Bribie Blog | The Bribie Islander | A Community Magazine for Local People

MELSA PARK TRAIN RIDES

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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July 5, 2021

The morning of June 20 brought sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. It also brought a vast number of community members and a large number of volunteers all eager to celebrate the re-opening of MELSA Bribie Inc.

Many local businesses brought tables, chairs, gazebos and barbeques accompanied by sausages, meat patties and onions, all to be washed down with cold drinks and freshly brewed coffee.

The Pumicestone Indigenous Education & Employment Council surprised and delighted the crowd with a traditional Welcome to Country. Their efforts were appreciated by all. Children, with faces painted, proudly showed off their artistic creations, made decisions on which colour locomotive they would ride on next and showing delight each time a steam whistle announced the arrival of another locomotive.

An elderly gentleman, with a smile from one ear to the other, said “It’s wonderful to see steam trains again, to hear the noise, to see the steam, I didn’t think I’d ever see a steam train again”.

Six steam locomotives provided a nostalgic reminder of travel from days past while the four electric locomotives brought us back to modern days. Of course, the fun and excitement didn’t just happen, it was carefully planned and delivered by many local businesses and community members who gave freely of their time. Many hours of painting, cleaning and grounds work went into converting the Park from an area that was last used in March 2020 into a delightful venue for the re-opening event. There were also bread rolls, salads and a celebratory cake donated by community-minded businesses, all of which made for a gala event.

MELSA Bribie Inc. is grateful to all the local businesses who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to renovate the toilet block, remove fallen trees and debris, painting picnic tables and renovating the Station. These people didn’t seek public accolades, they just wanted to help.

It was the team from The Bribie Islander & Districts Magazine who energised the community. They were the engine room that developed, harnessed and directed community energy to achieve so much in so little time.

It was quite remarkable to witness the power of our community, when being offered an opportunity to help, they took the bit between their teeth and turned a dream into reality. The members of MELSA Bribie Inc. have been overwhelmed by the support of local businesses, individuals and the wider community. We look forward to one day soon reciprocating the generosity shown by the wider community.

Winelander – July 2, 2021

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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July 5, 2021

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A couple of emails this month has had me thinking that now winter is here how about trying something different from outside Australia because there are some outstanding red wines that are interesting especially if you have a few friends around and like to compare with your normal favourite.

From Argentina, the 5th largest wine producer in the world, the main variety is Malbec especially from the Mendoza region and it ages wonderfully well. Some years ago we were visiting Buenos Aires and after chatting to the sommelier about our great Australian wines, especially Shiraz, he invited me down to the wine cellar to examine his fabulous collection of Malbecs some more than fifty years old. Imagine if you can on a cold night this old restaurant with wooden floors, the log fire blazing away, the waiters wandering around the tables armed with long metal spikes carving slivers of beef onto the plates of the diners supported by bottles of Malbec, this was an evening truly to remember. Malbec originated in the southwest of France where its colour, tannins and acidity saw it become one of the top five grapes of Bordeaux where it is allowed to be used in the blending of the famous Bordeaux red wines. Unfortunately, the fruits poor resistance to weather and pests limited its production and in 1956 a major frost killed off much of the crop in the region. Whilst the acreage of Malbec is declining in France in Argentina the grape is surging and has become the “national variety” and is now identified as the Argentinian wine. It was introduced into Argentina in the 19th century but during the economic turmoil of the 20th century, some plantings of Malbec were pulled out and replaced with bulk wine grapes. However, in the 1990s the grape was rediscovered as the industry shifted its focus to premium wine in much the same way as here in Australia mainly satisfying a growing export market. Malbec arose to greater prominence and today 75% of the world’s Malbec grapes are planted in this country with the Mendoza region the leading producing region in places such as La Rioja, San Juan, Catamarca and Buenos Aires.

