Ceal and Dan have signed up for Holytext Easter SMS Service!

What is it? It’s a free subscription from the Bible Society, a way to hear the story of Easter in a fun and new way. 

Basically, you’ll receive texts as if you are a part of the conversation happening amongst Jesus’ friends and disciples over the Easter weekend.

What a refreshing and accommodating way to remind ourselves of what this weekend is about!

Click on the link above to learn more! Or simply text FOLLOW to 0429 993 477 to join!

Instead of just hearing about the events of Easter, they want you to be directly involved with Jesus’ closest friends – right as the events unfold.

Over Easter, participants receive text messages from different characters along with a link to a short Bible reading each day. 

To check out some FAQ’s, click on the link to learn more! https://www.biblesociety.org.au/holytext/

Almost 50 purr-fect pets are settling in to their new homes after Townsville City Council’s animal shelter Open Day on the weekend.

The Open Day helped 26 cats and 22 dogs get adopted by their new fur-ever families over the weekend.

Community Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said the event was a great success.

“We’re really happy with the response to our Open Day at the shelter – most importantly almost 50 animals found a new home,” Cr Greaney said.

“It was a huge success and it was great to see so many cats and dogs adopted by Townsville families.

“Saturday was very busy, with 19 cats and 14 dogs finding new homes across the city.”

Cr Greaney said the success of the Open Day shows the great work Council staff do to rehome cats and dogs into the paw-fect family.

“A lot of work happens behind the scenes to get these cats and dogs ready for adoption,” Cr Greaney said.

“All of our dogs and cats go out desexed, microchipped and registered.

“We’ve upgraded the facility and we have an operational vet clinic – it is the only vet clinic run by a local government in Queensland.”

Cr Greaney said she hoped visitors to the Open Day who did not leave with a new pet over the weekend, come back and adopt an animal.  

“There are still cats and dogs available for adoption and we want them all to find a loving family,” Cr Greaney said.

The shelter is open from Monday to Saturday for adoptions.

Townsville City Council’s popular School Holiday Guide is back in time for the Easter school holidays.

The School Holiday Guide showcases a huge variety of free and low-cost activities across the city that will entertain the kids over the break.

Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said there is something for everyone in the guide.

“Council has a number of activities planned over the school holidays that are budget-friendly and will suit all ages,” Cr Doyle said.

“There are also plenty of activities held by community organisations and groups that are a great way to keep the family entertained.

“This is a great way to encourage Townsville kids to get out of the house and try something new, whether its crafts, sports or getting involved in some science.”

The Easter School Holiday Guide is available now from Council’s Customer Service Centre, all CityLibraries and various organisations across Townsville.

To download the guide from Council’s website, visit: https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/community-support/services-and-community-development/young-people/school-holiday-guide

Team Townsville volunteers will check on the wellbeing of flood-affected residents this weekend.

Townsville City Council will reunite with YWAM, Combined Churches, Lions and other community groups to visit houses in key areas.

Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said volunteers will say hi to residents, listen to their concerns and link them with any community services they may need.

“Volunteers swept through suburbs in our initial response to the monsoonal weather,” Cr Doyle said.

“We’re adopting a more strategic approach now to make sure we connect with the people who need help the most.

“We want to help residents who aren’t reaching out to support services so we’re keen to make sure they feel comfortable talking to us.”

Townsville Local Recovery and Resilience Group Chair Deputy Mayor Les Walker is urging residents to make the most of the opportunity.

“The volunteers are targeting specific suburbs and they will see some familiar faces, but a lot has changed in the past few weeks,” Cr Walker said.

“Recovery is an ongoing process and the people we met last month will have different needs now as the initial shock of the flood is gone.

“The people that stepped up to help their neighbours initially might need our support now.

“We really want to help people who are socially isolated or vulnerable so we’ll look to connect with older residents and families that have English as a second language.”

YWAM Corporate and Government Affairs Manager, Jennifer Rentsch, said it’s a privilege to help affected residents.

“Over 200 YWAM volunteers were involved in the first phase, and now we’re putting the call out to other people in the city who would like to help,” Mrs Rentsch said.

“Residents who weren’t affected by the monsoon may be wondering if they can help at this time. This is a very meaningful way to support neighbours.” 

Over the coming weeks, volunteers plan to visit houses in some of the worst-hit areas including Hermit Park, Rosslea, Oonoonba and Idalia.

They also plan to visit Alligator Creek and Cungulla.

Any residents who need support can contact the services below:

Bicycle Queensland is calling on Queensland parents to gear up and get their kids riding, with National Ride2School Day this Friday 22 March.

The state’s peak organisation for two-wheeled exhilaration says cycling to school can be made safe, if more parents leave the car at home and help their kids to ride.

As few as eight per cent of kids ride to school in Queensland, a figure Bicycle Queensland would like to double.

Bicycle Queensland CEO Anne Savage called on parents to get kids cycling, and relive their own youth.

“Riding a bike is a great way for the whole family to get fit, stay active, and feel connected with the community,” Ms Savage said.

“We’ve all heard the statistics – we’re not as healthy as we could be – and it’s costing us our happiness.

“More kids on bikes is one of the best ways to guarantee lifelong health and fitness for our next generation.

“The time is now to inspire their growth and development.”

Ms Savage said Bicycle Queensland was on a mission to reinvigorate bike riding across Queensland.

“Cycling is one of the easy keys to creating fitter, happier, and better-connected communities.

“There has never been a better time to get back on our bikes, ditch the car, reduce congestion, and bank family savings for a beach holiday.”

The 2017 National Cycling Participation Survey indicated a resounding majority of Queenslanders want to see stronger investment in bikeways (67%), and better connections between bike paths and schools, shops, pools, and parks.

59 per cent of Queenslanders also called for more on-road bike lanes.

Bicycle Queensland is also urging schools and students statewide to submit entries for Bicycle Queensland’s Cameron Frewer Road Safety Education Bursary and go in the running to win one of six $250 bursaries.

More information can be found online at > https://bq.org.au/programs/the-cameron-frewer-road-safety-education-bursary/

Bicycle Queensland’s tips for riding to school

•             Practice rides on weekends to build confidence.

•             If you’re uncomfortable riding on the road, you can ride on the footpath in Queensland.

•             Choose the safest route, even if it’s a bit longer.

•             Team up with neighbours or school mates and exercise as a group.

•             If you don’t have a bike – ride a scooter or walk.

•             Remember to lock your bike somewhere safe.

•             Always wear a helmet.

Queenslanders interested in finding out more about cycling can visit www.bq.org.au or call Bicycle Queensland on 3844 1144.