What’s TheGo?

TheGo is an independent community resource that celebrates everything active in Townsville and surrounds. Whether you’re just getting going, or going hard; TheGo equips local ‘Goers’ with the knowledge they need to make the most out of North Queensland’s active lifestyle.

TheGo is funded by the support of advertisers and sponsors, plus the personal contribution of the co-founders — Katrina Watson and Carly Lubicz.

The top things we are asked…

Why did you start TheGo?

We have an amazing fitness community and range of active events here in Townsville, but — alarmingly — our city also has one of the highest obesity rates in Queensland. We believe there’s no reason why this should be the case. There are so many active opportunities on offer; but maybe it’s just knowing what’s available and how to get involved. So, we’re here to give you the ‘G.O.’ and hopefully get you going by having everything active in one place. And recognise the many Goers who are already doing lots of active things and inspiring others.

How can I get involved?

There are many ways to use and interact with TheGo. Read our inspiring people profiles (our Real Goers), activity profiles (Have You Tried/Go Try), information-based articles (Get Going), event wrap-ups (Go Hard), plus a food (Go Eat) and travel (GoTravel) section. Check out what’s coming up in our Events Calendar (you can filter the weekly timetable to find what you want), find local fitness and health-related businesses in our Where to Go Guide, or plan your next adventure by using our Maps. We also have a thriving Facebook page, and regularly use Instagram, YouTube and Twitter to spread the word about everything active in Townsville.

I have an event — can I promote it on TheGo?

If your event is free, you can add it for free here: https://thegotownsville.com.au/add-event/ (please note it won’t be added straight away as we need to moderate it in the interests of spam prevention). Otherwise, events can be added individually for $20, or you can add your whole timetable of events for the year and update and change them as much as you like for $150. We can then include it in our weekly newsletter and social media.

Can I contribute articles?

We absolutely welcome article contributions, especially event wrap-ups. However, please email [email protected] before submitting to make sure we have the space for it in our schedule for that week. Please note that we don’t accept advertorials.

How can I promote my business with TheGo?

We have a range of affordable packages to suit every budget – check out our advertising options here. We have tailored a specific option for Sporting Clubs and not-for-profits to make it super affordable. We are also more than happy to customise something to suit.

TheGo Team

Carly Lubicz — Co-Founder and Editor

Vision: From the age of six I knew I would be a writer and have been in some form throughout my entire career, which has been a mix of journalism, PR and digital media. Fitness has also always been extremely important to me — for the physical challenge, but also for the mental reprieve offered to an active mind — so I got my Cert III in Fitness in 2012. TheGo is a perfect marriage of these two passions. I am genuinely driven by seeing people get active and, without a word of journalistic exaggeration, change their lives by doing things they once thought impossible. All with the added bonus of meeting people who become life-long friends… #winning

How do you stay active? I love my road cycling (and the awesome people I do it with) and yoga, and I’ve recently discovered triathlon and become addicted (apart from the swimming part!). Stand-up paddleboarding is also on the ever-growing to-do list, and I love the social outrigging sessions at The Strand.

What do you love about getting active in Townsville? Having lived in the UK and in other parts of Australia; I think we are so lucky to have the climate we do, the natural attractions, and the accessibility — there is seriously something here for everyone.

Tips for other Goers based on what you’ve experienced so far? It’s OK to change or modify your goals. At the end of the day if you’re not enjoying something or it’s becoming stale, you need to find something that excites you and makes you want to Get Going.

Favourite quote: Doing something is better than nothing.

Katrina Watson — Co-Founder and Creative Director

Vision: Getting active is what made me realise that there’s more to life then sitting at a desk all day. My background is in website development and design, and — having started a business in my early 20s — I found that finding work-life balance was always a struggle. So I want to help inspire others (especially desk workers) to make time to be active, and step outside of their comfort zone and realise that spending an hour a day on something other then work can actually make you better at your job.

How do you stay active? I get bored easily and can never stick to a routine. Currently I’m really enjoying mountain biking, kayaking, running, swimming and yoga, but I’m also keen to start getting back into the gym for some strength training, and would love to try my hand at road biking, triathlons and martial arts.

What do you love about getting active in Townsville? There are plenty of beautiful places to explore and get outdoors, regardless what time of year it is.

Tips for other Goers based on what you’ve experienced so far? Take it one day at a time and just try and do something active every day. Oh and find something that you actually enjoy doing and then you’ll look forward to it everyday.

Favourite quote: In a year’s time you’ll wish you had started today.