march 2015
City Update The latest events, news, reports and happenings in your city
cityinformation
From the Mayor This year is already proving to be a big one for Townsville. Next month marks the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli. This is a significant time for our nation and particularly for our garrison city with its rich military history. Townsville will host one of the biggest ANZAC Day services in the country with over 50,000 people expected. As we take time to reflect on our past, it’s important to stay focussed on the future. Council
SPOTLIGHT
on Townsville Focus on fencing Council’s factsheet ‘Dividing Fences’ provides useful information to residents about land and pool fencing and tips on what to do if any issues arise about neighbourhood fences. Council is not responsible for managing disputes regarding fencing; however, the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011 provides rules about each neighbour’s responsibility for dividing fences and how to resolve any disputes about fences that do arise between neighbours. Visit www.justice.qld.gov.au and search ‘fences’ to view the act. The Townsville Dispute Resolution Centre also offers free mediation services to assist people in managing their neighbourhood disputes without going to court.
is working on the next premiere precinct for our city, after the great success of The Strand and Jezzine Barracks the Waterfront is set to become the new face of Townsville and it is an exciting time. Taking advantage of our beautiful natural assets, the development will run along the banks of the Ross River and feature residential apartments, retail and commercial facilities, unique public spaces and parklands. As we head into the cooler months, our city starts to come alive with arts, events, and outdoor activities. Next month we will launch the Winter of Arts and Culture Festival, featuring visual artists, musicians, writers, and dancers from across the world.
Your chance to be part of dengue research in Townsville The Eliminate Dengue research program is undertaking its first citywide trial of its dengue control method in Townsville, trialling across a number of suburbs in 2015, and you can get involved. The method uses naturally occurring bacteria called Wolbachia which when present in the Aedes aegypti mosquito, reduce its ability to pass dengue between people. When Wolbachia mosquitoes are released, they breed with other mosquitoes, passing the Wolbachia to their offspring and subsequent generations. Eliminate Dengue are looking for people to host a mosquito release container on their property. If you would like to participate, please sign-up online at eliminatedengue.com/townsville/signup or call on 1800 005 622.
April is also the time to embrace all things active with the 30 ways in 30 days campaign. Enjoy the outdoors with bikeways, walkways, parks, outdoor gyms and swimming facilities all on our doorstep. It certainly is a great time to be living in beautiful Townsville.
Cr Jenny Hill mayor@townsville.qld.gov.au
Facelift for council bins Changes to bin enclosures have been implemented at The Strand and Riverway as part of the Pilot Study for Public Place Recycling and Litter Management which is a council partnership with the Australian Packaging Covenant and the Queensland Government. The project aims to reducing littering and improve recycling, by helping people identify the correct bin, with data showing nearly half of waste discarded at these locations are put in the wrong bin.
For more information go to
www.townsville.qld.gov.au
Contacting your Councillors
2
CR VERN VEITCH Deputy Mayor
CR PAT ERNST
CR COLLEEN DOYLE
E vern.veitch@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0418 729 496
E pat.ernst@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0418 279 351
E colleen.doyle@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0418 273 817
division 3
division 5
Smart City Sustainable Future Committee Chair
Sport, Recreation and Parks Committee Chair
CR SUZANNE BLOM
CR TREVOR ROBERTS
CR LES WALKER
E suzanne.blom@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0427 300 364
E trevor.roberts@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0488 426 074
E les.walker2@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0418 315 705
division 1
division 6
Community and Culture Committee Chair
Infrastructure Committee Chair
CR TONY PARSONS
CR GARY EDDIEHAUSEN APM
E tony.parsons@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0419 642 265
E gary.eddiehausen@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0418 262 786
division 2
division 7
Planning and Development Committee Chair
Healthy and Safe City Committee Chair
CR JENNY LANE
CR RAY GARTRELL
E jenny.lane@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0417 726 699
E ray.gartrell@townsville.qld.gov.au M 0447 185 772
division 4
