Local Musician sings at Local Hotel

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April 7, 2018

Tags: Musician. Singer. Queensland Pubs. Bribie Island Pubs. Shave for a mate. Hotel.

ANOTHER WILD AND WOOLLY DAY IN THE BLUEYS BEER GARDEN LAST SUNDAY AT LOCALS ONLY

The show got off to a great start with the WhamBam ThankYou Band and a stand-in drummer, Paul Humphries sitting in for the day.The two teenagers from Bribie High, Bella Hughes and crowd favourite, Paige Montgomery, showing the crowd what a little determination, some confidence and, a great deal of rehearsal can do. Both young ladies ‘wowed’ the crowd with their respective sets.

Another artist, Wally the Bush poet, entertained us all with his original and very humorous bush poems. As the rain began to come down, Malcolm Smith grabbed his guitar and sang acoustically on the verandah to the delight of patrons. Eventually ending his set back on stage with the PA going again.

Thanks, Malcolm, for keeping the mob entertained while the electrical stuff was being covered up. An old mate of Locals Only, TJ Mack, who very rarely gets a Sunday off, came to play..and play he did.

He’s a really great performer and Blueys is hoping to get him for one of the Friday night gigs in the next month or so….then the rain came down…so the Shave 4 A Mate was then organised. Once again, the Blueys audience dug deep, not only for the Shave but the Glenn McGrath breast cancer appeal.

5 beards were shaved and another just trimmed by the ladies, Kelly and Maria from the Straight Edge Cutting Bar in Bongaree amid chaotic circumstances. The Shave managed to raise around $800 which was a great help to the recipients.

Photos were taken by Deb Neill and can be seen either on her website or the Bribie Locals Only website.

We would also like to acknowledge the valuable assistance from Flying Fingers Typing Services and our friends at Victory Press who did a wonderful job with the Posters. Next Locals show will be on 29th April from 1-5pm.

See you there. Keep it Local.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Another month of top quality entertainment at Blueys.
Friday, 6th April ………..Dreadlock Cowboy. 5pm-9pm. Truly Excellent duo.
Friday, 13th April ……….Fabio Tolli. 5pm-9pm. Come see this very talented performer. Crowd favourite.
Friday, 20th April ………Jack James. 5pm- 9pm. voted best new artist at the recent Locals Only awards.
Come see why.
Wed, 25th, April ………..Anzac Day. to be confirmed. 1pm- 5pm.
Friday, 27th April ………5pm- 9pm. Dave Lynch Jr. The human jukebox is back. This bloke is the hardest
working entertainer and very much the crowd favourite.
Sunday, 29th April. ……The Locals Only Show. 1pm- 5pm. The most awaited show in the month.
Featuring emerging singers and musicians, plus a few of the regulars for a
diverse and entertaining afternoon. Held in the beer garden in a kid-friendly environment.

Thanks to those of you who come on the Friday nights, and especially the locals who turn out regularly to the Locals Show.

Featured Image: Alby Lincoln – Local musician

Local Mural Artist Paints Water Tower

David Sweedman

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April 7, 2018

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Tags: Artwork. Artist. Art. Murals. Things to see on Bribie Island

A TOWERING WORK OF ART

Artists Scott Nagys and Mike Shangster spent over a week creating a beautiful piece of artwork on a local icon recently, the water tower at Woorim, whilst known to most, was not what could be called an attractive sight.

Scott and Mike were here as the result of a collaboration between Unity Water and Street Art Murals Australia, a company which acts as a link between artists and any organisation that wishes to commission any form of street art.

In the past, the company has been commissioned by various councils, Westmead Children’s Hospital, Sydney Trains and many others to arrange over three hundred works of street art and a spokesperson has stated that not one of these has been subjected to vandalism within the first five years, obviously eliminating the need for funds to be spent on cleaning off graffiti.

Scott and Mike teamed up to paint the water tower after successfully submitting Scott’s idea for the artwork to Street Art Murals Australia and Scott told me that being able to do this job has enabled him to fulfill one of his ambitions. ‘As a mural artist, I have always wanted to paint something this large,’ said Scott.

‘I have to admit that I was a bit scared about the height at first but once I started, I was more concerned about making sure that I got it right,’ he added. As the artist who designed the work, Scott was tasked with the application of his design to the surface of the tower and Mike acted as ground support, keeping a close eye on the special machine that the two had hired to take Scott to the desired height.

Because of the ground around the tower being mainly sand, it was necessary to source a machine that was propelled by tracks, therefore minimising the chance of it sinking into the sand. This project is the first of the two artist’s jobs on Bribie Island with the Bongaree water tower due to be painted sometime around the middle of the year and this time with Mike’s design.

‘Whilst Scott is a professional mural artist, I am also a graphic artist and around half of my time is spent on studio work,’ Mike explained. ‘My style will mean that the Bongaree tower will feature a more contrasting design,’ he said.

Lions Club Animal Petting Farm

David Sweedman

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April 7, 2018

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Tags: Lions Club. Animal Petting Farm. Queensland Zoo. Travel destination Queensland. What to do on Bribie Island.

THE ANIMALS ARE COMING

There is no doubt that children (and adults) really get a thrill from being able to get up close and personal with animals and, as a way of making the outing more enjoyable for children, the Lions Club of Sandstone Point has added an Animal Petting Farm and pony rides to the list of attractions at their monthly Car Boot Market in the car park in front of the Sandstone Point oval on Bestmann Road East.

