Volunteers In the community

By

David Sweedman

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April 21, 2018

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Tags: Volunteers. Bribie Island. Understanding addictions. Drug awareness. Drug Courses.

Meet the Volunteers

JULIA and JOHN WATSON

Since they retired, locals Julia and John Watson enjoy being able to spend time doing the things that they enjoy including taking their two dogs for a walk on the beach and going out for a meal. Something else that the couple is passionate about is volunteering and, as a way of helping within the local community, they spend their Wednesday mornings manning the reception area at the Bribie Island and District Neighbourhood Centre. Julia and John moved to this beautiful area after coming to Australia from England twenty-five years ago.

They had both been serving members of the Royal Air Force and on arriving here, John found employment with The Red Cross and later on with Angel Flight whilst Julia worked for the Blood Bank prior to taking up a position with the Caboolture Council until accepting a redundancy package when the mergers took place.

Until commencing at the Neighbourhood Centre in September 2017, the pair devoted their efforts to the Bribie and District Wildlife Rescue, caring mainly for sick birds, with Julia taking on the position of Secretary and John becoming the organisation’s Training Officer. Both Julia and John are what I would refer to as “people persons” and as such is ideally suited to being the ones who become the first point of contact for those who come to the centre for assistance.

They are tasked with making sure that people are referred to the right service, either at the Neighbourhood Centre or at another agency. ‘It is a terrific feeling when, after someone comes here with a problem and are unsure about how to handle it, we see them leave feeling a lot happier,’ said John. ‘One person said to us, “This is the first time in ages that I have felt good and it’s so nice to know that someone cares.”

I think we all had a bit of a tear in our eyes that morning,’ he added. As well as their role at the Bribie Island and District Neighbourhood Centre, this couple do have other individual pastimes and for Julia, it is cooking, now that she has the time, whilst John enjoys nurturing his Bonsai trees.

They told me that as a way of keeping fit, they have set up a small gym at home but they have yet to take proper advantage of it. ‘The walking machine is the dustiest thing in the house,’ Julia quipped. Julia and John Watson are two of the many wonderful volunteers who give of their time to ensure that the Neighbourhood Centre is kept operating and Centre Manager Cecelia Taylor told me that they would love to have more volunteers who can spare a few hours each week to help out.

‘We need new volunteers who are caring and nonjudgemental and are able to maintain confidentiality to work with people who attend our service,’ Cecelia explained. ‘Communication skills along with a great telephone manner are really appreciated and I would ask that if there is anyone who would like to make a positive difference in their community by joining our team, they contact us either by calling in at 9 Verdoni Street at Bellara or by phone on 3408 8440,’ she said.

The many services that are available at the centre include Professional Debt Relief, Counselling which can help people to work out how they can deal with the challenges they are facing, free Computer Tuition for seniors, a service that teaches people to use the various options associated with the internet and also Emergency Relief along with free Legal Advice.

Each Tuesday morning from 9.30am, the Neighbourhood Centre provides Fresh Food for people in need through the Neighbourhood Harvest program and the centre also has a Bargain Boutique which offers a great variety of good quality pre-loved items at low prices. There are a number of free courses and other groups that operate at the centre and this includes the Multi-Cultural English Conversation Group which is held from 9 am to 12 noon each Monday.

The Understanding Addictions Course begins on April 23rd at 5 pm. This is a three-week introductory course which is suitable for anyone who is affected by addictions, either their own or the addictions of their loved ones.

The Bribie Island and District Neighbourhood Centre provide help to so many within our community each week and the work of the volunteers is absolutely outstanding Anyone who would like more information about how to become a volunteer at the centre should make contact with them as soon as possible.

They can be contacted by phone on 3408 8440 or by calling into the centre at 9 Verdoni Street at Bellara during opening hours which are Monday to Thursday from 9 am until 3 pm.

TECHNOLOGY Just How Amazing Is It?

By

David Sweedman

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April 21, 2018

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Tags: Technology. Science. Human life expectancy. Mortality rates among humans.

I know that there are times when modern technology can be almost enough to turn anyone to hard liquor, especially when system failures result in a task taking twice as long as it did when it was done with more manual input, but let’s be completely honest, technological advances that have been made throughout the years have certainly made life easier.

