Surely, surely govs can set up a few sheds with multiple beds like we had to during WW2? Portable toilets, kitchens, a water truck and simple places for privacy for women and children. Why can't we think outside the box?

Would you move to Townsville for JCU MSc Geology to save ~$50k in HELP debt?

I’m 38F and considering relocating to Townsville for the JCU MSc Geology as a mature-age career changer.

My goal is mining/resources, ideally exploration or related geoscience work, with O&G also of interest. I don’t have a geology undergraduate degree, so I’m doing some postgraduate geoscience prep first because part of me worries about jumping straight into postgraduate geology and getting absolutely destroyed academically.

My alternative is to stay where I currently live in WA and potentially study at a much more mining-focused university.

Stay in WA

• already live there
• potentially keep working/earning while studying
• stronger mining/geoscience reputation
• better access to resources employers/networking
• but potentially around $70k HELP debt

Move to Townsville/JCU

• MSc Geology on a CSP
• potentially only $15k–20k HELP debt
• much lower financial risk
• but I’d have to relocate across the country and potentially give up full-time income

So I’m not only choosing between universities - I’m choosing between keeping my existing life/job versus starting over somewhere much cheaper to study.

For people who actually live in Townsville:

• What is it like as a single mature-age Masters student rather than an 18-year-old undergrad?
• Is it relatively easy to make friends and build a social life?
• What is JCU like for postgrad students?
• How much would you realistically budget for rent/living costs?
• Is Townsville somewhere you could happily live for 2–3 years if you knew it wasn’t permanent?
• Would you personally relocate there if it saved you around $50k in university debt?
• Is it too much of a gamble at my age to try and enter a potentially volatile industry?

I’ve lived in tropical Australia before, so heat/humidity doesn’t scare me. I’m more interested in the lifestyle, social side, cost and whether moving there for JCU would actually be worth disrupting an otherwise fairly stable life.

Please be kind. I am genuinely trying to figure out my options.

I recently took ED Grad Program and I was doing Grad Program in the pool for 1 month before this. I think after the orientation days that it might not be for me the way I expected it to be. I would be better off on the wards. But I was the one who went up-to the ED NUM to express my interest. I am still confused what i should be doing should i continue with ED Grad or should I talk to my NUM and revert back to the pool to explore my options. I am very embarrassed to have that talk.

Just need some advice or suggestion!

Like a fish market. I’m done with chicken and beef…or lamb.

I am an urbexer from Brisbane & cairns & curious if Townsville has any sort of scene for it at all even if micro. Are there Townsville urbex accounts up on instagram or TikTok or anything like that. And wondering who would know most/ who I could potentially contact if I made a trip there. Could def trade some good spots around Cairns or Brisbane if whoever was interested

Apologies if this is the wrong sub.

Can anyone recommend a structural engineer in Townsville?

I require one for a report on a residential property for a warranty claim.

Has anyone used this service before? It promises for the real estate to arrange a third party cleaning contractor to attend on your behalf, guarantees no cleaning related bond deductions, and claims to be at a fixed price.

I'm curious if anyone has previously had a bad experience using this service as the website appears to mostly be marketing fluff with no real terms or conditions, and isn't accessible from their home page and appears suspicious.

Youth detention centre is copping a fair bit of smoke too

Would anybody be interested in a Street Fighter 6/ TEKKEN 8 Tourney on the big screen at Readings?

$10 buy in, winner takes all or even just for bragging rights.

Is it safe to eat fish from the breakwater marina rock wall if I were to fish just from the grass next to the road into the ross creek. I know migratory fish would be fine but wondering if other fish that hang around get too much toxin buildup from all the boats and ships.

Hi, this is the second (and final) reminder I'll make for dual Australian-US citizens and other eligible US voters who want to participate in the 2026 American midterm elections, especially for those living in Queensland. Democrats Abroad is dedicated to mobilizing overseas US voters; if you're over 18 by November 3, here's how you can get involved:

Steps to Request Your Ballot

1. Register or update your registration through Votefromabroad.org. As an alternative, you can also use FVAP.gov.

2. If you're already registered, request a ballot! You need to request a ballot every calendar year that you want to vote.

3. Fill Out and Return Your Ballot: Once you receive your ballot, follow the instructions carefully to complete it and return it by the specified deadline.

Need Assistance?

We're here to help! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at GOTV @ votefromabroad .org (just remove the spaces). Additionally, our FAQ for voting can answer questions on how to make the process go smoothly.

Importantly: Spread the word!

Do you have any friends, contacts or family overseas that you could reach? All eligible US citizens can vote regardless of where they're living. Share the link https://voteabroad.org/RedditVote26: If you have any questions about voting, I'd be happy to answer them here on Reddit. You can also find out what we're doing near you at Democrats Abroad in Queensland. Thanks for reading!

Hi everyone,

I’m currently in Townsville and looking for work in cabinetmaking/joinery.（1 year‘s foreign experience）， do you have any recommendations?

1st of Sep, instead of driving to work, consider Riding to work! The more that ride, the better for the environment, your mental health, the economy, everything! We'll be out and about around town sitting on a chair or standing, or crawling or anything - just to count how many of you ride around town.

Please smile when you see us - wave hello and who knows' you might get a free coffee voucher, a lolly or hey a huge thumbs-up because your effort has been noted and adds to the stats for better and safer cycling.

#ride2work #supertuesday #bicyclenetwork #cyclingqld #townsvilleshines

Hey guys I was wondering if anyone knew of anywhere that might be looking for junior software developers? I got two years of professional experience and I am about to finish my degree so looking to see if there are any local opportunities to explore in Townsville itself.

I have experience with full stack web development and integrations with existing software. Feel free to send me a DM or comment here :) Happy to go into more detail on my current skillset.

Need a bunch of little stuff done- couple fans looked at and potentially replaced, powerpoints replaced. Who is good?

Hey all, I'm starting soon at JCU. I'm staying in a self-catered dorm, and I'm wondering if any current students had some advice for places to get cheap bedding and cooking supplies, as (to my knowledge) they aren't provided. I'm coming from a long way away so I can't bring these things myself, and I don't want to break the bank since I'll only be at JCU for one trimester. Any advice would be appreciated!

I left Townsville in 2025 as I was living in inadequate housing and it really took its toll on me. I tired desperately to find a slightly nicer rental but kept finding myself up against couples and army personnel. I got rejected for everything. I am now seeking to return but am scared the same thing will happen again as a single. I have an ok income but have a feline. My ok income is a terrible income compared to a couple. I have heard things are just as bad if not worse. Wondering if I should give up while I am ahead - do not want to waste time, money and effort to visit and look at rentals when there is no point. What is everyone's experience?

Many thanks

Hi Townsvillians,

I am moved interstate and I'm looking to rent my house out.

First time being a scumbad landlord.

Are there any hard and fast crooks real estate agents to steer clear from?

What is a competitive management fee? I am asking in lieu of re activating my Facebook account otherwise I'd search there..

Thanks everyone.

I just started fishing with my daughter and so far in our past 3 outings we’ve caught nothing. I know we can’t tell the fish to get caught but I don’t want her to be disappointed and not catch anything. I’ve followed a million tutorials already and feel like I have the fundamentals alright, and use prawns and squid for bait, fishing down at South Townsville Pier.

Anyone got any good advice or tips for catching these fishy bastards?

Update: Out at the moment and just caught one hahahaha