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NEW MULTI-USE SPACE ON CASTLE HILL

Townsville residents and tourists have a new community space from which to take in breathtaking views of the Cleveland Bay, Mount Stuart and the city’s western suburbs. 

The new space has been created on the former Panorama House site near the summit of Castle Hill.

It was delivered in partnership with the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), which has provided half the funding, with Council providing the remainder. 

Mayor Jenny Hill said plans for the space had changed since Council first announced plans to develop the site.

“Since the release of its Castle Hill masterplan, Council has been working to develop an exciting new space for locals and tourists to enjoy on the former Panorama House site,” Cr Hill said. 

“In late-2019, Council called for tenders from local businesses to build a venue for food and beverage operators with open space for visitors to enjoy the view while eating. 

“None of the tenders received could deliver what Council had originally envisioned for the site within the budget available.

“Castle Hill is one of our premier natural assets and we wanted to make the most of that, but the very nature of this location made any construction on the site a bit more complex and expensive.”

In early-2020 Council conducted a pilot project to test the popularity of having a food operator at the Castle Hill summit by allowing a food van to trade as opposed to a fixed business. 

The idea proved very popular with locals and visitors using the hill, with calls for more food truck operators to also be allowed to trade in the area. 

“Considering this feedback, and the need to ensure that we could deliver a flexible and viable space that maximises the experience for visitors within the available budget, Council revised its plans,” Cr Hill said.

“This new space will accommodate food trucks and will include two covered viewing platforms as well as a grassed area and access stairs and ramp.”  

The space was created by JMAC Constructions, with construction supporting around 15 jobs.

Considerable site rehabilitation was required before the new space could be constructed, with around 400 tonnes of concrete waste removed from the site. The nearby carpark has also been refurbished as part of the project.

Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said he was looking forward to seeing how the space would be used.

“While it may not be what was originally envisioned for the area, this will allow multiple different businesses to use the site simultaneously and provide a more wide-ranging offering,” he said. 

“Our Building Better Regions Fund was created to drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities and this project ticks both of those boxes. 

“BBRF funding has also helped council deliver other projects to activate Castle Hill.

“In total, $3.93 million was budgeted, with the Federal Government and Council contributing $1.965 million each to create the event space as well as to install permanent light infrastructure for the highly popular HALO event, and construct a new boardwalk-style pedestrian staircase on Walker Street connecting the hill with the CBD.

“These initiatives help us capitalise on of one of our city’s most recognisable assets, making Townsville an even better place to live for locals and providing other attractions to draw tourists to the region.”

Council Infrastructure Services committee chairperson Kurt Rehbein said the various projects were unlocking Castle Hill’s full potential.

“Castle Hill is a much-loved landmark in our city. Locals and tourists love visiting it to enjoy the spectacular views over the city, Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea,” Cr Rehbein said. 

“It is great to see this new, flexible space completed on the old Panorama House site and I am sure it will prove very popular with locals and visitors.” 

  • February 9, 2021
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Leave Your Best “Oi Oi Oi”

If you are proud to be an Australian, call 4725 3699 and leave your best “Oi Oi Oi” message after the beep, then tune in Australia Day as we combine all the “Oi Oi Oi’s” to create the greatest Aussie Chant ever!!

Australia! We are one and free!

On 26 January Australia comes together to celebrate our nation and what it means to be Australian. A story that began thousands of years ago. A day to reflect on history, show respect to the country and the stories of others, and celebrate our nation and its achievements. 

Some use Australian Day to reflect on our religious foundations- a way of reflecting all God has done for us and will continue to do for us, in us, and through us. 

“Australia is probably one of the most Christianised nations on earth,” says award-winning historian Stuart Piggin. He continues: “Jesus is the great hero of Australian history. He has had more influence on Australia than anybody else in terms of Christian values like humility, compassion, hope ­– these are the things which really give Australians a positive attitude towards life rather than a negative attitude.”

Dr. Kevin Donnelly, AM Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Catholic University and one of Australia’s leading education authors and commentators, reminds us as Australians that our foundation was built on religion and how important it is, not only to know that but to be reminded of that. Donnelly says, “to deny the significance of Christianity is to deny the nation’s heritage and culture and to ignore what underpins our political and legal systems.” 

