ART AND CULTURE

Save the date for NAFA 2021

NAFA is back in 2021 from 2 July – 1 August.

The North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) was reworked this year to bring the best of Queensland’s arts and entertainment to the city for audiences to enjoy while remaining COVID Safe. NAFA COVID Safe ran from 18 September – 31 October, celebrating six huge weeks of arts and culture across Townsville.

While Council could not deliver NAFA on the same scale as last year’s event due to COVID-19, it is a testament to all involved for delivering an amazing event regardless.

Townsville City Galleries Virtual Tours

While many arts and cultural events have been cancelled or postponed this year due to COVID-19, CityGalleries have been working behind the scenes to bring to our community ‘virtual tours’ of all the exhibitions that were planned to take place. Key features of the virtual tour allow you to zoom in and out, move between floors, make measurements, see a doll house view, and floor plan view.

The Percivals and North Queensland Ceramic Awards are currently live for you to immerse yourself into the gallery and take the virtual tour. Enjoy!

THE PERCIVALS VIRTUAL TOUR STARTS HERE TAKE ME TO NQ CERAMIC AWARDS VIRTUAL TOUR

TRAVELLING WITH PETS

Everyone needs a break, including our dogs and cats.

These tips will help you and your family enjoy a safe, happy and relaxing holiday with your pets along to share in the fun.

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Preparation is the key to ensuring the success of any holiday, make sure your pet’s vaccinations, worming and parasite control are all up to date before you depart.

The warmth and humidity of North Queensland pose a higher parasite risk for pets. Paralysis ticks, heartworm, hookworm, fleas, mosquitoes and sand flies are more prevalent in the tropics.

If you’re planning to camp, be prepared for destinations with potential risks like snakes and paralysis ticks.

The best way to transport pets by car is in a specially designed carrier or cage, which should have good ventilation, plenty of room to move about and a secure door. Dogs can also be restrained and protected with a safety harness that attaches them to a seat belt. Above all, never leave dogs or cats loose inside a moving vehicle. Loose pets can cause an accident and be badly injured.

Leaving your dog or cat for fewer than six minutes in an unventilated car can kill them. Even with windows left open, the temperature inside a car quickly rises, and heat exhaustion and death become real dangers. Never leave your pet unattended in a hot car, and always take a water container to quench your pet’s thirst and prevent dehydration. For longer journeys, here are some hints to ensure a pleasant, stress-free trip: › Don’t feed your pet just before they travel in the car. › Stop every two to three hours to allow your dog to relieve itself, exercise and get some fresh air. › Sunburn can be a danger, so apply a pet-friendly UV cream daily, and use a window blind or towel to shield your pet from the sun while they’re in the car.