The Bribie Islander Community Magazine Issue 214

LOCK

CHERRIE WILSON

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

ADVERTISING on 0448 448 457 or 0493 838 687 sales.thebribieislander@gmail.com

DEBBIE HUNTER GRAPHIC DESIGN design.thebribieislander@gmail.com

JENDA JACOBS ACCOUNTS 0400 932 604 invoicing.thebribieislander@gmail.com

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Country across our region. We also acknowledge and pay our respects to the Kabi Kabi, Jinibara and Turrbal Traditional Custodians, and their elders past, present and emerging of the lands, winds and waters where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects and acknowledge the important role of Elders past and present, for they hold the memories of the traditions, cultures and aspirations of Australia’s First Nations peoples, and have taken on the responsibility to protect and promote their culture and leave a legacy for future Elders and leaders.

DOLLYS DREAM 14

HELP KIDS START READING

BRIBIE CLASSIC BOAT REGATTA

Dear Readers,

Welcome to edition 214. Instead of an editor's note from me this edition, I have decided to leave you with a poem I find very inspirational.

Take care, Stay safe,

CONTRIBUTORS

Anne Matthews

Al Finegan

Barry Clark

Bribie Bait & Tackle

Colin Walker

David Horrocks

Elaine Lutton

Greg - Recipes

Joie Scheinpflug

John Traill

Karyn Chalk

The Power of One

by Ashish Ram

One song can spark a moment

One flower can wake the dream

One tree can start a forest

One bird can herald spring

One smile begins a friendship

One handclasp lifts a soul

One star can guide a ship at sea

One word can frame the goal

One vote can change a nation

One sunbeam lights a room

One candle wipes out darkness

One laugh will conquer gloom

One step must start each journey

One word must start each prayer

One hope will raise our spirits

One touch can show you care

One voice can speak with wisdom

One heart can know what’s true

One life can make the difference You see, it’s up to you!!

Katherine Miller

Kathy Vincent

Maria Christina

Marj Webber

Peter Schinkel

Peter Dallimore

Philip Arlidge

Robyn- B.I.

Boat Charters

Sue Wighton

When it comes to the pursuit of beauty, people are willing to go to pretty extreme lengths. Thousands of dollars in surgery, botulism, or "Botox," injections and face creams made of caviar and crushed pearls have become par for the course.

So, women got excited when the cosmetics industry announced a new type of makeup that costs between $10 and $50 a jar. It is supposed to create the appearance of a perfect complexion while making skin healthier in the long run. Although it has actually been around since the '70s, Mineral makeup is the early-21stcentury beauty cure-all. That is, at least according to the multibillion-dollar cosmetics industry, which spends about 25 per cent of its revenue on marketing and about 2 per cent on research and development. With that balance, it's hard to know what's true.

In this article, we'll learn what mineral makeup is and what it isn't and explore the pros and cons of the latest cosmetics revolution.

First: What's the big idea behind "mineral makeup?" Ideally, mineral makeup is exactly what it sounds like cosmetics made mostly of naturally occurring minerals mined from the earth.

Minerals like zinc oxide, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, mica, and ultramarine are ground into fine particles and used to make powders and foundations. These minerals provide not only pigment but also sun protection and antiinflammatory effects.

The other big selling point for mineral makeup is purity. The products are supposed to be natural, so they're nonirritating and healthier than conventional cosmetics. If you buy mineral makeup, you expect it to be free of controversial ingredients like parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes, and fragrances that can harm sensitive skin. That's

where things get a bit hairy. When it comes to mineral makeup, how pure is "pure?"

Mineral Makeup

Marketing Claims

Is mineral makeup really pure and natural? As with most bigbusiness marketing claims, there's no simple answer. The terms "pure" and "natural" are neither standardised nor regulated in cosmetics, so companies can pretty much say whatever they want. Some products are what they seem -- made of all-natural minerals. Some aren't natural at all. The minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have been common in foundations and powders for decades; technically, any makeup with those ingredients can call itself "mineral makeup" and be legally correct. You might look at the ingredient list of a mineral foundation and find synthetic preservatives like phthalates or parabens in it; you might find synthetic binders and fillers. There's just no way to know until you look since labelling in the industry

is pretty loose.

So let's say you pick up a pot of "100 Percent Pure" Bare Minerals foundation and check the ingredients. It says titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, bismuth oxychloride, mica and iron oxides. Sounds pretty natural, right? No parabens, no phthalates, no FD&C Yellow. But there's a problem here that you'll find in many top-selling mineral makeup brands. The problem is bismuth oxychloride. Bismuth oxychloride is a mineral, but it's not a natural one. It's a metal derivative, most commonly obtained as a lead or copper smelting byproduct. It has been used in cosmetics for years to impart a shimmering glow. That glow is a big selling point in mineral makeup, and you'll find this synthetic powder in many brands that claim to be all-natural. Bismuth is naturally occurring; bismuth oxychloride is not.

The other problem with bismuth oxychloride is that it's a known irritant. It can

cause itchiness and rashes and even trigger acne breakouts in people with sensitive skin. While this powder is in many cosmetics, it's a particular problem in mineral makeup because mineral makeup is specifically marketed to people with sensitive skin. It's easy enough to find mineral makeup that doesn't use bismuth oxychloride. A few companies that offer bismuth-free products are Jane Iredale, Mineral Silk, and Erth. But something else to remember: In makeup, "natural" doesn't necessarily mean "good." Powder makeup, and perhaps mineral makeup, can make older skin look worse by settling into wrinkles. Moreover, some perfectly natural minerals like mica and talc are problematic. Mica can cause micro-tears and irritation in sensitive skin; talc is an irritant and a carcinogen. But don't worry -- you can find many products marketed as mica- and talcfree, too. In cosmetics, there's something for every paying customer.

12 Odd BEAUTY PRODUCTS THROUGHOUT

HISTORY

1. Ambergris

Ambergris—a highly flammable, waxy substance with a sweet, earthy odour—comes from the intestines of whales and is used in perfume manufacturing. Before the 18th century, men and women moulded ambergris into beads worn as aromatic necklaces. Although whales excrete the substance naturally (it's jokingly called whale barf), synthetic ambergris is now made to prevent the slaughter of whales for this highly soughtafter product.

2. Wax

Wax is a common ingredient in many hair products and facial cosmetics today, but the men and women of ancient Egypt used wax more creatively. They would stick a cone of pomade, or scented ointment, on the top of their head, and over time, their body heat would melt the wax and give off a pleasant aroma.

3. Kohl

Often made from soot, kohl was used for black eyeliner in ancient Egypt, North Africa, the Middle East, and Greece. Although kohl protects the eyes against the harsh sun and certain eye infections, some forms of the pigment contain lead—not exactly a safe ingredient. Lead poisoning can induce insanity and death.

4. Carmine

The cochineal bug is a bright red insect that hangs out mostly on cacti in places such as Peru, Chile, Mexico, and the Canary Islands. For centuries, these bugs have been crushed for the carminic acid they produce, which is used to make a bright red dye called carmine. A common ingredient in lipsticks, rouges, and eye shadow, the dye is also synthetically produced today.

10 TH MAY 2024 - FROM 6:00PM

Each year Great Northern Garden of Remembrance holds a special Mother’s Day Memorial Service in our beautiful Deception Bay chapel to remember and celebrate the wonderful women in our lives. This is your chance to gather with others, hear heartfelt stories and reflect.

Simply RSVP to 3888 6622 by Wednesday, May 8th. Entry is free and a light supper will be served afterwards.

5. Guanine

Guanine crystals, a compound made from fish scales and guano (the excrement of bats and sea birds), refract light in a lovely, pearly way. This gives beauty products such as shampoo, nail polish, and shimmering lotions their shiny, glittery appearance.

6. Boar Bristles

All hairbrushes are not created equal, at least according to fans of the boar bristle hairbrush. Boar bristle is scaly in texture, making it effective for cleaning the hair shaft, follicle, and scalp and for distributing oil along the hair shaft. Boars needn't be harmed for their bristles; they are just sheared like sheep. Boar bristle brushes can be found in fine salons and online for around $35. www.photographybybambi.com.au

7. Chitosan

Chitosan oligosaccharide is made from chitin, a starch found in the skeletons of shrimp, crabs, and other shellfish. It helps maintain moisture in facial cleansers and creams. Not only does it keep the stuff in the tube damp, but this substance also keeps the skin moisturised.

8. Hooves and Feathers

Gelatin and keratin are animal by-products derived from the

hair, hooves, horns, skin, bones, and feathers of animals such as cows, chickens, and horses. These ingredients have long been included in shampoos and conditioners as binding agents.

9. Propolis

Also called "bee glue," propolis is a brownish resin bee collected from tree buds and bark to fill crevices and varnish the hive. Due to its antiseptic, antiinflammatory, and anesthetic properties, bee glue can be found in many "all-natural" lip balms, cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and toothpaste.

But be careful—just because a product is "all-natural" doesn't mean it's safe for everyone. Allergic reactions to propolis are fairly common.

10. Silk

Women in Japan have used silk in clothing and cosmetics for centuries. Silk contains 18 amino acids, making it a natural moisturizer readily absorbed by the skin. Silkworms produce silk naturally, and only the real stuff provides any benefits to the skin—synthetic silk has none of those properties.

11. Civet

The civet, which looks like a cat but is more closely related to the mongoose, has sacs near its anus that create secretions harvested for perfume. The process of obtaining the secretions is painful for civets, so animal rights activists have

succeeded in reducing this practice. Fortunately, synthetic materials provide the same stuff without harming the animals.

12. Londinium Powder

Japanese women of the Heian era (around A.D. 800-1200) used londinium, a lead-based powder, mixed with water to create a thin paste they applied to their faces. As with lead-based eyeliners in other parts of the world, this stuff was not very good for those who used it. The body easily absorbs lead and can quickly cause many health problems and even death.

MEGA CLEARANCE SALE

Hello, my name is Lisa and I am the Founder of LJ Aesthetics. As a Registered Nurse, Cosmetic Injector, and Dermal Skin Therapist, I have over 20 years of experience in the Beauty Industry. I operate two clinics, one in Redcliffe and the other is at Bribie on First Ave in Bongaree. I welcome you to schedule a free consultation with me.

My qualifications include an Advanced Diploma of Health Science, a Diploma in Beauty Therapy, a Bachelor of Nursing, and certification in Fundamentals of Cosmetic Injectables. I have trained alongside industry leaders and am committed to continuing my education by obtaining internationally recognized industry certificates. I am now a certified Trainer and train Doctors, Dentists and Nurses in the fundamentals of cosmetics both nationally and internationally. My passion is to provide the most current and best practices to my clients, building my reputation as a highly respected professional.

I bring a holistic approach to my injectable practice, aligning with my Australian Catholic

University education. My goal is to empower my clients to achieve natural and subtle-looking beauty through cosmetic enhancement.

I prioritize long-term patient care and affordability, focusing on treating volume loss and correcting asymmetry in the brows, lips, and cheeks. My commitment to my clients is to deliver a natural and subtle enhancement rather than an overdone appearance, providing impeccable care.

MY SERVICES INCLUDE

• Anti-Wrinkle Injections

• Dermal Fillers for correcting asymmetries, restoring facial volume, creating fuller lips, and shaping facial contours

• Micro Needling RF for a Mini Non-Surgical Facelift and Collagen Regeneration. This treatment promotes collagen synthesis, resulting in skin thickening, skin tightening, and rejuvenation effects.

I am very passionate about cosmetics; it’s something that I constantly think about and enjoy learning new things about. It’s a big part of my life and I always strive to improve my knowledge and skills in this area.

See you soon Nurse Lisa

Believe in Yourself: The Key to Unlocking Your Potential

In a world filled with uncertainties and doubts, one thing remains constant: the power of selfbelief. It's the spark that ignites our dreams, the fuel that propels us forward, and the magic ingredient that turns aspirations into reality. But how do we cultivate this belief in ourselves, especially when faced with challenges and setbacks? Let's dive in and explore the transformative power of believing in yourself.

EMBRACE YOUR

UNIQUENESS:

Each one of us is a masterpiece, with our own set of strengths, talents, and quirks. Embracing what makes you unique is the first step towards believing in yourself. Celebrate your individuality and recognise that you have something special to offer the world.

BANISH SELF-DOUBT:

Negative self-talk can be a silent killer of dreams. It's time to silence that inner critic and replace self-doubt with selfaffirmation. Remind yourself of your past achievements, no matter how small, and use them as stepping stones towards your future success.

VISUALISE YOUR SUCCESS:

The power of visualisation cannot be underestimated. Close your eyes and imagine yourself achieving your goals. Feel the emotions of success coursing through your veins.

By visualising your success, you are programming your mind for victory.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVITY:

They say you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who believe in you and your dreams. Their encouragement will bolster your own self-belief.

TAKE INSPIRED ACTION:

Believing in yourself is more than just wishful thinking; it requires action. Take inspired action towards your goals, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. With each step forward, you'll reaffirm your belief in your abilities.

LEARN FROM FAILURE:

Failure is not the opposite of success; it is a stepping stone on the path to success. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and a chance to grow. Use setbacks as fuel to

propel yourself even further towards your dreams.

PRACTICE

SELF-COMPASSION:

Along the journey of self-belief, it is important to be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer a dear friend. Remember, you are doing the best you can with the tools you have.

In conclusion, believing in yourself is the foundation upon which all great achievements are built. It is a mindset, a choice, and a superpower that lies within each and every one of us. So, dare to dream big, trust in your abilities, and watch as the universe conspires to make your dreams a reality. Believe in yourself, and anything is possible. Want help in unlocking your potential? Take that first step today and give me a call, on 0405 361 882. I can support you in turning that dream into a reality!

Always with love, Maria x

37 Benabrow Ave, Bellara 4507

BELLARA | GYMPIE | BURPENGARY | NOW OPEN @ MOOLOOLABA

Beachmere Health Centre is a locally owned private/mixed billing family practice. Our

are our number one priority. With a team of dedicated clinicians and staff members we are here to look after you.

DO IT FOR DOLLY DAY: COMBATING BULLYING ON MAY 10TH 2024

Do It For Dolly Day, a significant event observed on May 10th, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of combating bullying and fostering kindness in our communities. This year, I am thrilled to announce a special initiative at Bribie State High School, where we are taking proactive steps to address bullying through education and awareness. As part of my efforts, I have coordinated with Tom Curtain, ambassador of Dolly's Dream, a musician, horseman, and Golden Guitar winner, gold award and award in best accessible tourist attraction in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards 2023 to deliver a powerful message to students virtually. Tom and I share a connection as former school captains at Kumbia School, and it has been incredible to witness his personal and professional growth, including his business, Katherine Outback Experience. Tom will share his insights and experiences, urging students to "speak up even if your voice shakes" in honour of Dolly Everett, who tragically took her own life due to bullying. His award-winning

In addition to Tom's message, I am privileged to have Dinesh Palipano, a doctor, lawyer, author, advocate and Australian of the Year, deliver positive messages to students virtually. Young people need positive role models who inspire and empower them to stand up against bullying and cultivate a culture of kindness and respect.

Bullying continues to be a significant issue affecting children and adolescents, both online and offline. Through ongoing education and awareness, I aim to equip students with the tools and resources they

need to recognise, prevent, and address bullying effectively.

I strongly urge everyone to visit www. dollysdream.org.au to learn more about how you can get involved and support children who may be experiencing bullying. Your participation is crucial in our collective efforts to combat bullying and create a safer, kinder, and more inclusive world for all.

Let us pledge to make a difference and create a safer, kinder, and more inclusive world for all.

Tracey Blinco

song "Speak Up "can be found on Spotify.

Ex- Servicewomen Honoured in Portraiture

Carla Edwards, a photojournalist from Lake Macquarie, NSW, has been travelling, when possible, to photograph and interview Australia’s forgotten and largely unrecognised Ex-Service Women. Recently, the powerful narratives of 24 women were brought to life through their portraits and brief memoirs, showcased in an exhibition at the Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park Sydney. The full memoirs are now preserved in perpetuity on the https://www. warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/nswstories/theme/recognising-womens-service site, Marking a significant milestone in our mission. This two-month exhibition was made possible by generous funding from the NSW Office for Veteran Affairs.

Carla has been photographing women in all services on Bribie and the Sunshine Coast this past week. " From Bribie's, Dottie Fisher, 92yo, our oldest Ex Svce WRAAC, who can still wield a mean walker while recovering from a leg injury to Terri Ann Howard, with more recent service in the Signals Corps. TA experienced deployments in 1993 Western Sahara, 2000 Bougainville, and 2002 East Timor and sustained a broken back during her service. The injury has not daunted this resilient and now fit ex-servicewoman who has just graduated with Honours in Occupational Therapy. When this began, it was only going to be a small project on the Central Coast, but with encouragement from Brisbane

Waters Legacy, “You need to do this at a higher level because there’s nothing like it,” Carla set up the not-for-profit Storytelling Assistant Inc.

The commitment and camaraderie remain to this day, with memories forged in challenging environments. Ex-servicewomen on Bribie Island and surrounding areas attended a luncheon on the last Monday of the month in the RSL Social Cafe. All are welcome.

We encourage anyone interested in assisting Carla or participating in her quest to contact her directly.

This project is self-funded, and the full story of its birth can be accessed at https:// storytellingassistant.org.au/thebirth/.

