2508 APRIL 2019 by The Illawarra Flame

FREE

APRIL 2019

www.2508mag.com.au

DISTRICT NEWS

GILL LEHN

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS PROF ROB BRANDER

– aka ‘Dr Rip’ – is a coastal geomorphologist at the University of NSW. He’s been studying beaches for 25 years, starting in Canada where water temperatures convinced him to come to Australia to do his PhD. He is an expert on rip currents and runs a beach safety education program called The Science of the Surf (www.scienceofthesurf.com). His column is on page 47.

DUNCAN LEADBITTER

is a director of fisheries and natural resource consulting company, Fish Matter, which advises industry, government and NGOs on the sustainable use of fish. He is a Visiting Fellow at the Australian Centre for Ocean Resources and Security at the University of Wollongong, and a keen scuba diver, snorkeller, spearfisherman and photographer. See page 41.

Cover: photo Unicorn Studios, story p14

DR CHRIS REID

works in the Australian Museum in Sydney as a research scientist specialising in beetles. His job is a combination of research, teaching or supervising students, and dealing with public enquiries. Chris describes his identifying beetles as “a bit like detective work”. “Working on insects means I get to indulge in two favourite pastimes: travel and bushwalking.” Read his column on page 26.

CATH HILL

was born in Bulli – a fact she readily shares with any locals – and has now returned to the beautiful Illawarra with her husband and two children. She currently works for the Communications and Media Law Association and previously worked as the Editor’s Assistant at Good Weekend magazine and The Bulletin. See Cath’s holiday tips on page 6.

Our annual Mother’s Day special feature will be back in May! Book ads by April 17 at www.2508mag.com.au or call Karen on 0403 789 617.

DISTRICT NEWS

DISTRICT NEWS EDITORS Gen Swart, Marcus Craft CONTACT editor@2508mag.com.au Ph: 0432 612 168 2508mag PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508. ADVERTISING Karen, 0403 789 617. www.2508mag.com.au. T&Cs apply. DEADLINE 15th of month prior. COVER Gillian Lehn. Photo by Unicorn Studios, see page 14. 2508 is hand delivered in the first week of each month. By The Word Bureau, the Illawarra’s local independent magazine publisher. ABN 31 692 723 477. Disclaimer: All content and images remain the property of 2508 News unless otherwise supplied. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Views expressed do not reflect those of the publisher. Articles of a general nature only; seek specific advice on an individual basis.

• General Practitioners • Skin checks and procedures • Iron infusions • Travel Vaccinations • Podiatrist • Exercise Physiologist • Dietitian • Midwife and Lactation Consultant • Audiologist • Onsite pathology • and much, much more.

Drs Andrew Morris, Fiona Danson & Trevor Kemper

Book Online

now open SATURDAY 61-63 Walker Street Helensburgh equilibriumhelensburgh eqhc.com.au

2508 APRIL

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YOUR Letters ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE Helensburgh ANZAC Day Dawn Service will take place in Charles Harper Park, 25 April commencing at 05.45am. All are welcome to attend, anyone wishing to lay wreaths should approach the Master of Ceremonies before the service commences to advise their intention. The service will conclude with the presentation of ANZAC Award medallions to the recipients from the four district schools. – Ian Carroll, Secretary, Helensburgh RSL Sub Branch DONATIONS NEEDED FOR OUTBACK BOOK DRIVE Local resident and primary school teacher Fay Prideaux is repeating last year’s successful Outback Book Drive which culminated in sending 320 kgs of new and preloved books to families living on remote stations in the Broken Hill area. This year’s recipient families are from the Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge areas. Donations are well underway with thanks going to Helensburgh library, local author Sue Whiting, Booktopia, Bloomin Books of Caringbah and the families of Yarrawarrah School. Special thanks to South Australia’s Connellan Airways Trust for supporting transport and travel costs. Families living remotely have minimal access to libraries and book stores. Twice a year students who receive education via School of the Air, meet for a school mini camp. The plan is to deliver a

ECCLES NEEDS A HOME! Eccles, a six-month-old kelpie pup, is a smart, friendly young fellow who just wants lots of cuddles and to give you his heart. He’s vaccinated, desexed and life-time registered. Want to adopt or foster? Email Julie-ann on ccarpetrehoming@tpg. com.au or Helensburgh’s Country Companion Animal Rescue. 2508

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‘pop up library’ to the mini camp, where children can browse hundreds of titles, take home their favourites and share them again at future camps: re-using and recycling a love of literacy. Should you wish to donate good quality, reasonably current books suitable for primary aged children, please email for collection arrangements. Donations open until mid April. Email fay. prideaux1@gmail.com – Fay Prideaux, Stanwell Park POLICE OFFICERS HOST HELENSBURGH SCHOOL-HOLIDAY FUN Looking for fun and fitness in the school holidays? Come and join local police officers in touch footy, cricket and other physical activities between 10am and noon on Wednesday, April 17 at Helensburgh skate park. A barbecue will be held between 12pm and 1pm for all those in attendance. Local police will be happy to discuss community issues during this time.

COMMUNITY NOTICES IN MEMORY DZOPALIC, ZIVOTA (DICK) – passed away on 22 April 1988. In loving memory of our father and grandfather. Forever in our thoughts and hearts. Sadly missed always. Maria, Rick and family. DZOPALIC, ZORKA – passed away on 14 May 2015. Forever in our hearts and thoughts and sadly missed everyday by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Together again with her loving husband. Maria, Rick and family. Send your letters to PO Box 248, Helensburgh, 2508, or email editor@2508mag.com.au 2508

S CHOOL HOLI DAY SPE CIAL F E AT URE

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Holiday cheer NSW public schools are on holiday from 3pm on Friday, April 12 and students return on Tuesday, April 30. Cath Hill finds great ways to fill the gap!

DREAMCATCHER WORKSHOPS At Uluwatu Blue in Stanwell Park. Create a beautiful dreamcatcher, plant your own window sill succulent and enjoy a delicious Mexican lunch with gelato! Thursday 18th and Wednesday 24th April at 11am. $40 per child includes everything above. Call Kat on 0473 166 549.

SYMBIO ZOO The Helensburgh zoo’s Junior Keeper program allows kids to feed animals and help keepers with daily tasks. Suitable for 7-12-yearolds. 9.45am to 3.30pm, $130 per child. Or buy SUPERHERO SCIENCE an annual pass and pop Superhero Science at in to feed the roos, the Science Space (60 LEARN TO SURF check out the cheetah Squires Way, North Fiona Hunt, of Wollongong). A great Essential Surf & Skate in or enjoy the amazing new Splash Park program where Helensburgh, teaches whenever you like. $52 superheroes will boys and girls on for a child, $99 adult. entertain and educate weekends. Times and your kids with science beaches vary depending FOOTBALL HOLIDAY DODOS AND DINOSAURS shows, a Super sticky on conditions on the CLINICS Wollongong Botanic Develop your skills and wall, science camps and day. Text 0407 283 117. Garden. Enjoy the ‘No a film makers In the holidays, surf get yourself ready for More Dodos’ Garden lessons with Illawarra the soccer season. From workshop. http:// sciencespace.com.au Surf Academy will be at Show, a Where’s Wally $95 per person. Thirroul, East Corrimal Treasure Hunt and Dino Thirroul, Thomas and Dodo Crafts here. and Warilla. See www. THE ACRO CO Gibson Park: (9amActivities are suitable illawarrasurfacademy. Have tumbling and 12pm, Monday, 15 April for children aged 3 to 10 com.au acrobatic fun with The - Thursday 18th. Helensburgh, Rex Jackson Oval - (9am1pm, Tuesday 23 April, Wednesday 24 & Friday 26. Book via www. footballsouthcoast.com or call 4285 6929.

Acro Co! Thirroul Surf Club on 17 April. Helensburgh Community Centre on 23 April. 10am to 3pm Suitable for 4 to 15 year olds for $70/per child. www.theacroco.com.au/ holiday-programs.

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rex jackson oval HELENSBURGH

20 APRIL 2019

easter saturday

Presented by Mattias Samuelsson from Ray White Helensburgh

years and children must be accompanied by an adult. April 15-18, $13 per child (parents are free) or $24 for family of two or more children. Bookings via Eventbrite.

painting and Easter games. The Easter Bunny and cute animals from Matilda’s Farmyard Nursery will be there too. Thursday 18 April, 10am-noon. $39 per head (0-2 year olds free). Bookings: Trybooking.com

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KIDS FISHING WORKSHOP Learn to fish safely and responsibly, thanks to Department of Primary Industries workshops. Wednesday 24th April at Lake Illawarra, Windang. $40 per child (8-14 years). Book via email to stephen.thurstan@ dpi.nsw.gov.au

KIDS EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA HIGH TEA Novotel Wollongong Northbeach (2-14 Cliff Rd). Treat the family to Novotel’s family fun day of high tea, face-

ILLAWARRA REPTILE SOCIETY SHOW Illawarra Sports Stadium, Berkeley. Check out Australia’s largest reptile show with 100 animals on display. Sunday, 14 April, Family pass $25, Adults $10 and Kids $5. illawarrareptilesociety. com.au

SPAT DRAMA WORKSHOP Stanwell Park Arts Theatre are holding their popular performance and drama skills workshop for 8-12 year olds. April 23-26, working towards a performance on Sunday 28th at the CWA Hall, Stanwell Park. $50 per child including morning tea. spat.org.au

FREE AT YOUR LIBRARY

GREEN CONNECT FARM TOURS The good people at Green Connect are opening their Warrawong farm for fun and educational tours. Meet some animals along the way! Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th April. $10 per person. www. green-connect-vegbox. com.au

CRAWCHY’S SWIM SCHOOL Boost your swimming skills and confidence with the Helensburgh swim school’s holiday intensive. April 15-18. 7.30- 9.30am. $72. Contact: Facebook: Crawchys Swim School or 4294 9999 WOLFGANG’S MAGICAL MUSICAL CIRCUS The Spiegeltent, Wollongong. Classical music meets the circus in this mischievous production in the magical Spiegeltent. From April 17-28. $28 plus booking fee, www. merrigong.com.au

Bookings required via Eventbrite

HELENSBURGH LIBRARY Wed 17 April: School Holiday Activity, 10.30am, bookings essential, Mini Driftwood wall hangings Wed 24 April: School Holiday Activity, 10.30am, bookings essential, Lego. 2508

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STORY TIME FOR PRESCHOOLERS Collins Booksellers Thirroul will hold holiday kids story readings on Mondays & Thursdays from 10.30am to 11.15 for children aged 2-5 years. There will be a Easter Egg Hunt in store on Easter Saturday at 2pm. Follow the bookshop on Facebook for author news and events. 2508

THIRROUL LIBRARY Tue 16 April: Bee Hotel - Build a Native Bee Hotel, 10.30am. Join us for a hands-on workshop where you can make your own bee hive and welcome native sting-less bees into your own garden. Thu 18 April: Lego, 10.30am. Let your imagination run free and build your wildest creations! Tue 23 April: Toy Mashup, 10.30am. Make your own Toy Story, recreate new toys from old toys. Wed 24 April: Spiderman Movie - Into The Spider-Verse, 10.30am

FAMILY FUN

your own apples. 1tourPick Book a fruit-picking at historic Glenbernie Orchard, 80 years old this year and going strong! For tour bookings, visit www. darkes.com.au Visit the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Aviation Museum at the Illawarra Regional Airport at Albion Park. On the second weekend of each month, see vintage planes fly again at special Tarmac Days.

2508

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APRIL 2508 23/03/20179 7:54 pm

WORK STARTS ON TOWN CENTRE PLAN March marked the start of Wollongong City Council’s community consultations with Helensburgh and district residents as part of early-stage work on a potential draft plan for the town centre. The first phase has included an information mail-out, an online survey and a community workshop. 2508 reports.

Wollongong City Council started community consultations about reshaping the Helensburgh Town Centre in March. The first round focused on gathering information via an online survey. Council delivered postcards about the plan to the 2508 postcode with a link to the survey, which had a March 18 deadline for submissions. The second round consisted of a ‘Vision for Helensburgh Town Centre’ workshop for interested community members, which was due to be held on Saturday, March 30. Information received from this survey and the community workshops will be analysed and pulled together to help form the draft plan. Information sessions about the draft Helensburgh Town Centre Plan are due to be held mid-year. Warwick Erwin, a well-respected local community activist, told 2508 a plan for Helensburgh’s town centre is long overdue. “NF1 has been calling for a Town Plan for over 20 years that I know of,” said Warwick, who is convenor of Neighbourhood Forum 1 (NF1), among many other voluntary positions he holds. “Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce (NICC) did a report in the ’90s for a town plan and presented it to Council. “After the 2011 Council elections, Helensburgh was listed at number 7 on the ‘town Plan’ list, made it up to number 3 at one time and then was pushed down the list by Councillors after the 2017 election. “The Town Centre plan is based on the 2009 LEP that has the town centre of Helensburgh as Walker St from Lilyvale to Parkes streets and Parkes St around the roundabout to Stuart St.” At the March 13 NF1 meeting, the guest speaker, Wollongong City Council senior strategic project officer Bridget Jarvis, said it was crucial that residents realised the importance of their role in the development of the town centre plan: “I think it’s really important from the get-go to communicate what the project’s about and what the role of the views of the community is – how the community can inform this process.” Bridget said the council had started “a background analysis” of Helensburgh’s town centre. “We’re doing a lot of observational work, out on the street. We’ve been up [in Helensburgh] over the last couple of weeks, with clipboards, counting people, observing how people are using the town centre, that’s very important, observing how

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Wollongong City Council senior strategic project officer Bridget Jarvis details town centre plans to a March 13 meeting of the local Neighbourhood Forum.

vehicles and everyone interacts in the town centre. Doing quality assessments of the public domain: walking along the footpath and saying, ‘Well, what’s happening here?’ and ‘What’s happening with the seating? Is anyone using the seating? Why and why not?’ “So we’re making some observational judgments and we’re doing that so then we can have a bigger conversation with the community, their priorities and how we establish that vision or strategic direction of where we want to go. “So this [info mail-outs, online survey and March 30 workshop] was about starting the conversation. “There are actions that the community needs to drive [to improve the town centre], there are actions that the council needs to drive, there are actions that state government or local businesses need to drive.” Updates on the plan will be available on Council’s website. Visit www.wollongong.nsw.gov. au or call Customer Service on (02) 4227 7111. GET INVOLVED: ATTEND NF1 & JOIN YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER NF1 meets on the second Wednesday of the month (this month on April 10) at 7pm in Helensburgh Community Hall meeting room. All residents and business people in the 2508 area are welcome to attend. Local Wollongong City Council activities and the future of the 2508 area discussed. On April 2, NICC was to hold a members-only workshop on the Helensburgh Town Centre Plan with Bridget Jarvis, Senior Strategic Project Officer at Council. Membership info: www.nicc.net.au 2508

