Bribie Island Fishing report – October 2014 – Tide Times

Fishing Bribie

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October 12, 2014

Bribie Island Fishing report – October 2014 – Tide Times

Tags: Fishing report Bribie Island. Tide times. Boating camping fishing. Queensland. Fishing Spots.

REEL LIFE – Bribie Fishing report

With the weather now warming, the fishing around Bribie, up the Pumicestone Passage, and through the creeks running into it has been producing some quality fish.

Most of the beaches are now seeing good numbers of summer whiting, with the best baits being worm, yabbies, and prawn. Large flathead is being caught around the sandbars, gutters, and beaches on a multitude of baits and lures. For many, fishing the gutters around the sandbars on an outgoing tide has been producing the goods.

Bream are still about in numbers right through the passage and canals on the island with fish around the 30 – 40 cm mark being fairly common. The best baits here have been prawns and mullet strip, while those working soft plastics around the canals and creek mouths are being rewarded with nice table fish as well.

Plenty of pan-sized snapper around the bridge pylons and deeper drop-offs in the passage(left) and Michael Schuberg with an 83 cm flathead caught off one of the many sandbars, released after a quick photo.(right)

Squire and snapper are still around in numbers for those fishing the deeper holes reefs and drop-offs. Fish the outgoing tide early morning or late afternoon with strips of fish or squid. The bridge pylons and deeper holes in the passage, as well as off the Bongaree jetty are producing some nice Jewfish and fish around the meter mark are fairly common. The most successful baits here have been whole or live mullet and squid which can be caught in a number of places around the island fairly easily.

It was a disappointing tailor season, but we are still seeing some fish making their way into people’s eskys. Unfortunately, though, those targeting them have found them a little patchy.

Crabs are finally on the move, and those putting in the effort have been rewarded with some quality sand and mud crabs around the shallows and up through the creeks. With the warmer weather now upon us, it’s the time to start heading offshore and around the southern channel markers targeting mackerel and other pelagics. Either that or heading up the creeks to chase mangrove jack.

Tide Times

Click here to see Bribie Island Tide Times

RECIPE: DEB’S PICKLED CHILLIES

Recipes from the locals

David Sweedman

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October 6, 2014

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Tags: Pickled Chillies. Recipe. Food.

DEB’S PICKLED CHILLIES

It’s finally that time of year, our vegetables are starting to get their grow on. That means that it’s a good time to start to think and plan exactly what we are going to do with all of our produce.

I for one love chilli in all different ways. This particular recipe is as simple as it gets and oh so yummy! I use these in sandwiches and salads, actually, anywhere there is chilli required in a recipe.

Pickling chillies are great because you can choose the chillies that you like. Either fiery hot or mild, it’s completely up to you. A trial and error type process, it’s really a pickle, then wait and see kind of thing. You’ll soon work out which plants you grow have the hottest chilli! If you have an abundance, this recipe is simple and you can pickle as many as you like in one go.

The process begins with your chillies the night before, washing them and then (here’s the tedious bit) putting a small slit lengthways in each chilli with a sharp knife (this is so the salt and vinegar gets right through the entire chilli, preserving them properly)

Afterward, put them all together in a bowl with about half a cup of salt per kilo of chillies (rock salt works best).

Fill with water and place a plate or something on top so they don’t float. Leave overnight.

The next day, drain the chillies.

The actual recipe is really simple:

INGREDIENTS:

A mixture consisting of 2/3 white vinegar and 1/3 water, making sure there is enough mixture to cover every chilli in each jar. That’s all there is to it!

No matter how many chillies you have it’s still the same ratio! You will also need enough jars to accommodate your chillies.

I sterilise mine before use by boiling them. METHOD: Put all of your chillies into the jars prepared.

Boil the water and vinegar mixture for about five minutes, and pour over the chillies into the jars.

Tap, shake and wiggle the jars to get rid of any excess air.

Just pop the jars into the pantry for about 3-4 weeks before you eat, and refrigerate after opening. Simple!

Recipe: COQ AU VIN BLANC

Recipes from the locals

David Sweedman

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September 15, 2014

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Tags: Cooking, recipe, food. Chicken. recipes.

