The Bribie Islander Magazine Issue 186 March 10, 2023

The Community Comes Together For INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY

SEE PAGES 20-24 FOR MORE AMAZING WOMEN CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY 2023

Cherrie Wilson EDITOR | GENERAL MANAGER on 0448 694 507 editor.thebribieislander@gmail.com

Michele Doran ADVERTISING MANAGER on 0448 448 457 sales.thebribieislander@gmail.com

Debbie Hunter GRAPHIC DESIGN design.thebribieislander@gmail.com

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Bribie Islander Magazine respectfully acknowledges and recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands, winds, and waters where we live, learn and work. We recognise their connection to land, sea, and community. We pay our respects and acknowledge the important role of Elders past, present and emerging for they hold the memories of the traditions, cultures, and aspirations of Australia’s First Nations peoples.

We acknowledge any Sorry Business that may be affecting individuals, families, and communities. We promise to be respectful, take lead from the community and walk together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and organisations. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is rich and diverse and that we have a responsibility to facilitate efforts that account for this to ensure equity for all. We celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, in particular the strength, resilience and courage that has occurred over time and now inspires current and future generations.

Welcome

Dear Readers, Welcome to edition 186. This edition we are doing a feature all about International Women’s Day. Not because we believe men are not as important, as they are, but because sometimes we need to remember we’re not alone.

As Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

Here are some figures for you to take a minute to digest.

47,000 women and girls were killed by their male partners or family members in 2020 – and those are only the deaths we know about.

47 countries still have no repercussions for husbands who rape their wife.

2.7 billion women are legally restricted from having the same choice of jobs as men.

13.3% is the size of Australia’s gender pay gap.

45 countries do not have specific laws against domestic violence. 30% of women globally have experienced sexual or physical violence in their lifetime.

As you can see, this isn’t about having a day for women to beat their chests and say hear me roar, this is about survival for a lot of women.

International Women’s Day is a time for everyone, regardless of gender or gender identity, to celebrate the progress that women have made towards equality and remember how much further there is to go. Don't just say it. Think it. Be it. Do it. Value it. Truly embrace it. Until next edition, Take care, stay safe,

Cherrie

CONTRIBUTORS

Anne Matthews

Al Finegan

Barry Clark

Bribie Bait & Tackle

Colin Walker

David Horrocks

Elaine Lutton

Joie Scheinpflug

John Traill

Karyn Chalk

Katherine Miller

Kathy Vincent

Maria Christina

Marj Webber

Peter Schinkel

Peter Dallimore

Philip Arlidge

Robyn- B.I. Boat Charters

Sue Wighton

TREAT YOUR Eyes’

This World Glaucoma Week (12-18 March 2023), we want to help YOU save sight from glaucoma by asking Australians to get active about eye health and ‘Treat Their Eyes’ to an eye test.

Known as the 'silent thief of sight' glaucoma develops slowly for most people, and a considerable amount of peripheral vision may be lost before the problem becomes noticeable. Glaucoma usually gives no warning until it is advanced, but the damage it causes to vision is ongoing. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The disease affects 300,000 Australians, with 50% unaware that they have the disease because they haven’t had a comprehensive

eye exam. There is no cure for glaucoma and vision loss is irreversible, making early detection and treatment key to saving sight. Fortunately, for many patients’ treatment can halt the damage. That means the earlier the diagnosis, the more vision there is to save and the less likely the person is to become blind.

In many cases, glaucoma is an inherited (genetic) disease that is passed on within families - you are 10x more likely to have glaucoma if you have a direct family member with glaucoma. So, knowing your family history is important. If you have glaucoma, those directly related to you – brothers, sisters, sons, daughters – have an almost 1 in 4 chances of developing glaucoma too. And friends

over the age of 50 are also at an increased risk.

Australians over 50 years of age are more at risk of developing glaucoma. Having your eyes checked by an optometrist every two years can prevent the irreversible damage that can be caused by glaucoma. 3 in 100 Australians will develop glaucoma in their lifetime, yet more than 35% have not undergone regular eye examinations, increasing their risk of glaucoma remaining undiagnosed

So, treat yourself, by treating your eyes to an eye examination at Eye Envy Optometrist. You can call on 5432 3077 to make your bulk billed eye test.

Beauty Is Within You!

Every era has its own perceptions about what is beautiful, the 17th century’s standards differed from today’s. Women avoided the sun, wanting to keep their skin pale and stay unmuscular, which showed status and wealth; a tanned or muscular body was seen more in the peasant.

Women during this time were considered beautiful if their face was more rounded, with high foreheads and a slight double chin, and their bodies were more on the plump side. Whether in the forefront of our thoughts or not, we are all aware of the impacts of society’s influence on what we ideally should look like. Society creates these messages, that to be “beautiful” we must look a particular way. These messages are difficult to escape. We internalise these messages, wondering if we are good enough. It can leave one feeling inadequate, causing shame and poor self-worth, and it can make us feel that we simply aren’t measuring up!

We put demands on ourselves by creating false illusions that if we are not ideal, we are simply not beautiful. Whilst women are free to be themselves with the way they look, they still go to severe lengths in Western culture, often enduring a lot of pain mentally, emotionally, financially and physically, to achieve what they perceive as “beautiful”.

We judge ourselves objectively, by other people’s standards, particularly the male species, mainly for the purposes of procreation and pairing. Whilst time is constantly changing and we are more accepting, the desire to be attractive and youthful remains the same.

Shouldn’t we love and accept ourselves in our every state???

When are we, as women, going to start really loving and embracing who we are??? Accept that we all have both positive and negative traits, and it is not to shun them but to embrace and

celebrate all of ourselves and all that we are, to be our authentic true selves and to love that.

You see, to really embrace your beauty and feel beautiful, you have to work on the inside first. All of this reflects in the person’s confidence and happiness to be in their own skin.

As a therapist, I look at the person as a whole, encompassing the mind, body and spirit, not just one aspect of a person. I assist in working with an individual from the inside out, helping them to welcome what they have and who they are, assisting them to love and accept themselves and their perspective on life.

Time to acknowledge all the aspects of yourself and see your beauty. Need help? Reach out and let’s have a chat. I can be contacted on 0405 361 882 or on Facebook: MariaChristina.Love

Always with love, Maria Christina x

IS AQUAPURE II

The AquaPure HydroFacial is a 4 in 1 treatment that’s capable of detoxifying and rejuvenating the skin from the inside out. The HydroFacial system cleans, exfoliates and nourishes the skin with the help of customised handpieces and patented serums-combining wet and dry dermabrasion, micro-focused needling and LED treatments – all in one single system for the treatment of various skin concerns.

This non-invasive treatment is the perfect complement to your usual at-home skincare regime, ensuring your skin receives additional care and nutrients when it needs it the most. The fact that a HydroFacial is capable of cleaning, exfoliating and nourishing the skin during one treatment is just one of the reasons why it’s become this popular.

Once your concerns have been discussed and your skin evaluated, it’s prepped for a HydroFacial treatment. Any makeup and moisturisers will need to be removed before treatment begins. The treatment has four different stages:

• Step 1 – Diamond Peel Removes dead skin cells to assist in improved tone and texture, while also supplying nutrients deep into the epidermis.

• Step 2 – A-D Peel Cleanses pores, delivering moisturising agents into the skin.

• Step 3 – MF Needling

Creating microscopic holes in the epidermis, the micro-needling handpiece assists in providing nutrients deep into the skin. This step helps to improve skin elasticity through epidermal remodelling.

• Step 4 – Lightpure

The last step in the AquaPure uses an LED light piece that promotes blood circulation, improving overall complexion. Additionally, the effects of the LED can help fight inflammation responses.

The average HydroFacial takes about 45 minutes to complete, making it easy to schedule over your lunchtime break. Patients are free to return home or go back to work directly after their appointment. It’s perfectly fine to apply makeup directly after your treatment but mineral makeup is best. It’s also essential that you use sunscreen daily for several days after your session.

What Can Be Treated with an AquaPure HydroFacial?

This advanced microdermabrasion treatment can treat a number of common skin concerns, including breakouts, large pores, acne scars, lines and wrinkles. Not only is the skin cleaned at a deep level, but blood circulation increases and collagen production increases. The result is softer, more supple skin that glows naturally.

Patients can expect to see a noticeable difference directly after a HydroFacial, with the results gradually improving between sessions. The skin will appear less damaged and look healthier and more youthful. Combining HydroFacial sessions with a healthy lifestyle and a good at-home skincare regime will help you maintain your results.

HYDROFACIAL IS FOR EVERYONE.

Yogic Way of Life

Hi, I hope everyone is happy and healthy. Today I am going to talk about the yogic way of life for those who are interested. As discussed in previous columns yoga can be a complete way of life and not just exercise.

Yoga ethics are based on the eight limbs of yoga.

1.Yamas -Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

2.Niyamas-self-discipline and spiritual observances.

3.Asanas-physical poses and movement.

4.Pranayama-breathing practise

5. Pratyahara-withdrawing our senses

6. Dharana -concentration

7. Dhyana- meditation the mind is still.

8. Samadhi is the state of ecstasy resonating with all living things.

These eight limbs are all broken down into easy steps as a way to guide our lives and decrease our suffering. Today's way

Twisted Willow Yoga

of life sadly does not help with suffering and a lot of it increases the suffering we endure. The need for constant social media and the accumulation of objects and wealth only further our suffering and make it hard to live a joyful life.

The yogic way is no magic cure and takes effort and resolve to try and live to these standards but the benefits far out way the effort. We can all only do our best and starting with kindness to each other and unconditional love for all and our planet is a great way to start. To be able to move freely, breathe deeply, stress less and want for less in my experience has helped me to lead a much calmer and happier life.

As always sending you all love and light and wishing you a happy day.

Namaste, Karyn

WHEN

Wake up feeling Amazing, with Pretty Lashes, without the aid of Mascara, Lash Curlers or Lash Extensions!

THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED WITH A YUMI™ KERATIN LASH LIFT?

WHAT IS THISTREATMENT?

• It is the ideal way to enhance the natural beauty of eyelashes in a painless, safe, and non-invasive way. This high-quality lash lift solution works by boosting and lifting each individual lash to its full natural potential, combined with tinting the upper lashes to give the illusion of thickness; it gives your eyelashes the perfect curl and lift, and an “open eye” look. Your eyes will look brighter, youthful, and glamorous with this lash lift treatment with no need for fake eyelashes or traditional lash extensions (which can

be potentially harmful to the natural lash, and with expensive maintenance).

• Why does the YUMI™ Keratin Lash Lift differ from an ordinary Lash Lift? Our hero ingredient – Keratin - Inside YUMI™ products, is where science meets beauty. Keratin is a naturally occurring protein present in our hair, nails, and eyelashes. However, our lashes gradually lose Keratin due to exposure to sunlight, chemicals in cosmetics, and pollutants. Lashes also become weaker and more prone to fallout as we age. With the YUMI™ Keratin

Lash Lift we replenish your lashes with Keratin in order to strengthen them, keeping them healthy, strong and shiny.

• Additionally, applying a Lash Serum to your eyelashes will help keep your eyelashes strong, soft, and healthymaking the lash curl last even longer. Either the Yumi™ Keratin Nourishing Serum or Yumi™ Biotin Serum (which gently stimulates the growth of lashes) is recommended, and is available to purchase at appointment.

• The treatment is very relaxing, which lasts up to an hour and a half, and Vanessa aims for an all round Zen experience with gentle music and lovely setting. Clients have likened it to a therapy experience, where they can come and switch off and just relax for a while, while the magic is being achieved. The YUMI™ Keratin Lash Lift - also includes an Upper Lash Tint and Keratin Nourishing TreatmentAll Just for $99 !

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Vanessa Taylor

M: 0412 273 530

Facebook: Forever Vee

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• Vanessa is a local resident to Bribie Island, with a love for Health, Lifestyle, Community and Wealth.

• Her Lash Lift and Beauty studio is based in Banksia Beach

• Bookings are available by prior appointment throughout the week (evenings and weekend by special request)

• Support Local especially Small Businesses!

Keratin Lash Lift

Is a lash-boosting treatment giving your natural lashes length, height, volume and shape, as well as a tint to make them look bolder and more defined. Enhanced with Keratin. Naturally complimenting your eyes in the most powerful way

SCHOLARSHIP HELPS MAKE CHILDHOOD DREAM A REALITY.

A local care worker’s childhood dream of becoming a nurse is within reach, 40 years later, after being awarded the Beryl Wiltshire Scholarship, which will support her studies.

Celina Gibson, who initially joined Churches of Christ in 2014 as a cleaner, started her Bachelor of Nursing and Science last year, however the mounting costs of living, coupled with her university fees, was placing her under a real financial strain.

Ms Gibson said when she heard about the scholarship, she had to apply, and was delighted to be announced as one of four 2022 recipients. “I feel honoured and extremely grateful to have been chosen to receive funding from the Beryl Wiltshire Scholarship.

“The scholarship means the world to me as without receiving the financial assistance, I would not have been able to pursue my goal to become a registered nurse,” Ms Gibson said.

The annual scholarship grants successful

applicants a share in $10,000 to help with the costs of study within the social, welfare and human services sectors.

For Ms Gibson, the funds will go towards paying for her second semester, which she hopes to start full-time this month, while also working in her full-time role at Churches of Christ Bribie Island Aged Care

Service. “I know it will be a challenge to juggle the two, but I am optimistic thanks to the support of the Bribie Island team. “I’m lucky I have a flexible employer who cares about up-skilling their employees,” Ms Gibson said. Ms Gibson’s desire to become a registered nurse was reinvigorated after learning more about the sector and progressing into care roles at Churches of Christ.

Now working as a Personal Care Worker at Bribie Island Aged Care, Ms Gibson has found a challenging and fulfilling position that complements her nursing degree. “I loved the pace, the residents and my coworkers, and I made some very special connections with staff and residents,” said Ms Gibson.

More information: Beryl Wiltshire AM had a long and distinguished career with Churches of Christ and was a deeply respected leader in the welfare and community services industry. She received the Order of Australia in 1996 for services in the field of Social Welfare. Her namesake scholarship helps with the cost of study for anyone pursuing a career within the social, welfare and human services sectors. It is valued at $10,000 and advertised annually to all Churches of Christ employees.

TIME FOR YOU!

One of the joys of aging is that you have more time on your hands! No more

rushing to work or getting kids off to school. No more endless hours watching the cricket match or standing in queue to buy school stationery. Those were the exhausting ‘good old days’ but now, finally, you have time for yourself!

Suncare recognises the importance of staying active and in touch with others. Making new friends and trying new interests. So, they

broadened their Community Outings program and now offer Social Support groups for those in the Bribie Island and Caboolture areas. Every Thursday sees a new ‘adventure’ – chats and laughter at the Sip and Dip Paint Class or lunch at the waterfront. A time to meet new people and share stories. And staying on the beautiful Bribie Island, Suncare’s Boronia Cottage, fondly referred to by many as ‘home away from home’ is a respite cottage with a difference. It’s not just about a change of scenery. It’s about genuine care and companionship. It’s about planning your own day and whether that means breakfast in bed or a social outing. Or both!

The spacious bedrooms and all-ability ensuite bathrooms make for a comfortable stay, but the real treat is in the warm and welcoming atmosphere so abundant at the Cottage.

As a regular customer Jim says, “My time there feels like a holiday with the qualified

staff always up for an easy conversation, an outing and a good meal.”

Since 1970, Suncare has specialised in the delivery of in-home services for older Australians throughout central and southeast Queensland. The dedication of the ‘Suncarers’ ensures that getting older doesn’t have to mean moving into residential aged care.

From everyday services such as housekeeping and meal preparation to a lift to the shops or a garden tidy-up, the Suncare Team knows how to make the most of their customer’s funding and options.

According to the YouGov Suncare Community Services Customer Satisfaction Survey 2021, 93% of customers said that Suncare treats them like a valued customer. For more information on Suncare’s services, please visit suncare. org.au or contact them on 1800 786 227.

Located on beautiful Bribie Island, Suncare offers a modern four-bedroom, purpose built home for short term respite care.

With its wide corridors, spacious living areas and all-ability bathrooms, Boronia Cottage is the perfect destination for people with care needs.

Our professional and dedicated staff are committed to providing a five-star holiday experience for your loved one whilst you enjoy a well-deserved break.

Our guests can expect nutritious home-cooked meals, daily activities and 24/7 care

Arrival

from primary school, and another friend, whom I have known since I was fourteen years old. She was the 'new girl' who had just arrived from Geneva, Switzerland, and kept us all in awe with her academic brilliance and her fluent French.

Oh, dear, this is meant to be a moan, and already I find some unwanted optimism and thankfulness creeping in! I must discipline myself and return to being miserable and cross!