One of the most welcome changes that have been brought about by these advances in conjunction with increased knowledge is the increased ability to cure and/or prevent diseases. An example of this is that over the twenty years following 1991, the mortality rate associated with cancer fell by twenty percent and in the same twenty year period, the percentage of children who died before their fifth birthday dropped by almost half.

Between 1990 and 2013, the worldwide maternal mortality rate decreased by almost fifty percent. Also as a direct result of advances in medical science is the statistics relating to human life expectancy.

In the last fifty years, human life expectancy increased more than it had in the previous 200,000 years of human existence. In 1950, the average life expectancy was forty-seven years and by 2011, that had increased to seventy years. One of the largest issues faced by the medical profession has been the battle to eradicate polio and an encouraging statistic is that between 1988 and 2001, reported cases of the disease dropped by an incredible ninety nine percent. This result is due to mass vaccination campaigns which have not only saved millions of lives but have also prevented many from suffering a disability. If you looking for Rocket Casino Australia you can easily use rocket casino login and grab your bonus.

Scientists have also found that between 1971 and 2009, nuclear and renewable power has prevented 1.8 million deaths due to lower air pollution resulting from reduced usage of coal. When we consider that the above statistics are only a very small example of how much technology has improved society in general, it is easy to understand why there is constantly more and more funding spent on research in both the medical laboratories and industry.

Local Entertainers and musicians – RICHIE LANGFORD

By

David Sweedman

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April 21, 2018

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local musicians bribie island bands queensland

Tags: Musicians. Local Entertainers. Bribie Island. Brisbane. Blues music

RICHIE LANGFORD

Singer, songwriter and foot-stompin’ blues man, Richie Langford hails from Melbourne and has been touring various parts of the country playing festivals, bars, cafes and pubs for several years. After a recent successful run of gigs in Europe and New Zealand and acclaimed performances at 2017 Blues on Broadbeach, he will be embarking on his seventh east coast tour in April 2018.

It’s hard to believe that one man can produce so much sound……Richie employs hands, feet and mouth on assorted guitars, harmonicas, foot pedals and an old suitcase converted into a kick drum to deliver a well-honed repertoire of originals and blues standards with a-rockin’ groove.

This year sees the release of Richie’s latest studio album, Bluestone Road. A fantastic solo outing, with cameo performances from his Blind Creek Blues Review’ bandmates and backing vocals by Australian music legend, Grace Knight, Bluestone Road is already getting radio play around Australia and receiving rave reviews. Custom PHP Development Services

You can catch a show at Sticky Fingers Grill on Saturday 21st April 6 pm.

Local entertainers, Singers and bands – Bribie Island

By

David Sweedman

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April 21, 2018

0

Music. Musician. Bribie Island. Bands Brisbane

Tags: Singers, Bands. Music. Local entertainers. Brisbane. Bribie Island. Musician

Entertainers of the Island – Peter Orr

Wow, how quick do the months go by?. I have just realised that I have been featuring our locally based entertainers for over twelve months and I am beginning to form the opinion that, as well as the many younger talented artists that we have in the area, there is a myriad of musicians within the community who, as well as having been in the industry for a few decades, can claim to have played with some of the most well-known artists in the country. Someone who certainly fits into that category is our April ‘Entertainer of the Island,” Peter Orr.

Peter can best be described as a guitarist who adept with a diversity of styles and genres. He grew up in Sydney and began his musical career playing in bands such Cold Cash along with Johnny O’Connor, Jimmy Lyris and Reverend Ted Knox’s son, David. ‘When I was about eighteen, we used to play with a lot of the guys who were not famous yet,’ said Peter. ‘A lot of us came from around the Cronulla area, people from bands like Sherbet and others,’ he explained. Having started to be aware of who the bands of Peter’s early career were, it came as no surprise when he mentioned that in 1976, he joined with Ol’ 55 and The Skyhooks on their national tour.

‘They rang me one afternoon to say that I had to be at the airport straight away for a flight that departed at 4.30 pm and this presented one big problem,’ Peter told me. ‘I had left my guitar at a studio in town and so I rang them with a request for it to be sent to the airport in a taxi.

When I got to the airport, there were about two hundred cabs there and I had no hope of working out which one had my guitar so I had to borrow a guitar from one of the other band members and all during the tour I worried about where mine would end up. After the tour, I had a great surprise when I found out that the taxi driver had returned it to the studio,’ he added.

