Townsville Bulletin
MAYOR’S BLAME GAME
Townsville mayor Nick Dametto says it’s the media who owes the community an apology in a fiery press conference on Friday morning, after being issued an infringement notice for public nuisance for a high-profile pub fiasco on Magnetic Island.
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MAYOR PAYS PRICE
Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto has been fined for public nuisance following a highprofile altercation during a Magnetic Island pub crawl earlier this year. Queensland Police Service confirmed late on Thursday afternoon that the former Hinchinbrook MP...
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RENOVATION RESCUE
A decades-long wait for works on Townsville’s most notorious CBD eyesore may be over, with works seemingly under way at the former Dimmeys Arcade. The once-bustling Flinders Street property has earnt the ire of the Townsville community after being...
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LANDLORD CRASHES OUT
An Ingham landlord has been sentenced to nine months’ jail, suspended for a year, after she drove her SUV through the gate of her rental property, injuring a tenant who owed her money. Rebecca Elise Oddy’s (pictured) not guilty plea led to a lengthy...
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TOO SCARED TO SPEAK
Terrified Townsville residents are too scared of retaliation to report criminals, according to damning new Crime Stoppers research. Townsville recorded a record high number of reported crimes in 2025 and remains on track for a similar total in 2026...
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HOOK, LINE & SINKER
A devastating $160 million ban that wiped out North Queensland’s gillnet fishing industry was allegedly built on a report bankrolled by the World Wildlife Fund and facing criticism for university involvement.
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TRAGIC TOLL ON COMMUNITY
A tragic 24 hours on North Queensland roads has left a motorcyclist dead and several others fighting for their lives following a relentless spate of crashes across the Townsville region. Queensland Ambulance Service confirmed that a man in his 70s had...
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Council changes rules
Townsville community groups seeking local government funding will have to prove their economic worth, with new council guidelines tying up to $50,000 in partnership grants directly to tourism, job creation and industry growth. Under the Townsville...
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UNINSURED AND EXPOSED
A shocking four in 10 Townsville homes are going without contents insurance, leaving thousands of local households exposed to potential financial ruin in the event of a natural disaster.
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SHOCK CONFESSION
A detective has unearthed an explosive confession, allegedly made by a former police officer, that dramatically implicates him in the 1993 murder of WWII veteran Les Ball. This stunning breakthrough, years after the case ran cold, is now casting a...
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DRONE DANGER IN OUR SKIES
Unidentified drones have breached restricted airspace over RAAF Base Townsville, exposing a massive national security concern right in our own backyard. Just 72 hours after the Federal Government was warned that northern bases were completely...
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STUNNING SHORES
Adell Ellis sent in this Top Shot of a perfectly foamy shorefront.
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SQUATTER HOLIDAY HORROR
Eleven people were found squatting inside a Townsville home while its 75-year-old owner was overseas, a court heard. A stolen car and a cache of firearms, including a shotgun, were also uncovered. During sentencing, the court heard the squatters were...
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Witness tells of ‘horror’
An accused triple murderer allegedly insisted his four neighbours meet him at his property line before three were shot dead, a court has heard. Giving evidence in the Townsville Supreme Court, witness Kaitlin Jordan told a jury she heard Darryl Young...
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CANDIDATES’ MARKET SPAT
Andrew Mckaysmith A council candidate says she will abandon her market stalls after a run-in with a fellow candidate left her feeling “scared”. Division 1 contender Michelle Hobson made the claims after a confrontation with rival candidate Steven Clare.
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Pivotal evidence in cold case
A single, forged train ticket has emerged as a pivotal piece of evidence in the decades-long cold case surrounding the disappearance of WWII veteran Les Ball. This crucial detail, is casting a stark new light on what happened to the 71-year-old before...
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TROPICAL TIP-OFF ALL SET
An all-in WNBL tournament in North Queensland will kick off with a series of community clinics later this month. Former Opal and WNBL Strategy and Basketball Partnerships chief Lauren Jackson says the first steps towards the September Townsville Tip...
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FIGHT FOR JUSTICE
A three decade search for answers into the disappearance of Townsville man Leslie Ball may finally be over. A new podcast claims to hold the answers to what happened.