The Animal Petting Farm offers interaction with a variety of animals including an alpaca, chickens, and ducks as well as lambs and goats and has already been a favourite with the kids as have the pony rides.

The Car Boot Market is based on a “Trash and Treasure – Garage Sale” style and is a great way for people to dispose of their no longer needed items and pick up a bit of extra cash. It is held on the first Saturday of each month from 6 am and there is always room for more vendors so if anyone would like to find out more or book a stall, they can call 0435 017752.

To ensure that no one goes hungry during their visit, the members of the Sandstone Point Lions Club operates a sausage sizzle at which bacon and egg sandwiches and cold drinks are also available.

Members had a lot of fun on Clean Up Australia Day

Obviously, this event is held subject to favourable weather conditions and, if it has to be canceled, the advice of the cancellation will be posted on both the Sandstone Point and Bribie Island Facebook community pages early on the Saturday morning.

As part of their commitment to the local community, on “Clean Up Australia Day, despite extremely humid conditions, club members worked tirelessly to collect an incredible twenty-seven bags of rubbish and I believe that during the day, much fun and laughter by all involved made the day enjoyable.

A spokesperson for the club explained that the Lions Club of Sandstone Point has always Worked in cooperation with the Moreton Bay Regional Council and Division One Councillor Brooke Savige to ensure that the areas utilised by the community are left spotless.

Featured Image: A great variety of animals at the Petting Farm

Painting from local artist draws attention

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

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April 7, 2018

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Painting from local artist draws attention

Tags: Painting. Artwork. Canvas. Bribie Island Community Arts Centre. Artist.

EXPLORING A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT

It is a well-known fact that artists become motivated by a wide variety of events, people and places and, through an exhibition entitled “Girt By Sea,” this has been thoroughly demonstrated by ten artists from the U3A “Printmaking and Mixed Media” class.

Cheryl Mortimer found many ways to depict a soldier crab(left) and Cheryl Mortimer’s Gert by Sea(right)

Tutor Cheryl Mortimer told me that the exhibition which features a diverse range of works that include monoprints, collagraphs, lino printing, and screen printing is the artists’ way of exploring the unique environment of an island. ‘We have been working toward this exhibition since the beginning of 2017,’ said Cheryl.

‘For some of us, it is the first exhibition,’ she added. “Girt By Sea” is on display in the Mathew Flinders Gallery at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre until April 8th and from when the exhibition began on March 20th, there has been great interest by visitors with a number of the works being sold.

Another interesting exhibition which is due to commence on May 1st at the Mathew Flinders Gallery is “Scratch the Surface” which is by four artists from the Contemporary Art Practices Group.

Dawn Farrell’s Octotangle(left) and In Emu Heaven by Lorna Groves Fitzpatrick(right)

As well as the exhibitions that are hosted by the Mathew Flinders Art Gallery, the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre is the venue for a variety of courses each month and during April, the courses include Cardmaking with Deb Ford on April 11th, (bookings on 0428 524201), Mixed Media Art with Noelene Johnstone on April 11th, (bookings on 0421 283582), Life Drawing classes with Geoff Ginn on April 11th and18th, (book on 0421 724441), and Scrapbooking with Deb Ford on April 18th, (bookings on 0428 524201).

The Bribie Island Community Arts Centre is on Sunderland Drive at Banksia Beach and is open each day other than Monday. For further information about what the centre has to offer, you can call them on 3408 9288.

Featured image: Table Mountain by Karen Quinn

Latest Articles

https://thebribieislander.com.au/museum-and-art-gallery-queensland/

https://thebribieislander.com.au/bribie-island-photography-club/

Aged care and retirement Bribie Island

David Sweedman

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April 7, 2018

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Tags: Aged care. Retirement. Retirement Homes. Bribie Island

A FRESH APPROACH TO AGED CARE

Bribie Island residents looking for an alternative to traditional residential aged care may be surprised to know that we have a unique aged care community here on the island. Seasons Aged Care Bribie Island, located on Melrose Avenue, Bellara, is an aged care community that offers independence, choice, lifestyle, and care under the one roof.

Home to 72 one-bedroom independent living apartments, Seasons Bribie Island offers its residents independent aged care living with 24-hour care. This personalised care is delivered in each resident’s private apartment from low to high care right through to palliative care. This approach allows couples to stay together, regardless of their different care needs and means that small pets are more than welcome.

Seasons Bribie Island’s community consultant Christine Wagstaff says that the community has a lot to offer those who may need care but still want their independence. “All our one-bedroom apartments are self-contained, complete with fridge, cooktop, and microwave, a roomy bathroom including a laundry with a washing machine.

All apartments are wheelchair accessible and equipped with 24-hour emergency call buttons,” Ms. Wagstaff says. “Most apartments feature a private courtyard or balcony off the living area, overlooking the landscaped gardens and tranquil seaside surrounds. “Many of our residents require increased care, and it might be as simple as helping with the washing, to the increased needs of our residents with dementia. The service provision is there to improve the quality of your life so that you can enjoy time with your family, quiet time at the beach, or simply sharing a yarn over an afternoon drink.”

Care at Seasons Bribie Island is provided by Envigor, Seasons’ care partner. As the Envigor team is based on site, residents receive personalised care delivered just how they like it. Every resident has an individual care plan, designed in conjunction with them, their family and our care services manager.