COQ AU VIN BLANC

2 chicken fillet, diced (breasts or thighs)

3 tablespoons of plain flour

oil and butter for frying

1 brown onion, finely chopped

6 cloves of garlic, finely sliced

1 leek, sliced & cleaned

3 rashers bacon, cut into small strips

150 gms button mushrooms, sliced

1tbs brandy

1 cup of decent quality white wine

500ml chicken stock

6 sage leaves

1tbs dried Italian herbs

Salt & pepper

The juice of half a lemon

2 tablespoons double cream

1 knob of softened butter

METHOD:

Coat chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. Reserve remaining flour for later. Heat up a generous amount of oil and butter in a heavy-based casserole pot. In batches, lightly fry floured chicken until golden brown. Remove from casserole pot and put aside. In the same dish, fry the onions on medium heat for 4 minutes, add the garlic, leek, bacon, and mushrooms. Cook for five minutes on a medium heat.

Stirring regularly, add the brandy and white wine. (Give the bottom of the pan a good scrape to release any chicken scrapings which add to the flavour).

Add the stock, herbs, salt, and pepper, and bring to the boil then reduce to a simmer. Add the lemon juice, the cream, and the cooked chicken.

Leave to simmer for about thirty-five minutes.

Combine the softened butter with the reserved flour in a bowl and add a ladle of the juice from the casserole to make a slurry with no lumps.

Add this to the simmering mixture to thicken. Serve with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

SUGGESTION:

Rather than letting it simmer, you could place the dish in a preheated oven at 200C for thirty-five minutes.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – 1st

Letters To The Editor

David Sweedman

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September 12, 2014

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Tags: Letters to the editor. Magazine. Local Newspaper

Hi, Richard/Alexandra. Nice work on your new venture, The Bribie Islander. I particularly loved the print size, just this once I do not need my reading glasses to read the magazine! Seniors will be delighted!

I believe that a once-monthly magazine has been needed on this island for a long time. It gives many of us time to read, put it down & again pick it up & continue to read when one has things to do, not so easy with the weekly papers, as they require reading when they arrive, (not a big problem, for they do not have all that much content) otherwise the next one is on one’s door before it is fully read & after all not much is in these papers except ads? I do understand that these must be included to pay the way.

Congratulations & may you have a long run of success. Cheers, Bill

Other Articles

Love for Bribie – Tourist destination

Local Events – Medieval Festival

Crime report – Sept 2014

Crime Report

David Sweedman

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September 6, 2014

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Tags: Crime Report Bribie Island

CRIME TIME

WITH THANKS QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE

Crimes committed in the Bribie Island area towards the end of August. Should you see anything suspicious or concerning, please contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

ASSAULT

On August 25, a man armed with a hammer has entered a residential address on Banya Street, Bongaree. A physical altercation then occurred between the victim and the man, and he left the address before police arrived.

DRIVING OFFENCES

On August 24, 2014 A 33-year-old woman was charged in relation to driving a vehicle while over the General Alcohol limit. She is to appear at the Caboolture Magistrates Court on the September 17.

Police located a 34-year-old man driving without a licence on Bribie Island Road; he was subsequently issued a Traffic Infringement Notice in relation to this offence.

Police located a 17-year-old woman driving without a licence on Bribie Island Road; she was issued a Notice to Appear at the Caboolture Magistrates Court on the September 3.

On August 27, 2014, Police located a 48-year-old man driving without a licence on Bribie Island Road; he was issued a Notice to Appear at the Caboolture Magistrates Court on September 17, and the vehicle he was driving was immobilised by police for a period of 90 days.

Police located a 26-year-old man driving a Toyota Hilux motor vehicle performing a ‘burn out’ on Goodwin Drive, Bongaree. He was charged in relation to the careless use of a motor vehicle, driving without a licence, and drink driving. His vehicle was impounded for 90 days and he is to appear at the Caboolture Magistrates Court on the October 1.

DRUGS

On the August 28, police executed a search warrant at residential Bongaree address. As a result, a 24-year-old man has been charged in relation to Possession of Dangerous Drugs (Cannabis) and Possession of a Pipe. He is to appear at the Caboolture Magistrates Court on September 29. ENTER AND COMMIT (BURGLARY)

On the August 27, a bicycle was stolen from within an open garage at a residential North Point, Banksia Beach, address.

MENTAL HEALTH

Over the past week, police have attended five separate calls for assistance in relation to persons attempting or threatening suicide. All these instances were successfully resolved with the assistance of the Queensland Ambulance Service.