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KEEP PETS SAFE OVER EASTER

No Easter eggs for the fur kids! Helensburgh Veterinary Clinic’s Dr Brad Gorham reports. Easter is a time when most families indulge in a bit of extra chocolate, which is OK for us in moderation but can spell trouble for furry friends. Dogs and cats are far more vulnerable to chocolate poisoning than humans, and cases of chocolate poisoning are far more common at certain times of the year, such as Easter. The main harmful substance for pets in chocolate is called theobromine (related to caffeine). Theobromine poisoning is dependent on the dose taken – this means that whether your pet shows signs depends on how much theobromine is consumed. Not all types of chocolate are created equally as far as the poisoning risk is concerned. The risk depends on the amount of theobromine the chocolate contains and is greatest in dark chocolate, cooking chocolate as well as cocoa powder. Milk chocolate is the next most dangerous and finally white chocolate, which poses little risk. Your pet is likely to start showing signs within 24 hours of eating a toxic dose of chocolate but often much sooner, and symptoms can go on for two to three days. They may include vomiting and abdominal pain, excitability, wobbliness when walking and excessive panting. In the most severe cases your pet may start to show twitching of the muscles and fits. If any of these symptoms develop you should phone your local vet immediately. When you contact your veterinarian, it is important to try and give them as much information as possible about how much chocolate

HELENSBURGH LIONS CLUB

Vet Brad Gorham with his dog, Phoebe.

or cake has gone missing and what type of chocolate it is. It may be a good idea to do an internet search for the “Chocolate Toxicity Calculator” if you are reasonably sure of the amount and type eaten and know your pet’s weight, as this handy app can calculate whether your pet has eaten a potentially toxic dose. There is no specific antidote and patients will receive supportive care based on how severely affected they are. This may include being admitted for a fluid drip into a vein, and for medications, such as something to stop them vomiting and a sedative. Your vet may also have to give your pet medications to treat an abnormal heart rhythm, and give some activated charcoal by mouth to mop up any chocolate left in the stomach or intestines. Many patients with chocolate poisoning make a full recovery. However, chocolate poisoning can be very serious and occasionally fatal. So please, keep those Easter Eggs for the not-so-furry family members. 2508

helensburghlions.com.au. Coming events: The Easter Scramble on Saturday, 20 April in Charles Harper Park, Lions Fran and Tracy report. Helensburgh – we will have a magic show for the The Lions Club of Helensburgh is proud to have kids and a Easter egg scramble for all ages. been working with the community for 40 With ANZAC day coming up, we received continuous years on the 6th October 2019 and we’ll confirmation that the Stanwell Tops Lions War have a formal function and will keep you posted on Memorial is now officially listed on the State the details to join us to mark this occasion. register (reference # 328088) and we will hold our This will lead us into our annual Helensburgh service at Stanwell Tops at 10am on ANZAC Day. Community Country Fair, so save the date – Come along and join us. Saturday, 26 October 2019. We have commenced We would like to thank the Centennial Hotel planning to make the fair a great day to to enjoy the and patrons for supporting the fortnightly meat entertainment, rides, stalls and other great raffle the Lions conduct – we topped this up to attractions. If you want to be part of the planning make a donation to Townsville Flood relief. Future or have something to offer contact us info@ funds will go to local community projects. 2508

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Have an EggsCellent Easter Julie York 0405 128 070

julie.york@helensburgh.rh.com.au

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APRIL 2508 13

‘WE ARE A SOCCER FAMILY’

COVER FEATUR E

Helensburgh’s Gill Lehn is the first female president of the Thistles Juniors Committee. She’s passionate about her family, her club and the camaraderie of the beautiful game. 2508 reports. Proudly clad in Helensburgh’s distinctive black and gold, the Junior Thistles will kick off the soccer competition season on April 6 at Rex Jackson Oval. And for the first time in the history of the club – founded in 1895 – there’ll be a woman at the helm. Gill Lehn is the club’s first female president of the Junior Thistles Committee. Gill is no stranger to a male-dominated field – her day job is as an environmental engineer, working on various light rail projects – and she is also a mother of four children – all boys. Many Helensburgh parents will already know Gill as one of the original P&C members behind Helensburgh Public School’s most successful fundraiser, the Spooky Carnival. Is her new role with the Thistles, 2508 asks, a big step for womankind, or a case of the right person at the right time? “I think I’ll go with the latter,” Gill says, laughing. “The time has come. “Bob Hennessy was our previous president, and he was president of both clubs for about 15 years. He decided it was time to retire. Jason Bell is Seniors president and Juniors vice-president.” Gill loves the Thistles’ camaraderie, on and off the field. “We have a great time out there. It’s lots of fun.

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“I went to an all-girls school, so soccer wasn’t a thing.” Gill, who grew up in the Shire, moved to Helensburgh in 2003, attracted, like many other local families, by affordable housing and train access to Sydney. “Really, I didn’t start playing soccer till 2000. I was at Engadine Eagles; my husband, Dave, grew up there. So I played there for a number of years, stopped when I had kids. “It’s a great way, if you’re an older person coming into a small community, to make friends. “We moved to Helensburgh when my eldest was one – and he’s now 17, so that’s 16 years ago.” Gill’s husband has been a player, registrar, coach, and all four of their sons started soccer with the Mini Thistles. She has been managing teams – sometimes two per season – ever since. “Now my oldest two are playing rep soccer for South Coast Flames Under 20s and Wollongong Wolves Under 16s. “We’re a soccer family.” Gill is passionate about the Thistles. “It’s a real community club. What you see, which I love, is that all the kids on the field back each other. Other clubs don’t. We’ve got kids from Helensburgh, Otford, Holy Cross, Stanwell Park – all over the joint, in all the teams, they’re all a mixed bag. They

WHO’S WHO AT JUNIOR THISTLES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GENERAL COMMITTEE

Registrar - David Lehn. Assistant Treasurer - Leisl Lechowicz. Committee Secretary - Jason Bell. Assistant Registrar - Kerry Phillis. Junior Age Coordinator - Jason Bell & Klete Loveday. MPIO Officer - Tara Mills. Line Marking - Andy Mead & Nathan Rae. FSC Delegate - Deborah Loveday. Equipment/Procurement - Mel Anderson. Duty Roster - Gemma Williams. Referee Coordinator - Ben Kemp. Website/Publicity - Belinda McGarity. Sponsorship Manager - David Lehn.

just love playing soccer and they love supporting each other and I think that’s a really good culture.” Junior soccer covers everyone from preschoolers to 16-year-olds. “Under 6s and Under 5s are combined and we have teams up to Under 17s. “We also do a Mini Thistles program, which is for the two- to five-year-olds. That’s not through Football South Coast, that’s done ourselves. “We’ve got 300 Junior players this year. We are a lot larger than any of the other clubs, the rugby league or the netball. We have 31 teams – this is just juniors, U6 to U17. Probably the youngest registered [player] would be someone who’s four turning five. And about 60 Mini Thistles that have registered.” That’s a lot of people to look after! “I don’t do it by myself,” Gill says, laughing. “We’ve got 15 to 20 people on the Junior Committee. Leading up to the beginning of the season, we had a big working bee, so we got all the fields line-marked, cleaned up the nets, repainted the toilets (I did that!), cleaned up everything, the grass near the clubhouse, mowed it all, reconfigured the canteen. “My job is really about overseeing what we as a group are doing, that we’re complying with things, like our lease agreement with Wollongong Council

– just making sure really that everyone else is doing their jobs. “Everyone is a lot of fun, so it’s all worthwhile. It’s that camaraderie again. We’ve got some really great, fun people on our committee this year and we’ve got a really fresh bunch of people.” There are “definitely” more women on the committee too. Registrations took place online in February in the first week of school (“it was brand-new system, there was quite a few bugs that were getting ironed out along the way”). There now are only very limited spaces available for late sign-ups. “Mini Thistles we can still take because that’s run within our club,” Gill says. Tradies is a major sponsor of the Juniors. “We have received additional funding from Tradies and have been able to purchase gazebos to be used on match days for teams to sit under on the sideline. These look great,” Gill says. “Peabody have just signed on to renew their sponsorship of our coaches. So we’re buying video equipment with some of that sponsorship money. We will be able to film the games and coaches can go back and watch them. We have a big-screen TV that is going to the club house. And so then, you’d be able to come and upload the video to YouTube

APRIL 2508 15

Photos: Unicorn Studios + Noah Lehn

President - Gill Lehn. Vice President - Jason Bell. Manager Operations - Klete Loveday. Secretary - Deborah Loveday. Treasurer - Scott Williams.

and come into the club house and watch it. That should be exciting. “Symbio sponsors our Mini Thistles program, Ray White sponsors our ungraded teams, so U7s to U11s, Lyfstyle Constructions sponsors the graded teams, so U12 to U17s. And Total Mobility sponsor our U6s.” “We have quite a few teams who I think will be making it to the finals this year, we’re quite well graded.” Helensburgh is said to be a competitive club – but it’s a healthy competition, Gill believes. “You’ve got to learn those things in life, haven’t you? Not everyone wins. And it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s really how much you applied yourself… “It’s all about team sport. Particularly for the older ones, I think playing a team sport is really important. It doesn’t matter what division you’re in. It’s really character-building to be able to play in a team, back up your mates, understand all those things and then have coaches who are role models as well.”

SUPPORT FOR JUNIOR GIRLS

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Team sport teaches life skills and resilience: “Not everybody wins. Not everybody gets a trophy at the end of the day. “Maybe a water bottle. Maybe a little ball,” she adds, laughing. The Thistles are currently fundraising for a number of bigger projects, as well as organising some events just for fun. “We want to finish the stadium and get seats on our grandstand area. We want to finish our fit-out of the canteen. “We’re going to be having our first disco this year, on May 4 up at the Tradies. We’ve got John the Spindoctor DJ, he’s donated his time. “Next year is our 125th – we’ve been going since 1895. So there’ll be some big celebrations next year.” n Symbio will be at the Mini Thistles launch on April 6, which is also the first game of the season. Follow the Thistles on Facebook @helensburghsoccer or visit www.helensburghsoccer.org. 2508

Of the 305 Junior Thistles in 2019, 70 are girls. To encourage girls to keep playing, the Thistles are doing the following, Gill says: 1. Some Senior Women’s players are coaching girls. This started last year, and the girls from these teams have continued playing this year, with the Under-12 team making the grand final last year. 2. As a club we are very active within Football South Coast (FSC) about promoting girls playing football and encouraging FSC to implement all girls competitions for younger age groups. 3. Having all girls teams when we have the numbers to do so. This year we have four all-girls teams. We have found this leads to girls wanting to continue to play football as they are not playing against boys every week and they also are able to better develop their skills. Since initiating this within our club, three years ago, we have had five girls go on to play representative football. 2508

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Photos: Kevin Fallon/Symbio

HOPPING FOR THE BEST!

Symbio Wildlife Park is rearing thousands of tadpoles to help save Litoria aurea, aka the Green and Golden Bell Frog, 2508 reports. Last month Symbio Wildlife Park released 1200 endangered Aussie icons into the wild at a secret sanctuary near Kogarah. It was this year’s second big release of young green and golden bell frogs, spawned and raised at the zoo. “We are very proud, there’s a lot of people involved,” said zoo keeper Jarrad Prangell, who took 2508 on a behind-the-scenes tour to see the rows of tanks where the tadpoles were raised. “It was a lot of fun, a first for us – we’ve always wanted to build an in situ conservation program, and this is a fantastic program. It’s a local species, so it’s quite close to our hearts. And the Australian colours, they’re green and gold!” Last year, Jarrad was named Australasian Zookeeper of the Year – this project was the reason for his award. For three months, he has nurtured thousands of tadpoles on a diet of aquarium food, frozen endo, a leafy green, and pickled zucchini. It takes lots of time. “Every day, hours and hours! There’s a lot of water testing – because there are so many animals, they’re eating a lot, pooping a lot, there’s an ammonia spike constantly happening, so we have to maintain water quality. And make sure they’re fed, lighting and temperature are right. “We want to get them as big as we can and give them that fighting chance they deserve.” Out in the wild, the frogs will face the threat of not only birds and snakes, but the Chytrid fungus – the reason we sanitise hands, remove shoes and don plastic booties before entering Tadpole

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Central. “Chytrid fungus has decimated amphibian populations all over the globe,” Jarrad says. “It mainly affects the frog’s skin, and frogs breathe and drink with their skin, so once its skin gets this keratin build-up … that’s when they die. “Ordinarily 1 to 5 percent might survive to adulthood; less with Chytrid fungus. But the area where we’re releasing them at the moment it’s free of fungus, it’s barricaded, a quarantine area.” Green and golden bell frogs were once the most common frog around Sydney, now there are “probably only a couple of thousand” left in NSW. The project started in 2015 when it was established that the construction of the new M5 would affect the frogs’ habitat. Symbio teamed up with Roads & Maritime Services to bring frogs to a secure location. “Each green and golden bell frog is housed individually, it allows us to micro-manage them, work out who we pair with who,” Jarrad says. The green light for breeding came at Christmas. “We’ve had so many tadpoles there’s an overflow. They’re going absolutely gung-ho.” Last month bags of newly formed frogs were packed into a truckload of styrofoam boxes and sent off for release. “We rest the bags in the shallows for 10 minutes, introduce a bit of pond water, so the frog doesn’t get a rude awakening, after 20-30 mins we allow the frogs to swim out. “They are going really well. It’s a tough life – lots of unknowns. But we’re going to give it a jolly old crack, and we’re going to learn a lot.” 2508

ASK BOHMER Q: If my tree has fungus and you’re removing it, can I use the mulch to put in my veggie patch? Yes, as the fungal fruiting body you see is not actually the fungus itself; that’s just the way a tree – and the fungi – procreates. It forms a bracket, dries up and shoots out spores, from which they become wind-borne and try and find another ‘victim’ tree. As for fungi self, there aren’t many fungi around that are really damaging to trees in Australia. The few that do exist cause white and brown rot, however, they do so at a really, really slow pace and the tree is more than capable of coping with the majority of the fungi that are here in the Illawarra. The reaction that it creates when it realises it’s under attack is probably a hundred times stronger than the original wood itself. Basically fungi won’t approach a healthy tree but one that’s already had damage such as falsely pruned or storm damage, and they try to get in that way.

