THE GREAT WORK OF ROTARY

Local news and articles

-

June 5, 2018

tags: Rotary club Queensland. Bribie Island

By Barry Clark – Bribie Rotary- Publicity/Public Relations

Over 1.2 million Rotarians around the world live by the motto “Service Above Self” as they carry out Humanitarian projects to support and serve the local and International community. Bribie Island Rotary Club recently celebrated 30 years of Service in our Community raising over $60,000 each year for a wide range of Projects. This article will showcase just a few of these Bribie Rotary activities.

The Global reach of Rotary International has been going for 113 years, since its formation in 1905. People throughout the world recognise the distinctive logo Wheel of Rotary, but their amazing achievements are not widely understood. Perhaps Rotary’s most recognised project is the Elimination of Polio in the world.

Millions of children receive vaccination drops for Polio

This started back in 1985 when the whole world of Rotary pledged a gift to the Children of the World to eliminate this crippling disease forever. Globally Rotary has helped vaccinate 2.5 BILLION CHILDREN throughout the world, preventing 16 million new cases and deaths. When Rotary started there were over 350,000 cases of Polio each year in 125 countries. This year there have been just 8 new cases of Polio in just three countries. Eradication has almost been achieved, and it will be a great day for Rotary, their supporters and Partners when that is eventually announced.

Rotary sponsor Bribie students to represent various countries at Annual Model United Nations Forum in Canberra(left) and Rotary and Earlyact Club members at Rotary Park reopening(right)

WORLDWIDE the focus of Rotary encompass some of the world’s most critical needs.

• Disease prevention & treatment

• Water & Sanitation -Maternal & child health

• Education & Literacy -Peace & conflict resolution. From the comfort of Bribie Island, we sometimes need to be reminded of others in the world less fortunate.

• 1 in 10 people worldwide lack access to clean water

• Every 20 seconds a child dies because of poor sanitation

• More than 800 women die every day due to birth related complications.

• 59 million primary age children do not go to school -750 million adults are illiterate, and 67% of them are women.

• 1 in 9 people worldwide do not have enough to eat. These are just numbers on a page, quick to read, and easily forgotten………. but each one is about real people like you and I out there in the world. Read them again and appreciate just how fortunate we are to live here. Bribie Rotary also fund and support many humanitarian Project in this region including;

• Containers of donated goods sent to PNG & Solomon Islands

• Cervical Cancer vaccination for 28,000 young girls in PNG – “Teacher in a Box” computers for remote schools in PNG

• “Bisley Farm” special farm school for aboriginal boys & girls BRIBIE COMMUNITY Bribie Island Rotary Club support and contribute to the local community in many different ways which include;

• Heritage signs, plaques and brochures for Bongaree and Rotary Park Woorim.

• Support Dementia Awareness, Mental Health, Bribie Hospice and needy residents.

• Sponsor Youth Leadership Awards, Model United Nations, Youth Science Forum.

• Sponsor and Council International Peace Scholars at University of Queensland.

• Supporting School Interact & Earlyact Club projects and students hearing Tests.

• Hosting annual Youth Exchange students to/from many countries around the world. -Support Dragons Abreast, School Chaplaincy, Naval cadets and Life Savers.

• Pride of Workmanship recognition and Awards for local business and Schools.

Bribie Rotary enjoys wonderful recognition and support from our local community for the fundraising events conducted throughout the year which include: Monthly Markets, Raffles, Sausage sizzles, Annual Race Day, Trivia Quiz nights, Movie Premiere events and International Women’s Day events.

Each year Bribie Rotary sends and hosts Exchange Students from all over the world

If you would like to be involved or offer support and ideas to Bribie Island Rotary you can contact us on [email protected] or phone the Secretary on 3410 7912.

BRIBIE ROTARY DELIVERS GREAT RESULTS

1 of 15

National Volunteer Week

Meet The Volunteers

David Sweedman

-

June 5, 2018

0

WELL DESERVED RECOGNITION

I have said so many times in the past that I will never cease to be amazed at the number of selfless people who are always there to offer their help when it is needed and, at the culmination of National Volunteer Week which was from May 21st to 27th, some of our volunteers from across the region received recognition for their dedication at the 2018 Longman Awards.