Malbec is a superb wine to enjoy with steaks, especially off the BBQ. Malbec wines from Argentina to look out for are Zuccardi, Young and Co. Santa Julia, Marraso, Catena and Trivento with prices ranging from $13 to $60 per bottle and Dan Murphy’s carry a pretty decent range. Several Australian wineries are also making a straight varietal Malbec including McGuigan, Taylors, Parkers and Pepperjack so there are plenty to try, my suggestion is to go for an Argentinian one. Over to North America for something completely different, Zinfandel, a grape variety that found a home in California around The Napa Valley and Sonoma, other countries including Australia have meddled with this variety but without any major success. In California the wine produced can be big and powerful or even sold as a white Zinfandel resembling a rose, expect aromas of blackberry jam and red currents, I have always enjoyed this style of wine since coming across it in Reno Nevada some years back and a brand called Joel Gott which is available through some speciality stores in Australia, I notice that Corkscrew Cellars in New South Wales sell it online at $30.

In Dan Murphy’s they have several good examples at varying prices ranging from Young and Co. $13, Gallo Family Winemakers White Zinfandel $10, KendallJackson $35 and Murphy Goode $45 this is another perfect red meat wine although the white version would be better with a delicate fish serving. Moving back down to South America on the west coast Chile is making some very good wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay however they too have a red wine variety that stands out and that is Carmenere. Originally from the Medoc region in France, it was initially mistaken for Merlot the wine is deep red in colour with aromas of red fruits, spices and berries, although often used a blending grape with Cabernet Sauvignon wineries do bottle a straight varietal which when produced at optimal ripeness imparts a cherry-like fruit flavour with smoky spicy and earthy notes and deep crimson colour. Carmenere is a wine to serve with mature cheese, pasta and even grilled chicken, Dan Murphy’s have a modest selection including several from Casillero Del Diablo ranging in price from $14 to $27 and Frontera at $10. A few ideas for you to try something a little different at a reasonable price, they reckon there are over a thousand grape varieties out there around the world that wine can be made from so experiment once in a while.

Fishing Report – July 2, 2021

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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July 5, 2021

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Hi there everyone, hopefully, you’ve managed to get out on the water recently. I’ve had so many reports coming in and photos of some really good catches. Firstly I will start in the passage. The Blue Swimmer Crabs have been in good numbers and some really big males have been caught, so it’s definitely worth a try for these. Claude as usual with his excellent knowledge of the local waterways, has been getting some awesome Tailor at night trolling on the flats. He has been in the canals as well, chasing mangrove jacks with great success as in the photo. Thanks Claude, your information has been priceless. Also if you are chasing Mangrove Jacks, Ningi creek is definitely worth a try as well judging by this monster 70cm specimen caught on a small Zerek hardbody lure by one of the locals. Very impressive at that size they fight extremely hard, well done mate! Also, the upper reaches of the passage have seen some really good Flathead turning up. This ripper was caught on a live yabby on the drift. Yabbies are excellent bait in the passage if you can pump them, most sandbanks hold good yabbies. Remember though, only take enough for what you need, there are bag limits on everything and if you look after the ecosystem they will be around for a lot longer. Tailor also starting to show up on the open beaches along with the odd Mulloway out wide north of Moreton Island. The pearl perch are on and Snapper as well, with fresh or live squid doing the trick. Jennifer {pictured} managed to get into some nice grassy Sweetlip around Cowan over at Moreton Island as well, nice work Jennifer. It’s great to see the ladies getting in a few fish. Plenty of Winter Whiting around the cockle banks and a few on the point at Skirmish on the southern end of the island. Another interesting catch was a solid 40cm plus Summer Whiting caught on a 5inch Zman plastic. You will always find a few Summer Whiting around in the upper reaches. Anyway, that’s all, for now, relax and wet a line! till next time, hope you have a great school holiday break!

The Bribie Islander Gloss Magazine July 2, 2021 Issue 143

2021

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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July 2, 2021

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Issue 143 OUT NOW. Get all your community news and information. Bribie Islands only community gloss magazine NOW EVERY TWO WEEKS! – Articles on boating, camping, fishing, life, drama, travel destinations, sports and what to see and do on Bribie Island. Covering charities, organisations, places, children’s activities, arts and crafts, tourist destinations, heritage parks, technology, science, music, gardening, and much more.

Download latest digital edition here.