Therefore putting mulch from a tree that has fungus won’t damage your veggie patch, as the veggies won’t have a weakness for the fungus to ‘attack’. n Email Bohmer at info@bohmerstreecare.com.au or call 0432 789 530. 2508

0481 164 996

APRIL 2508 19

THE PALMS CAFE IS FOR SALE

Business owners Ian and Jo Draper opened The Palms Cafe in 2003 and over the past 16 years have built a solid reputation for excellence grounded in great coffee, friendly service and fresh seasonal food. 2508 reports.

Photo: Unicorn Studios

After 16 years, Jo and Ian Draper are selling their Stanwell Park cafe to spend more time with their kids.

Ian and Jo Draper have loved working at their cafe in Stanwell Park. “What a stunning place to come work,” says Ian. At 16 years old, the Palms is likely the longestrunning cafe between Helensburgh and Thirroul. With a sterling reputation for fine food, it’s always busy on weekends, when tourists stop for lunch along the Grand Pacific Drive. Ian and Jo are selling the cafe as they have two young children and want more family time. “We need a change,” Jo says. “But mainly we need to be with our family.” Potential buyers “need to have a passion for food, be hard-working and hands-on,” Ian says. “It is a very good business.” The Palms seats 40 people inside and 40 in a sunny courtyard with escarpment views. It is open 9am-4pm, from Thursdays to Mondays, serving up to 500 people a week. Ian and Jo employ nine local staff, including an apprentice chef. (Ian’s previous three apprentices have graduated to successful careers as chefs elsewhere.) Before starting a family, the couple opened for dinner every Friday and Saturday night. “Everyone loved it, a chance to come in, bring a bottle of wine and have a nice meal,” Jo says. “There is an opportunity to do this again.” The Palms launched as the global coffee trend

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was taking off. “Coffee is such a big change from when we started here,” Ian says. “People only ordered cappuccinos,” Jo adds. “Occasionally you’d get a flat white and be like, ‘Ooh, flat white!’” To be ahead of the game, Jo did an extensive barista course in Sydney as coffee was to become a key part of the business. Today the Palms is known for its excellent Allpress coffee and it is a popular pit-stop for everyone from motorbike and vintage car clubs to runners, walkers and cyclists. “We have a lot of people who come from the Shire and Wollongong,” Ian says. “We have regulars who come every weekend. They only phone us if they’re not coming!” Some will order their favourites every time, acquiring affectionate nicknames such as the ‘Crispy Scones’ or the ‘Garlic Prawns’. “We do a lot of seasonal food,” Ian says. “Meals are healthy and fresh and home-made. The food is modern Australian. The bacon, I pride myself in, it’s a very nice smoky bacon that I get in from the butcher especially. We try to look after everyone, from the person who comes in for a ham and cheese toastie to the one who orders whiting fillet.” Dishes that have stood the test of time include meatloaf, Japanese noodle pancakes and the beef brisket roll. “Scones are a big thing,” Ian says. We do a lot of bus parties that come in for tea and scones. We go through about 200 scones a week.” The menu is a product of Ian’s many years of experience as a chef. He trained at the UK’s award-winning Browns Restaurant, worked at the London Hilton, then emigrated to Australia in 1995 to work at Sydney Harbour Casino, where he met Jo, who was waitressing and studying hospitality. Ian has also worked at Star City, was head chef at the launch of Christian Vieri’s Sydney restaurant (“I had all these soccer stars come there, it was incredible”) and spent a year with Jo in California managing an exclusive vineyard in the Napa Valley. Returning to Australia, the couple seized the chance to buy a Stanwell Park cafe. “We realised we weren’t city people any more,” Jo says. “That is the really appealing thing for people wanting to buy a local business – you live in a beautiful spot, you’re not travelling. “This has been my career highlight. When my son heard we were selling, he said, ‘But the Palms makes so many people so happy’. It made me well up. And I thought, ‘He’s right’. We have made a lot of people happy and I think it’s a great opportunity for someone to come in and keep that going.” 2508

S TA N W E L L P A R K

BUSINESS FOR SALE The Palms Cafe is a successful business that has been operating for over 16 years in Stanwell Park. • Excellent reputation • Fresh seasonal menu • Loved by locals & tourists • Seats up to 80 people • Fully equipped kitchen • Set in a popular boutique shopping complex at the start of the Grand Pacific Walk

For more information call Jo Draper on 0402 217 111 or email joelizdraper@gmail.com

To travel is to live Boutique Travel Agency with over 20 years experience. Shop local and give us a go! We have moved to Shop 4, 123-127 Parkes Street, Helensburgh

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KINDERGARTEN 2020 OPEN DAY

STANWELL PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL WED 12 JUNE 2019 / 10-11AM CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

56 Stanwell Ave, Stanwell Park PHONE: (02) 42941191 .au EMAIL: stanwellpk-p.school@det.nsw.edu lor -Tay rson PRINCIPAL: Melanie Pate

APRIL 2508 21

Book a tractor ride and apple picking tour at www.darkes.com.au

Peel or not to peel? The skin is full of nutrients, antioxidants and fibre so it’s good for us. We should be eating the skin. Many children these days don’t chew their food enough so eating a fresh apple with the skin on (if the child is old enough and past the choking stage) will encourage and assist ‘chewing’. Try using a slinky machine with the peeling arm pulled back so that you leave the skin on the fruit. Apples with the skin on and ‘slinkied’ look colourful to children and really attract the eye.

IT’S TIME TO PICK PINK LADY APPLES!

How do I stop my apples browning? You can dump your sliced and peeled apples in lemon juice and this will help reduce browning. It also adds an extra flavour kick to sweet apples like a delicious. Try adding lemon juice, just a small amount, to apples you are cooking for apple pie.

Grab the kids and head for Darkes Forest – the ‘Orchard Explorer’ tractor train awaits! Jo Fahey reports.

Granny Smith are picking now and Pink Lady apples will follow in mid April. There is plenty of room on the ‘Orchard Explorer’ tractor to come and learn how to pick during the school holidays. (Please note we will be closed, however, on the Easter long weekend and ANZAC Day.) Pink Lady apples have great flavour fresh or cooked. I am always being asked about storing and cooking apples, so here are a few tips and answers to common questions.

Do you take the skin off when cooking? You do not have to peel an apple to cook it. We are getting more experimental these days. Many people are leaving the skins on to add fibre to their diet. It makes an interesting texture.

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100%

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So what’s the best way to ‘stew’ apple? 1. In a pot on the stove. Just slice into chunks the size you like to eat. (I use a slinky machine because it’s fast and the slices are uniform in size). Place them in your pot. Add a small amount of water to stop them sticking to the bottom of your pot. Slowly bring them to a simmer. Continue to cook until they are soft and translucent. You may need to stir them or turn it down low with a lid on. How do I best store my apples? Constant monitoring will be necessary when Apples are best put in the refrigerator as close to cooking on the stove top. Remove them when soft picking as possible. Domestic refrigerators are and cooked through. Granny Smiths will break up usually between 4°C and 8°C. (Coolrooms on our and go more like a sauce the longer they are farm are usually closer to 1°C, so we can keep the apples crunchy much longer.) At home your apples cooked. They are great for apple sauce this way. 2. Microwaving is quite simple. Just slice and put will keep a number of weeks in the crisper. them into a microwave safe container. Make sure If you can’t eat them all fast enough just cook you have a lid on and then microwave on high until and then freeze them. Freezing cooked apple will soft. My microwave at home takes about 20 allow you to keep them for nine to 12 months. minutes to cook a 4-litre container of sliced apples. Try freezing them in small amounts in an ice cube tray. This allows the convenience of defrosting I then let it cool before removing the lid. Apples individual serves to put on your breakfast. You can will tend to keep their shape better when cooked in a microwave. I think mostly because they are not also add them to smoothies. being constantly stirred. They make great ‘slushies’. For a super simple n Book a picking tour at www.darkes.com.au 2508 dessert, defrost, then add ice cream and custard.

ATV IN ACTION!

Coalcliff SLSC is celebrating the arrival of a new ATV, thanks for funding from the Stronger Communities Programme and our local federal member for Cunningham, Sharon Bird MP. MP Sharon Bird visited Coalcliff Surf Life Saving Club on Sunday, March 10 to officially launch the new vehicle, flanked by a new crop of Coalcliff cadets who just completed their Surf Rescue Certificates and Bronze Medallions. Club president, Leo Stevens, said: “It was a fantastic day for our club to have received not only this important piece of surf lifesaving equipment, but also the future members who will be keeping our beach safe and community together for many summers to come.” The federal grant provided 50 percent funding for the equipment (approximately $10,000) with the club providing the remainder through fundraising efforts and member contributions. Ms Bird said she was thrilled to help achieve the federal grant for the club, and to join all of the the wonderful volunteers to launch their new ATV. 2508 Pictured with Sharon Bird are Coalcliff SLSC’s squads of Bronze Medallion and Surf Life Saving Certificate candidates who have just successfully completed their training under Life Member Dave Winner’s instruction and Life Member Barry Allen’s assessment. Inset, the ATV at Coalcliff. All photos: Damian Lloyd, Sea Salt Studios

APRIL 2508 23

OUT & About

ONE ADMIT ADMIT ONE

Send your listings to editor@2508mag.com.au. Sign up for weekly events updates at 2508mag.com.au HELENSBURGH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Sunday, 7 April Old Mine Surgery open day,10am-3pm at 78 Parkes St, Helensburgh. Thursday, 11 April Helensburgh NSW and the 1919 Influenza Epidemic book launch. Come along to an interesting talk by author Dr Lorraine Jones about how the epidemic, which killed an estimated 50 million people worldwide, affected Helensburgh and its residents. At Helensburgh Community Centre. 7.30pm-9pm. Booklets can be purchased for $15 or pre-ordered. info@historichelensburgh. org.au or 0418 681 384 THE LIONS EASTER SCRAMBLE Saturday, 20 April 9-11.30am in Charles Harper Park, Helensburgh – there will be a magic show for the kids and a Easter egg scramble for all ages HELENSBURGH LIBRARY, 57 Walker Street, 4294 2185 Helensburgh Library Staff would like to wish a Happy Easter to all our patrons! Tue 2 Steam Punks, drop in session, 5+, 3.304.30pm, come and experiment art, science, build or make, every 1st Tuesday of the month. Fri 5 Knitting, drop in session, 11-1pm, come along and enjoy a friendly creative session sharing or learning, every first Friday of the month Wed 10 Easter story time and craft, 10.30am, drop in Wed 17 School Holiday Activity, 10.30am, bookings essential, Mini Driftwood wall hangings Wed 24 School Holiday Activity, 10.30am, bookings essential, Lego CLUBS & MEETINGS Fellowship of First Fleeters, South Coast Chapter. 10am Tuesday, 2 April, in the Scribbly Gum Room, Ribbonwood Centre, Dapto. President KerrieAnne Christian who will inform us about her experiences with DNA testing as a means to finding out more about family heritage. $2 donation. Contacts: 4267 1488, 4261 6893. Helensburgh & District Probus Club meets every second Thursday of the month at Tradies Helensburgh. Visitors welcome, please first contact Brent Percy on 0419 604 576 for further information. Helensburgh Girl Guides Fridays at Guide Hall, Chippendale Place. Email mflarey@gmail.com

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Helensburgh Historical Society Meets at Helensburgh Community Centre 7.30pm-9pm with guest speakers on 11 April, 20 June, 15 August, 17 October. All welcome. Phone Jan 0418 681 384. Helensburgh Lions Club Meets 7.30pm 2nd Monday of the month at Helensburgh Youth Centre, 26 Walker Street. www.helensburghlions.org.au Helensburgh Men’s Shed Mondays and Tuesdays 9am-3pm at 199A Parkes Street Helensburgh. Call Mike Croft 0413 401 522, Ron Balderston 0410 564 752; visit www.helensburghmensshed.org.au. Helensburgh Scout Group Open to new members. Meetings during school term: Joeys (ages 6-8) Tues 4.30-6pm. Cubs (ages 8-11) - Thurs 6.30-8pm Contact groupleader@helensburghscouts.org.au Neighbourhood Forum 1 7pm, second Wednesday of the month, Helensburgh Community Centre. Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce Members-only workshop night, April 2. Visit www.nicc.net.au Northern Illawarra U3A Stanwell Park Mondays (during school terms) 9.30am-noon at Hillcrest House, Stanwell Park. Contact: Jenny Lee-Robins on 0406 350 025 / 4294 3475. Stanwell Park CWA Meets 1st Tuesday each month, 10am at CWA Hall. Call Lynette Loo, 0413 166 244. Toastmasters meets at Tradies Helensburgh every 2nd and 4th Monday, at 7pm. 0408 961 392. View Club Monhtly lunch meetings at Tradies Helensburgh 10.45am for 11:15am start. CHURCHES • Bushland Chapel (Uniting Church) 94 Parkes St Helensburgh. Faith, community. Fourth Sunday of month 9.30am and as announced. Yoga, drama. Spaces available. bushlandchapel.net, 0425 257984. • H’burgh & Stanwell Park Anglican Church Regular Sunday services, 8.15am, 54 Stanwell Ave, Stanwell Park; 10am and 6pm, 75 Parkes St, Helensburgh. Call 4294 1024. • Helensburgh Baptist Church Sundays, 10am, Community Centre, Walker St. Call 0411 192 508. • Holy Cross Catholic Church Weekend Mass at Helensburgh: Sunday 8.30am. Reconciliation: Sunday 8am. Visitors welcome. • Hope Church 2508 Sunday services, 9.30am, 3/23 Cemetery Road, Helensburgh. 0404 803 055. • Hillcrest Christian Fellowship Sundays, 6pm, Hillcrest House, Stanwell Park. Call 4294 3153. PLAYGROUPS • Mondays 9.30am-noon, Stanwell Park Children’s Centre. Call Eleanor: 04 3443 4481. • Tuesdays 10am-noon, H’burgh Community Centre, Walker St. Call Rosemary, 4294 1290. • Tuesdays 9.30-11.30am, Helensburgh Anglican Church, 75 Parkes St. Call 4294 1024. • Thursdays 10am-noon, H’burgh Community Centre, Walker St. Call Rosemary, 4294 1290. 2508

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APRIL 2508 25

Left: Pinning moths from one night’s sample (in Timor Leste). Right: A collection of moths reared from caterpillars on rainforest trees (in PNG). Photos: Chris Reid

BEETLING ABOUT With Helensburgh entomologist Dr Chris Reid, a research scientist specialising in beetles at the Australian Museum.