WILFUL DAMAGE

During the night of August 23-24, The occupants of a residential address on Ottiwell Street, Woorim, have had their external garden lights damaged. A vehicle had its sides scratched while parked on Fourth Avenue, Bongaree.

History – Bribie Island

Our History

David Sweedman

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September 5, 2014

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Tag: History. Bribie Island. Queensland. Australia.

BRIBIE ISLAND’S FASCINATING HISTORY

BARRY CLARK – FOUNDING PRESIDENT, BRIBIE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY // IMAGES: BARRY CLARK & JOHN OXLEY LIBRARY

Bribie Island has many remarkable and often surprising secrets to reveal… if you know where to look.

When James Cook sailed past this coastline in 1770, he observed the far distant hills and named them “Glasshouses”, reminding him of Glass-Works in his distant homeland. When Matthew Flinders and his aboriginal companion Bongaree came exploring almost 30 years later in 1799, he was the first European to set foot on what is now Bribie Island.

Featured image(above): School children at Mission Point, Bribie Island, being relocated to Stradbroke Island 1892. Possibly the very first photograph ever taken on Bribie Island.

Flinders travelled up what he called the Pumicestone River, and climbed one of the Glasshouse Mountains. Over the next 50 years, there were very few who came to this remote island and little trace can be found, other than surveyors marks and evidence of the long aboriginal occupation. In 1823 three castaway convicts spent several months with the local aboriginal people and were fortunate to be rescued on the island by those searching for a new penal colony site.

The worst of the worst convicts from Sydney were initially sent to a new penal settlement at Redcliffe in 1824, but this was relocated within a few months to a new and better site on the Brisbane River. It would be another 35 years before the State of Queensland was declared when separated from NSW in 1859.

During all those years there were still very few white men who came to this desolate island. Within a hundred years of the first sighting of these shores by Captain Cook, the once extensive Aboriginal population of Moreton Bay had been reduced to just a few. This led to the establishment of the first Aboriginal reserve right here on Bribie Island at Whitepatch in 1877.

Barry Clark’s free Heritage Walk brochures available at Visitors Centre, Library and Museum.

The remaining individuals from various groups around Moreton Bay were dumped here on the island with basic provisions under government supervision. Not surprisingly, it created many social issues and soon closed down. A few years later, a school for aboriginal children was established at Mission Point.

Once again though, it proved an unsuitable site and the children were soon relocated to Stradbroke Island in 1892. What is believed to be the very first photo ever taken on Bribe Island records that event. In 1891 Bribie Island was briefly visited by Archibald Meston, an Explorer, Author, Politician, and the official “Protector of the Aborigines”. He made this comment… “Bribie Island is one of the meanest pieces of country in Australia… a howling desert of tea-tree swamps rank aquatic vegetation and unimaginable cussedness”

It is therefore quite remarkable that just 17 years later a group of Brisbane businessmen decided to invest significant sums of money, building steamships and leasing large areas of the island to develop Bribie into Australia’s first island holiday destination.

In 1912 the Brisbane Tug & Steamship Co. built a Jetty at Bongaree, and over the next few years saw the island develop as a destination for mass tourism, with many thousands of visitors coming by steamships every weekend and holiday, enjoying cheap and healthy holidays. More people came on camping holidays to Bribie Island than lived in the entire Caboolture Shire at the time.

These remarkable “boom” years for Bribie Island were however impacted in the 1930’s by the Great Depression, and soon after that came World War 2. These events led to great upheaval as the military moved in, most residents were moved out, and extensive defense structures were built on the island in 1942.

Some were removed after the war but many remain visible to this day. The “Steamship excursion” trips to the island resumed after the War, but by then the motor car was the popular form of transport, and increasing numbers braved the dreadful roads to the island. By 1963, a bridge had been built and the island was joined to mainland Australia. Looking back over more than 200 years since the first arrivals, our island has experienced many remarkable events, many of which can still be seen.

There are lots of things to look out for as you move around the island that provide clues to the past. Available at the Visitors Centre, the Library, and the Museum are free brochures for self-guided walks around interesting old buildings in Bongaree and the location of heritage plaques along the waterfront.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

• There are over 50 Aboriginal sites officially gazetted on the Island, representing their occupation of this land over many thousands of years.

• The Water Tower in the Caravan Park at Bongaree is on the site of a large Aboriginal shell midden.