Fishing Report – June 18, 2021

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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June 21, 2021

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June 18, 2021 Fishing Report – The Bribie Islander This report is being written as the cold front is coming through – snow predicted out at Eukey, and freezing westerlies across the southEast. The water temperature is also expected to drop a little over the next few days, which will affect fishing. In the run-up to this cold weather, fishing has been a little inconsistent but certainly busy enough to keep people interested. There have been plenty of good-sized tusk-fish being caught, well above the 30cm legal limit. Emma says there are lots of them, near Ningi Creek but also north of Pacific Harbour. Her favourite bait is usually marinated chicken but Noel found that prawns are really what’s working on the tuskfish. Dan also took a fat 35cm beauty from the Ripples, using a live worm. There’s been some good early-season snapper action at the Ripples as well. It can be frustrating trying to find the right spot, and you may have to catch and release quite a few undersize fish for each legal one, but the succulent fillets make it worth the effort. Remember to handle the undersize snapper with care, avoid touching the lateral line and release them in good condition, so they can keep growing for next year. Drifting over the oyster regeneration project scored a snapper, a sweetlip, two flounder and some bream for Shane and crew. There have been plenty of tuna jumping around there lately, too, and a few good ones being brought in. Jimmy also had a fair bit of luck, a week or so ago, catching snapper, whiting and flounder, all well south of the bridge. Don’t forget that from July 15, the closed season on snapper will begin, and we’ll all have to give the snapper a rest for a month.

Fortunately, flathead are never out of season, and numbers are definitely on the rise in the Passage right now. Bailey was at White Patch, when he had to throw back a 35cm dusky, soon followed by a hearty 45cm one, which he kept. Caught on prawns.

Anyone who is happy to stay inside the Passage over winter will find some good spots, on the water or beside it, where the mainland offers a buffer against the brisk westerlies. Turner’s Camp would be one of the best choices, sitting just south of Ningi Creek – that’s where the Fishability Qld men’s group scored 4 biggies between them. Adrian’s 30cm bream was picked up the next day, at the same spot, over the top of the tide, using squid.

If you can stand the cold, try the sand flats there, early in the evening, especially if there’s a higher tide, with worm, yabbies, prawns or squid strips. Not just flathead, but also whiting can often be found in good numbers. The deeper water off the banks of Turner’s Camp, later in the evening, would be right for casting out lightly weighted worm or yabby bait, with a good chance of quality bream. Lures are trickier than bait for winter fishing and really are most effective on the drift. In the cold waters over winter, fish might not be as keen to chase a lure. If you really prefer lures to bait, you might be best to rely on brightly coloured lures to get them to bite. Reds, yellows, and greens can all produce results. If there is enough rain or wind to muddy the waters, however, red-coloured lures tend to lose their visibility. Your best bet then is to stick to bright yellow/green. Lures that have moving bits attached will help maintain action in the water. Choose artificial bait which is suitable for multiple species of fish and reduce your lure size. Because the cold reduces metabolism, the fish that you’re targetting won’t be going for bigger prey. Also consider using a nice, oily attractant for soft plastic lures – because fish aren’t as hungry, attractants will encourage them to bite and hold on once they do. Live bait, if you can get it, gives the greatest chance of success for winter fishing. Ann-Marie loves to use a bait-jig to start her day out on the water, and usually brings something decent home. She showed us her latest favourite jig, bought on-line from New Zealand, which takes a lot of the “pain” out of using and storing a bait jig. Instead of the jigs being connected to a main line, they are individually attached to a slender rod, about 60cm in length, which prevents tangling and makes jigging much easier. After the job is done the rod, and jigs, are popped into a tube for storage – neat, safe and ready for next time! A home-made version wouldn’t be hard to make, I reckon, using the top half of an old rod…

Dining Out is Good for your Health!!!

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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June 21, 2021

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Deciding between staying in and going out is a nightly battle for some people. There are those who believe that you should attempt to cook in your own home nearly every night, then others who have never used their kitchen for more than heating up last night’s take-out leftovers. Whatever your philosophy is for how you get the meals in your life, going out to dinner on a regular basis is a great way to give yourself a break and relax while you enjoy a good meal. Going out provides the opportunity to socialise with your friends, family or a special person, without the work of cooking or post-dinner clean-up. While going out to dinner does cost a few bucks, experts agree, it is well worth it.

