UPDATE ON CLEMENT CREEK MODIFICATION WORKS at MYSTIC SANDS I wrote to Adam King at the Townsville City Council and requested an update to the condition of the works, following recent rains and flooding. His response is below. Editor. Considering the extensive flood impact throughout the Townsville LGA the Clement Creek modification works completed by Council before the wet season have held up remarkably well. If Clement Creek had not been diverted from running along the Esplanade, significant further erosion would likely have occurred. Council will be monitoring the creek modification works throughout the remainder of the wet season and seasonal king tides. Further, minor works, may be required to stabilise the area. If the area remains stable Council will begin engagement on community dune stabilisation projects for the area in April. Kind Regards, Adam King – Natural Environment Recovery Subgroup of LRRG Senior Officer – Environmental Operations (Management) Environmental Services Planning, Environment and Cultural Services P (07) 44175160 M 0407171715 E adam.king@townsville.qld.gov.au 143 Walker St, PO Box 1268, Townsville QLD 4810 townsville.qld.gov.au
A big thank you to Jim and Laurel for helping out our son Kerry after the big flood in Bluewater. Anne and Joe
BALGAL BEACH TO TOOMULLA ACTION GROUP Attention is drawn to the following telephone numbers for use when reporting inappropriate use of the beaches and adjoining State and National Park lands and encroachment onto private land by vehicles attempting to gain access to the beaches. POLICE LINK 131444 HOON HOTLINE 13HOON (134666) Please use these numbers and attempt to obtain any vehicle registration, make, models, access points to the beaches or any information that may assist the Police in apprehending those that choose to ignore the signage and Laws governing the area. Council already has a sign on the southern end of the Mystic Sands Beach, prohibiting vehicles past that point and signage is also posted at designated access points for public pedestrian use only, to access the beach in a safe and lawful manner. Safety for those using the beaches should be our priority, with community assistance to ensure a future plan to assist relevant authorities to educate and enforce the requirements of maintaining the beaches and State and National Parks for future generations. The above information was supplied by The Action Group Committee Meeting as passed on Sun 17/3/19
BALGAL BEACH MARKETS
First market for the year SATURDAY 6TH APRIL 8AM—1PM In the Park at the Landing
TRANSFER STATION Domestic Waste and Recyclables Only NO Bulky Items, Furniture or rubber tyres GREEN WASTE/ WHITEGOODS/ METALS/ ELECTRONIC WASTE AND FLORESCENT TUBES ARE FREE
Come along to the markets and have breakfast and a coffee too SES TRAINING EVERY SECOND
MONDAY
NO TRAINING ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, SO NO SES TRAINING ON
TOOMULLA
BLUEWATER
22ND APRIL (EASTER)
Saturday Only 7.30am - 4.30pm
Sunday Only 7.30am - 4.30pm
OR 6TH MAY (LABOUR DAY)
What is happening in the Community—Current Online information ROLLINGSTONE & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Look us up on Facebook
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Community Noticeboard Don’t forget to send us your contributions for this page. Any news or items of interest are most welcome. Email your ideas, put them in the drop box at the back of the hall or leave them with Chris. at the RTC centre.
Rollingstone and District Lions Club Inc. New members are sought and will be made most welcome. See page 30 for contact details
TCC Council Meeting in the Community Meet locally elected officials Ask questions Find out what’s happening in our area Tuesday 2nd April at Rollingstone Community Hall 6.00pm to 8.30pm See page 14 Rollingstone Community Association yearly memberships come due in July 2019 Only $1.00 per person See Mark or Chris at the RTC
Thank you to Contributors to the Rollingstone Rag Each month, some wonderful people write their article for the Rollingstone Rag, no doubt putting themselves under immense pressure in doing so. They then forward it to the Editors in time for publication by the end of each month Their pieces are interesting, informative, relevant, sometimes funny and always well written. Many of the Contributors have very busy lives and jobs and occasionally they are unable to provide us with an article due to outside influences. Such is life, they are volunteers, just like us. Thank you so much all of you for your wonderful work.
AED (DEFIBRILLATOR) at FISHERMANS LANDING available for PUBLIC USE
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NOTES FROM THE R.T.C Every Sun
Catholic Mass at Com/Centre 7:30am
Tues 18 April
2.00pm Board Games
Check Diary
Yoga, Weight Circuit, Waterobics 6.00pm-8.30pm TCC Community Council – See how Council meetings work - Have your say. Sausage Sizzle Dying with Dignity Information Session presented by Marj Lawrence at the Hall
3/10/17/24 Apr
Hairdresser at the RTC from 9am
Thurs 18 April
Visiting Vet 9am on Hall Veranda (3rd Thurs of ea Mth)
TBA
School Holiday Program TBA
19 – 22 April
No Outback Dental for April. Easter Weekend
4/11/18 April
TCC Computer Tutorial at the RTC Rollingstone Bus – Each Thursday – leaving hall at 8am – limited seats booking essential – No Bus Anzac Day 25 April.
25 Apr
Anzac Day Public Holiday
Thursday 4 April
Notchies Playgroup 9:30am at the hall.
18 May
“Old Chicks Movie Night”
Weds 10/24 Apr
11.30am Mobile Library (two bin day)
24 May
R&D Seniors Biggest Morning Tea
Tuesday 2 April Wed 3 April 5 April Thursdays
We have a couple different things happening in the community over the next couple of weeks, while some have organised for a while eg the TCC Community Council; others like the Dying With Dignity information session has only just been organised. The Centrelink’s Golden Wattle Mobile Van visited the Community Centre on Thursday 28 March. How great was it to have Centrelink come to us instead of us all having to trip into either Townsville or Ingham. The Carer’s Qld meeting was well attended on 28 March. This is a very welcoming group. Come for Cake, Coffee and a Chat. The TCC’s Community Council is happening on April 2 starting at 6pm to 8.30pm - come early for a sausage sizzle supper. This is an opportunity to see how your Council operates during meetings. I hope you took the opportunity to book an appointment with relevant division councillors and Department Heads. This is another opportunity to have a service in our own backyard; please make the most of it. Thank you to the Council for presenting this opportunity. On April 3 at 12pm we are offering an information session on “Dying with Dignity”. There is currently discussion happening in Queensland about Aged Care, Palliative and End of Life choices with submissions (either way) being called for and submitted by 15 April. This is your chance to hear what is being said and take up the opportunity to have your say before Laws are changed. 18 May - a “Chicks” (Hubbies and partners most welcome) Movie night is being organised at the Hall featuring “The Notebook”. A gold coin entry, BYO hard beverages snack/finger food and soft drinks available on sale. The front cover is a pictorial of the facilities at the end of 44 Community Crescent under the guidance of the Community Association. Even the beautiful Golden Penda was snapped behind the RTC. Our Volunteers work very hard on the presentation of all the gardens and grounds and if only we had a penny for every time a comment is made about how nice the Centre is presented and/or the facilities and activities being conducted at your centre. This is the Community’s space and I feel privileged to have such a lovely work place. I thank all the volunteers who help keep it so lovely. On page 2 is an update from Adam King regarding the Borton Street, Beach Access work and also an update from the Vehicles on the Beach Community Consultation Group. We have two new advertisers joining us in the Rolly Rag this year – firstly StarFire – TV and TV aerial professional. Steve is happy to come out to our patch to work and will try if possible to clump a few jobs together to keep the costs down. Please support StarFire. Our second new advertiser is The Ingham Picture Theatre. The Ingham Picture Theatre is a Social Venture of the Ingham Disability Support Services. They operate Thursdays to Sunday and offer movies as well as live performances such as School Musicals, live concerts and Cabarets. Look for their advertisement on page 28 and consider an evening at the Theatre in Ingham while supporting the Ingham Disability Services. On the back page, is a photo of Paula Gillam receiving her Australia Day Senior Citizen of the Year Award – the award may have been received a little late but that does not detract from the efforts this lady has given in order to receive her award. Congratulations Paula this award is just a small token in comparison to your efforts. Also on the back page is a colour version of the beautiful white bat plant that featured on the cover of last month’s issue. It is Kerrie’s pride and joy and is well worth the wait to see it in colour. Thank you Kerrie for sharing your gardening success. Speaking about the Rag printed in B&W last month (cleaver segue) – this decision came from two possible scenarios – we wait for the technology support to print in colour which would have delayed the distribution until after the beginning of the new month or to print in B&W and have it available for the start of March. I will stand by the choice made. I have had many conversations recently regarding lifestyle support services available for Seniors – My Aged Care is the go to advisory service to get information and to register for Services. My Aged Care is available by phone 1800 200 422 or online https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/. My advice is – if you are 65 years or older, please call and go through the registration process. While you may not have the need for services right now – Life can change on a dime – your needs and choices can be recorded; should the worse happen you or your family are not trying to cope with getting yourselves registered for services while coping with dramatic changes to your lifestyle. This means services can be brought online much more readily. Easter is fast approaching; school holidays and Anzac Day as well; we are well catered for with a few days off this month - meaning we need to be thinking about the FATAL 5 - If you are driving - please travel safely, stick to speed limits, wear your seatbelts, bike riders (motorised and pedal-power) wear your helmets, avoid drinking/drugs when planning to drive; ignore your mobile phones and please plan trips well with plenty of rest breaks - do not drive tired. I will add one of my own – consider and respect all road users; doing so just might save your life or theirs. Accidents do happen; we know that, consequences can be lessened by using your common sense and following these guides. As always, until next month……………..keep yourselves safe (you are the only ones who truly can)……….Chris P4
on Bruce Highway, Ph. 47708184
The best and most unique Ice-cream and sorbets, fresh fruit juices, cakes and coffee, sandwiches and light tropical meals. Our ice-creams are made with skim milk and our fruit sorbets are dairy free. Frosty Mango is ideal for small meetings, family reunions, birthday parties or just relax with a tropical meal, an ice-cream, coffee and cake in air-conditioned comfort or under the veranda. We also look after you if you have gluten or lactose intolerance. We are open every day from 8:00am to 6:00pm P5
Ray Campbell passed away during March. Vale Ray. Richard, Judiana, Bob, doing it tough; Maureen, Julie-Rose, and Jan H. recovering from surgery, our Lynne from minor surgery and Dawn Church is very unwell in Hospital. Mr & Mrs Hankin Snr have both been very unwell, our thoughts are with you both.