RADIAL /FOCUSED SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

Clinically proven* to help these conditions

• Heel pain (plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy)

• Tennis and golfers elbow

• Patella tendinopathy

• Frozen shoulder

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy +/- calcification

* Hip bursitis

• Shin splints; Heel spurs

• Knee arthritis

SALES

instructions to us.

So if you are a Centrelink recipient or you just want to give back to your community and make new friends, please come along and speak to our manager or phone us on 3408 1014. Next month, I will share with you some of the duties involved in volunteering.

DONATIONS

I thought I would tell you about the volunteers that help us run the op shop, assisting us to raise funds for the island associations, schools and other not for profit groups and sporting clubs. We have 80 volunteers at present and we certainly welcome any newcomers as Busy Fingers is growing. When a new volunteer starts our manager takes them through an induction course to ensure they know where fire equipment and emergency exits are located, as both theirs and customers safety is our top priority. We have a tearoom/kitchen with the amenities to make coffee/ tea, toaster/sandwich maker and microwave and a large fridge for their lunches. We supply milk, tea, coffee and sugar and we also have a dishwasher. The room also has lockers for handbags and any items you purchase in the shop, we do ask you to refrain from carrying a mobile and using it while working, if you are expecting an urgent call please advise manager, otherwise please feel free to use it in your breaks. We have a morning tea break between 9 and 10am and a 30-minute lunch between 12 and 1pm or at the managers discretion for those doing a full day. Our shop opens at 8.30 but we ask our volunteers to arrive at 7.30 to enable cleaning before customers arrive and also to do your own shopping, as we ask all volunteers and staff to do their shopping at this time and also in their breaks only.

We welcome Centrelink workers who have been advised that they need to volunteer for so many hours per fortnight to receive payments. These hours have to be worked in their reporting fortnight, if they are sick, they will require a Centrelink medical certificate, or they are required to make up the time within that fortnight as per Centrelink’s

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 Hospice for the Palliative Care Suite. During our last meeting we assisted many associations on the island such as the BI Bulldogs with a Coffee Machine to cater for their supporters during games, 6 Mangrove Productions needed a laptop and lighting for their productions. Tigers Soccer Club required 2 dugouts to accommodate the kids during games, so kids not on the field will have shelter instead of sitting in the sun. BI Historical Society required microphones with built in PA system for their visitor’s walkabout tours.

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.

We have received new guidelines for invoicing of Donations we grant. Please note that when you apply for a grant, we require Quotes and Invoices to be in our name - Busy Fingers Fundraisers Inc. but for delivery to your organisations address. Also, we have to advise that if you purchase the item before we grant it, we cannot reimburse you

REQUEST FOR PRESENTATIONS &DONATIONS

If you are a member of an island club or association and require assistance, please let us know. We try to assist all non-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.

as the invoice is not in our name, so you must wait for our decision and then we will guide you through the process. We don’t want to disappoint anyone so please follow these guidelines, if you have any questions, please send us an email or call us on the number above. I would like to thank all our supporters and customers, and a very special thank you to the Bribie Islander and staff for their continuing support. I hope to see you in the shop

BRIBIE ISLAND VIEW Club

As the sun rose on Friday, March 8, 2024, many of the Bribie Island VIEW Club committee members were already up and about and soon making their way to Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club to attend to the final preparations for the annual International Women’s Day Breakfast. Each table was adorned with a delightful floral and candle centrepiece, and napkins in VIEW Colours enhanced the overall effect.

Guests started to arrive and register at 7:30 a.m., and within half an hour, most of the 94 guests had arrived and were seated. The happy sound of laughing and talking soon filled the venue. President Julie Bacon extended a warm welcome to the guests, expressing gratitude for their continued support of the event. She also introduced the guest speaker and entertainer, Cathy Drummond, who added a special touch to the event as the daughter of a long-standing Bribie Island VIEW member.

Following a very enjoyable breakfast, Cathy Drummond described how music had been an important part of her childhood, with impromptu family concerts a regular activity at weekends and school holidays. Completing her formal education took great effort and heaps of practice, but eventually, she performed with well-known

groups. Over the years, she has been able to forge an international career.

Amidst her engaging conversation with the audience, Cathy delighted everyone with a variety of popular songs. She graciously accepted special song requests, which further heightened the interactive atmosphere. The infectious energy soon had many guests leaving their seats to join in the dancing, creating a vibrant celebration of International Women’s Day.

It was a very enjoyable morning, and it was lovely to observe all the happy, smiling faces as guests departed somewhat reluctantly after such a special start to the day.

Stella Auchter Programmer

Local Author Expo

A fun-filled event at Burpengary Library, showcasing 15 local authors.

The event includes two Bribie Island authors with their widely-acclaimed debut book releases.

Peter Schinkel will showcase his anthology of quirky, heart-warming, science fiction short stories - “Twisted Planet Book One” along with Beverley Young and her powerful, passionate historical drama, set in 1800s Argentina - “The Long Road Into Hell”. The other 13 authors will be showcasing a wide range of genres at the event. Please book soon as numbers are limited. Burpengary Library. 11:00am to 1:00pm , Saturday 25th May 2024. 07 5433 2215

burpengary.library@moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Financial Wellbeing

TOP UP YOUR SUPER TO IMPROVE YOUR FINANCIAL

WELLBEING ON RETIREMENT

Super is a great way to accumulate savings for retirement. A healthy super balance could be the difference between just existing when you finish work and having the financial means to enjoy retirement. Super contributions receive favourable tax treatment, and investment earnings are taxed at 15% instead of at your marginal tax rate, so your savings can grow more effectively over time. There are two basic types of contributions that you can make: concessional and non-concessional.

Concessional contributions are, as the name implies, pre-tax contributions usually made by your employer if you are self-employed and/or through salary sacrifice. The “concession” you receive for such contributions is a 15% tax charge instead of the marginal tax rate you would pay if you took the earnings in cash. The amount you can contribute pre-tax is currently capped at $27,500 annually. This will increase to $30,000 from 1 July 2024. This includes your employer contributions. Note that penalties apply if you exceed the contributions cap.

Non-concessional contributions: can be made from after-tax income or savings and have more generous contribution ceilings. Suppose you are under age 75 and have less than $1.9m in super, including the non-concessional contribution you intend to make. In that case, the annual non-concessional contributions limit is currently $110,000. This will increase to $120,000 from 1 July 2024. You can contribute up to three times the annual cap amount at the start of a three-year period using what is known as the “bring forward” rule.

Downsizer contribution: if you are over 55 and decide to downsize to a smaller property, you can contribute up to $300,000 ($300,000 each for a couple) from the proceeds of selling your home. You or your spouse must have owned your home for 10 years or more before the sale. Your home must be in Australia, not a caravan, houseboat, or other mobile home. You must not have previously made a downsizer contribution to your super from selling another home. You must make your downsizer contribution within 90 days of receiving the sale proceeds, usually at the settlement date. The downsizer contribution does not count towards your contributions cap; you do not have to purchase another property to qualify. If you are

contemplating selling your home and contributing to your super from the sale proceeds, it is important to consider the impact on any Centrelink benefits you receive. Whereas the money tied up in your permanent place of living does not count towards the Centrelink assets test, downsizer money transferred to super will be treated as an asset, which may reduce your benefits if the value of your assets exceeds the allowable maximum.

Spouse contributions: You can contribute to your spouse's super fund, which is treated as their non-concessional contribution. If your spouse earns below a certain threshold, you may be eligible for a tax offset. Contributions splitting: You may be able to split contributions you have already made to your own super by rolling them over to your spouse's super, which is known as a contributions-splitting super benefit.

As always, inform yourself before making any financial decisions and seek professional help if unsure what to do.

Superannuation is a complex issue. The ATO has a complex advice service you can contact at: https://www.ato.gov.au/ individuals---complex-advice-request/.

Peter Dallimore is a qualified and registered Financial Counsellor and a Volunteer at the Sandstone Point Community Association. He holds a Diploma of Community Services - Financial Counselling and is an Accredited Member of the Financial Counsellors Association of Queensland. You can contact Peter via email at spcafc23@gmail.com and provide a contact phone number. There is no charge for his service.

•

• Understand how

• See how long your money will last

• Maximise your centrelink

Dear Pumicestone

We have just released our HUGE Community Safety for Queenslanders Plan!

Every Queenslander deserves to be safe and feel safe - in their home and on the streets.

Our Miles government knows that only a detailed, comprehensive plan can keep our community safe.

• Supporting victims

• Delivering for our frontline

• Detaining offenders

• Intervening when people offend

• Preventing crime before it occurs

That’s why we’ve released our brand-new Community Safety for Queenslanders plan with huge investments in our frontline police force, ensuring they have the people, the laws, the resources and the equipment they need to keep our community safe.

Locally, our police do a wonderful job. And we want even more of them!

We are hiring an extra 900 new police personnel, on top of the 2,025 extra officers we are already delivering by 2025. So, by the

end of next year, we will have thousands of extra police officers on the beat.

Not only will our new police recruits benefit from help with their HECS/HELP fees and cost of living and a relocation allowance, but they will also have brand new equipment to make sure they can do their jobs.

We’re delivering brand-new body-worn cameras, tasers and metal detecting wands, as well as a police helicopter on the Sunshine Coast, which will also service Pumicestone.

We’re also delivering more high visibility police patrols than ever before.

In Pumicestone, there will be more police to respond to call outs for Domestic and Family Violence, to keep families in our community safe.

This joins our Labor Government’s clear record supporting victim-survivors of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence. Just this week we announced a 20% boost to Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence support services.

Local services like our Centre Against Domestic Abuse do life-changing work to support victim-survivors to heal from violence and rebuild their lives. Our government will always ensure that Domestic and Family Violence services have what they need to help keep women safe.

But we also know the best way to avoid people becoming victims is to prevent

crimes before they happen. That’s why we are investing in early intervention before people commit crimes.

Our Miles Government is responding to the evidence about what works. We’re investing $1.65 billion dollars in mental health support, ensuring people have secure housing through our Homes for Queenslanders Plan, keeping them at school or in education, ensuring unemployed Queenslanders can gain skills and employment, investing in early intervention through PCYC, youth programs and so much more.

Keeping our community safe takes so much more than slick slogans. I will always back real action and delivery over slogans, and I will always fight for the safety initiatives our community deserves.

Warmly

Ali King MP

State Member for Pumicestone

Ali State Member for Pumicestone

GREAT RESULTS FOR BRIBIE

In Queensland, 37 U3A volunteer organisations offer various learning and social experiences for senior men and women. Over 200 University of the Third Age (U3A) throughout Australia educate 112,000 seniors, and Bribie Island U3A is recognised as one of the very best.

The U3A idea began in France 50 years ago and spread to Australia in 1984. By 1992, it had come to Bribie Island. From a small beginning, Bribie U3A grew to more than 2000 students over 30 years before the impact of Covid. The last couple of years were challenging, but student and tutor numbers have now recovered, and 156 different classes are conducted each week. There is something for everyone.

Bribie U3A is blessed with volunteer tutors, receptionists, and event organisers, who are directed by a volunteer management committee of 12 people, each with specific responsibilities. It is a big business operation with complex people, processes, technology, finance, property, and communication issues.

A year summary was presented at the recent Annual General Meeting, and a new Management Committee was elected with a few changes. President Maree Mosslar presented a review of Governance and tabled a new 5-year Strategic Plan and legislative amendments to the Constitution required by the Office of Fair Trading. Administrative procedures

were improved, and a new member management system was implemented with information technology and effective communication, which were the key requirements for change, driven by Michelle Kinnersly as technology coordinator.

The huge task of programme coordination will continue to be done effectively by Chris Clark and Rose Barnes, with Juri Linins and Margaret Spooner as vice presidents and the executive secretarial role carried out by Jenny Faulkner.

Some of the Management Committees changed.

Valerie Douglas replaced Kaye Keene as Reception Coordinator during the year, Peter Mann replaced Treasurer Greg Sibthorpe, and Ann McKenzie replaced Barrie Boodle as Facilities Coordinator at the AGM.

President Maree Mosslar thanked those whose commitment during the year had been invaluable, including Lynda Carrol, who stepped in as Assistant Treasurer, and Heather Hughes, who was on the program team—past President Ann Brooks thanked outgoing Treasurer and Past President Greg Sibthorpe and his wife Julie for more than ten years of devoted service during periods of growth and expansion. The U3A Network Queensland Past President Gail Bonzer, who recently moved to the Island, was thanked for her role in Chairing the Strategic Review team.

Bribie U3A will be represented at the U3A Network Qld Conference at Beaudesert in May, where recognition of its continued success is expected.

L to R Back Jenny Faulkner (Secretary) Barry Clark (Publicity) Chris Clark (Program) Michelle Kinnersly (Technology) Peter Mann (Treasurer) Juti Linins (Vice) Ann McKenzie (Facilities) Valerie Douglas. L to R Front Maree Mosslar (President) Margaret Spooner (Vice) Rose Barnes (Program)

PRESIDENT Maree MosslarStrategic Plan

Treasurer Peter Mann & Facilities Ann McKenzie

BE THERE FOR THE FIRST NUDES EXHIBITION AT BRIBIE ISLAND COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE

Our inaugural “Just Nudes’’ show will run May 28 –June 16… and we’re thrilled to be receiving entries from many mediums. How is yours coming along? It can be a painting - or you may choose to work in another genre.

There are endless possibilities, as we’ve illustrated here… This celebration of the wonder and beauty of the human form is a great talking point.

BICAS plan to make it a memorable show for all… and organisers have put much work and thought into it. Opening night is Friday May 31 in Matthew Flinders Gallery at the Arts Centre, 191 Sunderland Drive Banksia Beach, Bribie Island at 6pm.. And you can vote in the People’s Choice award.Entry forms here: https://www.bribieartscentre.com.au/justnudes or pick one up from the Arts Centre to enter by May 5.

RSVP by May 29th on 3408 9288

SACRED EARTH

Recent works by

Glenda Charles

This exhibition is in honour of the earth, its beauty, its rhythms, its secrets, its truth.

30TH APRIL TO 12TH MAY

10am-4pm Open Tues-Sun Matthew Flinders Gallery Bribie Island Community Arts Centre Sunderland Drive Banksia Beach

Further info: 0432 854 378 art@charlesginnstudios.com www.glendacharlesartist.com

Bribie artist Glenda Charles presents an exhibition of stunning paintings, honouring the earth, its beauty, its rhythms, its secrets and its truths.

She has used her concern for the earth to highlight the beauty of nature. She collects images, a certain colour palate, seeds, leaves, things that catch her eye on walks. These shapes and forms and colours appear in her paintings. Glenda’s work celebrates

varying levels of abstraction. The abstraction journey allows her to appeal to spirit, celebrating intimacy, truth, openness, care.

She’s had fun playing in bigger spaces for this exhibition, claiming the big canvasses allow people to take pathways in and hopefully open their hearts along the way.

You can meet Glenda in the Matthew Flinders Gallery at the Arts Centre at 10am on May 1 and May 8.

A FRESH TAKE ON SPANISH CLASSICS GUITARRA Y CUARTETO SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND TOUR, MAY 2024

Critically acclaimed guitarist and Sunshine Coast local, Andrew Veivers, brings his bold new collaborative project, Guitarra y Cuarteto, to South East Queensland this May.

The Hills District

Community Centre

Saturday 11 May, 7.30pm

Ipswich Civic Centre

Sunday 12 May, 2pm

Brisbane City Hall

Tuesday 14 May, 12pm

Coolum Civic Centre

Friday 17 May, 7pm

Bribie Island Rec Hall

Saturday 18 May, 7,30pm

Maleny Community Centre

Sunday 19 May, 4pm

Majestic Theatre, Pomona

Friday 24 May, 7pm

Eudlo Hall

Sunday 26 May, 4pm

Full Event Details: redchair.com.au

With a nod to Spain in its title, directly translating to Guitar and Quartet, Guitarra y Cuarteto introduces a fresh blend of Veivers' original compositions and iconic Spanish works, performed with unparalleled finesse by the Black Square Quartet and Veivers himself.

Touring to Brisbane, Ipswich, Coolum Beach, Bribie Island, Maleny, Pomona, and Eudlo, the concert series draws on Veivers' extensive career, deep passion for flamenco guitar and is inspired by legendary musicians such as Manolo Sanlucar, Steve Reich, and Manuel de Falla.

However, Guitarra y Cuarteto also takes Veivers in a new artistic direction incorporating Spanish waltzes, movie scores, lullabies, theatre music, Brazilian jazz and flamenco. He explains “these are musical styles that I have enjoyed socially with family and friends for decades but, for the most part, have only rarely drawn on for my composition and performance. This project has afforded me the perfect opportunity to infuse elements of these beautiful musical traditions into my work.”

When considering the project Veivers knew the Black Square Quartet would be the perfect group to collaborate with, he notes “The

Andrew Veivers

Quartet are formidable musicians each in their own right and with their commitment to championing new and Australian music I knew they would bring a fresh perspective and unparalleled dedication to the work. Their passion for pushing musical boundaries aligns perfectly with my vision for this project, making them the ideal collaborators.”

Veivers also collaborated with Black Square Quartet member, Michael Patterson, on the string arrangements for the project. He adds “working with Michael on the string arrangements was a dream – he brought a real depth and sensitivity to the music. I am really excited to share the concert with audiences, it’s going to be an extortionary night of Spanish and classical music”.