There was a story about ‘disappearing insects’ in the press recently. Interestingly, although written by two people based in Australia, the information was almost entirely from Europe and North America. That’s not surprising – it’s where amateur observers have been most active. Here in Australia we have a huge insect fauna, the equivalent of all of Europe or all of North America, but few people actually identifying and naming the stuff. That’s given rise to the ‘taxonomic impediment’ – the idea that it is generally too difficult for all but experts to identify insects here. It may be one reason for the gulf between amateur and professional, but this is steadily decreasing. In contrast, in Europe most insect groups are identifiable in reliable identification guides. The knock-on from that is that it’s relatively easy for both amateurs and professionals to work together to find out more than just what a species looks like, for example work out its biology and distribution. Many groups of insects in Europe, especially in the UK, have recording schemes that have been in operation for more than 30 years. That longitudinal data is what is driving the discovery that insect numbers are plummeting. For example, as a keen amateur I surveyed the Large Heath butterfly in north-east England in 1984, a species that is only found on peat swamps. Twenty years later there was a follow-up survey, which found that the butterfly was probably extinct at 50 per cent of the sites I knew. To get something like that going here in Australia we need a lot more participation. To get

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more participation, we need to encourage recording and collecting among you. There are some who won’t collect and would rather take a photograph. That’s fine for groups with species that are relatively easily identified externally, such as butterflies, dragonflies, or stag beetles. There are excellent Australian websites, such as Bowerbird, for posting photos of insects for ID. But if the photo shows a possible new species or something that needs verification by microscope, then you may not get that ID. So, how to get started? You won’t be alone. It’s worth getting involved with other ‘entos’ to learn the ropes. In the greater Sydney area, the Society for Insect Studies is particularly geared towards helping amateurs, for example with photography, keeping a collection, rearing insects, online resources etc. It meets in the Australian Museum. The national organisation for entos is the Australian Entomological Society. Most equipment for collecting and making a collection can be purchased from Australian Entomological Supplies. And there are freely available instructions for making a collection on the website www. discoverlife.org/png/ – I’m one of the authors. If you do start a collection, make sure it’s properly labelled, pest- and mould-free, and collected with the right permits where required. One day it might be a highly valued resource in a museum. Have a question for Chris? Email editor@2508mag.com.au. 2508

DRAMA FOR YOUNG AND OLD

Acting is fun for all. Stanwell Park Arts Theatre’s publicity officer Beth Farmer reports. For the past eight weeks a team of SPAT volunteers have been spending an hour a week with some of the residents of Kennett Homes in Stanwell Park, working on a short play that will be performed for other residents and visiting families in April. We would like to extend our thanks to the wonderful staff at Kennett Homes for facilitating our sessions, which have been a huge success, and to the amazing residents who have so much energy and enthusiasm for drama and music – thank you! It has become a highlight of our week!

SPAT volunteers have been working on a short play with residents at Kennett Homes.

DRAMA WORKSHOP FOR KIDS SPAT Theatre is running a drama workshop for kids aged 8-12 years in the Term 1 school holidays. The workshops will be run at the CWA Hall from 9am-12.30pm, Tuesday 23-Friday 26 April, with a performance on Sunday 28 April. These workshops have become a popular addition to SPAT’s regular schedule and are always booked up well in advance. Places are limited so get in early to avoid missing out. The cost is $50 per child, which includes morning tea each day. Go to our website – spat.org.au – for more information and to reserve your spot. SEE ‘SUMMER 1993’ Tickets are now on sale for SPAT Film Society’s first screening of 2019 – Summer 1993 (2017, 1h 40m, language: Catalan) on Saturday 6 April at 7.30pm at the CWA Hall. This jewel of a film has beguiled critics and audiences alike and been rewarded with a slew of trophies and acclaim for its writer/director Carla Simón. Told from the viewpoint of Frida, a six-year-old orphan sent to live with her uncle and aunt after the mysterious death of her mother, this film is by turns tragic and uplifting, with astonishing performances from its young cast. Ticket cost $20 Adult, $15 Concession, available at spat.org.au, and as we are a film society, purchasing a ticket for this event will grant you membership and entry to all our screenings in 2019 (3-4 films). 2508

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APRIL 2508 27

CLUB REPORTS

HELENSBURGH TOASTMASTERS Vicki Christie reports.

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA Helensburgh Girl Guides’ Guide Leader Malynda Flarey reports.

On Friday 1 March, some of our intrepid Brownies gathered at Stanwell Park Reserve to participate in Clean Up Australia Day. We had decided to tackle clean up on the northern end of Stanwell Park beach, especially in light of so many recent media reports of plastic entering our oceans and endangering marine life. Some years ago we also did Clean Up Australia Day at the same place and collected many bags of rubbish. Strangely enough, one of the most frequent items we found back then were the little plastic sauce bottles that were given out when people bought sushi. These were by far the most common thing we collected in 2014. Well the Brownies were very surprised but happy to see such a difference in 2019. Despite the fact that our bags look very full in our photos we actually collected very little rubbish from the beach and that is overall a good thing. Cheers to those who frequent the northern end of the beach who are doing their bit to keep it clean and beautiful. What we did find a lot of though, especially around the park but also on the beach, were cigarette butts and the ring pulls from drink cans. The girls really noticed how many of these there were. While these are small, they are certainly a danger to smaller animals and birds. Maybe by next year the message will have sunk in that it all belongs in the bin. Brownies and Guides meet every Friday during term time. For further information please contact Malynda Flarey (Guide Leader) at mflarey@gmail.com. 2508

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The Helensburgh Toastmasters club president Vicki Christie handed over to Lynda Babister last July, with the promise of another year of fun and learning while public speaking. In February, we held our annual International Speech and Evaluation contests, and two weeks later we hosted the area contests. Representatives from Engadine, Miranda, Menai and Helensburgh competed, with our member Matthew Derbridge coming third in the Evaluation contest. A fun night was had by all. Helensburgh Toastmasters meet twice a month, on the 2nd and 4th Monday nights at 7pm. If you’d like to know more about Toastmasters, please contact Vicki on 0408 961 392. 2508

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Ahead of ANZAC Day, Jenny Donohoe shares an interesting article and the story of a local WW2 serviceman. ARTICLE FROM UNKNOWN NEWSPAPER C1969: ‘HISTORICAL SUPPLEMENT INSTALLMENT NO: 9’ RETURNED SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATION: Also referred to as the R.S.L. and R.S.S.A.L.L.A., it was formed in 1921 with these officials; President, Bert Wallbank; secretary, Arthur Harric(s)on; treasurer, ‘Yakka’ Freebain. FOUNDATION MEMBERS: In addition to the above officials, these included Harry Josland, Andy and Neil Kinloch, Perce Powell, Bill Hendry, Jim Barnett, Gus Parkes, Rhys Morgan, Dick Kinsey, Mattie Loudon, Albert Illingsworth. R.S.L. MEETINGS: These were first held in the basement of the Empire Theatre by courtesy of the proprietor, George Fehrenbach. It was necessary to vacate these premises, so meetings were held outside the post office until the Miners’ Hall was made available to the Association. When financial circumstances forced the closure of the School of Arts in 1922 [actually the 1930s, see note below], this building was handed over to the R.S.L. Headquarters to be used by the Helensburgh Sub-Branch of the R.S.L. and for the holding of its meetings. Perce Powell, Gus Parkes and Bert Luck are well remembered. Jim Brassington generously placed his lorry at the disposal of the R.S.L. for all removals and deliveries. JIM FLOYD’S GIFT: A block of land adjoining the R.S.L. Memorial Hall on the south side. Jim wished it to be used by the R.S.L. for a recreation centre, a bowling green, but this has not eventuated. DANCES: R.S.L. dances were held in its hall regularly and, prior to World War II, an Armistice Ball was held. In fact, the R.S.L. Memorial Hall was Helensburgh’s Community Hall. ANZAC SUNDAY: Always held on the Sunday prior to Anzac Day, it took the form of a march from the R.S.L. Memorial Hall to the Empire Theatre, where a religious service followed. LICENCE: The R.S.L. had a liquor permit pending following World War II, but it failed to be granted a licence in 1957. To-day, R.S.L. activities in Helensburgh are negligible. END NOTES 2019: This article from a local newspaper circa 1969 was contributed prior to the formation of Helensburgh Historical Society (1971), possibly written by Bill Simpson or Tony DeCorte of Stanwell Tops, editor of the early Helensburgh News. Helensburgh School of Arts

was still active in 1933. In January 1943 the Lands Department offered to revoke and re-dedicate the property for use by Helensburgh Returned Soldiers, provided the Sub-Branch liquidate the outstanding rates and charges on the land. Jim Floyd’s gift block of land would be where the Council’s Health Centre, part of the Community Centre, and possibly the Pre-school and Ambulance Station, are located today. The Helensburgh RSL Sub-Branch is still active with services held on Anzac Day and Armistice Day at the Memorial in Charles Harper Park. WW2 ARTICLE (FROM AN UNKNOWN NEWSPAPER) JIM VARDY, MM: In addition to the Military Medal, Jim had two Campaign Stars, the 1939/45 Star and Africa Star, and two War Medals, the Defence Medal and War Medal. Herewith is information signed by C G Macartney, Lieut., for Officer-in-Charge of Records:‘NX7886 VARDY J – MM A.I.F. – SIXTH DIVISION’: The above mentioned soldier, in an extract from A.I.F Orders (M.E) No 277 of the 28 March 1941, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in action during the recent operations in Cyrenaica … “During the attack by enemy MII (6) tanks on 2/3 Battalion N.G. in Waddi Gerida, this gun-crew brought its guns into action in the open at a range of less than 200 yards, the other gun being further back. In spite of M.G and 2 P.D.R fire from tanks, the crew put 4 tanks out of action. The 5th tank hit partee with shell and blew the crew off, damaging portee and killing NX5409 Pte W Dawes and wounding NX4986 Dvr E Grunt. The remainder of the action crew, of whom Pte Vardy was one, immediately got the gun into action again and destroyed the 5th tank, after which portee was set on fire by a shot from the 6th tank. The action … was an outstanding and inspiring example of conspicuous gallantry.’ NOTE: James Vardy (1906-1954) was the son of Helensburgh pioneer and miner John Vardy. 2508

APRIL 2508 29

MEN’S SHED SEEKS PERMANENT HOME Funding is needed to acquire a long-term lease over Crown Land in Helensburgh, Paul Blanksby reports.

Your Helensburgh Men’s Shed has moved to199A Parkes Street in the ‘Burgh, a rented, lightindustrial factory, where we continue our aim to improve men’s mental, physical and spiritual health and give men a safe place to be themselves. That’s great, isn’t it? Yes, and no. We outgrew the generously provided Anglican Hall in Stanwell Park. As we’ve moved and set up our new facility in town, we realise it too is temporary. The Shed has 30 members now, and with some 900 men aged between 55 and 79 in the 2508 area, this number will grow! (Younger blokes are very welcome.) Here’s a little of how your Men’s Shed serves the community: Members’ families often tell us of the benefits for their loved ones, of how the Shed gives them a sense of belonging. We provide guest speakers during Shed days to speak on men’s health issues, and free Senior Men’s Exercise and Fall Prevention Classes. We help men with their personal projects, to help them turn a perhaps long-desired wood or metal dream into a reality.

The HMS helps with community projects: stage items for Stanwell Park Arts Theathre, RSL ANZAC Day awards for local schools, an Honour Board for Helensburgh RFS, play equipment for preschools, Little Libraries for kids reading. We’re repairing a flagpole for Stanny Surf Life Saving and making fauna boxes for environmental groups. It’s satisfying serving this way. The Shed also supports local organisations such as the Lions Club, N.I.N.A, the CWA’s Festival of Flight, the Illawarra Festival of Wood, Mates in Construction, Beyond Blue and Farm Aid drought relief. And without impacting local businesses we provide free or at-cost small projects for community members who need a hand. Plus we Restore, Recover, Re-use, Recycle, Re-purpose, Re-imagine. Your Shed is here for you, and we want it to be for years to come. That’s why we’ve detailed a proposal to both major parties in the State elections, Sharon Bird the Federal Member, Leigh Colacino and the Ward 1 Aldermen and the Lord Mayor seeking their commitment, funding and help to get a long-term lease over Crown Land in Helensburgh, so we can build a permanent Men’s Shed, and in the future a Community Garden, Women’s Shed, First Nations Dreaming Place and other community facilities. We have wonderful support for this proposal from local doctors, churches, businesses, NGOs, and charities, who’ve seen first-hand the positive difference Helensburgh Men’s Shed makes in the lives of men, and their families. With your help we’ll stick at it and keep on serving you. n The Helensburgh Men’s Shed, 199A Parkes Street Helensburgh. Open Mondays and Tuesdays 9-3, (other days to come). Please call Michael Croft 0413 401 522; Ron Balderston 0410 564 752. 2508

30 2508 APRIL

GO LO

CAL

BUSINESS DIRECTORY DISTR

ICT NE

All Tyre Sizes available - Wheel Alignments Tyre Repairs - New Wheels - Balancing - Rotations

177 Old Princes Hwy Helensburgh Phone: 4294 8973 Mobile: 0420 764 668

Tax Returns

Matthew Faulkner CPA JP Registered Tax Agent matt@mattfaulkner.accountants 19 Lower Coast Road Stanwell Park m 0438 116 374 ph 4294 2296

BAS Strata Auditing

AIR CONDITIONING

100% LOC AL

0418wilcockairelectric@bigpond.com 660 835

Harry Wilcock Air Conditioning & Electrical

Tune & Service • E Safety Checks • All Makes & Models LPG Rego Checks • Blue Slips (LN. MVRL 17877)

New Systems Supplied • All Brands Installed

RG Automotive Technology For all Mechanical Repairs OPEN: MON TO FRI 8-5.30 // SAT 8-12.00 Engine Diagnostics • Electronic Tuning • EFI Service Brake & Clutch Repairs • Steering & Suspension SPECIALISING IN FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVES AND 4WDS

Rego (& LPG) Inspections: 4294 3885

SPLIT SYSTEM SPECIALIST | LIC#210923C | L006256 | AU03162

Rear of 195 Parkes Street, Helensburgh, 2508 // lic no 39427

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4294 2930 John Hine (Proprietor) // 187 Parkes St Helensburgh 2508

2508

Helensburgh Car Services

• Personal • Company • Partnerships • SMSF • Trusts

Park | Coalcliff

0403 789 617

Paintless Dent Repair

• Minor dents and hail damage • Completely mobile • Over 20 years PDR experience

GRANT ROBERTSON

0450141417 Lic No. MVRL 49478

www.independentpdr.com.au independentPDRSydney

APRIL 2508 31

AUTOMOTIVE

ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING

YOUR LOCAL TYRE SPECIALIST

A wide range of Brands with Unbeatable Prices!