WHY DO PEOPLE LOVE TO EAT OUT?
Food is an Experience Everyone has a hobby or something they are passionate about. Fashion, cooking or renovating come to mind. Food is an experience that also happens to be a necessity to live. Thus, we treat dining out as a way to try different dishes, cuisines and preparations. Those cravings are continuously sneaking up on you, but it is not a bad thing. You should go and enjoy your favourite foods. Life is too short to waste another evening attempting to satisfy your palate with a mock recipe or whatever you have in the cabinet that is similar. The food in your home will still be there tomorrow; go forth this evening and have your hunger satisfied. How much longer can you resist the temptation of farm freshingredients handcrafted into your favourite meals?

NO WASTED GROCERIES
Yes, cooking your own meals is more cost-effective than eating meals out. However, with perishable groceries such as fresh vegetables and poultry, you must commit to use them or dispose of them. Throwing out groceries is an overlooked expense that we avoid by eating out. Although that expense may just be a few dollars at a time, it is money that has been literally thrown into the garbage.

TIMING
Working for much of the day leaves just a few precious hours each night before having to wake up and do it all again. Add up the prep, cooking and cleaning time and even less time remains. Being able to have a meal prepared for you and the dishes done afterwards is pure heaven! You work hard, you have had a long day and you deserve a break. Why make more work for yourself by dirtying up that kitchen with a dinner mess? Even if you enjoy cooking, everyone needs the opportunity to relax and let someone else take over the work on a regular basis. It is important to provide yourself ample leisure time in life, and what is more enjoyable than eating a good meal that a skilled chef is proud to put on your table? Let someone serve you for a change; you deserve it.

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
Treat dining out as a chance to support local businesses. Try to limit your dining choices to independent businesses rather than chains that can be found elsewhere. These are the places that we especially like to refer to friends and curious diners. Many people do not consider this factor when they plan their evening, but supporting your local businesses and economy is a great reason to go out tonight. From the owners of the restaurant to the waiter who serves your table, your business helps to provide someone else with a livelihood and plays a role in stimulating the growth of your hometown.

MAKING NEW FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES
Dining out is also a social experience. Organizing group meals with other eaters is a great way to meet people. In addition, these group dining experiences are an economical way to sample more dishes than you could on your own.

FOOD IS CULTURE
With just one bite, we experience a new culture. Each dish transports us to another place thousands of miles away, even if we are only steps from home. Food brings us to places we have never been and takes us back to place we have visited before Besides, eating out is fun. You go out, see people, and eat food that you usually do not cook at home, no cleanup and an enjoyable night for all.

Celebrating Aunty Flo

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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June 21, 2021

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Footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down and Aunty Flo surely must have sore feet by now!

Aunty Flo Watson OAM was recently recognised for her work in Reconciliation by Narelle Dawson and the team at Bribie Island Community Kindy. On the 31st of May 2021, several community members including Moreton Bay Regional Councillor Brooke Savige, attended Bribie Island Community Kindy and surprised Aunty Flo by recognising her with a special plaque and morning tea. All of the staff and children at Bribie Kindy welcomed Aunty Flo and guests with an Acknowledgement of Country.

Aunty Flo was recognised by Bribie Island Community Kindy due to her continued work in Reconciliation and many other areas. Aunty Flo is the interim Chairperson of the Pumicestone Indigenous Education & Employment Council where she attends weekly outreach sessions at the Bribie Island Skatepark to connect and mentor families and young people. Aunty Flo has also led NAIDOC Celebrations at the Bribie Island skatepark in 2020 and at the ANZAC Commemorations 2021 that recognised Indigenous veterans (hosted by the Maritime Safety Military Cadets Bribie Island). Aunty Flo volunteers her time and cultural knowledge too many areas including U3A Bribie Island, Banksia Beach State School 2021 and as the Chairperson of Teralba Park Stolen Generations Support Group Inc.

SO WHO IS AUNTY FLO?