Several volunteers from the Bribie area received nominations and they were Bev Porter from the Community Arts Centre, Jonathan Wood from St Vincent De Paul, John Ward from the Wallum Action Group, Cassandra Lord from Bribie Island State School, Jacob and Jessenia Hernandez from the Tigers Soccer Club, Greg Rollason from Sandstone Point Lions, Kevin Williams from Bribie Island Lions Club, Ann Ward from the Wallum Action Group, Dani Milward from the Maritime Safety Military Cadets along with Michael and Rozlynn Bierton, also from the Military Cadets.

After enjoying some tasty pre-event nibblies which were provided by members of the Country Women’s Association, nominees gathered for the ceremony where the winners of each of the ten categories were announced from the fifty-two nominees. Categories included Arts and Cultural, Animal Welfare, Education, Environment and Sporting as well as Lifetime, Health and Aged Care, Youth, Senior and Charity and Community. The winner of the 2018 Longman Volunteer of the Year was announced as Dorothy Bauer who had been judged as the successful nominee in the Charity and Community section for her work with St Laurence Anglican Church.

The awards were made possible by the support of a number of generous sponsors including Caboolture Sports Club, Australia Zoo, Abbey Museum, Caboolture Warplane Museum and CUA along with BCC Cinemas, Mark Ryan MP, Shane King MP, Custom Claws and Worldwide Print. Whilst the recognition of these tireless workers within our communities is welcomed, we must always remember that there are so many others who donate their time, efforts and often money to help those who are in need of support.

To all the volunteers – Thank You.

Banksia Beach Garden Club’s 2018 Friendship Day

David Sweedman

-

June 5, 2018

0

Banksia Beach Garden Club’s 2018 Friendship Day

TAGS: Brisbane. Gardening. Garden Events. Bribie Island

A COMMON INTEREST

There is no doubt that people who are enthusiastic about their chosen hobby find it a very rewarding experience to spend time with others who share their interest and this was the reason why keen gardeners from across the region got together at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre for the Banksia Beach Garden Club’s 2018 Friendship Day recently.

Featured Image(above): The raffle prizes waiting to be claimed

The event began with a well catered for morning tea on the deck at the rear of the centre and as they arrived, guests were given a copy of the Moreton Bay Region Visitor’s Guide and a small information guide to disaster preparedness which also contained seeds from a selection of herbs. These were both provided by Division One Councillor Brooke Savige along with the Moreton Bay Regional Council and they accompanied a small re-usable carry bag which was also handed out.

Those who wished had the opportunity to peruse the many bargains that were available at the plant and craft stalls prior to the commencement of the official part of the day. The guest speaker on the day was distinguished biographer and memoir writer, Dr Jim Lergessner who presented what could best be described as a very humorous talk on the various stages of life.

The craft stall attracted many bargain hunters

The Friendship day was also attended by Member for Pumicestone Simone Wilson MP and Division One Councillor Brooke Savige who gave an informative talk to the attending “green thumbs” about the new rules that relate to Verge Gardening. As well as everyone having the chance to be a winner in the raffles that were drawn, three guests were the winners of the lucky door prizes which were generously donated by Ms Simone Wilson MP, artist Gail Greening and the Bribie Island Nursery. Banksia Beach Garden Club President Desley Horsfall said that she regarded the day as a great success.

There were a great selection of plants for sale

‘Some of the visitors told me that it was the best Friendship Day that they had ever been to,’ Desley told me. Anyone who would like information about becoming a member of the Banksia Beach Garden Club should give Desley a call on 3408 8470 for all the details.

Pet care – Depression – Part 1

Pet Care & Pet Pics

David Sweedman

-

June 5, 2018

0

Tags: Pet care and depression.

It seems to be a dirty word, but it must not be before real progress can be made in overcoming this situation that is so common today. In my former career, I was a psychiatric nurse, working as a mental health professional for some 15 years working in Sydney’s community psych system too after my brother died of a drug overdose in Kings Cross in 1981. After the psych hospitals were closed, I retrained as a Veterinarian. In 2010 the Uni of QLD awarded me a PhD in dog therapy.

I am a cross-discipline mental health professional with much to say on the topic of depression. Medication is needed to treat pain including psychic pain.

Pet care – Dogs and Wildlife

Pet Care & Pet Pics

David Sweedman

-

June 5, 2018

0

Tags: pet care. Dogs and wildlife.