Here are some of the foundations of the Australian nation, its laws, and its roots according to Dr. Donnelly…

  • The First Fleet sailed from England in 1787, it is interesting to note the instruction given to Captain Arthur Phillip. He was to enforce due observance of religion and good order among the inhabitants, and take such steps for the due celebration of public worship as circumstances would permit.
  • the Constitution’s preamble includes the words: “Humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God”
  • parliaments around Australia begin with the Lord’s Prayer
  • The official religion brought to Australia with the First Fleet was Evangelical Christianity, the ‘vital religion’ then shaping public policy through William Wilberforce and his fellow evangelicals. That it has shaped Australian history ever since, making a substantial contribution to the public prosperity of the nation, is an untold story.
  • Charles Joseph La Trobe was the first governor of Victoria. He was a man of deep Christian convictions. His prioritize were unknown to Victoria at the time, saying ‘It is not by individual aggrandizement, by the possession of numerous flocks or herds, or by costly acres, that the people shall secure for the country enduring prosperity and happiness, but by the acquisition and maintenance of sound religious and moral institutions without which no country can become truly great.’ (Australia’s Christian Heritage: The Untold Storywww.cte.mq.edu.au › public › download)

When we take the time to reflect on Australia being built on biblical principles it helps give us truth and meaning. A reason to make sure that God continues to be what our nation stands on and put first! 

Although some parts or moments of our history may cause pain, or may not be something to be proud of, there are still many things and people to focus on and celebrate!! 

Like reflecting on some of the amazing first nations people like William Cooper, Eddie Mabo, and Barbara Jackson and the legacies that they led and left behind for those that followed to continue carrying on! 

William Cooper was an aboriginal leader, political activist, and community leader who was the first to lead a national movement recognized by the Australian Government. He worked as a shearer and handyman for pastoral employers for much of his life, the last in his family to be converted to Christianity.  Cooper had attended adult literacy classes; he read widely and wrote a good letter. His family connexions and membership of the Australian Workers’ Union made him a spokesman for the dispersed communities of central Victoria and western New South Wales who were ineligible for any aid during the 1920s drought and the 1930s Depression. He led the first Aboriginal deputation to a Commonwealth minister on 23 February 1935, and with members of the Aborigines’ Progressive Association, formed in Sydney in 1937, led the first deputation to a prime minister (to ask for Federal control of Aboriginal affairs) on 31 January 1938.  his main achievement was the establishment of a ‘National Aborigines Day’, first celebrated in 1940. You can read more on the life and legacy of William Cooper by heading to cooper-william-5773. 

Eddie Mabo moved to Townsville in 1959. most of his adult life was spent on mainland Australia, Koiki’s cultural identity remained deeply rooted in Malo law and Meriam custom. Koiki became a prominent leader for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland. He served on many boards including as President of the Council for the Rights of Indigenous People. In 1973, Koiki became co-founder and director of the Townsville black community school — one of the first in Australia. On 20 May 1982, Koiki and fellow Mer Islanders, Reverend David Passi, Celuia Mapo Salee, Sam Passi and James Rice began their legal claim in the High Court of Australia for ownership of their lands on the island of Mer. With Koiki as the first-named plaintiff, the case became known as the ‘Mabo Case’. Nearly ten years after beginning their legal claim in the High Court of Australia, Eddie Koiki Mabo passed away from cancer aged fifty-six. However later that year, the High Court of Australia decided in favour of Eddie Koiki Mabo and his fellow plaintiffs. The ruling on this landmark case recognised in Australian law for the first time the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands based on their traditional connection to and occupation of their Country; a decision that countered the claim by the British that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no-one). The following year the Parliament of Australia passed the Native Title Act 1993 to create a system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make a native title claim over their lands. You can read more about the life and legacy of Eddie Mabo “Koiki” by heading to https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/eddie-koiki-mabo.

Barbara Jackson lived in Perth and was a strong advocate for Aboriginal rights during her lifetime. She was involved with a number of Aboriginal rights committees throughout her life, including the New Era Aboriginal Fellowship Council Inc and Training Centre for Work Release Prisoners. In the early 1970s, Barbara single-handedly started the Aboriginal Youth Training Centre. She did not live to see its growth or the positive impact the Centre had in the life of many young Aboriginal people, but her legacy for pursuing Aboriginal rights lives on in her family. 

There’s also more reasons why we celebrate today! Australia is home to some of the greatest inventions, we’ve countless unforgettable moments in sports, our land has been home to the world’s oldest living cultures for thousands of years, many famous and amazing singers have derived from our very own country, and we are home to the typical Australian stereotypes like meat pies and lamingtons! Check out the many other reasons why we celebrate our nation! 

Innovation

Aussie innovation is more than just knowing how to duct tape your commodore to keep it going. Some of the great inventions of the last century have come from the land down under. Hills Hoists, the black box, cancer vaccines, ultrasound scanners, pacemakers, the list goes on. Who could forget radio astronomer Dr. John O’Sullivan, who failed to develop a scanner for detecting exploding black holes, so he invented a little thing called Wi-fi.  

