Townsville Gem and Mineral Club holding show on July 19 and 20 at Townsville Sports Precinct
The city is set to sparkle extra bright this weekend, as the annual Townsville Gem and Mineral Show returns for 2025.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The city is set to sparkle extra bright this weekend, as the annual Townsville Gem and Mineral Show returns for 2025.
Townsville Gem and Mineral Club secretary Teresa Hudson said the event will be a weekend of dazzling displays and family fun with this year’s show bigger and better than ever, attracting local, interstate and even international gem lovers.
“This year we have more vendors, more sites and more things happening,” Ms Hudson said.
“We’ve got vendors coming from down south, from New South Wales, South Australia and out west to the Northern Territory as well.”
Ms Huson said last year the club met people who had travelled from Tasmania, Perth, Sydney and even Korea specifically for the show.
“We know the gem show reaches more than just Townsville and the surrounding area which is amazing for the city’s economy,” she said.
“This year we will have demonstrations showcasing lapidary and silver-smithing, people can come and get their gemstones identified and lots of activities for the whole family.”
On why people love collecting and unearthing precious gemstones, Ms Hudson said people love to see something come from the natural environment turn be turned into something beautiful.
“That opens up endless possibilities for what they can do with those gemstones, that include setting them into jewellery, earrings, rings or pendants,” she said.
“It’s the wow factor of seeing something so beautiful and shiny. It’s very addictive for the members of the Townsville Gem and Mineral Club.”
The club is also experiencing a surge in memberships after last year’s show, particularly from families wanting a new hobby.
“We’ve had a lot more families join the club over the last year, which is amazing. We love seeing the next generation coming through,” Ms Hudson said.
“We used to run the show at our clubhouse here in Gulliver, but it got too squished as it grew in popularity so much. Last year we had it at the sports precinct and that was really successful.”
For the young and young at heart, there are plenty of hands-on activities.
“We have a fossicking pit for the kids, but I also find that the parents can’t help but join in too,” Ms Hudson said.
“Adults can shuck an oyster and get their own pearl and then you keep it or can put it into a necklace. We have gold panning, sapphire wash, displays and we’ve got a candy store this year with fairy floss, popcorn, showbags, all of that. We also have a mega raffle.”
Also for sale will be an array of gemstone jewellery, arts and crafts made from opals, amethysts and more.
The event is a crucial fundraiser for the Townsville Gem and Mineral Club, with money raised on the day going towards the expansion of their clubhouse.
“The building which we are currently in is at its end of life, the club bought it back in 1970,” Ms Hudson said.
“ All the entry fees and money raised from our mega raffle will go towards building the extension next door. We are volunteer run and the show is our main fundraising effort for the year.”
The Townsville Gem and Mineral Show will be held on July 19 from 9am to 4pm and July 20 from 9am to 2pm at the Townsville Sports Precinct in North Ward.
Entry fee is $5 for adults, children are free.
More Coverage
Originally published as Townsville Gem and Mineral Club holding show on July 19 and 20 at Townsville Sports Precinct
New weapon in hunt for deadly ants at coal mine
Drones will be used to hunt for deadly fire ants after nests were found at a central Queensland coal mine, with tests confirming they are linked to the southeast’s infestation.
Olympic legend reveals surprising new career milestone
She’s already Australia’s most decorated Olympian. Now Emma McKeon has a new title to match, thanks to the university where her swimming career began.