Locals and tourists attending Townsville City Council's New Year's Eve Beach Party are being asked to dig deep in support of communities across Australia battling bushfires and drought.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said New Year's Eve parties, to be held across three locations, would include donation points for locals to help support other communities doing it tough.
Cr Hill said the decision to collect donations at the events came after careful consideration of feedback from locals.
"In light of the extreme fire events across the state, Council has seriously considered its position on providing fireworks for New Year's Eve," Cr Hill said.
"At the end of the day, Townsville has a community that has personally experienced disaster this year, with some people still recovering.
"The social benefit of bringing everyone together in this way is important to mark the start of a new chapter in 2020."
Local Recovery Resilience Group Chair Cr Les Walker said while there was still a way to go in Townsville's recovery, if anyone knew how important recovery support was following a natural disaster was it was the Townsville community.
"Council is still heavily involved in ongoing local recovery efforts. We have chaired four recovery groups for human social recovery, economic recovery, natural environmental and built environment since February and have partnered with agencies across the community to help rebuild our city," Cr Walker said.
"While some people are still trying to get back on their feet it is still important for others to take the time to support our neighbouring communities who have been affected by this bushfire season and ongoing drought.
"We wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and we hope to see you this New Year's Eve."
The New Year's Eve Beach Party events are free to attend with plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Event details
- Event starts at 7pm and includes food trucks and fireworks at 9pm
- Movie starts at 7pm.
- Beach Party includes food trucks and runs from the 9pm fireworks until the midnight fireworks.
- Fireworks at midnight.