As well as care, Seasons Bribie Island also has an active social and lifestyle program to keep residents happy and active. From bus trips to themed morning teas, craft mornings, board games and movie afternoons, there is plenty to keep all residents entertained. For those who prefer more leisurely or solitary pursuits, there are many quiet corners in the outside area, where you can enjoy the song of the birds and the bloom of the flowers or read a book.

Seasons Bribie Island also offers three meals a day to all residents, prepared onsite by experienced kitchen staff. Meals can be customised to suit a resident’s personal dietary requirements. Lunch is the biggest meal and social event of the day and also allows staff to check in with our residents to see if everyone is okay from a health and medical perspective.

Nestled within a suburban background, the community is just a stone’s throw from the beach and its coastal pathways and long boardwalks, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of coastal living, share in activities that keep you active and be a part of a community that cares.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Seasons Bribie Island, the best way is to come in and see the Seasons difference for yourself.

To book a tour or have a chat about how Seasons Bribie Island could suit you or a family member, call 1300 732 766 or visit https://seasonsagedcare.com.au/.

Neighbourhood Watch Award

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

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April 7, 2018

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Tags: Neighbourhood Watch. Queensland police.

HIGHEST AWARD

There is little doubt that when residents within a community make a point of being constantly vigilant towards any suspicious behaviour, it becomes a great deal more difficult for anyone with criminal intentions to be successful in their efforts and, in the Bellara area, those who form the local Neighbourhood Watch group should be proud of their efforts and also be recognised for their commitment to preventing crime.

With this in mind, it is also important that the members of this organisation should be appropriately rewarded for their dedication and in a small ceremony at the Bribie Island Hotel last month which was attended by Bribie Island Police Station OIC, Senior Sergeant David Crawford Raby, District Superintendent Inspector Jeffries, Division One Councillor Brooke Savige and members of Neighbourhood Watch, Bellara Neighbourhood Watch member Eddie Ryan was presented with the Gold Award, the highest possible recognition within Neighbourhood Watch.

A member since 2001 when founding member Leo Barraclough encouraged him to join, Eddie has in the past served on the committee and held the role of Area Co-ordinator. Current Area Co-ordinator Stacey Olson told me that although Eddie is no longer on the committee, he remains a valued member of the organisation and constantly promotes the profile of Neighbourhood Watch through his ongoing commitment to Bellara.

‘To qualify for the Gold Award, a member has to be nominated and has to have previously been awarded both the Bronze and the Silver Awards,’ Stacey explained.

‘Eddie has achieved all of those and he truly deserves this honour,’ she added. Without dedicated citizens such as Eddie Ryan, our community would not be the wonderful environment that we know it to be. Congratulations Eddie.

Featured image: Eddie Ryan (C) with Senior Sergeant David Crawford Raby and Bellara Neighbourhood founding member, Leo Barraclough

Womens Boxing Girl Goes For Gold

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

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April 7, 2018

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Tags: Womens boxing. Boxing. Sports. Commonwealth Games.

A GAME OF CHESS

When Taylah Robertson’s grandmother encouraged her to take up boxing at the age of twelve, none of those close to her or for that matter, Taylah herself, could have ever imagined what was to happen in the following seven years.

Taylah began taking boxing lessons at a Bribie Island gym and at first regarded it as nothing more than an enjoyable sport that would keep her fit but, as she began to show a natural ability, she began sparing with the boys and then had the opportunity to partake in a fight. ‘When she was just going there to take boxing lessons and train, her mother Cassandra and I were not really concerned,’ Taylah’s dad Cameron told me.

‘Then one day she came home and told us that she was going to fight and we both just felt sick. As it turned out, after a few fights where she held her own and started to do well, we felt a bit better about her being a boxer and now, although we still get a bit worried, we are just incredibly proud of what she has achieved,’ he said.

Cameron explained that once Taylah had progressed as far as was possible with the local gym, she placed herself under the guidance of Cooroy coach, Mark Evans who is also the Queensland coach. Obviously, this meant a demanding amount of travel for Taylah’s parents until she finally got her driver’s licence and as the frequency of her training increased along with her success in the ring, Cassandra and Cameron made the decision to relocate to the Sunshine Coast in order to lessen Taylah’s travel time.

It seems that there has been absolutely no stopping this young lady as far as her determination to be successful is concerned and, since she began to compete, her successes in the ring to date are an indication of her determination and commitment to the sport. As well as winning several Queensland titles, Taylah has won the Celtic Cup in Ireland and her success in Poland earned her the Black Diamond Cup.

womens boxing — Taylah is selling these shirts as a way of
raising funds

More recently, Taylah set her sights on being included in the Australian team at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and, after taking out the 51kg Australian Women’s Championship late in 2017, she has qualified to represent Australia at the Games. An obviously proud Cameron told me about how much time his nineteen-year-old daughter spends training to be a successful competitor. ‘Taylah trains three times each day, six days of the week,’ said Cameron. ‘Her skill as a boxer has been honed by training at the Australian Institute of Sport and recently in The Philippines.

Taylah treats boxing like a game of chess and plans her strategies very carefully. She is confident that she will win gold at the games and of course, we have bought tickets for every fight,’ he added. He also said that Taylah has her first fight on April 11th. One very important issue that is faced by every athlete who embarks on the journey to turn their favourite sport into a career is being able to source adequate funds and this quite often relies on the generosity of sponsors.