Aunty Flo to many, is an Elder, traditional owner and proud descendant of the Ghunghanghi People of Yarrabah, North Queensland. She also has a traditional affiliation with both the Kuku-yelangi people of Laura/Maytown, Palmer River area which is west of Cooktown and the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba people of Magnetic Island and Townsville. Aunty Flo grew up in the Yarrabah Aboriginal Community, which was established under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protection Act 1897. Unfortunately she was removed under The Act and was separated from her family and sent to foster homes and then to boarding school in Charters Towers under duress. She was then subsequently sent to Brisbane in the early ’70s to attend teacher’s college.

In 1975 Aunty Flo commenced work in the Australian Public Service and worked throughout Australia in many different roles before going out on her own to start her consultancy business. During this time, she became an original and founding member of Reconciliation Qld Inc. appointed to various Boards and is active across many community organisations. Aunty Flo is a founding member of the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) and has since been appointed by the Qld Premier as ACPA’s first Patron, a position she currently holds.

On top of that she is the Chair of the Teralba Park Stolen Generations Support Group Inc., in Brisbane. With this group she works with the Brisbane community in the areas of storytelling at schools, acknowledgement/welcome to country for many events including reconciliation/ NAIDOC events for the Australian Defence Force (Army) and others, hosting and organising refugees from the Romero Centre to be welcomed by Indigenous Elders and community members into the Australian community. She has also set up Elders groups throughout Qld to be viable businesses in particular the Yarrabah Elders Group Inc. and she is involved with many of these groups today.

Aunty Flo reviewed and evaluated The Commonwealth Games Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). She has been a part of many RAPs throughout Australia, both providing information, evaluations, reviews and training in cultural perspectives. In 2015 Aunty Flo received an OAM- Order of Australia medal for her service to the Indigenous communities of Queensland and continues to work hard in the communities across Queensland with many government and non-government organisations helping to bring change and improving the lives of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This beautiful lady is an absolute asset to our district and seems to fly under the radar with her accomplishments. Aunty Flo a very soft spoken, unpretentious and sincere woman with an air of grace surrounding her. I may add she also has a fabulous sense of humour and a genuine warmth radiates from her when you are in her presence.

Our community is very lucky to have and know Aunty Flo and she is very well deserving of recognition on Bribie Island and in the wider community.

Talking Business

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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June 21, 2021

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As a business mentor and strategist, I’m thrilled to be writing my first piece for the Bribie Islander Magazine – our local publication that connects the community. Sharing knowledge, ideas, and tips is something I love to do, as I truly believe that collaboration over competition is the key to creating and maximising opportunities for business growth.

If you are working for yourself, it’s easy to become swamped working ‘in’ your business. There is often little time to look at things from a more strategic perspective. So you do what you have to do each day to stay afloat, meet deadlines and provide services.

Working ‘on’ your business is often something that gets pushed to the bottom of the pile. A luxury you may feel you do not have time for. Yet, it is essential to be able to raise your head and look at the bigger picture. To be strategic.

I am currently co-authoring a book on the global perspective of 25 years of breast cancer survivors paddling in dragon boats. The approach has needed to be highly strategic to ensure the true essence and critical points are captured. Without a strategic plan for this book that includes content, reviewers, launch, and a promotional campaign, our words would not reach the target audience.

It also requires sensitivity as we write the remembrance section. Death is something that not everyone is comfortable with, yet there is always the inevitable loss when you are around cancer. Writing the book, combined with my father passing away in January this year, at the ripe old age of 92 – he had a good inning and lived a full life – has made me look more closely at the aspects involving death and dying.

The start of our lives is celebrated with birth milestones parents usually organise the first few birthdays, and as we grow older, we become more involved in planning. We decide if we want a party. What kind? Themed? And so, on the questions go.

When it comes to the end of life, not as many of us are proactively involved in the decision making. Taking steps to gather the knowledge we need is to be empowered. When we are informed, we are confident that we are making the right decisions for ourselves.

A few years back, I had the honour of being a guest speaker at a conference in Winnipeg, Canada, where I heard this poem for the first time.

