Flinders Lane open to the community this Sunday!

Construction on a brand new Melbourne-esque laneway in Townsville’s CBD is complete and open to the community from this Sunday.

Flinders Lane, which has been delivered in partnership with Martin Locke Constructions, links the central business district to the Bus Hub, Queensland Country Bank Stadium and City Lane precinct.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the laneway would provide the community with more premier eating and entertainment experiences.

“Flinders Lane has been a highly anticipated project and I’m thrilled the construction is complete and we can open it to the community,” Cr Hill said.

“This development will complement the existing City Lane which is already quite popular among both residents and tourists.

“Now that Flinders Lane is open, it will be the major thoroughfare from the CBD to the Bus Hub, Palmer Street and the Stadium precinct.

“I look forward to seeing what future dining and retailing experiences will be brought to the Lane and how it transforms the CBD.”

Developer Martin Locke said his team was proud to have worked together with Council to deliver the project, and excited to showcase Flinders Lane across opening weekend.

“Flinders Lane is a great example of how the private and public sector can come together and achieve special things,” Mr Locke said.

“Our vision was to seamlessly combine our two properties to create an outcome whereby both the community, and in time my tenant partners would benefit.”

Flinders Lane has ramp access, a stepped seating amphitheatre, performing stage, synthetic grassed area and a balcony boardwalk overlooking the lane, as well as extensive lighting features including the Halo chandelier.

“It’s a small but important project because of its location and ability to connect and activate the CBD,” Mr Locke said.

“Our opening night tonight, will bring together 250 community leaders, business people with our trade and supply partners to celebrate the achievement and really show what Flinders Lane can bring to Townsville as a drawcard, not only for those living and working in the CBD, but for all residents.

 

Mr Locke said he was being very selective with his preferred tenant partners to ensure only those who share his vision for Flinders Lane are involved.

 

Announcements are expected to be made prior to Christmas.

AFL Grand Final on the big screen at Riverway Stadium

Football fanatics and families alike will be able to enjoy a big-screen viewing of the AFL Grand Final at Riverway Stadium this weekend.

Townsville City Council and AFL – with the support of the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland – are hosting a free, family-friendly event from 4 pm until 10 pm this Saturday to celebrate the first-ever Queensland AFL Grand Final.

Sport and Recreation Committee Chair Maurie Soars said he is excited that Townsville could play host to a grand final event for a history-making match.

“This has been a year with unique challenges for sporting codes across the board, but it’s a huge coup for Queensland to have secured the first-ever AFL Grand Final outside of Victoria,” Cr Soars said.

“I’m thrilled that Townsville is hosting an event at Riverway Stadium and that families and AFL fans will have a chance to share in the excitement of the Grand Final, regardless of whether their favourite team is playing or not.”

Cr Soars said this event, like others held at Council venues, would have COVID-19 contract tracing in place.

“I want to assure residents that COVID contact registration will be taking place on entry at the event through QR code or manual registration,” he said.

“As usual, we ask residents to ensure they maintain a 1.5m distance from others and follow directions from staff to ensure that COVID restrictions are being adhered too.”

The event will also include live music, roaming performers, food vendors, and football-related activities for the kids.

 

Cr Soars said he is excited to see Riverway Stadium host the grand final viewing.

“Riverway Stadium is the home of AFL in Townsville and with any luck, will be the home ground for some future stars in the making,” he said.

“I’m hopeful that kids watching this on the big screen, seeing the players on the field for Queensland’s first ever Grand Final, will be inspired to get active and either join the large AFL community in Townsville, or join any other sport.”

For more information, visit What’s On Townsville here.

 

Mental Illness is Not a Sin Issue

“Mental Illness is Not a Sin Issue. I Watched My Husband Run to God in His Pain,” Widow-Turned-Author Kayla Stoecklein

By: Laura Bennett

In 2018, author Kayla Stoecklein’s husband tragically took his own life – shocking the Christian community around the world. Andrew Stoecklein was only 30 years old, a father of three and a well-known US pastor. Christians were uncertain of how to handle suicide happening to such a vibrant faith leader.

Introducing “Pete on the Street”

Stable on the Streets introduces 2020 Mascot ‘Pete on the Street’!

Townsville’s Favourite Family Friendly Christmas Event, Stable on the Strand this year presents Stable on the Streets!

Stable on the Streets is an invitation for individuals, families, groups, churches, and sponsors to ‘Express Christmas’ in their driveway, shop front, car, veranda, street, etc.


Pete will be encouraging everyone to ‘Start with a Star’ for their decorations and the community will be invited to drive by. Townsville will come alive this Christmas as homes, businesses, and Churches present Christmas. There will be displays, banners, lights, and stars all over Townsville. Large spotlights will criss-cross the night sky as Townsville comes alive. Stable on the Strand will present 3 of its traditional Christmas story scenes at separate spots across the city. Carollers will sing in the streets! Empty shop fronts will be lit up!

Food carts will be available for those hungry children! The public will be invited to a Stable on the Strand ‘drive-by’ experience following our Discovery trails and joining in the massive scavenger hunt full of interactive and fun activities, especially for families.

Stable on the Strand organizer, Anne Harley said, “Although we are disappointed at not being able to bring Stable on the Strand to Townsville this year, we are excited that, ‘Stable on the Streets’ is bringing new and creative ideas. ‘Pete on the Street’ is one of these ideas. Pete will be front and center in our promotion of Stable on the Streets.”

Stable on the Streets will run from 18th – 22nd December and is a free event. 6:00-9:00 p.m. each night

For more information, you can visit- www.stableonthestrand.com.au or their Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stableonthestrand

 

Helping Children Face Their Fears

By: Dr Justin Coulson

Doubt and fear seem to be intrinsically woven into the hearts of some children. Their worries and anxieties cause them to shrink, lean out, and avoid. Sometimes, as parents, we fail to recognise that fear responses are normal, healthy, and to be expected.