City Council’s Lonely Hearts Valentine’s Sale.

 

The sale offers 50 per cent off all animals at Townsville City Council’s Animal Care and Adoption Centre.

 

Community Health and Environment Committee Chairperson, Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney, said the animals at the Centre were hoping to find their soulmates to live happily ever after with.

 

“From 8 February to 29 February, the Animal Care and Adoption Centre is reducing the price of the absolutely beautiful animals who just want to be able to give love to their forever families,” Cr Greaney said.

 

“These animals are all de-sexed, wormed, microchipped and have had their first vaccination, so they’re ready to head straight home as soon as they’ve found the right family for them.”

 

Cr Greaney said it was important to make sure animals at the Centre had a good chance of being taken into loving homes.

 

“These animals haven’t chosen to end up at our Animal Care and Adoption Centre, so we want to be able to find them new families and homes as quickly as we can,” she said.

 

“It doesn’t matter if you’re single, a couple, or a family with kids – there’s a cat or dog that will be a perfect fit for your home.

 

“If you already have a dog and want to adopt another, bring it along to the Centre for a meet and greet.”

 

The Lonely Hearts Valentine’s Sale runs from 8 February to 29 February.

 

To see animals currently available for adoption at the Animal Care and Adoption Centre, visit townsville.qld.gov.au/community-support/pets-and-animals/adopt-a-pet.

 

Media information: 0409 264 974