Putting time and thought into how we go about achieving both business and personal desires is equally vital because these relate to how we choose to spend our ‘dash’. Life is a pathway of steppingstones. Looking from a helicopter, strategic perspective, the path is more evident than from on the ground. We can choose to wander along without clarity or take the time to look from on high. Plan out, plant and nurture the seeds that we are consciously choosing to line our path.

Strategic planning means identifying what is suitable for YOU. The gardens we plant and the paths we choose to follow will each be different, yet there are commonalities. Our success and growth will depend on the amount of nurturing we give them. The correct fertilisers applied at the right time.

Lack of a plan is the number one reason many businesses struggle. Without a clear map of where you are going and how to get there, it can be an enormous struggle. The problem is usually not a lack of ideas but a lack of focus. When you are too busy working in the day-today, there is no time to concentrate. Working on your businesses is as important, if not more so, than working in your business.

Want to create and maximise opportunities but feel confused and overwhelmed? Reach out, and let’s chat. [email protected] 0418 898 082

Bush Dancing comes to Bribie Island

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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June 21, 2021

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The Celtic Minstrels are a fun band of musicians who play Irish, Scottish, American, Australian music and are locally based, with some members on the island and some at Burpengary and elsewhere locally.

The Minstrels are regulars at The Jetty in Bongaree and love to play sets of tunes, with musical friends from around the district joining them at times.

They have started to teach Bush Dancing for Fun in the Bribie U3A classes and are having so much fun playing for the dancing that they hope to continue throughout the year in any venue that could host a Bush Dance. Two of the band, Mike and Beth, have been involved with playing for bush dancing for almost 30 years in Tasmania, where it’s cold enough to warrant a lot of leaping around in the evenings. Ted and Sarah have played for bush dances in Queensland, but are enjoying the challenge now of playing for several hours, with 7 or 8 dances being on the programme.

There is a caller, who teaches the dance which may be in longways sets, circles, square sets, progressive, and could be in jig time, polka time, reel time, march time and quite often, waltz time.

The caller will continue to assist once the music starts but the music itself tells the dancers when to come in, go out, spin, change partners, or progress onwards.

The Minstrels are pleased to have been included in the U3A classes, as it’s a first for Bribie to have bush dances such as Waves of Bribie, Strip the Willow, the OXO reel, Haymakers Jig, Troika, so if you would like to join the class which returns to the Term 2 programme on August 12th, please contact U3A office and the friendly staff will give you all the information you need.

O.W.N.

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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June 21, 2021

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Older Women Find Their Niche in OWN Older Women’s Network (OWN) a nonpolitical, non-religious organisation has been providing older women with mutual support through the development of friendships while promoting health and personal development over the past 25 years.

Here on Bribie Island, we are a relatively new but very active branch which meets twice a month. Last month we celebrated our second birthday. Over those two years, we have grown to a membership of 63 ladies.

Branch meetings are held at the RSL (upstairs in the ANZAC Room) on the third Thursday of each month (February – December) from 10 am to 12 noon. Guest speakers are invited to speak on a variety of topics of interest to the group. Alternatively, the ladies participate in fun activities or games to keep our brains active. After the meetings, our ladies can be found on the deck at Social Cafe enjoying a chat over a light lunch. On the first Thursday of each month, we meet for a social event. An attempt is made to support local businesses but as we grow we will start to venture further afield for some future events. In recent months we have dined at Charlie’s Restaurant at the Bribie Island Hotel (wearing our Easter Hat creations); enjoyed a coffee morning at Cafe 191 followed by a bushwalk from the Art Centre; celebrated our birthday in the undercover area at Sunset Pier Cafe and participated in a fun morning of barefoot bowls at the Bongaree Bowls Club.

If you are looking for companionship or opportunities to participate in new experiences with women at a similar stage of life then OWN can fill that niche. Should you be interested in joining our group come along to a meeting or social. You will be most welcome.

Contact Betty 0409 470 100, Jeannine 0439 149 020 or Leonie 0467 686 900 for further information.

