🎸 Reviving Hoadley’s, an epic rock history project
Critical local plasma shortage | Eris returns at Mount Isa Rodeo | Meta signs nuclear deal | Neuralink hits $9B and heaps more
G’day and welcome back to another Townsville Times Thursday, it’s June 5.
Today's newsletter is 1,021 words and a 5-minute read.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Reviving Hoadley’s, an epic rock history project
A Free Townsville session: To help teach calmer classrooms
A major plasma shortage: Hits Townsville, donations needed
Trending: Home security
Around the web (Snippets): Never-before-seen devastating footage of bottom trawling impacts, A free Townsville session, Apple OS changes teased and more
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1. One Big Thing: Reviving Hoadley’s: A Rock History Project
Newcastle radio host and music historian Jack Hodgins is writing the first comprehensive book on Hoadley’s Battle of the Sounds, the iconic Australian band competition that ran from 1966 to 1972.
He’s calling on Townsville locals to share memories, photos, or memorabilia to help fill in the gaps.
Townsville played a key role in the contest, with radio station 4TO hosting local heats and bands like The Living Image and The Klub reaching state finals. Hodgins believes personal recollections are crucial, as many performances were never officially recorded.
Over 3,000 bands competed nationally, with more than 60 heats held each year. The competition launched careers and showcased regional talent, leaving a lasting impact on Australia’s music history.
The book is expected to be released in June 2026. Hodgins hopes more North Queenslanders will come forward with their stories to preserve this unique chapter of Aussie rock. Read more in the full article 👇
2. Free Townsville session teaches calmer classrooms
What’s Happening: Learning Connections is holding a free info session on 5 June 2025 at The Surf Club, Townsville, showing how daily movement can improve focus and behaviour in classrooms.
Why It Matters: The program boosts coordination, regulation, and learning readiness, using just a few minutes per day.
By the Numbers
15–20 minutes daily is all it takes to work through the full program
It’s already currently used by hundreds of Queensland educators
Radford College fully adopted it in 2021
What The People Say: “It’s changed the way I think,” added educator Shay Gilliland.
What To Look For Next” Register HERE. Free event includes refreshments and hands-on insights.
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3. Plasma shortage hits Townsville
What’s Happening: Lifeblood is calling on Townsville to provide 200 plasma donations this week as Queensland’s supplies hit crisis levels.
Why It Matters: Plasma is vital for treating cancer, immune disorders, and bleeding conditions.
O-negative blood is also in high demand for emergency care.
By the Numbers:
2,000 O-type donors are needed statewide
200 plasma donations requested in Townsville
10,000 blood products are distributed daily
Local Impact: Donations typically fall in winter months, so early help is crucial, with Townsville residents able to make a major difference with one simple 90-minute donation.
What The People Say: “Plasma donation is safe, and you can donate more often,” she added.
Book now via the DonateBlood App, lifeblood.com.au, or 13 14 95.
Weekly Dream Gig
This week – Marine Services Asia Pacific is looking for Marine Pros Wanted – Master 24s, Coxswains & GPHs – we’ve got boats to crew and contracts to fill - $90,000 – $130,000 per year.
Work military, survey, offshore for Townsville, Bowen, Melbourne, Sydney.
FIFOs on, but locals (Bowen/Sydney) = gold.
Have a job opening? Promote your vacancy here 👇
4. Trending
🕰️ In Case You Missed It - Last week’s newsletter
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Townsville’s Backyard BBQ Battle fires up: Next Sunday at Anderson Gardens, with live cook-offs, prizes, and sizzling family fun.
Elvis, a rare descendant of the legendary Carandotta horses: Returns as a star attraction at Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, 8–10 August.
All the rumoured: Changes that Apple could be bringing to its new operating system
SeaLink marks World Environment and Oceans Day: By showcasing its nationwide sustainability efforts and commitment to protecting marine ecosystems.
Meta has signed a: 20-year deal for nuclear energy to power its AI ambitions
A 20-year tourism plan puts: North Queensland at the heart of Queensland’s push for global ecotourism leadership.
Neuralink has raised $650 million, taking its valuation to: $9 billion, which is deepening the connection between biological and artificial intelligence
Never-before-seen devastating: Footage of bottom trawling impacts👇
6. Upcoming Events
🎶 Townsville Folk Festival: June 7–8, 2025 – Foots Hill Station, Reid River. Experience a weekend of live music, arts, and community spirit at this family-friendly festival set in the serene bushland near Townsville.
🏃 Townsville West Water Tanks Run: June 7, 2025 – Strand Park, North Ward. Join the Townsville Road Runners for a challenging 5km or 10km run starting near the Picnic Bay Surf Life Saving Club.
🚶 The Great Island Trek: June 7, 2025 – Magnetic Island. Embark on a scenic trek across Magnetic Island, exploring its natural beauty and diverse landscapes.
🎉 Townsville Pop Fest 2025: June 8, 2025 – Townsville Stadium, Annandale. Celebrate pop culture with cosplay, merchandise stalls, and fan meet-ups at this vibrant convention.
🏉 Wynnum Manly Seagulls vs. Townsville Blackhawks: June 8, 2025 – BMD Kougari Oval, Wynnum. Cheer on the Townsville Blackhawks as they take on the Seagulls in this Queensland Cup match.
🤝 Black Coffee Business Yarnz: June 10, 2025 – Podium Cafe, Railway Estate. Connect with Indigenous business professionals over coffee in this networking event.
🎭 Disney's Finding Nemo Jr.: June 11, 2025 – Townsville Civic Theatre. Enjoy a delightful musical adaptation of the beloved animated film, performed by local talent.
🎤 Echoes of Pink Floyd – 60 Years of Pink Floyd: June 12, 2025 – Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre. Experience a tribute to Pink Floyd's iconic music, celebrating six decades of their legacy.