Traditional Landowners
Traditional Owners and Custodians, the Bindal and Wulgurukaba peoples are the first people to have lived in the Townsville region.
The Bindal People
The Bindal people call their Country Thul Garrie Waja. An important symbol for the Bindal people is the shooting star. They believe that wherever the star fell, or the direction the star fell meant there was either danger coming or someone from that direction was in need of help or in danger.
The Wulgurukaba People
The Wulgurukaba people call their Country Gurambilbarra. Wulgurukaba means “canoe people”. An important symbol of the Wulgurukaba people is the carpet snake. The Wulgurukaba creation story tells of a giant carpet snake (Gabul) that travelled from the Herbert River, forming the Hinchinbrook Channel, before moving out to sea, and down to Palm and Magnetic Islands. Its body broke up, leaving parts along the coast. The tail of the snake is at Halifax Bay, its body is at Palm Island, while its head rests at Arcadia, Magnetic Island.
More Information
For more resources, information and services for First Nations peoples and the wider community, please visit:
Capital Works Program
To keep Townsville growing, Council is actively involved in the delivery of projects to provide vital infrastructure and exciting development opportunities.
Garrison - Exhibiting at Pinnacles Gallery
Featuring around 60 artworks by Douglas Green, Tim Page, George Gittoes, Jon Cattapan & more, this exhibition brings together historical & contemporary perspectives on conflict, service & resilience through works from the City of Townsville Art Collection.
Anzac Day 2026
Join Townsville City Council this Anzac Day, in partnership with the Townsville and Thuringowa RSL sub-branches. Commemorative services and parades will be held at the Thuringowa Cenotaph, Riverway Precinct and Anzac Memorial Park, The Strand
Join Townsville Youth Council
Join to collaborate with community leaders, create new opportunities, and advocate for the issues that matter most to the next generation. Applications close 30 April 2026.
Mother's Day Memorial
Join us at Belgian Gardens Cemetery for a special memorial to remember those close to us that we have lost. The memorial is a free community event and open to all who seek to connect with others to remember their loved ones ahead of Mother's Day.