division 8
Governance and Finance Committee Chair
Townsville Waste and Water Committee Chair
TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> MARCH 2015
division 9
division 10
follow council online >> Townsville Ticketshop Townsville City Council Events Townsville Disaster Information Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Pinnacles Gallery CityLibraries Townsville @TCC_News @TownsvilleLib @TCC_PercTucker @TCC_Pinnacles
100 YEARS OF ANZAC TOWNSVILLE ANZAC DAY CENTENARY COMMEMORATIONS The 100th anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landing on the Gallipoli peninsular will be commemorated on 25 April 2015. The Anzac Centenary will be one of the most significant commemorations to take place in our lifetimes. It will be a time to honour and reflect upon the service and sacrifice of all those who have worn our nation’s uniform – past and present. Townsville has a long and significant history in the defence of our nation, and will host one of the largest community commemorations to mark this occasion. Making use of the iconic Jezzine parkland, the 2015 ANZAC parade will change direction this year, forming up at Enterprise House (near Tobruk Pool) and ending at Jezzine Barracks. Schools and children of veterans will form a special guard of honour at Strand Park, joining the military parade once it arrives at Strand Park and marching from there to Jezzine Barracks. To cater for the expected attendance, the Dawn Service from ANZAC Park will be simulcast on two big screens at Jezzine Barracks. There will be simultaneous Catafalque party, flag-raising and wreath laying at Jezzine so you don’t miss any of the commemorations.
In addition to the Townsville services there will be Dawn Services held at: 5.30am
Thuringowa Central Cenotaph, Thuringowa Drive
5.30am
Alma Bay Memorial (4am Ferry Service)
5.40am
Rollingstone at Balgal Beach, the Esplanade
5.50am
Townsville Hospital at Paediatric Gardens
6am
Alligator Creek at Recreation and Bowls Club
8am
Belgian Gardens Cemetery – RSL Pilgrimage and service
8am
Mater Hospital
For a full list of commemorative services, see council’s website.
ROAD CLOSURES >>
Road closures will take place with roads reopening as required throughout the day. For information on road closures, visit council’s website.
PROGRAM 4am
Commemorative footage on big screens at Jezzine Barracks and ANZAC Park
5.30am
Dawn Service at ANZAC Park (simulcast live to Jezzine)
9am
Parade forms up at Enterprise House Schools and children of veterans form up at Strand Park
9.30am
Parade commencement
9.45am
Schools and children of veterans form guard of honour at Strand Park
11.30am Gallipoli Dawn Service screened live at Jezzine Barracks 12.30pm Villers-Bretonneux Service screened live at Jezzine Barracks
OPERATIO N SLIPPER COMMEM ORATIVE (WELCOM E HOME) PARADE saturday 21 march, 10am
strand park to anzac park
On Saturday 21 March, commemorative activities will take place across Australia to mark the conclusion of Operation Slipper, to recognise and commemorate the contribution and sacrifice of Australian troops who served in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Townsville will host a parade which will include up to 2,500 personnel and a fly over. This will be followed by a special commemorative service at ANZAC Park.
TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> MARCH 2015
3
councilworks
Magnetic Island Waste Transfer Station The first soil has been turned on the new Magnetic Island Waste Transfer Station. Construction began on the facility in January and it’s expected to be up and running later this year. Crews are working on widening West Point Road to make it safer for larger trucks to access the transfer station. These works are expected to finish in April, weather permitting.
North Ward Stormwater Upgrade Works in Ryan Street have kicked off under the $7 million upgrade to water and stormwater infrastructure in North Ward. The street will be closed until June this year as council construction crews work to increase the network’s capacity, helping to relieve some flooding in the suburb during heavy rainfall, and increase water pressure in some areas. Associated works in Howitt Street between Rose and Mitchell Streets are also expected to continue until June.
The facility is being built to replace the current Magnetic Island landfill which is expected to reach its capacity over the next few years.
Peggy Banfield Park Residents are being asked to have their say abou t the longterm vision for Peggy Banfield Park, located in Bushland Beach. Throughout the consultation, community memb ers will be given the opportunity to give their input into the Draft Peggy Banfield Park Master Plan. The advice provided by the community will be utilised to help shape the upcoming Peggy Banfield Park Upgrade works, which are proposed to commence in 2016.
