Echlin Street Collective

29/06/2026

Townsville Heritage Centre – Open This Sunday

The Townsville Heritage Centre is open this Sunday, 05.07.26, offering a wonderful opportunity to step inside some of Townsville’s most important heritage buildings.

One of the Centre’s most iconic buildings is “Currajong”, a grand timber villa residence dating back to 1888. Originally built for affluent bank manager Alfred MacKenzie, the home features spacious rooms, French doors and wide decorative verandahs typical of early North Queensland architecture.

Currajong also played an important role during World War II, when it was commandeered for use as a RAAF Hospital. Today, wartime photographs and memorabilia help tell this important part of Townsville’s history.

The Centre also includes:

🏠 The Worker’s Dwelling – 1884
Believed to be the oldest identified worker’s cottage built in Townsville, reflecting early working-class life in North Queensland.

🏡 The 1921 Farmhouse
Preserving the memory of the farms that once surrounded Townsville and supplied food to the region before modern development.

Together, these buildings provide a valuable glimpse into Townsville’s residential, farming and wartime history.

A beautiful reminder of how much history is held within our local buildings.

📍 Townsville Heritage Centre
📅 Open this Sunday, 05.07.26

https://www.facebook.com/events/1241412331289921/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Send a message to learn more

05/01/2026

Did you know? 🌱
Most people walking through West End today have no idea that large parts of the suburb were once Chinese market gardens supplying fresh fruit and vegetables to early Townsville.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Chinese gardeners leased low-lying land around West End because of its rich soil and access to water. These market gardens were essential to Townsville’s survival — providing fresh produce to residents, hotels, hospitals, and even ships passing through the port long before refrigeration existed.

Next time you grab a coffee or stroll the streets, you’re standing on land that once fed an entire town. ☕🌿

11/12/2025

📚☕ The Stripes Library has been growing since the sign went up
Pop in for a coffee, grab a book, swap a book, or drop off one you’ve already read.
Books, coffee, and a little community magic.

20/11/2025

🌟 Introducing Domo Brokerage 🌟

Domo Brokerage helps Australians find the right loans with clear, simple, and personalised support. Whether it’s a home loan, personal loan, refinancing or debt consolidation, their team works with you to find the best option — without the stress.

If you want a finance partner who’s on your side, Domo Brokerage is ready to help.

📍 20 Echlin Street, West End
📞 0401 447 299
🔗 domobrokerage.com

20/11/2025

🎄✨ Christmas is coming FAST! ✨🎄
If you haven’t started your decorating (or you just need more—because there’s never enough Christmas magic), now’s the time to pop into That Christmas Shop!

From stunning ornaments and wreaths to lights, décor, gifts and all the festive extras… we’ve got everything you need to make your home feel pure Christmas joy. 🎁✨

Stock is moving quickly, and once it’s gone… it’s gone!
📍 Come in now and get your favourites before they sell out.

Let the Christmas magic begin! 🎅🎄❤️

14/10/2025

🦺 National Safe Work Month

Risk assessments and hazard checks are the first step to keeping workers safe from asbestos and silica.
Asbestos was used in thousands of Australian building materials before 1990 — often in hidden places.
If you’re not sure — get it tested by Hazmat and Safety Consulting Pty Ltd to keep your team safe.

Send a message to learn more

21/07/2025

Street view - Echlin Street Hub

02/07/2025

Needs Property has a curated selection of homes currently on the market across some of Townsville’s most sought-after suburbs.

Whether for a first home buyer, investor, or those looking to upgrade, the available listings include a diverse mix of properties — from charming character homes and renovation opportunities to modern, move-in-ready residences.

With a strong focus on city fringe locations such as West End, Railway Estate, South Townsville, North Ward, and surrounding areas, Needs Property specialises in connecting buyers with homes that offer lifestyle, value, and long-term potential.

Why buy with Needs Property?
As a boutique, locally owned agency, Needs Property is known for its honest approach, personalised service, and deep understanding of the Townsville market. The team offers clear, practical advice and a people-first process that ensures a smooth and confident buying experience.

For current listings or to register interest, contact:
Luke Need - Director
0432 773 223
[email protected]
15 Echlin street West End QLD 4810

Needs Property – Local Homes. Personal Service. Real Results.

Mother & daughter team, we are committed to providing the most sophisticated real estate experience on the Sunshine Coast.

25/06/2025

Discover Townsville’s Historic Gems!

Townsville boasts a rich tapestry of heritage buildings, each echoing stories from our vibrant past. Here's a glimpse into some iconic landmarks:

🏦 Customs House (1902)
Located at the corner of Wickham Street and The Strand, this Romanesque-style building, designed by George David Payne, served as a pivotal customs facility. During WWII, its basement, known as the "Dungeon," was utilized by the military, featuring passageways and rooms that hint at its strategic importance.

🏨 Queens Hotel (1872)
Situated on The Strand, the Queens Hotel was the first in Townsville to have reticulated water and gas. During WWII, it was occupied by American forces. An intriguing tale from 1891 involves George Thorpe, who, after defrauding his employer in London, stayed here under an alias before his arrest.

🏛️ Australian Joint Stock Bank (1888)
Located on Flinders Street, this Classicist-style building, designed by FDG Stanley, symbolizes Townsville's economic boom during the gold rush era. In later years, it transformed into "The Bank Nite Club," blending history with nightlife.

⛪ St James' Cathedral (1887)
Perched atop Melton Hill, this red-brick Gothic Revival cathedral has been a spiritual beacon for over a century. Its design showcases a blend of late 19th-century architecture with mid-20th-century modernist influences.

🎭 Townsville School of Arts (1891)
Located on Stanley Street, this building was a hub for adult education and cultural activities. Today, it houses Dancenorth Theatre and the Townsville Arts Centre, continuing its legacy in the arts.

🍻 Great Northern Hotel (1901)
Situated at the intersection of Flinders and Blackwood Streets, this two-storey hotel was built to accommodate travelers near the new railway terminus.

Embark on a journey through time and explore these architectural treasures that narrate Townsville's rich history.