A PETTY ANNOYANCE

This fortnight, since I am suffering from that most dreaded disease of all short essayists, “writer's block”, I shall take the cheat's way out and use my fortnightly article for the kind of moan that I usually reserve for my close friends and family who live abroad or in the far-flung corners of the Globe, namely New South Wales or even Victoria! No, I do not mean Facebook 'friends', but those I have known for years. I am fortunate enough to still be in contact with one I have known

The Council of this fair and pleasant island has decided in its wisdom to erect two huge fences, blocking off my access to the lovely footpath along South Esplanade. Ferrari is blowing his gasket; well, he would if he had a gasket to blow! A mere fifty metres from home and the pair of us would be racing along the footpath, breathing in the fresh air, admiring the dolphins, pelicans, seagulls, mowing down small children, and generally having the merriest of times! Now, we find it necessary to risk life and limb by travelling on the road, past the R.S. L., past the Bongaree Bowls Club, turning left at the Bribie Seaside

Museum then right at the Zebra Crossing, past the Public Toilets, where some relief may be obtained, in our case, the rejoining of the footpath!

The additional perilous journey adds approximately ten minutes to a simple trip to the local Post Office!

In no way do I blame the Council Workers. I have always found them to be the most courteous, sympathetic, and understanding of beings. The workers are on the spot, they see the problems. If they ruled the world, things would be very different! Perhaps it is the pen-pushers, hidden deep inside their ivory towers, who have never mounted a Disability Scooter, or God help us, a Wheelchair, who make these decisions. And before anyone points out that for some of the way at least, there is a narrow, inclined footpath in poor repair, I for one, do not wish to be tipped onto the road and be pinned in the missionary position by my Italian lover whilst waiting to be squashed by any passing vehicle.  I much prefer to have

four tyres on the road, whilst keeping a careful lookout in my rear vision mirror.

It was four weeks ago from the time of tapping this out, maybe five, that the work almost began. Why almost? Well, the fences went up speedily enough on a Friday morning, just in time to cause maximum inconvenience to weekend visitors to the Island, inhabitants of the Boulevarde and others, but no discernible action was observed until the following Tuesday, giving me three whole days for my irritation and naughty thoughts to ferment.

Early Saturday morning, Ferrari and I went and examined the fences and studied how they were fixed in place. It seemed a relatively flimsy arrangement, one which even a badly behaved disabled eighty-year-old female could rearrange in order to at least provide access for mobility scooters, wheelchairs, cyclists, and yes, and even pedestrians walking their dogs. I felt that cars could manage the longer route without any major inconvenience.

Yes, it was I who moved the fences, who performed this Wicked Deed! Not for nothing did I partake in Direct Action and Civil Disobedience in my Youth! You cannot keep a child of the Sixties down!

For three whole halcyon days, I provided access to all those previously mentioned. I hang my head in shame! Or was it merely to hide my smile of triumph?

This wickedness was, however, nipped in the bud. A very pleasant man wearing Council Regalia of yellow safety vest and hard hat approached the fences, which had been replaced, and inquired as to which manner he could offer assistance. I asked if he would allow me to move the fences once again. Sadly, he shook his head. I would simply have to take the longer, more perilous route if I wished to escape my home; they were going to dig up the road, creating a large hole, an obstacle that would be insurmountable. On the bright side, he reassured me that the council considered, all things being equal, the weather being

fine, etc. that the work would take no longer than six weeks or so.

We are now in the fifth week since they began their work and the latest news from this fine gentleman is that towards the end of next week, large machines will lay down bitumen and given the weekend hiatus, sometime in the following week I might see the removal of the fences! All things being equal, storm and tempest and other Acts of God allowing, access to the seafront will once again be ours. Ferrari is weeping with relief!

One small worry remains; the road directly in front of my dwelling has no kerb or channelling, and the road itself only allows single-lane traffic.  All that is required is care, but if the Council has ambitions to “improve” this road they will find an elderly lady and her Latin Lover facing their machines, in TienanmenSquare-like mode, loudly singing that Cowboy Song, “Don't Fence Me In”.

Elaine Lutton

DEAR PUMICESTONE

Her name was Janet Guthrie, and she mattered. She was a mother, a community member, and a friend. She was proud, resilient, independent, and taken too soon.

On February 22, our Queensland Parliament passed the Domestic and Family Violence Protection (Combating Coercive Control) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022.

These laws further strengthen our response to the scourge of domestic family violence, that is all too common and all too lethal.

our lives and communities. RED FLAGS FOR DOMESTIC FAMILY VIOLENCE CAN INCLUDE:

Controlling

• What you wear, where you go, who you see

• Isolating you from friends and family

• Dictating your finances

Monitoring

• Where you are and who you are talking to

• Your phone or social media, cyber stalking

Criticising

In Australia more than one woman a week was killed as a result of domestic and family violence last year. This year we have already seen 11 deaths. Our new laws recognise the patterned nature of domestic and family violence and prepare for coercive control to be made a standalone offence later this year. Coercive control is at the core of domestic and family violence. Many victims are never physically assaulted until the moment they are attacked with intent to kill, but the threat of harm to themselves and those they love is woven into every moment of their lives. Since 2015 our Government has worked tirelessly to address the complexities of domestic family violence. Tragically, as much as we do more is always needed. That’s why today I am asking everyone to talk with their loved ones about domestic and family violence, to be on the look out for red flags and take action if you see or hear something.

I don’t know if we can ever end domestic and family violence completely, but we can each commit to working to stop it in

• Being harsh or rough with your children

• Belittling you in public or private

• Degrading you or your appearance

• Calling you offensive names

Accusing

• They’re overly possessive

• Accuse you of cheating or flirting

• Interrogating you about where you have been or who you’ve been with Threatening

• Threatening violence or harm to you, your children or your pets

• Threatening suicide or self harm

• Sudden mood swings, threats to withdraw love

• Threatening violence and then dismissing it with “I didn’t mean it” Instilling fear

• Fear of consequences or feeling like you are walking on eggshells

• You adapt your behaviour to prevent arguments

• They expect you to ask their permission, it is difficult to say no or disagree with them

Manipulating

• They love bomb; they show excessive admiration and then suddenly withdraw

• They’re overly sensitive and easily insulted

• They have unrealistic expectations

If you see any of these signs, please don’t ignore them. Speaking up could save someone’s life.

International Women’s Day is coming up and the theme this year is Embrace Equity.

How can women be equal, let alone have equity when we keep being killed by those we should be able to trust?

Nobody is forgetting men who experience domestic and family violence, but statistics show that women are at much higher risk.

By knowing the red flags and speaking up, by standing against violence, abusive or sexist behaviour, we can create a safer future.

For more information on the red flags of domestic violence visit: https:// thehandyguide.com.au/red-flags

If you need more information, get in touch with my office on 3474 2100 or at pumicestone@parliament.qld.gov.au

Warmly,

Ali

PS. If you need help or support, I encourage you to reach out to one of the services below.

CADA Caboolture https://cada.org.au 07 5498 9533

1800 RESPECT https://www.1800respect. org.au 1800 737 732

Mensline Australia https://mensline.org. au 1300 78 99 78

Bribie Island Swim Club is a rapidly growing non-profit club, with currently 60 young members and their families, on the island that is proactively looking to develop the club to improve the equipment and opportunities for our young club members to swim, set goals, improve fitness and make lifelong friendships.

At Bribie Swim Club they are passionate about making swimming fun and accessible to all children, which is of primary importance, particularly when living around the Pumicestone area. Therefore, we rely on a team of volunteers, fundraising and sponsorships to keep our costs down making us accessible to as many families as possible.

$12 $3

House to Saturday 8am to 12pm

Many of our swimmers stay with the club for many years and as such we get to watch them grow in confidence every year until they themselves become role models for our younger and newer swimmers, which is a fantastic journey to watch. Every year more and more of our swimmers attend outside swim meets and we are looking to host swim meets of our own again next season, inviting other clubs to Bribie and bringing business onto the island. This year, 12 of our young swimmers heading off to the State Championships

Coercive Control

The Cruellest of all controls

Coercive control, a subtle hold, Manipulation, by fear is told, As terror from a puppeteer, Controls their moves, the abuser near.

Gaslighting, stonewalling, lies, To twist and turn, a victim's eyes, Reality blurred, perception skewed, Their sense of self gone, just an abused.

Financial control, a tight grip, No money to leave, the victim's trip, No job, no bank, no freedom found, A life in chains, their dreams unwound.

Physical violence, a final threat, A partner's fear, their mind beset, A fist, a kick, a bruise to see, The abuser's power, a sickening plea.

Coercive control, a silent pain, A life of misery, a constant strain, A victim's voice, or just a yelp, A society's duty, to begin and help.

Al Finegan 2023

Asunset memorial was held on the 26th of February at 5 pm at the Sylvan Beach Esplanade, Bellara to remember Janet Guthrie and all women affected by domestic violence. It was a beautiful tribute to an amazing soul that was brutally taken too early. Fierce, independent, and strong, a mother who dreamed of growing old alongside her two daughters. That's how Janet Guthrie was remembered after her alleged killer was charged with her domestic violence murder.

With Leah Talbot taking on the role of MC which she did brilliantly, Uncle Ivan giving the Acknowledgement of Country and Michelle Watson narrating the Smoking Ceremony, the tribute for Janet began beautifully.

Ali King, Member for Pumicestone, Brooke Savige, Moreton Bay Councillor, and Senior Sergeant James all spoke on different points in their speeches, I read a tribute – a FB post, that Janet had written herself, good friend Sharon recited “Janet’s Poem” and then “GYPSY” by Fleetwood Mac was played as the Jarjums (Children) stood and walked to the water, followed by the public to lay the flowers.

Janet is yet another face of Domestic violence deaths. Another face in the evergrowing list of women being brutally

taken this year alone. Janet had escaped and had a wonderful life to look forward to as the words she wrote in her last Facebook post will attest to.

This is what Janet wrote.

On the eve of my 51st birthday, I can look back at the last 20 years of my life and truly say it’s been an incredible journey. What a trip it has been. What an (expletive) show the last 5 years have been. But here I am killing it, still. No apologies for being a pirate.

My celebration of my life at 50 about to turn 51, is all about my resilience. What I have endured, what I have overcome and what I am yet to live out on my terms. This pic I have chosen to post is of a time when I was completely humbled by life, because of death. Many a friend has not made it to 51. Pointed message: don’t waste a single day on people, places and things that don’t bring you complete and utter joy. Don’t have ass any of it. Life is too short.

I’m really grateful for a very full life. Those were Janet’s words.

A word of thanks from the organisers. To all the community that has come together on the afternoon of the Sunset Memorial for Janet, we would like to say thank you, she mattered. We would like to thank the organisations and

She Matters

businesses that have supported this Sunset memorial.

• The Florist Cafe, Banksia Beach

• Moreton Bay Regional Council

• Pumicestone Indigenous Education Employment Council volunteers

All those that sent a message on social media giving their love and support, special mention to Trudy Walsh for her development of the Go Fund Me and her love being provided to Tianhi and India. Also, the family and friends that have come together to support Tianhi and India.

I would like to say how honoured I was to be asked by Michele to read this amazing woman’s words. I also so wish to say, this could have been any of us at any point in time. Another face to add to the collection of a disgraceful act that devastates family, friends and loved ones. Well, Janet is not just another face, she is our face, she is our fight now to do whatever we can to prevent this atrocity from happening again. Janet, you will not be forgotten, we will fight to correct the wrongs that have been inflicted on you and leave a legacy in your name. Now you are truly a gypsy, fly high and may you finally have the peace you deserve.

By Cherrie Wilson

Together We Are Building Hope

Let's come together and celebrate all that it means to be a WOMAN on International Women's Day!

We are appealing to our local community for sponsorship and or support of this very important organisation to not only support women in our local community but protect and aid these remarkable women and children who have endured the most unthinkable ordeals.

This International Women's Day was on the 8th of March, and we hosted a fundraising event in support of The SHE Rescue Home! The event was held at the Bribie Island AFL Club on First Ave, but we still need your contribution in the way of a donation please.

Childhood is supposed to be a time for fun, exploration and learning. Yet almost 1 in every 15 children are living in modern slavery. When our founder Leigh Ramsey visited Cambodia, she met young children, little girls who were being sold into sex trafficking. She said, ‘IT’S NOT OK’.

Within a year our SHE Rescue Home opened a safe haven in Cambodia for girls aged 5 – 16 years who have been trafficked or sexually exploited. Since then, we have opened several projects to change the lives of girls rescued from human trafficking and sexual exploitation and helping them lead thriving lives. Our high security home is where girls may find healing, wholeness, support, love, and reclaim a sense of childlike innocence.

We are so very grateful for your time, should you wish to donate, please go to our website https//www.itsnotok.com/donations-aud and you can donate there. Proudly supported by Sell Exclusive, Bribie Island.

BRIBIE COMMUNITY GARDEN

Bribie Island Community Nursery is proud to showcase our female volunteers as part of International Women's Week. Meet Millie, she has been volunteering for over 25 years & was recently awarded Life membership at our 2023 A.G.M . Millie , along with all our wonderful volunteers works tirelessly to add value to our local community

ALI KING

This International Women’s Day, we still have a long way to go to achieve equality, let alone equity. Whether it’s domestic and family violence, coercive control, bullying and online abuse or violence towards women with disability, women remain unsafe.

As a leader, I commit to speaking up, and to helping other women to make their calls for change heard.

BACK IN MOTION:

As a business that revolves around health, we believe that mental health also is a huge part of what we do. You feel so much better when you are physically fit which plays a major role in mental health care. As Anna Quindlen said “After all those years as a woman hearing, ‘not thin enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough, not thin enough, not that enough,’ almost overnight I woke up one morning and thought, ‘I am enough.’” Happy International Women’s day to all the wonderful women in our community.

SELL EXCLUSIVE

Sell Exclusive Real Estate Is proud to be supporting this fantastic occasion in celebrating all women in their achievements and Choose To Challenge for change. For us, these strong women are pivotal in their roles and our family business could not function without their amazing efforts and commitment to achieving great results for our clients! We recognise the incredibly strong women they are as mothers, colleagues and individuals. Here’s to Strong Women. May We Know Them. May We Be Them. May We Raise Them.

TRACIE JENNINGS

To me, International Women’s Day is a reminder that we have the power to speak our minds, to manage a household, to bear children, run successful companies, and so much more. It’s a day that we can come together collectively to celebrate and acknowledge all of the incredible women in our lives. As a professional woman in a male-dominated industry, I have leveraged every opportunity within my business to set the standard for the next generation of professional women that are coming through the ranks. Empowering women means there is no limit to what we can accomplish!

ECO HAIR

The team at eco village hair believe every woman should feel empowered and the most important thing one woman can do for another is expand her sense of actual possibilities. That is what we do in our salon, help our client’s look and feel the very best they can. As Judy Garland said, “Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of somebody else”. You have a dream, make it a goal.”

We strongly believe that women can do anything they put their minds too! As Michelle Obama said “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” The strongest action for a woman is to love herself, be herself, and shine amongst those who never believed she could. “If you have a dream, make it a goal.”

EMPOWERING OUR CLIENTS IN BIG WAYS AND SMALL. Being a woman is special. It means having a shared connection that allows you to inspire, help and uplift other women. Being able to share knowledge, education, and resources with other women freely gives us a special type of joy. Not only making our clients beautiful on the outside, but helping women support each other and cheering with them when they succeed. We love creating the energy of LJ Aesthetics, it’s comfortable, peaceful, and welcoming. To be inspired by other women and what they are able to accomplish is amazing!

VOICES CHORAL

As part of Voices Coral on Bribie Island, we thrive on equity throughout our group. With 42 performing members it' sour pleasure to celebrate International Women's Day with the other women of beautiful Bribie. It's a great day to honour those who fight against gender discrimination and inequities in legal, civil, health, and human rights.

Life has changed for many women in the world through movements such as this. However, my heart cries for the majority who suffer abusive, controlled lives with little access to education and health support or even the ability to choose their own destiny

Pauline The Bribie Islander CEO

THE POWER OF WOMEN

At Hans Electrical, we pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer. Cassandra is a prime example. Cassandra started with us as in a school-based work experience role which led to beginning her apprenticeship in 2013. After she successfully completed her apprenticeship, she became a fulltime employee who works in the office as well as providing quotes onsite. Cassandra now has a beautiful 6mth old baby and is juggling motherhood and her work successfully.

Pavlova waffles

SCOOPY’S FAMILY CAFÉ

Toasted waffles topped with tropical fruit salad, pavlova pieces and mango coulis vanilla ice cream

Diversity and generations of wisdom set the scene for a great business where learning, sharing and growing are a part of our values.

Bookings & Takeaway Orders

Trading Hours: Open 7 Days Mon - Sat 6.30am - 6.30pm. Sun 6am - 6.30pm

The wonderful women at Scoopy’s collectively bring over 65 years of experience working in this single business. How amazing is that?

Phone 3410 1791

2 Toorbul Street, Bongaree... at the Jetty

Thank you for the laughter, energy, wisdom and care you bring to work every day and for creating an amazing environment where everyone feels they belong.