Cameron pointed out that there have been many businesses that have assisted Taylah in her journey and the local sponsors include Sunshine Fencing, Sell Exclusive and Richardson & Wrench as well as Knobel and Davis and Dallas Arthur at Tycrete. In her own efforts to fund her career, Taylah has had “Team Taylah” shirts (see photo) printed and has been selling them to her supporters.

He explained that anyone who would like to purchase one of these shirts should email Cassandra. [email protected] to arrange the purchase.

Following the Commonwealth Games, Taylah’s next goal is to be successful at the World Titles and, as the ultimate ambition, she is determined to win gold at the next Olympic Games. On behalf of the community in which she grew up, we at The Bribie Islander would like to congratulate Taylah on her achievements so far and wish her every success at the Commonwealth Games.

Bribie Island Ambulance – Expressions of interest

Locals Only

David Sweedman

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April 4, 2018

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Bribie Island Ambulance – Expressions of interest

Tags: Local Ambulance Committee. Bribie Island Ambulance

THE BRIBIE/NINGI LOCAL AMBULANCE COMMITTEE EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

The Bribie/Ningi Local Ambulance Committee is asking for expressions of interest from anyone who would like to join our Committee.

We support the QAS in a variety of ways namely teaching CPR Awareness to the community, Basic First Aid for school children, keeping the community aware of any changes/events in QAS and also supporting our Paramedics in both stations.

Last year we taught almost 150 people CPR and provided several school children first aid classes. Our meetings are bi-monthly held at the Bribie Island Ambulance Station.

The level of involvement can vary according to member’s own availability. If you would like to know more please contact Rae 0416023818 or Desley 0400013698.

We would love to hear from you.

RECOVERY I.D. MEETINGS BRIBIE ISLAND RECOVERY GROUP Monday – I.D. – 7.30pm Church of Christ hall Corner of Fifth Ave and Foley St Bongaree. The meeting room is behind the church.

BANKSIA BEACH OPEN I.D. Friday – I.D. – 7.30pm – Bribie Island and District Neighbourhood Centre 9 Verdoni st Bellara Up the stairs, RH side of the building.

Book study meeting BRIBIE ISLAND RECOVERY GROUP Thursday – 12×12 – 7.30pm Church of Christ hall Corner of Fifth Ave and Foley st Bongaree. The meeting room is behind the church.

Letters to the editor

Letters To The Editor

David Sweedman

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April 4, 2018

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Tags: Editorial. Blog. Newspaper. Local News. South East Queensland Local news

Dear Editor, Just thought you would like to know that black ants love the plastic sleeve the Bribeislander is delivered in. When I went out to get the Islander off the driveway this morning it was black with small ants. They had eaten away the plastic on all edges so that booklet just fell out. The ants must love the new biodegradable plastics that are made of starch. The mags a good read better than most

Alan and Robyn

Dear Editor, I strongly agree with journalist Neil Wilson that bullying is deplorable conduct which needs to be eradicated from our schools. I would go a little further and change that to ‘society in general’ , as bullying is certainly not restricted to our schools and the effects of bullying amongst adults can be just as devastating. I would regard the current ‘one punch’ scourge as an extreme form of bullying.

Cyberbullying has added a whole new dimension to the problem. Many bullies, be they children or adults, are cowards at heart who pick their targets and opportunities well and usually have support on hand if required and often an audience of bystanders who can encourage or simply just watch what is happening or today photograph it on their mobiles or iPhones and post it on the net. In the mid to late fifties I too was the victim of continual bullying both physical and verbal at both Primary and Secondary School levels.

Fate then stepped in and took me firstly to Teachers ‘ College then through a lengthy career in Primary education as a teacher, deputy principal and finally 22 years as a principal culminating in 12 years as Principal at a large Primary School in Logan City. I would like to say we had no instances of bullying behaviour in my schools but would not be true. I can however say without any doubt whatsoever that in my schools and the many others that I had dealings with over my career, any reported instances of bullying or any other undesirable behaviour for that matter, were thoroughly investigated and dealt with, within the limitations and range of strategies and consequences available to teachers and administrators at that time.

I was therefore pleased to hear that Neil intends working with others to develop new strategies for dealing with bullying. I wish him well and would be most interested in hearing what he comes up with. I will also watch with great interest whether the national anti-bullying platform to which Susan Lamb MP refers becomes a successful reality. The problem unfortunately, as I alluded to above while a major issue in our schools is much more widespread and reflects declining standards, self control, and acceptance of responsibility within society generally.

Towards the end of my career, I was called a very experienced and extremely competent infant teacher to her year one classroom just on 3pm one afternoon. On my arrival, I found that a quite small but highly aggressive year one pupil had gone on a rampage knocking over furniture, throwing belongings everywhere and threatening both pupils and teacher. Upon my arrival he in fact, threatened to “kick me in the teeth” I should have added ‘highly optimistic’ to my brief description of him as at the time, I stood 186cm tall and weighed 125kg.

As I was attempting to deal with the situation , his extremely irate father, a rather short and thin but highly aggressive man, charged into the classroom complaining that we had kept him waiting (this was about five past three). Without staying to hear why we had detained his son and perhaps discuss appropriate consequences and how we could prevent any re-occurrence of this behaviour, he grabbed his son and amidst a stream of expletives left the room. A six-year-old child does not learn that type of aggressive antisocial behaviour at school in six months.

I have no doubt that without adequate, suitable intervention that child would have become an increasingly dangerous bully as he grew. Bullying is just one critical issue facing society today where the easy way out for most appears to be blaming our schools and laying complete responsibility for fixing the problem on their already heavily laden shoulders.