The Guitarra y Cuarteto tour is presented by local performing arts company Red Chair with the support of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. This initiative was supported through the Creative Industries Investment Program and is jointly funded by ArtsCoast through Sunshine Coast Council’s Art and Heritage Levy and the Regional Arts Development Fund in partnership with Queensland Government.

A bold collaboration for guitar and strings with a Spanish twist

Bribie Island Recreational Hall

Sat 18 May, 7.30pm

with The Black Square Quartet redchair.com.au

“WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE”

“Come along to the Bribie Gleemen’s first major concert for 2024.

On Saturday 4th May. 1.30 pm. Recreation Hall, First Ave, Bongaree. Tickets are just $20, including light refreshments.

With lots of songs about shady characters, Men on the run, bush rangers, ruffians, gamblers, running away to sea, chasing gold in a gold rush and men behaving badly……the Bribie Gleemen will share their dark other side.

The Wondering Minstrels will also amaze you with their harmonic blend of voices. However, the dulcet tones of Bribie’s own ladies’ group, Good Company, will considerably lift and refine the atmosphere of the show.

BRISBANE CRUISES

Some tickets are at the door for $20, or preorder at trybooking.com Or phone 0438 618 073 or 0408 404 180”

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. Departs Bongaree Jetty, Bribie Island 12.15pm Returns 2.15pm (approx) Buy a GIFT

BRIBIE ISLAND LUNCH CRUISE 2024

2024 DATES: Fri 24 May, Sun 26 May in conjuction with the Bribie Classic Boat Regatta , Thu 27 June Fri 5 July, Thu 22 Aug, Wed 25 Sep, Wed 23 Oct. Fri 8 Nov

Bribie Seventh-day Adventist Church

Bribie Seventh-day Adventist Church and community celebrated Easter with a simple retelling of the Easter story from the Bible. Participants wore Bible-time costumes to read a series of Bible passages, retelling the story. We began with the expectation that Jesus would be crowned king, then the massive disappointment

and disillusionment when He was killed instead, then amazement when He was resurrected on Easter Sunday and finally, the anticipation that He will keep His promise to return from heaven. The readings were interspersed with multimedia presentations. The community relished the delectable vegetarian meal, a testament to the growing

interest in vegetarian cooking that we plan to nurture further.

Pic 1 The Easter story participants

Pic 2 The Mediterraneanthemed vegetarian food was widely appreciated

We meet in the Bribie Island Uniting Church, 80 Webster Street Bongaree. All are welcome.

Local Dining Guide

BONGAREE

| BELLARA | BANKSIA BEACH | NINGI | BEACHMERE | WOORIM | SANDSTONE POINT

STEAKOUT PIZZERIA

For delicious pizza, pasta, contorni salads and more, all crafted with love, come and enjoy our waterfront pizzeria. With live music every Sunday and the beautiful Pumicestone Passage right beside you, we offer you a taste you’ll love. For deliveries or bookings, please visit us at www.steakoutpizzeria.au

9/11 Spinnaker Drive, Sandstone Point - 07 5360 1094

LUNCH Thu to Sun 11:30 - 2:30

DINNER Tue to Sun 4:30 - 8:30

SERENITY CAFE

With fabulous views across the Passage and open from 7:00am – 2:00pm every day, Serenity serves up lovely coffee and fresh cooked food for breakfast, brunch, lunch & snacks. Enjoy High Tea in our little tea salon which can also be booked for your small gatherings (bookings essential). We also provide catering for picnics and events

2/83 Welsby Parade, Bongaree, 4507.  Phone: 0466 221992.  Email: allan@serenitycafebribie.com Find us on Facebook

SCOOPYS

Located by the jetty on beautiful Bribie Island, Scoopy’s Family Cafe is all about the family vibes, great food and coffee, fantastic service and all the ice cream you can eat! Enjoy our friendly hospitality with barista-made coffee, amazing burgers, and a tempting array of ice cream choices to impress the pickiest connoisseurs. Our massive range of cakes and famous fish and chips make it well worth the hour’s drive north of Brisbane.

Shop 2/2 Toorbul Street, Bongaree 07 3410 1791

J&J JAVA CAFE

Carlie, Taylah, Skye and Hayley look forward to meeting you at our friendly Woorim café. Come in and try our delicious Tiempo Seasonal Fair-trade Blend coffee. Enjoy our all-day breakfast and be sure to ask for our tasty smokey tomato relish.

Shop

3, 2 Jacana Avenue Woorim. 0468 477 380

IKIGAI Café &Workshop.

Making friends one cup of coffee at a time.

Oscar and Keahni welcome all locals and holidaymakers. Pop in and have a chat over a delicious coffee and experience our fresh take on making simple food taste amazing.

7 Toorbul Street, Bongaree. Check out ikigaibribie on Instagram

BONGAREE | BELLARA | BANKSIA BEACH | NING I BEACHMERE | WOORIM | SANDSTONE POINT

EL PIGFACE

Hola Amigos, if you love authentic Mexican cuisine, all freshly made on-site, look no further than our little Mexican Cantina, located next door to Pigface, right beside the beach at Woorim. What better to go with Mexican food than our very own, secret recipe, that goes into our frozen margaritas, which are perfect for our Queensland summer.

OPEN FOR LUNCH: Friday, Saturday & Sunday (11.30am to 2.30pm) OPEN FOR DINNER: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (5.00pm to 8.00pm)

CLOSED TUESDAY

3/4 Rickman Parade, Woorim. (07) 4800 8393

DIAMOND CHINESE TAKE AWAY

With a huge variety of tasty meals Diamond Chinese can offer something for everyone. Positioned in Welsby Parade, grab your meal and sit by the jetty and watch the boats go by or one of our amazing sunsets.

3/1 Welsby Parade, Bongaree, 4507.  (Opp the Library)

Phone: 3408 1430

LUNCH Wed to Sun 11.30 - 1.00pm

DINNER: Tue - Thu & Sun 4.30 - 8pm, Fri & Sat 4.30 - 8.30

CLOSED MONDAYS

Air Fryer

We are thrilled to have a new contributor to our magazine... Greg has kindly agreed to submit some yummy, quick and easy recipes to make in the Air Fryer!

RECIPES

BACON And EGG Pie

INGREDIENTS

4x eggs, 4 rashers of bacon, garlic salt, szechuan pepper, onion powder, teaspoon of peri perimayo Puff pastry, store bought METHOD

In pie dish place above ingredients . Bacon air fried 10 min at 190c

Place ingredients in pie dish over one sheet puff pastry cover top with another sheet and fork a few holes in top. When it comes to how much salt n pepper etc put a half teaspoon of each or to taste.

Airfry after preheating for 5 min at 180c at 190c for 15-18 min, lift lid to check at 15 min mark for the colour on top to be similar to picture. Enjoy with a BBQ Sauce and in my case a mild American mustard

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 7.30am - 12pm

Bribie Island BIDCA 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 12pm

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

Contact president: 0415 237 167 Bribie Island Gem Club Open Day & Markets on the last Sunday every month 8am -12pm At 191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach.

The Bribie Bowls Euchre Club

Meets at the club each Monday at 12 Noon.  Fun afternoon.  Contact Lorraine on 0414802733.

The Short Story

Gary Crew

Professor Emeritus (Creative Writing) University of the Sunshine Coast.

Writer's Corner

Speaking metaphorically, the short story is the perfectly faceted gem of fiction.

While the creative arts contain ‘no set rules’, typically, the length of the short story ranges between 1,500 to 20,000 words. The short story is referred to as ‘perfectly faceted’ since, like the much longer novel, it must concisely demonstrate an assured style, convincing characterisation, setting, plot and thematic issues albeit in a reduced number of words.

While not insisting upon ‘set rules’, Edgar Allen Poe, (1809 -1849) ― of The Raven fame ― established certain ‘elements’ of the short story which literary purists still adhere to today. These elements are that the short story should demonstrate:

(1) a single mood or feeling to attain unity of effect

(2) that it should be able to be read in a single sitting

(3) suspense rising to a discernible climax

(4) concise language.

The short story usually begins with conflict. The conflict may demonstrate a central character in conflict with self, another person, others (a team, for example), or some aspect of the natural world (an animal, a storm). That conflict should also raise a significant question asking, ‘will the said character succeed in overcoming his or her conflict?’. The seriousness of the questionable outcome of the conflict presented by the opposing person or situation is what drives the suspense in the remainder of the narrative.

The author’s skill in maintaining this suspense is the secret of success. If the conflicting situation and the question that conflict raises are trivial, the story will fail as the reader will not care about the outcome of the conflict. The author should therefore not give his or her game away too quickly but maintain the reader’s interest by selectively (and cunningly) increasing the central character’s dilemma (and thereby the story’s

suspense) until the conflict is resolved.

At this point the structure of the story and its outcome demonstrate the real skill of the author because the author may, in fact, choose not to reveal the outcome of the character’s dilemma but choose to leave the narrative ‘open ended’, meaning that no definitive answer to the question established in the conflict is arrived at, or such an outcome may remain up to the reader’s individual answer to the problem posed. This is a grave risk as many readers may feel cheated and (for them) the story will fail. The perfect example of such an open ended (non)climax is demonstrated in Frank R Stockton’s classic short story The Lady or the Tiger which readers may find on Google and enjoy reading ― although some will find its lack of definitive climactic resolution downright annoying. Be warned.

The short stories of the Nineteenth Century were published in magazines such

as The Strand (especially Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories), while in the Twentieth Century The New Yorker published literary luminaries such as Collette (Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette) and Mary Wollstonecraft. These days, publishers often contract writers to contribute short stories to anthologies connected by a unifying theme, or publish the collected short stories of successful novelists such as Peter Goldsworthy and Margaret Atwood. For emergent writers, numerous short story contests exist which will help sharpen their skills. It’s worth a try!

Originally a (bored and frustrated) draftsman, Gary Crew completed year 12 as an adult and retrained to teach high school English. Completing his Masters in Literature after work at night, he began writing novels. From 1994, Gary designed and taught the Creative Writing Programme at the University of the Sunshine Coast, retiring as Professor in 2022. He has written over 80 novels, won many major international awards and now lives blissfully on Bribie Island overlooking the Pumicestone Passage.

How to help your children put down their screens and take up reading

Ldevices because they can be educational, and you can do a myriad of things on them. I’m not opposed to them, but they can be used better than just letting kids space out for hours on end watching video after video or playing shooter games,” Milton said.

“In Australia, literacy rates have been falling for years, and there is a strong correlation between children who are poor readers at school remaining poor readers throughout their lives,” Milton said.

“Reading is an important life skill, not just because of literacy but also because being readers makes us better thinkers by improving our critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It can also bring other benefits, such as increasing our general knowledge and developing social and communication skills.

read more is to let them choose what they want to read. When you give them this power of choice, they’ll choose stories based on their interests, and you might even be surprised by what they choose! As long as kids are reading, it doesn’t matter what the topic or genre is. It can be fiction, nonfiction, magazines, and even graphic novels.”

Go to the library

“If you haven’t recently taken your children to the library, put it on your to-do list as soon as possible. Libraries are no longer dim, dusty old buildings. They’re active community hubs with lots of activities and life happening,” Milton said.

“These days, libraries host events for people of all age groups, from babies and toddlers to adults. They’re innovative information and resource centres now, and your kids will likely want to go again soon!

“They have displays of all the latest books with wonderful informational materials. Your child can see and experience all the wonder of books at the library and even pick out some books they would like to read at home.”

Become a reading role model

“Children are incredibly observant and watch what adults do and say.  If you would like to encourage your child to read, engage in reading too,” Milton said.

“Read often and within plain sight.   If your child sees you reading and getting enjoyment out of reading, they will become interested in reading too. Stock your shelves and coffee table with a few colourful and interesting books.   The more books that appear around the house, the more likely your child will be interested in reading them."

eading author Wendy Milton shares simple and engaging ways to turn screen time into reading time for kids.

Many parents complain that their kids spend too much time glued to their screens. In a very short space of time, children went from spending their weekends and holidays playing outdoors, camping, crafting and reading to being holed up in their bedrooms watching TikTok and YouTube and playing online games for hours on end.

According to children’s author Wendy Milton, creator of the much-loved Zach’s Story series, given how addictive phones and tablets can be, it’s no wonder that children are fast becoming screen addicts. “There is definitely a place and time for

“The problem is that reading is not considered cool for many children. So, parents need to try and overcome this by helping their children realise that reading is so cool that they will thank you for it years down the track.”

Family time reading

“Family time reading is a wonderful way to bring the family together and involve children in reading.   Regular reading time activities with fun treats make the process even more inviting.    Why not turn reading into a family activity and build it into your daily routine as a winddown activity in the evening? For younger families, it can be a beautiful family bonding thing when everyone sits down and takes turns reading, and the younger ones just adore watching their older siblings read aloud, and it gets them excited about learning to read too,” Milton said. “The best way to encourage children to

Giving the gift of books

“Parents are always saying that their kids have everything already, and they don’t know what to get their kids. It’s certainly not true! To give a child a book is to give them the gift of a few hours of entertainment. For the same price as a movie ticket, you can get several hours of reading rather than just a 90-minute movie. That’s value for money right there,” Milton joked.

About Wendy Milton

Wendy Milton is an Australian writer who has published twelve children’s books for eight-to-twelve-year-olds. Her five-book series, Zach’s Story, is the most popular. She’s also written one adult whodunnit, Schooled in Death, set in 1970s Australia.

Wendy lives in Sydney and has a firstclass honours Master of Arts degree

SUPERSTITIONS ABOUT BIRDS

Early man likened birds to the gods, believing them messengers or representations of the gods themselves. Thanks to this divine comparison and their ability to soar high overhead, it's no surprise that birds have gained a nearmythical reputation. That's given our avian friends a starring role in superstitions related to death, life and luck.

Ravens Are Tied to Britain's Demise

For centuries, half a dozen ravens – called the "Guardians of the Tower" – have lived cozy lives in the Tower of London. In the 17th century, King Charles II decreed that if the ravens ever left the tower, the structure would crumble, and the entire British Empire would collapse. In modern practice, the bird's wings are clipped to encourage them to stay put, and a few extra ravens are always on hand to ensure the group never numbers fewer than six.

Bird Poop? Things Are Looking Up

At first glance, this might sound like the start of a bad day, but superstitious types believe it's actually a sign of luck. You can safely clean the droppings off without wiping away your newfound luck – unless you're on a ship. Sailors believe bird droppings should never be removed from the vessel until after the next rainstorm, which will probably take care of most of the cleanup.

Birds In or Around Houses

Spell Doom

If a wild bird somehow manages to enter your home you'll suffer a bout of bad luck, and some legends say it foreshadows the death of someone in the home. Keep bad luck and death at bay by keeping birds out in all their forms.

Blackbirds, long seen as messengers of the dead, can bring death and malice simply by hanging

around your home. Other birds, including herons, bitterns, and crows, may also bring bad luck or death news if they circle the skies above your property.

Flight Plans Predict The Future

The ancient Romans observed the flight paths of birds to help them make decisions about the future. The augur would stand in a sacred spot, facing east, then wait to see which way the birds flew. Birds flying to the right meant good vibes, while those flying to the left encouraged caution. A bird flying toward the diviner meant good luck, while one flying away meant opportunities would be hard to come by. The higher the birds flew, the better the future, while low-flying birds were a sign of bad things to come.

Albatrosses – Good, Bad or Both?

Sailors believe that seeing an albatross at sea is a sign of good luck while killing one spells doom and despair. The mighty albatross often flies alongside ships, hoping to catch some tasty garbage or scraps upon which it can feast.

Sailors used

to believe these birds were supernatural. They thought the albatross held the souls of lost sailors, so they held the sea birds in high respect. To kill one would bring bad luck to the crew and the ship.

Birdcalls Can Mean Plenty

Legend has it that a songbird that cries while flying brings good luck, while a night bird calling by day — or a bird of prey screaming at any time— signifies poor fortune. Superstitious folks also derive information from birdcalls' direction: Calls from the north mean tragedy, while calls from the south mean a successful harvest. Birdcalls from the East are good for romance, while calls from the West offer good luck. If a crow caws three times in a row, beware: It's a sign that death is coming.

Window Peckings Bring Death

According to superstition, a bird pecking at the window means death for someone in the home. Fortunately, ornithologists have a slightly more scientific take on this behaviour.

Birds are territorial, and this aggressive pecking is simply a way of

defending their turf from what they see as a rival bird — really their own reflection.

Divining a Peacock's Portent

Peacock feather indoors is bad mojo: Any unmarried females in the home will end up as sad old maids, while all others will experience poor luck. The peacock feather also maintains an unlucky reputation in theatre, where the feathers are excluded from costumes and scenery due to their association with evil and poor luck.

Some believe the characteristic eyes found on the feathers invade your privacy by spying on your home and family. Others associate it with the evil eye, which is often linked to death and the devil. Some believe that the gorgeous feathers give the peacock a sense of arrogance, and bringing these feathers into the home or incorporating them into clothing or décor transfers this arrogance to the feathers' owner.

Crows Can't Catch a Break

Ever since the Greek god Apollo's white crow turned black, this poor breed of animal has served as a bad omen of illness, death and other unlucky news.

Superstitious types believe that a crow hanging near the house means an unlucky future, while others agree it's a sure sign that someone in the house will die. Want to protect yourself during a crow sighting near the home? Forget what the neighbours will think and either bow to the crow or tip your hat to him, which should reduce your risk of disaster. If you see a solitary crow, feel free to make a wish — some see a crow sitting alone as the ultimate good luck charm.

