Townsville in north Queensland is a tropical beauty.
But did you know it’s also Australia’s biggest garrison city? During World War II, Townsville was virtually invaded by US forces, establishing the city as an Allied base for the Pacific campaign.
But Townsville’s military past marches much further back than the 1940s. In the late 1800s, the city’s Kissing Point Headland was fortified with cannon against naval invasion by the French and Russians! It’s just one of the fascinating stories to discover at Kissing Point Fort – now a peaceful coastal pathway and public reserve.
At its northern end, you’ll find Jezzine Barracks – a heritage precinct that includes one of the best military museums in Australia.
Army Museum North Queensland is operated by Australian Defence and manned by volunteers.
There are 3 large galleries – one devoted to pre-Federation battles; a second to World Wars 1 & 2; and the third to more recent conflicts in the Middle East and Asia.
John Wilson served in Vietnam as a gunner with Townsville’s 4th field regiment. He’s now retired in Townsville at Carlyle Gardens Lifestyle Resort. Even though John’s out of the khaki, he’s still fighting the ‘good fight’ along with wife, Denise.
In the early 2000s, John and fellow residents at the resort established a Disaster Management Committee to prepare for cyclone damage at the community. That proved to be a wise move when Cyclone Yasi hit Townsville in 2011, cutting power to the village for 5 days. John and his team managed to rescue food from unoccupied residences and feed hundreds of people two meals a day during the crisis. The committee’s fine work earned them both state and national awards of recognition.
But those who serve also sit and knit!
Denise Wilson leads a tireless troop of village residents who create ‘Trauma Teddies’ – cuddly tokens donated to North Queensland ambos and police, to pass on to young patients and children involved in domestic violence.
By the end of the year, the ladies will have knitted 10,000 teddies towards this very worthy cause.
Both John and Denise believe the strong sense of community at Carlyle Gardens is one of the many reasons they enjoy their life there.
If you’d like to learn more about Carlyle Gardens Lifestyle Resort, head to the website or Facebook page.
Carlyle Gardens Townsville
Carlyle Gardens Townsville Retirement Village offers the best in premium retirement living where you’ll enjoy five-star resort-style living.
Beautifully appointed, spacious and quality homes, nestled within landscaped communities surrounded by resort-style recreational facilities allow you to relax, socialise and enjoy the lifestyle you now deserve.
Onsite RV, caravan and boat storage gives you the freedom to explore your natural surrounds when you choose.
Carlyle Gardens features five-star facilities that provide you with unlimited use of their full-sized bowling green, swimming pool, community centre, auditorium, licensed restaurant and bar, fitness centre, hobby workshop, craft and computer rooms, library and so much more.
Low maintenance living leaves you with less to do and more time to experience all that Carlyle Gardens has to offer, which includes a year-round program of social activities and events, giving you the opportunity to meet new friends and be part of a welcoming, safe and supportive community of like-minded people.
You’ll also enjoy the freedom of not having to maintain your own home.
Your lawn is mowed for you to ensure your community is always looking its best. Other domestic chores, including window cleaning and home cleaning, can be arranged for you so you can get on with doing what you enjoy most.