Jack Files

Dear Editor, Many people have often asked me from time to time in the past, do possibly all government in the past and or who are at this present time still in Government, concern and or upset me with their in some instances, constantly changing attitude and or constantly changing decisions that are sometimes in total reverse to and or total contradiction to previous possible future, at the time, government policy commitments even possible that are, in some instances, even falsely made at election time and or in election campaigns to help get them elected into government and power.

I would just like to confirm in my opinion, without a moment hesitation my instant reply is always definitely “no” because (tongue in cheek) the reason being that I have been married and have children. (I’m used to it.) N. E Street Dear Editor I would respectfully like to take this opportunity to write this letter on what has previously been brought to my attention and have personally perceived in the past.

If any individual and or individuals because of a situation and or situations, what ever they may be in the past and are consciously (as the old saying goes) from a past that you have absolutely no control of, and or are possibly blaming somebody else for as everybody knows the past is the past and some individual and or individuals are possibly allowing possible self pity, angry, possibly anxious and or spiteful outlook attitude to your own future and or to other people that you are or possibly may come in contact with in my opinion, you must bring yourself to realize that lots and lots of different people with possibly many various different backgrounds have been in possibly the same and or similar, or even completely different past problem situations and have written in newspaper articles as well as on media – Internet ext outlets about their lives and how they came to discover possible coping mechanisms and or ideas that they found helped them and have taken the kind and unselfish effort to past their findings on in the hope that it may help others.

In my humble opinion, if any individual and or individuals continue to proceed with this possibly damaging attitude and in my opinion failure to act on actions because of/once again not wanting to sound unsympathetic or harsh) continuing to let their past problems, no matter what they may be, to interfere with and or influence their possible discussions for their future endeavours, before you possibly may come to realize it, your own personally possibly created future for yourself and or even for your own possible spouse and or family could possibly become a self caused victim similar and or the same as the one you previously possibly hated or possibly have come over possible many past years to despise and or complain about.

N.E.STREET

A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR AND VOICE YOUR LOCAL OPINION!

[email protected]

PO BOX 116 Bribie Island 4507

DISCLAIMER & INDEMNITY: The opinions expressed by contributors to this page are not necessarily those of the Editor and staff of The Bribie Islander and no responsibility is taken for any information contained in this correspondence or any errors or omissions that may occur during publication. The Contributor agrees to indemnify The Bribie Islander and it’s associates against any claims that may arise from the content of their contribution.

Jokes for a laugh

Laugh Riot

David Sweedman

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April 4, 2018

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Tags: Jokes. Humour. Funny Jokes.

LAUGH RIOT

After being married for 50 years, I took a careful look at my wife one day and said, “Fifty years ago we had a cheap house, a junk car, slept on a sofa-bed and watched a 10-inch black and white TV. But hey I got to sleep every night with a hot 23-year-old girl. Now … I have a $750,000 home, a $45,000 car, a nice big bed and a large screen TV, but I’m sleeping with a 73-year-old woman.

So I said to my wife “it seems to me that you’re not holding up your side of things.” My wife is a very reasonable woman. She told me to go out and find a hot 23-year-old girl and she would make sure that I would once again be living in a cheap house, driving a junk car, sleeping on a sofa bed and watching a 10-inch black and white TV. Aren’t older women great? They really know how to solve an old guy’s problems!

A group of chaps, all having reached age 40, discussed where they should meet for a lunch. Finally, it was agreed that they would meet at The French Bistro in South Yarra… because the waitresses had big breasts and wore miniskirts. Ten years later, at age 50, the friends once again discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally, it was agreed that they would meet at The French Bistro in South Yarra… because the waitresses were attractive, the food and service were good and the beer selection was excellent.

Ten years later, at age 60, the friends again discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally, it was agreed that they would meet at The French Bistro in South Yarra… because there was plenty of parking, they could enjoy peace and quiet with no loud music and it was good value for money.

Ten years later, at age 70, the friends discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally, it was agreed that they would meet at The French Bistro in South Yarra… because the restaurant was wheelchair accessible and had a toilet for the disabled. Ten years later, at age 80, the friends discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally, it was agreed that they would meet at The French Bistro in South Yarra… because they had never been there before.

For those of my generation who do not, and cannot, comprehend why Facebook exists: I am trying to make friends outside of Facebook while applying the same principles. Therefore, every day I walk down the street and tell passers-by what I have eaten, how I feel at the moment, what I have done the night before, what I will do later and with whom. I give them pictures of my family, my dog, and of me gardening, taking things apart in the garage, watering the lawn, standing in front of landmarks, driving around town, having lunch, and doing what anybody and everybody does every day.

I also listen to their conversations, give them the “thumbs up” and tell them I like them. And it works just like Facebook.

I already have four people following me: two police officers, a private investigator, and a psychiatrist.

Touring Australia – Woodgate

The Long Way Round To Bribie

David Sweedman

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April 4, 2018

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Tags: Tourist Spots Australia. Touring Queensland. Bribie Island. Tourist destinations Queensland. Travel destinations

THE LONG WAY ROUND TO BRIBIE!

Sabine Von Graz

Hi there, here is just a quick rehash in case you have missed the first episode of the last Bribie Islander. My short stories are all about our family, Richard my hubby, Ginger our daughter and myself Sabine, going on a 15 month trip of misadventure in a bloody big rig around Australia, on a mission to find the place to call home.