WHIMBREL Numenius Phaeopus

Whimbrels are one of dozens of species of migratory shorebirds (or waders) that visit Australia from the Arctic every year at the beginning of spring and remain till near the end of April. They are common visitors to Bribie Island beaches and mangroves on the Pumicestone Passage. You may see them at Kakadu Roost Beach, the beach at Buckley’s Hole and at the Toorbul manmade roost. During high tide, they often join large flocks of other migratory birds as well as some of our resident species. Their time in Australia is spent resting and eating, trying to gain weight

and strength for their long trip north. Throughout this time, it is important for them not to be disturbed and frightened into flight by people, dogs, and boats. By the time you read this (April) most of them (but not all) will have left on their 10,000+ km trek up the East Asian-Australasian Flyway to their breeding grounds.

They are medium sized brownish curlews 38-43 cm in length and weighing 350-500 g. There is a whitish stripe over each eye, necks are streaky brown, and their underparts are white. Sometimes, people are confused when trying to distinguish the difference, from

a distance, between Whimbrels and Eastern Curlews. Eastern Curlews are larger with much longer and thicker downcurved bills and have longer legs (refer to mage). Unlike many other migratory waders, Whimbrels show very little or no difference in their plumage colouring during the breeding season.

Some Whimbrels, mostly young birds, remain behind and spend winter on the beaches in Australia and other southern hemisphere countries till they are two to three years old. They are then old enough to breed. Breeding birds make for the open tundra in the northern summer. They are more commonly found in Australia on our northern shores but are less common further south. They are also found in SE Asia, PNG, NZ and on Pacific Islands.

When Whimbrels are in Australia, their main diet consists of molluscs, crustations, and worms, which they obtain by surface feeding on the beach and mudflats and probing into the sand with their long, down-curved bills. During breeding season in Siberia, they mostly eat berries and insects.

Each year they begin to leave Australia from the beginning of March through to the end of April. Most of the Whimbrels migrating from Australia are originally from Siberia so Siberian breeding grounds are their destination. They are mostly monogamous, and a pair will often return to the same nesting spot on dry raised ground each year. During the courting display, males fly high, flapping their

By: Marj Webber

wings, and then swoop to impress the females. Nests are shallow scoops on the ground in grassy or low vegetation areas. Usually, four eggs are laid. Young birds must hurriedly develop strength to fly the long and arduous 10,000+ km to their destination before the northern winter sets in.

Unfortunately, the journey of these magnificent creatures is fraught with peril. They must navigate through cyclones and storms; in some countries along their route, they are hunted and consumed. The development and destruction of wetlands along the way have significantly reduced their roosting and feeding grounds. They need to stop and replenish their energy three to four times during their journey, losing about half of their body weight in the process. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable birds.

Two international agreements protect birds crossing international borders: the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA) and the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA).

The Global Status of Whimbrels is listed as Least Concern by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Let’s hope that next March to April when they return to Australia, they will still be able to access their roosting and feeding grounds in Cleveland, where the Toondah development proposal threatens to rob them of yet another safe haven.

A Convict’s Journey from Dublin to NSW

Part 1

By Al Finegan

Fields of Athenry

By a lonely prison wall, I heard a young girl calling Michael they are taking you away, For you stole Trevelyn's corn So the young might see the morn, Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay.

(by Pete St.John in 1979 and based on a broadside of the 1800s)

Introduction

I have written this story as an account of a young man’s terrifying journey in the early nineteenth century, from his arrest in Ireland to the prisoners’ barracks in Sydney. In 2005, I visited the monaghan county library in Ireland to spend many days researching original reports, letters, and sundry documents. From this research, i have created the character Michael Murphy. I could not find one end-to-end story of a single convict, so i have collated many firsthand reports into one story to present what i believe is an accurate depiction of a typical experience of a young man’s arrest, incarceration, and transport from Dublin to Sydney.

Arrest and Transportation

Between 1791 and 1853,

over 61,000 Irish men and women were arrested and transported to the Australian Colonies. Often, it was for petty crimes, most commonly Larceny. This is defined as a crime involving the unlawful taking or theft of the personal property of another person or business. At least a third of the Irish men left wives and families behind, most with no means of support. Often just charged with the vague term of “larceny”, they were imprisoned without facing a magistrate. Then, they followed a nightmare lasting many years, as their whole existence became a challenge for survival against brutality, hunger, confinement, and complete isolation from family and friends.

In 1781, Newgate Prison, Dublin, was built for this purpose. It was notorious for its overcrowding, unhealthy environment, lack of air and water, and epidemics. The

prison did not supply their inmates with bedding and clothing. These things had to be purchased from the keepers. In addition to this cost, prisoners were also expected to pay a fee upon admission. They also needed to continue to pay money if they wanted any of the ordinary comforts of life.

In January 1816, 18-yearold Michael, with a group of friends on a night out in Dublin, was arrested by the Peelers and delivered to Newgate Prison. Without any process, he was thrown into a small six by four feet cell already occupied by three other prisoners who stared at him with hatred in their eyes. With a look of bewildered terror, he faced the other three men and mumbled, “I’m Michael from Rathmines.” When the other three heard his accent, they moved aside and made room for him – a

corner to lean against on a stone floor.

The smell from the toilet bucket beside him was overpowering. His body was crawling with lice in no time, and he watched as rats came and went with impunity. He spent day after day getting to know his fellow convicts – all Irishmen relating their stories of grievances against the English. He was to remain in this cell for six months. It was only due to his fellow inmates that he didn’t starve to death.

Early one morning in June, the cell door was flung open, and he was called by name to exit the cell. Two guards immediately shackled his legs and wrists, then pushed him off to a waiting paddy wagon. It arrived at a large building where Michael was ordered off the cart and shoved into a side door at the end of a queue of other prisoners. He asked the man in front what

was occurring and received the reply that he was about to meet the “Beak” and receive sentencing.

The line shuffled forward a few minutes at a time, struggling up a narrow, dark internal staircase. Then, without warning, he was pushed through a door and into the “box”. He looked around at a large room filled with busy, well-dressed gentlemen, with one arrogant-looking, red-faced man wearing what appeared to be a wig sitting high up at the other end of the crowded room. This man called out, “Name!” Michael, in a state of complete confusion, mumbled, “Michael Murphy”. The Beak replied, “You are charged with larceny.” He then read out the evidence from the Peeler Sergeant, stating that he had been found in possession of stolen goods.

The beak pontificated, “I find you guilty and sentence you to seven years transportation. Move on! Next.” His trial had lasted less than two minutes. Still bewildered by what had transpired, Michael was shoved back on board the paddy wagon and, after a long delay, carried back to Newgate for another long and uncomfortable wait.

One of his cellmates, who had been in and out of the system a few times, had told him that if a transportation sentence were handed down, he would remain in Newgate until he was moved to Cork. He said that the Cork City Gaol was constantly overcrowded and his wait to move could take months. He described the Cork Gaol as being in a shocking state of decay. While Newgate Prison was in a deplorable condition, Cork was worse. Still trying to grasp his desperate situation, he was told that convicts sentenced to transportation often had to wait for periods of up to two years before they were actually transported to NSW. Then, and only then, did the seven-year sentence begin. After six months in Newgate, Michael was finally moved to Cork. He was in terrible condition, with torn and tattered clothing, insect bites all over his body, and ribs

showing from lack of decent food. He was again thrown into a crowded cell occupied by young Catholic Irishmen, all sentenced to transportation and all with a tale of woe of their innocence and mistreatment.

A year of utter misery dragged by. Then, in November 1817, some 18 months after his arrest, he was called out and, with a large group of prisoners, marched in irons to the docks of Cork Harbour. They were all ordered to strip, hosed down, and fitted out with the regulation dress for the voyage. This consisted of jackets and waistcoats of blue cloth, duck trousers, check coarse linen shirts, yarn stockings and woollen caps. Michael smiled at this, for it was the best dressed he had been for years.

The convicts were then marched up the ship's gangway, which one convict told him was Guildford. The prisoners, under the watchful eyes of armed Marines, were assembled on the quarterdeck and released from their fetters and chains. Forming a line before a Marine officer at a desk, each man was brought forward to give his name and to state the crime for which he had been convicted. At the completion of the muster, the prisoners were shackled and chained, this time in pairs. Each convict was then issued a pillow and a blanket. Bibles and prayer books were offered as an option. Most couldn’t read and declined.

After all the convicts had been shackled, a well-dressed Government Official addressed the prisoners, stating in a pompous sasanach accent, “… that your rations are both good and abundant, threequarters of a pound of biscuit being the daily allowance of bread, while each day you will receive a dinner of either beef, pork, or plum-pudding. You will have pea soup four times a week and a pot of gruel every morning with sugar and butter in it. Vinegar is issued weekly, and as soon as the ship has been three weeks at sea, each man will be served with one ounce of lime juice and the same of sugar daily

to guard against scurvy, while two gallons of good Spanish red wine, and one hundred and forty gallons of water have been put on board for issuing to each. Likewise, you will be issued three to four gills of wine weekly and three quarts of water daily, being the general allowance.” (It was subsequently documented that most of the rations were kept by the Captain, then sold to hungry locals on arrival for a tidy profit).

The Government Man then abruptly turned and walked down the gangway and was gone. Immediately, another grisly older man dressed in a dark blue uniform with stripes and badges prominently displayed declared himself the Captain. With a strong cockney accent and a gruff, “don’t mess with me” voice, he changed the mood somewhat. He first glared around at the assembled convicts and then, in a loud voice, said, “At the forward end of each living quarter is a slop bucket, your only latrine. One convict will be assigned to empty it each day. Behave, and you’ll have a good trip. Misbehave and you’ll be very sorry. Right, get them below. “

It all sounded good to the convicts, who all nodded among themselves, indicating that the voyage wouldn’t be so bad. How wrong they were!

The Marines herded them in groups to the hatchways, and, two by two, down a ladder and into their new quarters, called a mess. The ship's hold was divided into four messes, each with a hatch and accommodation of about fifty apiece. Michael looked around and saw two rows of sleeping births, one above the other, extending on each side of the between decks, each berth about 2 metres square and, to his dismay, designed to hold four convicts. Thus, Each man had about half a metre of space to sleep. Solid wooden stanchions, thickly studded with nails, were fixed between each mess. The only way in and out of their dungeon was via the hatch. A ladder was placed in the hatchway only when needed and always pulled up at night.

Their first night was sleepless, as any movement from one man forced the others to adjust and, even worse, to pull the ankle irons, tearing the skin. They rapidly learned to work together, giving each other warning when about to move. The next morning, Michael heard the calls of orders to haul in the berthing lines and felt the movement of the ship as she gathered pace. Soon, the ship's motion told him they were on their way.

Michael took stock of his predicament. The only effective ventilation was provided by a windsail that brought fresh air in from the hatchway and benefited those prisoners who occupied the closest berths. A lucky few were able to rely on the less efficient small portholes behind a couple of the bunk spaces. The ankle irons became the prisoners’ nightmare. Any prisoner’s uncoordinated movement with his partner caused the irons to bite into their ankles. The chafing soon became ulcerated sores. They had not been given a choice with whom they would be fettered, and being confined within such close contact for the next few months of the voyage soon caused many ugly disagreements. If one needed to go to the slop bucket, he had to take his mate, and with dysentery of one, the other suffered as well, having to sit beside the one on the bucket. Attempts to coordinate body movements needed close cooperation and patience between men who already considered themselves in hell.

For the first few weeks, many convicts were continually seasick. To add to their misery, lice soon crawled over their bodies. Their only distraction was watching the antics of the rats who shared their living quarters.

In the next episode, Michael describes both the journey and his new home in Sydney.

A matter of LIFE and DEATH

Did you know Queensland was the first Australian State to abolish Capital Punishment? It did so in 1922, which was 46 years before the next, Tasmania, and 63 years before the whole of Australia abolished the death penalty for all crimes in 1985. I decided to write this article on the morbid topic of death, having recently read Blood on the Wattle and Killing for Country, published last year. These books are about the killing of thousands of indigenous people by early settlers in the Frontier Wars and the organised killing of many more by their own people who were Native Mounted Police. The regard for human life has changed dramatically over

the years. The colonisation of Australia was largely achieved by deported convicts of the First and subsequent Fleets, being sent to “someplace beyond the seas” as a reprieve from the death penalty. It offered another chance at life, but it was still very hard to spend many years in chains and publicly punished for minor offences.

I WONDER?

What would indigenous people think of seeing white strangers flogged by other white invaders as their land, culture, food, and water were being taken from them, and many of their people were shot as they resisted it?

How could they relate such behaviour to their own culture and social justice laws?

In my International career as an Engineer and Project Manager, I lived and worked in many countries that were Colonised and Occupied by invaders, including Libya, Nigeria, Java, NZ, Scotland, India, and Malaysia. I was in Jerusalem in 1967 when the Six-day War broke out, so I have personal experience of many cultures and the different and lasting impact on each.

More than 158,000 convicts were sent here to Australia

over 80 years; many were mere children, and 1 in 8 died in appalling conditions on the transport ship's long voyage. When free settlers and emancipated convicts spread out over the vast unexplored Australian landscape, resistance and conflict were encountered by both blacks and whites, resulting in many deaths. This dark era of our history, known as the Frontier Wars, is not very well recognised. Having claimed it based on being Terra Nullius meant that white man’s laws applied to all Australians, black and white.

PUBLIC HANGING

It had long been the practice in England for a hanging death sentence to be conducted in a public place, in the belief that it acted as a deterrent. Public hanging continued in Australia for a long time before being done out of the public gaze. The last official PUBLIC HANGING in Queensland occurred in Brisbane on 5th January 1855 of an indigenous resistance fighter named DUNDALLI who had lived on Bribie Island.

In 1841, at the age of 21, Dundalli met with German Missionaries from Nundah, seeking ways to overcome conflict and achieve peaceable solutions, but without success. Thousands of indigenous people from SE Queensland then gathered at a ceremonial Bora Ground on Bestman Road, which still exists today. This reflects their desperate concern for their people, but no effective outcome was resolved. Resistance fighting continued, and Dundalli led the muchfeared Bribie Island tribe for many years before eventually being captured. He was charged with several crimes, and based on questionable evidence, he was found guilty of the murder of Andrew Grigor eight years earlier. On the day of his public

Barry Clark, President Bribie Island Historical Society

execution in Brisbane, a large crowd of natives, including many from Bribie Island, assembled on Wickham Terrace, and a loud cry went up when the trap door opened, and his body fell.

The official executioner had misjudged his height and weight, and Dundalli 's feet rested on the coffin placed below. The executioner had to quickly drag down on his legs until he finally died. Dundalli was not the last execution in Queensland, but he was the last public hanging in Brisbane in 1855.

FRONTIER WARS

The new Moreton Bay Penal Colony was established in 1824 for the worst of the worst convicts who had reoffended in Sydney.

By the early 1840’s European free settlers began to occupy land beyond the initial 50mile limit of the Penal settlement. These pioneers occupied any land they chose, with little regard for tribal territory, food sources, traditional pathways, or sacred sites.

There was little understanding or recognition that this land had been occupied for tens of thousands of years, resulting in a Clash of Cultures and longrunning Frontier Wars.

Frequent conflicts resulted in deaths on both sides, but the vast difference between fighting with spears against muskets and carbines resulted in many more natives being killed. Within a few decades, the once significant number of indigenous peoples of Moreton Bay and SE Queensland were virtually wiped out.

Moreton Bay Native Mounted Police were established at Sandgate in 1843, under the control of white Border Police troopers. This was a new approach to frontier conflict as many Aboriginals recruited were convicted prisoners who agreed to shoot their own people in other areas in return for a uniform, horse, gun and a small payment. They were dispatched from Sandgate to many sites of indigenous resistance from Maryborough to Tweed River to commit professional slaughter.

Resistance fighting and massacres continued for many years. Fifty Aboriginal people were poisoned with arsenic flour at Kilcoy, leading to a shepherd being speared at Woodford. A mass attack on a Pine Rivers station in 1846 resulted in the death of Andrew Grigor and his pregnant servant, and in 1847, three sawyers, a fisherman Charles Gray, and later another shepherd were killed.

The deaths of these few white settlers are well documented, but the massacre of thousands of indigenous people is not.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ENDS

Dundalli was the last public hanging in Brisbane in 1855, and by 1859, Queensland became a new colony separated from NSW,

and in 1901, the Federation of Australia was declared.

The last person hung in a Queensland prison was Ernest Austin, a white man found guilty of murder and hung at Boggo Road Gaol on 22 September 1913. Nine years later, in 1922, Corporal Punishment was abolished in Queensland, and death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

The last execution in Australia took place in 1967 in Victoria. After that last hanging up until 1985, several people were sentenced to death and had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.

I wrote this article to remind readers about the “Frontier Wars” between pioneer settlers and indigenous residents and their interesting connection with Bribie Island. We recently had a Referendum that seemed to confuse this aspect of our history.

Much has been written about this complex and delicate subject. We cannot change what happened in the past when standards and values were so very different. We can recognise that they did happen and reflect on this 1826 quote from Lancelot Threlkeld, who wrote:

“No man who comes to this Colony and has ground and cattle and corn can dispassionately view the subject of the blacks; their interest says annihilate them.”

