It’s time to mark 140-year milestone

TODAY the Townsville Bulletin celebrates 140 years of service to this great city and North Queensland.

And what a ride it’s been. Townsville is never out of the news whether it’s cyclones, floods, croc attacks or some of the North’s more colourful politicians.

The past five years will go down in history as some of the most tumultuous. Recordbreaking droughts followed by a one-in-200-year flood.

The opening of our incredible stadium and the seismic shock of a worldwide pandemic is something we are still grappling with now. Add to that five horrible deaths as the result of the region’s crime issue – it’s been a busy time.

While Covid-19 has been a blow to our economy, it’s still nothing compared to what our forefathers have had to endure.

While Covid-19 has been a blow to our economy, it’s still nothing compared to what our forefathers have had to endure. Looking back there has been so many stories that have shaped who the people of North Queensland are today.

It’s scary when you think of it but Townsville has been through rougher times than now and emerged as a strong resilient community.

Talking of pandemics, the country has been hit by a few with death numbers still surpassing the current situation. For example, the 1918 flu epidemic saw 12,000 people die.

When it comes to natural disasters not much compares to Cyclone Leonta in 1903. Fourteen people lost their lives.

When it comes to tragedy the air accident in August 1943 where a plane crashed into Cleveland Bay killing 27 people was our worst disaster.

The one thing all this has in common is the Townsville Bulletin, The Bully, has been there to cover it all, keeping the community informed. It is what we continue to do today but instead of waiting for the next day the Bulletin is servicing our readers with the news that shapes this great city each and every minute of the day.