JOHN INGRAM MVRL 54398

HELENSBURGH HOMETUNE M O B I L E A U T O R E PA I R E R

AUTOMOTIVE

• AUTOMOTIVE • MECHANICAL • ELECTRICAL SERVICING • DIAGNOSIS & REPAIRS

0414 448 540 LIC NO. MVRL20092 Wilson’s Concreting & Resurfacing Lic No: 221563C

All general concreting Stamp – Stencil – Pebble – Excavation Council approved

Shane Wilson 0416 162 401 BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

Pickering Constructions P/L New homes, renovations, decks and pergolas

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

‘Committed to providing quality building and carpentry services’

Call Gavin 0407 105 969 Lic# 228720C

KITCHENS P/L

New kitchens Modernising old kitchens Laundries Vanities Entertainment units Call Mitch Smith m: 0406 043 370 e: mitch.smith@live.com.au

PRESTIGE WARDROBES ALL WORK GUARANTEED.

Timber Doors Polyurethane Painted Doors Mirrored Doors Laundry Closets Drawers Internals

CALL PAUL: 4227 9911

32 2508 APRIL

BRAD MCNALLY

Carpenter/Joiner • Reconstruction • Decks • Renovations • Alterations

0418 430 901

L/N: 870C

Email: bmcnallycarpentry@bigpond.com

HELENSBURGH For all your garage door needs!

Domestic and commercial garage doors, motors, installation and fabrication of automatic gates, louvers, privacy screens. Phone Rod: 0417 042 883

CARPENTER Specialising in Decks, Pergolas, Renovations, Gyprock & Plastering, Maintenance, Ins. Work.

Ph: 0419 970 S 902 BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

A&S

M: 0415517012 e: jacquelinedeecelebrant@gmail.com www.jacquelinedeecelebrant.com

STANWELL TOPS TECHNICAL SERVICES

Home and Small Business Systems Local Support

0419 413 935 Microsoft Small Business Specialist Microsoft Certified & Microsoft Partner

Lic No 204793C

N Roofing I E Guttering T Leaf Guards S

COMPUTING SERVICES

J & D CARPENTRY N John McKinlay I Lic No: 46961c E

WEDDINGS, FUNERALS, NAMING DAYS, RENEWAL OF VOWS

CELEBRANT

GARAGE DOORS

0414 892 601 GLEN ROBINSON

FENCING

EST. 1990

Lic. No. 263661C

ABN 33 676 627 825

TERMITE & PEST SPECIALIST

Termite Treatments & Inspections General Pest Treatments • Cockroaches • Spiders Ants • All Pests • Fully Licenced and Insured

Call: 0420 480 036 pestfix.com.au EVOLVED BUSHFIRE PROTECTION

Sanding & Coating New & Old Floors Supply & Install of New Timber Floors 36 Months Warranty

Sammy M: 0404 606 666 ABN 32 227 669 336

T: 9608 6262

Lic No. 239669C

Supply & Installation of Bushfire Sprinklers, Pumps, Tanks, Hoses & Fittings. Pressure Washing & Gutter Cleaning. Bushfire prone area specialists helping protect your home and family.

Call Mike on 0403 851 399 www.evolvedbushfire.com

APRIL 2508 33

DOMESTIC SERVICES

Glen Robinson M: 0409 664 221 E: glennrobinsonfencing@hotmail.com

PEST MANAGEMENT Lic# 7001

Specialists in all aspects of

PEST MANAGEMENT 28 YEARS INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Wayne Teal 0408 776 099

Lic No. 15-003682-004

Specialist in the management and control of Pests, Termites and Bird Management Solutions

PH: 4294 4777 E: alloverpest@bigpond.com

TERMITES

General Pest & Rodent Treatments

9576 6088 www.impactpestcontrol.com.au impactpc@optusnet.com.au

DOMESTIC SERVICES

+ high pressure cleaning High Pressure clean (Residential & commercial) Vinyl, brick or wood building exterior & driveways Brickwork restoration & graffiti removal Mobile dustless blasting & paint removal of cars/machinery

0431 548 423 | info@fullthrottleblasting.com.au

DOMESTIC SERVICES

• Fine & custom furniture orders welcome • Furniture restoration service available • Timber for sale

H O M E O R G A N I S AT I O N & D E S I G N

w w w. re c l a i myo u r s p a c e . c o m . a u

Call: Stuart Montague

Project based classes beginners to advanced

3rd Generation Woodworker

woodworkschool.com | 0438 510 145

0413 582 948

Fast reliable and friendly service • • • •

Window cleaning - Sills, Screens & Frames Gutter Cleaning Roof Cleaning (Water Blasting) House Washing (Soft Wash with Extension Pole including Gutters, Eaves and Walls)

www.flashwindowcleaning.com.au

.AU HER.COM

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U PAUL@P

66 236 0414 4bling services

ssem iture sing in a ds, furn Speciali’s, Garden Sheo assist with for BBQre! We can als s. U and mo of local good R.COM.A OGETHE delivery T T U .P ABN 45 754 595 309 WWW

34 2508 APRIL

AROUND TOWN DRIVING SCHOOL 0404 361 744

Stephen Potter

spotter73@bigpond.com

Driving Instructor

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GILL LEHN

FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT IN JUNIOR THISTLES’ HISTORY Helensburgh | Otford | Darkes

Forest | Stanwell Tops | Stanwell

Park | Coalcliff

ELECTRICAL & SOLAR Phone Dan Belter: 0407 767 654 Lic No 264525C

Your Local Solar Electrician. Design & Install Solar for Homes, Cars, Boats, Campers & Remote Properties.

0481 164 996

Design • Build • Maintain Fully licensed & insured Lic# 225791c

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

paving • retaining walls • stonework, decks • turfing • outdoor showers, fire pits • plant supply

www.horizonlandscapes.com.au

0404 276 333

GARDENING

R.P.M

ryan's property maintenance • L a w n M o w i n g • G a rd e n s • R u b b i s h R e m o v a l •

“For a Professional Cut”

0421 730 271 w w w. r y a n s p m . c o m

ENGINEERING

B.S.S.ENGINEERING 0418 406 279

No Job Welding & Machining General Machinery Repairs Too Small

Unit 14/17 Cemetery Road Helensburgh Business Park 2508 OPEN 7 DAYS

Property Solutions Retaining Walls • Pergolas • Decking Paving • Landscaping Lic: 151773C Complete Makeovers Call Daniel: 0422 503 193

APRIL 2508 35

JONAT’S GARDEN TRANSFORMERS Cheap paths for a better garden • Fully insured Domestic and commercial • Free quotes

• Turf Laying • Pest and Diseases Control • Tree Removal

Qualified Horticulturist (Dip of Horticulture) P: Jonathan 0423 457 629 ABN: 57245334210 E: jonatsgardentransformers@hotmail.com

GARDENING

188 Parkes St, Helensburgh

• Lawn Mowing • Gutter Cleaning • Rubbish Removal

do you need some help? Lawn mowing Garden tidy ups Small odd jobs Computer help General cleaning & chores Pensioner Discounts

DELIVERY AGENT:

HELENSBURGH HARDWARE Ask about our $80 Welcome Package!

131 161

GAS SUPPLIES

GARDENING

FOR ALL YOUR LP GAS NEEDS, TRUST A LOCAL!

Call or text Jake 0428 974 404

We guarantee 100% all our services or your money back.

ph 4294 1985 14a Walker St Helensburgh

· TREE REMOVAL & Pruning services · FIREWOOD · land clearing · stump grinding · free mulch · timber milling · fully insured · free quote stuart: 0412 239 245 Office: 4294 8039

36 2508 APRIL

HAIRDRESSING

heyHAIR beautiful SALON

Laser Hair Removal Laser hair removal, laser pigmentation removal, dermal skin needling & Pelleve skin tightening. Consultation and booking with our laser and dermal therapist. Package price available.

Appointments now available in local studio Quality Handmade Jewellery, Repairs or Sydney & Restorations Ph: 02 4294 9242 CBD Suite Alt Ph/Fax 02 9233 6847

www.jpowelljewellery.com.au

Thats Reflexology!

Works on your whole body to Relax muscles Balance Hormones

0418 603 009

Ruth Walker

P.O. BOX 343 HELENSBURGH 2508

50 DIFFERENT SPECIALS WEEKLY QUALITY ONLINE BEAD SUPPLIER

ruth@beademporium.net.au| www.beademporium.net.au

PH: (02) 4294 3333 DISCOUNTS & WHOLESALE PRICES

PODIATRIST Yvonne Sworzynski

Lic 1061701

LEGAL SERVICES

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Ring Val Wallington

Podiatry @ Bangor (02) 8544 0329 HOME VISITS ON WEDNESDAY TO HELENSBURGH, STANWELL PARK AND TOPS

yvonnespod@hotmail.com

0408 677 916

JEWELLERY

PO Box 57 Helensburgh

ONLINE BOOKINGS: www.PSGP.com.au 129 Parkes St, Helensburgh Phone: 4294 1400

Email. benson@bensonsconvey.com.au

N URTURE R EFLEXOLOGY

WITH

CLARE BOWLEY

Reflexology Treatments & Ear Candling Balance your mind, body and spirit.

Call: 0405 810 168

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Park | Coalcliff

0403 789 617

LOCKSMITH

www.facebook.com/NurtureReflexology

CMYK: 54 0 100 0

Above All Locksmiths

0402 277 928

Email: info@abovealllocksmiths.com.au

Pantone 802 C Website: www.abovealllocksmiths.com.au PO Box 969, Mention thisSUTHERLAND ad to receiveNSW 10%2232 off

Master Licence Number: 000102854 | ABN: 44690806859

Above All APRIL 2508 Locksmiths

Painter Licenced

DIGITAL

COL HARRIS • 0418 262 925

LOCAL TRADESMAN FREE QUOTES

L/N 285478C

PAINTING & DECORATING

MEDIA

Home Theatre / Smart TV / Data / Audio & Video Systems

Tom Lynch 0406 807 856

•TV Antennas •Satellites •Home Automation •Digital Signage •Home Theatre •Phone & Data

0416 298 724

NBN LIC NO: B20885NSW

Residential | Commercial | Strata

• Local nbn contractor • Rewiring or relocating internal sockets for optimum sync speeds • Fully licensed, insured & accredited

Lic# 267636C

Lic: 320650C ABN 45 210 876 253

M. 0474 572 584 E. kylewcollins@outlook.com

QUALITY WORK THAT YOU CAN TRUST. YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED.

Feeding, Walking & Other Services Available

Call Karen 0419 432 482

38 2508 APRIL

L BUSIN CA

S ES

49 STATION ST, ENGADINE (PH 9520 3316) e: murray@crockerspaint.com w: www.crockerspaint.com

· For all decorating needs (trade and retail) · Haymes and Krysler Paints Trade Depot · Delivery Available – Call Muz on 0422 498 548 2017

ARDS

WINNER SUTHERLAND SHIRE

Heated Hydrobath Dog Washing, Grooming & Clipping

PET CARE

PAINTING

kpetcare@tpg.com.au

DOG RABBIT HORSE CHOOK GUINEA CAT BIRD Food & Care

HELENSBURGH

Pet Food & Produce PET CARE

REAR OF SUNRISE NURSERY TEL 4294 1477

MON-FRI 8:30AM-5PM & SAT 9AM-3PM

YOUR LOCAL HOT WATER SPECIALIST ELECTRIC, SOLAR & GAS

• Sales • Service • Installation

PLUMBING & GASFITTING

All Brands • Free Quotes 24hr Emergency Service

Simon Bullard Photography PLUMBING

PHOTOGRAPHY

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Online Profiles ⁄ Portfolios Corporate Headshots ⁄ Expos & Events

0415 263 883

simon@simonbullard.com.au www.simonbullard.com simonbullardphoto

P L U M B I N G

PLUMBER, DRAINER, GAS FITTER Daniel 0424 799 369 FREE QUOTES

PLUMBING

LICENCE 270988c

www.waterboysplumbing.com.au

LEAKING TAPS, BLOCKED DRAINS, HOTWATER, CCTV LOCATING

David Wagstaff

Plumbing and Drainage Hot water systems Drainage Gas Roof & Gutters Blocked pipes Maintenance Lic No: 226808c

www.cattleyplumbing.com

EMERGENCY REPAIRS

0409 875 391

• • • • •

General plumbing Specialising in storm water construction Sub divisions and easements Domestic drainage problems Mini excavator hire also available

free quotes

CALL NOW 0417 677 345

e: davidwagstaffdrainage@gmail.com

LICENCE NO. 8987C

APRIL 2508 39

CLASSIFIEDS justinpoore@bigpond.com

PLUMBING

COBRA BATHROOMS

For all your bathroom and plumbing needs, call ‘The Cobra’ 0435 065 511 Lic. 259957C

www.thecobra.com.au

AGISTMENT | HORSE RIDING | SADDLERY www.HorseRidingNSW.net.au

SPORT

Agistment • Lessons Parties • Day Camps Trail Rides • Saddle Club Pony Rides plus Kiosk 448 Darkes Forest Road DARKES FOREST NSW 2508

4294 3441

STORAGE TRAVEL

To travel is to live Boutique Travel Agency with over 20 years experience. Shop local and give us a go! email: info@piccadillytravel.com.au

02 4294 9295

40 2508 APRIL

BAZZA’S CARPENTRY & HANDYMAN SERVICES: All handyman repairs. Decks, pergolas, tiling, fencing, plastering and all other timber work. Local, reliable, quick and fully insured. Free quotes. Ph. Barry [Bazz] 0414 492 509 or 4294 8164. GARDEN SERVICE: Rejuvenate your garden: pruning, weeding, hedging, clean ups, rubbish removal. Regular mowing, edge trimming and gardening service also available. Call AJ on 0433 897 600. YOGA - PILATES - STRETCH CLASS: * increase flexibility, balance & general wellbeing * strengthen & tone the whole body *calms the mind, improves memory & concentration * Suitable for all levels of fitness & flexibility @ Stanwell Park Surf Club. All classes 1 hour: Sat 8am / Sun 4.30pm / Tues 9am & 7pm / Thurs 7pm. Contact Karen 0403 789 617.‘Yoga with a view’. yogastanwellpark 2508

HELLO • New advertisers who’ve recently joined 2508’s business directory are Cobra Bathrooms, Evolved Bushfire Protection, Parkes St General Practice, Precise Floor Sanding, Simon Bullard Photography and Glen Robinson Fencing. • Firewood sales are back! Contact Sydney & Southern Tree Services (0412 239 245). • Official charity status for Need a Feed. Shaz Harrison-Shaw, Founder of Need a Feed and Need a Coffee, said: “After seven months working with the Need a Feed lawyer to obtain charity and DGR (deductible gift recipient) status, it has been granted! This means that donations are tax deductible. The Need a Coffee van is also available to hire or for events – these events help to fund our community service.” • Fun Friday nights, with Stanwell Park’s Loaf Kitchen opening for cocktails and food from 6pm.