See us on Facebook Scoopys Family Cafe

DRAGONS - "We have crossed our arms for EQUITY this IWD as a symbolic gesture of solidarity, for all women across the world. Our paddlers are sending a message that we stand with and support their fellow breast cancer survivors and all women who may be experiencing physical, sexual and/or coercive control. This simple act of solidarity can help break down barriers and promote a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all women worldwide."

BRIBE BOWLS CLUB

International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the strong, resilient women in our lives that we love and admire, and to reflect on what we can do to improve the social, economic and cultural challenges that women everywhere continue to face.

#embraceequality

The January 2023  CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) reveals that business conditions are turning for Australian businesses, with a number of key metrics continuing to decline after a subdued end to 2022 as the RBA continued to tighten the screws on interest rates.

CreditorWatch’s key trade indicator, trade receivables (the average value of invoices), experienced a seasonal drop in January, down 39% from December, but have also been trending downward since July 2022. In fact, they are at their lowest point since

CreditorWatch began collecting this data in January 2015.

B2B trade payment defaults were down eight per cent from December to January but are still up 39% year-on-year and showed a clear upward trend before the seasonal decline in November last year (see chart below).

In terms of probability of default by industry, food and beverage services (hospitality) is ranked number one by a considerable margin due to the multiple challenges it currently faces: from labour shortages to price hikes to lower consumer demand.

Credit enquiries were up a massive 129% year-on-year in January, following an uptick that began in October – a likely consequence of the Optus and Medibank data breaches.

External administrations were trending upwards until their seasonal drop in January, however we expect the February Business Risk Index results to show a continuation of the upward trend.

KEY BUSINESS RISK INDEX INSIGHTS FOR JANUARY:

· B2B trade receivables are at their lowest point since CreditorWatch began collecting this data in January 2015.

· Trade payment defaults are up 39% year-on-year.

· Credit enquiries are up 129% year-on-year.

· External administrations are expected to continue trending upward this year.

· Court actions are at their highest point since September and are up 36% on January 2022.

· Yarra Ranges in Victoria is the region with the lowest insolvency risk (across regions with more than 5,000 businesses), followed by Cottesloe-Claremont in Western Australia.

·  Gold Coast Hinterland in Queensland and MeltonBacchus Marsh in Victoria are the regions at highest risk of default across Australia (for regions with more than 5,000 businesses)

. The Western Sydney regions of Merrylands–Guildford and

Canterbury have improved but still hold positions nine and 10 respectively on the list of worst performing regions.

CreditorWatch CEO Patrick Coghlan says that the January Business Risk Index results clearly indicate a tough year ahead for Australian businesses.

“The upward trend in trade payment defaults, in particular, should definitely be of concern to business owners,” he says.  “The RBA’s tightening of monetary policy is beginning to bite, on top of other challenges like labour shortages and supply chain disruptions. We will hopefully see inflation peaking soon, followed by an improvement in business and consumer confidence. It is important to remember that the Australian economy is still in a much better position than most.”

CreditorWatch Chief Economist, Anneke Thompson, says trade receivables and trade default data provide a strong indication that we are now well past the peak of

Mike Smith & Ken Wicks

business conditions.

“This is in line with NAB's latest Business Conditions survey, which also shows business conditions and confidence falling,” she says.

“While 2023 will certainly be a tougher trading environment for businesses than 2022, we are coming off a period where many businesses were operating at or close to capacity, and the RBA is looking for a slowdown in activity to cool inflation.

“One of the likely results of this slowing of business activity is rising unemployment. Again, employment conditions have been extremely tight, so any rise in the unemployment rate will likely still see the rate at very low levels in overall terms. It will also dampen wage growth, something the RBA Is very keen to keep at moderate levels so as not to induce a wage-price spiral.

TRADE RECEIVABLES

B2B Trade Payment Defaults

External administrations

were slowly rising in trend terms over 2022, before falling In January due to seasonal impacts. It Is likely that external administrations continue to rise in trend terms over 2023, as falling demand hits businesses that were already struggling to cope with rising costs and interest payments but may have been maintaining operations due to decent cash flow.

PROBABILITY OF DEFAULT BY REGION

Projected default rates for the next 12 months for both best performing and worst performing regions are considerably higher than their defaults rates over the past 12 months.

The five regions* at least risk of default over the next 12 months are:

1. Yarra Ranges (VIC): 4.80%

2.  Cottesloe-Claremont (WA): 4.87%

3.  Adelaide City (SA): 4.89%

4.  Cairns - South (QLD): 4.96%

5. Chatswood – Lane Cove (NSW): 5.02%

The five regions* most at risk of default over the next 12 months are:

1.   Gold Coast Hinterland (QLD): 7.02%

2.  Melton – Bacchus Marsh (VIC): 7.04%

3.  Kogarah - Rockdale (NSW): 7.09%

4. Southport (QLD): 7.27%

5.  Bankstown (NSW): 7.30% * Regions with more than 5,000 registered businesses Once again, areas with a high number of households with residential mortgages are the most likely areas to see business defaults. This is because many small business’s finances are closely aligned with Individual/household finances.

PROBABILITY OF DEFAULT BY INDUSTRY

The industries with the highest probability of default over the next 12 months are:

1. Food and Beverage Services: 7.26%

2. Transport, Postal and Warehousing: 4.64%

3. Arts and Recreation Services: 4.63%

BRIBIE ACCOUNTING SERVICES

TAX TIPS – CHANGING HOME OFFICE RULES

The ATO has just changed the way to claim home office expenses and you need to be prepared.

If you work from home you can claim actual costs or a revised fixed rate method. Fixed rate method of 67c per hour – this is a set rate and includes all other office expenses – no claiming phone, internet, stationery separately with this method anymore. The ATO needs hours logged for four consecutive weeks between 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2022 and full daily records from 1 January onwards. Actual costs – you must keep a dairy for four weeks that tracks your usual pattern and can claim a portion of phone, internet, electricity portion if in a dedicated area, stationery and computer consumables – you must have all invoices. While the old method of claiming cents per hour plus phone/internet used to be more favourable, it is highly likely the actual method is going to come out on top, depending on your individual circumstances.

The industries with the lowest probability of default over the next 12 months are:

1. Health Care and Social Assistance: 3.26%

2. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing: 3.50%

3. Wholesale Trade: 3.59% Source: CreditorWatch risk score credit rating average probability of default by industry

OUTLOOK

The outlook for 2023 has worsened upon the most recent increase to the cash rate which, while expected, was coupled with a very downbeat tone by the RBA in its accompanying statement and included an expectation of further Increases to the cash rate.

While many individuals and businesses had priced in at least one further rise to the cash rate, two more will present real serviceability problems to small businesses, particularly those in areas and sectors where demand is likely to drop, or already dropping.

Alice Bourke

(Alice Genevieve Harrigan)

Her grit and determination for excellence are unwavering, her kindness to others is immeasurable, her memory for dates is astounding and her musical talents are her signature tune. I am referring to Alice Bourke, a longterm resident of Bongaree, who turns 100 on April 17 this year.

Alice's great-grandfather, Teague Harrigan, was born on the Tank Stream, now Pitt Street, Sydney, around 1803. Teague Harrigan was the son of Mary Wade, well-known as the youngest Australian convict who later became known as the Mother of Australia.

Alice was born in Wollongong on April 17, 1923. She lost her mother in childbirth at the age of five years, and Alice and her four siblings were consequently brought up by her father and her uncle, Jack. She learnt music from her Uncle Jack at an early age, taught piano at the Jurgens School of Music and performed as a flautist with the Illawarra Symphony Orchestra in Wollongong from 1946 to 1949. (Paddy McMahon conductor.)

Alice moved to Brisbane in 1949 with her husband, Leo, where she played the organ and attended the concert group for 29 years at the Kedron Uniting Church.

Alice also taught piano lessons to local students in Stafford, Brisbane, before her move to Bribie in 1992.

1997 saw the commencement of her piano playing for the Bribie Island Uniting Church community, with her playing for weddings, funerals, church celebrations and also the church choir.

Alice displays the same work ethic as her forefathers, being the matriarch of a family of 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Her beloved husband, Leo Bourke, passed away in

2008, but Alice chose to stay on Bribie Island and continue with her craft and musical activities in the Bribie community. It's quite an amazing feat to be playing music for your church choir at the age of 100!

We congratulate Alice on her 100th birthday. The family will be celebrating Alice's 100 years at a Bourke family gettogether at Bongaree.

A WORLD FIRST FOR INDIGENOUS FLAGS

IKEA North Lakes raised the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander flags, along with the Swedish & Australian flags. The wonderful ceremony included our Elders, MC Michelle Watson, Rosie Lang from Culturally Informed Practices, Craig Weribone-wright, Aunty Sharron Mirii Bell & the PIEEC jarjums.

Renea Robson & staff from IKEA in Australia attended as well as international IKEA staff. This is the first IKEA in the world to recognise the Indigenous flags! IKEA North Lakes want to recognise the importance and value of the land they are on.

Aunty Flo, Michelle, Bruce from Murri Tukka and Rosie Lang have all assisted delivering professional development sessions for IKEA North Lakes and PIEEC is excited to partner with IKEA.

We would also like to wish Aunty Flo a wonderful day for her birthday on the 3rd. Happy Birthday Aunty Flo!!

BRISBANE CRUISES

Departs Bongaree Jetty, Bribie Island 12 noon

Returns 2.00pm (approx)

BRIBIE ISLAND LUNCH CRUISE 2022/23

Enjoy a relaxing lunch time cruise while we prepare a delicious BBQ lunch onboard the Lady Brisbane. The cruise towards Skirmish Point, Gilligan’s Island and Deception Bay is always a magical experience. Cruise route is weather dependent.

Buy a GIFT CARD or BOOK Online now at www.brisbanecruises.com.au

Price Includes BBQ lunch and cruise

Prices: Adults $45, Children $25 (4 - 14yrs).

Fri 24 Mar, Sun 23 Apr, Sat 20 May, Wed 21 Jun, Wed 19 Jul, Fri 4 Aug, Wed 6 Sep, Tues 3 Oct, Tue 14 Nov

T: 07 3630 2666

E: info@brisbanecruises.com.au W: www.brisbanecruises.com.au

Salmon traybake Salmon traybake

4 SERVES PREP 20 MINUTES COOK 20 MINUTES.

Try this simple salmon bake that has lots of green, tastes amazing is super quick too!

INGREDIENTS

400 g salmon fillet

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 bunch of asparagus

250 g baby tomatoes

300 g green beans

2 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp salt

Pinch of black pepper

1 1/2 cup sweet basil (for the pesto)

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (for the pesto)

2 cloves garlic (for the pesto)

1/2 cup olive oil (for the pesto)

*Serving size calculator is

approximate, feel free to adjust by adding a pinch here and there as needed

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 190°C Fan force.

Trim asparagus and green beans by removing the tough part of the stems. In a bowl, toss all the vegetables and salmon in

olive oil, lemon juice, pepper and salt, arrange them in the baking dish.

Bake for 15-20minutes until the salmon and vegetables are cooked through.

Meanwhile, blend pesto ingredients together to make a pesto sauce.

Drizzle pesto sauce over the fish and vegetables.

W E D N E S D A Y S

A C H I C K E N P A R M I G I A N A S E R V E D W I T H C H I P S A N D S A L A D O R

C R E A M Y M A S H & S E A S O N A L V E G E T A B L E S * .

N B : G l u t e n F r e e s u r c h a r g e a p p l i e s

T H U R S D A Y S

$ 2 0 S P E C I A L O F F E R $ 2 0 S P E C I A L O F F E R

Y O U R C H O I C E O F O N E , T W O O R T H R E E A U T H E N T I C C U R R Y D I S H E S

S E R V E D W I T H S C E N T E D R I C E & A C C O M P A N I M E N T S M I L D , M E D I U M

O R H O T H O T H O T ! * .

S P E C I A L O F F E R F R O M $ 2 0

F R I D A Y S

$ F R E E S P E C I A L O F F E R $ F R E E S P

Writers CORNER

The Writers CORNER

I miss writing. As an editor, I read a lot and revise manuscripts that, despite being invested in the author’s success, really have very little to do with me. I used to write for pleasure, then later to earn a buck or two, freelancing for various magazines and newspapers. I used to journal every last detail of my life and take notes for stories that might encapsulate a fictional memoir, with names and places changed to protect the not-so-innocent.

And then real life took over. Babies came along and grew into challenging toddlers who ran me ragged from Victoria to Queensland. They are now beautiful if no less demanding, pre-teens, and time is taken up with music lessons, band practice, footie and a social life I can only envy.

So where, oh where, is there any time to write?

If you are serious about writing and miss the soulful worlds you create and the characters who inhabit them, and if your fingers ache from a lack of tapping words out on a keyboard, there is only one thing for it. You have got to plan your time and space.

You must put aside at least an hour every day just for you and your laptop. Get up early if you have to or stay up past the witching hour. Turn the TV off and put the newspaper down –now go and find your very own nook.

You absolutely have to set up a writer’s nook that is yours and yours alone. Some writers like to be surrounded by comfortable cushions and a window with a view – for others, that would be way too distracting, and a hard chair against a table would be the only way to focus. You’ll need a wall and 100 postit notes for your ideas and a solid way to follow your story arc whilst keeping an eye on your protagonist’s journey. Cut out images of where your story lies, how your characters look and every other step along their path and pin them to the wall. This immersion will ensure that as you leave your real world behind, you’ll soon be back in the land of your creation.

Once you’ve levelled your desire to tell your story against time and space – you’ll need patience. Writing is not for the faint-hearted, and a full novel comes in with at least 75,000 words. It is full of deletions and rewrites, ideas blocked, and characters killed off. Expect to cry when frustration gets the better of you and jump around the room with joy when you have finally understood, not only why your lead character ran off with the butcher’s daughter, but also how to explain it with succinct entertainment. Finally, write because you have to, because you love to, because you have a story to share – then, throw caution to the wind and publish regardless of whether or not a single soul will read it

by Sharon Hawthorne

Local resident author

Tess Merlin has just published her first novel entitled RANK. Tess is an ex-police officer from the 1980s and this story was written from her lived experiences as a policewoman and as someone with personal experience of the trauma of being stalked. As well as policing, she has a background in teaching English and Adult Literacy. The release of this book has coincided with the enquiry into the Queensland Police Service in regard to misogyny, racism and sexual harassment and it is also a timely release so close to International Women’s Day. Having said that, it is not just a book for women. Half of Tess’s early readers during the writing process were men and they found the story captivating and compelling. The back page blurb will give readers a hint of what to expect – but it would be safe to say that the historical aspects will surprise, and the fictional aspects will shock.

RANK is a gripping Autobiographical Novel that seamlessly meshes fact with fiction, providing readers with a spine-tingling story and a glimpse into what it was really like for the early female police

officers in Australia. In the 1980s Tess is transferred to a country station with all male colleagues and whilst battling the boys’ club at work, she is also dealing with being stalked in her private life. With the stalker becoming more threatening, she must face her fears and work outside the law to put a stop to him. Her actions change his and her lives forever.

Hoping that 29 years is long enough for him to have let go, Tess ventures into the world of online dating after her divorce. She finds the online exposure daunting and is plagued by the question and the fear  Is he still out there seeking revenge?

Readers of Crime Fiction, Thriller or Memoir will all find this story a compelling read. RANK is available online via Tess’s website: www. tessmerlin.au

PETITION FOR EMMAS LAW

THERE IS A PETITION TO INTRODUCE A NEW LAW CALLED EMMA'S LAW.  THE LAW WILL MANDATE JUDGES TO INCARCERATE AND NOT ALLOW BAIL ON VIOLENT HOME INVADERS WHO REPEAT OFFEND THAT USE OR HAVE WEAPONS REGARDLESS OF AGE.

The entire 1992 Qld Youth Justice Act needs review in particular:

• We want mandatory minimum sentences for serious violent crimes.

• Repeat serious offenders need mandatory minimum sentences that escalate each time they appear before the court.

• We want breach of bail reintroduced and ensure violent offenders do not get bail.

• We want the age of youth offenders back to 16 and under.

• We don't believe in concurrency of sentences.

Emma Lovell lost her life in front of her daughters and husband after two 17-year-olds broke into her home about 11.30pm on Boxing Day in North Lakes in Qld. Her husband Lee, 43, was also allegedly stabbed and has spoken out about the “terrifying” invasion and how he thought his wife would survive. The pair had fought to defend their home, with their two teenage daughters inside.  A beautiful life gone way too soon.

MARKETS

Beachmere District Community

The B.D.M.S. Community Markets are held at the Men's Shed 53 Rogers Street Beachmere, every 1st Saturday of the month 7.30am12 Noon.

Bribie Island BICA Markets

The Bribie Island BICA Markets are held at Brennan Park, Bongaree, the 3rd Sunday of each month from 6am -12pm

Bribie Rotary Markets

The Rotary Markets are held at Brennan Park, Bongaree on the second Sunday of each month from 6.30am – 12 noon

Queensland Cancer Council

The Cancer Council Markets are held at Brennan Park, Bongaree on the first Sunday of each month from 7am to 12 noon.

