Living in the North Christmas Edition

TOWNSVILLE

LIVING IN THE NORTH as 2020 Christm

ISSUE 4 HIGHLIGHTS MAYOR’S MESSAGE

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CHRISTMAS MESSAGES FROM OUR COUNCILLORS

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CHRISTMAS TOGETHER

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NORTHERN STORIES

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COUNCIL PROJECTS

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TASKFORCE NQ

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SAFETY FIRST

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PETS, PETS, PETS

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ART AND CULTURE

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COMMUNITY 17 STAY COOL THIS SUMMER

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Locals Helping Locals.

What can you give?

Donate Now.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE As the Christmas holiday season approaches, it is appropriate we look back on the year that was. Despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we still have much to celebrate as we wrap up 2020 here in North Queensland.

This year has highlighted the strength and resilience of not only those around us, but Townsville as a city. 2020 saw the beginning of the new term of Council and the completion of major projects throughout Townsville including the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Flinders Lane, the Tobruk Memorial Baths redevelopment and Stage 1 of the Haughton Water Pipeline Duplication Project to name a few.

The events of 2020 have shone a light on the importance of looking after those in our community who are doing it tough.

At Council we’ve done what we can to support the community through a range of initiatives focussed on reducing the impact of COVID-19.

For those in the position to help I encourage you to support our local community organisations and charities as part of the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. This year you can make a donation to one of the many groups throughout the city. To find a local organisation you can support, visit mayorschristmasappeal.com.au As Christmas approaches so too does the wet season. Stay safe this festive season and be prepared for whatever the weather may bring. Be Disaster Ready and check Townsville City Council’s Emergency Management Dashboard to stay up to date with everything disaster related.

What can you give?

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Donate Now. mayorschristmasappeal.com.au

I sincerely wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Jenny Hill

Mayor of Townsville

FLINDERS LANE OPEN Flinders Lane open to the community!

Construction on Flinders Lane, a brand-new Melbourne-esque laneway in Townsville’s CBD, is complete and open to the community.

This project has been delivered in partnership with Martin Locke Constructions and links the CBD to the Bus Hub, Queensland Country Bank Stadium and City Lane precinct.

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. flinderslanetsv.com.au Martin Locke and Mayor Jenny Hill at Flinders Lane opening event.

33 Š Josephine Carter Photography

WE’VE GONE DIGITAL! Residents can now receive updates straight to their inbox.

Divisional News Updates contain the latest information on Council works, projects and opportunities in your area.

To subscribe visit townsville.qld.gov.au/councillorprofiles, select your local Councillor and complete the online form.

MESSAGES FROM OUR COUNCILLORS

Cr Margie Ryder Division 1

Cr Sue Blom Division 2

Cr Ann-Maree Greaney Division 3

2020 is nearly out the door! We can’t change the past, but we can set new goals like prioritising our wellbeing, being kind to each other and treasuring our loved ones.

As 2020 comes to a close, hasn’t it been a challenging year for us all.

2020 has been a year like no other, and another challenging one for our community. Let us take the opportunity this festive season to be thankful that we live in such a great city with wonderful friends and family.

Friends may not be family, but they are just as important, as are our pets.

I would like to thank you all for your support and wish you a very safe festive season.

As the year ends and a new one begins, let’s be mindful of all we have to be grateful for and connect with family, and friends, and be kind to ourselves.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas Townsville – here’s to an outstanding 2021 for all of us!

Merry Christmas Townsville.

Cr Mark Molachino Division 4

Cr Russ Cook Division 5

Cr Suzy Batkovic Division 6

This year has definitely been a difficult one for us all. As the festive season is fast approaching please make time to check on your neighbours and enjoy spending time with family and friends.

As we lead into the Christmas and New Year period we need to reflect on what it means to us, is it about spending time with family and friends, is it about creating happy memories that will last a lifetime? May this festive season end on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright new year.

2020 has been a big year for me and I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the residents in Division 6 for the past 8 months.

I look forward to working with you all in 2021. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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May you all stay safe and please let your family and friends know how much they mean to you.

With the festive season approaching, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2021!