Our next stop was Woodgate, a sleepy village right on the beach, lined with lots of white shells and a variety of Bunning’s plastic chairs, assumedly for ‘happy hour’? A gorgeous bike ride lead along the water’s edge to the most amazing public toilets, ‘a Loo with a View’ … all that and more, just a couple of hours north of Hervey Bay!

Tourist Spots Queenland – Public Amenities

The caravan park was right next to the beach, and the ‘parking in’ went without a hitch or catch, except for the park manager, who is a bit of a catch himself! With his accent and manners, I thought I was meeting with the policeman from Doc Martin. However his name was not PC Joe but Todd, and he was very helpful with our support car – the Wagon. I would zoom ahead in the Wagon to check out our new camping destination and Richard would follow with the Dodge pulling the 5th wheeler.

This old Ford was a dear companion to my hubby for years, when he spent days on the road seeing clients. I always called it ‘the Lemon,’ but lately, it had a few more issues than usual, like the starter motor, transmission or a wheel falling off while driving on the road. I was about to go shopping with Ginger when the Wagon just stopped – no big bang as you would expect, nothing – just kaput.

This time the RACQ man could not start the car found some oil in the wrong part of the engine and was shaking his head gravely… do I need to say more? Richard tried to find out how much he could get from the wreckers, however, none of them wanted the car, not even for free! He then came up with one of his grand plans; namely to get the RACQ to tow the Wagon for free to a garage in Hervey Bay, which is licensed to deal with cars on gas. This garage could give the car the ‘death certificate’ and organise the wreckers all in one.

My hubby was so devastated that we held a wake, taking a final photo of him next to the Wagon with a sign showing 534,000km and washing down our sorrows with a bottle of bubbly. This is a tradition from my home country Austria, where you have a stiff drink for any good or bad situation.

After a week Richard finally got ’the call’ from the garage: “Its ready to go mate”. Richard, still wanting to know at least where the Wagon will have its final resting place asked: ”Ready to go where?” There was silence on the other end of the line until finally, the guy said: ”Ready to pick up mate” Richard could not believe that they actually fixed the car, once again.

Something about not generating a spark and needing a new condenser…not sure what it was called but the car was fixed. Well, this was the right time for a bottle of bubbly!!! Talking about bubbles, Ginger was doing the dishes so diligently each morning, that whatever wine I drank always had bubbles in it, like a ‘dishwashing detox’ from the inside out.

This detox kept me regular, and to avoid filling up the black water tank, we mainly used the caravan park amenities. However on the clean white shower walls were large bloodstains from huge squashed mosquitos, cutting down on any leisure time spent on the loo. To sooth our bites, we finally found a good website with some decent remedies. Those nasty little critters could be kept away by immersing yourself in either garlic oil, Listerine, Vicks vapour rub or toothpaste!

I gave the latter a go when I was heading to the beach, trying to put on some sunscreen and finding it rather sticky, just to discover I mixed up the zinc tube with the toothpaste tube! Well needless to say – no bitey critters got near me! After our three weeks stay, we were ready to pull up stumps. As usual, we reflected on our time in Woodgate and surrounds.

One of our favourite places was the original old pub and although it was missing the amazing views one gets from some of Bribie’s establishments, it still had a really quirky interior and we enjoyed the food and entertainment. This was closely followed by the spring art festival market, the Bundaberg Rum factory, and the ‘Bird sanctuary’ with Ginger’s dress colours melting into the Rainbow Lorikeets.

Travelling around Queensland — Traveling around Queensland

Although this is the end of this episode, I hope you can join me in the next edition of ‘The Mini Bribie Islander’, when we head north to Agnes Waters and Kinka Beach on ‘The Long Way Round to Bribie’!

Beachmere Bulletin -Events – April

David Sweedman

-

April 1, 2018

1

Tags: Beachmere Local events

EVERY SATURDAY APRIL WITNESSING/JP SERVICE, 9am – 9.30am Outside IGA, Beachmere Village Shopping Centre, Cnr Beachmere & James Rds. [email protected]

EVERY FRIDAY APRIL BEACHMERE SLIMMERS SUPPORT GROUP, 9am Beachmere Activity Centre, 25 Biggs Ave. For info contact Sue (07) 5496 2957 OR Find us on Facebook.

EVERY TUESDAY APRIL BEACHMERE ASSIST, 9am-11am The Beach Shak Café, 5 Biggs Ave, Beachmere. FREE weekly drop in! All Welcome. 0459 929 291 or [email protected]

EVERY WEDNESDAY APRIL BEACHMERE SCOUTS – CUBS, 5pm – 7pm at Beachmere State School, 24-58 James Road, Beachmere, [email protected]

EVERY WEDNESDAY APRIL CARDS, 9am-Noon Beachmere Community Hall, Progress Hall, Beachmere. Madeline 5496 2503.