As seems to be the case with quite a number of professional artists, Peter spent a number of years passing on his skills to others and he said that at one point, he began to ponder about whether he would still be playing Rock ‘N’ Roll when he was in his sixties. ‘This motivated me to attend the Conservatorium to increase my knowledge of other genres, especially Jazz,’ said Peter.

‘I thought I could play until I heard how good some of the people there were and I didn’t realise just how much I didn’t know. Peter commented that, before musicians such as Don Burrows came to that Conservatorium, jazz was off limits there. Another three years of Peter’s time as a teacher was spent at the Sacred Heart College in Adelaide where he was once again amazed by the talent of some of the other musicians, many of whom had a Master’s Degree in music.

Peter has also travelled around, playing gigs in various places including North Queensland and he did point out that, whilst a musician works in his chosen field whenever possible, there are times when other employment has to be sought and one of these times resulted in him being employed in an aircraft factory.

‘I was going around knocking on a few doors and I came to a building that carried a sign which read, “Aerospace, and I thought I may as well ask so I got to see the boss who said, ‘What do you do?” I told him that I normally play the guitar and he replied, ‘I play the guitar.”

Well I ended up being employed as the storeman and was there for quite a while. It was the factory that produced the Thruster ultralight,’ explained Peter. ‘He was a good boss and because he knew that I played whenever I could, he didn’t mind if I needed time off,’ peter recalled. It only stands to reason that, when an artist is known to have the ability such as Peter Orr has, they get to play some very popular gigs at some very well known venues and also get to back some Nationally famous artists.

Peter’s musical talent has been responsible for him performing at various venues that he refers to as hallowed ground, having been stages where bands including the Beatles have performed. He has backed a range of recording artists including Normie Rowe and others from that era. Since moving to Queensland some thirty-six years ago, Peter has worked as a solo artist as well as with bands and he did point out that he always prefers to play as a member of a band.

When “Locals Only” founder Alby Lincoln had the music shop at Woorim, Peter spent a while teaching budding musicians at the premises along with continuing to perform at various venues. ‘In my opinion, Peter Orr is arguably one of the best guitarists in South East Queensland,’ said Alby. ‘He is so good with so many different styles,’ he added. He moved to the local area about three years ago from the Sunshine Coast and has quite often teamed up with another well-known performer, Michael Early, adding the great sound of his guitar to Michael’s band, ‘The Doodads.”

During the time that I spent talking to Peter about his life, his music and his preferred genres, he told me that over the years he has been called on to play everything from to rock to jazz, funk and country. He commented that at the moment, he has teamed up with another musi for a few country type gigs and he said that this involves what he refers to as “Chick’n Pick’n” which is a very unique part of the country genre. Once he had said this, he produced from his collection of more than ten guitars (some of them Fenders), a guitar which he referred to as a B-Bender which he explained is the one that he uses for this style of country.

When I asked Peter about who he would regard as having the main influence on his music, he listed artists such as Larry Carlton, The Doobie Brothers and Wishbone Ash as the main ones. Apparently, Peter is performing a few gigs with Michael Early at the reasonably new and very popular new eating establishment on First Avenue, “Sticky Fingers” so I would definitely recommend a visit to that venue for what I can promise would be an unmissable evening of great music.

History – The Masons, the Masonic Lodge

By

David Sweedman

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April 21, 2018

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masonic lodge history masons free masons

Tags: Masonic Lodge. The Masons. History. Free Masonry

I WONDER WHAT THEY DO IN THERE

It is no secret that what happens in that most secret of organisations, The Masons, is actually a secret but what is not so unknown is their history through the centuries. Research by Masonic historians suggests that the movement originated somewhen around the fifteenth century.

Featured Image(above): The same Masons a week later at the meeting

Documents known as the old charge which dates from the Regius Poem allude to the membership of a lodge of operative Masons relating a mythological history of the craft, the duties of its grades and the manner in which oaths are taken by new members. The first evidence of ceremonial regalia is also from that period.