John Dunmore Lang, the Scottish politician and social justice worker who brought the first German missionaries to Moreton Bay, said:

“Not only have we despoiled them of their land and given them in exchange European vice and disease in every foul and fatal form, but the blood of hundreds, nay of thousands of their number who have fallen when waging unequal warfare with their civilised aggressors, still stains the hands of many of the inhabitants of this land.

MORE BRIBIE HISTORY

The Historical Society holds monthly public meetings at the RSL Club on the second Wednesday of each month, commencing at 6 30pm. Interesting guest speakers discuss a wide range of topics. At the next meeting Wednesday 8th May Lynne Hooper will present “The remarkable Sarah Balls of Bribie Island” You can see many more photos and articles on our Blog Site at http:// bribieislandhistory.blogspot.com or contact us on bribiehistoricalsociety@ gmail.com

Crosswords - QUICK & CRYPTIC

Across Across

1 Fall into line (6)

4 Tap on a cask (6)

8 Customs (5)

9 Hairy (7)

10 2023 Wimbledon champion (7)

11 Extremist (5)

12 Soldier’s shelter (6,3)

17 Lamp (5)

19 Do away with (7)

21 Gaffe (4,3)

22 Cereal grass (5)

23 Urge (6)

24 Mark of disgrace (6)

CRYPTIC

Across

1 Officers show their metal (5)

4 Records artist back with Herb (7)

8 Refreshment in the Alps, maybe (4,3)

9 Illustration found to be sufficient, once removed (5)

10 Measure confronted hesitation (5)

11 I'm back and involved in Godly address (6)

13 Confused theologian caught in bad deal (6)

15 Given from the platform to impress? (6)

18 Dim-witted bighead like an ox? (6)

20 Scoundrel loses his head supporting artist's work (5)

23 Artist has a brief swim back at speed (5)

24 The ironies of becoming more brash (7)

25 Firemen's outlet on the street (7)

26 Rather interested but not available (5)

SOLUTIONS

Down

1 Percussion instrument (6)

2 Percussion instrument (7)

3 Contemptible person (5)

5 Disquiet (7)

6 Emaciated (5)

7 Pierce the skull (6)

9 Risky (9)

13 Certain 3 Down (2-5)

14 Radiography (1-6)

15 Suppress (6)

16 Swiss city and canton (6)

18 Approximate (5)

20 Disgorged matter (5)

CRYPTIC SOLUTION 214

QUICK SOLUTION 214

Down

1 So avant-garde? - Throw him a bone? (8)

2 The worry of starting a new guy supervising trainees (5)

3 Emancipate clique out in the open (3,4)

4 A lack of concern as to a way to the unknown (6)

5 Attraction seen in a Church member (5)

6 Urge University head to be involved in simple agenda (7)

7 Balanced, she has a point (4)

12 Church diner left in a mess - there's the issue (8)

14 Doctor joining surgery on quiet journalist is let go (7)

16 Anticipate public relations decree (7)

17 Ante up for the Colonel, we hear (6)

19 At home backing assistance for the country (5)

21 Sergeant Major will irritate with this unpleasant expression (5)

22 Some patriarchal dynasties are above one's head (4)

Caramel Chocolate Bliss Balls

These delightful caramel chocolate bliss balls are a lifesaver for busy parents. They're perfect for the lunchbox, freezer-friendly, and a hit with kids. The best part? They're quick to make and require no baking. Prepare them in advance and simply pop them

INGREDIENTS

• Mini Smarties or M&M's—. If you can't find either, then mini chocolate chips will work.

• Maple syrup, the real deal, not fake stuff.

• Rolled oats—If you want your caramel chocolate bliss

balls to be gluten-free, swap them out for quinoa flakes— the same amount.

• Medjool dates—These dates are softer and stickier and don't require soaking. If you use normal dates, you will need to soak them in hot water for a while to soften them.

METHOD

• Combine all the ingredients except the mini smarties in a food processor.

• Processor until sticky mix is formed- this takes about 60 seconds.

• Form into balls.

• Add the mini smarties/ m and mms.

Are Table Scraps Actually That Bad for Dogs?

For as long as humans have kept dogs as pets and commercial dog food has been available, we've been told not to feed our dogs scraps from the table. But come on, is it really that harmful? The answer is a resounding yes. Especially if the pet owner eats a typical human diet that is, let's face it, less than ideal in many ways. As much as pet owners love their furry loved ones, they are not human. Their digestive tracts are not the same— indeed, dogs are biologically diverse within the species—and their dietary requirements differ greatly from those of their human companions.

Nutritional diseases are rarely seen in dogs in developed countries when they are fed high-quality, commercial dog food. The problems typically occur when pet owners create homemade pet food or (worse yet) feed their pets from the family table. And that's because

most families' meals are overly processed, nutritionally imbalanced, and laced with sugars and fats, which get passed to the unsuspecting pup. It's equally dangerous to think that grabbing a dog food recipe off the internet will give your dog all the nutrition he'll need to thrive. For example, feeding dogs a single ingredient or a combination of ground beef and rice could induce a calcium deficiency. And if your dog has undiagnosed diabetes, giving him rice (a carbohydrate) could affect his blood sugar. Pet owners think they're giving their dogs a treat when they give "just one," but did you know that grapes and raisins contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney damage? Chocolate is a definite nono. It contains theobromine and caffeine—chemicals that dogs cannot metabolise. If the dog has eaten a large enough

quantity, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, even seizures, and heart failure.

For pet owners insistent on making their own dog food, it's important to follow the directions explicitly and use high-quality ingredients. Avoid untrained internet "experts" and generic recipes. Consult with a veterinary nutritionist for recipes or tips on how to prepare dog food successfully

at home.

When pet owners consistently feed their dogs from the table, it only reinforces begging, and while the owner may know the types of food their dog can safely eat, not everyone at the table does. Better to teach your dog not to expect food from the table, or when you're cooking. Their food should only be found in their bowl or accepted as a treat.

Bubbles & Clips Bongaree

BOWLS RESULTS

BRIBIE BOWLS CLUB

Self Select Triples Results

Tuesday 2 April 2024

Winners: T Richardson, L Tebbitt, S Kurtz, N Gray

Runners up: B Langley, D Reseham, W Broad

Lucky draw: T Turnbull, S Mitchell, B Turnbull

Lucky draw: T Erfurth, C Healing, D Wormald

Lucky draw: B Castle, T Hudson, P Patrikeos

Scroungers Wed 3 April 2024

1st: T Grimmond

2nd: R Eaton

3rd: BJ Adams

4th: W Ryan

Self Select pairs Wed 3 April

Winners: W McDougall, D McDougall

Runners up: N Bolton, D Cherry

Lucky draw: W Kelly,L Mather

Lucky draw: T Howarth, J Cullen

Lucky draw: L Wright, S Mitchell

Lucky draw: S Cook, B Kinnear

Random Select triples Thu 4 April

Winners: G Frew, B Hamer, K Langford

Runners up: P Mann, E Hookey, C Hamilton

Lucky draw: P Conn, C Turner, T Phillips

Lucky draw: B Kelly, K Muller, L Kurtz

Self select pairs Fri 5 April

Winners: D McDougall, S Mitchell

Runners up: K Fuller, T Richardson

Lucky draw: L Beaven, J Wiegand

Lucky draw: BJ Adams, J Lonsdale

Self Select Triples Fri 5 April

Winners: G Denkel, G Duncan, E Sharp

Runners up: J Dunn, J Keys, R Glasser

Lucky draw: B Snare, A Sturm, B Hosie

Lucky draw: J Hattie, G Trevena, C Perkins

Lucky draw: D Bowers, B Castle, S Teflo

Lucky draw: T Bennett, G Hazelwood, R Fowler

Random Select Fours Sat 6 April

Highest margin: B Castle, G Hutchison, E Hookey, L Gilmore

Lowest margin: M Lowrey, L Hackwood, BJ Adams, T Phillips

Out of hat winner: P Andrews, M Lyons, A Pinzger

Self Select Triples Tue 9 April

Winners: F Grimsey, K Smith, I Smith

Runners up: N Gray, S Kurtz, L Tebbutt

Lucky draw: T Dean, C Dean, T Gray

Lucky draw: T Erfurth, K Piva, R Leth, D Davis

Lucky draw: R Glasser, J Lonsdale, T Phillips

Scroungers Results Wednesday 10 April 2024

1st: J Jenkinson

BONGAREE BOWLS CLUB

LADIES' DIVISION

Results of Ladies Patroness Day

Friday 12th April 2024

Congratulations to:

Winners: John Oakhil, Mary Doorley, Kim Hagar

R/UP: Doreen Pennery, Rose Smith, Wendy Rollason.

Our patron, Joy Lambie, donated prizes. Thank you for your ongoing support of our club. We are so glad to see you back.

It was a day filled with joy and camaraderie as everyone came together to enjoy the beautiful sunny April afternoon.

Results for Tuesday Ladies Turkey Pairs 16th April

Congratulations to:

Winners: John Park and Tim Carlton

R/Up: Ellen Corrick and Judi Irvine

Bonus Draw: Lyn Southall, Errol Fender and Chris McMillan, Dave Dixon

Results Ladies Friday Triples 19th April 2024

2nd: W Ryan

3rd: G Jackson

4th: P Mann

Self Select pairs Wed 10 April

Winners: J Oliver, P Gray

Runners up: K Muller, B Snare

Lucky draw: S Cook, S Priest

Lucky draw: S Dempsey, J Leys

Lucky draw: J Prowle, A Mann

Lucky draw: W Hoescher, G Skoien

Random Select triples Thu 11 April

Winners: K Muller, C Hamilton

Runners up: L De Roule, G Twigg, N Holzberger

Lucky draw: L Tebbutt, C Christiansen, W Follett

Lucky draw: B Kelly, T Phillips, G Mellors

Self select pairs Fri 12 April

Winners: I Smith, K Bell

Runners up: L Wright, D McDougall

Lucky draw: G Olson, I Gillard

Lucky draw: L De Roule, E Hookey

Self Select Pairs Fri 12 April 2024

Winners: R Glasser, C Perkins

Runners up: I Cooper, M Durham

Lucky draw: S Root, K Burdon

Lucky draw: P Adams, W Simmons

Lucky draw: G Steele, D Beadman

Lucky draw: W Broad, M Lowry

Random Select fours Sat 13 April

Out of hat winner: G Frew, W Langford, J Adams

Out of hat winner: T Hudson,

Congratulations to:

Winners: Terry O'Neil, Carol Oates and Di Drew.

R/Up: Lynn Bell, Janice Mason and Wayne Stuart

Ladies Section Turkey Pairs Tuesday 23rd April 2024

Congratulations to:

Winners: Ian Gillies, Diana Stowers

R/Up: Ken Kajewski, Barry Russell

Bonus Draw: Sue Alexander, Bev Montgomery

Photo: Rose Smith and Marilyn Weston Life members, and Joy Lambie Patron.

G Mulpeter, T Brain, T Phillips out of hat winner: M Lowry, S Brown, G Geisler, A Campbell

Self Select Triples Tues 16 April

Winners: R Glasser, G Woollett, T Phillips

Runners up: T Turnbull, B Turnbull, C Ebert

Lucky draw: P Mann, K Norton, G Olsen

Lucky draw: F Grimsey, K Smith, I Smith

Lucky draw: B Castle, A Jensen, D David & W Hoelscher

Scroungers Wed 17 April

1st: L De Roule

2nd: G Jackson

3rd: C Stroud

4th: M Nganeko

Self Select pairs Wed 17 April

Winners: R Ferguson, J Ferguson

Runners up: I McLelland, C Smith

Lucky draw: G Denkel, J Oliver

Lucky draw: M Cullinane, W Gilbert

Lucky draw: G Reilly, F Crockett

Lucky draw: D McDougall, W McDougall

Random Select Triples Thu 18 April

Winners: G Riley, R Bickerton, G Mellors, L Stanford Runners up: G Woollett, M Thompson, J Herbert

Lucky draw: M Cherry, L Williams, J Horsley

Lucky draw: C Christiansen, C Turner, C Hamilton

SOLANDER

LAKE BOWLS CLUB

LADIES SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP

Winners: Debbie Hill and Runners Up: Logan Hughes WEEKLY SOCIAL BOWLS RESULTSW/E 20/04/2024

Tuesday Winners: Val Foley, Jacki Player & Ted Parker.

R/U: Ib Larsen & Robert James.

Wednesday Winners: Wally Schmidt & Peter Hourigan. R/U: Val Jones & Bruce Hill. 3rd: Paul Dixon & Rob Dickson. Jackpot ($500) –Peter McIntyre & Bob Shearing.

Thursday Winners: Geoff Sorrenson, Mike Power & Steve Todd.

R/U: Carmel Sorrenson, Ib Larsen & Anthony McGregor.

3rd: Andy Ives, Ralph Chaplin & Chris Avenell.

Jackpot ($51) – No Winner.

Friday Winners: Ian Abercromby & Rod Reilly.

R/U: Robert Stumbles & Rob Dickson.

1st Rnd: Chris Treacy & Bruce Hill.

2nd Rnd: Mark Wendt & Vernon Dean.

Saturday: WASHED OUT.

Bribie Island Women’s Golf

11 April 2024 to 23 April 2024 11/4/24 – Single StablefordSilver Salver Rd 2 – sponsors E & C Covich

Div 1 Winners: Abby Driver 38, 2nd Desley Neilson 37 cb, 3rd Vicki Cronin 37

Div 2 Winners: Maree Bailey 39, 2nd Heather Croukamp 38, 3rd Fitzie Jackson 36

Div 3 Winners: Kerryn Keys 37 cb, 2nd Cathy Cooke 37, 3rd Joan Osborne 31

NTP’s: Hole 7 Toni Grossmann, Hole 14 Desley Neilson, Hole 16 Carol McKenzie, Hole 4 (Div 3 2nd shot) Jennifer Mckay

Catherine Covich & Desley

Neilson (Silver Salver Winner) 16/4/24 – Single Stroke

Div 1 Winners: Gaby Bennett 75 cb, 2nd Vicki Jones 75 cb, 3rd Pauline Grooby 75

Div 2 Winners: Marjorie Sills 74, 2nd Margaret Huxley 75, 3rd Yvonne Nicklin 77

18/4/24 – 3 Person Ambrose

Overall Winners: Wendy Washington, Maxine Langham & Tanya Zanow 65.667, 2nd Linda Urquhart, Myra Thomsen & Janet Brooks

66.333

NTP’s: Hole 4 Carole Watson, Hole 7 Mary Barbeler, Hole 14

Ros Gardiner, Hole 16 Linda Urquhart

23/4/24 – 4BBB Stableford

– Ann Caird Memorial Day sponsor Bribie RSL

Overall Winners: Carole Watson & Suzanne Vallely 48, 2nd Kerryn Keys & Vicki

Brooke

Cronin 46, 3rd Suzanne Peet & Lyn Cockerell 43

NTP’s: Hole 4 Yuko Nakamura, Hole 7 Rae Clarke, Hole 14

BRIBIE LEAD THE WAY AGAIN

Kathy Vincent.

NTP’s: Hole 4 Yuko Nakamura, Hole 7 Vicki Jones, Hole 14 Pauline Grooby, Hole 16

Suzanne Fowler, Hole 4 (Div 3 2nd shot) Nadia Aylott

A fresh approach DIVISION 1 for

Tanya Zanow, Hole 16 Gill

Lee, Hole 4 (Div 3 2nd shot) Kerryn Keys

Bribie Pink Dragons have been busy sizzling at Bunnings and celebrating the club's April birthdays. We will be holding a Mother's Day Raffle in the Bribie Central Shopping Centre from Wednesday, the 8th to Saturday, the 11th, and the prizes will be drawn at approximately 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon, prior to Mother's Day on the 12th of May.

We are grateful for the generosity of our local businesses, which is reflected in the great vouchers, beauty products, decorative, handmade items, and artworks up for raffle.

Whether you are a breast cancer survivor, a man or woman who has been in contact with a breast cancer patient, a family member, or simply someone with a like-minded ethos, we invite you to join us on Saturday or Monday mornings, and Thursday afternoons for a paddle among the dolphins, pelicans, dugong and turtles. For further info, please contact our President at 0499990352.

You may have travelled past the Bribie Island Croquet Club and seen some of our new players in action. We have just welcomed three new members to the Club, who are all progressing excellently. Sandra, one of our newer players, is proving she has a good eye for the ball and all our new members are brimming with enthusiasm, which is truly inspiring. You may have seen on a Saturday morning ,members playing singles. This is a great opportunity for those who want to improve their skills. All members who have taken part have really enjoyed the sessions. Wednesday and Friday afternoons are social play days where new and experienced members come together, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and helping people new to the game gain experience. We have our Plate (players new to the game), Shield (those with a little more experience), and Pennant (those experienced players) competitions with other

BONGAREE BOWLS MEN'S

Scroungers Sat April 13th  1st Paul Hill, 2nd Ron Corrick, 3rd Imelda Valentine, 4th Eric Thean

Wed 4's April 17th

Winners Billy Wilkins, Trevor Mickelborough, Jimmy Parker, Bruce Rawson

Runners Up Gordon Pitts, Graham Symonds, Tony Jericevich, Ray Horne

Thurs Jackpot pairs April 18th

clubs on the Sunshine Coast. Shield won their last game, but Pennant had some tough competition playing State players but still winning some games. Well done everyone. There are also competitions at other clubs that members enter, as well as our own competition, the Caboolture Cup.

Two members recently went to Windsor to play in the Windsor Shield. Members from various clubs took part, with Bribie leading the way again.