We live in a beautiful part of Queensland where we are blessed to live near wild animals. Every afternoon whilst out walking I see kangaroos and at the park where I run dog training classes we have a resident possum, who doesn’t seem too concerned with dogs and there is a lot of birdlife especially lorikeets.

Part of my lessons I show owners how to teach their dogs to leave things alone and it may be food dropped on the ground or cane toads or it can even be used to stop dogs chasing wildlife. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure their dogs doesn’t chase or hurt or kill an animal.

Chasing an animal in a lot of dogs is natural instinct called a prey drive. Some dogs have been bred specifically to go after small animals such as terrier type breeds. Training your dog and showing them an alternative behaviour and rewarding them when they do the right thing may help. When out in the bush with your dog keep them on the lead. If your dog loves to chase animals or birds even on the beach keep them on the lead.

Unfortunately, I see it so often people walking along the Passage with their dogs off lead and chasing the pelicans. It is not a good idea as it raises the stress level of the animal to the point where days later they die due to shock. Or the animal may die or be injured due to running into objects or cars. Rarely do dogs catch the bird or animal but then remember poor Eric the Emu.

It is a good idea to keep dogs away from wildlife and this will also help to keep your dog safe as some kangaroos are not afraid to tackle a dog and let’s not forget our snakes on Bribie either. If you do see an injured wild animal please phone RSPCA 1300 264 625.

History – Royal Flying Doctor Service

Our History

David Sweedman

-

June 5, 2018

0

Tags: History. Royal Flying Doctor Service

IF YOU START SOMETHING WORTHWHILE

In all populated areas, prompt medical treatment is regarded as easily accessible but those who live in the more remote regions of Australia have to rely on receiving treatment by the dedicated professionals who belong to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and on May 17th, 2018, the RFDS celebrated their ninetieth year of delivering treatment by air. The revolutionary new service was founded by the Reverend John Flynn after a series of events which were to serve as proof of his wisdom in saying that “If you start something worthwhile – nothing can stop it.”

Featured Image(above): Reverend John Flynn

Flynn had been well aware for some time of the daily struggle that was experienced by the pioneers who lived in remote areas and his quest for a solution began after he received a letter from Lieutenant Clifford Peel, a Victorian medical student with an avid interest in aviation. The letter contained a suggestion that aviation could be used as a means of providing medical aid to the outback and, whilst this suggestion was put in place eleven years later, the young airman and war hero died after being shot down over France and never knew that his letter had been a blueprint for the Flying Doctor Service.

Reverend Flynn lobbied constantly for assistance in founding the service and his dream came to fruition when long-time supporter H.V. McKay left a sizeable bequest for an aerial experiment. Flynn was able to open the Australian Inland Mission Aerial Medical Service, (later to become the Royal Flying Doctor Service) on May 15th in 1928 and two days later, a single engine timber and fabric bi-plane which was named “Victory” and rented from QANTAS flew from Longreach to Julia Creek to treat a patient.

Re-fuelling Victory

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Arthur Affleck and the first ‘Flying Doctor” was Dr Kenyon, St Vincent. Over the following twelve months, “Victory” made fifty flights to twenty-six destinations and enabled the treatment of 225 patients. Over the next few years, the RFDS expanded across the country and by the late 1930’s, almost all of the outback had access to the Flying Doctor.

The twenty dollar note features an image of Reverend John Flynn and the RFDs first
aircraft – Victory

In Queensland, the base at Cloncurry remained operational until 1964 when it was relocated to Mt Isa. Ninety years on from that first flight, The Royal Flying Doctor Service has become an essential part of life in the outback and now operates sixty-nine aircraft out of twenty-four bases. The service has provided treatment to 336,358 patients in the last year alone.

Music Review – CHRISTINA AGUILERA AND DEMI LOVATO

Music Reviews

David Sweedman

-

June 5, 2018

0

Music Review – CHRISTINA AGUILERA AND DEMI LOVATO

Tags: music reviews. Singers. Songwriters. CHRISTINA AGUILERA AND DEMI LOVATO

By Nikita Chee Cue female-power ballad of the year: “Fall in Line”, by Aguilera and Lovato: soul sisters and now singing duo! “Fall in Line”, is the third song on Xtina’s new album, “Liberation”, and has been the most highly anticipated release featuring Demi Lovato. The song is aimed at young females emerging into the world.