Mount Louisa Reservoir Construction on the new water reservoir at Mount Louisa is reaching its final stages with the walls on the structure almost complete. The 22.5 mega litre reservoir will boost the city’s water supply to support growth in the north and west corridors of Townsville. The project is due to finish in late July.
PO Box 1094, Townsville, 4810 Phone: 4772 3730, Fax. 4772 0566 Email hlf@baseigi.com. au
PO Box 1094, Townsville, 4810 Phone: 4772 3730, Fax. 4772 0566 Email hlf@baseigi.com.au
Waterslide works begin in Northern beaches Work to construct water slides at the Northern Beaches Leisure Centre has begun with the fun new additions to the existing pools expected to be up and running by mid-year. The project – a three-way partnership between Townsville City Council, Stockland Development Pty Ltd and centre leasees Maria and Jon Sieben – will involve the construction of two large slides, each 28.7m in length and with a vertical drop of 3.2m, installed in a specially constructed area within the existing complex. As part of the project agreement, the council is providing the site, the water slides and $323,000 in funding, Stockland is undertaking civil engineering works and project management valued at $78,600 and JMS Aquatics is contributing water circulation and disinfection equipment valued at $50,000. 4
TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> MARCH 2015
CBD Utilities Upgrade Work on the CBD Utilities Upgrade will commence after Easter, following the appointment of a contractor to build the new water reservoir on Echlin Street. Project Manager Simon Ormes said he was looking forward to the project getting under way. “We have been planning and undertaking the preliminary design for the CBD Utilities Upgrade project for nearly nine months,” he said. “The new 30 megalitre water reservoir on Echlin Street will be an important water infrastructure addition to the city and will support the cities long-term plan to accommodate a population of 30,000 people.” “With the water supply network in parts of the CBD over 60 years old, it’s important that we upgrade the
water supply network to maintain water pressure to the increased number of buildings,” Simon said. Work to the water supply and reticulation systems in the CBD will commence later in the year, with new water infrastructure to be installed at the south end of The Strand and in Stanley, Ogden and Denham Streets.
The Waterfront A vision to bring new opportunity to the CBD Imagine... a stroll along the banks of Ross Creek while enjoying the natural waterline... or cycling along Jezzine Barracks, The Strand, then via a network of pathways to an inner city café... or experiencing an internationally renowned headline act at the Integrated Stadium and Entertainment Centre...
“This project will be Townsville’s most significant waterfront redevelopment since The Strand.
These are just some of the examples of the lifestyle on offer when the vision for ‘The Waterfront’ becomes a reality.
Townsville City Council, in conjunction with the Port of Townsville and the Queensland Government, is currently progressing the Draft Development Scheme for the area.
The Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area – ‘The Waterfront’ – was declared on 5 September 2014 and covers over 97 hectares, incorporating land on both sides of Ross Creek adjacent to the CBD.
Details about the exciting new precincts proposed for The Waterfront will be released in the coming months, and the community will be invited to make comment.
The vision is for a dynamic, mixed use destination that embeds tourism, culture, recreation and civic life with residential, commercial and business use to embrace the natural assets of the waterfront and Townsville’s tropical climate. Townsville Mayor, Cr Jenny Hill said that Priority Development Areas were parcels of land within Queensland identified for specific accelerated development with a focus on economic growth. “The Waterfront represents an important opportunity for igniting investment in the CBD and for Townsville’s future as a liveable, cultural, contemporary and vibrant place to live,” Cr Hill said.
“It will make the most of our natural assets, and link 5.9km of waterfront land along Ross Creek in the CBD. It will create a landmark city pathway that provides a continuous connection from the upper reaches of the Ross River through the CBD to The Strand and Jezzine Barracks,” Cr Hill said.
Cr Hill said that the project was all about creating places for people; to attract tourists, skilled workers and their families to Townsville into the future. “I encourage residents to keep an eye out for the upcoming consultation opportunities, where they will be invited to view the Draft Development Scheme and make a written submission for consideration by Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government,” Cr Hill said. Please see council’s website for more details.