GOODBYE • Cheers to Wayne Wheatley of QLGC PL, who has advertised bobcat and tractor hire services in Helensburgh and district for many years. It’s thanks to long-time supporters like Wayne that community news survives and thrives in 2508. Best wishes for retirement! • Thanks to Virginia Dowson, outgoing VIEW Club publicity officer, for providing entertaining monthly club reports over the course of many years as a 2508 contributor.

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN BOOK ADS ONLINE? 2508MAG.COM.AU

Photos by Duncan Leadbitter

HELLO FISH

With Duncan Leadbitter. Part 3 of this underwater discovery series explores Bellambi Point. Bellambi has a large amount of reef that offers some great snorkelling from the shoreline. There is also a shallow reef offshore that breaks even in a small swell. This large reef complex has proven hazardous for shipping and Bellambi Reef claimed many vessels (and lives), particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The NSW maritime archaeology unit of the environment department lists 15 wrecks at Bellambi Reef, the last of which, the SS Munmorah, foundered in 1949. The boiler of the Munmorah lies in very shallow water and can be accessed on foot at low tide. I have only explored a small part of Bellambi Reef and haven’t been to the offshore component. There are lots of ledges and drop-offs that provide habitat for leatherjackets, red morwong, blue groper, several species of wrasse, bream and herring cale, among others. I also saw a Port Jackson shark and a blind shark, both of which are harmless, and a large eagle ray. On the day the video for this article was filmed I saw a school of whiting, mullet, a flathead and some small stingrays in very shallow water at the entry site, which reminded me that sandy habitats can also be interesting. To get to Bellambi Point, head to the regional boat-launching ramp and then go along the off-leash dog-walking beach on the eastern side of the break-wall. The water depth is very shallow close to shore and this can make entry and exit tricky if there are any waves. As per my first article, it pays to look for an alternative exit if the entry place becomes too

treacherous. The boat launching ramp is always a backup but stay close to the breakwater to avoid any boats. There are often some giant stingrays hanging around waiting to feed on fish scraps from the fishermen. Give them space and they will just cruise on by. n For a video of Bellambi Point snorkelling go to https://youtu.be/e_N1zYOCQpE. 2508 District News will also share this film clip on Facebook and Instagram in March. Check it out! 2508

A Port Jackson shark that Duncan saw – and filmed – at Bellambi Reef.

APRIL 2508 41

TRADIE’S TIP

By Brook Cheffirs of Switched On Mechanical & Tyres With local families preparing to head away for their Easter holidays, here are some important basic tips for drivers to consider: TYRES: • Make sure there’s enough tread on your tyres. Each groove must have at least 1.5mm. • Ensure the tyre pressures are set to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended specifications. • Look for signs of irregular tread wear. Any irregular tread wear may also be an indication of mechanical problems elsewhere. • Check your tyre’s sidewalls and look for any other foreign objects, such as nails in the tread. • Check your tyre’s age. Tyres over five years of age, even with a little wear, will need to be replaced, as rubber materials deteriorate over time. Date markings on when your tyres are manufactured can be found on the sidewall of your tyres. • Is the spare tyre inflated and in good condition? BATTERY: • Check your battery and never ignore a slow cranking engine. • Fluid Levels: check your engine oil fluid level and ensure the oil in your car, is the correct oil specification for your car. Be sure to also check the coolant levels and brake fluid levels. • Wiper Blades: clean your wipers and get them replaced if needed. Using damaged wipers can cause scratches to the glass and obstruct the drivers view. LIGHTS: • Check your headlights, stop lights and indicators and replace as necessary with new globes if required. You can also clean the headlight lense protectors to maximise the performance of your lights. CHECK YOUR FUEL ECONOMY: • A common reason why a vehicles fuel intake may be higher, is due to the tyre pressures being under inflated or the tyres of the vehicle not being properly aligned. If these two components are not correct, the engine will have to increase its power, and therefore use more fuel. • Switched On has the latest computerised wheel alignment technology available, to ensure an increased tyre life is achieved and better fuel economy is maintained. • Vehicle maintenance is important, but having your vehicle regularly serviced by a qualified technician is paramount. Any questions, come in and see us. Phone 4294 2222 or visit www.switchedonmechanical.com.au

42 2508 APRIL

Best Mechanic in the Illawarra Award recipient Brook Cheffirs of Switched On Mechanical & Switched On Tyres, pictured with Jade & Trav of the Wave FM morning show. Switched On recently won Wave FM’s Best of the Best Illawarra Awards, taking out the “Best Mechanic in the Illawarra” title for a third year. Congratulations Brook on your hat-trick! 2508

Kai at work in the gym.

PREP PAYS OFF FOR BMX ATHLETES

Sustained hard work and thoroughly precise preparation is yielding results, writes BMX champ Kai Sakakibara.

MARK “THOMMO” THOMPSON IRB CHRISTENED

Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC christened its 13th IRB – a Thundercat Gen III – on 24 February 2019. It was named the Mark "Thommo" Thompson. Mark attended the ceremony with his wife Katrina, three sons Daniel, Nathan and Adam and their families, along with about 50 members and guests. Mark joined the club as a nipper in 1967, gaining his Bronze Medallion in December 1975 with fellow club members Kevin Barry, Phillip Doran, Peter Mills, Paul Potter and Sean Sullivan. He patrolled on Stanwell Park Beach for 30 years, 24 of which he was Patrol Captain. He spent 11 seasons as Club Captain. Mark held many other positions in the club including Junior Activities Chairperson, Club President for five seasons and ran a very tight Club Patrol Competition for years. He has been well awarded by the Club and Branch, with the following awards: 1985 Patrol Member of the Year; 1989 Club Member of the Year; 1991 Patrol Member of the Year; 1995 Life Member of Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC; 2001 Illawarra Life Saver of the Year; 2008 Illawarra Carnival Official of the Year; and 2016 Club Carnival Official of the Year

Mark was a competitor on the beach, and rarely seen in the water unless he was in an IRB. It was fitting that an IRB be named after him as he was a keen IRB Driver and Competitor, even winning a number of branch medals. While no longer an active patrolling member, Mark is active as a carnival official – he’s a true legend. Congratulations, an honour well deserved. 2508

By the time this story is published, Saya [Kai’s BMX star sister] and I will be in Europe, beginning our International season for 2019. At the time of writing, I had just returned from a quick trip to Perth to race my last domestic event for the first half of the year. I came away with two wins at the National Series Stage in Perth, finishing off my Australian stint in a great way before heading away to Europe. Upon reflection, it’s been a solid start to the year for me, winning all races so far except two; one ended with a crash while leading the semi-final, and I placed 2nd in the other. I normally seem to struggle more with the pressure of domestic events after coming home with results on the International circuit, but this hasn’t been the case for me this year. In the January issue, I talked about marginal gains – being 1% better in everything that you do, to uplift your performance as a whole. I feel as though I can really credit my success so far this

year to my commitment to these marginal gains. I’ve been putting an extra effort into what I do on and off the track: my gym technique, pedalling technique, nutrition and hydration, and recovery, just to name a few. And outside of the physical benefits these have brought me, they have brought about a psychological benefit as well. Now when I arrive at the track to compete, I can honestly say to myself that I have done absolutely everything in my power to be as prepared as I can be. And it’s this affirmation that has really added to my confidence to believe in myself and allow me to perform at the level that I’m capable of, no matter the circumstances. There’s no second guessing myself, because there is nothing to second guess! I have done everything that I can to be ready! This will be the same mentality and approach that I will continue to hold onto as I take on the International season. I’m looking forward to where my physical and psychological prep will take me to this year! 2508

Mark Thompson and his wife Katrina christen the IRB.

APRIL 2508 43

LOGAN WINS BEACH TO BOMBIE Coalcliff Surf Life Saving Club’s Jenelle McWilliam reports.

Another great turnout for what is becoming a more popular ocean swim as the years go on. Numbers soared this year with over 40 competitors signing up to attempt to tackle this awesome ocean swim, with many competitors using the swim as a warm-up for the (sadly postponed) Stanwell Park Ocean Challenge, the ‘big brother’ of this swim. The weather was pristine this year, with sunny, warm weather all around whilst the average conditions provided a challenge for the newcomers and made it a good swim for the veterans.

After following three buoys out past the breakers and then back into shore, reigning champ Matthew Logan came in at 1st place, soon after followed by Trevor Kemper in at 2nd place and then Coalcliff ’s very own council lifeguard Kevin Morton came charging up the shore to a solid 3rd place. A special thanks needs to go to Chris Farmer for organising this great event and a big congratulations to everyone involved in the swim because if it wasn’t for our great community getting behind this local event, this would never run. 2508

SAVE THE DATE FOR BOMBIE GIG

Moussa Diakite & Wassado supported by The Groove 5th April, 2019 / CWA Hall Stanwell Park Doors open 7.30 BYO / Mexican food available / $20 www.southcoasttickets.com.au/events/moussa-diakiteand-wassado-at-the-bombie 2508

SEA EELS REPORT

might just win a race. Winners enjoy a free drink, and points go towards prestigious trophies that are awarded at the end of the year. We enjoy lots of The Stanwell Park Sea Eels will be back on Sunday, social functions, trips on the road, inter-club celebrations, and each Sunday we raise money 28th April for the 2019 winter season. We are a through fines for our major charity Cram House. friendly family club that enjoys cold water, swimming, hot soup and good cheer. We have been Male, female and young swimmers are most welcome. Come along on Sunday, 28th of April in existence for more than 30 years and are always - 9am start @ Coalcliff Pool. looking for new members. If you can swim two – Karl Weber, Sea Eels Publicity Officer 2508 laps of Coalcliff pool without stopping, then you

44 2508 APRIL

BIG SWIM OF THE SOUTH POSTPONED The Stanwell Park Ocean Swim is now set to take place on December 8. Harley Dreghorn reports Everything was planned and organised for the Big Swim of the South – except the weather! The swim organising committee decided early on Sunday morning, 17 March to call the swim off, to ensure both the safety and welfare of swimmers and the water safety team. The 2019 swim has now been rescheduled to run on Sunday, 8 December 2019. Pre-registered swimmers have been contacted by email about rolling their registration over to the later date. Further information about the swim will be included in future 2508 magazines. And weather permitting, the 2020 Stanwell Park Ocean Swim scheduled for Sunday, 15 March 2020 will go ahead. For inquiries email ocean_challenge@ stanwellparksurfclub.com 2508

Water safety: Tahlia Bailey (back to camera) and Christie Webber inflating a swim buoy, with Steven and Lachlan McDonald.

From left: Mia Corliss, Maddie Agnew, Sabina Rogers and Abbey Bailey

HELENSBURGHSTANWELL PARK JUNIORS REPORT

Thank you to all of our nippers and their families for making 2018-19 a great season. We are lucky to have a dedicated water safety team turn up each week and provide our nippers with the opportunity to develop their lifeguard skills in the wade, swim, board and iron person races. Our beach set up team have also done a great job. The age managers worked hard each week to make sure all the nippers had fun and finished the day with a smile. We are also grateful for the families that helped out on the BBQ and in the canteen. The club runs on the support of volunteers and we appreciate the families that continue give up their time to make the club run effectively and efficiently. Our nippers have represented the club with skill and effort in Sydney Water Carnivals, the Junior Development Carnival and the Junior Branch Carnival and most recently in State. Sabina Rogers won Gold the Under 14 female flags, Bronze in the Under 14 beach sprint and was part of the Silver medal under 14 female beach relay team at State in early March. The Under 14 relay team included Abbey Bailey, Mia Corliss, Sabina Rogers and Maddie Agnew. These girls have been representing the club in this event since they were in the Under 9s and their commitment and friendship is admirable. Thank you to the other nippers and their families that made the trip up to State. The sportsmanship, competitiveness and cheering on the side line is what makes our club a great club. The Under 14 relay team backed up again at the Senior State to finish 2nd in the Under 15 relay. The Nipper’s presentation and AGM will be at Tradies Helensburgh on Sunday, 28th April starting at 3pm. – Therese Weber, Junior Secretary 2508

APRIL 2508 45

0.37 0.33 1.51 0.11 0.37 0.40 0.36 0.38 07 SA 1821 SU 1258 SU 1751 TU 1641 0.52 SA 1710 WE 1540 TH 1546 SA 1600 SU 1533 1.46 1.60 0.37 1.64 54 me m 2139 1.37 Time 2318 m 2213 Time 2306 m 1.64 Time1913 m 2154 Time m 2155 1.80

WE 1730 0.69

02 0031 1.63 0324 0430 0518 1.55 0324 0520 0541 1.71 00210010 0.680427 05350135 1.460355 1.32 0.45 1.51 0.23 0.45 0.41 1.66 0.31 26 16 1.82 16 1.42 10 10 10 22 7 22 7 52 0617 0.37 1128 0.45 1159 0.26 06420636 1.491029 12330752 0.531009 0.551 25 0.48 1128 1.501 25 0.37 1142 84 0929 1.50 0944 1.64 48 1.23 1731 1.19 1813 1.49 1321 0.46 1827 1.11

0.45 1.29 1.46 1.34 0.40 1.40 14 FR 0.32 SA 0.17 MO 0.41 TU 0.50 SU 1228 MO 1351 SU 1741 MO 1238 WE 1722 0.59 FR 1630 SU 1531 MO 1612 TH 1610 2306 2355 0.59 2147 19291830 1.302237 23511958 0.652239 0.42 1.40 0.48 1.68 0.49 1.76 2352 1.62 1.47 1.63 55 1856 2212

