All Abilities Reference Group
We are committed to making Townsville Airport a welcoming environment for everyone. To ensure we’re always improving, Queensland Airports Limited has formed a community advisory group of people with lived experience of disability.
The All Abilities Reference Group provides strategic advice, guidance and project prioritisation that we apply across all of our airports, to help passengers of all abilities travel with confidence.

Katie Kelly OAM PLY
Katie Kelly OAM PLY is a prominent disability and inclusion advocate, a two-time Paralympian, and a two-time World Champion in Para-triathlon. She made history by winning Australia's first gold medal in Para-triathlon at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and retired from the sport after competing in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Katie is the Founder and Director of the Sport Access Foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing grants for young Australians with disabilities. Professionally, she serves as the Disability Engagement Manager for MEGT, a national employment service provider. She is also a board member of Achieve Australia, an Industry Fellow with Griffith University’s Disability Inclusive Council, an Ambassador for the Australian Sporting Alliance for People with Disability, and an Ambassador for Next Sense(formerly the Royal Deaf Blind Institute for Children).
Anthea Holmes
Anthea Holmes is the founder and Senior Trainer at Gold Coast based dog trainers, ‘Found by The Hound’ and boasts 40 years of dog training experience. She has collaborated extensively with state and local government departments, notably training fire ant detection dogs for Biosecurity Queensland and leading dog attack counselling programs for City of Gold Coast and Logan City Council. Anthea has dedicated 18 years to training assistance dogs and contributed to the advisory board for Guide, Hearing &Assistance Dogs Queensland. She has also established therapy dog teams for Variety the Children’s Fund, which serve aged care facilities, hospitals, and corporate environments. Anthea also leads the training program for Gold Coast Airport’s therapy dog ‘AmbassaPAW’ initiative, ensuring the airport therapy dogs are well-suited to a busy airport environment.
David McCue
David McCue has over 33 years of experience in the aviation industry, including key roles as a Duty Manager at Gold Coast Airport and the Group Safety Manager at Oceania Aviation. He is a qualified Workplace Rehabilitation Coordinator and has played a crucial role in airport safety throughout his career. David has held roles with Qantas, Malindo and Nauru Airlines, Alice Springs Airport, and also trained as a ramp contingency team member at LAX. Since retiring in 2022, David has dedicated himself to full-time care for his wife, who has Multiple Sclerosis, and actively contributes to inclusive travel groups, providing valuable insights and advice on improving accessibility within the travel industry.
Dr. Tom Tutton
Dr. Tom Tutton is the Executive Manager at Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) and has dedicated 18 years to supporting people with autism in challenging situations in schools, family homes and communities through direct service, training, writing and research. Trained as a Clinical Psychologist in the UK, Tom is committed to fostering inclusive environments through evidence-based practices and partnerships. He leads Aspect's Autism Friendly initiative, which collaborates with various sectors, including airports, transport systems, and cultural institutions, to create an autism-friendly Australia.
Dr. Reza Borzou
Dr. Reza Borzou is a surgeon and university lecturer dedicated to advancing accessibility, community inclusion, and reducing stigma for people with disabilities. He founded Australia's first non-government Health Promotion Unit in partnership with the Gold Coast City Council, promoting physical and mental well-being through active lifestyles. In 2020, after a spinal cord injury, he combined his professional expertise with personal experience to advocate for the disability community. His work focuses on human rights, accessible housing, healthcare equity, and inclusion in the National Disability Insurance Scheme, especially for those over 65. In 2022, Dr. Borzou made history as Australia's first paraplegic surgeon. In addition, the first paraplegic doctor to join the Formula 1 medical team.
Brett Morris
Brett Morris is a dedicated travel consultant and an advocate for accessibility and inclusion. Brett began his career in the travel industry through his volunteer work at Gold Coast Airport, where his passion for the sector was first ignited. Over the past four years, Brett has gained extensive experience in various roles within the travel industry. Recently, his dedication and expertise were recognised with a nomination for the prestigious National Travel Industry Awards in the category of Most Outstanding Travel Consultant in Leisure. Beyond his professional achievements, Brett enjoys playing wheelchair rugby, competing both socially and in the National League. He is also passionate about adrenaline-driven sports including water skiing and snow skiing.