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Buckle up for the legendary Mt Isa rodeo
Thousands of fans and hundreds of competitors from across Australia and overseas are packing into the mining city for the legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo. Newly crowned rodeo queens and a group of riders visited local schools in Mount Isa on Wednesday...
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SISTER ON MURDER CHARGE
A 70-year-old disability support worker has faced court charged with the domestic violence murder of her vulnerable half-brother. Police allege 56-year-old Isaac Oar, who had Down syndrome and was non-verbal, was severely malnourished and weighed a...
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CLERIC’S DENIALS
A former priest at the centre of a North Queensland child sexual abuse trial has denied any memory of his accuser. Neville Creen, 86, told the jury he did not know the complainant or make him perform sexual acts upon him.
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WATER YOU LOOKING AT?
Julie Lyne captured this waterbird stretching its wings beside the lilies during a recent walk through Anderson Park.
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SHOW US THE MONEY
One of the nation’s biggest tertiary education unions has slammed JCU’S leadership over proposed workplace cuts and enterprise agreement negotiations, despite the university notching up a $37 million financial surplus. The criticism comes as JCU faces...
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HACK TO SCHOOL
A Townsville school has confirmed that hackers were able to gain access to potentially “sensitive information” on its computer system. Townsville Christian College has warned parents to change their passwords and remain alert for unusual calls.
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GLOWING SUNSET
Glowing Sunset on beautiful Cockle Bay, Maggie Island, courtesy of Kev Rowan.
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LAST’S LINE OF DEFENCE
Hayden Johnson North Queensland MP Dale Last has been drawn into damaging admissions over the appointment of former LNP minister Andrew Cripps to a cushy, $392,711 a year job. Confronted by the Labor opposition over the appointment in estimates, Mr...
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Welcome to a new era of news.
When you understand why things happen, everything becomes clear. It's never been more important for news to give you that clarity - to help you understand what's really going on. So, if you're ready for a sharper perspective, come with us. Get the...
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COERCIVE CONTROLLER JAILED
A judge has slammed a 26-year-old’s horrifying campaign of domestic violence as “one hell of a way” to start an offending record. Mitchell Connor Rosewood has been jailed for five years after subjecting his girlfriend to death threats and extreme...
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CLASS WAR ON CAMPUS
Mounting frustrations at Townsville’s James Cook University campus have boiled over, with students protesting a raft of changes made by the university’s executives. Students have petitioned JCU higher-ups to revert a pair of proposed changes, saying...
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FLATMATE’S DARK SECRET
Almost three decades after the murder of Dianne Angwin in her Bowen home, new details have emerged that could finally crack the North Queensland cold case. Police have revealed the 50year-old’s flatmate admitted to recognising the intruder but kept...
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SHAME, PAULINE
Leading Domestic Violence educator and former police officer Elise Feltham has called Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce’s comments on domestic violence, “irresponsible” and “ridiculously absurd”. Earlier this week, Hanson likened DV to a “two way...
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‘A PARENT’S NIGHTMARE’
Described by a prosecutor as “every parent’s worst nightmare”, a man charged with attempting to take two young girls for immoral purposes has been refused bail after a court heard he posed an unacceptable risk to children and the broader...
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Tricky truckies push limits
Rogue truckies are being warned to slow down after a nationwide crackdown exposed a shocking wave of illegal speed tamping across the nation’s heavy vehicle fleet. Queensland was among five states targeted in the crackdown – known as Operation...
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FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM
A Townsville fitness business owner faced some of her darkest days in the years after she was sexually assaulted during a morning run. Corryn Henrich was left devastated by the lingering effects of the attack, but is now vowing not to let other women...
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These snakes take the cake
Billabong Sanctuary senior ranger Bas Lloyd-how thinks snakes are just awesome and for him World Snake Day, last Wednesday, is one of his favourite days of the year. The event aims to get people to appreciate the ecological importance of the reptiles...
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COPS FACE CRIME TIDE
Crime in Townsville is at near-record levels as the Queensland Police Union has blasted a lack of resources and labelled the watch house “dangerous” and “disgusting”.
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SAIL INTO HISTORY
The Magnetic Island Race Week has sold out of competitor registrations in a record eight minutes. This year the event will feature a packed social calendar as it looks to bring in more tourism dollars than ever before.