Sports

From time immemorial Australia has been a sporting nation and some of our proudest moments have been on the pitch, the oval, the field, and even now on the slopes and the rink. Unforgettable moments, like Cathy Freeman running for gold and glory in the 400m, a hometown hero at the Sydney Olympic games, have forged sport into our national identity. 

Values

Australia! We are one and free. Here, we give life a red hot crack and look after our mates through rain and shine, thick and thin, wars and disasters. We respect people from all walks of life because we know, in our diversity, we are strong. So with courage let us all combine To Advance Australia Fair. 

Indigenous

Australia as a nation may be young, but this land has been home to the world’s oldest living cultures for tens of thousands of years. On Australia Day we celebrate and acknowledge the William Coopers, Eddie Mabo’s and Barbara Jacksons, our amazing first nations people and original custodians of the land. So let’s stand alongside them, remember the past, and find a way forward together for a bright future. 

Music

Australia Day is coming soon, time to crank the barbie, throw on some lamb, and turn up the Akka dakka. Or is it John Farnham, Kylie Minogue, INXS, Midnight Oil, The Bee Gees, Jimmy Barnes, Savage Garden, or Paul Kelly? How good is Aussie music!? 

Stereotypes

Throw some lamb on the barbie, heat up the meat pies, and get the lamingtons ready. It’s nearly Australia Day! The day we celebrate what it means to be a true blue Aussie. We celebrate wearing thongs, speedos, and cork hats. We celebrate deadly animals, marsupials, red dust plains, and summer rains. We celebrate abbreviations, chicken salt, and cheap Tuesday.

Footnotes: 

http://www.cte.mq.edu.au/public/download.jsp?id=11389

cooper-william-5773

https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/eddie-koiki-mabo

  • January 19, 2021
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Mayor’s Christmas Appeal launches to help locals in need

Local can help locals with ease this festive season with the new-look Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.

Townsville City Council has revamped the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal to help make it simpler to donate directly to local community organisations that are making a difference across the city.

Mayor Jenny Hill said Christmas time was about connecting with family and community, as well as a time to give to those less fortunate.

“The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal this year is focussed on putting the spotlight on the wonderful charities across our city that work hard all year round to support locals,” Cr Hill said. “We have developed a campaign to showcase these groups more widely and have also developed a website with information and links to local charities and organisations for people to provide their support and donations directly. By generously giving to these organisations people will be able to support locals in need during Christmas.”

Cr Hill said Christmas was the perfect time to connect community, especially following a tough year.

“Our city has had a few challenging years, with the unprecedented monsoon last year and coronavirus this year,” she said.

“It’s more important now than ever for our community to come together to support each other. It’s as easy as checking the website and asking what you can give to help make Christmas brighter for everyone in our city.

“You can donate money, gifts, or food by heading to mayorschristmasappeal.com.au.

“The organisations and charities involved are in close contact with those in need across the city, so this is a great way to ensure that they are getting the right kinds of donations this Christmas season.”

For more information, head to mayorschristmasappeal.com.au.

  • November 10, 2020
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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.

  • October 23, 2020
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Community living reimagined by Townsville student

An Oonoonba State School student has won top honors in a state-wide competition that encouraged students to create and plan their perfect community.

 

Grade 3 student Victor Jensen has recently presented a $2,500 cheque by Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill for his winning entry in the Local Government Association of Queensland’s (LGAQ) Better Communities competition.

 

The Better Communities competition challenged primary and high school-aged students to build a community while balancing realistic economic, environmental and community factors.

 

Cr Hill said Victor had a promising career in town planning ahead of him.

 

“The judges commended Victor on the great look and feel of his community, especially the range of housing types and good access to services and parks,” Cr Hill said.

 

“You never know – one day Victor might join the team at Townsville City Council working to make our city an even better place to live and work.”

 

Students used the Better Communities simulation game – which the LGAQ developed with award-winning Queensland game development studio Bail! Enemy Jet and local communications experts Articulous – as the platform to create their entries.

 

LGAQ CEO Greg Hallam said: “The entries we received from across the state showed a lot of creativity and innovative thinking. Town planning and civic leadership require out of the box thinking and it is clear there is a lot of ingenuity and big ideas out there in Queensland’s schools.”

 

The competition judges were former Attorney-General, former Minister for Local Government and lecturer in Strategic Metropolitan and Transport and Infrastructure Planning Paul Lucas, planner and University of Queensland School of Earth and Environmental Sciences associate lecturer Laurel Johnson, and LGAQ CEO Greg Hallam AM.

 

  • August 10, 2020
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