The Sylvan Beach Munch Markets (Farmers Market)

The Munch Markets are held in the park opposite the Bribie Island Hotel on the 1st Saturday of each month from 9am to 2pm

Banksia Beach Market

Bribie Harbour Shopping VIllage is held on the last Saturday of each month 8am to 2pm

The Bribie Island Comm Plant Nursery

The BribieIsland Community Plant Nursery is open Tues to Sat 8 am to 12 pm

The Bribie Island Lions Market

2nd Sat of the month at Tintookie Park Woorim 7am - 1pm.

Bribie & District Woodcrafters Assoc & Bribie. Island Gem Club Open Day and Markets

Our Markets Are Held On The Last Sun Every Month 8am - 12pm Contact Ian Trail 0401 134 384

At first light on 21st March 1823, four intrepid sailors felt a sense of excitement as they sailed through Sydney Harbour towards the Heads at the start of a new venture with high expectations of big rewards. Sailing past South Head in their 10-metre open boat, they turned and headed south, tracking a few km parallel to the coast. They felt that even the wind was on their side as they picked up a strong north-westerly that drove them under full sail towards their destination, Five Islands, just off the coast about 80 km south of Sydney. It was there they planned to trade rum and food for cedar logs from an illegal convict gang enterprise. The crew were led by ticket-ofleave convict, Richard Parsons. He was not a man to say much, having the demeanour of a sour, strict sasanach. He was one of 113 convicts transported on Perseus, arriving in NSW in August 1802. He had been sentenced to life in NSW. A sawyer by trade, he was employed as a convict in the timber industry in and about

THE BIRTH OF BRISBANE CITY

Episode 1 – The Story Begins

By Al Finegan

Sydney, cutting down huge trees used to build homes and factories. After ten years he was awarded his ticket-ofleave, married, and worked in the timber trade as an independent contractor around Sydney. By 1815 he had saved enough to purchase this small boat. As his own skipper he ferried cargos between the colonial outposts and had gained a reputation as a smart and reliable worker. Then stories began to circulate on the docks of some shrewd operators who were making a lot of money running logs from Five Islands. So when a dodgy operator approached him with a “slightly illegal” proposal to buy cedar logs, regardless of source, Parsons jumped on board, and here they were.

His number two was Thomas Pamphlett, a particularly nasty character, who much preferred stealing to working for a living. He had been a brickmaker in Manchester, England, and supplemented his wage with theft. He had been caught four times and received various punishments, including lashes and time in a gaol gang in

irons. Then in September 1810 at the Lancaster Assizes he was charged with stealing five pieces of woollen cloth and a bay mare in the County of Chester. He was found guilty and given a death sentence. This was commuted to transportation for fourteen years. He arrived in Sydney in Guildford in January 1812. He couldn’t help himself and was caught multiple times for stealing and received 100s of lashes and many months in irons in the gaol-gang. Subsequent good conduct earned him a ticket-of-leave. He began working for Parsons in 1821.

The third member of the gang was John Thompson, a Scotsman, sentenced in the Glasgow Court of Justiciary to 7 years transportation arriving in 1819. Thompson had served many years in HM Navy in war ships during the Napoleonic wars. After serving three years at the Sydney Prisoners Barracks, he was granted his ticket-of-leave and looked for work on the boats operating the shores of NSW. Parsons offered him a job on his current

venture in the belief that “Thomo” would be a useful sailor to have on board, until he realised that Thomo had been a gunner in the Navy when what he needed was a sailor experienced in the operation of small boats.

Parsons greased palms and had Irish convict John Finnegan assigned to him. Finnegan had acquired a reputation as a useful sailor, already with nine months experience ferrying cedar logs from the legal site at Port Stephens. Finnegan had started working when just 6 years old. For the next 15 years he was employed as a sailor on a fishing boat operating out of Wicklow in Ireland. At age 25 he was picked up by the Peelers in Dublin, being arrested on a sweep to reduce Irishmen numbers and send them to work in NSW. His only crime was not being quick enough to escape the Peelers. He arrived in NSW in 1818. As an assigned convict, he was under the total control of his master, Parsons.

With a following wind there was not much to do, so Parsons directed his crew to

keep a check on his valuable trading goods, a considerable quantity of flour and pork, and twenty-five litres of rum. They had a twenty-litre barrel of water and a drinking tin considered enough for the four or five days of their trip, and besides, it would be refilled at Five Islands. It was a beautiful clear day and, with a following wind, the boat glided along over a slight swell. In the early afternoon Finnegan began to feel a little apprehensive as he kept an eye on the gathering dark clouds closing in from the mainland, together with an increasingly strong wind from the north-west. He pointed it out to Parsons who seemed unconcerned as they would be at Five Islands in the next few hours. By mid-afternoon they could just see Five Islands about 12km ahead. But the grey menacing clouds were closing fast from the west and the wind had increased dramatically, compelling Parsons to order his crew to reduce sail and keep the bow heading downwind, a course that took them further out to sea.

The night came on with increasing wind and heavy rain, but they did not lose sight of land until shut out by darkness. The wind became a gale and continued with unabated violence into the next day, then the next and the next. They had no compass and visibility was 100 metres at best, so they had no idea in what direction they were heading and no idea that the wind had inexorably turned from northerly to southerly. The crew took turns on the helm fighting the huge waves rolling in from behind. The threat of broaching was ever present. Had the boat turned side on to the waves, it would have been the end for them all. The nights were even more terrifying than the days as the man on the helm watched desperately at the following sea rising like a huge black wall behind him then lifting them 30 or more metres upwards on the rolling wall of water, then fighting the helm to keep the boat heading directly down the wave until it was in the low point between the waves. Then the next wall of water came. It was exhausting

both physically and mentally. Their carefully stowed provisions were being tossed and tumbled and drenched with sea water. The wind howled and whistled with such intensity it made it impossible to pass commands without shouting in each other’s ears. Those not on the helm were constantly bailing their open boat to stay afloat, crashing into each other as the boat heaved and smashed into the churning waves. Their fresh water ran out on the second day as the exhausted men drank regularly to quench the thirst from their toils. Each man had become overwrought from fatigue and the lack of sleep and water. Their bodies were battered and bruised from being flung about in their endeavours to stay afloat, indeed, to stay alive. The

Thomo slipped into a coma and soon passed away. By this time, Finnegan had become quite deaf. It was with difficulty that the three sane men could man a watch of two hours each.

On the afternoon of the 23rd day at sea, Parsons suddenly declared that he was dying, that he must have water even if his boat was lost. They therefore looked for a place to land, but by now the wind had increased markedly and the sight of crashing breakers dissuaded them, so they continued under easy sail. Thompson's body, which had remained in the boat, had become offensive. In silent agreement it was decided that it should be removed. It was unceremoniously tossed overboard where it, “swam as light as a cork on the water”

overboard, and drifted towards the breaking surf. After quite some time he gained the nerve to tumble through the waves and made the shore.

nightmare continued non-stop for five days. They thought they had been blown south, even as far as Van Diemen’s Land. Eventually the seas calmed down, and light rain began to fall. They managed to collect some water, which relieved the situation, but only for a short time until thirst overcame them again. With little water to drink over the next 15 days, they all began to suffer dreadfully, with their eyesight failing while having difficulty in speaking.

On the 20th day at sea, Thomo deteriorated and slipped into a mumbling confused daze, stumbling, and falling about the boat. Suddenly he tried to jump over the side, babbling that he could swim to shore. They seized him and, as best they could, tied him to the main mast. About an hour later,

Still with no drinking water, they continued all that day running parallel to the shore northward. On their twentyfourth day at sea they saw a long beach ahead and steered towards it where they spied what appeared to be a freshwater stream running down the sandhills and onto the beach. About 400 metres from shore they hauled down the sails, dropped the anchor, and released about 200 metres of chain to let her drift towards the line of breakers. A long rope was then made fast to the empty water keg which they sealed with the drinking tin inside. Parsons briefed Pamphlett that when he reached the stream he was to half fill the keg and drag himself along the rope back to the boat. Pamphlett stripped and clinging to the keg, jumped

Pamphlett said later that, “When landed I run to the water and drunk like a horse.” He was now so weak from fatigue and the quantity of water he had drunk that he was unable to fill the water keg and collapsed. Parsons, in despair, knew he now had no choice. Finnegan took his backpack, filled it with an axe, some scissors a knife and his coat. They both stripped off and released the anchor chain. As soon as they hit the first wave, Finnegan and Parsons jumped clear while the boat tossed and rolled in the surf, crashing into the sand, and smashed apart with its contents being flung in all directions. After being thrown wildly through the surf, Finnegan and Parsons found their feet and staggered ashore. They had finally landed safely on land. Parsons grabbed the tin cup and, “...emptied it thirteen times in succession”. Finnegan lay down in the water and drank to such excess that he threw up again and again. They eventually sated their thirst and took stock of their situation. They were all naked, their clothes lost. Their boat was dashed to pieces and only Finnegan’s jacket, a keg, a tin pot, Parson’s axe, and scissors were rescued.

It was 15th April 1823, when they sat on the beach and watched as their boat was now nothing more than debris with bits tumbling to shore while other parts floated away. Nearly all its contents were lost in the wild surf with just a few items arriving on shore. Low sand hills bordered the beach, some with deadfall, but they had no way of starting a fire. The exhausted men lay down on the sand to pass the night and, paradoxically, it rained heavily, and they suffered desperately from cold and hunger. And they had no idea where on earth they were!

The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.

” Vincent Van Gogh.

Bribie was a ZOO without a fence in 1960 Bribie was a ZOO without a fence in 1960

MORE BRIBIE HISTORY

Historical Society monthly meetings are second Wednesday of each month at 6;30 pm at the RSL Club and visitors are always welcome. See more stories and photos of Bribie history on our Web Site Bribiehistoricalsociety.org.au and Blog Site http:// bribieislandhistory.blogspot.com or contact us on bribiehistoricalsociety@gmail.com

The title photo shows a group of wild horses wandering the foreshore on Welsby Parade in 1953, ten years before the Bribie Bridge was built. The residents of Bongaree grew steadily from 1912 and wild cattle and horses regularly roamed the streets, their droppings eagerly sought by housewives to burn for insect repellent. The “mozzies” were a huge problem back then, as the soldiers based here in World War 2 soon found out.

Building the Bribie Bridge led to the development of new suburbs at Bellara, Sylvan Beach and Banksia Beach. In 1963 the resident population of Bribie was just 700 people, and in the first 12 years when there was an expensive Toll to cross it, the population grew by only 300 people. This article provides an insight into Bribie in the 1960s and 70s when Estate Agents and Developers had great plans to transform the island and attract investors and new residents.

Before the bridge, Bribie was regarded as a “Zoo without

a Fence” by pioneer residents and lovers of nature who came to see abundant wildflowers in season. One of these was Roy Sheppard who came to Bribie after a distinguished Naval career in Asia and was a Policeman in Brisbane and Adavale in 1963 when floods swept through. From 1969 he worked for APM plantations and Caboolture Council and developed a great appreciation for the island's flora and fauna. This hand-drawn Map by Roy Sheppard was given to me just before he died in 2007. Like me, he tried to document the unique history and people of Bribie and was a great observer of wildlife.

There is a lot to see on his interesting Map including a 600-acre site where Queensland University conducted research into radio wave transmission using an Atomic Clock for precise measurement. This was long before mobile phones had been invented when radio signals were bounced off the Ionosphere. The Manager of

Barry Clark Bribie Island Historical Society

the facility was Ben Tesch who ran the first vehicle Ferry and built the recently demolished “Round House” in Banya Street. Nothing remains of the Qld. Uni. Research Centre which was in the bush behind where the Community Arts Centre stands today.

The Map shows various animals, birds and fish, freshwater lagoons on Ocean Beach, with extensive areas of trees and everglades, Dingo Creek, Wildflower Gardens, Boronia Heath, Mosquitoes and Emus. Roy had a great understanding of the bush and nature and explored all the bush tracks and beaches of Bribie and spent years protecting things that made this place so special.

This is a 1960 newspaper advert by Ross McGowan, the Queen Street Brisbane Agent for Bellara Development when the Bridge to Bribie was first announced. It proudly promotes the attractions of Bellara being just 38 miles from Brisbane, accessible by vehicular ferry

This Map shows various future Estates in 1965 with planned subdivision and development of several original farm properties north and south of the newly built Bridge. The Map shows a proposed 4-lane highway from

proposed on Benabrow Avenue, and several large properties were to be subdivided and given the names Bribie Pines, Pumicestone Estate, Bellara Estate, Sylvan Beach Estate and Avoca Estate. The advert was for blocks of land in the Bellara Estate, the first to be developed. The new suburb of Bellara was built around a lake and swamp that is now bordered by Bibimulya Street. An open concrete-lined drain now runs from the Bibimulya lakes, under Sylvan Beach esplanade into the Passage. As you can see on the 1965 Map there was a plan back then to make it into a Boating Canal Estate. This did not happen, but many years later two large canal developments were dredged and constructed to run into the Passage both north and south of the Bridge. The map also indicates a Boat Harbour and Shopping Centre at what is now Pacific Harbour Marina, and a completely new suburb of Banksia Beach, which in those days was a long way away through the bush on rough dirt roads.

as a new tourist attraction. It was not a great success and soon closed but you can still see remains of some concrete Fish Tanks in the bush at Red Beach if you know where to look. There were several planned Motels and Restaurants shown on the Map but no indication of the major Bribie Island Shopping Centre that was built much later. That happened after Benabrow Avenue was joined to Goodwin Drive and ran south to join First Avenue, where the new satellite Hospital is now being constructed. The proposed 4-lane highway from the Bridge to Woorim never did eventuate. We are now in public discussion about a second Bridge 60 years later. A close look at the Map reveals some other interesting bits of Bribie's development.

FREE Guided Heritage Walks

Explore BRIBIE ISLAND

HISTORY on a BONGAREE HERITAGE WALK

THU 9 MARCH & 4 MAY 2023

with brand new beach Lots for a 25-pound deposit. That was just $50 in the new decimal currency.

A Commercial Centre was

There was also an indication of a Golf Course in that area in 1965. It was built 40 years later in a different location and is now surrounded by thousands of new homes and canal developments known as Pacific Harbour.

An Aquarium is marked on the southern end of Bribie at Red Beach which was built in 1963

Appreciate the strategic importance of BRIBIE ISLAND IN WW2

THU 16 MARCH & 18 MAY 2023 suitable for participants 18 years and over. Easy walking - starts 9.30am for 90 mins

Experienced guides from the Bribie Historical Society BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL ON WEBSITE mbrc.qld.gov.au/healthy-active

the Bridge right across the island all the way to Woorim.

Quick crossword no 16,475

Crosswords - QUICK & CRYPTIC

Across

1 Very fast-moving river current (6)

4 Unit of astronomical distance (about 3.26 light years) (6)

9 Rice — aim tabs (anag) (7)

10 ___ Without a Cause (1956 James Dean film) (5)

11 Scrap (3-2)

12 Proceeding slowly (7)

13 George Eliot novel, first of eight volumes published in 1871 (11)

18 Travel regularly (7)

20 Hilarity (5)

22 Songlike poem (5)

23 Staggered (7)

24 Alleviation (6)

25 Alumnus (3,3)

Down

1 Hale and hearty (6)

2 Assume to be the case (5)

3 Jewel (7)

5 Large trunk artery (5)

6 Dark formal clothing (worn during exams at some universities) (7)

7 Without agitation (6)

8 Song about sleigh riding (6,5)

14 Wicked (7)

15 Butterfly (red or white) (7)

16 Concerning the eye (6)

17 Of inferior quality (6)

19 Male relative (5)

21 2006 Amy Winehouse song (5)

Across

8 Song about sleigh riding (6,5)

14 Wicked (7)

1 Very fast-moving river current (6)

CYRUS

4 Unit of astronomical distance (about 3.26 light years) (6)

9 Rice — aim tabs (anag) (7)

10 ___ Without a Cause (1956 James Dean film) (5)

11 Scrap (3-2)

12 Proceeding slowly (7)

13 George Eliot novel, first of eight volumes published in 1871 (11)

18 Travel regularly (7)

20 Hilarity (5)

22 Songlike poem (5)

23 Staggered (7)

24 Alleviation (6)

25 Alumnus (3,3)

Down

1 Hale and hearty (6)

2 Assume to be the case (5)

3 Jewel (7)

5 Large trunk artery (5)

6 Dark formal clothing (worn during exams at some universities) (7)

7 Without agitation (6)

15 Butterfly (red or white) (7)

16 Concerning the eye (6)

17 Of inferior quality (6)

19 Male relative (5)

21 2006 Amy Winehouse song (5)

Across

1 Judy rang ut decoration (7)

5 Pigs! Dullards said the same (5) oduce (7)

9 US soldier comes back in a vehicle for a smoke (5)

10 For one thing, it's out of this world (5)

11 Notes in circulation breed anxiety (7)

12 Yes! that woman gets angry causing disbelief (6)

14 Fix one's eyes about five who won’t get enough (6)

17 Garret in the outskirts of LutwycheNetwork, good for climbers (7)

19 Donkey, he mistreats, remains (5)

22 Flinch at being first to Church (5)

23 Pleasant story after a foul beginning (7)

24 Gives rise as yet to be seen (5)

25 Old girlfriend mentions thrills (7)

SOLUTIONS

CYRUS SOLUTION 186

QUICK SOLUTION 186

Down

1 Head of group takes off goggles (5)

2 Dance has sailor turning to his favourite drink (5)

3 Knelt as position led to low level decoration (7)

4 Indicate it's badly done by half the team (6)

5 Graduate and felon get together for breakfast (5)

6 Furious - and more - with rare gin wasted (7)

7 Road rage is unfamiliar (7)

12 A temporary address is 50% there (7)

13 Decay Said to be below the building (7)

15 Peddle activity along the Bruce Highway (7)

16 An iron man for her? (6)

18 Popular trained pet isn't up to it (5)

20 Regular uniform (5)

21 Measures taken in one's strides (5)

Berrylicious Frozen Yoghurt Bark

INGREDIENTS

2 cups Community Co Greek Yoghurt

2 cups mixed berries.

