Queens Gardens, Castle Hill, Jezzine Barracks to be transformed with art displays
An immersive sound and light show will transform Townsville’s most iconic inner city landmarks into an underwater water world as part of HALO.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- ‘Forever loved’: Townsville bub loses battle
- Townsville’s most senior military man speaks candidly about issues facing force
An immersive sound and light show will transform Townsville’s most iconic inner city landmarks into an underwater world as part of HALO.
Titled “Life Below Water”, the festival will bring to life to parts of the city with a series of large scale sound and light art installations throughout Queens Gardens and beaming off the sides of Castle Hill when it returns from January 15 – 26.
With its name a nod to Castle Hill as the natural “HALO” that hovers above the city, the immersive experience will return as part of Australia Day celebrations thanks to a collaboration between Townsville City Council and the National Australia Day Council and the creation of “Northern Stories”, a collection of events to encourage us all to reflect on our history’s highs and lows.
Mayor Jenny Hill said Northern Stories was an opportunity to bring locals together to celebrate the diversity of Townsville as it draws focus on people’s stories from across the region.
“Every Australian’s story matters, and Northern Stories is a chance for us to share our stories and hear from the people who make this city great,” Cr Hill said.
“Northern Stories is a new concept, but one that I think will really help to shine a light on the incredible variety of backgrounds our locals have.
“Northern Stories will open up discussions about Australia Day in a new way.”
Cr Hill said all events would be free and inclusive at venues across the city.
“These stories are going to be told at Strand Park, Jezzine Barracks and Queens Gardens through an immersive light show, live story sessions and a variety of events,” she said.
On Australia Day itself, two key event components will be held at Jezzine Barracks – the formal Australia Day and Flag Raising ceremonies and Celebrate Australia, an inclusive event for all ages with a strong focus on fun activities for the whole family and the Get Active Expo.
National Australia Day Council Chief Executive Officer Karlie Brand said the role of local governments bringing communities together on our national day has never been more important.
“That’s why the National Australia Day Council has provided $15 million in grants to Australian councils and not-for-profit organisations for Australia Day events in 2021,” she said.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairman Ann-Maree Greaney said Northern Stories was a time to reflect on the individuals that made Townsville a great city.
“Telling stories is one of the most important ways that we can connect with others, educate, and inspire,” Cr Greaney said.
“Northern Stories is a chance for us to reflect on our history, show respect to all cultures, and to celebrate living in the north together.
“This promises to be an iconic event which will draw tourists into the Townsville region for the end of the summer school holidays.
“It’s a great opportunity to listen to the stories of those around us and to dig deep and share our own stories.”
Originally published as Queens Gardens, Castle Hill, Jezzine Barracks to be transformed with art displays
Slick slogans, promises and fresh meat: Townsville candidates’ final pitches
As voters head to the polling booths today, we asked Townsville, Thuringowa and Mundingburra’s main candidates to give us their final pitch on the biggest issues they’ll tackle — and why they deserve your vote.
‘Didn’t have a problem until the last 80km’: Shitbox Rally’s last car
The last car to cross the Shitbox Rally finish line in Townsville on Friday was a 1999 Holden Rodeo, formerly used as a supermarket trolley tractor, that gave up the ghost in Mingela, of all places.