FRIDAY, 6 APRIL LADIES, LET’S DO LUNCH, 12pm, Beachmere Hotel, James Road, Just lunch with the girls: $10 Meals & Drinks at your own expense. RSVP 0413 73 95 73 [email protected]

TUESDAY, 10 APRIL BEACHMERE MEN’S SHED 9am – Beachmere Activity Centre, 25 Biggs Ave, 0490 871 225

WEDNESDAY, 11 APRIL CRAFT GROUP, 1.30pm, Beachmere Uniting Church, Cnr Moreton Tce & Second Ave. Bring your craftwork & gold coin donation. Everyone welcome. Rev Michele 0417 067 992

TUESDAY, 17 APRIL BEACHMERE LIONESS, from 9am Beachmere Activity Centre, 25 Biggs Ave, All Welcome

TUESDAY, 17 APRIL BANG – BEACHMERE AREA NETWORK GROUP – GENERAL MEETING, 6pm-7pm, Beachmere Activity Centre, 25 Biggs Ave. ALL WELCOME 0456 818 017 or [email protected]

WEDNESDAY, 18 APRIL BEACHMERE LIONS MEETING, 6.30pm-7pm, Beachmere Activity Centre, 25 Biggs Ave. Please phone to attend 0417 781 562.

THURSDAY, 19 APRIL BEACHMERE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH AGM MEETING, 9am at Beachmere Activity Centre, 25 Biggs Ave

THURSDAY, 19 APRIL COFFEE WITH A COP, 10.30am at Beach Shak Café, Biggs Ave, Beachmere. (3^rd Thur each month)

WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL ANZAC MEMORIAL SERVICE, 6.50am Clayton Park Memorial, Moreton Tce, Beachmere

FRIDAY, 4 MAY LADIES, LET’S DO LUNCH, 12pm, Beachmere Hotel, James Road, $10 Meals & Drinks at your own expense. RSVP 0413 73 95 73 [email protected]

SUNDAY, 6 MAY CAR BOOT SALE, 7am–11am, Beachmere Village Shopping Centre Carpark, Cnr Beachmere & James Rds. [email protected] 0456 818 017

Last Months Bulletin

https://thebribieislander.com.au/beachmere-bulletin/

March Community Events Calendar

Community Events

David Sweedman

-

April 1, 2018

0

Tag: Community events Bribie Island. Events. Tourist Destination Queensland

To have your events listed on this calendar, email to [email protected]

FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH – Lion’s Club of Sandstone Point Car Boot
Market: 6-11am. Car park Sandstone Point Oval (next to IGA). Cost $10.00 a stall. Bookings: 0435 017 752.

EVERY MONDAY TO FRIDAY- Bribie Butterfly Volunteers Inc.:9am-1pm, Every Mon
to Fri. Volunteer your time to help with the running of BribieButterfly House community
project. PH: Ray 0409 491 419

EVERY MONDAY JANUARY. BEACHMERE INDOOR BOWLS CLUB. Community Hall,
Progress Avenue. 1.15pm-4pm. Cost $4 includes 3 games of bowls & afternoon tea. Ph
0414 088 358

EVERY MONDAY for 6 weeks from 5th February to 12th March from 1pm to 3 pm Loss
and Grief Support … Suffering from a loss and the grief that that brings? Learn about
coping in a “Seasons” Loss and Grief Support Group. Enquirers to Margaret on 5497 6978.

MONDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY – Alcoholics Anonymous meets on Bribie Island three times per week. Monday – I.D. – 7.30pm – Church of Christ hall. Corner of Fifth Ave and Foley st Bongaree. Thursday – 12 steps and 12 traditions – 7.30pm – Church of Christ hall. Corner of Fifth ave and Foley st Bongaree. Friday – I.D. – 7.30pm – Banksia Lodge. Corner of Sunderland drive and Solander esp Banksia Beach. Contacts: Jaime 0438 622 545 or Steve on 0409 560 561.

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY – Bribie Island Bicycle User Group (Bribie
BUG) offers easy rides 8 am Mondays, 6 am Wednesdays and 8 am Saturdays. Rides leave
Information Centre, Benabrow Avenue, Bellara. Contact Robert on 0407 258 569.

EVERY MONDAY – Multicultural English. Every Monday 9am-12pm. 9 Verdoni Street,
Bellara. Ph. 3408 8440

EVERY MONDAY – Bribie Island and District Neighbourhood Centre: Mondays 5 pm.
Smart Recovery (from addiction/s) Group Mondays 1.15pm. ‘Feel great, Get things done:
Me time for Women’

EVERY FOURTH MONDAY – Bribie Island National Seniors meets at the Bribie Island
RSL Function room 9 a.m. to 9.30 am start fourth Monday of each month excluding
February and February Phone Coral 3408 6152

EVERY FOURTH MONDAY – Bribie Island Bush Poets meet on the 4th Monday of each
month at 6.30 at the Blue Pacific Hotel, Woorim. Everyone is welcome to come along and
present poetry or just listen. Enquiries: Cay 3408 3219.

EVERY TUESDAY – Girl Guides: Meet every Tuesday. Contact Teresa: 0408 208 868

EVERY 2ND & 4TH TUESDAY – Seniors Social Coffee: Meet at Coffee Club 10 am, Coffee
& Chat. Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month.

EVERY FOURTH WEDNESDAY – Bribie Is Over 50’s Travel Club meets 10 am 4th Wed of
the month at Bribie Is Bowls Club. All welcome. Call John 3408 6365.

EVERY WEDNESDAY – Baby Rhyme Time: Every Wednesday, 10 am @ Bribie Library.

EVERY 2ND & 4TH FRIDAY – Pumicestone Ukulele: 4pm – 5.30pm. 2nd & 4th Friday
each month. (14th & 28th January) Recreation Hall (U3A building). 156 First Avenue

EVERY 2ND & 4TH FRIDAY – Market Stall.: 9 am – 11 am. Church of Christ hall.Fifth &
Foley Street. Pumicestone Ukulele Group. 5 pm – 7 pm. At Uniting Church every 2nd & 4th
Friday.