25 0004 0707

26 0114 0.46 0400 0539 0601 1.64 0405 01100057 0.610518 0003 0639 0.44 06300230 1.500447 1.33 0.43 0.48 0.41 1.61 0.37 1.48 0.24 31 17 1.70 17 1.31 11 11 11 23 8 23 8 00 0706 1.76 1231 0.34 07250734 1.531118 0616 1.76 13220900 0.481059 0.55 0.592 26 1206 1.412 26 0.45 1239 69 1009 1.44 1017 1.61 48 0.24 1837 1.28 1357 0.42 1246 0.22 1916 1.17

26 0054 0805

0.48 1.22 1.19 1.36 0.45 1.25 25 1650 SU 0.25 TU 0.46 WE 0.60 SA 0.33 MO 1309 MO 1815 TU 1330 TH 1813 0.65 TU 1452 SA 1711 MO –1604 TUWALES FR 1640 PORT KEMBLA NEW SOUTH 46 1934 1.31 2245 2003 1.37 1900 1.61 0.58 1.69 0.46 1.43 2048 2325 0.60 1.69 1.64 LAT 34° 29ʼ S2225 LONG 150°1912 55ʼ E 2320

1.61 0.51 TH 1305 1.16 1818 0.77 1.53 0.56 FR 1409 1.14 1918 0.82

2019 2019 PORT KEMBLA TIDAL CHART

Times and Heights of High and Low Waters

Local Time

WE SA 29 48

0.38 0200 1.87 0802 0.13 1400 SA 1.39 2019 Time 0.31 0254 0430 1.96 0912 1128 0.06 1502 1731 SU 1.46 2114 2306

01510146 0.550612 0014Time 0.51 0100 0047 0.35 1.59 APRIL 0152 0045 0.610541 1.34 0.44 0035 1.48 0.42 1.55 0329 1.45Local 0.29 0450 0.45 0438 MARCH FEBRUARY JANUARY 0803 1.56 0641 Time 1.75 0709 1.76 Time 0717 0.63 1.57 0649 0.52 0837 0.53 0745 0.49 m 0.58 m 1.55 0903m 1.22 1052 Time Time 1.36 m Time m Time m 1052 Time1210 m Time 1016 m 1.551147 1430 0.39 1327 0.23 1330 0.21 0021 1401 0.42 APRIL 1.27 1249 1.32 1.15 1349 1.180.68 SA 0520 1603 1.10 1517 1710 WE MO TH 0.69 SU 0.36 0443 1.390.37 0602 0.52 1.63 1430 0430 1.71 0543 1.50 0.55 1641 05351730 1.46 TU0015 WE FR1.55 WE SU 1751 TU WE 1 1 16 1 16 16 1 16 0642 1.49 1102 0.63 1252 0.37 1128 0.45 1159 0.26 1209 0.53 0659 1.57 1233 0.53 2036 1.43 0.69 1945 1.38 1.70 0.70 1958 1.23 2030 0.51 1851 0.51 2000 1918 2146 0.64 2306 2318 m TU1.46 Time m1848 1.64 Time m1.201931 1.23 1731 1.19 M MO 1321 0.46 TU 1813 1.49 1756 1.25 0.45 TIME FR 1348 FR 1827 1.11 SATIME WE 1649M SA TIME M TIME 1929 1.30 2259 0.47 2306 0.59 2356 0.44 1934 1.15 2351 0.65 0230 0.49 0114 0102 0.41 0130 0.560010 0153 0.29 0110 0120 1.47 0433 1.45 1.37 0.45 1.48 0154 1.580.61 0258 1.61 0518 1.55 0520 1.71 0021 0.68 0633 1.57 0537 1.501.66 0.54 0541 0026 0.45 0.46 0241 06300004 1.50 0539 1.64 0003 0.44 170636 17 2 0742 21.57 1311 0.47 1.61 1142 13220707 0.48 17 1211 0.530.37 0700 1.29 1.76 0945 1231 0.34 1.76 0840 0736 1.84 0758 1.59 0800 1.722 0725 0745 0.55 1130 0.57 1000 0.63 21.50 0.57 0859 0.461.53 17 0616 0.51 1128 0.45 1159 0.26 0642 1.49 1357 0.42 WE 1246 0.22 WE 1855 1.22 TH 1759 1.21 SA 1430 0.39 SU 1348 0.24 SA 1916 1.17 SU 1837 1.28 1500 0.37 1416 0.15 1436 0.381238 1413 0.25TU 2003 1342 1.23 1.08 1618 1.10 1.201.37 SU 1900 1741 1.19 1722 2352 0.451.40 1946 0.59 1.31 1.61 1.19 1813 1.49 1321 0.46 TH TU MO 0.40 FR 1.16 WE TH TH 1540 SA 1509 MO WE TH 1305 MO1721 TU2018 2108 1.50 2021 0145 1.49 2033 1.281830 2029 1.77 0151 1937 0.57 2250 0.66 2145 0.54 1.47 0.75 2037 0.700.55 0.77 2355 0.59 1929 1.30 0041 0.46 0630 1.620.49 0.52 2352 0123 1.62 0.38 2101 00451818 0.61 0014 0.51 0100 0.35

1.43 0.56 1.21 0.81

12 48 37 55 15 19 TH SU 17 58

0.26 0355 0539 1.98 1031 1231 0.04 1621 1837 MO 1.51 2218

0.39 1330 0.21 1402 0.41 FR 1901 1.24 SU 1506 0.35 MO 1440 0.13 SU 1401 0.42 MO 1327 0.23 0209 0.32 0210 0.510057 0245 0.26WE 1430 0306 0.45 1.42 TH0.48 0214 1.47 1.44 0308 1.601.43 TH 1945 0401 1.53 0601 0110 0.61 1.61 1.64 0003 0.44 2036 2039 0.48 1.39 0345 1931 1.38 1.70 1947 1.21 2056 1.22 0639 19580054 1.23 0829 1.89 0834 1.62 0849 1.64 0915 1.57 0.59 1.41 0854 0.57 0.58 1007 0230 0.400.49 1048 0.56 1206 07250734 1.53 0.34 0616 1.76 0045 0.410.45 0225 0218 1.22 0.31 1052 0114 0.41 0124 0.47 0.50 1239 01300805 0.56 0153 0.29 19 19 19 4 4 4 4 19 0802 1.68 0859 1.68 0758 1.59 0840 1.57 0720 1.75 0846 1.96 0736 1.84 0800 1.72 1502 0.11 1509 0.34 1454 0.31 1500 1530 0.37 1.15 1448 1.16 1.10 1.270.37 MO 1413 1708 1815 0.42 1.28 0.22 WE 1.25 TUFR0.45 SA 1.14 FR 0.65 TH 1246 FR 1657 SU 1622 FR 1409 TUSA1330 TH 1813 TU0.361357 1446 1406 0.27 WE 0.25 MO 1540 0.32 TU 1529 0.06 MO 1436 0.38 TU 1416 0.15 FR 2108 1.58 1.33 2112 1.80TH 2108 1.55 0.55 2106 2037 0.62 0.77 2155 0.651.50 2248 2033 1.21 2132 1.25 1.61 20331918 1.28 1959 1.290.60 2129 2140 1.46 2214 2021 1.49 2029 1.77 0.82 1912 2003 1.37 1900

1.43 0.53 1.29 0.75

05 45 28 58 00 10 FR MO 05 64

0.24 0500 0014 1.95 1147 0641 0.07 1740 1327 TU 1.54 2324 1931

200146 50.42 5 0933 20 0812 1.871.55 0829 1.89 0842 1.71 08340152 1.62 20 1.64 1.69 0047 0937 1.59 1.98 0451 0247 0.47 0302 0.25 0345 0336 0.275 0915 1.51 51.48 0318 1.49 1.43 0418 1.651.57 20 0849 0457 0035 1.46 0151 0.55 0.51 0100 0.35 1526 0.32 SU 1458 0.15 1454 0.31 0.37 TU 1613 0.31 WE 1615 0.04 TU 1509 0.34 WE 1502 0.11 0910 1.640837 0919 1.88 0951 1.54 0939 1.53FR 1530 0.50 SA0.52 1013 0.53 0.55 1107 0.331.55 SA 2112 1130 0649 0.57 0803 1.56 1.75 0709 1.76 2053 1.340.53 2108 1.58 2115 1.22 21060903 1.33 1.80 2206 1.27 0745 2217 0.49 1.51 1152 2140 1540 0.331430 1546 0.11 1600 0.38 1533 0.40 0345 1.17 1611 1.14 1.15 1721 1.380.42 TU 0336 1749 1249 0.39 0.23 1330 0.21 WE 1.32 TH SA SU 1.16 FR0339 SA 1800 MO0.25 WE FR SA 02471517 0.47 0.27 0242 0230 0.331.15 0.47 1349 0405 1.18 0.24 0302 WE0.491430 TH 60.51 212000 6 1008 21 61.60 0918 1.72 0902 1.960.69 1.68 1918 1028 0.70 1.95 2323 0919 1.88 09102030 1.64 21 1.53 2139 1.37 2154 1.64 2213 2155 1.806 0951 0.52 SU 2150 0.63 0.74 2303 0.551.54 21 0939 2341 1851 0.83 2036 1.43 1.38 1945 1.70 1603 0.31 MO 1547 0.07 WE 1540 0.33 TH 1546 0.11 WE 1645 0.30 TH 1700 0.07 SA 1600 0.38 SU 1533 0.40

1.45 0.49 1.37 0.67

23 54 54 39 40 CH 51 TU 39 37

APRIL 12 9 3 27 24 18 12 9 3 27 24201918 12

18 51 4 28125 19 16 13 10 4 28 25 19 13 13 16 46 10 48 29 34

3 0720

1.63

18 1311

0.40

3 0822

1.65

18 0754

1.87

3 0717

1.55

18 0641

1.75

3 0803

14 11 5 226 20 17 14 11 5 29 26 20 14 17 0203 0.48

0137 0.37

0303 0.48

0312 0.26

2145 1.38

2241 1.29

2305 1.54

0210 0.51

0209 0.32

0306 0.45

2139 1.37

2154 1.64

2213 1.60

0427 00 0114 0.26 0120 0355 0153 0.23 0154 03240552 0.410258 0324 0230 0.450241 1.45 1.43 45 0.41 1.47 0.49 1.48 0.29 1.58 220945 7 0800 22 71.501000 22220.56 22 13 28 13 28 4 19 19 0944 1.64 1029 17 0736 1.84 1009 1.82 09291241 0.51 0745 57 0859 0.46 0840 1.57 0.57 1.84770.55 1.727 31 1610 0.321540 1.10 1612 45 0.14 1342 1.23 1630 0.17 1509 1.20 15311849 0.411618 1.22 1.21 08

0.31 0324 1.427 0929 0.50SU 1531 2147 MO FR FR 1413 SU SU SU TH TH 1500 WE 0.15 TH 0.37 SA 0.25 TU 1416 2212 1.402101 2237 1.76 0405 54 2021 1.55 1937 2239 0454 1.68 2147 1.63 66 0.81 2108 1.50 1.49 0.57 2029 1.77 0356 0.51 0416 0.300.75 0.48 2037 0554 0.70 0.31 04002145 0.43 0447 0.24 0319 0954 MO 1638 2231

0.50 1.72 0.30 1.22

1030 1.70 TU 1714 0.31 2309 1.22

0322 0953 TU 1637 2237

0.30 2.01 0.03 1.40

23 1044

0416 1042 TH 1716 2315

0.47 1.66 0.32 1.30

1.99 WE 1726 0.04 2330 1.42

1115 1.61 FR 1748 0.34 2352 1.31

0511 0.32 1134 1.92 TH 1815 0.10

0534 0.51 1151 1.54 SA 1821 0.37

0500 1117 FR 1745 2354

0.26 1.84 0.14 1.55

23 1207

0324 0944 TH 1610 2212

0.45 1.64 0.32 1.40

1.69 SA 1829 0.25

1017 1.61 FR 1640 0.33 2245 1.43

0044 0651 SU 1258 1913

0438 1052 SA 1710 2318

22 0427 1029

1.70 SA 1711 0.25 2325 1.69

0.41 1009 1.44 MO 1604 0.46 2225 1.64

23 0518 1118

0.37 1.31 0450 0.609 1052 1502 TU SA SA 1454 MO FR Tide TH 0.11 FR 0.37 SU 0.31 MO WE FR 1530 t Astronomical 2325 2112 1.69 2155 2225 1.642248 0.75 2245 2140 1.432214 2320 1.69TU 1641 2108 2037 1.58 0.62 1.55 0.77 1.80 0.65 2306 0.53 1.67 0.33 1.21

2019

1.54 0.39 1.51 0.37

0.44 1.57 0.36 1.46

0541 0.29 1147 1.55 SU 1751 0.37

me (UTC +10:00) savings time (UTC when0010in1.66 effect 0541 0513 or 0.55daylight 0022 1.42 0031 1.32 0135 1.51 +11:00) 0518 0.45 250451 10Local 25 10 1142 0612 0.45 44 0302 1.54 0318 0438 0.44 0541 0.29 0450 0.42 0607 0.371.43 0617 0.55 0752 1.65 0.48 10 0636 0.37 1140 1.62 11280457 1.50 25 1.45 0418 0336 0.27 0.25101.49 0345 0.42 Time New Moon First Quarter Full Moon 1225 1.79 1228 1.46 1351 1.34 1238 1.40 1825 0.36 1741 0.40 FR SU MO SU MO 1210 1.22WE 1722 51 0919 0.39 1013 1052 0951 1.57 1147 1.55 1052 1.36 0.49 1152 0939 1.53 1.88 TH0.53 1.54 1904 0.180.55 1856 0.42 1107 1958 0.33 0.48 1830 0.49 23551130 1.47 2352 MARCH APRIL 1730 0.69 0639 58 1546 1.51 1710 0.36 1751 0.37 1641 0.52 1533 0.40 0.11 0.38 WE 1.37 SA 1.14 SU TU TU FR 1611 SA 1800 MO SU TH SA1.211600 0028 0115 1.421.15 0114 1.33 1721 0057 1.61 06011749 0.48 0230 1.38 1.48

21 15 9 630 24 21 15 9

30 24

262323 11 26 12062341 1.41 26 0555 0.59 0706 0.440.74 0706 0.59 2303 0734 0900 0.55 0.55 11 13 2154 0.37 2150 2318 1.46 2306 0.67 0.63 2155 1.80 1.6411 2213 1.60 Time m m Time m Time m MO1.64 1815 0.45 TU 1330 FR 1217 1.55 SA 1318 1.62 MO 1309 1.36 TU 1452 1.19 1902 0.39