Like a sister-to-sister heart to- heart chat, we are told from the first verse, “Little girls, listen closely, ‘cause no one told me…but you deserve to know. That in this world, you are not beholden…You do not owe them… Your body and your soul”. From its un-syncopated beginning, we are questioning what this will be about.

Then in comes Aguilera with her unmistakable power-vocals; vocals that were destined to initiate 21st-century warrior princesses that embrace their strength in womanhood. The music itself has a gospel-r ‘n’ b groove with a full brass instrumental sound. As the title suggests, the women singing want the listener to know that they don’t have to fall in line with what the world says they have to be, but that they can think for themselves and are precious at the core

Rotary Club of Bribie Island present friendship benches

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

-

June 4, 2018

0

Rotary Club of Bribie Island present friendship benches

As a part of their ongoing commitment to the local community, Rotary Club of Bribie Island members attended the Bribie Island State School and the Banksia Beach State School recently to present both facilities with what is known as Friendship Benches. Originating in the United Kingdom, the benches are designed as an anti-bullying initiative and have now been adopted by schools throughout the world.

Featured Image(above) Bribie Island State School Principal Peter Keen received a $1,000 donation from Rotary Club of Bribie Island President Jeff Eustace

They are installed as a place where children can sit when they feel threatened or even just don’t have anyone for company. Teachers or other students will then talk to the child on the bench as a way to take away the feeling of isolation. The purpose of the Friendship Benches is discussed in classes so that all students understand what to do if they notice someone sitting on the bench. At the Banksia Beach State School, Rotary Club of Bribie Island President Jeff Eustace presented one of the benches to Deputy Principal Aaron Jones in the presence of students, local Rotarians and representatives of the Bribie Island and District Woodcrafters.

On officially handing over the bench, Jeff told those present that after becoming aware of the idea and already knowing about what the Woodies are capable of, he approached Arthur Horsfall who agreed to take on the project. ‘I would like to thank the Woodies for the wonderful job that they have done and I am also pleased that the whole project has been done locally,’ said Jeff.

From Banksia Beach, the Rotarians and Woodies members proceeded to the Bribie Island State School where two more benches were handed over to Principal Peter Keen and staff member Kate Legge who, along with fellow teacher Kim Hatfield and Rotary Youth Director June Sturges, co-ordinates the EarlyAct Club. This is an initiative which is sponsored by Rotary and has been in place at the school since 2013.

The club currently has twenty eight-members and its mission and operation are closely linked to those of Rotary. At a very young age, all students can be encouraged to be caring and helpful as their minds are open to recognising the dignity and worth of each individual. EarlyAct is designed to provide young students with the opportunity for gaining an increased awareness and knowledge of their community and the world.

One of the projects that the EarlyAct Club has undertaken is a vegetable garden which they cultivate and then harvest, with the produce then being sold to both parents and teachers. To help with the successful fertilisation of the flourishing gardens, the school has installed a high-tech mechanical mulcher that goes by the name of OSCA, (On Site Composting Apparatus,) and simplifies the process of converting waste into matter that is suitable for composting.

1 of 6

During the current term, they will be collecting blankets, old towels and doonas for the Animal Thrift shop in Bongaree. On making the presentation to Mr Keen, Jeff also handed over a cheque for $1,000 and pointed out that this was a contribution to assist those students whose families were unable to provide them with appropriate footwear, books and other essential items.

On a personal note, during my time attending both presentations I was particularly impressed by the well-mannered attitudes and the courteous behaviour of the students who attended the ceremonies at both schools.

THE 2018 CLASSIC BOAT REGATTA – Bribie Island

David Sweedman

-

June 4, 2018

0

THE 2018 CLASSIC BOAT REGATTA – Bribie Island

Tags: THE 2018 CLASSIC BOAT REGATTA. Boating. events. Bribie island. Brisbane. Queensland

ON THE WATER

Anyone who owns a boat, no matter what type or how big or small, will always be quick to tell you that some of their fondest memories are of times spent out on the water in their pride and joy, and I’m sure that all of the fifty-three boat owners who attended the Bribie Island Boating Club 2018 Classic Boat Regatta in May will now have many great memories of what was hailed as a really great weekend.

