Our Story

Over The Years

Having a somewhat colourful history, the Thuringowa Brass Band has undergone a number of name changes over the years. Formed in 1962, it was originally known as the ‘Townsville Federal Band’ and as it has always been, its members were volunteers interested in playing brass music in the style of British brass bands. In recognition of the substantial financial support it received from Queensland Rail, in 1966 the band changed its name to the ‘Queensland (QLD) Railway Institute Band’. Following further changes to its sponsoring body, in 1969 the band became known as the ‘QLD Postal Institute Concert Band’. In 1974, without a rehearsal and playing venue and a withdrawal of financial support, the band underwent another name change and became known as the ‘QLD PYC Concert Band‘. Following discussions with the newly-elected Shire of Thuringowa Chairman, Mr. Dan Gleeson, in 1977, at his invitation, the band moved westwards, establishing itself in the rapidly expanding urban area and adopted the name of the ‘Thuringowa Shire Band‘. On the 1st of January, 1986, the Shire of Thuringowa received city status, becoming the City of Thuringowa, which necessitated another band name change to become the ‘City of Thuringowa Brass Band‘. In 2007, the Queensland State Government engaged in a programme of local government reform and the Local Government Advisory Committee recommended that the Cities of Thuringowa and Townsville should be amalgamated as the City of Townsville. In 2008, retaining the cockatoo emblem of the former City of Thuringowa as its logo, the band recognised the lengthy support it had received and is now known as the ‘Thuringowa Brass Band‘.

Community Recognition

The Thuringowa Brass Band throughout its many iterations has always remained community-focussed, bringing music to many community events:-

Funding for the Thuringowa Brass Band is through the generous support of Townsville City Council, a proud supporter of  Thuringowa Brass Band’s programs.