7NEWS Townsville

A Townsville Doctor who has helped many across North Queensland fulfill their dream of becoming a parent is stepping down. Dr Ron Chang will be retiring after almost three decades in the health industry. 7NEWS.com.au @lilli_wyatt #7NEWS

It was a milestone worth celebrating - Wests Hockey has marked 75 years of history, community and lifelong friendships. And helping to make it extra special, Hockeyroo Steph Kershaw returned home to where it all began. 7NEWS.com.au @sofbamonte #7NEWS

A Townsville support group is stepping up to help local veterans, with a more personal approach. Homeless Diggas is entirely run by volunteer ex-serving members and family, and spends all the money raised on veterans. 7NEWS.com.au @Imogen_Brooks_ #7NEWS

Future frontline workers are put through their paces in an annual challenge for cadets. They're from Emergency services, military and other volunteer groups and they will be battling it out to be named 'the ultimate crew'. 7NEWS.com.au @Nathan_Fergz #7NEWS

Just days before playing to sold out stadiums in the United Kingdom, Aussie rock band DMA'S will hit the stage in Townsville for the 'One Street One Day' festival. 7NEWS.com.au @Nathan_Fergz #7NEWS

For the first time, patients with chronic kidney disease can receive treatment closer to home. The North Queensland Kidney Transplant Service was officially opened today...and the Governor made the trip North for the milestone. 7NEWS.com.au @Imogen_Brooks_ #7NEWS

The families of four Australian airmen - killed in a Taipan crash off Hamilton Island - say they've been left without justice, after Commonwealth prosecutors decided not to press charges. 7NEWS.com.au #7NEWS

Hundreds of council workers have downed tools in a strike over pay. Union representatives say Townsville City Council's offer falls short of the desired twenty per cent increase, and industrial action is their only option. 7NEWS.com.au @Imogen_Brooks_ #7NEWS

A campaign to get Queenslanders vaccinated against the flu is being rolled out again with hospitalisations soaring across the state. Thousands of flu cases have been recorded in the last week, and the peak of the season hasn't hit yet. 7NEWS.com.au @lilli_wyatt #7NEWS

After almost two decades, a piece of naval history has returned home and found its final resting place near the Maritime Museum. HMAS Townsville was taken for one last run before being docked permanently. 7NEWS.com.au @lilli_wyatt #7NEWS

Cyclists have completed the opening leg of the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride, with riders resting in Ingham overnight before hitting the road again tomorrow. The annual event raises money for the Children's Cancer Institute. 7NEWS.com.au @Nathan_Fergz #7NEWS

Soldiers have been put to the test with urban warfare skills - clearing buildings, room by room. It also gave them a chance to use new technology like unmanned vehicles in a final push for Talisman Sabre. 7NEWS.com.au @Imogen_Brooks_ #7NEWS

The Treasurer is calling for Federal support to save North Queensland's copper industry, after the state's 'reasonable' offer was rejected as too low to sustain operations. 7NEWS.com.au @lilli_wyatt #7NEWS

After only two hours of deliberations, a jury has found Chante Lee White guilty of murdering her friend Kayla Golding. Kayla's family says it's a "big relief" that justice has been delivered. Imogen Brooks has more. 7NEWS.com.au @Imogen_Brooks_ #7NEWS

Local roller derby prodigy Paige Goacher is about to represent Australia at the Junior World Cup in Brisbane. 7NEWS Reporter Nathan Ferguson took a ride on the wild side with the 16-year-old at her final training in Townsville. 7NEWS.com.au @Nathan_Fergz #7NEWS

Inclusiveness through athletics is the theme of the Challenge Games, and they began today. The annual event gives students of all abilities from across the state the chance to shine. 7NEWS.com.au @Nathan_Fergz #7NEWS

Queensland police are celebrating the achievements of two of their own this week. After 41 years of service, Ken Bemi is clocking off, while Wayne Lord is vowing to keep going after reaching 50 years. 7NEWS.com.au @Imogen_Brooks_ #7NEWS

Major mining company Glencore has revealed it's preparing to pause operations at its Copper refinery and smelter. It says the state government support offered "fell short" - now thousands of jobs could be in jeopardy. 7NEWS.com.au @lilli_wyatt #7NEWS

A survey of the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Bowen has revealed a number of serious road concerns have been fixed. Potholes have been filled on a dangerous stretch, but a Bruce action group says more change is needed. 7NEWS.com.au @Imogen_Brooks_ #7NEWS

A local businessman is celebrating a major milestone. Battery World Townsville boss Greg Leslie has gone above and beyond for his customers for two decades, driving a 1,400 kilometre round trip on one occasion to get the job done. 7NEWS.com.au @Nathan_Fergz #7NEWS