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SEX VIDEO ALLEGATION
A former army soldier accused of messaging a 14-year-old girl and offering money for sexual favours, showed her a sex act on video, a court has heard as his trial on child exploitation material charges began.
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Kieran Keyes resigns as chief operating officer HOSPITAL BOSS GONE RENOWNED AUTHOR CAMERAS ROLL VISITS THE VILLE ON FILM FEST FRANCES WHITING EVENT, P3 FULL DETAILS, P5
Townsville University Hospital chief operating officer Kieran Keyes has quit to pursue a “change in professional direction.” The departure comes after a period of recent leave for Mr Keyes. In an email to staff, board chairman Tony Mooney said he...
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Cops fail test, then axe it
Queensland Police is working to find a replacement for a crucial integrity survey which has been scrapped just as results show the service is falling short of its own public trust targets. The QPS Service Delivery Report – released in the 2026-27...
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RAPIST HAD NO REMORSE
A disgraced Townsville real estate agent has been jailed for nine years after using his power as a caretaker to wage a “brazen” campaign of sexual violence against four women. Alexander Terry, 69, sat emotionless in the District Court as Judge...
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READY TO ROAR
Australia’s best drivers will descend on the city as the Townsville 500 prepares to set hearts racing again.
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Uni’s $12m name change stir
A Queensland university’s mooted name change away from its “complex” but “historical” roots would cost up to $12m, an internal report has revealed. It’s believed that cost would have been passed on to students. The report into James Cook University...
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Squeeze on prison system
The state government’s toughon-crime agenda is colliding with an underfunded and poorly resourced prison system that is failing to rehabilitate offenders, a shocking report has revealed. In a blunt assessment of the state’s prison system, the...
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BY THE RIVERSIDE
Kim Mostyn sent in this snap of the Ross River flowing through Mundingburra.
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PRICES HIT THE ROOF
New data has heaped fresh pain on aspiring homeowners, with Townsville now ranked as the most expensive city to build a house in the nation. The northern capital has seen construction costs grow rapidly over the past few years, with builders bearing...
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FISH OUT OF WATER
Secret plans could be underway to uproot the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium from its current location, with an insider revealing that the Reef Authority may abandon its historic city site over fears it’s no longer an appropriate spot. Despite holding a...
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TRAGIC CRASH
Two more lives have been lost on the notorious Bruce Highway, while there are grave fears for another person following a separate crash on a private property hours later. A man and woman, both from Toobanna, were killed in a collision between a Toyota...
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Loan deal to save careers
Thousands of jobs have been safeguarded through a landmark deal involving the federal and state governments. Both levels of government will chip in for a $160 million loan to ensure the Phosphate Hill fertiliser facility continues to operate. Phosphate...
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E-SCOOTER THUGS
A 10-year-old boy faces an uncertain road to recovery after an e-scooter struck him in a hit-and-run right outside his school. Young Cooper was walking his push scooter when the rider collided with him, causing severe facial fractures and lacerations.
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Mothballed mine back to life
Once regarded as a cornerstone of Queensland’s gold and silver sectors, a prominent NQ mine has been brought back to life, giving an immediate economic and employment jolt to the region after it was mothballed three years ago. Mount Carlton Mine,...
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FOOTBALL FEVER
Townsville is set to play host to one of the Socceroos first home games following the World Cup. Queensland Country Bank stadium will be the grounds for one of two blockbuster match-ups with Brazil later this year in a major coup for the region.
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Screw’s drug supply deal
A corrections officer abused his position to act as a middle man in a prison drug supply operation in exchange for money. Townsville District Court was told Jade Morris Prior had been working at Townsville Correctional Centre for about seven months...
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SUNSET STUNNER
This gorgeous photo was taken in Cleveland Bay, on the way home from a fishing trip. Smoke haze from Cape Cleveland fire caused effect. Picture: Terry Mcgeachin
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RAPE TRIAL BREAKS JURY
Holly Fishlock A jury’s deliberation was so gruelling that one member asked to leave the trial completely. It took about 26 hours for a jury of six men and six women to finalise their decisions following a 13-day trial of a real estate agent accused...