Cr Kurt Rehbein Division 7

Cr Maurie Soars Division 8

Cr Liam Mooney Division 9

There is always a lot going on in our city and the pandemic certainly has made for interesting times this year. My thoughts are with all those who have been impacted by COVID-19 I sincerely hope your festive season is as good as it can be. I look forward to 2021 and meeting as many of you as I can.

Wishing everyone an enjoyable and safe Christmas. With all the challenges faced throughout the year and what looks to be ahead of us, it has never been more important to connect with our loved ones and friends.

As 2020 draws to a close, I would like to say a warm thank you to the Townsville community for your continuing support and inspiring work throughout the year. This holiday season take a well-earned break and celebrate with family and friends. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Thanks for all your support and I know together we will get through this. I do look forward to catching up with you in 2021.

Keep Your Neighbourhood Clean!

You are responsible for keeping your property neat and tidy. Properties that become overgrown can cause an unhappy neighbourhood, be a nuisance to your neighbours and potentially a danger to them and your community.

Townsville City Council invites you to participate and have your say on a range of projects and initiatives in our community.

Your feedback will contribute to shaping our city, and guide Council on decision making and planning for the future.

Top tips for keeping your property tidy: ✓ Store objects and materials out of sight ✓ Put your rubbish out for collection each week ✓ Dispose of old vehicles or machinery ✓ Mow your lawn regularly ✓ Dispose of your green waste at Council’s dumps for FREE all year round ✓ Organise for someone to maintain your yard if you will be away for a period of time.

For more information, visit Council’s website.

haveyoursay.townsville.qld.gov.au

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CHRISTMAS

Christmas Christmas is a wonderful time to catch up and celebrate with family and friends, to enjoy some downtime and get out and explore what our region has to offer. Christmas Together, hosted

by Council, will lift the community spirit celebrating in a COVID safe way. During December, a variety of enjoyable family-friendly events will take place for the community to enjoy.

Townsville’s CBD will be alight with festive cheer following the launch of the Northern Lights Trail. Over five weeks, the community will be encouraged to come and experience Townsville’s very own Northern Lights. The lights trail will commence in Flinders Street and take guests on a walking tour of the CBD, highlighting different light displays. This free experience will have something for all ages to enjoy, day and night!

Chat and get your photo taken with Santa this year virtually at Cotters Markets. Over three Sundays you can speak to Santa on the big screen before setting up for your virtual Santa photo for FREE! Due to COVID-19 contact tracing, pre-registration is required – limited spots available.

Enjoy in the comfort of your own home a special tribute to the last five years of Christmas Carols in Townsville. Hosted by Steve ‘Pricey’ Price, this showreel is made up of beautifully edited footage of past Council Carols by Candlelight events.

From 1 December, free parking in all 2P car spaces in the CBD will apply so you can enjoy shopping, dining out or walking around the CBD for free this Christmas.

To find out what’s happening in your area this Christmas and holiday season, visit the Christmas Together page on Council’s website.

6 mayorschristmasappeal.com.au

San t a

Skype With

CBD PARKING 2P SPOTS FREE

Cotters Markets, Flinders Street, 9am – 12pm

1 - 31 DECEMBER

Sunday 29 November, 6 & 13 December

@ Home

Carols

Northern Lights Trail Friday 27 November – Sunday 3 January

Join us online or tune into Triple M.

Sunday, 6 December 2020 6.30pm

Locals Helping Locals.

What can you give?

Donate Now. townsville.qld.gov.au/christmastogether

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We are all part of the story.

JOIN US 15-26 JANUARY, 2021

northernstories.com.au

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COUNCIL PROJECTS

Townsville’s newest fitness track is now open!

Located off Bayswater Road, the Mount Louisa Bush Walking Track features more than 1,700 steps over 3.5km, and sweeping views of the city. Multiple lookouts are located along the track with views of Castle Hill, Magnetic Island, Mount Stuart, Hervey Range and more.