Featured Image(above): The dedication to detail was very evident on all the vessels

This year marked the twentieth year of the event and fittingly, it was also the most well attended with ten more boats than two years ago. The boats that made up the fleet this year included a variety of sail and motor powered craft with even a few vessels that relied on the strength of the owner to row them along. Participants travelled from near and far to attend this now very popular event on the boating calendar and the one common feature that was evident on all of the fleet was the painstaking work that had been done to keep the vessels looking spic and span.

Kathryn and Michael Simpson from Maryborough attended the Regatta with their lovely five-metre sail-powered catamaran, “Princess Too.” ‘We bought her about two years ago,’ said Michael. ‘She was originally built in 1985 and there was a fair amount of rot that I had to remove before she was seaworthy. I have just purchased a six-metre boat and it is in worse condition than the Princess was,’ he said.

After a leisurely Saturday sail to Toorbul for lunch, the participating vessels returned to the Pacific Harbour Marina where the public was given an opportunity for a closer look at the well-maintained craft and, after a cruise around some of the canals on Sunday morning, the fleet gathered on the foreshore at Sylvan Beach where the main chance for the public to be involved began. Many of the boats were moored at the water’s edge so people could talk to the owners and inspect the obvious dedication to detail that had been necessary to keep the boats in tip-top condition.

On the area above the beach, the local Vietnam Veterans (who had been providing breakfast each day for the boaties during the weekend) had set up their food stall and were serving their delicious hamburgers and other food. Boatcraft Pacific from Loganholme had a stand there and was displaying their range of products for all to inspect. Boatcraft Director Ian Phillips explained that the company sells everything that is needed to build a wooden boat. ‘Most of the boats here have some or all of our products in them,’ said Ian.

‘We also sell some of our glues and paints to people who work with wood such as the Woodcrafters here on Bribie,’ he told me. Also above the beach, the Bribie Island Mahalo Outrigger Canoe Club had their bright yellow tent and some of the members were kept busy telling people about the activities of their club. A welcome addition this year was an ice cream vendor and I have to say, there is nothing quite as good as a nice big soft serve ice cream. Wherever there is a gathering of people who are there to enjoy themselves, some type of entertainment is always welcome and, for the third year in a row, the four members of The Mullet Gut String Band kept everyone happy with their sea shanties, Irish folk and country music.

1 of 13

Band member Greg O’Grady told me that they are from the Redcliffe Peninsula and the name of the band is a tribute to the hard-working mullet fishermen who can be seen on the beaches of the area. He said that if anyone would like to inquire about having them entertain, he can be contacted on 0467 597867.

Other features of the Sunday at Sylvan Beach were a number of races and demonstrations and Bribie Island Boating Club CEO Doug Wilson said that the highlight of the day was the demonstrations by the Dragons Abreast, Mahalo Outrigger Club and the Surf Club. ‘To see the canoes of those clubs parading past was really something special.

Everything about the weekend was good and this was due to the wonderful participation of both the Bribie Island Sailing Club and the Bribie Island Mahalo Outrigger Club as well as all the boat owners who attended,’ said Doug. ‘I would also like to say how much we appreciate the support of the sponsors including Nautilus Marine Insurance, MBRIT, Division One Councillor Brooke Savige and the Wooden Boat Association of Queensland,’ he added. Doug pointed out that the public attendance on Sunday was the best he had ever seen.

I have been told that there has already been much positive feedback about the regatta and so I am now looking forward to the 2019 Classic Boat Regatta which I reckon will be even better than ever. If anyone would like more information about the Sailing Club or the Mahalo Outrigger Club, the number to call is 0490 471 930.

Bongaree Bowls Club – Annual Fours Fun Day Event

Local Clubs & Groups

David Sweedman

-

June 4, 2018

0

Bongaree Bowls Club – Annual Fours Fun Day Event

Tags: Bowls Club. Bribie Island. Brisbane. Local event.

MAYTIME IS THE RIGHT TIME

Those who are involved in any form of an outdoor sport will quickly admit that they prefer fine and sunny weather while competing and when the Bongaree Bowls Club held their annual Maytime Fours fun day recently, the weather was just perfect. Bongaree Bowls Club Head Selector Brenda Hutchinson explained that the Maytime Fours was once a two-day event with a concert on the first night.