William Barton and the QSO

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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June 21, 2021

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Bribie Island State School has recently registered with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Connect Program (QSO). This program provides an opportunity for schools to engage in visiting artist programs, masterclasses and instrument demonstrations. Bribie Island State School have been invited to send students into Brisbane to experience the rehearsal of a new work composed for William Barton and supported by the QSO. This is an open rehearsal for limited numbers of invited guests and we are proud to have been selected to attend this event. Organising teacher Mr Henson said, “On 24 June 2021, we will be taking a limited number of students to sit in on an open rehearsal of William Barton and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra at the QSO Studio in the ABC Building, South Bank. This excursion supports Indigenous Cultural experiences, NAIDOC week, and is part of our instrumental music program.

“Mr Henson went on to say,” The activity aims to allow our students to see world renowned didgeridoo player, William Barton rehearsing his new composition with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra at South Bank. Students will experience the atmosphere and sounds of quality instrumentalists supporting one of our First Nations virtuoso up close and personal”.

The format of the rehearsal will be for the conductor to rehearse the piece and also speak with the audience. Our students may get the opportunity to interact with William after the rehearsal. Due to the generosity of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Bribie Island Bus Lines, this excursion is free of any cost to our students and we are thankful to the sponsors of this event for their support of our students. Information on William Barton can be found on the following web address: https://www.williambarton. com.au › about-william-barton

Corporal Collapse

Community

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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June 21, 2021

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In general, my health is fine except for a few chronic ailments that I have learnt to live with. This year, in particular, has been an exceptionally good one, owing no doubt, to all that hand-washing and mask-wearing and lock-downs. No flu or cold bugs have dared to come near me. That is, until my mini holiday, see last fortnight’s Packing article when the gods decided to wreak vengeance upon me for enjoying myself far too much for their liking.

Initially, I had no one to blame but myself. Vanity, vanity, all is vanity. I decided that not only would I have my hair cut and re-styled but gave permission for my eyebrows and eyelashes to be tinted. The eyebrows were a complete disaster but due to advice from a friend, were rescued and some semblance of matching my hair achieved. I was quite pleased with my eyelashes; you could actually see that had some. I remember a friend of my Mother’s declaring that in my youth I had “eyelashes with which to sweep the gravel path”, whatever that might mean. In the 1960’s I would apply false eyelashes. In those days my hands were steady, nowadays the simple application of mascara is fraught with peril. All appeared well to begin with but over the next few days, my right eyelid began to feel increasingly uncomfortable until it was obvious that some kind of infection was making itself apparent. Yes, a dreaded stye was beginning to close my eye and spoil my incomparable beauty. I tried some simple solution such as applying hot compresses but to no avail. Eventually, I decided to throw myself on the mercies of my lovely doctor as I had acquired other complaints besides the eye infection. For several weeks I had felt a pain in my shoulder which I kept saying to myself that would cure itself in the fullness of time. It did not. It was becoming impossible to lift my right arm and even removing a sweater was becoming a painful exercise. Furthermore, I had what I had self-diagnosed as a wart on my leg but it had not responded to any wart treatment, even those home remedies such as pineapple, aspirin, vinegar and the weirdest of the lot, burying a small piece of steak at midnight, muttering incantations and letting it rot. The wart is supposed to drop off when this has been accomplished. But no, nothing seemed to work, my doctor said he doubted that it was a wart in the first place and recommended I should visit the skin clinic on the Island, which any sensible person would have done in the first place.

Like the poet John Donne in his Hymn to God, the Father, “When thou hast done, thou hast not done, for I have more”. I was visiting his surgery with a shopping list! Every doctor’s nightmare! I still had the peeling palms of my hands to show him. Some form of contact dermatitis. In this case, I have solved the problem myself by the simple expedient of purchasing and wearing cotton gloves when driving Ferrari.

Even my trusty steed was coming out in sympathy with all my multitudinous ailments. I had noticed a distinct loss of power and speed whilst driving him and began to worry if he too was failing, so I took him to the scooter shop on the Island where the technician listened to his heart and pronounced that he needed a transplant. His batteries were failing! I have ordered new batteries and reassured him he will soon be speeding along like a teenager again and all his little lights will be glowing with enthusiasm indicating full power.