The area known as “Red Beach” is a name carried over from the War Years when Australian and US troops did beach landing craft training at various colour coded beaches.
Australia’s first Opera Australis was written by Emily Coungeau whose grand home, “Coungeau House” was built in 1915 and still stands in Banya Street, Bongaree.
In the 1960’s, an Ionospheric Research Centre with an Atomic Clock was established on Bribie Island to study the behaviour of radio signals in the upper atmosphere.
In the years 1914, 1932 and 1976 the residents of Bribie Island made three unsuccessful attempts to break away from Caboolture Shire and establish Bribie Island as its own shire.

RSL – WOMEN’S AUXILIARY

David Sweedman

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September 3, 2014

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Tags: Bribe island RSL. Womens Auxiliary RSL

RSL – WOMEN’S AUXILIARY

We are looking for women to join the RSL Women’s Auxiliary. This could be what you are looking for. Our aim: is to support the RSL Sub Branch and the Veteran Community.

It is a myth that our association is a “Ladies Sewing or Knitting Group”, in fact, we are an integral part of the RSL. We come under the RSL Sub-Branch and we are governed by By-Law 6 of the RSL (Qld) State Rules. Welfare is a major part of each auxiliary…The welfare of its members, the veteran community and the community at large, Youth and the serving military are of particular importance.

Being a member of the RSL Women’s Auxiliary is a rewarding experience, it brings new friends, new ideals and a great deal of satisfaction. RSL Women’s Auxiliaries have been running for over 90 years, and need new members to continue their welfare and community work. Bribie Island Women’s Auxiliary meets on the 2nd Monday of each month, except January and raise money in various ways, our main fundraiser being Bingo. We also organize outings, bus trips, have BBQ’s, luncheons and functions for our members.

Any woman who upholds the values of the RSL is eligible to become a member. There is no need to have a military or service background to join. If you are wanting to meet new friends, would like to donate your time to a very worthy cause, want to feel a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, please do not hesitate to contact the Secretary, Jan Wright on 3410 0608 or 0407 030 598.

BECOME INVOLVED IN A PART OF A WELL RESPECTED GROUP OF WOMEN, AID THE VETERAN COMMUNITY, BECOME A VOLUNTEER, HELP THE RSL AND HAVE FUN!!

Other Articles

https://thebribieislander.com.au/australian-remembrance-day-australian-defence-forces/

https://thebribieislander.com.au/history-bribie-island-fascinating-history-historical-society/

Fishing – South East Queensland and Moreton bay

Fishing Bribie

David Sweedman

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September 3, 2014

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Fishing – South East Queensland and Moreton bay

Tags: Fishing. Spring fishing tips. Moreton bay fishing spots. Southeast Queensland Fishing. Tide times. Bribie Island.

REEL LIFE

Winter is over and the end of the winter species is nearly here. Soon we will be measuring all of our Whiting and the Mackerel will chase away all the Tailor. The winter Whiting don’t just disappear they tend to head for the deeper colder waters in the bay.

If you still want a feed of these smaller, tasty fish they can still be caught in the deeper sections of the Cockle Banks all year round. As for the Tailor they tend to follow the colder water down south. This is where the bigger Snapper also a go during summer. Victoria’s Snapper season is opposite to ours, so hold on to your hats all you Mexicans, they are on their way.

Over the last week I have started to hear about some Pelagic fish putting in an appearance in the waters off Moreton, and with these warm, to hot days the grounds on the inside side of Moreton won’t be far away. This week’s photo shows a Spanish Mackerel caught north of Moreton, Steve also landed a Wahoo as well, so all is looking good for this year’s Pelagic fishery.

The passage has been a bit hit and miss lately with the change of season looming and these warmer days predicted will soon bring in the Mackerel, let’s hope they are in better numbers than the Tailor as yet again the season has been a poor one. Summer Whiting have been reported in small numbers around the surf so it won’t be long before they venture around the corner into the passage.

Flathead catches have been down but a lot of that has to do with the poor weather lately and not a reduction in numbers. I am sure the Landangler will pop his head up again soon to show us that they are still around.

One thing that has been caught in the passage recently is squid. Over the last few years numbers of squid catches have been up, so let’s hope we can find a new target when the fish species don’t show up.

Nigel(left) from Gateway Bait and Tackle showing he can actually catch fish and Steve(right) shows off his ripper Spanish Mackerel caught north off Moreton.

