north queensland

Stinger net installation starts this week

Nets are being rolled out at Townsville beaches this week to mark the start of the stinger season.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said protecting locals and visitors to the city was a priority for Council.

“Enjoying our great beaches is part of the North Queensland lifestyle, which is why Council makes installing stinger nets a priority as we head into summer,” Cr Hill said.

“We have a high number of visitors to Townsville in the summer months, and these nets play a vital role in protecting everyone who wants to enjoy our beaches from stingers.

“Council installs six nets across the city to make sure locals and visitors can make the most of summer while staying safe.”

Community Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said it was important to remember that stinger nets weren’t a silver bullet for swim safety.

“The nets offer a high level of protection, but they can’t stop every sting,” Cr Greaney said.

“Swimmers should take other precautions like wearing a stinger suit and keeping a close eye on kids.”

For more information about stinger net locations and lifeguard patrols, visit http://bit.ly/2Ja7hIF.

Net installation

Tuesday, 29 October: Balgal Beach

Wednesday, 30 October: Magnetic Island

Thursday, 31 October: Strand

Friday, 1 November: Pallarenda

Townsville signs on as first North Queensland Welcoming City

Townsville is now the 40th Welcoming City in the country.

 

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has signed on to the Welcoming Cities program, which helps councils and communities become more inclusive of all newcomers to the city.

 

Townsville’s strong liveability attributes make the city an attractive destination for migrants, 25,574 people who were living in the Townsville City Council in 2016 were born overseas, and 20% had arrived in Australia within the 5 years prior to 2016.

 

Cr Hill said Council was proud to sign on to the program, as it helped establish the city as having a positive reputation.

 

“Townsville is more multicultural now than ever before, and this is something we should celebrate,” Cr Hill said.

 

“The diversity of the local community is one of the things that makes Townsville such a vibrant place to live and work.

 

“We want to do everything we can to welcome and support migrants who choose to make Townsville their new home.”

 

Cr Hill said making the commitment allowed Council to become better informed about how to support migrants into the Townsville community.

 

“Becoming a Welcoming City gives Council new tools to help integrate migrants into the community,” she said.

 

“Council is constantly looking at how it can improve the experiences of newcomers to the city, which as we know can have positive effects on our economy and society.

 

“Being a Welcoming City will help Council see how it’s tracking with cultural diversity and inclusivity.”

 

Townsville joins Brisbane, Livingstone, Balonne, Central Highlands and Toowoomba in becoming a Queensland-based Welcoming City.

 

Locals Invited to get Involved with the Northern Fringe

The North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) is fast approaching in July and with it comes Townsville’s first ever Fringe Festival, the Northern Fringe.

Featuring live acts, music, comedy, cabaret and more, the Northern Fringe will be an inclusive and organic festival hosted in theatres, café’s, pop-up venues, laneways and street corners right across the city.

Art and performance of any kind are invited to be a part of the inaugural festival that will showcase Townsville as the arts and culture capital of North Australia.

Townsville City Council is holding an information night next Wednesday and is looking for artists, entertainers, venues and promoters to attend and find out how they can get involved in the Northern Fringe Festival.

Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said the Northern Fringe Festival is a perfect opportunity for the community to get involved in NAFA.

“The Northern Fringe Festival will run alongside our month-long arts festival and is a great way for locals to showcase their venues, art forms and talent,” Cr Doyle said.

“The information night next week at the Old Magistrates Court theatre, will start getting people thinking about what they can do and how to be involved.

“We are really hoping to see a large amount of people at the information night – we want NAFA and the Fringe Festival to be driven by our local arts community.”

The information night is being held on Wednesday 13 March and will feature guest speakers who have been involved in other Fringe Festivals.

What: Northern Fringe Festival Information Night

When: 6 – 8pm, Wednesday 13 March

Where: Old Magistrates Court, cnr Stokes and Sturt St, Townsville City

RSVP – fringe@townsville.qld.gov.au by 5pm 11 March

A Big Strand Park Welcome Home for the Cowboys!

Come celebrate at the Strand Park for the triumphant return of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys on Monday 2 October!! It’s time to congratulate our heroes after this weekend’s NRL Grand Final match against the Storm.

We’ve had an absolute cracker of a season! The Cowboys celebration will kick off at 11.00am on the Strand with free kids’ entertainment, buskers and the 1RAR Band playing from noon.

Mayor Cr Jenny Hill has said The vibe around the city and all of North Queensland is incredible and we want to see as many people as possible there to celebrate with the team when they return home on Monday,”

“Regardless of the outcome on Sunday, the Cowboys are a champion team and we want to give the fans the opportunity to see and cheer the boys home,” Cr Hill said.

An open topped double decker bus with all the North Queensland Cowboys players on board will travel along the Strand from approximately 12.30pm between the Rockpool and Strand Park.

For up to date information about the event visit www.townsville.qld.gov.au and the council’s Facebook page.

The Strand will be dressed up for the occasion, with restaurants open and a variety of food and drink vans available.

Everyone planning to come along is reminded to bring their hats, sunscreen and water.

Road closures will be in place along The Strand between Landsborough and Kennedy Streets from 9am to 2.30pm.  Mitchell Street will also be closed between Stuart and Gregory Streets.

North Queensland Father’s Day Gift Ideas

While I love the sentiment of Father’s Day – let’s face it, finding the perfect gift for the Dad in your life can be downright difficult.

This year, instead of dreading the thought of looking for some item that will hopefully be useful, I’m looking for experiences to gift my Baby Daddy.

And fortunately, North Queensland has a ton to offer in this area so here are my top five North Queensland Father’s Day Gift Ideas.

 

5. Fishing Charters

This is ranking in at number five because my husband is infamous for missing never catching anything. But the reality is, I know lots of dads would love a day out on the boat and bringing home dinner would not be bad either! Aquascene Fishing tours start at $110 and include fishing gear, snorkeling gear and morning or afternoon tea. Fishing Charters Townsville also includes fishing equipment and caters for all levels of expertise.

 

4. Jetskiing

There aren’t many experiences here locally as adrenaline pumping as Jet Skiing! While it may be a shorter length of time, the need for speed is real and there’s nothing like the wind on your face as you soar over the waves. Starting at $95 for 30 minutes, this is a total winner with the men in my life! Jet Ski Hire Magnetic Island take bookings online!

 

3. White Water Rafting

The Tully River, not too far north, boasts all day rafting tours with Grade 3 & 4 rapids. Experience World Heritage Rainforest from the beautiful Tully River! The full day package includes a BBQ lunch and costs $179! Check availability online from RnR White Water Rafting.

 

2. Bushwalking

Send your favourite guy on a bushwalk on some of the region’s most gorgeous trails. Pack him with some favourite snacks and a book if that’s his thing and let him enjoy nature’s solitude. Or, if your kids are keen, send them along for a day of bonding! Cost = the petrol to get there and the price of snacks! Can’t beat that! Check out some of the great trails around at The Go Townsville.

 

1. Sleep in

If you’re a family with lots of little people, this just may be the greatest gift of all. Pack a bag with clothes and toothbrushes for the littles, and whisk them away at the first sign of waking. (Yes, even if it’s 5am) Grab a coffee for yourself, and leave some bacon and eggs ready to be warmed for your man. Sleep and bacon? How could you go wrong?!

 

However you celebrate the dad in your life, we hope your family has a special day!!

 

Photo by Les Anderson on Unsplash