MAYOR’S MESSAGE

It’s the right time of year to be thinking about spending quality time with family, catching up with friends, and picking the perfect present for under the Christmas tree. But it’s also the right time to be proactive about preparing yourself and your home for the summer weather. This is the time to get your cyclone kit ready, to do a check around the house and garden, to make sure your family knows the household evacuation plan, and to stay up to date with the latest information on Townsville City Council’s Emergency Management and Disaster Dashboard.

Safety goes far beyond just the weather – it’s essential everywhere from the kitchen table to your local park. I’d encourage everyone celebrating these holidays to practice good food safety, keeping your pets safe during the warm weather, and being vigilant about keeping mosquitoes out of your homes. It only takes a few small steps to make sure you have a happy and safe festive season right here in Townsville. Council has organised a number of stellar events across the city to celebrate the holidays, including Christmas in the City, Carols by Candlelight and our New Year’s Eve celebrations. These events always draw thousands of people into areas like the city centre, Riverway and The Strand, and I know I can’t wait to join in on all the fun this year. While Christmas should be a happy time for everyone in Townsville, for some it is a lonely and difficult period. I am proud to be running the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal again this year, helping to provide much-needed support to those who need it most. If you are able to give, please dig deep to make sure everyone in our community gets to celebrate these holidays. I hope the festive season is a chance for you to take a break, enjoy time with family, and to enjoy our beautiful city. If you’re travelling, please stay safe on our roads. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and I hope you all have a happy and healthy New Year.

Cr Jenny Hill Mayor of Townsville

Mayor’s Christmas Appeal

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