This new challenge provides residents with another active option and makes Mount Louisa more accessible to the wider community. townsville.qld.gov.au

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Central Park Upgrades Upgrades to the stormwater infrastructure within Central Park are well underway. This infrastructure will improve drainage in the South Townsville area, and paves the way for installation of the innovative ‘solar beacons’, a project being delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government.

This work is being completed as part of Council’s $75.8 million investment this financial year in new, enhanced and refurbished underground infrastructure such as water, wastewater and stormwater assets.

For more information visit townsville.qld.gov.au

Dining Outdoors Works totaling almost $1 million have been completed in Palmer Street. The project included making Palmer Street one way between Plume and Morehead Streets, the installation of street furniture, landscaping and widening the footpath to give restaurants more room to offer more outdoor dining options.

For more information visit townsville.qld.gov.au

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Townsville’s New Pump Track* Bike riders of all ages are racing to the new asphalt pump track at the Murray Sports Complex in Annandale. The track has a number of features including rollers and banked turns, with the community contributing to the design through Council’s Have Your Say website.

This is another great place for kids and the young at heart to get outside and remain fit and active.

For more information visit townsville.qld.gov.au

Beer Bottles Getting Their Next Round 2.3 million beer bottles and around 720 tonnes of concrete were recycled in a major roadworks project. Upgrades* were completed on Vantassel Street and Zinc Road in Stuart, which connects the Bruce Highway to the Stuart Landfill site, the Sun Metals refinery and other businesses. The recycled glass and concrete mix reduces the need to use virgin quarry material so the process is more environmentally friendly. Overall the project used around 1,500 tonnes of recycled material.

For more information visit townsville.qld.gov.au

*This project was funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program.

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TASKFORCE NQ Industry, business, community and government accelerating North Queensland’s recovery.

Taskforce NQ was formed to coordinate and accelerate the health, social and economic recovery of the greater North Queensland region from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Coordinated by Council and led by a Steering Committee consisting of the Chair of the North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NQROC), State and Federal Members of Parliament, and Chaired by the Mayor of Townsville.

Taskforce NQ links Queensland and Australian Government taskforces and agencies. Taskforce NQ consists of over 120 community, business and government contributors. The taskforce has identified over 100 innovative projects across the region that have the potential to support ongoing growth, jobs and social improvements for years to come. If supported by the Queensland Government and the Australian Government these projects can be accelerated, delivering long-term security for the region.

Taskforce NQ includes the following committees and groups: › › ›

North Queensland COVID-19 Steering Committee Business Advisory Group (BAG) North Queensland Recovery Acceleration Projects Committee (NQRAP) and working groups: › Arts, sports and events › Defence industries › Education, skills and workforce › Health and TropiQ › Infrastructure and transport › Major regional projects › Primary industries and manufacturing › Small business, employment and entrepreneurial support › Social › Tourism, hospitality and accommodation

taskforcenq.com.au

Energy from Waste in NQ 12

Taskforce NQ is facilitating the collaboration required for the development of Energy from Waste (EfW). This project will reduce the impact of waste on the environment and assist in the transition towards a circular economy.

SAFETY FIRST Tips on being food safe Christmas wouldn’t be a celebration without lots of beautiful food to share with family and friends. It is important to remember to maintain good food safety standards and avoid food poisoning.

So how can you protect yourself (and your guests) from food poisoning this Christmas? Check out our tips below: ✓ Use cooler bags to transport chilled food ✓ Keep drinks in a separate fridge or cooler to where cold food is stored to keep the temperature down ✓ Thaw frozen food in the fridge and make sure it has completely thawed before cooking ✓ Throw food away if you suspect it has been left out of the refrigerator for four hours or more ✓ Store seafood in an airtight container in your fridge ✓ Give your BBQ a good scrub with soapy water ✓ Wash your hands frequently ✓ Wipe down counters and surfaces thoroughly with a food-grade sanitiser ✓ Take extra care when handling high risk foods like cheese, meats and seafood.

For more information visit foodsafety.com.au

Control the mosquitoes and you will control the disease: ✓ Cover up when outside, wear long loose-fitting clothing ✓ Use repellent ✓ Light mosquito coils ✓ Check your backyard for any items that hold water and empty them to prevent the spread of mosquito borne diseases.