‘It was reduced to one day some years ago but that certainly had no effect on its popularity,’ said Brenda. ‘Competitors this year are from clubs across the region including Kilcoy, Caboolture Lakes, Narangba and Woodford as well as the Solander Lake and Bribie Island clubs,’ she added. Two games were played on the day with the first round being won by the team from Kilcoy and a combined Bribie Island and Bongaree team taking out the second game.

Overall winners on the day were a team from the Bribie Island Club which was skipped by Isobel McLaren. Prizes for the competition were made possible through the generous sponsorship of HealthSAVE Pharmacy, Faye Pendreigh and Pat White. Bongaree Bowls Club members are now busy preparing for the club’s annual Tombola which will be held at the Toorbul Street clubhouse on June 23rd.

This very popular event has earned a great reputation over the years for its hundreds of all brand new prize items that are up for grabs during the two-hour duration. Tickets are sold at the very reasonable price of four for two dollars and all tickets remain in the draw for the whole afternoon. Brenda told me that there is only room in the building for one hundred participants so people should plan to arrive well before the 1 pm start.

Contemporary Arts Practices group

Local Clubs & Groups

David Sweedman

-

June 4, 2018

0

Tags: Groups. Clubs. Art. Artists. Bribie Island

THE FREEDOM OF IMPROVISATION

Following on from the Mini Masterpieces exhibition which ends on June 9th, the twenty four members of the Contemporary Arts Practices Working together Group will be presenting their Eclectica exhibition for the third year at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre and group member Stephanie White has told me that the display will include charcoal art, recycled sculptures and postcard art.

Not regarded as a group for beginners, the Contemporary Arts Practices group meet weekly at the Arts Centre for the opportunity to indulge in the absolute freedom that comes with improvisation and experimentation.

Whilst some sessions are structured, there is never a formal tutor and, along with a fair bit of fun and friendship, the sessions produce a wide range of vibrant works that showcase a wealth of talent and diversity. The Eclectica Exhibition will be on display in the Mathew Flinders Art Gallery from June 12th until June 24th with the opening function scheduled for June 15th at 6 pm. Prior to Eclectica, the group has just had an exhibition at Vianta in Woodford and following their June display, they will also have a Tiny Treasures Exhibition in the Mathew Flinders Gallery.

More information about the displays in the gallery or other activities at the centre can be obtained by calling the staff on 3408 9588 or visiting them at the Bribie Island Arts Centre which is on Sunderland Drive at Banksia Beach. The centre is open each day except Monday from 10 am.

Pet care – Pet Exercise and sports

Pet Care & Pet Pics

David Sweedman

-

June 3, 2018

0

Tags: pet care and exercise and sports.

FETCH With A Difference

Photos supplied by Deb Neill Photography

Whilst pet owners everywhere know that providing sufficient exercise is an important part of being a responsible pet owner, two Bribie Island residents have become involved in a rather unique sport which ensures that their dogs get all the exercise they need plus some. Brian Lees and Joel Neill along with their four-legged friends Stihllie, Basil and Trics are regular competitors in what is known as Canine Disc, a sport which, put simply, involves throwing a type of Frisbee and having the dog race to catch it.

Featured Image(above): What a catch

Canine Disc has been identified as having started in the very early 1970’s in the United States and has become increasingly popular in America over the decades. In Japan, the sport boasts over 3,000 competitors and there are also many enthusiasts in The Netherlands, Germany and Canada.

In Australia, Canine Disc is governed by Canine Disc Australia and there are inter-club competitions which are held throughout the year. Whilst Joel has only been competing for about four years, Brian has been involved with the sport since 2010 and, as a sign of their dedication, the two men and their beloved Border Collies have recently had success at the State Titles, taking out first place in all three of the disciplines. Joel told me that Canine Disc clubs exist throughout the country with South East Queensland having what is arguably the concentration. ‘There are clubs at Elimbah, Gympie, Pine Rivers and Toowoomba to name just a few,’ he said.

1 of 3

As with all sports, being a successful competitor involves spending a large amount of time on practice and the two men often take advantage of the great beach areas on the island to send their canine pals scurrying after the disc. In this modern day and age where people seem to have an ever decreasing amount of time for leisure activities that involve their pets, the sport of Canine Disc presents a refreshing opportunity for both people and their dogs to enjoy not only the exercise that comes as a natural part of the activity but also the added opportunity to further the bonding process that occurs between pets and their owners.

