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

Island Gardens – July 2, 2021

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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July 5, 2021

HI GARDENERS AND WELCOME TO AN EXCITING TIME OF COLOUR FOR OUR WINTER GARDENS.

Many of us wait patiently for spring – when our gardens bloom with growth again. It’s the time of year that everyone associates with life and colour. But while winter is a dormant time for lush growth, it’s yet another perfect time to visit our local nurseries and markets. With many flowers in bloom, buying now means our gardens will have colour all year round. (As long as we keep buying throughout the whole year, and if you’re a lover of colour, you’ll know it’s an irresistible urge). I mean, there’s ALWAYS room for another plant in the garden right?

Many succulents come to life in autumn and winter. Zygos (zygocactus) is a favourite among many, and they are just beautiful in autumn and early winter. Literally hundreds of succulents come to life now. Check out the kalanchoe pictured here in the top-left. In autumn it flowered pastel pinks, oranges and cream. Now in winter, it has a new flush of flowers but with brighter orange and yellow. Just magic really.

Pictured top right is some beautiful ‘blue’ ageratums. They come in a variety of colours including light orange and white. Make sure they’re planted in good soil or potting mix as the roots like to keep moist much of the time, even if just a little, with only short spells of dry. So just a little care and you have some beautiful blooming blue.

The bottom left is a new discovery to me, and now one of my favourites – a senetti (or Senecio) – flowering from March till October, its daisy-like ‘blue’ flowers are pretty amazing. Appearing behind it is an orange geranium.

And lastly, on the bottom right (for something a little larger) – a poinsettia. This one is quite young at under 30cm, having been planted at the beginning of autumn. It has the pink leaf bract (bright red being the most common). The bracts also come in orange, pale green, and even yellow or purple. To keep them looking attractive, a little maintenance is usually required. Being classed as a shrub (some growing to over 3 metres), perhaps lookout for the ‘dwarf’ varieties that grow to under 1.5 metres – and most poinsettias can be easily pruned just a couple of times a year to remain under one metre. Then, as autumn sets in, those delightfully colourful leaf bracts will brighten up your garden right through to late spring, after which a good prune will stop them from getting sparse and ‘leggy’.

A note: The red poinsettias have long been a very popular Christmas plant in their native Mexico. Their yuletide popularity is now global, so in Australia, they are grown commercially – indoors in summer under controlled conditions to mimic the cooler, shorter winter days. This encourages the leaf bracts to form bright red in time for Christmas.

See you all again in Issue 145 on 30th July and as always – happy gardening. P.S ‘Yes’ is the correct answer

Moving On…

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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July 5, 2021

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After a decade of managing the iconic Sylvan Beach Resort in Bellara, Hilary Mockridge has sold the management rights, left her beautiful apartment and commenced the next chapter in her life.

Hilary and her husband Ian came over from New Zealand in November 2010, ready to start running the Resort for the busy Christmas holiday season. Unfortunately, the Queensland floods stalled the takeover somewhat. They returned to New Zealand and spent Christmas with their only child, Claire. In the New Year, they returned to Bribie Island, settled into their apartment in the Resort complex and started running the business on 19 January 2011.

The Resort is located just over the Bridge on Sylvan Esplanade and overlooks the picturesque Pumicestone Passage. There are two and three-bedroom, fully equipped and serviced, apartments that provide the ideal accommodation for family holidays, reunions, get-togethers and special occasions. On Sandstone Point Hotel concert weekends, the Resort was always booked out. Hilary and Ian also provided longer-term corporate accommodation rates. In the beginning, the Resort was a thriving business. As onsite managers, Ian and Hilary were on call 24/7, so life was particularly busy. They joined the Chamber of Commerce where they met Hans and Petra Krumbholz from Hans Electrical Service. The two couples became very good friends. Hilary said the Chamber provided a network with other businesses and a platform to promote and advertise themselves. They were the only accommodation provider on the Island and surrounding area who joined the local Chamber.

In 2013, Hilary joined the Rotary Club of Bribie Island and remained a member until 2017. This is where I first met her and we have been friends ever since. Hilary enjoyed her time in Rotary but regrets she wasn’t able to give more time to community service because she was so busy running the business.

Sadly, Ian died in May 2018, just months before the birth of his first grandchild Oscar. Hilary continued to manage the business whilst grieving the loss of her husband and business partner. After three years of managing by herself, she decided it was time to move onto the next chapter of her life. Hilary sold her ownership rights and moved out of her apartment at the end of April 2021.

When I asked her to tell me about the highlights of running the business, Hilary said it was seeing the returning guests. She has seen teenage children grow into adults and the younger ones grow into ‘little personalities’. She loved seeing the Resort full of families and never tired of the noise and activities of the guests enjoying themselves in the pool. The positive feedback from guests who had enjoyed their stay(s) and said they would return was particularly heart-warming. As were the many thank you notes and gifts of wine and chocolates or just unused perishable goods such as milk, cheese and eggs. She said she made many friends through the resort and will cherish having known them all.

