Townsville police have charged 19 people with 42 offences following a high-visibility operation targeting property crime. The operation aimed to detect and disrupt stolen vehicles, burglary and stealing in hotspot areas. Two stolen vehicles were tracked and abandoned, leading to arrests of several youths and a 31-year-old Rasmussen woman. Police charged the woman with six offences, including evading police at night and driving without a licence. Inspector Jason Brosnan said police will continue to prioritise property crime and serious repeat offenders.
Former sprinter Jake Doran, 26, from Magnetic Island near Townsville, has been charged with a child sex offence after an arrest last week. Police allege indecent treatment of children between January 2025 and September 2026. He faces one count of indecent treatment of a child under 16 and was released on bail by Townsville Magistrates Court. Athletics Australia has provisionally barred him from club events and training, saying he holds no role within the organisation and that it takes such allegations seriously. The matter returns to court on November 5.
Former Australian sprinter Jake Doran has been charged with indecent treatment of a child in Queensland. Police charged the 26-year-old last week. Doran was the 2022 Australian 100m champion and won the 200m at the 2023 Australian Athletics Championships. Australian Athletics says it has imposed a provisional action on him, banning him from club, member association and national events, as well as athletics training. The body said the safety of participants is paramount and that the matter is now with police.
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Heart and lung surgeries at Townsville Hospital were paused for 10 days in September because of staff shortages, and five urgent patients were flown to Brisbane. The Townsville Hospital and Health Services says it is engaging with the Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union over complaints that nurses were being called in inappropriately on-call, leading to fatigue. Union secretary Sarah Beaman said members reported unmanageable workloads and burnout. The hospital says robust processes are in place to manage fatigue.
Police have charged a 21-year-old Aitkenvale woman after she allegedly had a machete and an axe in Townsville on Monday, 19 October. Officers from Kirwan station were on patrol in Alfred Street at about 12.20am when they stopped a man riding a bicycle without a helmet. Police allege he passed a backpack to the woman, which was searched and found to contain an axe. Officers later allegedly found a machete in nearby bushes. Both weapons were seized. The woman was issued a Notice to Appear and charged with two counts of possessing a knife in a public place.
Townsville Air Force veteran Pete O'Connell has been selected to represent Australia at the inaugural Invictus Australia Sports Festival in Perth. The festival runs from 23 to 25 October 2026 and brings together serving and former Defence personnel affected by injury or illness. Competitors from Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea will contest indoor rowing, pickleball, sitting volleyball and swimming. O'Connell says his training has helped him reconnect with his community since leaving the Australian Defence Force. Public activities, including a Community Sports Expo at Scarborough Beach, are free to attend on Saturday.
The Telugu Association of North Queensland hosted the Bathukamma festival at Riverway Community Centre in Douglas, Townsville, on 17 October 2026. Traditional songs, dance, food and floral displays were part of the afternoon, which drew Telugu families and Australian friends. Janelle Poole, Member for Mundingburra, attended, took part in the dancing and tried traditional food. The festival, held during Navaratri, celebrates nature, womanhood and gratitude, and helps pass customs on to younger generations.
Queensland Corrective Services officers allegedly restrained an Indigenous woman in the maternity unit at Townsville Hospital after she gave birth by caesarean section on October 10 while in custody. Her newborn was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit and the two were separated. Corrective Services says the woman was not restrained during labour or surgery, and that restraints on pregnant prisoners are only used as a last resort. The department is reviewing her care. Nurses and midwives raised concerns, and a petition seeks a ban on restraints during pregnancy and childbirth.
Townsville's Abbey Ellis scored 47 points in the Fire's 86-68 away win over Adelaide in the WNBL. It was the most points scored by one player in a WNBL match in 21 years. Townsville trailed 35-21 in the second quarter but outscored Adelaide 27-10 in the final term. Ellis hit 16 of 24 shots from the field. Courtney Woods and Marie Gulich added support with 14 and 13 points.
A new stand-up comedy show in Townsville lets parents bring their babies along. Called Nappies and Comedy, the event is designed to help new parents socialise after childbirth without fear of judgement. Comedian and producer Sarah Stewart says crying babies and nappy accidents are accepted at the show. Local comedians James Shilock and Paddy Hoot will perform alongside her, sharing stories about parenthood. Doors open 30 minutes before each performance, and tickets are selling fast. The material is strictly for adults.
Queensland's LNP government says there is still a long way to go to reverse the state's youth crime crisis. Minister Laura Gerber said the government will keep expanding its adult crime, adult time policy. Official figures show victim numbers fell about 4 per cent in 2025. Bond University criminologist Terry Goldsworthy credits police targeting and tougher bail laws, not the policy, and says overall crime remains at a 20-year high. Victims in Townsville and Brisbane describe ongoing fear and some feeling safer.
Pippa Colman Family Law has launched a dedicated surrogacy law service through its Townsville and Sunshine Coast offices. The Queensland firm is encouraging intended parents and surrogates to seek legal advice early, before conception. Under Queensland's Surrogacy Act 2010, only altruistic surrogacy is permitted, and arrangements must be in writing before conception. The firm says it will prepare and review arrangements and help with parentage orders after birth. The Australian Law Reform Commission is reviewing national surrogacy laws.