•
I really don’t have anything special or much to report this month. Life has been reasonably normal at the Community Centre as we deal with daily activities and instances. I think the big problem we have at the moment, is the dumping of waste by the public at our facility – for US to dump on their behalf, no less. This occurs regularly and I’m not sure why because we have no way of disposing of it unless we can find someone who has time to do it for us of a Saturday, just the same as the person who left it on our doorstep. PLEASE, FOLKS, CUT IT OUT – GIVE US A BREAK!!
“I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” (Winston Churchill)
.
Live well, love much, laugh often ...................... “Sancho Panza”.
OBITUARY RAY CAMPBELL - 1939 to 2019 Balgal resident, Ray Campbell passed away on 4th March at the Palliative Care Unit at Townsville General Hospital. He was 79 years old. Ray had been in poor health for some years but always managed to fight his way back from the brink after serious illness or injury. His friends and family expected he would do so again but this time luck was against him. Ray came to Balgal from Darwin in 2009. Born in Rockhampton he grew up in Brisbane, his early years spent in Church and Government foster homes where he suffered abuse and violence. In a memorable autobiography he described his experiences while in ‘care’. This book went a long way towards validating the claims of abused children and opened the way to redressing some of the wrongs perpetrated in these homes. On leaving school, Ray completed an apprenticeship as a camera lens maker. He then ‘went bush’ working on sheep and cattle stations where he looked after the machinery as well as the livestock. He bought a dam desilting plant with which he travelled Queensland having many hair-raising adventures and learning much about rocks, minerals and soil conditions. In 1969 he and his wife went to Darwin where he worked in various fields, from diesel mechanic to market gardener, before starting his own business in earthmoving. Then Cyclone Tracy blew Darwin away. Dreadful though this event was, it opened the way for employment as the city was rebuilt. Ray bought extra machinery, employed several men and was involved in excavating the earthworks and foundations for many of Darwin’s major buildings as well as suburban developments. He put in under-ground electricity to many suburbs and to the Army Base at Larrakeyah and put in sewerage systems for the developing northern suburbs as well as for communities at Croker Island and Yirrkala. Sadly, Ray’s marriage fell victim, as did so many others at that time, to the trauma of Cyclone Tracey and its aftermath. He married again in 1979. An innovator, Ray brought the first under-road boring machines to Darwin. He also introduced machine-mounted jack hammers and rock-breakers. He had an innate knowledge of rocks and soil conditions and was regularly consulted by planning engineers for his opinion about foundation requirements. Ray was one of the first people in Darwin to experiment with hydroponics, relatively new in Australia – to grow vegetables, not marijuana – and in the early 1980’s spent 6 weeks in the USA studying methods there. Ray was interested in the power of the mind to achieve goals and did a course with Alpha Dynamics. With the skills he learnt here, he overcame many health problems and attained various goals. The organisation recruited him to do some lecture tours and he undertook several, including one to Zimbabwe and South Africa in 1999. He was a great raconteur and would enthral people with his, often greatly exaggerated, stories. He could have earned a living on the stage as a story teller. One friend would invite him to dinner when he had southern visitors so they could meet a ‘genuine Territory character’. Ray never disappointed: telling outrageous, and very often politically incorrect stories. At Yirrkala, the local people named Ray ‘Kakabulla’. Because of his penchant for telling outrageous stories, we thought it was the Yolgnu word for Bull**** but were told that it was actually their name for the spirit who moves the earth. Ray retired from the earthmoving business and for a few years ran a book exchange in rural Coolalinga before making the move back to Queensland, where he settled at Balgal, to enjoy retirement and tinkering with his collection of vintage cars. He was often seated on his front veranda, ready for a cuppa and a yarn with anyone who cared to drop in. Ray leaves behind two grand-daughters with his youngest son, Peter while John his eldest, continues his legacy in the under-road boring business in Darwin. Submitted by Colwyn Campbell
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Office of Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook
P: 07 4765 4700 | F: 07 4765 4709 | Visit: 86-92 Herbert Street, Ingham QLD 4850 | E: hinchinbrook@parliament.qld.gov.au |
IT’S always great to spend time with constituents on Townsville’s northern beaches. As a resident myself, I appreciate there’s no shortage of issues to tackle, such as the damage done to Balgal Beach’s boat ramp, pontoon and gangway following the recent floods. We’ve been working with local Councillor Margie Ryder, Townsville City Council and Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to repair this infrastructure. In relation to the boat ramp, TMR has advised that an assessment has been completed and they are working with RoadTek to plan for the repair works. There are a number of matters currently being worked through, including confirming with suppliers on the availability of specific materials such as pre-cast planks, as well as the planning of works to align with low tides. Subject to site conditions and sourcing of materials, TMR expects to be able to start repairs in mid-April. The works will take several weeks to complete, depending on weather and tidal conditions. I know how important this infrastructure is to the community and I thank everyone for their patience. On another note, it was good to meet Chris Crowe from Rollingstone Beach Front Resort (caravan park) to work through his erosion problems. I have made representations on his behalf to Townsville City Council to work towards him getting a development approval for works to be done to protect the foreshore and the caravan park. Finally, I enjoyed catching up with residents at Balgal Beach and Toolakea for some recent, informal constituent meetings in early March. I’m always happy to help on any State-related matters and I look forward to holding more of these meetings in the near future. Nick Dametto MP, Member for Hinchinbrook.
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Rollingstone State School Hi Community . Many of us have something in common, we all spent some time at school. ‘SCHOOL’, this one word opens up a multitude of caverns, some brightly lit with candles and others more like a dark underground cavern, depending on your experiences. Either way, many of us again are even more closely connected to school with having kids or perhaps even grandchildren who have recently attended or are currently attending school. Thus, most of us at some stage have encountered, or if you are silly like me, even asked, the couple of age old questions that have withstood time, over and over‘How was school?’ and ‘What did you learn today?’ Now if you are very lucky and get an answer of ‘Good’, followed quickly by a positive story, then you are absolutely sure that the day was very special. However, I have to say, that many a day, my wife and I received answers such as ‘Good’, and then with nothing more forthcoming, we then head down the path of asking what they did, or learnt for the day. Their common response is a disinterested answer of ‘not much’ and a dismissive shrug of the shoulders in reply. I’m told by many, especially my mother, that this may later even turn into a The Lions Club working with the junior grunt or that teenage vacant stare as they grow older. Now, coming from someLeos to supply a yummy school breakfast one that attends school with his children most days, and is often their teacher as well, nothing grinds my teeth more than those responses. I’m sure you are all with me on this one. So what do children do all day at school? Has it changed since the past? Is school really that dull and boring? I have heard that a picture tells a thousand words. Here is just a tiny, very tiny snippet of a typical day at Rollingstone State School.