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PRETTY IN PINK
Julie Lyne snapped this stunning shot of Anderson Park on May 25.
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BANDIT’S BIZARRE CHECKLIST
A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison after threatening to stab a Mount Louisa bottle shop employee during a brazen armed robbery. Begat Jaafer Deng pleaded guilty in Townsville District Court to the August 2025...
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KING OF THE NORTH
BUY THE BULLETIN EVERYDAY THIS WEEK TO COLLECT LIFE-SIZE POSTER OF BIG JASE
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ABUSED AT WORK
The union representing Cleveland Youth Detention Centre employees say staff are being subjected to “violent assaults on an unprecedented level” with more than 210 claims made for workers compensation in 18 months. Of the claims made, 185 were...
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COPS, THHS CLEARED IN FINDINGS
Townsville Health and Hospital Service and Queensland Police have been cleared of blame in the lead-up to the fatal shooting of suicidal army veteran Steven Angus in 2023. The Coroners Court did, however, make two recommendations to help Queensland...
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Accused rapist bonded with victim over cancer
A North Queensland businessman on trial for multiple sexual offences told a jury he shared news of his prostate surgery with his accuser before they engaged in consensual sex. Alexander James Macdonald Terry, who has pleaded not guilty, told the court...
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RATES SET TO RISE
Townsville property owners will face increased rates as part of the 2026/27 budget, driven by the rising costs of fuel and service delivery. The council will increase its rates despite successfully finding $16 million in savings. Mayor Nick Dametto...
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HOW’S THE SERENITY?
A beautiful shot from The Strand, taken behind the Tobruk Pool kiosk with a view to Magnetic Island. Beautiful one day ... perfect the next. Photo by: Maria Truscott
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CONNECT THE DOTS
Urban planning experts are warning Townsville risks wasting the opportunity provided by the upcoming Olympics. They’re urging decision-makers to invest in the city’s future and ensure a connected cityscape that’s ready to grow.
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Let’s get ready to rumble
Skateboarders from Townsville and interstate are ready to tear it this weekend as they take part in the Rumble Rodeo Skate Series. The event will be held at the Murray Skate Park in Annandale, with around 50 skaters – as young as five years old, to...
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EX-US POLLIE SAYS GOLD MINE A ‘MESS’
A former US congressman, who is a substantial shareholder in a Queensland gold miner, has blasted the company’s bid to change auditors after only eight months while taking aim at its performance. Alan Grayson is an investor in Asx-listed Citigold...
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OUT OF THE ASHES
A selfless Townsville family who lost all of their possessions in a horrific house fire plans to relocate to Brisbane due to the trauma of the ordeal, with thousands of dollars already raised to help them move on. Mum Katie says while her family...
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CBD SEA CHANGE
A dramatic new vision for how the city’s waterfront could reignite the CBD and turn Townsville into a jewel has been unveiled.
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COPS SWEAT OVER LEAK
Highly sensitive personal details of serving Townsville police officers have been compromised in a massive security breach at a local fitness centre. The names, phone numbers and home addresses of Strand Fitness members were discovered on a USB drive...
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YACHT SO FAST
An audacious alleged plot to smuggle a Townsville fugitive out of the country on a luxury yacht was crushed by police. The drama unfolded 53km off the West Australian coast on Monday, when police intercepted a vessel allegedly bound for Indonesia. On...
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PLEA TO SAVE MUM
First came a devastating cyclone, then a tragic family cancer diagnosis. Now, a Townsville single mother is facing the battle of her life against a brain tumour. Her academically gifted 16year-old daughter is rallying the community to keep their...
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LIGHTS, CAMERA INACTION
North Queensland is pleading for funding to upgrade sporting facilities - warning it risks losing vital economic and athletic opportunities ahead of the Olympics. Despite repeated political pledges, venues like Riverway Stadium and Murray Sporting...
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BUSH MATTERS
The largest conversation between the bush and powerbrokers starts today, as News Corp Australia launches its 2026 Bush Summit campaign. Regional Australians can have their say on issues that matter most in a new poll, which will help frame debate at...
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Urbis Managing Partner James Tuma
“The Olympics frames a choice about whether this is treated as an opportunity to host an event, or as a platform to lift how the city performs in attracting people, capital and attention.
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