Retired dentist Peter Lynch has designed a $4 plastic basket that lets pickers pack mulberries directly into punnets. His Sunshine Coast hinterland farm, Kureelpa Mulberry Company, says the change has cut fruit damage by 80 per cent and reduced labour costs. The farm's four-week harvest depends on daily pickers, and the couple is concerned that cuts to working holiday visa numbers could make hiring difficult. Two French working holiday makers on the farm said a second year in Australia is uncertain.
Nebo residents face a planned water supply outage from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Thursday, 29 October 2026, while the council carries out repairs at the Emergency Services Building. About 11 properties on St Lawrence and Kemmis Streets will be affected. Once supply returns, some households may notice discoloured water. Residents in that situation are advised to flush their taps and avoid using washing machines until the water runs clear. Flushing water can be reused on gardens or lawns.
Entries for the 2026 Spring in the Mary Photo Competition close this weekend, on October 31. The Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee is inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to share spring images from across the region. Six award categories share $2,500 in prizes, including a Junior category for entrants aged 16 and under. Entrants may submit up to three original photographs taken within the Mary River catchment, using a camera or smartphone. Images, a short caption and an entry form are to be emailed to the committee.
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Tamborine Mountain U3A is bringing mature residents and retirees together through a wide range of classes and events. The group has run on the mountain since 2007. Members can take part in activities including ballet, card games, pickleball, language classes and novel discussions. Branch Secretary Bev Kirk says the group helps prevent loneliness and keeps members engaged. The U3A also runs events at local businesses, including a Great Gatsby Murder Mystery Night on October 23 at the Fox and Hounds.
Trilogy Accounting, a local accounting firm, is celebrating 15 years in business. Directors Samantha Newsham and Noela Lee say their active community involvement, including helping found the Canungra Chamber, has helped the business grow. Noela said the firm values the long-term trust built with clients. The early years were difficult, with some days passing without payment, but the team has continued to support local residents and businesses with their finances. Samantha said many startups seek advice before making decisions.
Tom Offermann agents sold two of three properties offered at auction on the weekend, despite heavy rain across South East Queensland. Erica Newton sold a Noosaville penthouse to a local buyer. The week before, she sold a Sunrise Beach house, the legacy of Kenneth and Wendy Heinze, for $3.6m, with proceeds going to four charities. The Real Estate Institute of Queensland says 48 of 50 tracked regions were in the tight rental range of 0 to 2.5 percent in the September quarter.
Brisbane and the Gold Coast are on track for their wettest October in six years. Brisbane has recorded about 170 millimetres this month, roughly double its October average of 87 millimetres. Flash floods hit Caboolture and Morayfield, where more than 400 millimetres fell over the past week. The Sunshine Coast is likely to break its October record, with 369 millimetres already recorded at its airport. The Bureau of Meteorology says Brisbane is not expecting heavy falls, apart from possible showers.
The Raiders have withdrawn their four-year, $4.4 million contract offer to Hudson Young. The PNG Chiefs have offered him a tax-free deal of $900,000 a season, which is financially better. The Chiefs said they could not fit him under their salary cap at the $1.1 million a season figure set by the NRL. The Raiders had wanted to sign Young long term and felt they had to act before the November 1 deadline, when players with expiring contracts can negotiate with rival clubs.
City of Moreton Bay and the Brisbane Bullets are calling on residents to nominate people who make a difference in local sport. The Community Hero initiative recognises coaches, volunteers and everyday champions who go above and beyond. Two finalists will each receive four game tickets and a half-time shout-out. The major winner will receive a courtside box experience for four, food and drinks, a signed jersey and an on-court thank you. Nominations close at 11:59pm on Sunday 22 November.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour has paid tribute to former councillor James Hansen, who has died. Hansen served one term on the former Woocoo Shire Council from 2004 to 2008 and three terms on Fraser Coast Regional Council from 2012 to 2024. Seymour described Hansen as one of the region's last dairy farmers and a passionate advocate for primary producers. He said Hansen always stood up for his beliefs. Seymour said his thoughts are with Hansen's family and friends after what he called a sudden and tragic loss.
Community and not-for-profit groups have until this Saturday, 31 October 2026, to apply for Council's Community Grants Round 1. Two grant levels are available. Small Grants of up to $5,000 are co-funded by Senex Energy and do not require a co-contribution, although one is favoured. Major Grants range from $5,001 to $20,000 and require a co-contribution of up to 50 per cent. Groups can discuss their projects with Council's Local Development Officers before applying.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council has won the Local Government Mutual Services Risk Excellence Award for its Flash Flood Sensor Network. The radar sensors monitor water levels at known flood-prone locations across the region. Readings feed into the Cassowary Coast Disaster Dashboard, where residents, emergency services and Council can view local conditions. The network has already helped police and State Emergency Service personnel monitor conditions around Mission Beach. Council is running a three-year trial to verify the sensor readings and assess the system's effectiveness.