Hoping that some days, when you ask those age old questions, that you do get a reply “Yes, school was great today” and we did…… Andrew Stallman A/Principal
Ph: Fax:
(07) 47 707 313 (07) 47 707 282
Rollingstone State School Choreographing a masterpiece in class
Using Ipads to support learning in class
Hard at work designing and creating cars in class
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Trip Advisor
Not available 17th and 24th April
$100
THE BOOK STATION At the Community Centre Monday to Friday 9am—3pm Free book box at front of station
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ROLLY RAG ADVERTISING RATES (per issue incl. GST as at March 2012) Full Page (18 x 26cm)
$120.00
Half Page (18 x 13cm)
$80.00
Quarter Page (9 x 13cm)
$50.00
Business Card (9 x 6.5cm)
$25.00
Classifieds (up to 20 words)
$10.00
Flyers/Inserts*
$120.00
Please make payment at the RTC during business hours or after hours, into the mailbox located at the end of the veranda at the Hall (near the kitchen window). Ensure your name and details are on the envelope. We can design an ad for you and we accept .jpg file formats of your existing ads. The Rag is a great place to advertise and very cost effective. For more information or to discuss your ad, call 4770 7855 between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email rollingstonerag@bigpond.com or rollingstonertc@bigpond.com. * extra costs for supplying the photocopying if required
RURAL TRANSACTION CENTRE • Internet Access
$2/hour (or part of)
FREE for Students doing school Projects and FREE for Job Seekers.
◼
Printing & Photocopying (Black & White) A4 Single Sided
.10¢ / page
A4 Double Sided
.20¢ / page
A4 50 or more off 1 original
. 5¢ / page
A3 Single Sided
.20¢ / page
A3 Double Sided
.40¢ / page
A3 50 or more off 1 original
.10¢ / page
Colour Photocopying A3 or A4
.50¢ / page
Printing from Computer Black & White
.20¢ / page
Colour ◼
Scanning & Printing (B&W)
◼
Fax
$1 / page .50¢ / page First page $1.10 incl. GST)
Consecutive pages $0.55incl. GST) ◼
Laminating
- Business Card
.50¢
- A4 $1.10 (incl. GST) - A3 $2.20 (incl. GST) ◼
Room Hire
1/2 Day $20 (incl. GST) Evening $20 (incl. GST)
◼
Important document scanning
Rolly Rag’ Disclaimer
$5.00
The ‘Rolly Rag’ is produced by a team of volunteers — any comments, criticisms or complaints should be addressed to the Secretary, RaDCA Inc P.O. Box 35, Rollingstone, 4816. All text and layout remains the copyright of the Rollingstone and District Community Association Inc (RaDCA Inc) (the Publisher). The Rolly Rag (the Rag) can not accept responsibility for any unsolicited material or transparencies. The Rag is fully independent and its views are not necessarily those of any company, organisation, club or person mentioned herein. All copyrights and trademarks are recognised and all images are used for the purpose of the dissemination of information only. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Letters to the editor are encouraged by ‘the Rag’, as is the right to free speech. Any letters to the editor received and/or printed do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. The publisher accepts no responsibility for views expressed by contributors through freedom of speech, however, only letters supplied with a name and address will be published. Letters will be published with name only. We try to print articles as they are presented, but we do reserve the right to edit. ‘The Rag’ will endeavor to publish all articles submitted pending time limitations. Acceptance of an article by ‘the Rag’ is not a guarantee that the article will be published. The Trade Practices Act of 1st October 1974, relating to consumer protection, places a heavy burden on advertisers and publishers of such advertisements and articles. Section 62 of this Act imposes a general duty on everyone not to engage in trade or commerce, or in a conduct that is misleading and deceptive. In view of the obvious impossibility of ensuring that all advertising submitted for our newspaper complies with this Act, advertisers will appreciate the absolute need themselves to ensure that the Act is adhered to. P 10
Indoor Carpet Bowls At The Community Centre Wednesday Morning and Night 9-11.30am & 7-9pm!!!! Morning: $2.50 Night: $2.00 This is a FUN activity and is guaranteed to be a winner!! All skill levels & All age groups Just turn up and see how much fun you will have! Further info contact Chris on 47707855
Come and join us for a great time!
Board Games Played on the third Tuesday of each month between 2-4pm at the Hall. Scrabble, Mahjong, Yahtzee and MORE!!! Bring along your favourite game if you want or play with any of our games!
$2 for an afternoon of fun with like minded people.
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Your Local Community Pharmacy Bluewater
Healthsave Pharmacy
Balgal Beach Healthsave Pharmacy
2 Purono Parkway, Yabulu 4818
114 Mystic Avenue, Balgal Beach 4816
PH: 07 4778 6233
PH: 07 4770 7400
FAX: 07 4778 6733
FAX: 07 4770 7399
8.30am – 6pm Monday – Friday
8.30am – 5pm Monday – Friday
8.30am – 1pm Saturday
8.30am – 12pm Saturday
FREE Blood Pressure Checks
* Hire Equipment
*NDSS Agent – Diabetes Supplies
Blister Packaging for your medicines
* Full Prescription Service
*Delivery available for those in need
MLE – Making Life Easy (Large range of Home Healthcare aids)
*Ear Piercing
*Faulding Vitamins
Pharmacy Choice Brand Products (Quality product made affordable with 100% money back guarantee) Easy parking available
Are you suffering from Dehydration? With this crazy weather, are you mowing the yard almost every day? Have you been unfortunate and had the lurgy that is going around at the moment? Are you sweating excessively due to the humidity? If so, these can all be contributing factors to dehydration. Some medications can also contribute to dehydration. Please ask your pharmacist. Dehydration signs and symptoms If you have mild to moderate dehydration, you might: • be thirsty • have a dry mouth, lips and tongue • have a headache • have dark urine, and not so much of it be dizzy or light-headed, particularly when standing up Moderate dehydration can be treated with plenty of fluids including Hydralyte and water. If you have severe dehydration, THIS IS VERY SERIOUS and you need medical attention. Symptoms include: • be extremely thirsty • have a very dry mouth • be breathing fast • have a fast heart rate and a low blood pressure • have a fever • have little or no urine • be irritable, drowsy or confused Babies who are severely dehydrated have a sunken fontanel, the soft spot on top of a baby’s head. Severe dehydration is a serious problem in babies and young children and medical treatment is required urgently. If you have any question please contact your local Pharmacy Team or in an Emergency call 000 The Team at Balgal Beach Pharmacy.
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BALGAL BEACH MEDICAL PRACTICE Tel: 47707 244 Please listen to any recorded message for information on out of hours services
Email: manager@balgalmedical.com.au
BLUEWATER MEDICAL PRACTICE 2 PURONO PARKWAY, PURONO PARK
Call 47786 444 Appointments Monday to Friday or
Call from 8am for Appointments Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. CLOSED Thursday **SPECIAL NOTICE**
book ONLINE via our website www.bluewatermedical.com General Practitioners and Allied Health Services
CLOSED Thu 18th to Mon 22nd APRIL OPEN Tue 23rd to Wed 24th APRIL CLOSED Thu 25th to Sun 28th APRIL General Practitioners Dr Vladimir Hasa
(Private) Wed & Fri
Dr Olga Hasa (Private) Tue & Fri Dr Zakia Sultana (Bulk Billing) Mon & Wed Dr Lucia Rajnoch(Bulk Billing) Tue Allied Health Services PHYSIOTHERAPY - PODIATRY - SOCIAL WORK - PSYCHOLOGY See your GP for referrals to these services.
Next visit: 19th May 2019
Please note: No clinic in April
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Invites members of the public to attend an INFORMATION SESSION Concerning the historic current Government inquiry into Aged care, end-of-life and palliative care
4770 7698
futurefurnishingsmk@gmail.com
0437 555 469
The discussion will be about submissions to the inquiry committee plus up to date developments If you want to have a choice about how and when you die, it would be in your interest to attend this session Where? Rollingstone Community Centre When?
Wednesday - April 3
Time? 12 noon Further information – contact: Marj Lawrence, Regional Coordinator Dying with Dignity QLD 4773 9295 or email marj.lawrence@gmail.com P14
WILDLIFE CARERS ROLLINGSTONE, BALGAL BEACH and surrounds GWEN CAHILL: GAYE LOVELL: CHRIS GREEN:
BIRDS WALLABIES & KANGAROOS POSSUMS
4770 7540 / 0427 074 816 4770 7356 / 0412 965 535 0402 084 588
Last month I received a call out to rescue a kangaroo joey that was caught on a fence at a property on Ocean Parade, Middle Earth. On my arrival I noticed the entire family was their Dad, Aunty, Uncle, and I’m sure Grandparents. Where was Mum you ask? Well she was keeping a very, very close eye on her baby, so close I had to call on reinforcements (Gaye Lovell) as you never know what Mum will do. On Gaye’s arrival Mum had backed off a little but was still watching her baby, not to mention the rest of the family also watching closely. We managed to get the little fella off the fence , Gaye looked him over and he had no injuries, a lucky little man. Mum was still pacing in and out and was watching every move. We put the little fella down over the fence and he went straight to Mum and they hopped away but then Mum stopped and looked back at us. She had a look of gratitude on her face ,we’re sure she was saying Thank You. It’s moments like these we know why we care. Thanks Dawn and George for your help……… See you in the great outdoors........Chris
STONEFISH INJURY There are some fish, such as Stonefish and Bullrout, that can sting when accidentally trodden on, swum over or handled. A recent guest to our area was stung by a Bullrout. She was treated in hospital and was released after 4-5 hours.