1953 0.28

1934 0.46

2048 0.58

0.45 1.25 1912 0.60

11 1239 TH 1813

0430 0520 1.71 0021 0.680200 0541 0.45 0518 0.450552 0010 1.66 1.45 0427 0.23 1.55 0324 0.41 0112 1.21 0212 1.41 1.34 0.31 0035 0329 1.45 271241 12 0802 27 1128 0642 1.49 0649 0641 0.63 0810 0.510.51 0.63 1159 1016 0.26 0.58 12 1142 1.29 1128 1.50 0636 0.37 1029 1.42 1.82120.45 0929 1.50 SA 1257 1.47 SU 1414 1.45 TU 1400 1.27 WE 1603 1.10 TU 1249 1731 1321 0.46 1722 0.59 1741 0.40 1238 1.40 1612 0.50 0.17 0.41 MO1849 TU WE SU 1.19 MO 1851 1943 2043 0.381.22 0.51 1813 2146 1.49 0.64 SU MO2019 SU0.421531 2306 1929 1.30 2237 1.62 2355 1.47 0311 0.49 1.68 0.59 2147 1.63 0200 1.23 0120 0433 2352 1.45 1.421830 0254 1.37 1.76

0004 1.61 0047 0146 1.55 270707 12 0745 0837 0.53 0.51 1430 1.15 1.16FR 1349 THWE1305 2000 0.69 1918 1818 0.77 0154 1.47 0241 1.48

1342 1.38 MO 1516 1.29 1342 1.19 TH 1721 1.08 WE WE 1502 0110 0.61 0003 0.44 .50 1.61 0.48 0601 0.48 2134 30 0447 1.48 0539 0.24 SU1.64 0405 0.41 0518 2027 0.45 1937 2250 0639 0.66 0.460057 2114 0.54 0.37 0725 1.53 0616 1.76 .48 0734 0.45 1239 1.22 1206 1.41 00Meteorology 0.55 1231 of 1059 1.70 0.34 1009 1.44 1118 1.31 0252 1.26 0411 1.44 0355 1.42 0214 141.28 29 14 0836 0.591330 1031 0.59 1246 0854 1357 0.42 .17 1.25 1813140.65 1815 0.45 52 1711 1.19 0.25 1604 0.46 1650 0.60 TU1039 SU 1837 WE TU TH 0.22 MO SA MO0.69 TU 1.30 TU 1626 1.18 1448 TH 1621 1.15 2003 1.37 0.60 48 2325 0.58 1.69 MO 1435 2225 2229 1.64 2320 1.69 1.61 TH 2037 2115 0.47 0.521912 2218 0.55 1900

0054 1.53SA 1509 2037 0805 0.56 0308 1.47 0345 1.44 291409 14 1007 0.57 1052 0.58 1.14 FR 1.16 FR 1657 1.10 1918 0.82SU 1622 0.62 2214 0.77 2155

.46 35 .53 52 .11 51 FR .65 58

1.51 0355 0.48 1009 1.34 1630 SA 0.48 2239

22 16 10 7311 25 22 16 10 13 0733

0.67

28 0921

0.57

13 0912

0.63

28 1130

23 17 11 8 2 26 23 17 11

0.57

13 0745

1.48 0.52 1.32 0.51

0.55 1.23 0.57

2155 1.80

0.41 1.50 0.41 1.63

23 1059

28 0945

0.57 TH 1540 1.10 2101 0.75

1.76

0245 0.26

0.23 1.82 0.17 1.68

0355 1009 FR 1630 2239

0518 54 0209 0.31 0214 0447 0245 0.24 0308 0405 0.410401 1.43 0400 0306 0.430345 0.32 1.47 0.45 1.44 0.26 1.60 23 8 23 14 29 14 20 5 20 f07Australia 2018, Bureau of Meteorology 1.69 1059 1.70 1009 29 1.441048 1017 1.611052 1118 0854 0.57 0.58 1007 0.53 0829 1.89 0915 1.57 0849 1.648 0.40 241657 1.10 9 0.25 1622 24 1.27 LES 29 0.25 1448 91.16 1711 1604 90.461708241.29 1640 0.33 1650 0434 1104 WE 1748 2347

18 0709

15 12 6 327 21 18 15 12 6 30 27 21 15 18 2154 1.22

1.56

13 0859

1.46 0.57 1.16 0.83 M

0.31 1.42 MO 1612 0.50 2237 1.76 0.37 1.31 TU 1650 0.60 2320 1.69

WOLLONGONG CITY 0.45 24 0612 COUNCIL HAS1.22 ASKED 1210 WE 1730 0.69 2508 TO REMIND ALL 0.45 BEACH 0004 1.61 TO GOERS 1.29 25 0707 0.51 Last 0.59SWIM 1305 1.16 THE BETWEEN THQuarter 1.62 1818 0.77 FLAGS0054 – NO FLAGS 0.48 26 0805NO 1.53 1.22 MEANS 0.56 SWIM. 0.65 FR 1409 1.14 0.42 1.36 0.52 1.64

1918 0.82

YOU CAN ALWAYS 1.46 27 0152 0903 0.57 SPEAK TO ONE OF SA 1517 1.16 2030 0.83 COUNCIL’S FRIENDLY 0258 1.43 1.58 LIFEGUARDS 1000 0.56TO 0.46 28 1.20 SU 1618 1.21 DISCUSS2145 CONDITIONS 0.81 0.70 1.60 AT THE 0401BEACH. 1.43 29 1.59 0.49 1.18 0.70

0.40 1.27 0.65

1048 0.53 MO 1708 1.29 2248 0.75

TIMES AND HEIGHTS ht savings time0347 (UTC +11:00) when in effect 0457 1.45 1.31 0512 1.47 0500 1.51 0318 1.49 0451 1.43 0418 1.65 15 30 15 15 30 0151 0.55 0.51 0.35 .61 0035 1.48 1.55 0047151.59 29 0541 1.45 0014 1.46 1130 0.49 0947 0.69 1155 0.560146 1147 0.50 0100 1013 0.53 300152 1152 0.55 1107 0.33OF 0612 0.45 0.29 0450 0.42 HIGH AND LOW rst 1147 Quarter Last Quarter Moon 1539 1.23 WEFull 1.13 1.17 1611 1.14 SA 1800 1.15 FR 1740 FR 0803 1.56 0709 .55 0649 0.52 1738 0837 0.53 0745 0.49 16 0.58 0641 0903 0.57MO 1721 1.38 TU 1749 1.37 1210 1.22 1.76 1.55 TU1.75 1052 1.36

18 12 9 3 27 24 18 12 24 0.39 1.15 1330 0.21 .42 1249 1.32 1430 1430 1349 03 1.10 1327 0.23 2205 0.48

2323 0.55

2324 0.52

2150 0.63

1.18 0.52 WE0608 MO 0.37 TH 0.69 TU TU 1641 WE FR SU 1751 1.52 WE 1730 31 1259 0.512000 2036 1.43 0.69 1945 1.70 .23 1851 2306 0.51 1918 0.70 46 0.64 1931 1.38 1.64 1842 1.13 TH

2323 0.74

1.16 SA 1517 0552 1.45 312030 1241 0.51 0.83 SU 1849 1.22

2303 0.55

2341 0.67 WATERS LAT 340 29’ LONG 1500 55’

.56 33 .59 30 .38 21 MO .28 50

1.45 0010 0.57 0636 1.08 1238 TU 0.66 1830

0114 0.49 0004 0120 0541 1.47 0230 1.48 0153 0154 1.58 0258 1.43 1.61 0.29 1.66 0.41 0.45 0241 0736 0840 1.57 0800 1.72 0745 0.55 0.572018, 0859 0.46 1000 0.56 Copyright Commonwealth of Australia Bureau of Meteorology 0707 0.51 0.37 1.84 1142 1.29 0945 of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide 1416 0.15 0.37 1342 1.23 1540 1.10 1509 1.20 SU 1618 1.21 1305 1.16 1.40 1722 0.59 TH 1500 FR 1413 WEDatum TH SA 0.25 TH WE are 2352 in0.57 local standard time +10:00) or daylight +11:00) when 2021 1.49 2108 1.50(UTC 2029 1.77 1937 0.75 2037savings 0.70time (UTC 2145 0.81in effect 1818 0.77 0.49 Times 1.62 2101

.51 .62 .34 TU .33

0057 0734 1330 WE 1912

Bureau of 0639 Meteorology gives no 0345 warranty any kind whether implied, statutory in respect to1.43 the availability, accuracy, currency, completeness, 0209 0245 0.26 0.45of0054 0214 1.47 0306 1.44 0308 1.60 or otherwise0401 0.48 1.53express, 1.61 The0.32 or reliability of the information or that the information will be fit for any particular purpose or will not infringe any third party Intellectual Property rights. 0829 1.89 1.57 0805 0854 0.57 0915 1048 0.53 0.58 0849 1007 0.40 1239 1.22 1052 0.56 1.64 0.45 quality The Bureau’s liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded. 1502 0.37 1448 1.16 1.10 1622 1.27 MO 1708 1.29 0.65 1.14 1.25 SA 1454 FR 1530 TH 0.11 FR 1657 SU 0.31 TH 1813 FR 1409 2108 1.55 1918 2037 0.62 2140 2214 2248 0.75 0.77 2112 2155 0.65 0.82 1.80 0.60 1.58

25 19 13 10 4 28 25 19 13 Moon Phase Symbols

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26 20 14 11 5 29 26 20 14

.47 0146 0302 0.42 0152 0318 2508 1.49 APRIL 1.43 0336 0418 1.55 0.25 0047 1.59 0451 1.46 0.27 21 0919 6 0345 21 0939 15 1.88 30 15 1.53 27 12 27 .64 0837 0951 1.54 0903 1013 0.53 0.55 1107 0.53 0745 0.49 1152 0.57 .33 1546 0.11 0.38 1.15 1533 0.40 1611 1.14 1600 1800 1721

30 0457 1130

1.65 0.33 1.38 TH 1.15 SA 1.18 SU 1.16 FR FR 1349 SA SA 1517 MO WE 1430 .37 2000 2154 1.60 2030 2150 1918 0.63 2213 0.74 2155 2303 0.55 0.69 1.64 0.70 2323 0.83 1.80

1.45 0.49 TU 1749 1.37 2341 0.67

Last Quarter

DR RIP’S Golf SCIENCE OF NEWS THE SURF

TRADIES SOCIAL GOLF

With Prof Rob Brander. This month: could drones be useful in mapping rip current locations?

It may be because I’m turning into a grumpy old man, but when I see drones buzzing over my head I get an overwhelming urge to throw rocks at them. I just don’t like drones! But they do take amazing pictures and a lot of money is being invested in them for something useful: beach safety. One of the main purposes for drones on beaches is for shark spotting. I can see the advantages – I don’t want to get bitten by a shark, so if there’s one in the water near me I’d like to know! But the more that drones fly over the ocean, the more sharks they’ll see and the more beach closures there’ll be. Is this what we want? Beaches closed? People more paranoid of sharks than ever? Sharks have always been there, it’s just now we can see them better. Given there’s an average of one fatal shark encounter per year in Australia, is it worth the time and financial investment for this service alone? Not really, but some of the drones have the capacity to carry inflatable devices which can be dropped to help swimmers in trouble. This has potential because once deployed, drones can quickly travel large distances (faster than a lifeguard on a board or jetski). A video went viral last year of a drone-assisted rescue at Lennox Head. You can watch the video and judge for yourself whether you think it was a real rescue situation, but the proof of concept was clear. However, I haven’t heard of another drone-assisted swimmer rescue being made since then, probably because there is considerable time involved in getting drones operational and lifesavers trained to use them. I think the biggest advantage of drones is the potential to do beach flyovers to identify locations of rip currents. I’m not sure if this is being done yet, but given that rips are the biggest cause of drownings on our beaches and account for about 20 times the number of fatalities per year than sharks, I’d say that mapping rip locations should be a priority. I’ve also had people use drones to film my releases of harmless purple dye into rip currents and the educational benefits of this footage have been awesome. So perhaps drones are not all that bad. But given the considerable financial investment in them, it will be interesting to see if they become an integral part of beach lifesaving services in the future or if they are just the next fidget spinners. 2508

John Towns reports. Golf is normally a game you play on your own, each good shot is a reward, the rest the reason you have a high handicap. Playing two-man Ambrose can easily take you out of your comfort zone. Add in the typical March “East Coast Low” and you can learn a lot about your game, check your balance by how deep each foot is sinking into the soggy fairway, if the rain is dripping off your nose onto the ball your putting stance is correct and the water running down the back of your neck confirms you are keeping your head down during your swing. Such dedication! Rod and Mick worked well together to take first prize, followed by Dave and Jerry with John and Laurie taking the third prize. Rod took out the nearest the pin for the round, the A graders were unable to keep the ball on the fairway for the longest drive and Dave claimed the B grade, Rod and Mick put in two excellent shots to claim the difficult Drive and Pitch on the 13th. Next game on April 13th at 7:30am. Full results are available at Tradies Helensburgh Sports and Social Golf Club. 2508

HELENSBURGH SUNDAY SOCIAL GOLF CLUB

Robert ‘Indy’ Jones reports. HSSGC members turned up on March 3rd to witness Tony English drive away from the pack to record 45 pts (Hcp 20), with Dave Flewin (Hcp 22) and Craig Nicoll (Hcp 18) tied on 36 pts in 2nd and 3rd places to take the prizes supplied by our sponsors Christians Meats, The Centenial Hotel and the Helensburgh Golf Range. On the day we welcomed back Ann Wyers and for the first time Ryan Carter joined Dad on the Boomerang fairways. We saw a few shots taken and given back by the handicapper but I suspect Mr English may lose his extras if he continues the form shown in March. Yours truly had the chips for the long drive home, more or less golf required? The HSSGC trip away is confirmed for October 18-20. A couple of tee spots available, see Frank to register interest. Our next event on April 7th (daylight saving ends) sees the start of the HSSGC Match Play for 2019 and after that we want you to join us on May 5th. Contact Tony on 4294 2696 or just arrive at 7:30 to tee off at 8am and enjoy a barbecue finish at Boomerang Public Golf Course. Putters, try before you buy: Never buy a putter until you’ve had a chance to throw it. 2508

APRIL 2508 47

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