2 tbsp Community Co Honey

1/2 cup extra berries for topping

2 tbsp desiccated coconut

*Serving size calculator is approximate, feel free to adjust by adding a pinch here and there as needed

METHOD

Using a blender, blend yoghurt, honey and mixed berries together until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a deep dish, lined with baking paper. Sprinkle extra berries and coconut on top and freeze for 3 hours until frozen. Break up into small pieces to serve.

There are several reasons why you might want to consider buying your dog water shoes. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Protection for their paw pads: If your dog likes to play in the water, then their paw pads are likely to get wet and muddy. This can lead to skin irritation and infection if not cleaned.

• Protection from sharp objects: If your dog likes to explore the bottom of ponds and streams, they could potentially step on a sharp object which could cause injury. Water shoes can help to protect their paws from such objects.

• Preventing slips and falls: Wet surfaces can be quite slippery, so water shoes are a great option to prevent your dog from slipping and falling.

• Hot surfaces: If your dog walks on hot surfaces (e.g., hot sand or asphalt in the summer), their paw pads can get burnt. Water shoes can help to prevent this from happening.

• Cold weather: In cold and icy weather, wet paw pads can freeze and cause your dog discomfort. Water shoes can help to keep

their paws warm and dry.

• Walking on hardwood floors: For older dogs, wearing boots are a good idea to help prevent them from slipping.

As you can see, there are several benefits to wearing water shoes for dogs. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your pup’s paws safe and healthy, then be sure to check out our top picks below. How To Choose the Best Water Shoes for Your Dog

When choosing the best water shoes for your dog, there are a few things you need to consider:

• The size of your dog’s paws: Different water shoes come in different sizes, so you’ll need to make sure you get the right size to get the right fit for your pup. The easiest way to do this is to measure their paw width and length and then compare it to the size chart on the shoe’s packaging.

• The type of terrain your dog will be playing on: Not all water shoes are created equal – some are better for rough terrain, while others are designed for more gentle surfaces. So, you’ll need to consider what type of surface your dog will be playing on before making a purchase.

TO PUNISH OR NOT TO PUNISH - BARKING

Now you know from the last two issues that it is futile to punish your puppy/dog. It is always better to teach him what to do, not, what not to do. For the next few articles I’ll cover common problems and how to deal with it.

First it is important to understand that everything they do is a natural behaviour such as barking. This is probably the biggest complaints councils receive. It is also the main disputes between neighbours. What may seem as excessive barking to one person may not be to another. Council will intervene if it’s ongoing and/or more than one person complains and they will do a call out to hear

for themselves and to notify you of the complaint. Secondly there is no quick fix. Thirdly punishment can make the problem worse or if using anti bark collars can divert their frustration in another way. There are many types of barks as it is one of the ways dogs communicate with us such as they’ll bark to get our attention to play with them, to alert us to danger, excitement especially when we return home, feeling stress including separation anxiety. Different barks will require different solutions. These will be covered in the next issue.

Happy training -

Yvonne

Yvonne's Dog & Puppy School

Yvonne Bishop (Dog Behavioural Trainer)

Professional member APDT, PPGA

Puppy Classes: 7 wks to 16 wks of age

6 Week Dog Training Classes. Private Consultations available 0416 102 071

• The type of activity your dog will be doing: If your dog likes to play in the water, then you’ll need water shoes that are designed for swimming. If they

only like to play on dry land, then regular water shoes will do.

• Weather conditions:

Depending on the weather conditions, you may want to consider a pair of water shoes that offers paw protection. For example, if your dog is playing in cold weather, you’ll want a pair of water shoes that will keep their paws warm. Once you’ve considered these factors, it will be much easier to find the perfect pair of water shoes for your dog.

BENEFITS OF DOGS WEARING WATER SHOES

BOWLS RESULTS

BRIBIE ISLAND BOWLS

CLUB

Self Select pairs results Friday 10

February 2023

Winners: K Smith, J Debien

Runners up: G Fowler, J Dunn

Lucky Draw: Z Elmore, J Howarth

Lucky Draw: P Hughes, S

McIntyre

Lucky Draw: K Ford, R Elmore

Lucky Draw: R Wood, T Marr

Random Select Fours Results

Saturday 11 February 2023

Out of hat winner: G Olsen, D

Bishop, M Drought

Out of hat winner: J Neill, M

Young, D Groves

Scroungers Results Wednesday

15 February 2023

1st: L de-Roule

2nd: L Hackwood

Self Select pairs results

Wednesday 15 February 2023

Winners: G Teakel, I Cooper

Runners up: J Gray, P Gray

Lucky Draw: G Steele, D Beadman

Lucky Daw: P Cambell, K Piva

Lucky Draw: D Cherry, M Cherry

Lucky Draw: M Gittins, J Noonan

Random Select Triples results

Thursday 16 February 2023

Highest Margin: W Hoelsher, A

Sturm, G Low

Lowest Margin: S Williamson, S

Platt, P Conn

Lucky Draw: R Bikerton, J Wallis, R Glasser

Lucky Draw: G Hutchinson, T Phillips, P Mann

BONGAREE BOWLS MEN'S RESULTS

Scroungers Feb 21st

1st Peter Brown, 2nd Steve

Mogan,  3rd Bob Thirwell

Wed 4's Feb 22nd Winners

Roger Parker, Col Hodges, Ken Wales, Peter Thatcher

Runners Up Wayne Munn, Tracey Pagliano, Sandi Hodges, Ellen Corrick.

Thurs Jackpot pairs Feb 23rd

Winners Graeme Hanlin, Peter Vlajic

Runners Up David Vaughan, Gary Ryan  Scroungers Feb 25th

1st Sharmayne Kurtz, 2nd Bryce McKinnon, 3rd Mike Flint  Wed 4's March 3rd Winners

Col Valentine, Gary McCarthy, Graham Symonds, Ian Paterson Runners Up  Ray Huggins, Don Somerville, Jim Irvine, Peter Higgins

Thurs Jackpot Pairs March 4th

Winners

Graham Symonds, Ian Paterson Runners Up Gary Pincott, Peter McQueen

BONGAREE LADIES

BOWLS RESULTS

Friday  17th    February

Winners:  Elna Jensen, Sue Francis

R/U:   Leonie Timmerman, Gideon Croukamp

Tuesday  21st   February

Winners: David Vaughan, Arne Jensen

R/U: Ron Corrick, Don Somerville

Friday  24th   February

Winners:        Bob Vonarx, Graeme Hanlin, Ian Gillies

R/U:  Brenda Hutchinson, Sandi Hodges, Ellen Fell

Tuesday 28th February

Winners: Mary Geddes, Julie Sidthorpe

R/U:  Arne Jensin, Errol Fender

Bonus draw: Ron Wilson, Ray Broughton

WEEKLY SOCIAL BOWLS RESULTS - W/E 04/03/2023

Men’s “B” Pairs Final

Champions: T. Nash and B. Noral

R/U: B. Jackson and N. Jackson

Tuesday: NO INFORMATION

Wednesday: Winners V. Mitchell & W. Mitchell.

R/U: C. Dann & J. Dann.

3rd: V. Jones & B. Hill. Jackpot – Not won.

Thursday: Winners M. Hopper, A. Ager & S. Ager.

R/U: S. Hamblin, M. Flint & T. Grimmond.

3rd: M. Whiteside, V. Paul & M. Adams.

Jackpot ($340) – Not won.

Friday: Winners C. Jenkins & R. Stumbles.

R/U: C. Avenell & P. Ollier.

1st Rnd: B. Harris & P. Evans.

2nd Rnd; J. Jameson & S. Jameson.

Saturday: Winners: R. O’Brien, C. Cummins & C. Langley.

R/U: T. Dempsey, M. Whiteside & A. Matheson.

WEEKLY SOCIAL BOWLS RESULTS - W/E 25/02/2023

Ladies Fours Final Champions: R. McLean, V. Mitchell, H. Taylor and E. Waters

R/U: T. Curtis, C. Dann, D. Hill and R. Stuart

Tuesday: Winners: M. Boike, B. Rudd & J. Pursehouse.

R/U: B. Dobe, R. Chaplin & B. Harris.

Wednesday: Winners: R. Zahl & M. Zahl.

R/U: T. Curtis & B. Curtis. 3rd: P. Ollier & P. Hodgson. Jackpot ($179) – J. Kent & B. Kent.

Thursday: Winners: L. Horter, I.

Carr & B. Hill.

R/U: T. Fairman, J. Cummins & B. Harris.

3rd: R. McLean, V. Mitchell & W. Mitchell.

Jackpot – Not won.

Friday: Winners: H. Taylor & R. Weir.

R/U: B. Hill & C. Treacy.

1st Rnd: S. Ross & A.Thorp.

2nd Rnd: C. Avenell & P. Ollier.

Saturday: Winners: K. Zipf & W. Mitchell.

R/U: D. Jones, B. Pursehouse & B. Craitem. Bribie

GOLF RESULTS CROQUET

BRIBIE ISLAND

WOMEN’S GOLF

16 Feb 2023 to 28 Feb 2023

16/2/23 – Single Stableford

A Grade Winner: Desley Neilson

41, 1st R/Up Sylvia White 39

ocb, 2nd R/Up Roz Gardiner 39

B Grade Winner: Marjorie Sills

38, 1st R/Up Stina Barnuff 37, 2nd R/Up Mary Barbeler 36 ocb

C Grade Winner: Kate Brown

38, 1st R/Up Heather Croukamp

36, 2nd R/Up Margaret

McDonald 33

NTP’s: Hole 4 Myra Thomsen, Hole 7 Carole Watson, Hole 14

Marjorie Sills, Hole 16 (2nd

Shot) Abby Driver, Hole 4 (Div 3

2nd shot) Val Miller

21/2/23 – Single Stableford

A Grade Winner: Gaby Bennett

35 ocb, 1st R/Up Maree Bailey 35 ocb, 2nd R/Up Jennifer

De Ruyter 35 ocb

B Grade Winner: Kate Brown 37, 1st R/Up Lyn Beaven 35, 2nd R/ Up Laureen Healy 34 ocb

NTP’s: Hole 4 Jo McCowan, Hole 7 Angela Claxton, Hole

14 Susan Brown, Hole 16 (2nd shot)

Desley Neilson, Hole 4 Div 3 (2nd shot) Tricia Phillips

23/2/23 – Single Stroke

Winner: Diane Fitzpatrick 72, 1st R/Up Jan Jennings 73, 2nd R/ Up Gwen Clutterbuck 75

NTP’s: Hole 4 Pauline Grooby, Hole 7 Gwen Clutterbuck, Hole

14 Judy Graham, Hole 16 (2nd Shot) Gill Lee, Hole 4 (Div 3

2nd Shot) Laureen Healy

Peter Sedgman & Consolation Plate Finals

After sixteen players qualified for the above event, the finals were held on Thursday 23rd February. Vivi Lloyd defeated Vivienne Learoyd in the Peter Sedgman and Paula McKenzie was victorious against Abby Driver in the Consolation Plate. Well done to all the players who made the match play and congratulations to the winners.

28/2/23 – American Foursomes

Winners: Kate Brown & Suzanne Vallely 65, 1st R/ Ups Lyn Cockerell & Barbara Newcomb,

2nd R/Ups Maureen Bailey & Toni Grossmann

NTP’s: Hole 4 Jo Malone, Hole 7 Jennifer De Ruyter, Hole 14 Abby Driver

PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT.

Kathy Vincent. Can you play the piano? Do you excel at a sport? do you paint pictures? If you do you will know that the only way to improve is to practise. The same thing applies to croquet! Croquet particularly golf croquet is a social game, to meet with friends, have an enjoyable afternoon and have a few laughs along the way. But if you want to play in competitions and improve the standard of your play, then yes you will need to practice entering those competitions. I have written before about the various competitions that are available to players and the many successful results. Bribie Croquet Club won a couple of championships organized by the Sunshine Coast Regional Croquet Committee in 2022 and now we need to keep that up in 2023. So, practise we must.

Dick Byres the Golf Captain together with our coaches has set the club members a set of drills to try to improve individual standards. Members have a chart to fill in and hopefully, at the end of the experiment, improvements will have been made.

As you pass the croquet Courts you will see individual members on the courts concentrating on particular tasks. Placing the ball in front of the hoop, making hoops, mastering the art of jump shots or carefully counting

how many hits they need to get the ball around 13 hoops. Well, we already have members in competitions in early March, so the pressure is on to improve. Watch this space.

But on a lighter note, we also have an emphasis on fun. Only last week Dolly and Lyn our social committee organized an Italian evening after play. They excelled themselves and produced a prawn linguini, a seafood fettuccini with delicious muscles and a spaghetti Bolognese to die for. The food was better than most eateries on the Island. Perhaps they need to open a restaurant!!!

So if you fancy competitions or would just love the social side of the Croquet Club, call in and come and have a go !!

MORETON BRIBIE BRIDGE

CLUB:

Sat 18 Feb

N/S  1 J Newton & J Wright  2 F & B Van

Dongen 3 A Jones & R Sutton

E/W 1 K Cohen & B Connell 2 B Fuller & P

Breene 3 G & S Barnulf

Wed 22 Feb

N/S 1 J Easey & N Everson 2 A Jones & D

Rubin  3 R Medhurst &  P Tipping

E/W 1 C & S Wagg 2 C McAlister & M Peart

3 J Newton & K Cohen

Sat 25 Feb

N/S 1 C & R Cowley 2 S Watson & R Sutton 3

S Burton & D Brady

E/W 1. C & S Watson 2  I Best & B Moxham

3 Y Swanson & C McAlister

Wed 1 March (Championship week 1)

1 D Rubin & A Jones 2 M Arthur & P Edis 3  J Medhurst & H Tyler

BICBC:  Mon 20 Feb

N/S 1 A Jones & R Pennington 2 M Peterson & D Quinan  3 M Arthur & U Maffey

E/W  1 L Wilson & P Tipping  2 R King & M Courtney  3 J Brazier & R Deacon

Mon 27 Feb N/S

1 A Jones & R Pennington 2 M Arthur & J

Easey  3 P Edis & C McAlister

E/W 1 L Wilson & P Tipping  2  F McLaren & N Denvir  3 J Brazier & R Deacon

Paula McKenzie & Abby Driver

Vivi Lloyd & Vivienne Learoyd

To our much appreciated and loyal customers. It is with much happiness and sadness that I Wayne, and my wife Julie would like to announce our retirement, starting 31 March 2023.

Julie and I have worked and lived on Bribie for the past 20 years, originally as Bribie Appliance Service repairing appliances, then moving more towards domestic air conditioning repairs, service, supply and installations. With our

kids all grown up now and moved on to their own lives we have decided the time is right to leave Bribie as well and start our next chapter of life.

Our services will be instantly filled by Joel our tradesman. Joel started with us as an adult apprentice 7 years ago and completed his trade qualifications some 3 years ago. We have always found Joel courteous to our customers and knowledgeable. As highly valued customers, it’s been a pleasure working with you all. So, while I’m leaving the business, I know you’ll be safe with my replacement.

Joel will be trading as Bribie Air Conditioning and can be contacted on the main contact number of 0409 483 796, to provide Bribie residents with the same friendly, professional service that we have supplied over the last 2 decades.

Many Thanks again

Wayne & Julie Caught

GARDENING TIPS AND TRICKS GARDENING TIPS AND TRICKS

BY Elena Telegina

With great interest, I read a page from Peter Schinkel about garden design. I can't agree more that the initial planning saves a lot of time and money down the road.

Photos: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

I completed a new garden project for my home in Redcliffe just recently. In three years, the garden went from just an empty building site filled with road base gravel to a lovely escape to spend days in. It also had fruit trees and veggies producing buckets for the table.

I was amazed myself how quickly the garden grew, so now I want to share a few tricks I used.