Please take care when beach walking, wading or beach combing. Please be aware Bullrout are present in our local fresh water ways— please take precautions. First aid consists of the following. •
Call an ambulance.
•
Immerse the affected area in hot water to relieve pain. (Try putting an unaffected part of your body in the hot water first to make sure you are not burning yourself.)
•
DO NOT apply a pressure immobilisation bandage.
•
Leave any barbs or spines in place and place padding around them. They may be plugging a wound and preventing blood loss.
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing properly, start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). You may need hospital treatment for the relief of pain and/or to be given stonefish antivenom.
Signs and symptoms of fish stings Fish stings are usually extremely painful, which can lead to irrational behaviour. The sting wound may be bleeding, bruised or swollen. Further information can be found on the following website: https://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Find+out+about/Animals+of+Queensland/Fishes/Venomous+fishes/Bullrout#.XJgSCJgzaUk
Can everyone keep their can ring tops off the aluminium cans please? There will be a tin in the Community Hall for collection. The ring tops go towards the making of new Wheelchairs Collection Tin in the Hall
Rollingstone Community Association yearly memberships are due Only $1.00 per person See Mark or Chris at the RTC
Volunteers required for delivery of the Rolly Rag to the local community once a month (excluding Jan and Feb) Please contact Chris at the Centre on: 4770 7855. P15
YOGA work to your edge and your limits A general guided Hatha light flow class Sundara Yoga Garden Studio, 17 Salamander St, Bluewater Tuesday 6.30 to 7.30 pm—Restore and release Yin
Volunteers required for delivery of the Rolly Rag to the local community once a month
Saturday 8am to 9am—General Hatha flow
(excluding Jan and Feb)
Rollingstone Community Centre, Balgal Beach
Please contact Chris at the Centre on:
Saturday 10.30 to 11.30 am
4770 7855.
NOTICE TO VALUED CUSTOMERS - Salon will be closed between 23rd April - 31st May inclusive. Feel free to book ahead.
Lions are taking up a collection of old mobile phones that are no longer being used. Collection bin (plastic container) is in the Community Hall The bookmobile visits twice each month on Yellow Bin day. Located in the carpark at Rollingstone Community Centre
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Splashing in the rain is fun! The last few weeks have seen some challenging days with wet hair and wet hats from the rain showers but much laughter with us still getting a workout in the water! We must thank the Rollingstone Resort Caravan Park for keeping the pool in tip top condition after the flooding and windy storms that threw lots of vegetation into the pool. We greatly appreciate their community support. Our last “official” aqua workout for the season will be on Tuesday 16th April, but, weather permitting, a few of us will continue until the ice settles on the water! All have been missing Babz while she cares for Richard and our love and thoughts go out to them both. A social evening for all group members and partners will be held on Saturday 13th April at the Rollingstone Resort, so please place your pizza orders with Dianne by the 5th April. A safe and happy Easter to all. Di. G
Rollingstone & District Seniors
Well here we go again, sorry folk you still have me bleating on as I am still the secretary as no one wanted to take on the job. Due to no one fronting up for the job of El Presidantee, Joh Schwier is back in and Linda Birse is treasurer again. If there are any complaints please take them elsewhere, we are busy. No, in all seriousness, we welcome a second year to try and group the community together, working, playing, enjoying everyone’s company. The Community Kitchen idea is getting under way and there will be more news as things progress along those lines. We have had a good amount of interest so we are hoping it gets off the ground and having the support of RaDCA makes it so much of a community interaction. We are hoping to really expand on the theme to include all of the folk who would benefit from this idea. Even if you are not cooking it yourself. Oops I cant say too much I might jinx things. Bingo started with a hiss and a roar, many thanks to the new caller who did not need to raise his volume at all. EVERY one heard it loud and clear including the poor soul beside him checking the numbers. Thanks to the regulars who turned up, lovely to see you after the break and hope to see more next month and the following months. This is for the community so community back it.!!! You wanted bingo so here it is. Bowls and board games along with cards all are doing well. Line dancing and the water aerobics are very popular so all in all we have a vast variety out here and include the 2 fishing clubs and golf club and outdoor bowls what more could one want. It really pays to keep the mind active and the same with the body (when possible), so stay youngish, get out and have fun, fun, fun. Talking of getting out. We have an outing to the Heritage Tea Rooms, Harveys range on Friday April 5 th. We are hoping to have enough people for a bus . We already have over 12 interested, so we will also car pool. The basic morning tea is $ 8.50. If you decide to have more that is fine, you pay for the extra. Please take into account that there is something happening every day of the week so planning a trip is extremely hard and sometimes we just have to bite the bullet and say ok, it’s this day. The Biggest Morning Tea is booked for May 24 th, keep the date in mind and more info as it comes in, limited to 120 people so will be using prepaid tickets this year @ $10 per head includes some raffles. Upper Ross over 50s have invited us to a fun morning on May 7th. More info closer to time. A snippet of information. The Rollingstone and District Seniors have 62 paid up members, what has happened to all the others?? Ok folks, that’s all for now, ciao. Gaye
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GOLF Membership Prices are the best around. Give us a call to find out what membership best suits you. PH: 47 707 355
139 Mystic Avenue, Balgal Beach
Email: admin@mysticsands.com.au Web Site: www.mysticsands.com.au
Course Fees – 9 holes front and back $20.00 Golf Carts - $25.00 and we have 12 available for hire.
GOLF— 9 HOLES FRONT AND BACK
RESTAURANT Restaurant opening Friday night from 5th April Wednesday nights coming soon PHONE FOR BOOKINGS PHONE: 47707355 Members Game Days: Tuesday – VETS Saturday – Competition Visitors and Members Days: Friday – Social Friday Club Sunday – Bushrangers
FACILITIES AND FUNCTIONS Tennis Court AND Swimming Pool. IF YOU ARE PLANNING A FUNCTION FOR ANYTHING PLEASE PHONE OR EMAIL US. WE ARE HAPPY TO PROVIDE A QUOTE AND WORK WITH YOU TO MAKE IT A GREAT EVENT.