Maggie Lawson won her block winning every game and her name on the Windsor Shield.

More news of competition wins will be provided in the next issue.

Winners

Col Erhardt, John Park Scroungers April 20th 1st Gideon Croukamp, 2nd Tony Jericevich, 3rd Paul Hill, 4th Bob Thirwell

Wed 4's April 24th Winners Merna Hogg, Bev Montgomery, Dawn Phillips, Sue Alexander  Runners Up Kevin Wilkins, Billy Wilkins, Mike Flint, Steve Jackson (Jacko)

Have you ever considered the environmental impact of your old mattress? Many of us are guilty of using our mattresses way beyond their recommended lifespan. But if you think about everything your mattress absorbs over the years, it might prompt you to consider a more sustainable option. In just ten years' time, your mattress could double in weight due to the sweat, skin cells, dust mites and other debris it collects, contributing to the growing waste crisis. When you do purchase a new mattress, some stores will haul away your old one for free. But in today's green thinking and sustainability world, you might wonder what happens to that old mattress once it leaves your home. Unfortunately, it will most likely end up in a landfill. So, does this mean you shouldn't replace your old mattress despite its old age or your related back problems? Not at all. In fact, this is an opportunity for you to get creative and find a more sustainable way to dispose of your old mattress.

Give It Away

One of the simplest and most effective ways to find a new use for your mattress and keep it out of a landfill is to give it away. You'd be surprised how many people might be in the market for a free mattress. Speak with your friends, coworkers, nieces or nephews headed to college and recent graduates. By taking this small step, you're making a big difference in reducing waste. If you're feeling generous, you may want to have it cleaned before giving it away. However, unless you sell it or give it to an organisation with rules about accepting mattresses, the responsibility for cleaning it can fall on the new owner.

Sell It

If you're looking to make a little extra cash, you might consider selling your mattress. In this case, you will want to have your mattress professionally cleaned, which will cost you approximately $60 to $150, depending on your chosen cleaning service. Once you've done so, post your mattress on eBay or another similar site. Be sure to include a photo showing your mattress is clean and free of stains and add a detailed description of how it's been cleaned and maintained to attract the most buyers. You should also note the brand, a description of its firmness and other features, and the price you paid for it. Although you won't get anywhere close to the cost you put into the mattress, this helps build the legitimacy of your post. A second-hand shop in your community might also purchase your gently used mattress. Search for shops online and call ahead to make sure they purchase mattresses.

Donate to a Charity

The Salvation Army and other charities may accept donations for your used mattress. However, this is not a sure bet for getting rid of your mattress. It must be free of stains to be accepted.

Additionally, many organisations (like ) won't accept mattresses no matter how well they've been maintained. You'll need to call your local donation centre for more details, as these rules differ between charities and states. If you're lucky enough to find a centre that accepts mattresses, ask them if they'll pick it up from your home, as some offer free home pickup for larger items. Donate to a Shelter or Church If you don't have any luck attempting to donate your old mattress to Goodwill or

Creative Uses for Old Mattresses

the Salvation Army, you may want to try donating it to a shelter or church. Homeless shelters, women's shelters, or even disaster relief shelters may accept your donation of a professionally cleaned mattress. Churches might accept your clean mattress for a mission or other program that helps needy families.

Donate

to a Pet Rescue Center

Humans aren't the only ones who can benefit from old mattresses. In addition to shelters for people in need, you may also want to check with local animal shelters. They could use your old mattress as beds for animals they've rescued awaiting adoption. A doggie daycare or similar businesses might also be interested in your old mattress.

Again, you'll need to have the mattress professionally cleaned before donating. However, an animal shelter might not be as concerned about a stain as long as they know the mattress is clean. Ask if they will send someone to your home to pick it up in exchange for getting it for free.

Compost It

Mattress recycling is a great way to make an effort to be green and help the environment. But you can take it further and use your mattress to help you compost. The wood frame and the stuffing of the mattress can be used to create a compost pile in your backyard. The wood slats of the frame can be repurposed to create the actual bin for the compost, while the foam padding or cotton stuffing can be used as a cover to protect the compost from the elements and to keep the pile warm, which accelerates the composting process. You can even use stuffing from your mattress as landscape fabric to keep weeds out of your garden and the springs as trellises for climbing plants.

A bathroom fan is essential because it helps expel moisture from the bathroom. It also eliminates odour and maintains a clean environment in restrooms. A bathroom fan ensures a comfortable ambience by eliminating undesired smells.

How long should the fan be running?

You should turn on the fan as soon as you turn on the shower or bath water. Also, leave the fan on for about 20 minutes after bathing. This will help keep your bathroom free of moisture and mould.

Is it hard to replace a bathroom exhaust fan?

Replacing a bathroom exhaust fan is fairly simple and doesn’t involve much work. In fact, you can use the existing connections and wires to attach a new fan in place. Just buy a fan the same size as the one you are replacing to avoid ceiling hole adjustments. Remember to use switch wires and connect the new wires by hand to avoid mistakes. How do you select the right size bathroom fan?

Bathroom fans are rated according to airflow in CFM (cubic feet per minute). The rule of thumb is that if your bathroom is less than 100 square feet, you need at least 1 CFM per square foot of room area. So, a bathroom of 60 square feet would need a 60 CFM fan. For bathrooms larger than 100 square feet, add up the CFMs associated with each fixture to determine what size fan to buy.

THE BIGGEST HOUSES IN THE WORLD

One Bel Air, a colossal mansion spanning 105,000 square feet, stands as a testament to opulence. Its grandeur is unmatched, with a sky deck and putting green, a nightclub, multiple swimming pools, a 50-seat theatre, and a four-lane bowling alley, all within its walls.  In addition to five swimming pools and a 30-car garage, The One boasts a 10,000-bottle wine cellar and a 5,000-square-foot (464-square-meter) master bedroom. It is considered the largest modern house in America.

Villa Leopolda

The French Riviera is home to Villa Leopolda, which was originally built by King Leopold II of Belgium and then presented as a gift to his mistress, a French teenage prostitute. The stunning 18-acre (7.2-hectare) estate appears in the classic movie "To Catch a Thief" and includes 11 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. It offers unparalleled views of the Mediterranean, as well as

a greenhouse, botanical gardens, and even a helipad. Today, Villa Leopolda is considered Europe's most expensive private residence, with 80,000 square feet (7,432 square meters) of space.

Witanhurst

The second-largest residential estate in London, Witanhurst is 90,000 square feet (8,361 square meters) of luxury. It's currently owned by a Russian oligarch named Andrey Guryev, although he's not believed to live there full-time. The $400 million Georgian Revival mansion has 25 bedrooms and is a study in amenities, including a sauna, 70-foot (21-meter) swimming pool, movie theatre, ballroom and massage parlour. Finished in 1920, it was recently renovated.

Antilia

At 400,000 square feet (37,000 square meters), the Mumbai skyscraper of Antilia dwarfs even the most opulent personal residences. It is the current Guinness World Record holder for the largest house (owned by an individual). Six floors are dedicated to housing up to 168 cars, plus there's a movie theatre, beauty salon, ice cream parlour, and nine high-speed elevators. Since Mumbai is known for its high temperatures, the property even has a room where artificial snowflakes shoot from the walls.

Positioned across the road from Woorim Beach, this 14-year-old home offers an unparalleled family lifestyle with five bedrooms, an office, and multiple living areas across two spacious levels, featuring modern comforts and high-quality finishes. The stunning pool and entertainment space is reminiscent of a Balinese resort and includes an outdoor kitchen. Positioned directly across from Woorim Beach, you'll have your toes in the sea in under 2 minutes.

Buckingham Palac

e England's Buckingham Palace is the sovereign's home and the royal administrative headquarters. With 775 rooms to its credit, including 52 royal bedrooms and guest quarters, there are also 19 staterooms and 188 staff bedrooms on-site. This is one mansion you can pay to visit, though the private rooms will be off-limits. The true stars of the property are probably the regal throne room and the gilded white drawing room, which contains a Victorian-era gilded piano.

Istana Nurul Iman Palace

Since the 29th Sultan of Brunei called it home, it has earned the Guinness World Record for the largest residential palace. At more than 2.1 million square feet (200,000 square meters) in size, the palace features 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms and 44 marble staircases. It also boasts an enormous mosque, complete with a golden dome. In addition, there's a 5,000-person banquet hall, five swimming pools and a 110-car garage. Even the hundreds of polo ponies have their own airconditioned stables.

How Are Rainbows Formed ? THE

SCIENCE BEHIND THE COLOURS

When you hear the word "rainbow," maybe you think about the clouds parting at the end of rainy day, or a Pink Floyd album cover, or a mythical pot of gold. But how are rainbows formed? The science is pretty straightforward.

What Happens Inside a Prism

It all starts with a prism. Imagine a triangular piece of glass or plastic. This prism is like a backstage magician in the rainbow-creating show. When white light enters one face of the prism, it's as if the magician whispers an incantation: "Separate!"

You see, light enters the prism, and the magic begins. This process of splitting is thanks to the refractive index of the glass. What's that, you ask? Every material, from air to water, has a different refractive index. This index dictates how much light bends as it travels from one medium to another.

Refraction and Dispersion: The Colour-Making Trick

When light hits the prism, it bends or refracts, thanks to the change in refractive index between air and glass. But it doesn't stop there; as the light continues through the prism, it separates into various colours.

We call this process dispersion, and it's how a spectrum of colours — from red light with the longest wavelength to violet light with the shortest wavelength — is created.

What Are the Seven Colours of a Rainbow?

The colours of a rainbow are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. It's the sequence you never forget: Roy G. Biv!

How Are Rainbows Formed in Nature?

Good news: You don't need a prism to witness this spectral display. Mother Nature's got you covered with raindrops. Yes, raindrops in the air act like tiny prisms.

Light passes through each water droplet, bending as it goes in and reflecting off the side before it exits.

This sequence—entering, bending, and exiting—is a process called refraction.

The Angles and the Arcs: Understanding Optical Geometry

Think about the angles to visualise how rainbows form in the sky. Light entering a rain droplet bends at specific angles, depending on its colour. Red light exits at an angle of 42 degrees, while violet is slightly smaller at 40 degrees. The different angles from multiple droplets form a complete circle of colour in the sky—our beloved rainbow. Ever notice that most of the time, you see only part of the circle? That's because the ground gets in the way!

The Double Rainbow

A double rainbow occurs when the light inside the droplets reflects twice, meaning you get a second reflection. The secondary rainbow appears outside the primary bow and has its colours reversed. If you're lucky enough to see one, the water droplets are just the right size for that second show.

What Does a Rainbow Symbolize? In various cultures, rainbows are symbols of hope, usually representing the promise of upcoming rain. So the next time you see a rainbow, it's not just a scientific marvel — it's also a multicultural sign of good things to come!

How Our Eyes Perceive Rainbows

To be scientifically correct, a rainbow is not an object but an optical illusion. Visible light reaches our eyes, which the human eye processes into the vibrant bands of color we associate with a rainbow.

The Physics of Light

Light is composed of photons—tiny particles that behave both as light waves and light rays. When light refracts or bends, it does so because its light waves interact with the medium they're travelling through—be it air, glass, or water.

Why is it called a rainbow?

The contemporary word “rainbow” originates from the old English word “renboga.” Renboga is derived from the words “regn,” meaning rain, and “boga,” meaning arched.

Who discovered the rainbow?

Isaac Newton is credited with this discovery. Through a series of experiments with prisms and sunlight, Newton discovered that white light is made up of many different wavelengths or colours.

Can you ever see a full rainbow?

Typically, you'd see a full rainbow only if you had an unobstructed view of the sky and bright sunlight from a different angle. Sometimes, people have witnessed the full circle from an aeroplane or a hilltop!

Is a double rainbow rare?

A double rainbow isn’t as rare as it may sound. Rainbows form when rays from the sun are reflected from raindrops, and the light bends to make a rainbow. A second arc, which is on the same plane as the primary rainbow, occurs when rays of sunlight are reflected twice within the raindrop.

What does it mean when you see a double rainbow?

It is believed that a double rainbow indicates good fortune and happiness. While the primary or first arc portrays the real world, the second represents the spiritual world.

A much rarer phenomenon is a "twinned" rainbow. That's when two separate arcs break off from the same primary base. Researchers from Disney (yup, that Disney) were trying to find a way to better simulate and animate rainbows. They stumbled upon the idea that raindrops of different shapes or sizes (usually from two rain showers combined) lead to twinned rainbows.

Spacious Elegance at Ningi

2 Midden Court, Ningi

First time to market, this well-loved 4-bedroom former display home provides you all the space desired, amongst surroundings of nature. A magnificent sprawling 318m2 residence offering you a supreme tree-lined privately set location, with the advantage of only 1 neighbour. The corner position allows for additional vehicle/van/boat parking, with plenty of space upon the huge 834 m2 level grounds for both a pool and decent shed. Enjoy the potential 'lock up and leave' residence of distinguished ample proportions of this beautiful home design.

Price: Offers over $895,000

Sales & Rentals Office located at 5 Banya Street. Bongaree

Minty Fresh Summer’s heat can sometimes cause garbage cans to give off an unpleasant odour. If you grow mint, cut a fresh sprig and place it in the garbage can every day. It keeps the can smelling fresh all season long.

No More Moths

Keep moths away from your clothes with a natural solution. Make your own mothballs by mixing oil of cloves and oil of cinnamon, then soaking cotton balls in this mixture. Place the cotton balls in muslin bags and hang them in your closets.

Heavy Duty Helper

Aluminium foil makes a great kitchen scrubber. Use it to tackle tough stains and baked on food.

Get Rid of Glue

When you must remove a spot of glue, use vinegar. It’s a good glue thinner or remover. But use caution—there are some things you should never clean with vinegar.

Wash Those Walls Fill a paint roller with your favourite wall-washing solution and use a clean roller to wash your walls. Rinse with clear water. It goes much more quickly than sponging

Gum Be Gone

To remove gum from fingers or hair, Rub creamy peanut butter or vegetable oil into the gum. Wait a few minutes. The gum will come right off. Then wash your hands or hair as normal.

Clean Shaven

Shaving cream has more than one use in the bathroom. Your bathroom mirror won’t fog up if you clean it with canned shaving cream. It works on eyeglasses, too.

Hair Conditioner Use hair conditioner instead of soap when shaving your legs. It softens the hair and leaves the legs feeling beautifully smooth.

So Long, Soap Scum

To keep shower doors shiny and clear, use a soft cloth moistened with baby oil. It prevents scum buildup from dirt and soap, and hard water spots won’t appear for several months.

Handy Soap

When your hands are dirty from yard work, Tuck a bar of soap in the toe of a nylon stocking and tie it to your outdoor water faucet for fast garden cleanup.

Mon-Thu 8 am to 4 pm Fri 8am - 3pm, Sat-Sun

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BRIBIE LAWNS EXPERIENCING A MEALY BIG PROBLEM!

Has your lawn recently developed brown spots that seem to be multiplying by the day? You might have an outbreak of MEALY BUG!

Mealy Bugs are small sap-sucking pests that are often found in warmer climates. They are soft-bodied, wingless and are covered in white, protective wax and leave behind dry looking, damaged grass blades. They produce Honeydew which can cause mould growth on plants, attracts other pests, and can prevent your grass from photosynthesizing. They tend to hide in the moist and protected parts of a plant, usually the dense foliage or underside of leaves, and can have the appearance of small spots of cotton.

SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Mealy Bugs reach maturity within 1-3 months of hatching, and adult females can lay 300-600 eggs which will hatch within 1-3 weeks. If these pests aren’t taken care of quickly, they can overrun your lawn!

Option 1. Mealy Bugs are hard to eradicate, generally needing to be manually removed with rubbing alcohol from each blade of grass. This daunting task could take days or weeks depending on your yard size.

Option 2. Jump on Doctor Google and research old wife’s tales on ‘How Do I Kill Mealy Bug’ just to find the hundreds of different products you ‘could’ use to eradicate them.

Option 3. CALL COOCHIE HYDROGREEN!

Whether your lawn is inundated with weeds, tired and stressed, disease-ridden or destroyed by lawn grubs and pests, Coochie Hydrogreen can help you out.

With over 25 years of experience servicing more than 30,000 customers nationally, our lawn care programs and products are designed to give you the peace of mind of knowing that your lawn will be healthy all year round.

Our products are applied by trained technicians, pet-friendly, commercial grade, unique to Coochie Hydrogreen, and backed by our full-service warranty.

Take the hassle out of loving your lawn and call in the professionals to help you out.

Contact Coochie Hydrogreen for your FREE LAWN ASSESSMENT today at  www.coochie.com.au

CONGRATULATIONS ANDREW

Sunday 14th April 2024 –Andrew Veary joined VMR Bribie as Trainee Crew in July 2015, was appointed Crew on Blue Sunday Crew in October 2015, Competent Crew in June 2017, transferred to Blue Saturday Crew for 6 months, spent 3 years with Green Saturday and transferred to Red Saturday Crew in January 2023. Andrew qualified as Senior Crew in April 2024 with Red Saturday Crew.

ANZAC DAY

Thursday 25th April 2024 – The “Dawn Service” held at 4:28AM at Korea Place, Bribie Island RSL was well attended and followed by a Gunfire Breakfast in the RSL Club.