New Townsville Jobs and Investment Program announced Council will offer a second round of incentives to attract new residential and retail development in the CBD. The Townsville Jobs and Investment program will offer discounts on fees and charges as well as relaxation on permitted construction hours and waivers on application fees for eligible developments, generating new jobs and investment. Mayor Cr Jenny Hill said the scheme followed on from the highly successful CBD Incentives Program and would have a cap of $5 million. “By providing a stimulus for new projects we’re supporting the construction industry and the work it will create for local tradies and suppliers,” Cr Hill said. “Council’s original incentives program was highly successful at securing a range of projects that may otherwise have not occurred because of the tough economic climate.” The original CBD Incentives Program, introduced in 2011, was credited with attracting 15 projects including apartments, hotels and commercial space worth around $270 million. For details, contact council's Economic Development and Strategic Projects Unit on 1300 878 001 or investtownsville@ townsville.qld.gov.au. TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> MARCH 2015
5
Pools and Aquatics Are you looking to get fit or just cool down outdoors? Townsville City Council has a number of pools, lagoons and beaches open to the public. Entry into the Riverway Lagoon, Strand Waterpark and Rockpool is free of charge. Charges apply to the following public pools:
There’s no time like the present! With over 300 days of sunshine a year, there are lots of reasons to make the most of getting out and active! Are you looking for fun, affordable fitness options? The Get Active online events calendar allows you to search for affordable fitness options in one easy location. From Mums and Bubs Pilates, Zumba for Seniors, to Manlates... there’s a wide range of classes and fitness activities to choose from.
>> >> >> >>
Kokoda Memorial Pool Long Tan Memorial Pool Northern Beaches Leisure Centre Tobruk Memorial Baths
Do you visit the pools often? Why not consider buying a 10-visit multi-pass? Easy, convenient and available at all pools now. Visit www.townsville.qld.gov.au for pool opening hours and entry fees.
10 multi-visit pass
10 multi-visit pass Tan Memorial Pool, Northern Beaches Leisure Centre, Long Memorial Pool. Tobruk Memorial Baths and Kokoda
concession
adult
Northern Beaches Leisure Centre, Long Tan Memorial Pool, Tobruk Memorial Baths and Kokoda Memorial Pool.
Visit www.townsville.qld.gov.au/community/active and Get Active Townsville!
Get on board! Are you a physical recreation service provider or community group who provides community focused low cost classes or activities? You could be eligible to be involved in the Get Active Townsville initiative.
Keep your finger on the pulse
Visit our website to find out more.
Keep your finger on the pulse with the latest news in the field of sport, fitness and recreation in our city! Visit the Active Update sign up page on our website to receive the latest news directly to your inbox. Active Update – Live the Life, will keep you up to date with events, tips, sport and recreation news, free events, and advice on keeping safe, your personal health, and all things exercise and fitness. Visit our website today to sign up!
Active Travel Townsville Guide Want to challenge yourself with a new walking track on Castle Hill, or plan a long ride along the Ross River? The new Active Travel Townsville guide allows you to plan your next walk, run, jog, bike, scooter or skateboard ride around our beautiful city. The guide is pocket sized and easy to use, so you can take it with you. Grab a copy from Council’s Customer Service Centres, Libraries or download a copy at www.townsville.qld.gov.au.
Get healthy and active with your travel Friday 13 March is National Ride2School Day. Register to walk, ride, scoot or skate to school! Visit www.bicyclenetwork. com.au for more information or to register.
6
TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> MARCH 2015
The countdown is on! It’s almost time to open your calendar to April 1 and mark the start of the 30 ways in 30 days Challenge. We are encouraging the people of Townsville to set the goal of doing something active every day during April. We’ll provide tips, events and activities and you provide the action! There’ll be prizes up for grabs and plenty of low and no cost activities for all age groups and fitness levels. Use #getactivetsv and share your health and fitness snaps on our Townsville City Council Facebook page! 30 ways in 30 days is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, have a go and Get Active!