WE HAVE BOUNCE COFFEE ENJOY THE LOVELY SCENERY AND GOOD COFFEE. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK VISIT WIKI CAMPS FOR CAMPING. P18
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CHRONIC PAIN WOMEN’S HEALTH (Menarche to Menopause) Sho Ni Shin for Children (No Needles) FACIAL REJUVINATION (Cosmetic Accupuncture)
MARCH RAINFALL REPORT Monthly Rain totals as at 26/03/2019 Rainfall for March: 184.5mm Year to date: 1971.2mms Wet Days: 17 Max Temp: 32° on 15/03/2019 Min Temp: 21° on 05/03/2019 Access the data from our local weather station at: www.wunderground.com/personal-weather-station/ dashboard?ID=IQUEENSL849
10th & 24th April FREE WIFI now available from Mobile Library
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Simply this is Alcoholics Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with others that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for Alcoholics Anonymous membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for Alcoholics Anonymous membership. We are self supporting through our own contributions. Alcoholics Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution, does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses or opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. If you or someone you know have a problem with alcohol, please contact Alcoholics Anonymous on 4771 5411 or come to a meeting Monday nights 7pm at Rollingstone P21 Rural Transaction Centre‌‌.Phone: 4771 5411 P21
Fisherman’s Landing Fishing & Social Club News Hello Members and welcome. The end of month BBQ held on Friday 22 February was again well attended. Monthly Fishing Competition prize winners were Gavin Love, Peter Hall an excited Amy Pratt who took out the junior prize. The monthly members draw was once again won by Lyn Woolard, the second month in a row. Don’t forget Members to be in the draw you must be present at the time of the draw usually between 6.30 and 7.00 pm at the BBQ. Thanks to all our helpers, especially Jess Milliken, then Col Pace for his very popular rissoles, the wonderful ladies who supply the great salads and of course the Pratt families who always turn out to work at our BBQs to ensure everything goes like a well-oiled machine. For those Members who may be unaware, there are two Mrs. Pratts, Jeanette the Matriarch who runs the show and Kirstie (Kirstey), Mrs. Pratt junior but please don’t call her Kirstie or Kirstey, it is KIRSTY. Our BBQs would not be the same without you all. Unfortunately, the much-anticipated Closed Club Barra Fishing Bash held on 9th and 10th March saw not one legal Barra being caught. Oh well, we can always try again next year. The best excuse going around about the lack of Barra caught was that there was too much “fresh” in the water. The Family Fun Weekend Away to Lucinda from Friday 24th May to Sunday 26th May promises to be another great relaxed family trip so please try to attend. You may not wish to attend for the whole weekend so just come up for the Saturday night. Your Club provides a per membership subsidized meal at a local pub on Friday night, a cooked breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings and a BBQ dinner on Saturday night. You pay for your accommodation, lunches and drinks. There is a notice at The Landing with all the details so make sure you get your name down and book your own unit or site. Saturday 6 April will see your first Market Day for the year. Come on down to The Landing Park and support your Club and the visiting stall holders without whom there would be no markets. Come for breakfast from our team serving up the Big Breakfast accompanied by a coffee from Mon. You cannot go wrong with this combination. By the time this edition of this Fine family Magazine bounces off your roof into the dog or kid’s water dish, Di and I should be away enjoying a break, the first time since October 2017. Don’t worry Members, your Club will be in very good hands with Garry Luff acting President and Kim Love acting Secretary. Both will fill their roles with consummate ease. Part of the beach near the stinger net was cleared of debris by a crew from Townsville City Council which allowed the stinger net to be reinstalled after repairs. We have been advised that the net may be taken out again in late March during the king tide event to prevent damage to the net from logs etc still on the beach. This will only be a temporary measure. The two piles of logs stacked up by council and the remaining logs all along the beach will most probably disappear over the next few months once the back-packers and grey nomads arrive on their annual migration north. The swarms of townies who flock here over Easter will take care of anything that is left to burn. Be ready for some bonfires on the beach. Has anyone noticed the good-looking younger stud now accompanying Babz? You are looking good Richard Pickering and all our best wishes go to you at this traumatic time. Richard enjoys a visit or two from locals so if you are in the area, pop in for a short chat. When Garry Luff met and later married his lovely Wife Koy, we said that his heart was all a flutter in tremulous excitement. We did not mean for him to take this literally but after a few unplanned stays in hospital and after a couple of procedures, he is looking much better. Assistant-Secretary Kim Love recently celebrated her retirement from real work with a Friday afternoon party with co-workers in a phone booth in the city. It was a big flash affair with a small cake and a bottle of water. Kim has now taken over a more sedate role as Managing-Director, Chief Marketing and Sales Director and Chief Engineer of GKC Shed Erectors, a cushy well-paid job with lots of perks. Husband Gavin who thought he owned and ran the company thus far handed over his key to the Executive Washroom to Kim in a brief but very moving ceremony recently and Kim now gets to tell her somewhat bewiled husband what to do. He is so confused he went on an all expenses paid, tax deductable holiday to the Gold Coast. Last I heard Kim and Gavin were deep in negotiations over the extent of her duties which Gavin insists must include Kim washing and caring for his boat and cleaning his fishing gear. We are going to hear a lot more on this story folks (even if I have to make it up!) and the outcome may not be pretty! Stay tuned for round 2. After much negotiations and at great expense to the Club, we are pleased to announce that we bring you all the way from Justin Street, publication of the indepth, informative and entertaining “Dickie’s Fishing News”. We know every angler waits impatiently each month for this Bible on all things fishing the local area so here it is; be informed. Dickie’s Fishing News G’day Folks. Well, we certainly have had a good wet season with all the creeks subject to a good flooding and cleanout of sandbars at their mouths. This has allowed improved boating access to all these river systems from Townsville to Cardwell. The Rollingstone Creek entrance from what I have been told is that it is accessible on most tides with a few snags on the left or northern side of the creek. Taylors Beach and estuary are now producing good catches of crabs with a lot of bucks being taken. However, the Barra are definitely spread out and the few being caught are taken on live-bait or plastic lures casting into the mangroves. Crystal, Olera and Scrubby Creeks are producing good catches of Grunter and Flathead especially around the creek entrances using plastic lures or Golden Plugs. There are a lot of green back herring being caught in cast nets which are also excellent bait. The inner shoals along the coast line are producing good catches of legal-size Grunter, Trevally and Nannygai. A few Grey and Doggy Mackerel are being landed on the inner shoals from Crystal to Toomulla and on the Paluma shoals with the best lures being silver spoons and red and white plugs which dive to 5 meters. No reports of whiting as yet and the beaches and yabby banks are still covered in logs and debris from the creeks. However, with a king tide coming up shortly may help clear the beaches. Take care when boating as there are still quite a few logs floating just under the surface and hitting one of these at 20 knots will not be good for the boat or yourself. Diving and snorkelling around Rattlesnake, Herald and Ackerson islands has been limited by bad visibility but over time the water will clear and these areas should give up good catches of crays and other species especially after the flooding. Well that is about all for this month. We are hoping for good boating weather but if not, the creeks are fishing well. Do not forget to put in a trip sheet with either Townsville or Ingham Coast Guards or otherwise please let someone responsible know where you are proceeding to and your expected time of arrival back at the boat ramp. Tight lines and safe boating and fishing. You can leave P22 your out of date EPIRBS and Flares at The Landing for safe disposal. Cheers, Dickie Continued next page……….
Fisherman’s Landing Fishing & Social Club News continued Observant Members may have noticed that no mention has been made in these pages of repairs to the Rollingstone Creek Boat Ramp or to the pontoon. To make any comment or to provide the latest update for repairs at this time is fraught with danger and would probably make me look like a bigger fool than I know I already am as anything mentioned here would be grossly out of date at the time of publication, an inherent problem when there is nearly a 2-week time lapse from the time of submission of my article to the time of publication. Any updates will be published in the Club’s Facebook which is Fisherman’s Landing & Social Club Balgal Beach Inc’s internet page. Until next month when I shall be writing to you from afar, Ninger
COMMUNITY GET FIT/LEISURE ACTIVITIES AT ROLLINGSTONE/BALGAL BEACH Looking for local physical activities or classes? Check out the list below: Contact Chris or Mark at RTC Phone 4770 7855 for further details of classes. The hall is at 44 Community Crescent, Balgal Beach
CLASSES Line Dancing - at the hall - Mondays 9am . Fees apply Weight Circuit Class – at the hall - Entire Wellbeing – Fridays 8am – Fees apply Indoor Bowls@ Hall, Wednesday 9.30am, Evenings 7pm. Fees Apply Aquarobics at Big 4 Rollingstone Beach Front Resort, Hencamp Creek Road – Run by community members, Tuesday and Friday 9.30 – October to April. Fees apply Yoga - Sundara Yoga – Saturdays 10.30am at the Hall. Contact www.sundarayogatownsville.com
SWIMMING Balgal Beach, near the Landing. Stinger net installed, removed for winter and during adverse weather conditions. Lifeguards on duty School Holidays and Weekends. Free Big 4 Rollingstone Beach Front Resort, Hencamp Creek Road, day pass available, fees apply. Phone 47707277
GOLF AND BOWLS Mystic Sands Golf Resort, 139 Mystic Avenue, Balgal Beach Phone 4770 7355
BEACH WALKING/RUNNING, WALK THE DOG (on a lead) Any time, hat, sunscreen and water required Beach access at Balgal Beach: The Landing; Justin Street; Borton Street; Augusta Drive.
STAY ACTIVE FOR LIFE
PARCEL COLLECTION SERVICE
4776 2973 www.inghammotorcyclesandmowers.com.au MOTORBIKES, MOWERS, AND ALL OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT
If anyone in the community would like a parcel picked up in Townsville and delivered to your door on the day our Community Bus goes into town (weekly on Thursdays), call Chris (47707855), organise it with her and it will be done. P23
Mystic Sands Golf Resort Report Golf season is well on the way and so far the course is winning and most golfers finding the course very challenging. Good numbers are being seen at Vets and Friday club,bushrangers and competition Saturday numbers are improving with some previous golfers returning. February monthly medal we had 37 players try their hardest to be part of the winning circle. New tees for ladies and challenging course has most really battling to put in a good score. Men’s Division 1 Winner Tony Cochrane with runner up Wayne Butler Men’s Division 2 Winner Bill Osborn Runner up Max Spears Ladies Winner Maree King ; Runner Up Bunny Osborn Don’t worry Members there are still 8 more chances to be in Medal of Medallists in November with next monthly Medal being Sat 6 th April. With the weather on improve we are really hoping that volunteers will adopt and maintain a garden on the course. Details are available at clubhouse and your assistance would be very much appreciated. Some lovely friends of the Late Rhonda Coulson have adopted the Garden at Hole 5 in her memory, as this was her favourite hole on course Our new President Rosco has recently posted on FB the following which seems to sum up what Mystic Sands Golf Inc . We would love to see you all. Do you want to play a game that Challenges you intellectually, physically and socially? Do you want to meet people, interact and have a yarn? Do you want to try something different? GOLF is an Option. If you think you are too old…. We have 80+ members If you think you are too young … We have 6 yo’s. If you think you are not good enough…Play with me If you think it’s an elite group … Play with me If you want to walk or cart around a beautiful course, chat to 6 mobs of kangaroos, cop the fresh air, 43 varieties of native trees in flower and chase a little white ball ..See me If you want to sit in the breeze at the bar and tell stories… see me So hope to see you and Rosco at the club soon . Hit ém long and straight but most of all enjoy. Cheers Gurdie
Would you like to volunteer to maintain a golf garden? Weeding, trim plants, pick up leaves and refresh the look. You are most welcome to give it your flair. If hole 7 is your favourite , just sponsor that garden. Full list of available holes will be available at clubhouse. Cr Margie Ryder Councillor for Division 1 Townsville City Council 103-141 Walker St
P 0439 915 033 F 07 4727 9050 E Margie.Ryder@townsville.qld.gov.au W www.townsville.qld.gov.au
AN EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY As we all know we are living and working with some amazing people. There is so much good that happens that goes unnoticed, there are individuals that give so generously of their time, without exposure or the expectation of gratitude.