23 Active Members marched in the VMR Contingent at the Bribie Island ANZAC March in great Autumn weather. Once again, the Hunter River Lancers provided the Catafalque Party and Sandstone Point resident Major General David Ferguson AM, CSC was the Guest Speaker.

Sheryl Traill with Kelly Langworthy.

Carol and VMR Radio Operator Ian Thomas queue up for the gunfire breakfast.

Bribie 2 tows 5.5m Full Cabin vessel from entrance to Pacific Harbour to Toorbul Sunday evening 14th April 2024.

Graham Patrick (front) and Ray Fox chose to ride in our Martin Jonkers Motors sponsored HiLux.

The VMR contingent ready to step off!

Coxswain Gary Voss presents Andrew Veary with his Anchors signifying Senior Crew status.

Kelly Langworthy with Commodore Ces and Wendy Luscombe enjoy some refreshments.

Sheryl Traill, Graham Patrick, and Kelly Langworthy seeking shade for the main ANZAC Service at Korea Place, Bribie RSL.

Ces and Graham show that we do have 2 flags!

Mike Looney, Liz Radajewski, Louis Mifsud, wait at the forming up point

Wayne Beeton with Peter McNamara.

Garry Bunker chats with Charles Williams..

John and Sheryl Traill pose for a photo with the “Ghost Soldier” display after the gunfire breakfast..

Pauline and Tim Amourous with Tim’s father John.

Dave Nichols with Mark Paterson.

Chaplain the Reverend Pierre van Blommestein conducted the Dawn Service..

John and Tim Amourous, left to their own devices to be picked up later by Pauline!

Henry Graffen sports his newly acquired Crew epaulettes, with Commodore Ces Luscombe & Kathy Rickard-Simms.

SAFETY DAVE THE FRENCHIE’S MESSAGE:

Safety Dave says for this coming holiday period check your LIFE JACKETS:

• do you have the appropriate life jacket for the whole trip?

• are the life jackets suited to the activity being undertaken?

• do you have one jacket for everyone on board?

• are the jackets in good condition and correctly labelled?

• if boating at night, do the jackets have reflective tape on them? and

• do you have an appropriate sticker/label showing where the life jackets are stored?

APRIL VESSEL ASSISTS

APRIL VESSEL ASSISTS:

FRI 12/04 0929AM – 7m Cruiser member with engine issues at Scarborough Reef – requesting a tow into Scarborough Harbour. Crew called in and stood down as skipper had started his vessel.

SAT 13/04 0836AM – 5.2m

Runabout member with motor issues required a tow from South of the Bribie Bridge to the Sylvan Beach Boat Ramp.

SAT 13/04 1235PM - Tasked by QAS to transport Ambulance Officers to Tangalooma and medevac a pregnant 31-yr-old patient back to their ambulance at VMR Base.

SUN 14/04 0741AM – 6.5m Half Cabin non—member South of Bribie Bridge with motor issues, required a tow to the Bellara Boat Ramp.

SUN 14/04 1733PM – 5.5m

Full Cabin member running out of battery, required a tow from entrance to Pacific Harbour to Toorbul.

THU 18/04 0921AM – 4.6m

Runabout non-member with engine issues, required a tow from South

Many boaters have their jackets still in their original packaging – this leads to lack of effective inspection and the deterioration of the straps. This in turn also makes it difficult to fit in an emergency.

The bottom line – life jackets should not be stowed and forgotten. They are difficult for a novice to put on in an emergency, and then it’s too late to realise they are inappropriate for the intended person in that emergency. Skippers should inspect each before each trip, show all passengers how to wear and have them easily accessible for use, preferably worn.

“PLEASE WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKETS!”

“BUT importantly – Always remember if you are heading out on the water LOG ON with your local VMR or Coast Guard, its a free service for everyone, so why wouldn't you! - It just may save your life!"

of the Bribie Bridge to Spinnaker Sound Marina.

SUN 21/04 1021AM – 4m Tinny non-member with motor issues required a tow back into Spinnaker Sound Marina.

SUN 21/04 16634PM – Assist a non-member with moving a heavy anchor from one vessel to another vessel off Turners Camp.

MON 22/04 0958AM – 13m

Flybridge non-member with battery issues. Crew called in but vessel started and crew stood down.

MON 22/04 1351PM – Jet Ski non-member stuck in mud near Gallaghers Gutter, required a tow into deeper water, escorted to Donnybrook.

THU 25/04 0728AM – 6.5m Cruiser member with electrical issues at Bulwer, required a tow to Bellara Boat Ramp.

2024 YEAR RADIO ROOM STATISTICS

2024 YTD RADIO ROOM STATISTICS

To Wednesday 24th April 2024 5,456 Calls, 1,453 vessels logged on, 134 Vessel Assists, 593 Sitreps, 738 Requests, 16 Overdue vessels, 6 Vessel Tracking, 467 Radio Checks, 6 Weather Forecasts

3 Securite Broadcasts. 1 Pan Pan, 0 Mayday

JOIN OUR TEAM

Learn new skills, serve your community and save lives. Applications for the next intake of volunteer boat crew are now open

Do you

 Like helping other people?

 Love the water & boats? Like to drive ours (eventually)?

 Want to give back to the Bribie Area community?

 Want to learn more maritime skills and local knowledge?

 Want to do all this as part of a dedicated team? You will need to

 Have time available during each month for rescues or attend training.

 Be able to commit long term to the training, crew days and callouts.

 Be fit, healthy, active and be willing to learn.

 Live within 20 min of our Base at Sylvan Beach.

 Be willing to go in all sorts of weather, day or night.

Interested! Apply Now by going to our website https://www.vmrbribie.com/volunteering-for-crew-duties/ for more info and an application form.

For any enquiries contact the Recruitment Officer (0400707479) Applications closing, so apply now!

Tim Amourous and Bernie Hayes after the march.

March over Kelly Langworthy pose for a photo – perhaps getting ideas for the ANZAC themed Sunset Drinks tomorrow evening.

John Traill and Ron Burrett catch up after the march.

Going Silver!

Yes - it’s our 25th Regatta since Alan Graham, a local wooden boat builder, staged a one-day event for puttputt boats on the Pumicestone Passage, Bribie Island.

In May 2003, 93 boats registered for our regatta, ranging from 48-foot classic motor cruisers to a flotilla of trailable craft and canoes. On Sunday, over 2000 spectators marvelled at the array of boats.

The BRIBIE CLASSIC BOAT REGATTA has certainly come of age and continues to be the largest gathering of Classic boats in Queensland.

This year’s SILVER ANNIVERSARY regatta opened for registration on 30 March for the regatta dates 24, 25, and 26 May 2024, and we already have a number of boats that have not registered before. Go to www.BACE.org.au to register or scan our link -

The weekend starts on Friday, with a meet & greet at the OYSTER BAR, Sandstone Point Hotel, from 3.30 pm to catch those arriving by water and road. The boaties pick up regatta bags and their corflute regatta numbers and have a briefing, a few drinks, and good tucker while catching up with old mates.

Saturday sees the main spectacular Pumicestone Passage cruise to Donnybrook from 9 am, with a free lunch at Toorbul supported by the local community association.

At the Pacific Harbour Marina after lunch, spectators can get up close to the bigger boats (which naturally are at anchor at other times over the weekend) and drool over classic cars and classic boats in the hard stand area.

This year, from midday, Pacific Harbour Marina will be taken up with community club activities, including a boat-building display.

The moored boats arrive at about 1 pm.

The Silver Anniversary Dinner at the Bribie Island Hotel kicks off at 6 pm with fun

events and the main trophy presentations: Pride of Fleet, Best Sailing Boat, and Best Motor Boat.

Sunday at 9 a.m.: The Grand Parade of boats leaves the marina and moves on to Sylvan Beach, Bellara, where they either pull up on the beach or anchor off.

There are market stalls and food. There are lots to watch, too, as we celebrate classic boating with row boats, putt-putts, motors, cruisers, sailing boats, surf boats, dragon boats and outrigger canoes, all displaying each club. A people's choice award is voted on, and the trophy is delivered. Great prizes for the voters, too. Tickets for a raffle of a 12-foot restored wooden sailing dinghy will be available soon.

It’s over at about 1 p.m. after the fun trophies for displays are presented. All in all, it is a brilliant event.

See you there!

Dr Doug, Secretary BACE Inc. (Bribie Aquatic Community Events Inc.)

FISHING REPORT

Someone said to me a couple of weeks ago that he had looked at the weather observations and that every weekend between Christmas and Easter had been affected by rain. I checked, and he was wrong. We actually had three weekends when there wasn’t any rain. Still, that’s not many, is it? That being said, there has been a long stretch of dry weather through the middle of April, and the water has cooled a little as well, not much, but a little.. - enough to perk up the fishing.

The Pumicestone Passage has already started to move into the winter action, with regular reports of early-season tailor, and some lovely whiting too. On the rising tide especially, there have been tailor catches from the third marker south of the bridge, up past the yellow

By: Robyn Bribie Island Boat Charters

marker at Ningi Creek, and lots of them between Toorbul and Gallagher’s Point. Vena’s were picked up near the Avon shipwreck using white bait, but mullet strips or pilchards have probably been more successful.

There are some good flathead getting about too, but we’ll have to wait a while before the really huge ones are out in force. Tania did manage to catch a biggie up at Elimbah Creek with a gang-hooked pilchard. Jamie and his mates

caught two nice duskies at the Avon shipwreck and three keeper sweetlip, using “a bit of everything as far as bait goes.” They also hooked plenty of undersized snapper and sweetlip, then the rain drifted down from the Sunshine Coast, and it was all over for the day. On the strength of a local Facebook post, a mate went out last week and anchored opposite Bongaree Jetty on a very early morning falling tide. “There were lots of long-tail tuna,” he said, but he didn’t get onto one. He did catch some school mackerel—55cm— 60cm—a couple of big-enough snapper that went back in, and a nice flounder. Not bad for a couple of hours.

Mark told me about the recent annual competition between Bribie Island Amateur Fishing Club and the Army

BRIBIE BAIT TACKLE & BIKES

TRADING HOURS:

Two fish and an icypole – lots of fun during the school holidays!

Fishing Club, when the total count came to “probably about 40 flathead, about as many bream, plenty of whiting too.”

Mark was cleaning his haul of fish at the Kalmakuta boat ramp and showed me the very decent mud crab that had hung onto his bait a little too long!

Lots of bream, grunters, tarwhine and flounder have been taken on the mainland side of the Passage and just as many sweetlip and moses perch on the island side. Ron chose to hang around the bridge, sitting on the north side of the 7th pylon from the mainland end, and caught

a 35cm tarwhine, 31cm bream, and five sand crabs on the line (not all at once!) He also had four pots out, sitting not far from Spinnaker Sound Marina, baited up with chicken necks and fish frames. He and Polly brought in twenty keepers but said he let heaps go that were also legal size. He thinks one of his pots got taken for a ride by a shark, but he managed to recover it the next day (a lot worse for wear and tear), sitting just north of the bridge. A less happy ending came to Sophie’s day when she and her family found a stray crab pot and brought it onboard. Inside the pot was a dead turtle – certainly not the first to get caught in a ghost pot in the Passage. It’s very sad that we haven’t been able to find a design or procedure that allows us to harvest crabs without constantly losing pots or endangering our precious wildlife. There is currently a Fisheries Queensland survey circulating,

asking for feedback and suggestions to improve crabbing. One of the proposals is to make pots of heavier gauge wire, and the other is to add weighted rope – neither of these is a silly idea. It might make pots more expensive to buy, but then people might be keener to get their pots back rather than giving up trying to find them when the tide carries them off. All I’m saying is it’s a terrible cost to our beautiful environment – surely we can do better.

What we can look forward to over winter – plenty of flathead, flounder and tailor.

Vena found his tailor near the Avon shipwreck on a perfect day on the Passage.

WHY ARE FISHERMEN SUPERSTITIOUS OF BANANAS?

Stevie Wonder once sang that superstition is "when you believe in things that you don't understand." And maybe he's right. Step on a crack, break your mother's back. Break a mirror and get seven years of bad luck. We've all heard the rhymes, but how many of us really know what they mean or, more importantly, where they came from? Superstitions arise when we want more control or certainty about something. We want an explanation for why things go wrong—or right—and, for whatever reason, we're quick to attribute success or failure to something seemingly innocuous, like a rabbit's foot or a penny. Psychologists believe that when we carry items like these, they actually have a placebo effect, fuelling positive thinking. Conversely, if we lose that lucky object, we think negatively.

If you have served in the Commonwealth Navies, we members of the Naval Association Bribie Island would like to meet you!

Our Association meets at the RSL on the first Sunday of the month and every Tuesday evening.

Why not chill with us and have a coldie and help us with our raffle to raise money to support T.S. Koopa Naval Cadets, our future sailors.

Members of our association enjoy bus excursions, welfare support, mateship and more... so please give us a call we would love to welcome you!

PLEASE CONTACT PRESIDENT: DAVID BIRDLING on 0476 161 886 or VICE PRESIDENT: JOHN FINCH on 0403 603 059

Step into the world of sailors and fishermen, and you'll find a treasure trove of superstitions. Their beliefs, steeped in history, include these intriguing examples: It's bad luck to sail on a Friday. If you whistle or sing into the wind on a boat, a storm is sure to follow. Sailors who wear earrings or have tattoos won't drown. It's bad luck to have women onboard because they make the sea angry or jealous. Rats leaving a ship are a sign of trouble. (Actually, that's no superstition. You probably should pay those fleeing rats some heed.)

Crab boat fishermen are a particularly superstitious lot. Perhaps it's because their jobs are so inherently dangerous -- commercial crab fishing is one of the deadliest industries in the world. Or maybe it's because the industry has been around for so long, and fishermen have spread superstition neurosis to the next generation for many years.

One thing we do know for sure: Try to bring a banana or a suitcase on a crab fishing boat, and you might find yourself waving goodbye at the dock.

Bananas and Suitcases -- Fishing Folklore

Two of the most enduring crab boat superstitions involve bananas and suitcases. In both cases, these items are strictly forbidden onboard.

Many charter fishing boat crews have

steadfast restrictions about bringing bananas on the boat. In fact, they'll return to the dock to purge the offending fruit. Some charters go so far as to prohibit Banana Boat brand sunscreen or Banana Republic brand clothes onboard. There are many theories on why people believe bananas are bad luck for a boat. One superstition is that boats carrying bananas don't catch fish. The origin of this belief dates back to the Caribbean trade of the 1700s. The wooden sailing boats of that time had to move quickly to deliver bananas before they spoiled, and fishermen had a hard time trolling for fish on such fast-moving boats, which is how the superstition came about. Another superstition that originated during that time was that bananas would cause a boat to sink. This belief developed after many boats never reached their destinations, and all doomed boats carried bananas. One of the creepier superstitions is that banana cargo could actually kill a man. In actuality, fermenting bananas does give off methane gas, which could get trapped below deck and kill any crew members unlucky enough to be working in the hold. Another popular theory was that venomous spiders hitched rides in bananas, and once those bananas were onboard, the boat would be host to any number of lethal critters. And then, of course, there's the theory that banana

peels cause crew members to slip and fall on deck.

Suitcases onboard is a fishing boat, no-no, as well. Even when the camera crew boarded crab boats to film Discovery Channel's reality series "Deadliest Catch," they were asked to leave their equipment suitcases on the dock.

The origins of the suitcase superstition are murky, and the superstition has variations. For example, some sailors are superstitious about all luggage; some only ban black suitcases and bags. But everyone seems to agree that a suitcase is a harbinger of death or illness. Black bags are considered bad because black is the colour of death and a metaphor for the depths of the dark, cold sea. Some fishermen say that travel bags resemble body bags, another obvious symbol of death.

Why do crab boat captains and crew hang on to these superstitions? Probably for the same reason the superstitions began. Even with a modern understanding of science and weather patterns, we still perceive the sea as a mysterious and treacherous place. Beliefs and superstitions are passed down from generation to generation, from fisherman to fisherman, and it's a brave sailor who turns his (or her) back on tradition. Would you be willing to see what happens when you reject a centuries-old superstition?

e’re only human, as the saying goes, and people are bound to make mistakes when driving. A staggering 99% of all accidents on roads and highways are caused by human error. Yet most of us repeatedly make the same mistakes when driving, oblivious to the fact that we’ve erred at all. Whether out of habit, lack of awareness, or indifference to the other vehicles around us, people repeatedly make the same mistakes when behind the wheel. No wonder engineers and scientists are hard at work developing self-driving cars that will take human error out of the equation.

NOT ADJUSTING THE MIRRORS PROPERLY

The rear view and side mirrors are not decorations. They are important instruments in your car that help you see what is behind and on either side of your vehicle. Ensuring that the mirrors on your car are in the right position is critically important. However, most

Most Common Driving Errors

You’re Probably Guilty Of

drivers motor around with their mirrors out of position and not appropriately adjusted. This can lead to accidents, as people cannot adequately see the cars coming up behind them. Poor positioning of side mirrors is particularly bad, as it can lead to many accidents

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as people switch lanes without seeing another car beside them. While there will always be a “blind spot” in side mirrors, the problem is amplified when the mirror is adjusted so poorly that drivers look at their own door handles rather than the cars driving alongside them.

The best practice is always to take a moment when you first get into your car to adjust all the mirrors to the right position. Angle the side mirrors out so you don’t see your own car at all, and you’ll eliminate the blind spot almost completely.