As with all businesses, there were downsides, such as complaints from some members of the Body Corporate. Numerous late nights caused by drunken, vomiting, loud, concert patrons were another negative. In addition, several disruptive guests damaged the units and upset owners and other guests. Plus middle of the night calls for minor complaints. Hilary said ‘there have been a fair few complaints about one thing or another as unfortunately for some people, no matter how hard you try it is never good enough. I think anyone in customer service can relate to this’. However, despite the disruptions and complaints, Hilary always saw the positive side and had several funny stories to tell – many that can never be repeated or names mentioned!

Hilary would like to thank the owners who trusted and supported her in the management of their units. She would also like to thank the following people for their support over the last ten years:
• Hans Electrical Services
• Lee from Bribie Locksmiths
• The Bribie Island Hotel
• QCS Group who looked after her internet and computer
• Karen Ahl of Web-Sta who designed and edited a wonderful website and online booking engine
• Specialised Cleaning Products
• Placid Water, On the Bay and other management rights owners who provided camaraderie.

I am sure all Briberians will join me in thanking Hilary for her contribution to our community and wishing her well in her next venture. She plans to remain in the area but is not ready for retirement just yet.

MORE LOCAL CLINICS JOIN THE COVID-19 VACCINE ROLLOUT IN LONGMAN

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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July 5, 2021

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MORE LOCAL CLINICS JOIN THE COVID-19 VACCINE ROLLOUT IN LONGMAN

Seven additional medical practices servicing the Longman electorate will begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine over the next few weeks.

The Beachmere Health Centre, Narangba Family Medical Practice and the Kilcoy General Practice will come on board with the AstraZeneca vaccine from June 21. Bribie Doctors Banksia Beach will begin administering the AstraZeneca vaccine from June 28.

On top of these four new AstraZeneca clinics, three local clinics have just been selected to administer the Pfizer vaccine from July 5.

I’m pleased to announce today that Caboolture Super Clinic; Morayfield 7 Day Medical Centre; and Goodwin Drive Family Medical Centre will join the Pfizer rollout,” Member for Longman Terry Young said. “This is great news for locals who want to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.”

Today, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommended the Pfizer vaccine as the preferred vaccine for people aged 16 to 59 years.

To meet this higher demand for the Pfizer vaccine, the Australian Government is fast-tracking the transition of GPs to administer Pfizer.

“The addition of the four medical clinics administering the AstraZeneca vaccine means it will be easier for locals aged 60 and over to get the jab,” Mr Young said. “Over the next few weeks, people will have access to more options when booking their vaccine appointments.”

To date, Health Hub Doctors Morayfield GPRC/CVC has been the only clinic in Longman administering the Pfizer vaccine, which is recommended for people aged under 50.

“The addition of three more clinics in Longman administering the Pfizer vaccine will provide much better access for locals who are eligible for that vaccine” Mr Young said.

More clinics are expected to be added to the Pfizer rollout over the next few months. The four new AstraZeneca clinics included in the rollout are in addition to the 19 clinics already administering that vaccine to Longman residents.

Toorbul & Donnybrook Pensioners’ Club

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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July 5, 2021

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THE TOORBUL & DONNYBROOK PENSIONERS’ CLUB HELD ITS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IN EARLY JUNE. A NEW COMMITTEE WAS ELECTED, AND THEY ARE READY TO FACE THE NEW YEAR. LOCAL STORE OWNER NEVILLE BIELBY PRESENTED THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS WITH THEIR BADGES.

The Executive members are:
Bruce Hansford (President)
Ruth Eaton (Vice President)
Judy Glanville (Secretary)
Greg Wood (Treasurer)
Also with the regular Committee members – Pauline
Threadingham (Craft), Judy Doyle (Social) Judy Cottle (Raffle), Michele Muckle (Maintenance), Helen Mitchell (Library) Sandy Fortescue (Provedore), Jan Stephensen.

The major action of the Annual General Meeting then was to ratify the change of name for the Club. We are now known as the TOORBUL & DONNYBROOK SENIORS CLUB. In honour of the many wonderful people who worked for the club in the past 40 years, the club will retain the Club logo and the club badge. We are very thankful for their hard work and the good work done by the members.

Two members were recognized for their long membership and many years on the committee, with Life Membership. Grace Van Peype and Les Duncan between them serve more than 20 years as committee members in many capacities. We honour them and wish them well for the future.
Each month, the club has regular activities – Tai Chi, Indoor Bowls, Line Dancing, Craft and Cards and a happy hour on the first Thursday afternoon of each month. St Michael’s Church has a regular monthly service on the 3rd Sunday at 8.15 am. Our regular meetings are held at 10 am on the first Wednesday each month. We would love to welcome new members. Please visit our Facebook page, or contact anyone at Toorbul for information.

MELSA PARK TRAIN RIDES

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

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July 5, 2021

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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.