To all of those people, Thank You . The highlight for me this month was to officially open my first building in my role as a Councillor : DOWIES DUNNY !!
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R.S.L.NEWS Hello from the Rollingstone RSL. By the time this article is published, we would have had our AGM and as we had nominations for all vacant positions we now once again have a full committee. Our next big event is Anzac Day on Thursday 25 April. The dawn service will once again be at the memorial at the beach front at 5.30 for a 5.45 start. The Catafalque party is once again coming from 9 Transport Squadron at Lavarack Barracks. Our guest speaker this year will be Colonel Matt Richardson, the Commander of the Combat Training Centre. The usual Gunfire Breakfast begins at 5.30 am. Breakfast will follow after the service with the kind help from the Lions Club. Breakfast will be $5 and will consist of bacon, sausage and egg with 2 slices of bread. Tea, coffee and juice will also be included. The bar will be open for those who wish to have a drink and will close at 8.00 a.m. The main service begins at 10.00 a.m. Form up for the parade will be at 9.30 on The Esplanade. It will be lovely to see as many as possible attending. Following the Anzac Day service attendees at the mid morning Anzac Day service are welcome to go back to the Mystic Sands Golf Club afterwards. Due to the flood situation in Townsville and other North Qld areas, RSL Qld has extended the time for payment for membership dues until the 30 April, 2019. If you haven’t already paid your membership fees, you can now pay up to this date without any penalty to your membership status. The raffles and goose club are going well. These are up at the Mystic Sands Golf Club each Friday night. Usually there are 2 or 3 meat trays being raffled each week and depending on patrons at the golf club, a bottle or two are also raffled. Many thanks to Faye and her helpers for running the raffles and goose club. Also, many thanks to Mick and his staff at the Golf Club. LATE NEWS: Following the recent AGM, Ewan Cameron has been re-elected as President and Secretary is Suzi Vincent.
Gidday Rollingstone Well I’m down to the wire yet again. The Rag editors are being as polite and understanding as they can be, while they quietly bare their teeth and snarl, waiting for me to get my finger out and type this article. In my defence, I’ve only been back at work for a week. I have two lists in my office – one for the things that I’ve done (which seems ridiculously short) – the other is for the things that I haven’t gotten around to yet – like catch up on emails, return a billion phone calls, The Coppers Log, scratch myself… Anyway, well done to the Ginger Ninja and Peroxide Girl for running the shop. They both have some well-deserved time off coming up. The red-head is going on a footy trip to remind himself that he doesn’t bounce as well as he used to (God help him if he comes back all busted up) and the cockroach is heading off to… somewhere else – who knows? A quick thank you to all those who asked about my hand dramas while I was away. By all accounts I suffered from any number of issues ranging from a broken finger nail – “Harden up ya big sook. Nobody takes sick leave for a sore finger” – to and amputated right hand – “Geez Goughy, that looks like it’s grown back real well.” The bottom line was a thing called ‘Trigger Finger’ – nothing to do with what your thinking and not found only in Coppers, Soldiers and gun slingers. Its when one of your fingers (any one of them) gets stuck when you close your fist (it kind of locks in place) and you end up having to force it open with the other hand. It’s a tendon thing that ended up being yet another scar in my ever-increasing collection of war wounds. It’ll make a good story for the grand-kids – “…and as he slashed at me with a HUGE knife” or “…and I pulled my hand out of its mouth just as the jaws came slamming shut…” So… what do we need to chat about? What did Sutto cover: the floods and how we all got VERY wet during the wee early hours of the day; Alissa staying VERY high and dry while handing out advice on the weather – she’s not a meteorologist but she knows how to stick her head out the window; him swanning around Camooweal for 10 weeks, sooking about the heat; and me looking old and suffering from a mortal shark attack wound. I do want to endorse his comments on how everyone got in after the flood water and resurrected our community. The SES, the Firies, the LIONS, the Community Association and just people in general – all turning out to help anyone who needed a hand. I suppose things did get a little busy once or twice while Shaun was sun baking out west. We had a run of missing people/search and rescue jobs over a few weeks – four that I was personally involved with – that all ended tragically. The large ‘house brick’ looking container beside the police station was provided to us by Townsville Council for the Disaster Management equipment. A cracker of a Music Festival at the Caravan Park, the occasional small traffic accident on the highway, one or two attempted suicides, a few speeding tickets, a couple of RBTs, Christmas, New Years, school holidays and a partridge in a pear tree – there… all caught up! Stay safe – 17 and a half to go. Goughy P25
New Water Conservation Measures Water conservation measures are currently in place within the Townsville area to help ensure the city’s water security. These measures will remain in place while Council’s 3-point water security solution is delivered. Further to this, Council will consult the community to develop a permanent water conservation and saving program.
New water conservation measures - what it means for me
Council understands how important our water is and is striving to preserve this precious resource whilst still allowing residents to use water when they need it. As a city we need to use our water wisely to ensure Townsville’s water supply is secure now and into the future. Although these measures provide residents with more flexibility over their watering times, it is important to keep in mind that gardens only need 4-6 hours of watering per week to thrive. Watering times should also be reduced following periods of rainfall.
Residential, rural and commercial lawns and gardens (including school grounds/gardens) • Sprinklers can be used between 5pm-8am (odd and evens system) Permitted from 5pm on your allocated day until 8am the following day Even houses: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Odd houses: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday Handheld watering with a trigger nozzle permitted at any time on any day. Important Note: Remember that weeper hoses are most effective when used on garden beds and covered by mulch, they are not recommended for use on exposed areas like lawn. Washing hard surfaces, vehicles and boats Permitted with pressure washers and a hose using a trigger nozzle attached
Sports fields (including school sports fields) • Water Efficiency Management Plans will still apply Handheld watering permitted at any time
After the recent rain, we are pleased to advise that from Friday 1 March, Council will introduce interim Water Conservation Measures. Council reviewed all the relevant information on water use, dam levels and long-term forecasts before making the decision to move to Interim Water Conservation Measures. That means you can use sprinklers on your gardens three times a week, and can wash cars and boats with a hose using a trigger nozzle on any day. We know how precious our water is, so that’s why we are taking a considered approach to ensure we have water security until the 3-point water security solution is delivered. Council would like to thank everyone for the huge effort you have put in to ensure the community stuck to the previous restrictions – it helped get the city through a once-in-a-generation drought. The significant rain we have had in recent weeks, and a solid strategy to appropriately conserve water, should mean we will have sufficient supplies in the dam until the 3-point water security solution is delivered.
Quick facts about our city’s water » Townsville residents use over four times more water per person than in most major cities » The average Townsville household uses 1,700 litres of water per day. Residents in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne use around 210 to 285 litres per day » Prior to 2018, 70% of Townsville’s residential water supply was being used on our lawns and gardens.
1. Why have we introduced Interim Water Conservation Measures? As a city we need to reduce our water use to make our supply last longer. The more we reduce our consumption, the longer we can delay moving up to higher levels of restrictions. Whilst our dam is currently at 100%, we know how precious our water is, so it is important to implement a considered, wise and sustainable approach towards water use; and ensure we have water security until the 3-point water security solution is delivered and once it is completed.
2. Why are there set times for watering? The new system of three days a week on an odds/evens system from dusk to dawn (5pm – 8am) will provide people with greater flexibility to water their gardens and lawns when it suits them. Have you ever been to a sporting event or concert where a lot of people are trying to use their phones at one time? The huge demand at once means that the network can’t cope so it slows everything down. It’s the same with our water network. The odd and evens system means that the water network can be prepared for peak times so that everyone is able to get the water they need.
3. Can I water at different times? Watering outside of the allocated times is not allowed unless doing handheld watering using a trigger nozzle, which is permitted at any time on any day.