As for myself, the news was not quite so cheery. After an ultra-sound and X-ray on my shoulder, the results were sent to my Lovely Doctor so he could fire his guided missile with steroid warhead into exactly the right spot. It seems to have landed with unerring accuracy as the arm is already behaving itself, the pain dissipating with pleasing rapidity enabling me to type and regale you with my woes. The “wart” was not quite so simply solved; this I was told, needed to be excised since it was a dreaded skin cancer. Not happy, Jan! But again it had to be done, although perhaps without my surgeon assuring me I would be fine as I was “so brave”. Who wants to be told that courage would be needed? I was even more alarmed as she drew an enormous zig-zag line both above and below the offending “damned spot”. I watched as she carved a large piece of flesh from my leg. I always supervise medical procedures, telling her to make sure she got it all as I was not returning for her to have a second go! To be fair, the operation was far less painful than I had anticipated and I must afford her full marks both for her skill with the anaesthetic needle and scalpel. Her embroidery left just a little to be desired but on the whole, congratulations were in order. Now all I have to do is wait for it to heal so I can, once again, indulge in a proper shower. I have little fear of infection as the antibiotic for my stye can only help my leg. Two for the price of one!

Ah, yes. The moral of the story. Beware of enjoying yourself too much, the gods will become jealous and inflict their own form of punishment.

Rainbow Care

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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June 21, 2021

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“RAINBOW CARE, THE EXPERIENCE THAT BRINGS COLOUR TO HOME SERVICES GREY SKIES”

Rainbow Care Home Services was established in late 2020 by Christine and Marli, partners in life and now in business with over 30 years of experience in the community services sector between them. They strive for purpose and meaning in their working life and they believe they achieve this best when they feel they are having an impact and making a difference in people’s lives. Rainbow Care was founded after noticing there was a gap in the market, a need to provide a truly inclusive service where no two people are the same so no experience of our service will ever be the same. “People’s access to both aged care and the NDIS should include them living their best lives.”

Life is all about choice and control. Here at Rainbow Care, we aim to support every client to live the best life they can, the way they want, with who they want. We provide this support through NDIS registered support coordination and plan management, case management of Home Care Packages and an amazing team of Rainbow workers whom we guarantee will always be a rainbow friendly face at every interaction.

Christine said, “We approach our work with a friendly and human-rights based focus on embracing people’s identity and strengths. We believe people have the right not just to live an authentic life but to have the services that support them to embrace and celebrate their identities and the beautiful diversity that brings to the world.

OUR AGED CARE SERVICES:
• Home Care Packages
• Rainbow Workers
• Support accessing navigating the My Aged Care System

OUR NDIS SERVICES:
• Plan Management
• Support Coordination
• Rainbow Workers
• Support accessing and navigating your NDIS journey. Rainbow Care offers services like assisting with tasks around the home.

Marli said “Rainbow Care’s clients decide themselves the level of assistance required and how it’s delivered. Some people might need our workers to prepare a meal of their choice for them. Others will just need help peeling and chopping the vegetables. Everyone is different so we never do ‘One size fits all’. We are about tailored services to fit the needs and desires of individuals.”

Christine said Rainbow Care offers a range of home care services.

“In addition to domestic assistance, we offer personal care, medication prompting, help with shopping and appointments and social support. Social support is critical to people’s general health and well-being. Help with personal projects, day trips to get out and about or even just a friendly cuppa at home. We can also provide emergency respite, telechecks and even yard maintenance and gardening.

“Once again, we don’t just take over because there are often elements of looking after their garden that clients are able to do for themselves and enjoy.” Our mission is to provide and promote inclusive access to home care services with a friendly and human rightsbased approach focusing on embracing people’s identity, strengths, and desire to remain living an independent and meaningful lifestyle.

Accessing our service at any entry starts with a chat. If you are unsure give us a call and we will talk you through it. If you would like to learn more about Rainbow Care or would like to discuss our services and how we might be able to help you live the best life you can contact our friendly team on 0481 563 887 or email info@rainbowcarehomeservices. com.au

“No two people are the same, so no experience of our service is the same”