For more information visit townsville.qld.gov.au

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Council has a program for controlling mosquito breeding on State and Council owned land. Residents must take measures to ensure that mosquito breeding does not take place in their backyards.

OUR FAMI Y L CT

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As we enter the wet season, the chance of king tides increases. King tides, along with rain, can cause high numbers of saltmarsh mosquitoes to hatch. Saltmarsh mosquitoes are aggressive biters, and their activity usually peaks around dawn and dusk.

PROT E

Protect your family from mosquitoes this wet season

MOSQUITO BORNE DISEASES Control the mosquito and you will control the disease.

It's your responsibility.

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PETS, PETS, PETS

Pets in hot weather Heatstroke is dangerous – and can even be deadly. Learn how to protect your dog or cat from overheating during the summer months. Take the following precautions to help prevent heatstroke in your pet: ›

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› ›

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Use pet sunscreen or protective clothing – don’t use human sunscreen, as some of the ingredients can be toxic to pets.

Ensure pets have access to shade, ventilation and fresh drinking water. For pets that often tip over their water bowl, choose one made of heavy material (e.g, ceramic) and provide more than one source of water.

Bring pets into air conditioning on extremely hot days, and/or provide covered shelter outside.

Provide access to water for cooling off in the shade, like a dog wading pool, or a wet towel to lie on – always supervise animals in a wading pool.

If exercise is one of your New Year resolutions, make sure you consider your dog during exercising and climbing Townsville’s walking tracks. Exercise with your dog in the cooler times of the day, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent heat exhaustion.

Hot pavement and bitumen can burn paws, just like our

›

own bare feet. Do not leave your pets in the back of utes without shade and never leave your pet locked in a car unattended.

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.

Christmas safety tips for pets Be careful not to overindulge your pet with rich foods such as Christmas ham or table scraps. This may lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea or pancreatitis, which can be a life-threatening condition. Too much fatty food is not good for your pet. Certain herbs have essential oils that can also cause tummy upsets and central nervous system depression if a dog eats them in large quantities.

Crowds, boisterous children and loud noises can be stressful to your pets. Provide a special quiet place with a familiar blanket and fresh water for your pets to retreat to for some time out when festivities get too stressful.

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Holiday lights are pretty, but mean more electrical cords are present for kittens and puppies to chew on. Be sure you have cords secured and out of the way of sharp teeth and claws, to prevent accidental electrocution. To prevent accidents, make sure your tree is well secured if you have a tree-climbing cat or large dog.

ART AND CULTURE

Save the date for NAFA 2021

Townsville City Galleries Virtual Tours

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

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 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.

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

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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.

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.

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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.

townsville.qld.gov.au/animals M Townsville City Animals

COMMUNITY

Grants Townsville City Grants and Partnerships make good things happen in our community! We have provided $460,000 of support to community organisations this year.

Townsville City Grants and Partnerships are open to the Townsville community all year round. There are three categories to choose from – economic, social and environmental.

Economic grants aim to develop a prosperous city, social grants support a city for the people and environmental grants build a clean and green community.

Applying is easy, visit townsville.qld.gov.au/grants or phone 13 48 10 to speak with one of our Grants Officers today.

Fostering a vibrant ecosystem of global innovation in the North Queensland region

spnq.org

Smart Precinct NQ is powered by

made for innovation

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Are you DISASTER ready?

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS Emergency Calls

000

State Emergency Service (SES) Tarping/branches down

13 25 00

Queensland Police Service Policelink (non life-threatening calls)

000 13 14 44

Queensland Ambulance Service Queensland Ambulance Service (non life-threatening calls)

000 13 12 33

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

000

Townsville City Council 13 48 10 Emergency after hours, flood information, Dengue outbreaks, sun safety information Townsville Local Disaster Management Group 1800 738 541 Disaster Coordination Centre (only activated during declared emergencies) Disaster Dashboard

disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au

Ergon Energy Loss of supply and emergencies Origin Energy Natural and LPG Gas emergencies (leaks only) North Regional Gas LPG Gas emergencies

4774 5111

Telstra

13 22 03

Optus

13 13 44

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Department of Transport and Main Roads Road closures

When it comes to extreme weather events in North Queensland, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’.