Vik Sweetman(left) with a nice Morwong caught over at Bulwer Ledges at Moreton and Richard Schmidt(right) with an 8.2kg 99 cm Jewfish caught off the Bongaree Jetty

Tide Times

Click here to see Bribie Island Tide Times

Other Articles

https://thebribieislander.com.au/bribie-island-fishing-1/

https://thebribieislander.com.au/history-bribie-island-fascinating-history-historical-society/

Lawn Bowls Club – A sport for all ages.

Community Events

David Sweedman

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August 23, 2014

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Tags: Lawn Bowls. Bowling. Bribie Island. Sports

SPORT OF AUGUST: BOWLS

BRIBIE ISLAND BOWLS CLUB

Every Saturday of every July and August, the State Pennant bowls competition occurs. Teams in each district play each other, and over time winners move up through the zone finals to the state finals, which are to be held in early November.

This is a great example of how bowls can be a team sport, with many clubs bringing along a cheer squad as they travel each week. Bribie bowls are fielding teams in every division of the men’s competition Pennant Divisions One through Five, and our ladies are competing in Division One and Division Four.

We have a proud history of competing in Pennants, with many district and even some state flags hanging from previous wins. Bribie had a fantastic time, winning the day. Everyone was a bit worried for a while after the winds during the week, a little afraid that they were in for some extreme bowls.

DID YOU KNOW?

1.) Lawn bowls are one of the most popular adult games on earth.

It has been said that there are more registered lawn bowlers in Australia than any other sport. It’s unclear how this is reflected in other parts of the world, but it’s likely close in the UK and is without a doubt growing rapidly elsewhere.

2.) A bowls green is typically 37 – 40 meters square and perfectly flat.

The green is divided into rinks, which are not less than 5.5 meters or more than 5.8 meters wide, enabling several games to be played at the same time. 3.) Lawn Bowls is played from a mat which is 600mm long and 360mm wide. One foot must be on the mat when a player delivers the bowl.

4.) There are currently in excess of 250,000 registered lawn bowls members in Australia. The increase in popularity of social bowls has seen the number of participants increase to 500,000+ nationwide.

5.) Bowls is a game that involves an offensive and defensive strategy to play. There’s also the added challenge that the jack is movable and can be displaced anywhere on the rink by a delivered bowl.

The photos featured are the Bribie Lawn Bowls Division 5 men playing against Glass House Mountains.

Other Articles

https://thebribieislander.com.au/local-events-medieval-festival/

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CHOC CHIP OAT COOKIES

Recipes from the locals

David Sweedman

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August 18, 2014

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Tags: CHOC CHIP OAT COOKIES. Recipes. Food. Biscuits. For kids.

CHOC CHIP OAT COOKIES

PREP:
Line baking trays with baking paper and preheat oven to 180C (150C fan forced)
INGREDIENTS:
125g unsalted butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract or essence
1 egg beaten
3/4 cup Uncle Toby’s Traditional Oats
1 cup plain flour
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2/3 cup shredded coconut
1/3 cup dark choc chips
METHOD:
Beat butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla in a bowl until light and fluffy.
Sift flour and bicarb on to butter mix. Fold in and then add oats, coconut, and choc chips,
mix until combined.
Use roughly one tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls, keeping them all about the
same size.
Place onto a baking tray about an inch apart. Flatten gently by hand (a tablespoon
wrapped with baking paper also works well)
and bake for 15 – 20 minutes (depending
on how crunchy you like them).
This recipe is great for feeding the hungry hordes after school and goes down great with a serving of fresh fruit! It’s so easy to make, even the kids can help out!

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Love for Bribie – Tourist destination

I Thought You Might Like To Know

David Sweedman

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August 17, 2014

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Tags: Bribie Island. Tourist Destination Queensland

LOVE FOR BRIBIE. AN INSIDER’S STORY.

Bribie Island has been my home for the past 21 years (with the exception of a recent two year break and moving to Roma for work commitments).

One of the first things that I noticed upon my arrival all that time ago was the hello’s and good mornings I received when I went for a walk along the waterfront. I hadn’t experienced that before in Melbourne.

The people here seemed to have more time and took a genuine interest in each other. Nothing has changed in all that time — go for a walk anytime of the day and I bet you find the same. I’m always meeting new people from all walks of life and continually with the same carefree and relaxed attitude.