The oldest Masonic Lodge in the world is thought to be the Lodge of Edinburgh No 1 and the minutes from it show a continuity from an operative lodge in 1598 to a modern speculative lodge. Many efforts have been made to discover the true origins Masonry and Thomas De Quincey theorised in his work, ‘Rosicrucians and Freemasonry” that the movement was possibly an outgrowth of Rosicrucianism and this was also taken up by the German professor J.G. Buhle in 1803.

Practising for a meeting are Noel Justo(L), Ron Leth (Master) and immediate past master Ray Collet

As I have said, nobody other than the Masons really knows what goes on except that their meetings abound with rituals, secret passwords, signs and grips and, as was discovered when a camera was allowed into the local lodge, they even have practices before a meeting. Bribie Island Masonic Lodge Master Ron Leth said that new members are always welcome and he encourages Masons who have retired to the area to make contact.

‘Anyone who would like to inquire about Freemasonry should call 5497 5856 for details.

From Tai Chi to Tiger Moth

By

David Sweedman

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April 21, 2018

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Tags: Tai Chi. Relaxation exercises. Exercise. Bribie Island. Martial arts. Tiger Moth. Aircraft Joy Flights. Airplanes.

In the Air

with PAM FARRAR and THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA (From Tai Chi to a Tiger Moth)

For our April “In The Air” feature, we take a look at the circumstances that led to well known Bribie Island Tai Chi instructor Pam Farrar deciding to buy that almost as well known yellow Tiger Moth that can regularly be seen in the skies above the island and which Pam has christened, “The Barefoot Contessa.” Pam and her late husband Frank came to Australia in February 1967 after they had both been employed by British Airways, Frank as a pilot and Pam as a stewardess. Pam, who was actually born in Bavaria to an English mother and a German father with some Jewish heritage, told me some interesting facts about her childhood.

Featured Image(above): Tai Chi instructor and Tiger Moth enthusiast, Pam Farrar holds her free classes at Banksia Beach

‘I was christened Maria, my father was Count Leo von Meuter and my parents knew people such as Adolf Hitler and Herman Goering,’ Pam explained. ‘My mother Doris was friends with Adolf Hitler’s girlfriend Eva Braun and they would often play the piano together,’ she said. Pam told me that, due to the Jewish heritage in her father’s family, when World War II broke out, her mother wisely took her to England where, after having her name changed to Pamela, she was to spend the remainder of her childhood and many years of her adult life. When Pam and Frank landed in Australia, they settled in Cairns where they operated a motel until selling it to a member of the Ashton family (of Ashton’s Circus fame) and moving to Brisbane.

The Barefoot Contessa is a familiar sight in our skies

The couple purchased a snack bar in the city and this was to be their last venture prior to retirement and their move to Woodford and then to Bribie Island some thirty years ago. Prior to becoming a member of our community, Pam had attended the Tai Chi Academy of Australia where she had attained her qualifications as an instructor and has since become what I would describe as an icon of the island with her free waterfront Tai Chi classes each Tuesday and Saturday.

My Tai Chi classes are always very well attended and I now have about one hundred students,’ said Pam. ‘As a matter of fact, it was because a student treated me to a joy flight in a Tiger Moth about ten years ago that I made the decision to purchase the Contessa. The owner of Aero Dynamic Flight Academy, Brian Carpenter, helped me to arrange the purchase of the aircraft from someone on the Sunshine Coast.

She added. Pam said that although she did commence flying lessons, a heart condition prevented her from being allowed to hold a pilot’s licence so she decided to place her beloved Tiger Moth in the very capable hands of Nick Maylor, one of the instructors at the academy. ‘Nick, who Pam told me is a great pilot and instructor, recalled when he took Pam on her joy flight. ‘Pam was absolutely blown away by the experience and she couldn’t wipe the smile off her face,’ said Nick.

‘When I take her up in the Contessa, it doesn’t matter what I do, whether it is spins or loops, she just loves it,’ he said. When I asked Pam about how the little plane earned its name, she pointed out that, if she wanted to she was entitled to use the title Countess. ‘I never use the title but, when I bought the Tiger Moth, I combined the Italian word for countess with the fact that I drive barefoot,’ she told me.

‘From then on, the plane was christened, “The Barefoot Contessa,”’ Pam said. The ‘Barefoot Contessa” and pilot Nick Maylor can both be found at the Caboolture based Aero Dynamic Flight Academy and a phone call to 5428 1195 is all that you need to do if you would like to experience the joy of a flight in the Tiger Moth and, as Pam Farrar has done, fall in love with open cockpit aviation.