Watering system: I established the garden during the drought and water saving was a priority. Next to each tree or rose plant I dug in a 3 litres plastic milk bottle, pierced in a few holes. Then I connected all the bottles with water with underground hoses. Once a week I turned on the tap and filled the bottles with water. Slowly through the little holes, water went underground directly to the roots. I believe that saved me a lot of water compared to surface watering and kept the plant very happy. They were growing very fast. It saved a lot of time too, as no hose-held watering was required. Watering only took 10 min a week of my time.

Mulching: After I put plants in the ground and put the watering system in place, I covered the rest of the ground with cardboard to stop any weeds, and then covered the cardboard with 10 cm of garden mulch. The garden was only 10 m by 10 m, so it took about 1 truck of mulch from the landscape supplier. I never had to weed after that. Saved a lot of time for weeding.

Planting according to the moon:

As ancient gardeners always followed the moon cycles, so did I. I have a moon calendar and not just planting, but watering, pruning, and feeding all done according to suitable moon signs. It saved me a lot of money as the survival rate of the plants was high. They all were very happy with me.

I wonder if my experience can help other people at Bribie too. I recently moved to Bribie from Redcliffe and enjoy seeing a lot of wonderful gardens around. I became a part of B.I.E.P.A and hope to participate in the community garden program of this wonderful association.

It would be great to connect with like-minded people. Please join BIEPA and see me there.

RESIDENTS ARE BEING URGED TO GET READY FOR THE BUSHFIRE SEASON, WITH AN UPCOMING COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION BEING HELD BY QUEENSLAND FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AND MORETON BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

PROVIDING

The information session for Bribie Island residents will be held on Thursday 30 March from 10am – 12noon at the Bribie Island RSL, Toorbul St, Bongaree. Rural Fire Service Bushfire Safety Officer Liane Henderson said the session would provide an important update on what to expect and how to get ready, as well as understanding bushfire warnings. “During the information session we will discuss the different warning levels, so everyone is aware of the actions they will need to take should a warning be issued for the area.

“We will also discuss the new Australian Fire Danger Ratings System and simple steps everyone can take to ensure their home is prepared for bushfire season.”

Preparing Soil for Tomatoes

Tomatoes are heavy feeders (much like hungry growing teenagers!). They will have a high need for nutrients throughout their growth cycle. As an annual crop, they are ‘takers’ and will leave the soil depleted. So, before planting you need to reinvigorate your soil. If you want lots of healthy fruit, strong roots and a good canopy of leaves to prevent sunburn, make sure to stock the soil pantry first. Good preparation is the key. Prepare your garden soil well. Add compost, rock minerals (also known as soft rock phosphate, rock dust or minerals) and mulch. If you have a worm farm, add vermicast (worm castings). Avoid high nitrogen fertilisers as you will get lots of leaves but few flowers and fruit!

If you don’t have compost, use some slow-release pelletised organic fertiliser with a balance of nutrients. Aim to compost your food scraps. It’s a sustainable practice to build healthy soil. Simply bury them in the garden bed before planting to enrich it and encourage worms.

Container Grown Tomatoes

If planting into a container, improve your potting mix to provide additional nutrients and moisture-holding ingredients. This prevents it drying out too quickly. Potted tomatoes need staying power! So, put the effort in and you’ll reap rich (and tasty) rewards. I find self-watering containers ideal for tomatoes. They provide you a buffer of time as they wick up moisture as needed. This can mean the difference between coming home to a ‘dried arrangement’ or a healthy plant!

Sowing Tomato Seeds

Tomato seeds need a warm soil between 18 – 28°C to germinate. If you sow too early or in very hot weather, high temperatures can delay germination or result in failure. Check the forecast first! Follow my Seed Starting Guide for success. Remember, sow seeds to save money and seedlings to save time.

Planting Tomato Seedlings

Seedlings will give you a head start on the growing season. Bury your tomato seedling or young plant deep (up the stem). This helps it establish a strong root system from day one. More roots, more shoots, flowers and fruit!

How does this work? Tomato stems have tiny bumps. So, by burying the stems deeper under the soil, adventitious roots form along the stem in addition to the main taproot. This additional root system allows a tomato plant to become more resilient to drought. Also, an extensive root system takes up more nutrients and soil moisture. So, when planting your seedling, bury it deep. Alternatively, lay it sideways in a shallow trench in your pot or garden bed. Leave the top leaves above the soil to photosynthesize.

Finally, you may need to gently stake the tender stem until it starts growing upwards again towards the light.

Feeding and Watering Tomatoes

• Maintain consistent moisture to avoid nutrient deficiencies, stress, pest attack, cracking or splitting of fruit and other problems.

• Avoid over-watering. This can result in split fruit.

• A compost-rich soil will hold sufficient moisture.

• Avoid high nitrogen fertilisers. Adding minerals to your compost or potting mix provides a balance of the macronutrients

GROWING TERRIFIC TOMATOES

and micro elements tomatoes need for strong robust growth.

• Alternate feeding with liquid nutrients like vermicompost (worm casting) tea and liquid seaweed to provide trace elements.

• Maintain a thick layer of mulch to hold moisture in.

Tomato Pollination

Tomato flowers are hermaphrodites. Biologically, they have both male and female reproductive organs in the one flower. So, they are ‘self-fertile’ or self-pollinating. You may be wondering ‘why do we need bees then?’ Studies clearly show that tomatoes pollinated by insects result in bigger fruit and greater harvests. It’s a no-brainer. The most effective insects are buzz pollinators. These native solitary bees vibrate or shake the pollen into the flower. So, while they gather their food, they’re fertilising! Some bees, including Blue Banded Bees and Bumblebees use a technique called buzz pollination or sonication. Vibrating their wings releases pollen which is more or less firmly held by the anthers in the flower. They are fast and efficient. Attracting these bees to your garden is one way to ensure a better harvest.

https://themicrogardener.com/top-tips-for-growing-terrifictomatoes/#more-43565

With Anne Gibson themicrogardener.com

Move In Ready!

Creating A

Home For You And Your Family

Located in Bongaree, Queensland, Bribie Screens and Things is a locally owned and operated business. The company is a proud supplier and installer of premiumquality security screen doors and windows from Prowler Proof. It is Bribie Screens and Things professionalism and genuine care for the safety of our customers homes that sets them apart from the competition.

As a customer-oriented company, Bribie Screens and Things goes above and beyond to fulfill each customer security needs. Our friendly technicians are available to assist you and answer any questions you may have, from the first point of contact to measuring, quoting, and installation. You won't find a better choice when it comes to impeccable customer service and premium security screen solutions than Bribie Screens and Things!

Bribie Screens and Things are proud to supply Prowler Proof security doors and window screens.

Prowler Proof products are of premium quality, they have one of the largest ranges as well as one of the industry's shortest lead times. We place confidence in their durable and premium products that are unparalleled within the current

“Local family business for over 34 years.”

market in regard to corrosion, strength, and quality.

At Bribie Screens and Things, we understand that each customer is different and has individual needs for their family’s home safety.

That’s why our highly skilled technicians work closely with you to carefully consider the needs of your project. With such a large range we can provide you with a tailored and reliable screen solution that fits your budget.

At Bribie Screens and Things, we believe in and stand by

our work. We offer a 30-year workmanship warranty on all our installation projects, on top of Prowler Proof’s 10-year replacement warranty for their products.

Learn more about Bribie Screens and Things’ products and services by reaching out to a member of our team today!

Prowler Proof also offers a wide range of versatile products, including:

ONE FOR YOU, TWO FOR THE SEA

ensure we’re funding programs that meet or exceed global biodiversity offset standards. The program is also supported by respected stakeholder groups, including the Australian seafood industry, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, CQUniversity and OzFish Unlimited.”

stories to use, marketing collateral, logo use and invitations to special events. We also provide them with access to our OneFishTwoFish sustainable seafood network that connects like-minded businesses and customers.

OneFishTwoFish founder, Dr Chris Gillies, said he started the program to address the challenges of seafood sustainability.

Seafood Positive throws sustainable seafood a line with the launch of OneFishTwoFish

Seafood Positive

Australians eat more than 356,000 tonnes of seafood each year, now there is a simple way for seafood lovers to give back to the ocean via OneFishTwoFish, a new program which aims to return two fish to the sea for every fish or seafood equivalent cooked, sold or consumed. The world first program was developed by Seafood Positive, an early-stage social enterprise with a mission of no net loss of marine life, to provide finance for ocean conservation programs that measurably improve fish and marine life.

Marine biologist, ocean conservationist, and

“OneFishTwoFish helps seafood restaurants, businesses, retailers and consumers balance their seafood consumption by replacing each fish they serve, sell or eat with two more in the ocean,” Dr Gilles said.

“This solves an ethical dilemma for sustainability-conscious seafood consumers and provides a way to positively connect seafood consumption with ocean health.

“The funds will help provide finance for third-party ocean conservation programs including seagrass and reef restoration, and fish restocking programs to measurably improve fish and marine life across Australia.

“We have an advisory committee that includes representatives from the seafood industry, marine conservation groups, the public service and business to

OneFishTwoFish is funded by annual subscriptions that can be bought by either members of the public or businesses, and is proudly launching with a platinum selection of foundation supporters including Taronga Zoo, Melbourne’s Stokehouse restaurant, Stomping Ground Brewing Co, Two Hands and The Happy Apple supermarkets.

“It’s a simple way for seafood consumers, retailers, restaurants and other businesses to give back to the environment through their seafood consumption. We would love to have everyone who sells or buys seafood sign up to the program.

“We send individuals, couples and families who subscribe a certificate, information about sustainable seafood, seafood recipes, interviews with chefs, stories on the latest marine science and technology, and updates on the projects their subscriptions are supporting,” said Dr Gillies.

“Business subscribers receive project images, videos and

“We’re committed to transparency and will post project reports and other documentation on our website so people can review outcomes for themselves.”

Seafood Positive has its eyes on the future, too. Dr Gillies hopes to achieve B-Corp certification and expand the OneFishTwoFish programs from Australia to other countries in the near future.

“We’ve already seen that program like this work,” he said. “The global carbon market is worth $851 billion and delivers finance to many conservation and restoration projects around the world. More than 130 countries use biodiversity offsets,” said Dr Gillies.

“One of the best ways of re-creating healthy fish populations is to make sure young fish survive beyond their first few weeks of life, and we can do that by restoring the habitats that nurture fish and through targeted breeding programs.”

It's HATCHLING Time!

In the cool Saturday night air just a little over a week ago, Bribie had its first clutch of loggerhead hatchlings from our Critically Endangered population emerge for the 2022/23 season. Bribie Island Turtle Tracker (BITT) Jean Taplin discovered the perfect flipper prints made by 150 hatchlings heading to the sea on Sunday morning (19th February) at the nest site she's been monitoring for the last two months just south of the sandpumping inlet.

Jean said:

“I was so delighted to see such a successful nest – all the tracks fanning straight down to the sea... and over 150 eggs... that was amazing!”

Then around sunrise on Saturday morning the 25th of February, in the National Park just north of the 4WD track entrance, BITTer Diane Oxenford spotted tell-tale tracks around a nest she'd been watching closely since the 13th of December. Diane investigated the nest and most of the 80-plus hatchlings had found their way out and down the beach during the night. Diane found a few stragglers needing a little help, and by then the beach was starting to get busy and rutted by the weekend 4WD traffic, so a few lucky folks got to assist the little guys across the beach in safety, under Diane's expert guidance. With over 30 confirmed nests on the length of the beach this season, we have a few more weeks of excitement to come!

AUSTRALIA DAY NEST SITTING

This season BIEPA has been active, raising community awareness of Bribie's nesting turtles, supporting the work of the BITTers and fostering connections with the Sunshine Coast Council's TurtleCare Program. Following the success of the Giant Turtle Community Event, on the Australia Day public holiday, a group of dedicated BIEPA members and volunteers took to Bribie's Ocean Beach for the inaugural Australia Day Nest Sitting community outreach. From a nest near Rickman Pde in Woorim, north to Welsby Lagoon, nest sitters ensured National Park visitors were aware of the importance of Bribie's loggerhead rookery. It was a big day for our Nest Sitters, starting pre-dawn with a long trek by foot or bike up the beach and the exposure of the summer. We can't thank everyone enough for their amazing commitment to the turtles! The National Parks Rangers appreciated our efforts too and provide witches hats to help mark the keep-out zones. The Fauna Team will be looking to expand this program next season, using a variety of approaches to help inform beach users of the importance of caring for Bribie.

PROTECTING TURTLE NESTS

A great collaboration between BIEPA, BITT, Sunshine Coast TurtleCare and Qld Parks and Wildlife Service rangers has seen the installation of two turtle nest protection cages over vulnerable nests. There's been a spike in nest predation, particularly by goannas and we working to find the most effective strategies to reduce the loss of eggs, including cages and meshing. BIEPA arranged the loan and relocation of the two cages from Sunshine Coast Council's TurtleCare team and QPWS are assisting BITTs with transporting cages to the nests.

The Bribie Island Turtle Trackers citizen science team are trained and authorised by the Department of Environment and Science to monitor turtle nests, collect important data requested by turtle researchers, contributing to a greater understanding Bribie’s turtles.

Pic 1&2 Bribie's first hatchlings of the 2022/23 Turtle Season (Photos: Darren Jew) Pic 3 Diane and Jean excavating the first nest of the season (Photo: Darren Jew)

BRIBIE MASONIC LODGE DONATION

Members from the Bribie Masonic Lodge visited VMR Bribie 20 December 2022 to deliver a plaque to be placed on Bribie One and to inspect the New High Tech FLIR that VMR Bribie were able to install on Bribie One after a very generous donation of $19,089.75 from The Bribie Masonic Lodge, VMR Commodore Ces Luscombe thanked Greg Hemphill and Ray Horne on behalf of the VMR Team for their very generous donation, it’s another tool that can help save lives.

TRAINEE CREW NIGHT TRAINING

VMR Trainee Crew’s last night training session, they all did an awesome job - well done everyone.

VMR MOORING

At last!! We have a workable emergency mooring. Many thanks to Greg Sweetman and his crew from Gold Coast Barges. Below are a few photos of the work in progress and to give you an idea of the size of the fittings.

sausages, shashliks, and koftas accompanied with pasta salad, coleslaw, tossed salad, fried onions, pineapple, beetroot, and bread rolls. Ice-cream in a waffle cone was on offer for sweets. A temporary bar was setup at the rear of the garage opening out to the grassed area with drinks at our usual great prices.

MEET & GREET BBQ

Saturday evening 11th February 2023 - over 70 active members and partners attended this function designed to bring active members together that wouldn’t normally cross paths in their volunteering duties at VMR Bribie. The function was held in the grassed area under the stars at the rear of the Base.

The Social Committee and our expert BBQ Team put on a wonderful spread of BBQ’d

The New FLIR mounted on Bribie 1.

Commodore Ces Luscombe, Greg Hemphill from the Bribie Masonic Lodge, Ray Horne Secretary Bribie Masonic Lodge and Vice Commodore Wayne Sclater with new FLIR in the background on Bribie 1.

Radio Operator Murray Dennis, Fundraiser Arthur Spratt, and maintenance Team Member Wayne Hook catch up at the gathering.

Ray Horne Secretary of the Bribie Masonic Lodge, Vice Commodore Wayne Sclater, Greg Hemphill from the Bribie Masonic Lodge and Commodore Ces Luscombe showing them the operations of the new FLIR System.

Tim and Pauline Amourous enjoy the evening, and a break from behind the bar.

Paul and Barbara Gilmore, Leigh Lythgo, Gail Tranter, Doug Lythgo, Allan Tranter, Gary and Eleanor Voss and Cheryl Robinson enjoy the evening.

Michael and Ruth Trojan check the instrumentation for the crew training evening’s activities.

Nia Brice (with Ces & Wendy’ granddaughter Everly), Jon Brice, Wendy & Ces Luscombe.

CONGRATULATIONS RUTH

JOHN PRICE HANGS UP MICROPHONE

John Price joined VMR Bribie in 2008. John was a Bank Manager with WESTPAC and more recently with the Bank of Queensland until his retirement. John spent several years on the Management Committee as Vice Commodore and 2 years as Treasurer. He was instrumental in obtaining substantial funding from both Busyfingers and Energex. He has been a Radio Operator since joining in 2008 under the tutelage of then Radio Officer Kevin James.

COMMITTEE MEETING

Thu 16th Feb 2023

Brooke Savige and Lulu Drew dropped into the VMR Committee Meeting to talk about getting community groups support for the New Year’s Fireworks. Many items were discussed funding, insurance, and location were at the top of the list. Further talks are to be held with other Community groups.

Righto you lot what’s going on here then!” John is surprised by well-wishers on his last VMR Radio shift!

“I have decided it is time for me to hang up the microphone and let some of the younger ones enjoy what I have done over nearly 15 years. It has been a very enjoyable 15 years with lots of ups and downs in the organisation and lots of changes over the years.

boat rolled over. The chopper rescued the crew from the Coast Guard CG73. The crew of the yacht were rescued; and when it was calmer, they towed the yacht to Bribie Island. Ron and his crew went out the next day and towed the upside-down Cost Guard catamaran in. It took 5 hours to Bribie.