Translating and Interpreting Service

Like the rest of the world Townsville has been hit hard this year with COVID-19, but this doesn’t stop natural disasters from happening. You still need to be prepared.

EMERGENCY KIT CHECKLIST

During disasters, emergency services may not be able to reach you because of high winds, fire, floodwater, fallen power lines or debris across the road. Emergency services will be focused on assisting the most vulnerable in the community during an event. That is why you need to be prepared to stay in your home or evacuate for at least three days.

The best time to prepare for a disaster is well before one is even on its way. Organise your emergency plan with your family and or housemates, prepare your emergency kit now, and know where you are going to evacuate if needed. Evacuation centres will be available but need to be a last resort option with COVID-19 risks still in play.

Cyclones and floods may be part of life in the north, but we must not become complacent. This wet season make sure you are disaster ready.

13 16 70 1800 808 526

Veterinary Emergency Centre and Hospital

4433 1111 13 19 40 13 14 50 4781 3600

This kit should contain the provisions for your essential needs in the event of an emergency, whether you are sheltering in place or evacuating. It is also handy to have a basic tool kit, extra supplies and a portable cooker.

Essential medications

Fresh water for three days

Important documents and cash in sealed bags

First aid kit

Torch

Batteries

Portable radio

Sturdy gloves

Mobile phone and charger/car adapter

Toiletries

Visit disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au for reliable information.

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Three days’ worth of Face masks, hand non-perishable food sanitiser and and a can opener sanitising wipes

STAY COOL THIS SUMMER Get Active With more than 300 days of sunshine, it is important to slip slop and slap and take every precaution to be sun safe.

This summer make a plan to get outdoors and enjoy one or more of Councils 372 parks, 203 playgrounds, 21 off-leash dog parks, three world class Botanic Gardens or five privately leased pools. With endless open spaces to enjoy studies have shown being exposed to natural environments can reduce stress, so de-stress today and get exploring.

For more information visit townsville.qld.gov.au

Let’s get active and healthy!

Beat the heat

Get Active + Healthy Townsville is about finding opportunities to help improve your health, and more importantly identify ways to get out and move. We provide a range of events, programs and initiatives for the community, while also building the capacity of local sport and recreation organisations.

Did you know Council has five swimming pools open across Townsville to keep you and the family cool this summer? Now in summer hours, all pools are open for you to beat the NQ heat.

CityLibraries remain open over the festive season, all fully air-conditioned facilities providing endless school holiday activities!

Check out CityLibraries Townsville on Facebook for upcoming events. townsville.qld.gov.au/libraries

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LOAD N O

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS FREE GUIDE 2020 D

For more information, visit activetownsville.com.au

✓ Tobruk Memorial Baths ✓ Long Tan Memorial Pool ✓ Kokoda Memorial Pool ✓ Northern Beaches Leisure Centre ✓ Riverway Lagoons

Looking for another way to cool down?

SUMMER EDITION

townsville.qld.gov.au/schoolholidayguide

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Contact Visit Customer Service Centre 103 Walker Street, Townsville 8am - 5pm, Monday to Friday (closed public holidays) Phone 13 48 10 Email Contact us online at townsville.qld.gov.au or email enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.au Mobile

@letsgetouttahere_ - Magnetic Island

@wildlife_fishing_advent - Magnetic Island

Get mobile with iCouncil or Snap Send Solve, download through the app store.

Post PO Box 1268 Townsville QLD 4810 Fax 07 4727 9050

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY @b2badventures - Keeper Reef

@yasbeck - Alligator Creek Falls

Townsville City Council acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Townsville - the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun; and Bindal people. We pay our respects to their cultures, their ancestors and their Elders - past and present - and all future generations.

Townsville City Council advises that all content is correct at time of printing.

All information is subject to change without notice.

Townsville City Council Š 2020

@achim_wetz_photography - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

@where.katie.went.next - Big Crystal Creek

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL WISHES YOU A SAFE FESTIVE SEASON.