Walking Trails and Outdoor Spaces Take the path less travelled... and reach your 10,000 steps per day. Visit www.10000steps.org.au for heaps of great information and to log your steps. Council offers a range of outdoor walking trails and paths including: >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
Riverway Circuit Rowes Bay to Pallarenda Ross River Parkway Alpins Circuit Wetlands Circuit Anderson Botanic Garden Circuit Castle Hill Queens Gardens
>> >> >> >> >>
Palmetum Botanic Gardens Dan Gleeson Memorial Gardens Magnetic Island Townsville CBD Heritage and Cemetary Trails Jezzine Baracks Port to Pallarenda Track
explore an oasis in the city Anderson Gardens, The Palmetum and Queens Gardens provide the perfect setting to participate in a walk, run, jog or ride. See the hot pink lipstick palm avenue at the Palmetum, the World Cycad Garden at Anderson Gardens and the Buddha Bamboo at Queens Gardens.
heritage trails Experience the city’s diversity of historical architecture, lush tropical gardens and impressive array of natural attractions. The trails are a perfect way to see the city and learn about its rich history, architecture and people. Allow half an hour for a brisk walk or longer for a leisurely stroll along the Civic Pride or Early Townsville trails. Visit the Walking and Cycling Trails page at council’s website to download a brochure or pick up a copy at the CityLibraries or Customer Service Centres.
Grab your lie-low and get ready to watch movies on the big screen at Riverway Lagoon! Family flicks featuring soon include: How to Train Your Dragon 2 at 7.15pm, Friday 20 March Rio 2 at 7.15pm, Friday 17 April Entry is free and there are food and drink options available on the night. For information visit council’s website or head to the Townsville City Council Events Facebook page to like and share with your friends!
Free Swim Day Sunday 12 April 9am–3pm Cool off with a day at one of Townsville’s public pools! Entry to Tobruk Memorial Baths, Kokoda Memorial Pool, Long Tan Memorial Pool and the Northern Beaches Leisure Centre will be FREE for all to enjoy from 9am–3pm on Sunday 12 April. It’s a great opportunity to do some laps, have fun in the children’s aquatic playground, check out the facilities and learn more about swim classes available. For more information on the city’s pools and beaches visit the facilities and recreation page on our website or call 1300 878 001.
Outdoor Gyms Did you know we have outdoor fitness equipment available around town? Have a go on your own or get a group together – perfect for all ages and fitness levels. You’ll find outdoor gyms at these locations: >> >> >> >>
Western Lions Park Soroptimist Park Sherriff Park The Strand
TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> MARCH 2015
7
experience it www.townsville.qld.gov.au
Live
march
> arts > culture > events
2015
april
may Battle of the Coral Sea Commemoration 4 May, 5.30am anzac park
North Queensland Arts Awards 8 May, 6pm
townsville civic theatre
Toad Day Out
Flak
29 March, 8.30am–12pm
1–2 April, 8pm
First Things First
Riverway Sessions: Close to You
27 March, 8pm
10 April, 8pm
riverway
riverway arts centre
townsville civic theatre
riverway arts centre
Diggers in the Nam Tim Page 17 April–7 June
pinnacles gallery
Richard Lane Hervey Range 2013 [detail], acrylic on canvas, 75 x 100cm
The Intuitive Landscape Richard Lane 27 March–10 May
perc tucker regional gallery
Find out more at www.townsville.qld.gov.au Townsville City Council Events
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival 23–24 April, 8pm
townsville civic theatre
Townsville Anzac Day Centenary 25 April, 5.30am Dawn Service
strand park, jezzine barracks, anzac park
Morning Melodies: On a Humorous Note 28–29 April
townsville civic theatre
Heritage Day 17 May, 10am–2pm west end park
WOW®, World of WearableArt™ 29 May–12 July
perc tucker regional gallery
Townsville Eco Fiesta 31 May, 9am–4pm queens gardens
townsville civic theatre presenting partner Telstra Stores Townsville
Peter FitzSimons is a columnist for the Sydney
Judy Nunn’s career has been long, illustrious and
Morning Herald and Sun-Herald. He speaks four languages, has played rugby for Australia, co-hosted radio shows with Mike Carlton and Doug Mulray, interviewed famous people around the globe from George Bush to Diego Maradona and written 25 bestselling books in genres of Biography and Memoir, History and Sports. Peter is Australia’s biggest selling non-fiction author for the last ten years. He lives with his wife Lisa Wilkinson, and their three children in Sydney.
multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the ‘90s to turn her hand to prose. Her first three novels, The Glitter Games, Centre Stage and Araluen, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers, and the rest is history, quite literally in fact. She has since developed a love of writing Australian historically-based fiction and her fame as a novelist has spread through Europe where she is widely published.
TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> MARCH 2015
16–17 May
Brought to you by Glencore
Savannah writers’ voices up north 8
Coppelia by Queensland Ballet
Peter FitzSimons
Judy Nunn
Judy and Peter will bring their talents to Townsville for the Savannah: Writers’ Voices up North Literary Festival. The Festival, which will be held from 21–24 May, will feature an eclectic line-up of writing workshops, panel discussions, performance-based events, youth activities and many other low-cost and no-cost events. It’s a great opportunity to meet acclaimed authors, illustrators, poets and like-minded people who share a common interest in reading and writing. Visit council’s website for a full lineup of authors and presenters.
Overgrown allotments Overgrown property is unsightly and can be a nuisance and a danger to the community. Residents have a responsibility to keep their properties neat and tidy to improve the appearance of our city, remove places for vermin to breed, and reduce health risks. Lawns should be regularly mowed and all yard waste including dry grass properly disposed of. A well-
maintained property is an effective crime prevention tool because unkempt lawns gives the impression that the property is unattended and might be an ‘easy target’. ‘Overgrown’ is defined as plants, trees, weeds or grass that protrude over public footpaths or lanes, or property which has become unsightly due to lack of maintenance.
OVERGROWN LAND >> Creates a visual eyesor e >> Impedes the public’s acc ess to footpaths and streets >> Obstructs traffic control devices posing a safety haz ard to pedestrians and drivers >> Can become a breeding ground for rats, mice, snakes , and in the wet season for mosquitoes, incr easing the risk of dengue feve r >> Can become a fire hazard in the dry season REPORT IT!
Let the rain do the work this wet season The wet season is here again and Townsville’s lawns are flourishing – which means it’s the perfect time to switch off your irrigation. Not only will your lawn love you for it as it will be stronger and healthier but it will save you the risk of excess water fees. Your soil can hold moisture for a couple of weeks after a good soaking, so don’t rush to turn your irrigation back on. It’s the perfect time to save on fertiliser too, because rain adds nutrients to our lawns. Using fertiliser during the wet wastes your money and time, plus it ends up down the drain, in our waterways and on our reef.
Remember: water twice a week in the dry, never when it’s wet.
If you know of overgrown lan d in our community, contact Townsville City Council so that the problem can be addressed. It’s up to all residents to make our city a safe and ple asant place to live.
Are you bushfire prepared? You don’t have to live in the bush to be threatened by bushfire, just close enough to be affected by burning material, embers and smoke. For Queensland residents, that can be just about anywhere. It’s time to get the mower out and maintain your yard as we head into the drier months in North Queensland. The Townsville area is traditionally dry and it’s time to make sure your property isn’t overgrown and can become a fire hazard. If you live in a rural area, particularly one which backs onto bushland, make sure you: >> Don’t dump rubbish or garden waste (including lawn clippings) in bushland reserves – dry green waste is the perfect fuel for a bushfire
>> remove leaves from roof and gutters >> clear the ground around the house of long dry grass, dead leaves and branches or thick undergrowth >> keep flammable materials and fuels away from the house >> ensure all outside taps and hoses are in working order >> have a water source ready for putting out spot fires, and >> be aware of fire ban days. Rural Fire Service Queensland Local rural fire brigades patrol areas across Townsville, and are on the lookout for overgrown properties that can be a potential fire hazard. Residents in the Townsville area should follow the guidelines of the Rural Fire Service
Queensland and clean up their yards and remove fire hazards. Visit the Rural Fire Services website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au to find out more about preparing your home for potential bushfire threats. The PREPARE.ACT.SURVIVE Information Guide is full of information that will help you to prepare your home and your family for bushfire season. It will help you make the decision to stay or to leave and will outline the steps you need to take as a result of your decision. Please take time to sit down with your family and discuss your bushfire survival plan and what steps you will take to PREPARE.ACT.SURVIVE this bushfire season. TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> MARCH 2015
9
Townsville Artist Market
returns in 2015 Held at the beautiful Riverway Arts Centre, the Townsville Artist Market provides local artists the opportunity to sell their products at a market solely trading in handmade arts and craft goods. Including fashion, unique jewellery, home wares, one-of-a-kind gifts, homemade food products and much more, there is something for everyone. The Townsville Artist Market is a holistic entertainment event for families, employing local musicians and roaming performers and featuring art demonstrations and drop-in workshops for children.