DRIVING SLOWLY IN THE PASSING LANE

We’ve all cursed them — the people who drive slowly in the passing lane on a highway, indifferent to the fact that they are blocking up traffic behind them. This practice is not only annoying as hell but also dangerous, as it can lead to frustrated drivers speeding in the slower lane and trying to pass other cars on the inside lane. All drivers should remember that the lanes to the left are for slower-moving vehicles, and the lanes on the right are for faster-driving cars. The key is to figure out which lane you’re most comfortable driving in based on the speed you’re travelling at. Driving in the fastest lane is the height of inconsideration when you’re clearly not going the speed limit or can see a long line of cars behind you with the drivers’ faces contorted in rage. That honking you hear tells you to move over to the left lane.

NOT USING YOUR TURN SIGNAL

So few of us use our turn signals, and it is a wonder we even have them in our cars. We all forget that turn signals are an important safety feature that informs other motorists around us what our intentions are. When people don’t use a turn signal to indicate that they are changing lanes on a highway or turning a corner on a city street, it forces the drivers behind and beside us to

react to our actions at the last second and with no warning. This is how accidents happen. Proper driver etiquette dictates that people use turn signals when turning or changing lanes. Just be sure to turn off the signal once you make your move; driving behind people who have left their turn signal blinking for an extended period when they are not turning is pretty annoying.

LEAVING YOUR HIGH BEAMS ON

This bad habit can be extremely dangerous. High beams can blind drivers in oncoming cars and distract drivers ahead of you. While high beams are important when driving on roads with no street lights, people need to be aware of when they are using their high beams and turn them off whenever there are other cars around them. The general rule of thumb is to use low beams whenever you see another car’s headlights or taillights in the distance. Also, remember that high beams can cause reduced visibility when used in certain weather conditions, notably fog and snow. Be sure to pay attention to your dashboard at all times, as it is possible for people to accidentally hit their high beams and turn them on when driving. You’ll likely see a blue light on the dash if your high beams are on. That blue light could be a lifesaver.

RIDING THE BRAKES

Unless you’re a Formula One race car driver, there’s no reason to ride the brakes in your car. This is the practice where people use both of their feet to drive. They keep the left foot on the brake and the right on the gas. This can lead to the nasty habit of holding the brake and gas simultaneously for a few seconds, usually when stopped at a red light or stop sign. Over time, this practice will wear out the brakes quickly. It can also cause fender benders and more serious accidents as drivers behind you will struggle to react to the jerking of your car. Be safe and use your right foot to brake and accelerate your car. There’s a reason why your driver’s education teacher was such a stickler about this point.

BAD SEATING POSITION

This may not seem like a big

deal. After all, you have the seat in your car just the way you like it. You’re comfortable when driving, and that’s all that matters, right? Not so fast. Many people sit too far back and are in positions that compromise their control of the vehicle they’re operating. Reaction times can be slowed when people’s legs are stretched out, and their feet barely touch the gas or brake. Likewise, if people are too comfortable in their car, they can be lulled into a daze and not pay attention to what is happening around them. To reinforce these points, take a look at professional race car drivers. They always sit upright and don’t have to hyperextend their arms or legs to reach the wheel or work the gas and brake. They also keep two hands on the steering wheel at all times, which ensures control of the car. Sitting properly in a car so that you are alert and capable of reacting quickly could mean the difference between life and death.

USING YOUR DAYLIGHTS AT NIGHT

Daylights were not always common in cars, but they are standard in every car today, and that has led to many of us taking them for granted and assuming (wrongly) that we can leave them running at night. Daylights are dimmer than nightlights on most cars, and taillights are usually not on when the daylights are running. And if your taillights aren’t on, your car is not visible to other motorists on the road. Always be sure to turn on your car’s nightlights at dusk. This is not difficult and only requires that people turn the lever one notch to the left. Trust us, the added visibility and safety the nightlights provide are worth it. You’ll be safer, and so will the other cars around you.

CROSSING LANES WHILE TURNING

Crossing multiple lanes while turning a corner is a more common mistake than most people realise. It is a dangerous and costly mistake, too. The correct (and safe) practice is to execute a turn in your own lane, then use your turn signal to indicate that you are changing lanes after completing the turn. Many people love

to swing their car wide when turning and changing lanes simultaneously. This can lead to collisions with cars in other lanes that are turning at the same time. In general, people’s turning etiquette could use a lot of improvement. Drivers will do themselves and those around them a favour if they don’t change lanes while turning. Making this one simple adjustment can do a world of good and have a very positive impact.

SPEED THROUGH AN ORANGE LIGHT

We all know that the orange light means “slow down”, not “speed up.” Yet when we see the light go from green to orange, most of us hit the gas rather than the brake. Getting through an orange light so we don’t have to wait at a red one seems like a national sport. This is very dangerous and should be avoided. Nearly every time you see a collision at an intersection, it is because someone was speeding through an orange light and got t-boned. It’s best to be cautious and patient. When the light turns orange, slow down and stop. Please wait at the red light and proceed when it turns green again. The 90 seconds or so of your life that you give up is worth it.

STOP SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING

We’ve all done this: You’re driving along and suddenly see a parking spot you want or that the “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign is lit up at Krispy Kreme. You slam on the brakes and come to an abrupt stop without warning. The problem is that the car tailgating behind you has likely run into your rear end and caused a collision. Stopping suddenly and without warning is one of the biggest mistakes drivers make, leading to one of the highest accidents on roads and highways. Drivers should always be conscious of the cars behind them and stop slowly and with care — giving everyone nearby a chance to react and adjust. Otherwise, accidents, both small and large, can occur. And then you’ll miss the hot doughnuts at Krispy Kreme anyway, and who wants that?

letters to the editor

Dear Editor,

David of Bongaree, April 19, states, “Indigenous? A simple dictionary search shows that because four generations of his family were born here, they are indigenous Australians." Instead of a pocket dictionary relating to indigenous flora and fauna, David could validate his claims with a scientific option: DNA testing! Mapping your ancestral spread around the globe.

Who knows, perhaps David from ‘Bongaree’ (an Indigenous Australian man) has Indigenous relatives around the world to satisfy his misaligned sense of missing out. Indigenous Australians have familial heritage from various ethnic groups that lived within the territory of present-day Australia before colonisation after the first fleet arrived in 1788.

Torres Strait Islanders possess a heritage and cultural history distinct from Aboriginal traditions. They are related to the Papuan peoples of New Guinea. Accordingly, they are not generally included under the designation “Aboriginal Australians”. Another factor in promoting the more inclusive term “Indigenous Australians”. The Torres Strait Islands were annexed by Queensland in 1879. Many Indigenous organisations incorporate the phrase “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander” to highlight the distinctiveness and importance of Torres Strait Islanders in Australia’s Indigenous population. Using critical thinking skills, one becomes less susceptible to being fooled David.

Nola, Bongaree

Dear Editor,

I was horrified to see the teenage terrorist attack the Assyrian Bishop on TV last week, but I was truly appalled by the riot that broke out afterwards when the word of the stabbing spread to the nearby suburbs. By all accounts, 50 police were injured, and 42 police cars were damaged in the resulting fracas. Why did the rioters think that they could take things into their own hands as they yelled out, ‘Bring him out’? Perhaps they were emboldened by the complete lack of condemnation by our political leaders and inaction by our police force with their ‘hands-off’ approach to the recent pro-Palestinian rallies around the country. State and federal governments are adopting the stance of not offending any minority group, especially if that means losing votes in the next election. Well, I feel offended! Law and order no longer appear to be a government priority,

and I resent that, and I claim that I am part of the majority group.

I would lay some of the blame on the parents of these ‘hot-heads’. Most immigrants to Australia have come here to seek a better life. They have left behind a homeland often wracked with civil unrest and religious animosities. They could have, indeed they should have, left all of that behind them. They’ve been welcomed by a country renowned as the best country in the world. Why not start afresh? Instead, they listen to the hate preachers, and they inculcate in their own kids a hatred of anyone who does not share their view of how they should live their lives.

It is way past the time when our elected leaders should show some spine and demand that all newcomers to this country abide by the laws and the culture of this land. If they choose not to accept the Australian way of life, then they and their families should have their visas or citizenship revoked, and they should be sent back immediately from whence they came.

Michael Cavenor

Dear Editor,

I'm just pointing out that the bias towards the LNP is palpable. I’m old enough to remember that there has never been a successful right-wing government in Queensland, and if the LNP is elected later this year, heavens knows how bad things might get. I point out that in several recent elections, Labor has won all booths on the island.

Cheers,

B. Ferguson

Response from the Editor

The magazine has no affiliation with any political party; all parties are welcome to submit any community news to the magazine and have been told this repeatedly.

Anything else that appears in the magazine politically wise is paid content that all parties are welcome to place with us. We aren’t and never will be a politically biased magazine. We believe our readers have a right to see all party's information. However, we can only print what has been provided to us.

Regards, Cherrie

Dear Editor,

It was great to receive a letter from The City of Moreton Bay regarding the decision to implement a 50 km speed zone for Eucalypt Street Bellara; however, no amount of speed reductions will stop the hoons who regularly use the street as their testing ground to see how fast their cars can go unless it is policed, and fines are handed out accordingly. I truly hope police presence increases! Ross Berg

Dear Editor,

David of Bongaree seems to have a problem with numbers, specifically the meaning of "200 words”. His verbosity made it difficult to follow his argument, much of which was irrelevant.

My original letter was about a flag for current and future Australians, so their numbers (26.7M), ARE the context. No disrespect to the original Anzacs was ever intended, even if my beliefs make it hard for me to understand their mindset.

My use of the term “disgraceful”, however, has nothing whatsoever to do with those numbers or anyone involved in WW1. It concerned the words “our early history [as Australians]". To dismiss the original Australians’ history in such a way is not only a racial slur but shows an ignorance of the valuable lessons which they learned, and are now trying to teach later immigrants,  about how to care for this ancient continent. If more Australians studied ecology instead of economics, more would appreciate their input.

H.Beneke

Dear Editor,

During a beautiful dawn Anzac Day Ceremony at Kal-ma-Kuta Drive, Sandstone Point I became ill.

Several members came to my aid, including a fully experienced Registered Nurse who initiated heart and stroke checks with

pertinent assessment questions.

Another member requested an ambulance attendance, with follow-up, together with relayed advice from the ambulance crew prior to arrival.

Two newlyweds of Bribie Beach Shack freely offered their bathroom as assistance.

I greatly appreciated the comfort offered by two friends and the direct support they provided by informing my wife and transporting her to Caboolture Hospital to see me. They also took care of my car, allowing our return home with an "all clear."

Caboolture Hospital staff on Anzac Day were extremely busy, but they performed all my required health checks effectively and efficiently, all with a reassuring, understanding smile in a caring environment.

All of these helpful, understanding people will recognise their actions for which my wife and I are sincerely grateful - all done in true Anzac spirit.

Thank you all.

Rex Griffin

Dear Editor,

Letter to the Editor re Anzac Day 2024 at Woorim

My partner Krista and I were privileged to attend the

Woorim Anzac Day Ceremony. This year, as in previous years, it was run by our local identity, Matt the Bandana, and kicked off at 4.15 a.m. It is such a selfless gesture that Matt organises and runs this moving ceremony.

I wanted to write this article to thank and acknowledge his efforts. About 200 people witnessed and participated, and no doubt many, like us, were brought to tears. Having the ceremony at Woorim is so fitting, given the sounds of the waves crashing on the white sands, not unlike what I’d imagine Gallipoli to be like.

As a Woorim local and someone who wants to continue to have this event here, I realise the event was held there previously, but due to safety reasons, if someone suffered a heart attack, and with only one road into Woorim, this was why I am told that the event was shifted to the RSL.

With such a small and dedicated group attending the dawn service at Woorim surely there is room for both the small gathering at Woorim and the Main ceremony to happen at the RSL.

Lest we forget.

Tim Moore

Woorim Local

Please keep your letters to no more than 200 words, this enables us to submit a number of letters for everyone to read. The comments and opinions on these pages do not reflect those of The Bribie Islander

Notice of Praecipe, Tacit Acceptance of Conveyance and Reconveyance

Deirdre Fiona Rapson© and Mark Stanley Rapson© of Morayfield, Queensland, are not voluntary transactors in commerce, and are the irrefutable Holders in Due Course of our properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names since unrebutted lawful Conveyance and Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia, Public Recording Numbers LE070321262GB and LE070321259GB respectively with Proclamation Date 15 February 2024, thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. The occupying corporate government of Australia and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Deirdre Fiona Rapson© and Mark Stanley Rapson© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.

Mganga Mganga

Mganga, a 17-year-old boy in Omaha, Nebraska, decided to stick a gun in the face of a woman who was taking her son to school, demanding that she give him her car. She, of course, obliged, and the boy was about to take off when he realised the car had a manual transmission, which he could not drive. He tried to fumble around with the controls, but after moving the car only a few meters in a few minutes, he decided to bolt on foot but was eventually caught by authorities.

Derrick Mosley

Planning is hugely important when trying to pull off a crime, and it is essential to the act's success that every detail be well thought through in advance. But Derrick Mosley didn’t place very high importance on these things before he decided to rob a gun store armed with only a baseball bat. Seeing as it was a gun shop, the manager pulled a gun on the would-be robber and kept him in the crosshairs until authorities arrived.

Joey Miller and Matthew McNelly

When committing their misdeed, they didn’t use the masks, hoods or balaclavas typical of most criminals but instead chose to draw on their faces with permanent markers. While it may have made them hard to recognise during the crime, permanent marker is, as the name suggests, notoriously hard to remove, which left the men extremely easy to identify when the police were looking for the culprits. The dumb stunt earned the duo the nickname “Dumb and Dumber.”

10 OF THE STUPIDEST CRIMINALS OF ALL TIME

10 OF THE STUPIDEST CRIMINALS OF ALL TIME

Being a criminal is certainly not an easy life, and some people aren’t suited for a career of misdeeds. Most people avoid it because they have a strong moral compass, while others are drawn to or forced into this lifestyle but are simply too stupid to pull off illegal acts successfully.

Mark Smith

In 2007, Smith (who was high on Valium and drunk on vodka) decided to break into a home and, since he was likely feeling the effects of the drugs and alcohol he had consumed, curl up for a nap in the homeowner’s bed. He was woken up by the local police and sentenced to 18 months

Klaus Schmidt

In August of 1995, a man in Berlin decided to rob a bank with a handgun. Now, this acted out like a pretty standard bank robbery until the tellers asked him, “Do you need a bag?” to which Schmidt responded, “You’re damn right. It’s a real gun!” This made it obvious to the tellers that the robber was deaf. With this new realisation, they sounded the alarm, which notified the police, while Schmidt was none the wiser. In a funny twist, Schmidt later sued the bank for apparently abusing his disability.

James Blankenship

While attempting to break into and rob his own mother’s home during broad daylight, James Blankenship got spooked and went to hide in the crawl space. When apprehended by police, Blankenship was extremely stunned because he didn’t think it was possible to be arrested for burglary during the day. That’s right; this guy thought he couldn’t be arrested for burglary because it wasn’t nighttime.

Darren Kimpton

The house he had selected as his target had already been burgled earlier in the evening, and thus, police officers were already on the scene when Kimpton tried to break in. Also, Kimpton tried to rob a

separate house earlier in the day but cut himself and fled. However, he left a trail of blood at the scene and could, therefore, be identified in that crime, too.

Ruben Zarate

In 2008, an 18-year-old man named Ruben Zarate attempted to rob a muffler shop in Chicago. After demanding money, he was told that most of the cash was stored in a safe that could only be opened by the manager, who wasn’t scheduled to come in until a few hours later. Zarate left his cell phone number so the store could call him back once the manager arrived. Of course, the store first called the police, and Zarate returned. When he came back the police were waiting for him.

Albert Bailey

In an attempt to speed up the process of the crime, Bailey called the bank in advance to inform them that they were coming to rob it. His obvious intent was to give the bank plenty of time to get the money ready, so he could pick it up and leave quickly. Of course, the bank decided to call the authorities and notify them of the robbers’ arrival, and police arrested the two men without incident.

Dennis Hawkins

Dennis Hawkins chose a woman’s blonde wig, fake breasts and bright clown pants. Even worse still, in his failed attempt to pretend to be a woman, he didn’t even take the time to shave his facial hair. As if the man wasn’t noticeable enough, he drew even more attention to himself when he tried to steal a car from a nearby gas station, where the attendant called then called the police, who apprehended Hawkins soon after.

CRIME REPORT BRIBIE ISLAND WRAP March 2024

www.mypolice.qld.gov.au/moreton

Homicide Investigation, Burpengary East

Detectives have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man and the severe injury of a woman.

Initial information indicates that around 9:20 a.m., police responded to an address in Bramston Court to conduct a welfare check.

Upon arrival, police located the man and the woman, both aged in their seventies and with serious head injuries. The man was declared deceased at the scene. The woman was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

Detectives have charged a 26-year-old Beachmere man following investigations into the death of a 74-year-old man and the serious injury of a woman at Burpengary on April 25.

The man has been charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder. He was refused police bail and appeared in Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on April 26. The 71-year-old female victim remains in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition.

Other 3

Assault 7

Robbery 2

Other Offence Against the Person 2

Unlawful Entry 9

Other Property Damage 8

Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicle 2

Other Theft (excl. Unlawful Entry) 10

Drug Offences 11

Trespassing & Vagrancy 2

Weapons Act Offences 2

Good Order Offences 12

Traffic & Related Offences 17

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