Don’t waste a chance to get involved

THE Gold Coast is 1414km away from Townsville.

Yet you only need to take a cursory glance around the city to see the effort that’s been put into ensuring the Commonwealth Games buzz was spread to North Queensland.

As well as hosting basketball games in Townsville, the Queensland Government has bankrolled Festival 2018, which is a 12- day program of arts and cultural events.

The line- up is impressive and the council has activated three sites for the unique series of performances.

The Uncontained display of shipping containers at Strand Park has been catching the eye of passers- by during its construction phase in recent weeks – and for good reason.

The point is, we are often critical of a state government that all- too- easily forgets North Queensland.

In this instance, the Government has invested in ensuring other parts of the state get a piece of the action – and it’s important to give credit.

Tickets are selling fast for tomorrow’s basketball events when the Opals will take on Canada at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.

But with a smorgasbord of other events – many free – available during this school holiday period, Townsville residents need to show their support and take advantage of what is on offer.

Festival 2018 is being tipped as the start of Townsville’s most impressive festival season ever and the events in the calendar are expected to contribute millions to the economy.

There is an appetite to attract events and top stars to Townsville and if we want to keep them coming, we need to be a town that turns up.

So, take the family out this week and head to Jezzine Barracks or Strand Park, the convention centre or Queens Gardens and check out something you might never have seen before or might never see again.