2015 dates are: >> >> >>
>> >>
18 April, 2pm–5pm 20 June, 9am–12pm 1 August, 9am–12pm (Strand Ephemera 2015, on The Strand) 24 October, 9am–12pm 5 December, 2pm–5pm
City Backdate The Alexandra Hotel, located in Flinders Street beside the (now) Perc Tucker Gallery, opened for business on 28 January 1886. Contractors Smith and Fraser were commissioned by Charles Grimman to build the three storey hotel. Its first licensee was Grimman's son in law, Charles Seville Rowe, one of the original explorers of the Townsville area. The hotel was destroyed by fire on 16 June 1965. Alexandra House now occupies the site. These two photographs of the Hotel were taken in 1896 and ca. 1954.
Creek to Coral
spreads to Canada Nova Scotia and Townsville don’t have much in common weather-wise but we both share one thing – a love of our beaches. Townsville City Council’s Creek to Coral program brought two schools together to care for their coastline, the Wulguru State School and the Ian Forsyth School, in Dartmouth, Canada. The Australian students took part in National Water Week and the Great Canadian Shore-line Clean Up then filmed their efforts. The Wulguru students cleaned up a section of Pallarenda Beach and their Canadian counterparts cleaned their beach, Fisherman’s Cove. The students shared their videos and celebrated caring for the biggest catchment of all, the world’s ocean. The shared enthusiasm and passion in protecting our world’s oceans resulted in a combined 40kg of rubbish being removed from the world’s beaches. Congratulations to the students and teachers on a global effort!
10
TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> MARCH 2015
Classes 4G and 3/4Z Wulguru State School
Townsville’s reputation is gaining momentum as the arts and cultural centre of North Queensland and 2015 will see the most impressive events calendar yet. The city and its surrounding areas will host an array of special events including an Australian exclusive, internationally acclaimed musicians, celebrations and commemorations offering the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in arts and culture.
WOW®, WORLD OF WEARABLEART™ 29 May–12 July, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Free Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery will be the exclusive Australian venue for the major international touring exhibition WOW®, World of WearableArt™ in 2015. Toeing the line between fashion and art installation, this New Zealand-born exhibition has wowed crowds for 25 years with its boundary-pushing creations. This international touring exhibition presents the very best of the WOW® permanent collection; exciting AV presentations of the Awards Show; and a ‘workroom’ where visitors can delve more deeply into the story of WOW®, try their hand at some wearable art design, and experiment with stage lighting.
A PERMANENT MARK: THE IMPACT OF TATTOO CULTURE ON CONTEMPORARY ART 19 June–16 August, Pinnacles Gallery, Free
STRAND EPHEMERA THE NORTH’S SCULPTURE FESTIVAL 31 July–9 August, The Strand. Free Strand Ephemera is North Queensland’s premier biennial outdoor art exhibition held along the Strand. 2015 will present the most significant developments in Strand Ephemera’s history; building on both the event’s capacity to encourage and showcase the work of North Queensland’s talented artists, as well as enhancing its reputation as a signature arts event. For the first time Strand Ephemera will align with the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and a host of other Fringe Events will see Townsville transformed into a hive of arts and cultural experiences to intrigue and delight residents and visitors alike.