Vibe Markets – Arts and Crafts – Bribie Island

By

David Sweedman

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April 21, 2018

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arts and crafts market queensland brisbane

Tags: Markets. Things to do on Bribie Island. Competition. Arts and Crafts. Local. Brisbane

As anyone who has ever been to the Vibe Markets will confirm, there are always some really wonderful bargains to be had along with great entertainment and children’s activities and the April Market on Sunday 29th April will offer the chance to win one of two beautiful handcrafted prizes as a promotion in the lead up to Mother’s Day.

A purchase of fifteen dollars at any of the many stalls is all that is required to be in the draw for either an original handmade necklace by Joyce Davies or a beautiful glass dish supplied by the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre Leadlighters.

At the Vibe Markets, there is always an incredible variety of stalls that sell plants, clothing original art and a range of jams and cakes. The Gem Club will be in attendance and offers fossicking activities for the kids which, along with the craft in Studio Two and the Animal Farm will keep the young ones busy.

The Woodcrafters will also be open on the day. Entertainment at the April market will be provided by the Bribie Island Country Music Club as well as guitarist Allan and the very popular Celtic Fiddlers. As always this event promises to be a really enjoyable morning for both locals and visitors.

For more information about the Vibe Markets, co-ordinator Kelly Vass can be contacted on 0417 741 979.

RSL Event, Local resident shaves for fundraiser

By

David Sweedman

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April 21, 2018

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rotary queensland fundraiser bribie island

Tags: RSL. Fundraising. Bribie Island. Rotary Queensland

LOSING HIS HAIR AT THE RSL

In late May, Bellara resident Doug Philp will undergo surgery that requires him to be completely free of any hair on his head and, as one does when told about something such as this, I asked him what the operation was for and his reply was, ‘They are going to see if I have a brain.’

Featured Image(above): Doug Philp will look different without that hair

Now I’m sure that this is not the reason but there is one thing for sure, no matter what they find in Doug’s head, no one can dispute the fact that he has a very big heart. In times gone by, Doug has been the manager of an organisation which was involved in supporting those in need is therefore aware of the growing number of people in every community who find themselves without a home and need help.

With this in mind, Doug has made the decision to use the necessity of having to lose his hair and beard as a fundraising event to help with the support of the homeless within our local community. ‘People become homeless for many reasons that include domestic violence, bank foreclosure and of course, unemployment,’ said Doug.

‘With the issue of domestic violence, statistics have shown that in as much as ninety percent of cases, it is verbal abuse that is the main factor,’ he added. Having been a resident of our island for almost eighteen months, Doug is aware of the support that is desperately needed for our homeless sector and knows that the Bribie Island and District Neighbourhood Centre plays a very integral role in providing that support.

He has therefore decided that whatever funds are raised at his cut and shave event which is to be held at the Bribie RSL on 5th May at 1 pm in the Sports Bar will be donated to the centre. Doug also knows that, despite there being some organisations that participate in fundraising and claim some of the monies raised as expenses, Rotary is a charity which ensures that all the funds go to the intended recipient so he has enlisted the help of the Rotary Club of Bribie Island to make sure that his fundraiser is successful.

There are several ways that donations can be made including to the Rotary Club of Bribie Island bank account which is at Bank of Queensland, BSB 124390, account 20314486 or the Go Fund Me page that is https://www.gofindme.com/doug039s-donate-to-thehomeless. Also, collection tins are located at various businesses on the island and of course, donations will be welcomed on the day.

Come along to the Bribie RSL at 1 pm on May 5th and support Doug in his efforts to help a very worthy cause.

The Bribie Island Community Arts Centre

By

David Sweedman

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April 21, 2018

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Tags: Mathew Flinders Gallery. Bribie Island Community Arts Centre. Artwork. Art. Artist. Contemporary

THE TIDE SHIFTS INTO THE GALLERY

Whilst it is only fair to comment that art depicting the foreshore and waterways can very often be found on display at the various venues throughout the area, one also must admit that the “Shifting Tides” exhibition currently on display at the Mathew Flinders Gallery in the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre seems to provide a rather fresh and varied perspective to this popular theme.

