In late 1912, a group of determined railway employees put forward a bold proposal: Townsville should have its own Railway Band. When the Commissioner for Railways, Colonel Evans, visited the North, a deputation met with him to request support, and he was sympathetic to the cause. Once the provisional committee demonstrated genuine progress, the Railway Department granted £100 to help establish the new ensemble.
Railway staff across the district backed the project wholeheartedly. Subscriptions from employees poured in, allowing the committee to order a complete set of instruments. And not just any instruments: 18 brand‑new Boosey Class B brass instruments, delivered to Townsville on 13 March 1913.
With instruments finally in hand, the band held its first rehearsal in April 1913 under its inaugural bandmaster, Mr Fred. C. Harris. Mr Harris was a self-taught bandsman who began his career under Mr Emmerson of the Charters Towers Kennedy Regiment Band. He also contested as a percussionist before being deputy bandmaster of the Kennedy District Band under Mr. F. Affoo for 4 or 5 years before taking up the post of bandmaster of the Townsville Railway Band.
Several weeks later, on 22 May 1913, the Townsville Railway Band marked its earliest known public appearance at a social and dance at his Majesty's Theatre at the School of Arts. Over 200 people attended. Music was provided by an orchestra consisting of Mr F. Harris (pianist), Mr. J Fisher and Mr. A Walsh (violins) and Mr. Roberts and Mr. Vesperman (cornetists).
The band consisted of 12 playing members, 8 learners, 18 instruments and 2 drums. The Commissioner for Railways was the band patron. Committee members Mr J. Campbell, Mr D. Farr, Mr. L Boyd, Mr J. Harris, assisted by Ms. J. O Campbell and Ms. Trane were complimented on the success of their efforts. The committee president was Mr. A W. Pigott, Mr. J. McSherry was the chairman, Mr. B. Farr was the secretary and Mr. E. G. Kent was the treasurer.