Need Help?
Got questions about your journey through Townsville Airport? We’ve pulled together the top FAQs so you can move through the terminal with confidence.
If I have a disabled sticker on my vehicle, can I stop in front of the terminal?
Drivers dropping off or picking up a passenger with a disability kerbside at the front of the terminal must remain with the vehicle. This is due to increased security procedures implemented at all airports throughout Australia. Townsville Airport must abide by the security regulations determined by the Commonwealth Government.
There are two accessible bays provided in the pick-up/drop-off area which are signed, enabling a driver to collect and drop off for a maximum of 15 minutes. The driver must remain with the vehicle and have a valid permit displayed on the vehicle. If your passenger requires assistance to enter the terminal by a member of our Kerbside Concierge Team, please call 1800 225 878 to arrange prior to arrival.
Drivers of vehicles displaying a disabled permit sticker must remain with their vehicle; they cannot leave their vehicle unattended.
Should the driver need to leave the vehicle to assist the passenger, a number of alternate options are available:
- Option 1: Arrange for a third person to travel to the airport with the driver to escort the passenger(s) with a disability into the terminal while the driver remains with the vehicle.
- Option 2: Park your vehicle in the accessible car spaces located in the car park near the terminal. If you enter and exit the car park within 10 minutes, it’s free.
- Option 3: Use public transport options like taxis, hire cars or shuttle buses, which can drop you off directly at the terminal.
Are there accessible car spaces available at the airport?
Accessible car parking for passengers with accessibility requirements is provided within all car parks at Townsville Airport. These spaces are reserved for passengers with accessibility requirements, and for this reason, vehicles parking in these designated areas must display a valid Disability Parking Permit on the vehicle while parked.
What can I do before arriving at the airport if I have a passenger with a disability?
To request assistance, contact your airline directly when making your reservation and let them know if you’re travelling with a passenger who has a disability. This allows the airline to provide guidance and, if needed, make suitable arrangements at the airport or on the flight.
Please refer to your airline’s Conditions of Carriage for more information.
Does Townsville Airport have facilities that support passengers with a disability?
Yes, Townsville Airport is committed to supporting passengers with accessibility requirements. A Disability Access Facilitation Plan outlines the services and facilities available to assist passengers and ensure a more comfortable journey.
Are there lockers at Townsville Airport?
Yes, lockers are available at the front of the terminal on Stinson Avenue. Prices vary depending on the number of hours required. For support or to report an issue, contact Rent A Locker on 1300 955 554 or at support@rentalocker.com.au.
Which airline lounges are available?
Townsville Airport offers a Qantas Club for eligible passengers.
How do I find out if my flight is delayed?
Check the Flight Information Display Screens on our website or throughout the terminal. You can also contact your airline directly.
What’s the carry-on luggage weight limit?
Carry-on luggage weight limits vary depending on your airline. This is often included in your flight itinerary or booking details. For further clarification, contact your airline directly.
Does Townsville Airport offer free Wi-Fi?
Yes, Townsville Airport offers free Wi-Fi to its passengers and visitors, available throughout the terminal. Choose to log in via your social media account or email and opt in to receive updates from the airport and airline sales.
Is the airport open 24 hours?
Townsville Airport is open from 4:30 am to 11:30 pm every day. The terminal is not open 24 hours a day. For security reasons, the terminal is in “lockdown” between 11:30 pm and 4:30 am. Passengers and other persons are not permitted to enter the terminal during this time or sleep in the terminal overnight.
Am I able to leave luggage or keys for an incoming/outgoing passenger to collect?
Due to security regulations, luggage or keys cannot be left in the terminal for collection. The best alternative is to hire a locker and provide your friend or family member with the access code.
How early do I need to be at the airport for my flight?
Most domestic airlines require you to be at the check-in counter at least 60 minutes before departure. Be sure to check the guidelines provided by your airline.