The crew of Ron’s boat, the Coast Guard boat, and the Channel 7 chopper crew all received bravery awards.

Plane Down in Bribie

Passage: - Ron also belonged to the Redcliffe Coast Guard and while on duty they got a call from the Water Police that a plane had gone down in the Passage. Arrived at the site and anchored to secure the site. Water Police asked for a flare to be lit but they refused as there was avgas all around the area and a lot of pleasure boats. Police chopper lowered a diver, and 2 deceased persons were recovered. Ron’s wife was on the radio for the Air Sea Rescue directing proceedings for the whole rescue.

EARLY DAYS OF VMR

(Continued)

The following are some more of Ron Walters, and wife Julie’s recollections of rescues during their time with our organisation:

XMAS DAY: - A female body was found under the Bribie Bridge, drowned with a life jacket on. Ron organised a search as it was thought that there were more. A man was washed up at the Sandstone Beach which was referred to as Tombstone. Another 2 bodies were found all with life jackets on. Their boat gad capsized in big winds trying to return to Redcliffe.

I particularly enjoyed my earlier years before my cancer diagnosis of being on the committee for a number of years, Treasurer for 2 years where I am proud to leave an ongoing legacy for VMR Bribie of the ongoing donations from Busy Fingers which I organised. Also $25000 annual donations for a number of years from Energex which Wayne Sclater and I organised and then 12 months as Vice Commodore under Wayne where I had to run most of the squadron as Wayne was working full time. They were fun times.”

MESSAGE:

The Yacht Leigh: - Ron was at Cape Moreton fishing and the Water Police asked if he could help the yacht Leigh that was in trouble in the NE Channel. When he arrived, the seas were 3-4 metres and the yacht’s mast was broken from a knock down and had rolled over. The Channel 7 chopper was there, and the Coast Guard had arrived also. Ron advised them not to get too close, but their

BAIT FISH NET: - A man rang Ron to let us know that his father and a mate were not home yet. They had left at 4AM to go bait fish netting at Bribie. The boat was put in the water. The son met Ron at the clubhouse. The most popular place to catch bait was Cooks Rocks. They spotted a tinny upside down at Cooks Rocks. The mate jumped on board and the son asked where his father was and was pointed to the net. The father was retrieved from the net, he had been there 1 hour.

Treasurer Lee Prescott, Vice Commodore Wayne Sclater, Mike Looney, Cr Brooke Savige, Unit Training Coordinator Allan Tranter, Lulu Drew, Secretary Gary Voss, and Deputy Radio Officer John O’Hagan, with Peter McNamara behind the lens.

Deputy Radio Officer John O’Hagan, Radio Officer Peter McNamara, Radio Operator John Price, Secretary Gary Voss, Commodore Ces Luscombe, Vice Commodore Wayne Sclater, and Deputy Radio Officer John Rice, with Senior Radio Operator and Public Relations Officer John Traill behind the lens.

THE FRENCHIE’S

John O’Hagan, Michael Coles, and Barb O’Hagan.

“PLEASE WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKETS!”

Gaye De Soto, Brenda Allardyce, Chris Beanlands, Charles Williams, Garry and Pam Bunker, and Juan De Soto.

Brooke also tried her hand at making a coffee on the new VMR Coffee Machine bought with grant funds from Moreton Bay Regional Council. Much to the joy of Vice Commodore Wayne Sclater VMR’s resident coffee guru.

Ruth Trojan receives her Crew Epaulettes from Senior Crew Mark Purtell & White Sunday Skipper Coxswain Jon Brice.

Radio Officer Peter McNamara presents the cake to John Price and gets him to cut the first slice, watched by Secretary Gary Voss, Vice Commodore Wayne Sclater, and Commodore Ces Luscombe.

Commodore Ces presented John with a plaque in appreciation for his 15-Year Service.

FEBRUARY VESSEL ASSISTS:

SAT 18/02 0613AM – 7m

Centre Console member with no oil in sump, required a tow from Caloundra to Spinnaker Sound Marina.

SAT 18/02 1154AM – 5.5m

Half Cabin member with motor problems required a tow from near Bribie Bridge to Bellara Boat Ramp.

SAT 18/02 1737PM – 3 x Jet

Skis non-members aground between Long Island and Thooloora Island recovered, towed 1 back other 2 were able to follow back to

SAT 18/03 1908PM – 8.2m

RIB non-member out of fuel off Welsby Lagoon, towed to Base pontoon overnight, arriving at 2216PM.

VMR BRIBIE ISLAND Cont.....

SUN 19/02 1459PM – Member of the public reported a vessel leaning over on side at Southern end of Bribie, investigated, no markings on vessel Water Police notified.

THU 23/02 1231PM – Advised by Water Police 3m Yacht drifting off Toorbul Esplanade –investigate.

FRI 24/02 1629PM – MOP reported 2 Catamarans colliding near Sandstone Point Hotel – investigate, secure vessels & inform Water Police

SAT 25/02 1535PM – 4.2m Runabout non-member with motor issues, required a tow from Pumicestone Passage near Toorbul to the Toorbul Boat Ramp.

MON 27/02 1914PM – 5.5m

Full Cabin member broken down near IGA Bongaree, required a tow to Toorbul area.

2023 YEAR RADIO ROOM STATISTICS

To Tuesday 28th February 2023

2,845 Calls, 878 vessels logged on,

BRIBIE

SAFETY DAVE THE FRENCHIE’S MESSAGE

:

“Having the right safety equipment on your boat and knowing how to use it is essential. This could save your life in an emergency. The safety equipment you're required to carry depends on the size of your boat, whether the boat needs to be registered and where you're operating”!

Minimum Safety Equipment in Pumicestone Passage: Firefighting equipment,

signalling device, life jacket Anchor and cable, Drinking water, Oars or paddles for boats under 6m, Bailing/ pumping equipment.

Minimum Safety Equipment in Moreton Bay:

All the above plus Flares & V Sheet, Chart & Compass Beyond Moreton Bay an EPIRB is also required.

For full details visit the MSQ Website: https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/ Safety/Smooth-and-partiallysmooth-water-limits/Swlbrisbane

43 Vessel Assists, 296 Sitreps, 145 Requests, 9 overdue vessels, 1 Vessel Tracking, 231 Radio Checks, 2 Weather Broadcasts, 2 Securite Broadcasts, 1 Pan Pan 0 Mayday. VHF 64.0%, 27MHz 0%, Phone 18.9%. GWN 2.8%

Family owned since the 90’s

Bribie Island AND Moreton Bay

Hello anglers, Mixed reports are coming in at the present. Good bags of fish from Ningi Creek, good Mangrove Jack and Bream.

Summer whiting to 42cm, winter whiting to 30cm coming from Red beach. Venus tusk fish, Grassy sweetlips, and Barracuda from the ripples. Plenty of good to great Flathead from throughout the passage.

I fished Bulwer two weekends ago, caught a nice bag of

Spangled Emperors, Venus’s tusk fish and Painted Sweetlips.

Tailors are still about, plenty of anglers coming in saying they are being cleaned up losing whole rigs.

Very good feedback coming

from customers using Armour Prawn Chasebaits, catching a good variety of fish. Mud and Sand crabs are being caught in the passage and on the sand banks toward Scarborough. Please remember to only take fish that you can eat, or ones that freeze without going soft. Fish conservation is in everyone’s interest. There has been plenty of talk in relation to current surveys of Snappers and Pearl Perch. The Rocky Reef Fin Fish working group will be meeting soon to discuss fishery management of these species.

The stocks of two popular iconic fish species – Snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) and Pearl Perch (Glaucosoma scapulare) – are classified as depleted in Queensland waters (Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, 2020a; Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, 2020b). Reducing fishing mortality through regulation is the conventional approach that fisheries

managers use to rebuild stock. The Queensland Government has introduced measures to regulate the take of Snapper and Pearl Perch – such as limiting the size and number of fish that can be caught during a trip or season, and fisheries closures. Despite a range of management changes occurring over the past 30 years, none have been successful in reversing the decline of either species. Tight lines and screaming reels. doc

Angus will not stop. He does release any fish over 60cm.

Great bag for Darren

Vic’s nice Muddy from the canals.

CHESTNUT TEAL Anas castanea

By: Marj Webber

Chestnut Teals are common visitors to Bribie Island when the waters are at suitable levels. The most likely spots to see them are at Buckley’s Hole, Kakadu Beach or in shallow waters and on sandbars in the Pumicestone Passage. There are two Teal species in our area – Chestnut Teal and Grey Teal.

They are small, elegant ducks 38-48 cm and weigh 505-800 g. Males’ heads are green and breasts and bellies are chestnut with a white patch on the flank. Eyes are red and tails are black. Large white patches under the wings are visible when they fly. Males and females are quite different in appearance, with females looking much like Grey Teals and difficult to identify. Chestnut Teal females are a little darker under the neck area. Their preferred habitats are salt and brackish waters along coastal areas but will frequent freshwater lakes and lagoons during drought times. They are mainly sedentary with many birds not moving far, but some will fly well inland or north in search of better conditions. During most of the day, many birds in small groups or large flocks roost beside the water. They are one of the few ducks that prefer salty water but need fresh water to drink. Areas in Australia where they are most likely to be seen are from Rockhampton in Queensland to Ceduna in South Australia. They are most common in Tasmania, and large numbers are also found in Victoria and NSW and in the SW of Western Australia. On occasion, they have been known to fly as far as PNG and Lord Howe Island.

Chestnut Teal feed in shallow water, mostly in

the late afternoon and early morning but will also dabble for morsels during the night. Food such as insects, molluscs, crustaceans and some aquatic vegetation is found at the water’s edge. Monogamous pairs are formed to last well after the breeding season. Down-lined nests are built in hollow trees over water, or in grassy patches mainly at the water’s edge. They willingly use nest boxes if provided. Seven to ten creamy eggs are laid. Sometimes females lay their eggs in other females’ nests which can result in very large broods of up to 17 ducklings. Females incubate the eggs for about 26 days. Males do not assist with the incubation but stay close by the female during this time and help with the rearing of the ducklings when they hatch. When the young hatch they almost immediately begin to swim and walk. Both parents defend their broods and will ward off predators by chasing, splashing and pecking, and sometimes pretending to be injured and leading the offender away.

Their main predators are Crows and Ravens, Blue-tongued Lizards, Lace Monitors, Purple Swamphens, Raptors and Foxes. These will eat the eggs and babies while Raptors and foxes will also take adult birds. In coastal areas, many of their preferred habitats have been developed and made useless for their needs. In areas where shooting is legal, many Chestnut Teal are killed each season.

Even so, their conservation status is secure at present, with large numbers found in Tasmania, in the southeast, and the southwest of Western Australia.

Buckley's Hole Environmental Park

This park can be accessed by a track leading from The Boulevard, near the park sign, which is about 100 metres from the corner of The Boulevard & McDonald St. Enjoy a pleasant walk along the beach around South Point to Red Beach, returning via Red Beach Track & Tully St. Roundtrip, approx. 1hr 30 mins.

Buckley’s Hole Conservation Park is a stunning 88-hectare large park on Bribie Island with woodlands, a beach, freshwater lagoon, and forest. It has long been a birdwatcher’s haven, with close to 200 species of birds thriving here. Some birdlife that can be spotted here include the black swan, spotless crake, Pink-eared duck, pacific black duck, grey teal, Australasian grebe, bar-shouldered dove, and pied oystercatcher. Avid bird watchers also frequent the sand spit, where it’s common to spot some roosting waders, lesser crested terns, gulls, and even a laughing gull.

Buckley’s Hole Conservation Park is also a terrific fishing destination. Local folklore has it that a fisherman named Buckley was often fishing on a site where the lagoon is

currently located. Throughout the decades, the park’s landscape has continued to evolve, which has made it an evolutionary hotspot -especially for fish in the waterhole. Thankfully, despite its popularity as a fishing destination, it doesn’t suffer from overfishing.

Aside from these, the park is an excellent place for a picnic. Bring your own food or snacks since there are no vendors in the immediate area. Bushwalking is also fantastic here, primarily because it’s uncommon to bump into other visitors. A walking path can be accessed from the Boulevard by the sign.

The walk can take you to the beach area, passing through South Point, Red Beach, and Tully. The entire walk will take around an hour and a half. It’s still considered pristine and untouched, so be sure to respect the environment, pick up after your rubbish, and leave your pets at home during your visit.

Buckley’s Hole Conservation Park is a unique, hidden gem in Bribie Island that shouldn’t be missed.

WITH CARE WITH CARE 4WD 4WD

Taking care of yourself and your environment will ensure your exploration by 4WD into some of Queensland’s most remote and beautiful natural places is safe and enjoyable.

BEFORE YOU GO

• Ensure you are proficient in 4WDing—try driving with an experienced four-wheel driver if you’re a novice.

• Pack good recovery gear.

• Check that your vehicle is in good working order.

• Check manufacturer’s tyre pressure recommendations for different terrain.

• Check which roads or tracks you are allowed to drive.

• Plan your trip thoroughly—calculate driving distances, check refuelling points and allow plenty of travelling time.

• Prepare for the conditions of the region you are travelling to— where possible get local advice.

• Pack detailed paper maps—GPS or other navigational devices are good but may stop working in some conditions.

• Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATION

• In all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

• Always know your location—plot your course on your maps.

• Take reliable communication equipment such as a satellite phone or UHF radio, and a list of local UHF radio channels and/ or emergency contacts.

• Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are recommended—these help rescuers locate your position and should only be used when you are when you are in danger or injured.

• Stay with your vehicle if you break down or become stranded.

RULES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• All Queensland Road rules apply, even on beaches—police patrol anytime, anywhere.

• A vehicle access permit must be purchased before driving on Bribie Island, K'Gari (Fraser Island), Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island), Cooloola and Minjerribah recreation areas.

• Watch out for, and give way to, walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

• Park visitors' vehicles are required to be fully road registered.

There are limited exceptions for non-standard, conditionally registered vehicles, but written authorisation is required in each case.

DON'T TAKE RISKS

• If it’s flooded, forget it—do not drive through floodwaters or fast flowing creeks.

• Do not drive into parks during and after periods of heavy rain— you could be cut off for days.

• Don’t get stuck, creeks can rise suddenly, roadsides can be boggy, wildfires move fast, and trees can fall unexpectedly during high winds.

LOOK AFTER THE PARKS

• Closed means closed—never drive into areas that are closed or have locked gates.

• Be prepared to turn back—fallen trees and washouts can occur on remote roads and tracks.

• Stay on track—if the road is blocked by an obstruction, don’t drive off the road or into roadside drains. It is recommended that you turn around and go back or look for another suitable track that is open. If safe, you may choose to remove an obstruction where possible, but do not put yourself or others in danger.

• Help protect our parks by ensuring you don’t carry plant seeds, soil or pests in footwear, clothing, boats, vehicles and gear.

• Winch safely—try not to use trees for winching. Use tree protectors if you have no other option.

WHEN DRIVING ON SAND

• Only use well-established tracks to reach the beach.

• Use passing bays on inland tracks, when encountering oncoming traffic.

• On the beach: Park well away from traffic areas. Park at an angle to the water so that drivers can see that you have stopped. Watch out for people and animals—they may not be able to hear your vehicle over the sound of the surf and wind. Stay away from nesting seabirds. If disturbed, adult birds can abandon their nests leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to heat, cold and predation.

DRIVING YOUR 4WD THROUGH SALT WATER; WHY IT’S A DUMB DECISION.

DRIVING YOUR 4WD THROUGH SALT WATER; WHY IT’S A DUMB DECISION.

.

Rust in your chassis is very common too, but being a much thicker steel, the rust takes a lot longer. If you find rust in your chassis, you’ve likely got a much, much bigger problem!

-SALTWATER AND INSURANCE

by AARON SCHUBERT Part 1

There are plenty of ways you can neglect your 4WD. Ignoring the recommended service schedule, bouncing your way up a hill with wheels going everywhere, not adjusting your tyre pressures for the terrain or simply giving the engine a hard time. How you treat your 4WD is entirely up to you; it’s yours, and you are the one who must cough up the money to have it repaired. However, I am confused as to why people still seem to think there is nothing wrong with Driving their 4WDs through salt water. Water crossings are a part of 4WDing and happen all the time. Providing you take the recommended precautions; water crossings are no drama. However, if you like your 4WD, I’d seriously recommend you stay out of salt water! It’s high up on the list of 12 ways to wear your 4WD out faster.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL WITH DRIVING THROUGH SALT WATER?

-Pretty well all of the metal that makes up your 4WD is vulnerable to rust. When it comes from the factory, it is painted and protected (to an extent) from rusting. However, regardless of a 4WD’s age, rust is a serious threat. Driving through salt water in your 4WD is the best way to start a very expensive journey of future rust repairs. Water gets into everything and will sit in places you can’t wash out or even see, causing hugely expensive damage as time goes on.