4. Am I an odd or even numbered property? Property addresses are categorised as ‘odd’ if: » the number of the property within the street is an odd number E.g. 3 Jones Street or Unit ‘X’ / 17 Anywhere Crescent; » there is no allocated street number, and the property’s lot number is an odd number E.g. Lot 11, Smith Road; » the address includes more than one street number and the first number is odd E.g. 143 – 202 Walker Street; or » there is no known street or lot number. P26
Property addresses are categorised as ‘even’ if: » the number of the property within the street is an even number E.g. 2 Jones Street or Unit ‘X’ / 98 Anywhere Crescent; » there is no allocated street number, and the property’s lot number is an even number E.g. Lot 18, Smith Road; or » the address includes more than one street number and the first number is even E.g. 50 - 73 Long Street.
5. What if my property has bore water? Council does not have legislated power to impose water restrictions on bores. However, we still encourage you to conserve as much as possible even if you have a bore. Depending on where your bore water comes from you could find that as the level in the Ross River drops your bore may also run out. If you do have a bore, please make sure you have a sign at your property so your neighbours and enforcement officers know. You should also let Council know so you can be added to the bore register.
6. Is there a restriction on when I can fill my pool? Pools are not listed under the current Water Restriction Policy but may be included as an extra conservation measure if water consumption doesn’t drop. We would encourage pool owners to use pool blankets to reduce the rate of evaporation from the pool.
7. Can I flush my boat motor at any time? You can flush your boat motor at any time with a hose using a trigger nozzle attached. If you are flushing your boat motor though, please keep the water conservation measures in mind and do what you can to ensure that you’re using as little water as you can.
8. Can I wash my car? You can wash your car at anytime using a hose end trigger nozzle or pressure cleaner, but please keep the water conservation measures in mind and do what you can to ensure that you’re using as little water as you can.
9. Will Water Restrictions ever be lifted, maybe after the new pipeline is completed? The water conservation measures will remain in place while Council’s 3-point water security solution is delivered. Further to that, Council will consult with the community to develop a permanent water conservation and saving program over the next 12 months. Water conservation measures are used in other parts of Australia as a mechanism to encourage wise water use.
10. I pay my rates, including fees for water – should I not be able to use it when I want and when it suits me? Water is a precious resource. Council’s new interim water conservation measures strike the right balance between conserving the resource whilst still allowing residents the flexibility they need to use water when they need it. It is important to keep in mind that gardens only need 4 – 6 hrs of watering a week to thrive. Watering needs of gardens reduces further following periods of rainfall.
11. Using the same allocated hours – can we nominate and decide on what times suit us? Yes, as long as you are using sprinklers and automatic irrigation systems between your allocated hours (5pm – 8am) on your 3 allocated days.
12. In the interest of conserving water the Council should abide by the same regulations and fix water leaks in the quickest time possible. Maybe additional resources should be allocated to ensure this is done. Council already dedicates significant resources to repairing, maintaining and enhancing the water distribution network, and fixes leaks as a priority as we become aware of them.
13. Can we explore other options for capturing water, possible desalination plant for non-drinking water uses? Council is delivering a 3-point water security solution following the work of the Townsville Water Security Taskforce which investigated all possible options for providing Townsville with long term water security. Desalination was looked at by the Water Taskforce and not found to be a viable option for Townsville. Townsville City Council’s 3-point water security solution will provide Townsville with long-term water security. The 3-point water security solution includes: 1. The new 1.8m diameter duplicate Haughton pipeline 2. A recycled water reuse scheme to provide recycled wat for public open spaces and industrial use; and 3. The Water Smart Package which through rebates, will help residents become more water wise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about interim water conservation measures. Download our Interim Water Conservation Measures FAQ's (PDF, 156.0 KB)
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Increase in dog bites drives Ergon Energy Safe Entry Program Published: 10 Jan 2019 9:14am
Ergon Energy workers and meter readers won’t enter yards where dogs are not securely restrained as part of new safety measures being introduced this month. There were 71 injuries from dog bites and 199 other incidents and close-calls between July 2017 and October 2018. “The safety of our employees has to come first and that means if there is a dog on a property that isn’t restrained – we won’t go in to do work of any kind,” Area Manager Wayne Alderman said “We’ll talk to customers about what options are available and if no one is home, we will leave information to help them do a self-read.” “In some cases where there is a dangerous dog or known access issue, a remote read meter will be installed.” The new Safe Entry measures will begin on 14 January and will apply to all properties regardless of whether they are in an urban or rural setting. “Ergon Energy will work with our customers and communities to make the new safety measures work so we have a good outcome for our people and our customers,” Mr Alderman said. More information about the policy and the tools available to assist customers are available at www.ergon.com.au/safeentry. Media Contact: Brett Judge Phone: 0439971765
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Balgal Beach Boating & Leisure Club News G’Day All. Everybody really had a good time at our last BBQ at the Hall. As always, good food thanks to our BBQ cooks and top desserts thanks to our lovely ladies. They certainly excel themselves every time. We played hookey with lots of laughter, clapping and plenty of encouragement from all teams. The winners were team three; Tom, Gordon, Linda and Horace. Well done guys, you did great. The Lound’s Fresh Seafood Raffle was won by Krystine. It’s a great prize to win; Loundsy has the freshest and best seafood in town. Yum. The Lucky Membership Number draw was won by Jan Holliday. Good on ya Jan. Judianna is in hospital and doing very well. Her hubby, Bob, is also in hospital on the floor below, also well on the mend. We send our very best wishes for a speedy recovery, we love you both. Jan Holliday had a shoulder operation as well. She tells me she is doing ok. Love you Jan. Bruce Snr is home and recuperating as well. The programme for this year was given out to all members. It’s going to be a Hookey Winners fun year. Our next BBQ is on the 14th of April EASTER so wear your best Easter Bonnet to be judged. Visitors are always welcome, cost is $10 per adult, children under 12 years are free. Members are always free. TOP FOOD GUARANTEED. So all stay safe and we will see you all for our Easter BBQ. All the best from your COMMITTEE.
Wear your Easter Bonnet on 14th April
You don’t need to register for phone counselling, just give our professional counsellors a call on 1300 059 625, any day, anytime.
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Rollingstone and District Lions Club Inc. Hi Folks Firstly, a post action report after the floods. A few of the Lions have been involved with assisting older members of the community with mowing lawns and cleaning up yards, felling trees and generally cleaning up unwanted debris. Councillor Margie Ryder requested our assistance to conduct the first of four TCC sponsored BBQ’s for the flood victims at Bluewater Community Centre. To say this was huge would be an understatement. The Council supplied the food that we cooked on 2 BBQs going flat strap until we ran out of food. Thankfully all were fed. The Council supplied entertainment, slides and climbing walls for the kids, together with a number of stalls manned by various Relief Agencies. Altogether, a very well organised day and appreciated by all. Sunday, 10 March was the late Lion Michael Urquart’s Remembrance Service held at the Lion’s Den and believe it or not, we were able to seat 100 family members and guests to celebrate Michael’s life. A few of us, plus CHICCA (retired block layer) repaired Judiana and Bob Holt’s front stone wall and built a ramp to enable them to get into their home when they come home from hospital. It should be a good surprise. The club has had their 2019/2020 elections. Those who were elected are raring to go with new ideas to keep the club moving forward. A few of us are going to assist Babz and Richard with their garden care; what a lovely community minded couple! On Monday 19 March, John Muller, Bruce Smallbon, Vince Lopez and I assisted the Junior Leos with a very healthy School Breakfast, which was enjoyed by all. The Rollingstone State School Junior Leos Program is a fantastic way to get young folk working together and giving them an opportunity to help others; hopefully leading them into becoming Leos further down the track. Councillor Margie Ryder is requesting our assistance to cook a Sausage Sizzle on 2 April at 6.00pm for the Townsville City Council’s “Community Council” meeting at the Rollingstone Community Hall on the day. For those attending, don’t have a big dinner, as there is nothing better than a “Banger on a Sanger”. That’s all for this month folks…………….Take Care………….Dowie (0412396450)
The National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) commenced on 1st July 2018 and will run for 10 years. The Scheme provides redress to people who experienced childhood institutional child sexual abuse. The wallet cards are a discreet way to provide details of where people can get information about the Scheme.
Centrelink Access Point at the Community Centre Centrelink provides phone, fax, copier and computer access for individuals wanting to access Centrelink services. To make a claim or an enquiry please make use of the equipment and services available through the Access Point. Limited Medicare services also available. P30
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Op Shop Please be mindful, that while all donations are gratefully received, your goods need to be in reasonable condition. Please ask yourself “if it is not good enough to give to my best friend—is it good enough to give to the Op Shop?”