Volunteer Drivers Needed

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

-

June 3, 2018

0

Tags: Bribie Island Volunteer drivers needed.

An early winter’s morning, the heater’s on and I am just driving a Toyota HiAce out onto a misty and almost deserted First Avenue for the Bribie Island Voluntary Community Help Association. I am a voluntary driver and have just departed the depot to commence picking up clients on Bribie and surrounding areas.

My passenger list includes those going to shopping centres, medical and dental establishments throughout Brisbane. Other volunteers, men and women will be driving to Brisbane, Caboolture, Redcliffe and North Lakes at various times throughout the morning. My friends ask, “Isn’t it stressful, driving through that peak hour traffic to Brisbane?” Well, I like it. This driving provides me with personal satisfaction from helping others who are restricted from travelling to social and medical appointments which are beyond their ability or means to attend. Bribie is a wonderful place to retire to, but as we age it becomes more difficult to cope with driving.

Also, public transport is so hard and time-consuming and frequently uncoordinated, whereas the volunteer transport provides a door to door service in all weather conditions. In this world of stress and worry, we often find relaxation by focusing on one activity such as painting, bowling, reading, fishing etc. Concentrating on one activity at a time provides time out from the pressures of life.

So, today I am focused on driving with my vehicle full of passengers on the highway and city roads which calls for constant attention to the traffic and road conditions ahead, and as crazy as it sounds, it is relaxing, no room for other thoughts or worries. Driving through heavy and congested traffic to reach various locations helps to build my self-confidence. A lack of confidence causes many drivers to avoid city driving, but with experience, you soon learn the best roads to travel and which lanes to drive in and when.

As I age I like to keep my mind busy with puzzles like sudoku, crosswords, etc, but I can assure you that driving in ever-changing conditions and destinations definitely keeps your mind active at all times. To be honest driving for the Bribie Island Voluntary Community Help Transport has greatly helped me as an individual to develop in many ways, as well as meeting many wonderful and appreciative people. I strongly recommend that you give it a go and see if you don’t find it equally as rewarding.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS WANTED

Bribie Island Community Help is after volunteers to assist our active aged and frail clients with door to door transport. We transport clients to Caboolture, Redcliffe, Northlakes and Brisbane. Volunteers are able to nominate their preferred driving location(s). We are seeking committed volunteers who can donate 5 to 8 hours per week. We are registered with Centrelink for those volunteers with Centrelink volunteering obligations. We have a fleet of 9 Toyota Commuter automatic mini-buses and we will provide training on driving the buses as well as orientation and ongoing support from our professional office staff.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Must hold Australian or NZ Citizenship or the capacity to permanently work in Australia.

• Above 25 years of age due to insurance constraints.

• Be able to pass a driving record history check by Qld Transport.

• Be able to pass a criminal history background check.

• Have a minimum of an Australian Open “C” class license.

If you wish to apply or seek further information, you can email your details to [email protected] or call on 3408-0111.

The Associations receives funding from the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works and the Department of Communities to support our Service

The Bribie Islander

THE GREAT WORK OF ROTARY

BRIBIE ROTARY DELIVERS GREAT RESULTS

Other Articles

National Volunteer Week

WELL DESERVED RECOGNITION

Other Articles

Banksia Beach Garden Club’s 2018 Friendship Day

A COMMON INTEREST

Other Articles

Pet care – Depression – Part 1

Other Articles

Pet care – Dogs and Wildlife

Other Articles

History – Royal Flying Doctor Service

IF YOU START SOMETHING WORTHWHILE

Other Articles

Music Review – CHRISTINA AGUILERA AND DEMI LOVATO

Other Articles

Rotary Club of Bribie Island present friendship benches

Other Articles

THE 2018 CLASSIC BOAT REGATTA – Bribie Island

ON THE WATER

Other Articles

Bongaree Bowls Club – Annual Fours Fun Day Event

MAYTIME IS THE RIGHT TIME

Other Articles

Contemporary Arts Practices group

THE FREEDOM OF IMPROVISATION

Other Articles

Pet care – Pet Exercise and sports

FETCH With A Difference

Other Articles

Volunteer Drivers Needed

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS WANTED

Other Articles