A Permanent Mark: the impact of tattoo culture on contemporary art is a ground breaking exhibition that will explore and reconcile how two distinct industries – tattooing and contemporary art – are becoming increasingly interconnected. The exhibition will display works by significant local, national and international tattoo and contemporary artists that evidence the crossover of styles, technology and techniques, themes and iconography.
ONE HUNDRED AND ONE YEARS 16–17 July, Jezzine Barracks, Free Over two nights, Queensland Music Festival will commemorate the centenary of ANZAC with a moving performance celebrating the international music and local stories of World War One. Featuring an original commission from leading composer Richard Mills, Townsville’s 1 RAR Band will play alongside internationally acclaimed Saxon Wind Philharmonic and a specially-formed local youth ensemble to pay tribute to those who have laid down their lives for their country in a poignant and uplifting open-air concert.
WANT MORE?
Shawn Barber – Abstract Self Portrait 1, 2010 – 2012
Find out more at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au
Coppélia, 16–17 May Savannah: Writers' Voices up North Literary Festival, 21–24 May Palm Creek Folk Festival, 5–8 June Australian Festival of Chamber Music, 31 July–8 August Townsville Cultural Fest, 19–23 August Country & Western: landscape re-imagined 1988-2013, 24 July–20 Sept Threefold: Webber/Hill/Huang Yi, 7–10 August
togethertownsville
More than just sponsorship
CONTACT COUNCIL
Townsville City Council PO Box 1268 Townsville QLD 4810 1300 878 001 from 8am–5pm www.townsville.qld.gov.au
Together Townsville continues to seek support for a number of initiatives that benefit our city and call on organisations to come on board. The program goes beyond traditional sponsorship and looks towards mutually beneficial and long term strategic relationships that contribute to our city’s lifestyle. Sponsorships like the one provided by Telstra Stores Townsville for the Bookclub, Morning Melodies and Seniors Guide to Council handbook not only offsets the cost of the programs but provides an opportunity for partners to engage at a local level.
“Telstra is excited to partner with council to deliver a number of initiatives for seniors in our community over the next 18 months. The partnership provides us with the opportunity to help bridge the knowledge gap about NBN and to assist our senior community in learning about and using new technologies,” said Telstra Area General Manager for North Queensland Rachel Cliffe.
enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.au
Townsville program and thank these organisations for their support.
Partnerships through Together Townsville help council to deliver more for our community – when we combine resources; the results are better programs, events and facilities for our city.
COUNCIL AND STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Council would also like to welcome RID Australia, Quota Thuringowa International Inc., Pakmag, TOTTS and Fantasea to the Together
Youth Hub at Riverway turns one The Townsville-Mackay Medicare Local Youth Hub at Riverway will celebrate its first birthday this April, having provided countless young people access to services and opportunities on offer at the centre. A key provision at the Youth Hub is the Headspace service, which has allowed young people in Townsville access to free counselling and GP appointments, as well as a range of group programs. Headspace Community Development Lead Kirsten Seymour said the groups have a social or creative theme as way of engaging and connecting young people with each other in a safe environment. “They learn some life skills, meet new people, have fun and contribute back to our community,” she said. Ms Seymour attributes the success of the Hub to the easily accessible, youthfriendly building located on the corner of Riverway Drive and Ross River Road opposite Willows Shopping Centre.
12
“We have worked with the young people of Townsville throughout the whole planning, building and fit-out process to make sure it is the right fit and are now seeing the rewards of that work pay off by having such a great facility.” Feedback from the young people and their families has been positive, with most people reporting they feel very comfortable within the space and it is easy to get to. The Youth Hub is supported by community partners including the Rotary Clubs, the Headspace Community Network and the volunteer Youth Reference Group. For more information on the Youth Hub call 4799 1799 or visit www.headspace. org.au, click on the ‘headspace centres’ tab and type in ‘Townsville’.
TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL CITY UPDATE >> MARCH 2015
103 Walker Street, Townsville City 86 Thuringowa Drive, Thuringowa Central Operating hours 8.30am–5pm Monday to Friday
>> Visit council’s website for an up-to-date list of dates and times for council and standing committee meetings.