Yes, it can be a sleepy little hollow if you choose to live quietly but the clubs, restaurants, cafes and little shops on the Island have everything you desire too. Each one of them offers something unique; some have bands playing, pokies, bingo, bowls or just simply a beautiful view. It’s always nice to take time out of the kitchen and have a meal away from home. It’s always been well known that if the foods not good you won’t last long on Bribie, and that’s what keeps a high standard all round.

Did I mention the fresh Fish n Chips? There’s another great thing about Bribie. Bribie has proved to be a wonderful place to raise my children. When they were little they would often ride to the skate park or along the waterfront to their mates’ houses. I would always tell them that no matter where they went on Bribie, if you find yourselves in trouble, you will always find someone that knows us close by and handy.

The same went for: If you are doing something wrong, there would always be someone to tell us about that too. Thankfully they are good boys and no-one ever dobbed. Our kids had a wonderful Island playground to grow up in, fishing, crabbing, boating and playing on the beaches. I still believe it’s a great place to teach young children about nature and the simple things in life.

I always feel so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, not just the clean waters and gorgeous sunsets, but, the people have an inner beauty, something that I haven’t found anywhere else.

As a photographer, I couldn’t wish for a more picturesque setting. I’ve taken hundreds of photos from inland tracks to all the beaches, I’ve never tired of the view, from anywhere you look there is always something interesting going on.

Bribie has become our treasured home, a safe landing place far from the hustle of the city. Every time I see those Glasshouse Mountains and cross that bridge, I breathe a little sigh of relief, Ahhh Bribie, home again.

Other Articles

https://thebribieislander.com.au/local-events-medieval-festival/

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History – Bribie Island Fascinating History – Historical Society

Our History

David Sweedman

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August 15, 2014

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History – Bribie Island Fascinating History – Historical Society

Tags: History. Bribie Island. Old Military bases. BRIBIE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

BRIBIE ISLAND’S FASCINATING HISTORY

“It might not be too much to claim, Pumicestone Passage and Bribie Island contain more history, written and unwritten than any other place in Queensland”

This quote by famous Sunshine Coast Historian and Author Stan Tutt often surprises residents and visitors about the remarkable contribution this small island has made to the history of this country. Maybe after reading this you might go looking for some visible evidence of this fascinating past.

The original inhabitants left evidence of their use and occupation of this area over many thousands of years. Their lives were to change forever after Matthew Flinders landed on Bribie Island in 1799. The visit of the sloop “Norfolk” was brief, and it was another 24 years before three white men came unexpectedly to Bribie Island as castaway convicts, after being washed ashore on Moreton Island.

They had walked all around Moreton Bay in the hope of finding Sydney, and had to cross a big river. When John Oxley sailed in on an expedition in 1823 he was amazed to find them, and they located and named the Brisbane River. This later became the Moreton Bay Penal Settlement and Brisbane town. Bribie Island had a unique position as a resourceful island close to the mainland of this growing community.

However, when Archibald Meston, a respected Politician, Author & Explorer visited the island in 1891 he stated that: “Bribie Island is one of the meanest pieces of country in Australia …..a howling desert of tea-tree swamps, rank aquatic vegetation and unimaginable cussedness” Oysters, Fish, Timber and Lime attracted some early pioneers to the Passage and the Island, until massive rainfall and floods silted up the Passage in 1893.

By the early 1900’s several of the Bay islands were being occupied, and it was the Moreton Bay Tug & Steamship Company who decided to make a substantial investment in developing Bribie as a tourist destination. 102 years ago the settlement of Bongaree was established with a Jetty, a few basic buildings, a postal service and regular trips by the Steamship Koopa from Brisbane via Redcliffe.

Many thousands came at weekends and holidays to camp and fish, but the first road from the Jetty to the Ocean Beach was not built for another ten years in 1924. There were just 20 permanent residents on Bribie then. Resident and tourist numbers grew steadily through the 1930’s but it was World War 2 that led to the evacuation of Bribie and occupation by the BARRY CLARK –FOUNDING PRESIDENT, BRIBIE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY Military. The island offered a strategic location to defend the Port of Brisbane, and Forts and buildings were constructed north and south on the island.

Thousands of troops were based and trained here, and the Steamship Koopa requisitioned for military service. The remains of some military Forts and defence structures can still be seen around the island at Bongaree, Woorim and Fort Bribie at the north of the island. Others have been demolished or claimed by time & tide.