The exhibition features the combined works of Aaron Hill, Frances Egan, Glenda Chaplyn and Kieran Robinson along with those of Bronwyn Doherty who has organised the event. ‘When I organised this show, I Asked a few friends to join me as we share a passion for the coast in all its guises,’ Bronwyn explained.

‘Together, we hope to share with our audience some of the joy and fascination that we experienced when creating these works,’ she said. The individual styles of the five artists responsible for this exhibition are very evident and Bronwyn took the time to describe the strengths of each artist.

‘Aaron’s works on paper are abstract mappings of the ephemeral forces that form our coastline whilst Frances Egan’s whimsical works on paper are small snapshots of her life which take a metaphorical approach to the theme,’ said Bronwyn. ‘Glenda has explored the coastline as a journey of place and history through her use of lyrical line and Kieran has a selection of paintings with a naïve approach to the shoreline that is bold in colour and texture.

Bronwyn Doherty – Local Artist

By contrast, my own work is soft of texture and in essence is a study of the silence of the backwaters,’ she added. The “Shifting Tides” exhibition will be on display until April 28th in the Mathew Flinders Gallery and is an exhibition that should not be missed. Following closely and commencing on May 1st will be an exhibition entitled “Scratching the Surface” which combines the works of four artists from the Contemporary Art Practices Group and will run until May 13th.

Frances Egan(left) and Glenda Chaplyn(right) – Local Artists

The Mathew Flinders Gallery can be found within the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre which is on Sunderland Drive at Banksia Beach and is open each day except Monday from 10 am.

Information about any of the many activities at the centre can be obtained by making a visit to the Arts Centre or by calling them on 3408 9288.

Local resident travels to Cameroon for Volunteer Group

By

David Sweedman

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April 21, 2018

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Tags: Cameroon. Travel. Local news Bribie Island. Volunteers

TWO MONTHS AT CAMEROON

When retired nurse Mary Olive left Bribie Island to begin a two-month visit to Douala in Cameroon recently, even though the time was to spent on board a 152-metre ship, she was not going for a holiday.

The ship that Mary has gone to join is the Africa Mercy, a vessel that is best described as a very large floating hospital which visits several African countries each year, providing otherwise unavailable surgical care that includes treating head and neck tumours, hernias, cataracts and burns as well as other severe conditions. Mary has volunteered her services and will be working as an admissions nurse and she told me that she will be a part of a team consisting of three nurses and two doctors.

Mary Olive reading up on the work of the Africa Mercy

The Africa Mercy features the same facilities as a medium sized hospital with five operating theatres, an intensive care unit, an ophthalmic unit and a recovery unit. There are beds for eighty-two patients and as well as physicians having the services of an on-board pathology laboratory, they are able to consult with pathologists in the United States via satellite communications. For the convenience of the 450 volunteers who are responsible for all aspects of the ship’s operation, the Africa Mercy has a small supermarket, a library, a laundrette and a restaurant.

Also on board is a school for all ages through to the final year of high school, a daycare centre and a gymnasium. ‘I really don’t know what to expect when I get there and I am going with no preconceived expectations,’ Mary said. ‘This is something that I have wanted to do for quite a while and I am looking forward to being able to help with this service. In Cameroon, the population is over twenty-three million and there are only eighty-three trained surgeons along with twenty anaesthetists so the work that is done on board the ship is absolutely essential,’ she added.

The Africa Mercy will be Mary Olive’s home for the next two months

Mary also explained that the Africa Mercy will remain at the port of Douala until June when it will go for its yearly service. The willingness of Mary Olive to dedicate two months of her time in order to be of help to others is just one more example of the wonderful spirit of those who are a part of the Bribie Island community.

Nippers – Junior Surf Lifesaving Bribie Island

By

David Sweedman

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April 21, 2018

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Tags: Surf Lifesaving Queensland. Bribie island. Nippers. Junior. Commonwealth Games

NIPPERS LED THE WAY

The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games are well and truly over and all the athletes, supporters and volunteers are getting on with the next stage of their life, whatever that may be, and for many, especially those who played a role in the event, their time at the games has given them memories that they will cherish forever.