-RUST IN YOUR 4WD

-One of the most expensive repairs you can be doing on a 4WD is trying to fix panels that have rusted away. Rust is referred to as cancer for cars, and it really is a terrible thing. Once rust starts, getting rid of it is a nightmare, and a very costly exercise to do correctly. I’ve always believed prevention is better than cure. If you look after your 4WD, it has very little chance of rusting, and you will never have to worry about it. However, neglect your vehicle, and there’s a good chance in a few years it will be worth very little! Rust is a slow process. It doesn’t happen the day after you’ve driven through salt water. It starts slowly, and months go by before you will notice anything. By the time you can see evidence of rust though, it’s usually too late.

-WHERE DOES THE RUST USUALLY START?

-Your body panels are the first thing to start rusting on a 4WD. The panels are not very thick and have plenty of spots where water can sit and start the rusting process. Gutters, windowsills, around the windscreen, wheel arches and the sills of the vehicle are the most common places for rust to start, and often you won’t see it until the rust has a good hold on your panels.

-A vehicle that cops a decent amount of salt water through the body is usually a writeoff. Sometimes this is due to damage to the electrical components, but if your 4WD gets caught at high tide and fills up with salt water, your 4WD insurance company will class it as a write-off. This is a pretty clear indication of how serious saltwater damage can be. If you’ve ever seen a 4WD that has done a lot of driving in salty conditions, it’s pretty obvious why they get written off. It is nasty stuff.

WHEN DO PEOPLE DRIVE THROUGH SALT WATER?

The most common place people drive through salt

water is on the beach. Sometimes it’s to cross a river, or because the beach has become too narrow to continue. Other times, it’s just because people choose to drive through salt water. Sure, a photo of your 4WD driving down the beach with salt spray going everywhere is nice, but it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg in the long run. I’ve seen 4WDs drive along a beach that’s 50 meters wide, and they head straight down to the water, just to flick it around everywhere. It might be fun, but the bill you will have to pay in the future to repair the rust won’t be.

Dear Editor - Chook in a Bag

letters to the editor

The Editor, I must admit I did have a chuckle at Max Schultz’s reply to my letter about inconsiderate drivers on Bribie. After nearly 13 years of retirement, my pulse rate has slowed down enough! Max, you forgot that the 40 km/ hr limit is only between designated times in school zones. But being a careful driver, I always use extra caution in these areas no matter what the time is. You forgot this when you did your calculation! As you are a self-confessed slow designated driver, who may be a senior (like myself) I do hope you know where your indicator is and use it correctly, especially on roundabouts. Some of our drivers (young and senior) on Bribie and off the island seem to have forgotten what they are for it seems. You are correct that exceeding the speed limit is a killer on our roads, and my frustration only stems from the results of inconsiderate and inattentive driving. These driver behaviours exacerbate the issues of road trauma and its consequences, for which I have more an extensive experience of them than you. As always, I wish everyone safe driving wherever you are.

Graham Hunt

The unthinking and uncaring nature of people never ceases to amaze and disgust me. On the morning of Sunday 19 Feb 2023, I noticed a discarded plastic Woolworths shopping bag next to the footpath of Cotterill Ave, opposite the bottom intersection of Barklya Cr. Being in the habit of picking up rubbish along the roadside, I picked up the bag that obviously had something not quite right in it. When opening the bag, I was actually thinking: “Please don’t be an Animal!” But of course, there in the bag was a beautiful but dead chicken. Yes, a lovely red feathered chook and a shopping docket. I had to wonder at the reason someone would dump a dead animal next to someone else’s home. They must know that it is going to become a putrid stinking mess. Do they not like the people in the area? Are they just inconsiderate fools with little regard for others? But I do know that on 18/02/2023 at 14:35, purchases of bananas, red plums, coca cola x 2,

Hello Ed,

When the LNP was in power they introduced the welfare card into several areas where domestic violence and alcohol abuse were prevalent and according to reports it was working but then came the ALP who in their wisdom decided that it is far more dignified to give welfare recipients cash and what happens alcohol violence and domestic violence increase again. We are talking about welfare recipients, not pensioners, many welfare recipients leave school, receive welfare have a family who leaves school and receives welfare and so on. The term welfare means looking after someone who needs a roof over their head, food in their stomach, public transport and clothes on their

LETTER TO THE EDITOR,

tonic water, milo, jex steel wool pads the courier mail and one Woolworths Reusable Bag of which a use was obviously found. Cash was paid and they don’t have a rewards card. They don’t like to carry a lot of change as $50.40 was given to get back $20.15 instead of $19.75. Obviously can’t handle death, are not very nice individuals and I don’t think they are all that smart as they left the shopping docket in the bag with the dead Chook.

As for what I assume was the family pet, I took her home and buried her as was the most respectful thing to do and the shopping bag is in the bin. Now having said all that, I cannot say for sure that the owner of the bag was the owner of the chook. I don’t care if it was your chook or if you found the chook and used the bag to pick it up. Whoever it was who dumped the chook in the bag you should be ashamed of yourself for leaving it for someone else to deal with!

Morning Walker

back, it does not mean money to gamble, to buy alcohol or cigarettes, and a welfare card didn’t reduce the amount of money paid out just what the money could be spent on, what is wrong with that? After all, should the taxpayer be working to pay for someone else to be supporting the breweries, lotteries, poker machines and tobacco companies? How much checking goes into where the welfare money actually goes? Let’s say I arrived as a refugee sometime in the last 25 years, started receiving welfare, decided to go home for a holiday and never returned. Is it possible to have that money transferred out of the country? Or in another situation, someone on welfare goes to live in Bali or Thailand and has the money transferred

Top marks to Michael of Bongaree (The Islander, Issue 185,Feb 24) for his temerity - in the present political climate -  in daring to highlight the benefits of Aussie society flowing from Britain's occupation and colonisation of our vast country, 250 years ago. Imagine (as Michael points out) what Australia COULD be like today if subjected to early colonisation by the French, Portuguese, the Dutch or the Germans!. And if no other seafaring nation had made the effort to open up Australia for progressive development and cultural change , what sort of Australiawith what services and facilities - would (or could) we be, today? That's worth thinking about.

With all the talk about ethnic origins today, it's also worth remembering that the British trace their ancestry back at least ONE MILLION YEARS.

Carbon dated footprints ( found recently) in northern England , and in Ireland, tell us that

to an account over there, can this be arranged? I seem to remember when the Israel Jets attacked Beirut an awful lot of Australians needed help to come home and it was reported that up to 25,000 Australians lived in Beirut or had duel citizenship, was it possible for these citizens to still be receiving welfare? For many years the government has been trying to move towards a cashless society to control the taxevading cash for jobs and this to me seemed a good opportunity to control what government money was being wasted instead of being used for the right purposes, such as child welfare, and eating proper food.

Philip Arlidge

man first walked on British soil at least that long ago......which means that a great chunk of our Aussie population today can claim ethnic links going back that far, too. Compare this with the authenticated Aboriginal occupancy of Australia for 60/65,000 years.... or about 6% of the time the Brits have been around.             Eight generations of my family have been born and bred in Australia since my great grandfather sailed here in the 1850s, just before the Gympie gold rush. That, in my view, makes all 8 generations of us “Indigenous".... although not of Aboriginal stock....and all the major internationally recognised dictionaries, worldwide, agree with this interpretation. Many of today's Aussies can claim indigenous status (on the same basis) dating back to first settlement by the British in the 1780s.....12 generations back, to the day of the "first fleeters”. That’s something else to think about.

C. Walker

Hi Editor,

I enjoyed reading your introduction on page 5 of the Bribie Islander. What you say is totally correct!  We live in such a changed and dangerous world. You say something needs to change. And trust me it will change soon and for the better. You only have to go to JW.ORG and take a look and read up on some of the articles that clearly indicate we are living deep in the last days. Soon God will act on behalf of kind and decent people and usher in a peaceful world that will establish justice and righteousness.

Kind Regards K

Dear Editor,

Agree with Mr Fitzgerald regarding the four laned bridge most people have lobbied for. The discussions about a new bridge further down would appear more logical for traffic flow as the present bridge with four lanes would only add to the congestion through Bellara and along Goodwin which already is at peak load in holiday times.

As someone else suggested, why not just one extra lane next to the present bridge that can be used for pedestrians, cyclists etc, with removal bollards at each end, so that emergency vehicles can use it when there is an issue on the bridge blocking it. If there is an accident on the bridge, with removable fencing in between these two lanes then they can access the accident. Also,

Dear Editor,

A letter from a 7-year-old’s when visiting his grandparents and busted the new park.

“The rides look really fun. I feel really bad because you've done all that work and don't want you to have to come back, but I also really want to play on the playground.”

His wheelchair couldn’t get in because it was built on bark not accessible ground covering.

Jessica Dove London

Dear Editor, May I have the following message printed in your community column of your paper , in hopes of finding the perpetrators.

Around 2008 the RSL Beachmere Sub-Branch , with permission, placed two bench seats outside the then IGA store corner of Beachmere Road and Bishop Road Beachmere.

One seat was engraved in memory of the Vietnam Veterans who served, the other seat with a community message. Both seats were frequently used and respected, and remained in their position when the new shopping centre was built.

Recently both seats were vandalised by being forced out of their dynabolt mountings, the seats were situated outside the “Black Cat Eatery. One seat

if there is no emergency but other blockage of bridge such as breakdown or minor accident, then the police can use the third lane to move the traffic around the issue and clear traffic. The main problem with the bridge is allowing movement on and off the island when blocked, this will still enable people to get past it to attend medical or other appointments and emergency vehicles to go about their business without waiting for clearance of the bridge. Police can manage the traffic flow just as they do in similar situations. Cheaper option and accommodates all the reason people give for two more lanes which does not address the heavy traffic influx dispersal onto the island.

Rhonda Cooper

To The Editor

received unrepairable damage. Now there are small table and chairs presumably from the owners of the Eatery where the seats were.

Not only are there no seats to rest on, but this act of irresponsible vandalism is hurtful and an insult to our Defence Forces who fought in Vietnam, many of whom lost their lives. This could be interpreted as “Desecration of a memorial “

From a disappointed ex Service person.

(NFP —Dick Bird Beachmere

“ Domestic violence, it isn't just some Neanderthal men with an IQ's of a retarded grape, it is worse than that. Its tentacles spread like a virulent disease, the obvious horrendous numbers are the women who are killed at the rate of one a week. But it doesn't stop there, it affects their children, siblings, parents, friends, colleagues, workplaces and no doubt increases the risk of youth crime. Seven years ago the chief executive of DV connect said that domestic violence cost Queensland taxpayers $3 billion a year, the government knows the statistics, and yet every year the problem gets worse.

In a media article last year it was estimated that it would require $7 billion in funding to house around 3000 Women and children currently at risk of domestic violence in Queensland .

That compares to the $21 billion that DV has cost taxpayers in the last 7 years, or the $10 billion that the government has spent on the new cross river rail.

It would appear that the only thing that this government is interested in is the next “Shiny". A Shiny by definition

is any activity that requires a hardhat, photo opportunities, and a complete lack of fiscal responsibility, logic or business plan.

All we seem to get is committee meetings and platitudes and the DV sufferers deserve so much more. .

Charles at Banksia

"

Busy Fingers...

PUBLIC HOLIDAY CLOSURES COMING UP

Please be aware that the shop will be closed for the 4-day Easter Break from 7th to 10th April reopening on Tuesday 11th ANZAC Day is on Tuesday 25th April and Labour Day are Monday 1st May. The shop will be closed on those public Holidays, and the gates will be closed too, so please do not leave donations on the footpath as this is council land and they classify this as dumping and fines can apply.

CONDITION OF ENTRY

Recently, we had a person shoplifting, when we asked to look in her bag, she became very rude, and attacked our cashier verbally and physically. Please note that a condition of entry into the shop is that we can ask to look in your bag. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated, we have cameras throughout the shop and if we can identify offenders we will prosecute, so please do not put us in that situation. We feel our goods are very reasonably priced, and we often have clothing for $10 a basket and furniture and other items half price so we feel it is unnecessary to steal.

DONATIONS

When donating your preloved items to us, can you please check that they are in working order and that the clothes are clean. If clothes have been put in a bag damp and placed in our white bins it may be a few days before we open them, and mould is quick to attach. Thank you for your cooperation.

VOLUNTEERS

We always welcome new volunteers, so if you have a few hours spare please give us a call on 3408 1014 or pop into the shop and speak to Sonia, we are registered with Centrelink for Job Seeker requirements. Newcomers to the island can easily make new friends as we have an excellent group of volunteers working with us, it is also a wonderful way of supporting our beautiful island and its residents.

DONATIONS THIS MONTH

With the help of our supporters and the many customers that come through the shop we have been able to assist many associations on the island this month including our permanent assistance to VMR for fuel, Hospice for the Palliative Care Suite, and the monthly assistance with Foodbank and Fuel for BI Global Care. Dragons Abreast Pumicestone needed a Portable Storage Trailer, we have granted some Jerseys, socks and shorts and some training singlets to the BI Senior Rugby League Club. The Bribie Social Seniors needed to hire a bus as they like to go on bus trips, Gallery Singers needs a new electric piano, and BIEPA asked for some of the shop vouchers for their fundraising event in May. Mahalo Outriggers requested assistance in the rental of Port-a-loos for their regatta. Toc H needs to remove some trees whose roots are invading neighbours’ property, last but not least we have voted once again to be involved with the Blue Edge Problem at the Bribie State School which was very successful last year.

REQUEST FOR PRESENTATIONS AND DONATIONS

If you are a member of an island club or association and require assistance, please let us know. We try to assist all not-for-profit associations and sporting clubs, we also assist the Police, SES, VMR and the BI Hospice. Our President Pauline is quite happy to come along to your club and present our aims and goals and how your club can apply for assistance. Please call 3410 1920 or email busyfingers1@bigpond. com if you wish to have a presentation or if you wish to apply for a grant of assistance. When applying for assistance please include a contact name and phone number and also a current equipment quote (from an island business if possible), tell us a bit about your association/club and membership and why you need the equipment you are requesting, and email it to busyfingers1@bigpond. com  Please be aware we only support Bribie Island  associations and groups, not individuals.

I would like to thank all our supporters and customers, and a very special thank you to the Bribie Islander and the staff for their continuing support. I hope to see you in the shop soon.

Sandra

BRIBIE ISLAND WRAP

www.mypolice.qld.gov.au/moreton

Rise in domestic violence occurrences prompts safety message from police and support services.

Police and support services are providing an important reminder on how vulnerable members of our community and those who may feel unsafe in their homes or relationships can access vital support.

Inspector Melissa Dwyer from the Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Command said everyone had the right to feel safe in their homes, but police were seeing increased reporting of domestic and family violence across the state.

“Last Financial Year police responded to 138,871 domestic violence occurrences in our community with March being the month we saw the highest number of occurrences,” Inspector Dwyer said. “These callouts often happen when a crisis point has been reached and it can be complex to resolve these issues. We are here today to remind people of the various ways they can seek support through family and friends, support services or police.”

“We tend to see more women seeking refuge and making the decision to leave unsafe relationships at this time of year,” she said.

“The decision to leave can be a time of increased risk for those in unsafe relationships and may lead to a higher level of reporting. “The Be There app is a bystander empowerment tool which provides information on how you can learn the signs, connect the dots and remember the moments that matter to support those who need a safe space.”

• For more information on Griffith University’s MATE and Be There program visit: https://matebystander.edu.au/ or  download the free Be There app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store

• For more information on the Lady Musgrave Trust and the online Handy Guide visit https://thehandyguide.com.au/ Assault and wilful damage, Morayfield

A 34-year-old man has been charged with wilful damage and assault occasioning bodily harm whilst armed after an incident that occurred on February 20 at Morayfield. It is alleged a 49-year-old woman was assaulted after she was hit with a metal bar by a man known to her. At about 3am on February 20, the woman was attended a service station on Buchanan Road, Morayfield after she having an argument with the man. After departing, the woman encountered the man in his car in the vicinity of Burbury Road, Morayfield where the woman attempted to get away from the man. It is alleged the man blocked her vehicle, got out of his car and smashed the rear driver’s side window of her car with a metal bar. It is further alleged that when she got out of her car, he hit her with the metal bar causing her to fall to the ground. She suffered bruising to her torso. Police responded, however the man had fled the scene prior to their arrival. He was apprehended on March 1 and charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and wilful damage. He was remanded in custody and will appear in the Caboolture Magistrates Court.

Domestic violence arrests

Five people have been arrested overnight for unrelated offences of contravening a domestic violence order. This includes, a 63-year-old male was arrested at a Lawnton residence where he was not able to attend, due to a Domestic Violence Order. It is alleged that the male attended the address at about 1.30pm on March 1, entered without permission and began drinking alcohol. The resident left and contacted police who attended the residence and located the man. He was arrested and remanded in custody to appear in the Pine Rivers Magistrates court.