The first car had come to Bribie Island in 1919, long before there were any roads at all. It took two days to drive from Brisbane along beaches and through the fields, and then floated to the island on a raft. 61 years ago, by 1953, the once popular Steamship trips had given way to motor cars which were carried to the island by a Ferry Barge from Toorbul Point.

There were about 500 permanent residents here in those days, and increasing numbers of tourists to be served. Electricity was cabled to the island in 1953 and the post-war years saw all sorts of new and modern facilities being used such as Refrigerators, Radios, and Record Players One very different new resident was the much-traveled, 61-year-old, world renowned recluse artist Ian Fairweather.

He lived and painted here all alone in a bush hut for the next 21 years. His abstract paintings hang in major Art Galleries around the world and many of his valuable works were created here on Bribie Island.

51 years ago in 1963 the Bribie Island Bridge was built, after many years of political debate, which opened a new era in the development of this island community. Incentives were offered for new tourist attractions, and the remains of one such “Aquarium” can still be seen in the bush at the north of Red Beach.

An unexpected toll was charged to cross the new bridge and was seen by many to limit development for many years. The Toll was collected for twelve years until 1975 when the bridge had been paid for. Tourism took on a different spin and Bribie promoted itself as a special destination.

It was often referred to as a Zoo without a fence as there was so much natural wildlife to be seen. Between 1962 and 1971 the local “Bribie Star” newspaper published articles, photos and stories about the many active community groups who were making Bribie Island a very special place to live.

Between 1984 and 1990 another magazine known as the “The Bribie Islander” was also published .

The Historical Society plan to bring you some extracts from these previous publications in future editions of this magazine.

Other Articles

Bribie Island Fishing 1

Paperbark

The Sensory Movie Day group- Aspergers & Autism

Mental Health

David Sweedman

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August 10, 2014

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The Sensory Movie Day group- Aspergers & Autism

Tags: Aspergers. Autistic. The Sensory Movie Day group

BRIBIE ADVOCATE

Welcome to the first edition of The Bribie Islander! We really hope you enjoy having a local publication focussing on the local community and businesses servicing Bribie and surrounding areas.

Our regular column, the Bribie Advocate aims to focus on local feel-good issues and as a way to promote the many wonderful happenings in and around Bribie. As such we invite topics of interest to be emailed to [email protected] or otherwise feel free to drop a note with a short description of a topic of interest into any of The Bribie Islander drop off points.

This month, I’d like to highlight that as community awareness and understanding grows, so does our calendar of commitments! Especially with the massive efforts of organisations like The Sensory Movie Day group.

As a family with a 9yo Aspie (Aspergers) and a 6yo Autie (Autistic), the activities organised these school holidays opened up a new world for our boys. Horse riding, mini stream trains, bowling and the warplane museum. Absolutely awesome efforts from everyone involved, thank you. To watch our non-verbal little Autie run up to a horse, brush his cheek against its neck and then jump on was fantastic.

He smiled and laughed the whole half hour, and then at the end, he even uttered the horse’s name, Diesel. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Even our anxious Aspie was able to relax and just enjoy life, caught in the moment for that short time. A big thank you to all the Sensory Movie Day volunteers.

As for our community in general, for your greater awareness and understanding of our children, thank you for becoming increasingly inclusive and creating a positive environment for all. If anyone would like more information or the opportunity to contribute to the great work of The Sensory Movie Day group, please contact Chanelle at [email protected] or mobile 0422 416 509.

I’d like to share this short poem that invoked so many feelings in relation to our son:

“When they told me he would never talk I taught him how to sing.

We walked through the parks together Summer, fall, or spring.

When they told me he would never walk I taught him how to run.

I put his little hands in mine And ran right through the sun.

When they told me he would never write I taught him how to draw.

I took him to the lakes and hills.

He drew everything we saw.

When they told me he would never live Like a normal kid.

I taught him to live like adults.

He copied everything I did.”

On occasion, some stare and judge our wonderful little boy, but all who’ve taken the time fall in love with his cheeky shine. I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank ABC Bongaree, AEIOU, Banksia Beach State School and Caboolture Special School.

Without the care and professionalism displayed by the many people involved, our son would not be making the wonderful inroads he has to date.

Cheers, JP.

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