There are eight Bribie Island Junior Surf Lifesaving Club Nippers who can be included in that group due to having been a part of the contingent of fifty-seven Nippers from as far away as Ayr in North Queensland who was tasked with leading the teams from each nation into the arena at the opening ceremony. Liz Palmer, the Bribie Island club’s Publicity Officer explained that after Surf Lifesaving Queensland sent out a request for Nippers to apply for the role, Vic Fioran, the Bribie club’s Junior Activities Officer, suggested that the parents forward an application for their youngsters to be chosen.

‘I was probably the last of the Bribie parents to apply and that was in late January,’ Liz told me. ‘My three kids were chosen and I was surprised to find out later that they were actually short of the required number. Whilst we had eight who attended, some of the clubs, even the ones nearby to the games, only had sent one or two,’ she said. Liz described how they had to make the trip to the Gold Coast every Thursday for about nine weeks to attend the training sessions and, in the final week before the opening ceremony, she made the decision to rent accommodation nearby.

Liz said that this was to result in the other Bribie Nippers stayed there with her and her children and she regarded this as a win for all concerned. ‘It was great. My three had company and they all bonded over the time we were there,’ said Liz. ‘As well as being close to the practise sessions, we had free passes to the various theme parks and I took them there in our downtime,’ she added.

When the time for the opening ceremony arrived, it was announced that, as there were seventy-one countries and only fifty-seven Nippers, it would be necessary for some of the Nippers to return in order to lead out the second team.

Liz told me that it was so good to find out that a Bribie Nipper would lead the Australian team into the arena. For the uneducated, (myself included) the Bribie Island Nippers could be identified by the lightning bolt insignia on their caps. As the teams made their way out, it was Bailin Haji who ushered Australia into view, Abigail Van Haren showed the way for Bangladesh, Madeline Palmer brought out Trinidad and Tobago and Joshua Palmer was in front of Sierra Leone.

The lightning bolt again came into the view when Blake Schmid led Singapore, Ngaire Harris was in front of Mauritius, Oliver Palmer brought Montserrat out and Zara Mould kept Dominica heading in the right direction. Bailin Haji was the one from Bribie who was chosen to bring out a second team which was Lesotho.

These young Bribie Islanders who played such an important role in what can best be described as a truly splendid ceremony must be congratulated for their efforts in front of the world stage. Bailin, Abigail, Madeline, Joshua and Blake, along with Ngaire, Oliver and Zara, you have done your country, your state and your island proud.

If anyone would like to inquire about their children joining the Bribie Island Junior Surf lifesaving Club Nippers, they can call 3408 1188 for details.

Community Notice – BRIBIE ISLAND ANZAC DAY DAWN & MAIN SERVICES

By

David Sweedman

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April 21, 2018

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Tags: Anzac Day, Bribie Island, Dawn Service, March

WEDNESDAY
25th APRIL, 2018
BRIBIE ISLAND ANZAC DAY
DAWN & MAIN SERVICES

DAWN SERVICE
Where: BRENNAN PARK, Toorbul Street, Bongaree
Time: 4:28 AM
MARCH ASSEMBLY & START
Where: APEX PARK, Corner Toorbul St & First Avenue, Bongaree
Time: March Assembly at 8:00 AM and starts 8:30 AM
MAIN SERVICE
Where: BRIBIE ISLAND RSL, Korea Place, 99 Toorbul St, Bongaree
Time: 9:00 AM

The Bribie Islander – April 2018 Issue 45

By

David Sweedman

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April 20, 2018

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Tags: Bribie Island Local Newspaper. Blog. Queensland Tourist Destination.

Get all your local news from your local newspaper – The Bribie Islander. Articles on sports, boating, camping, fishing, life, drama, travel destinations, what to see on Bribie Island and what to do, charities, organisations, places, children’s activities, arts and crafts, tourist destinations, heritage parks, technology, science, music, gardening and much more.

Bribie Island, one of Queensland most desired travel destinations.

Meet the Volunteers

JULIA and JOHN WATSON

Other Articles

Other Articles

RICHIE LANGFORD

Other Articles

Entertainers of the Island – Peter Orr

Other Articles

I WONDER WHAT THEY DO IN THERE

Other Articles

In the Air

with PAM FARRAR and THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA (From Tai Chi to a Tiger Moth)

Other Articles

Other Articles

LOSING HIS HAIR AT THE RSL

Other Articles

THE TIDE SHIFTS INTO THE GALLERY

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