EVERY SECOND SUNDAY – Country Links hold their monthly concert on the second
Sunday of each month commencing 12 noon at the Bribie Activity Centre (formally Golden
Age) 96-108 Arcadia Ave., Woorim. For further information contact Janice 0403 481 943.

EVERY 3RD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH – Train Rides. Melsa Park, Toorbul Street,
Bongaree. 10 am – 2.30 pm. Community Markets. Brennan Park, Bongaree.

SUNDAY, 11TH MARCH – ROTARY MARKET, Brennan Park, Bongaree. Phone 0406 373 218.

WEDNESDAY, 14 & 28 MARCH – Craft Group, 1.30 pm at Beachmere Uniting Church, Cnr
Moreton Tce & Second Ave. Bring your craft. Gold coin donation. 0417 067 992

FRIDAY, 2 MARCH – Storytime Sessions: 10 am – 11 am. Fridays & Saturdays @ Bribie
Library

SATURDAY, 3 MARCH – Bribie Island Baptist Church Men’s Breakfasts: 7 am. $5. Bribie
Island Baptist Church. Phone 3408 3779 (John) for bookings. Many thanks for doing this
service… John Doak, Convenor Men’s Ministries Bribie Island Baptist Church.

SUNDAY, 4 MARCH – Cancer Council Markets: Brennan Park, Welsby. Parade.

TUESDAY, 6 MARCH – Bribie Island Family History Interest Group: 1 pm – 3 pm will be
meeting in the Anzac Room, Bribie Island RSL Club.

WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH – The Banksia Garden Club meets at the Bribie Island
Community Arts Centre, Sunderland drive, from 9.15 – noon. Guest speaker is Geoff
Robinson talking on Day Lilies. All welcome phone Desley 3408 8470 or Bev 3408 7882.

WEDNESDAY, 7 MARCH – Vietnam Veteran’s Association: Meeting at 9 am.
Recreational Hall. 156 First Avenue. Ph: 3408 0405

THURSDAY, 8 MARCH – Ecumenical Children’s Choir: Children aged 4 to 18, practice
3:30pm-5pm every Thursday at Bribie Uniting Church.

THURSDAY, 8 FEBRUARY – Bribie Island Family History Interest Group: 10 am – 12
noon will be meeting in the Anzac Room, Bribie Island RSL Club.

SUNDAY 11 MARCH – ROTARY MARKET, Brennan Park, Bongaree. Phone 0406 373 218

WEDNESDAY, 14 MARCH Bribie Island Historical Society meets at 6:30 pm in the
ANZAC Room, Bribie Island RSL. All Welcome – we meet the second Wednesday of each
month.

SUNDAY, 25 MARCH – Bribie Vibe Arts & Craft Market: Bribie Island Community Arts
Centre, Sunderland Dr Banksia Beach. Markets are held on the last Sunday of every
month.

MONDAY, 26 MARCH – Bribie Island National Seniors meets at the Bribie Island RSL
Function room 9 a.m. to 9.30 am start fourth Monday of each month excluding December
and February Phone Coral 3408 6152

MONDAY, 26 MARCH – Bribie Bush Poets.: Blue Pacific Hotel, Woorim at 6.30. More
info call Cay on 3408 3219

WEDNESDAY, 28 MARCH – Loud ‘ the Library.: 5 pm – 7 pm. Bribie Island library. For 13
– 17-year-olds. Hang with mates and play computer and console games. Listen to music or
join in activities.

DONATE A BOOK APPEAL: Help make a difference to a child with the gift of a book.
Place a new book or gold coin donation in the collection box at any Library.

The Bribie Islander

Local Musician sings at Local Hotel

ANOTHER WILD AND WOOLLY DAY IN THE BLUEYS BEER GARDEN LAST SUNDAY AT LOCALS ONLY

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THE BRIBIE/NINGI LOCAL AMBULANCE COMMITTEE EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

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A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

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Jokes for a laugh

LAUGH RIOT

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Beachmere Bulletin -Events – April

Last Months Bulletin

March Community Events Calendar

To have your events listed on this calendar, email to [email protected]

DONATE A BOOK APPEAL: Help make a difference to a child with the gift of a book.
Place a new book or gold coin donation in the collection box at any Library.

Other Articles

ANOTHER WILD AND WOOLLY DAY IN THE BLUEYS BEER GARDEN LAST SUNDAY AT LOCALS ONLY

UPCOMING EVENTS

Other Articles

A TOWERING WORK OF ART

Other Articles

THE ANIMALS ARE COMING

Other Articles

EXPLORING A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT

Latest Articles

A FRESH APPROACH TO AGED CARE

More Articles

HIGHEST AWARD

A GAME OF CHESS

Other Articles

THE BRIBIE/NINGI LOCAL AMBULANCE COMMITTEE EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Other Articles

A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Other Articles

LAUGH RIOT

Other Articles

THE LONG WAY ROUND TO BRIBIE!

Other Articles

Last Months Bulletin

To have your events listed on this calendar, email to [email protected]

DONATE A BOOK APPEAL: Help make a difference to a child with the gift of a book. Place a new book or gold coin donation in the collection box at any Library.

Other Articles

DONATE A BOOK APPEAL: Help make a difference to a child with the gift of a book.
Place a new book or gold coin donation in the collection box at any Library.