OP SHOP CHATS We have had some really beautiful goodies donated over the past month. Thank you to all who donate to our Op Shop. If you are curious - the profits of the Op Shop go directly back to the Community in the way of hall maintenance, activities and allows for items such as sporting equipment etc to be purchased. The “Going Cheap Rack” – 50cents an item with new stock changing weekly. This rack is located in the Hall. New stock is always arriving come down, come in and see what has arrived recently.
Please be advised the Op Shop cannot accept: Electrical goods; large knives; bulky, chipboard or damaged furniture Volunteers required for delivery of the Rolly Rag to the local community once a month (excluding Jan and Feb) Please contact Chris at the Centre on: 4770 7855.
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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY Rollingstone & District Community Assoc Inc.
Ambulance
44 Community Cres, Rollingstone 4816
C/o Northern Beaches Station
Committee: President:
Sue Von Wald
0407753562
Treasurer:
Lynne Prytherch
47707 689
Hon. Secretary
Chris Martin
47707 855
Ian Dow
0412396450
Deb Calder
47707 474
Geoffrey Prytherch
47707 689
All Correspondence to:
The Secretary
8am - 4pm E-mail:
Chris Martin
Monday - Friday
47707 855 Fax: 47707 811
rollingstonertc@bigpond.com
Community Hall Phone (M-F 9am-3pm) @ op shop 47707 153 ROLLY RAG E-mail:
rollingstonerag@bigpond.com
Contact:
Rag office
47707 799
47707 144
(excluding Public Holidays) Senior Sergeant
Brad Gough
Senior Constable
Shaun Sutton
Front Desk Admin
Alissa
Raymond Pace
47707 285
Fire Permit
John Pace
47707 348
Toomulla
Eddie White
47707 619
Hencamp Creek
S.E.S. Emergency - Flood or Storm HQ Group Leader
13 2500 47707 589
Rob Wilson
47707 498
Rollingstone State School Principal:
Andrew Stallman
47707 313
Rollingstone state school P & C Assoc. President:
Sofie Connolly
0401391698
Mutarnee State School Principal:
Michael Blake
47708 131
Alcoholics Anonymous For More Information
47707 616
Secretary
Kerrie Cochrane
47707 034
Fisherman’s Landing Fishing & Social Club Inc. President
Di Thompson
0427240472
Secretary
Neil Thompson
0427240472
Playgroup 47516 511
President
Jamie Oliver
0408 710 030
1st. Vice President
Colwyn Campbell
47708 559
2nd. Vice President
Lynn Hyland
4770 8681
Secretary
Michele Bird
0417767099
Email:
mbird09@bigpond.com
Treasurer
Wilfred Karnoll
47788 441
President
Ewan Cameron
0417719043
Secretary
Suzi Vincent
0409220902
Rollingstone & District Lions Club President
Ian Dow
0412396450
Secretary
John Holliday
0414808483
Rollingstone & District Seniors Inc.
Rural Fire Brigade Rollingstone
Faye Thomson
Rollingstone RSL
Police Office Hours 9.30am - 3.30pm Tuesday to Thursday
President
Paluma & District Community Association
Rollingstone Qld 4816
RTC
Balgal Beach Boating & Leisure Club Inc.
North Townsville Community Hub
44 Community Crescent,
Community Centre Manager
47786 033
President
Joh Schwier
0421482666
Secretary
Gaye Lovell
47707 356
Toomulla Community Association President
Rhonda Schwarz
47707 813
Animal Contact Numbers Animal Refuge
47745 130
Animal Ambulance (after hours)
47745 130
RSPCA Inspection
47744 714
Straying Stock
47738 411
National Parks & Wildlife Service
47212 399
N.Q. Wildlife Care Group Bird Rescue
0414717374 47707 356 / 041296553
Margaret Preston (Vet)
0403262212
Livestock on highway—REPORT TO
13 19 40
Justices Of The Peace Chris Martin Max Agnew
M-F 8am-4pm
47707 855 0409689320
47715 411
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Rollingstone General Store 6.30am to 6pm every day Cheap petrol, diesel, oil and car products Gas cylinder refills Newspapers and magazines Gift cards and stationery Milk and fresh bread Pet food and bones Ice-cream Cold soft drinks, iced tea, flavoured milk Hot pies and sausage rolls
POST OFFICE
Groceries and small goods
Pay bills (rego, phone, power etc)
FRESH COFFEE
Phone credit (all networks) Post parcels and letters
Barista quality Bounce coffee
PARCEL COLLECTION ONLY
Latte, cappuccino, caramel, skinny, etc.
BETWEEN 9.00AM AND 5PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY
Try our chocolate muffins
NEED HARDWARE? Lots of new stock on display.
FRESH FRUIT AND VEGIES
Potatoes
Eggs
Onions
Bananas
Tomatoes
Pineapples
Plus Extensive range of Frozen Vegetables
Going Fishing? We stock tackle, lines, lures, BAIT for local conditions
R os co, Olga, N ess i e & Eamo n
FRESH MEAT IN CRYOVAC PAKS
Barbeque Sausages
Lean Mince
Rump Steak
Rosco’s famous ham off the bone P34
APRIL2019 Sunday
Monday 1 9am Line dancing 12.30 Cards @ Hall 7 pm AA Meeting at RTC
7 7.30am St Anthony’s Church @ Community Centre
8 9am Line dancing 12.30 Cards @ Hall 6.45pm SES training
Tuesday 2 9.30am Aquarobics at Big 4 6 –8.30pm TCC Community Council meeting at the Hall
9 9.30am Aquarobics at Big 4 6.30pm Lions Bus. Meeting at Den
7 pm AA Meeting at RTC
14 7.30 am St Anthony’s Church @ Community Centre 5pm BBBaLC BBQ at hall Easter Bonnets please 21 7.30am St Anthony’s Church @ Community Centre
15 9am Line dancing at Hall 12.30 Cards @ Hall
16 9.30 Aquarobics at Big 4 –Last one for the season 2.00pm Board Games
22 9 am Line dancing
23
No Dental Clinic EASTER SUNDAY
EASTER MONDAY
28 7.30am St Anthony's Church Community Centre
29 9am Line dancing
3 9am Indoor bowls at hall 9.00am Hairdresser @ RTC 12pm Dying with Dignity info service 7-9pm Evening Indoor Bowls
10 9am Indoor bowls at hall 9.00am Hairdresser @ RTC 11.30am-1pm MOBILE LIBRARY 6.45pm SES training
6.30pm Lions Dinner Meeting at Den
17 9am Indoor Bowls NO HAIRDRESSER 7-9pm Evening Indoor Bowls
24 9am Indoor Bowls NO HAIRDRESSER 11.30am-1pm MOBILE LIBRARY 7-9pm Evening Indoor Bowls
7 pm AA Meeting at RTC
Thursday 4 8am-3pm Community Bus Shopping 9.30am Playgroup at Hall 9.30am NOTCH ERF (Emergency Food Relief) Including Rent Relief etc ERF @ RTC 1pm Cards (in Community) 11 8am-3pm Community Bus Shopping 1pm Cards (in Community)
30 Carers Meeting 10.30am to 12.30 pm
Friday 5 8am Entire Wellbeing Weight Circuit Class 9.30am Aquarobics at Big 4 11am TCC Computer Tutorial
Saturday 6 8am-1pm Balgal Beach Market @ the Landing 9am-12 Op Shop 10.30 YOGA at the Hall
Seniors Harvey Range Tea Room outing 12 8am Entire Wellbeing Weight Circuit Class
13 10.30 YOGA at the Hall
9.30am Aquarobics at Big4
1pm for 1.30 start BINGO at the Hall
6pm Leo’s Disco at Hall
7-9pm Evening Indoor Bowls
7 pm AA Meeting at RTC
7 pm AA Meeting at RTC
Wednesday
AQUA breakup @ Big 4 18 8am-3 pm Community Bus Shopping 1pm Cards (in Community)
25 ANZAC DAY At Cenotaph @ The Landing Dawn Service 5.30am for 5.45am start MAIN SERVICE 9.30 form up for parade for 10am start
19 GOOD FRIDAY No Community Vet
26 8am Entire Wellbeing Weight Circuit Class
20 EASTER SATURDAY
27 10.30 YOGA at the Hall
6pm Fishermans Landing BBQ
1 May 10.30am-12.30pm Carers Qld Meeting
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MARCH OUT AND ABOUT Happy Easter Last month’s front page in colour. Kerrie’s bat plant. How gorgeous!!
Visitors to Balgal Beach Medical Practice
Ladies relaxing after Bushrangers Competition at Mystic Sands Golf Resort
Albi is the resident guest at Babz and Richard’s home, here he is hanging out in the garden
Citizen of the year, 2019 Paula Gillam
Rollingstone and Bluewater for the next 2 school terms are teaming up to put a team in the Townsville Jnr Touch season. We have a team competing in the U13 Mixed season.
Little Crystal Creek