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Your Prescription for Less Stress & More Freedom

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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Your Prescription for Less Stress & More Freedom

Are you having trouble remembering to take your medication regularly? do you take a number of medications at different times of the day? Making sure that you take your medication exactly the way your doctor or pharmacist advises you is important, missed doses or extra doses can worsen your health, cause accidents or falls and have adverse effects.

Taking the right dose of your medication at the right time, and according to how it was prescribed, can help you feel and stay well. Practicing medication adherence assures the maximum beneficial impact of the medicines you take.

At Bribe Community Pharmacy we can help make the process easier. We offer the choice of a medication roll, which is easy to use and very compact, or a Webster pack, fantastic if you have eyesight troubles. There are some real benefits of using our Dosage Administration Aids, whether that be a medication roll or Webster pack

  • All of your medications in one place
  • Simple to use with doses sorted by day and time
  • No more packaging or bottles
  • Easy to see if you’ve taken your medication.
  • Gives peace of mind to relatives, carers and loved ones.
  • Sealed and secure to prevent spills or mix ups Great for travel or going out for the day.

No need to take your medication boxes or bottles as your medication pack is convenient and portable. Regain your control over your medications. You can collect your pack from our friendly team in store, or it can be delivered to your home. Each medication pack is quality checked by a pharmacist and we let you know when you will need prescriptions. Changes to your medications by your doctor can be accommodated the same day or for your next pack if not urgent. Ask our pharmacist Darryl how he can save you time each day, increase your independence and quality of life

Sue Wighton – Accidental Writer

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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Sue Wighton – Accidental Writer

Sue Wighton is a Brisbane writer, and a singer/songwriter. She is a regular contributor to The Bribie Islander.

Q: sue, you call yourself an accidental writer. how did you start writing?

A: I sent a very long, rambling rant about a scrub turkey in my backyard as a Letter to the Editor at the Courier-Mail. To my complete surprise the Op Ed editor rang me and asked if they could use it as a column (and pay me!). Um, yes please. And that was the start of my newspaper writing career! I sent occasional contributions to the paper for a couple of years.

Q: How did you come to write a weekly column?

A: In 2011, the then-editor of the Courier-Mail (whose name I forget!) rang me to ask if I wanted to write a weekly column. I was terrified but my daughter Katie urged me to do it. I then went and had a chat with the lovely Sandra McLean, an exjourno working in the Queensland Government. Sandra also encouraged me – though I remember her saying how hard it was to write a piece every week.

Q: How do you come up with ideas for your writing?

A: Ah, the world is an endlessly fascinating place! And people too. I write about things around me, my family and friends (sorry, everyone). Sometimes I challenge myself to write about a particular topic. I remember writing about toast once – it was fun! Oh, and I’m a shocking eavesdropper too so other people’s conversations become fodder for my writing. Friends also suggest topics. ‘Why don’t you write about …?”

Q: How did the book come about?

A: I decided when I retired from paid work that I’d put some of my writing into a book. I found a wonderful editor/ designer (Epiphany Editing and Publishing) and she’s been instrumental in putting the book together. Sean Leahy (Courier-Mail cartoonist and wonderful artist) produced the cover illustration which I love, and I did a few sketches for the section headings. It’s all been a labour of love really.

Q: Where can people buy your book?

A: The book’s available through my website on Amazon, Booktopia and The Book Depository. So far AVID Reader at West End has a few copies and I’m hoping to get some into the State Library of Queensland’s bookshop. I have hard copies and I’m happy to post them to people if they’re interested ($25 plus postage). Sue’s contact details: Website: http:// suewightonaccidentalwriter.com Email: [email protected]

The Bribie Islander Gloss Magazine October 23, 2020 Issue 125

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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The Bribie Islander Gloss Magazine October 23, 2020 Issue 125

Issue 125 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. Or use the ebook below to view.

Fishing Report – October 23, 2020

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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Fishing Report – October 23, 2020

Hi everyone, there has been plenty of good catches throughout the school holidays that have just gone and over the last week. At the moment it’s been a pretty good Whiting season with lots of quality fish from Red beach to Skirmish Point and around Fifth Avenue Woorim. Most fish have been over 30cm and bloodworms have been the best bait by far. The Bream and Mangrove Jacks have been firing in and around the canals with live Herring and hardiheads bringing the best results as you can see by the quality Bream that Bruce caught this week. With the hardiheads moving in around Bald Point, so have the school Mackerel and huge Bream like the one Claude caught one late afternoon on a rising tide. There have been a few Mud Crabs and Blue Swimmers starting to show up and with the warmer weather approaching it will only improve. Quite a few good quality Grunter Bream are getting caught around the creek mouths and the best baits have been squid and prawns, also hard body lures are taking a few as shown by this 45cm one that Michelle caught at the mouth of Poverty Creek. That’s all till next time, stay safe, wet a line and relax.

Saint Anthony

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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Saint Anthony

During my life, I have had several occasions when a prayer to this venerable saint of lost objects has been the only thing that has stood between me and heartbreak and disaster. Twice he has saved rings. The first was my husband’s wedding ring which slipped off his finger whilst he was swimming in the sea just in front of our house. He spent twenty minutes searching for it, to no avail, and both Don and I thought it was gone forever. That night he said, just before going to sleep, “I shall have another look in the morning”.

The next morning he got up, put on his togs, and prepared to look for his “precious”. Remember that the tide had gone in and out and was on its way in again before he started his search. Our neighbour, on being told what he was doing, said encouragingly, that she thought he had more chance of winning the Lottery than finding his ring. Oh, Ye of Little Faith! Don emerged from the briny holding aloft his ring, polished and shiny from the sand, with a triumphant smile on his face. He must have prayed exceptionally hard the previous night. St Anthony did not play favourites. I, too, have had reason to be grateful for his intervention. When I lost my engagement ring I had no idea where it might be, in the house, outside in the yard, or somewhere in between the house and the bridge across to the mainland. In those days I would walk every morning to the bridge and back. I was extremely upset, and not comforted by Don saying he would buy me another ring. “It will not be the same”, I protested. I made several trips to the bridge and back but without success.

Three, four days, passed, and still, it had not turned up. The next weekend my daughter and son-in-law and their family arrived to pay us a visit and I recounted my tale of misery. My sonin-law, Bill, went out into the yard as he had noticed that the bird-feeder needed some adjustments and on walking back to the house followed the exact path that I would have taken when feeding the birds. Yes, he found my ring, and ever since that day, when I am particularly pleased with him, I will refer to him as My Ring-finder. I am sure the Saint guided his steps.

A more recent occasion, when again I needed his help, concerned another type of ring, an earring. The first pair of earrings Don bought for me was down the Gold Coast in the days when traffic flowed freely up and down Cavill Avenue, many years ago. I was devastated when I lost one of them during my recent trip to the U.K. but perhaps Britain is outside St Anthony’s jurisdiction, so I decided to buy myself another pair, similar in design, and keep the solitary earring as a memento. This I did.

I have to be very careful when putting earrings in, so I always cover the drain hole with a face-cloth. This method has worked for years but the other morning I dropped one of my new earrings and it rolled behind the cloth! I tried to be extra careful when retrieving the earring but my hand jerked, and down the plug-hole, it went. No use checking inside my bra or on the floor, it was heading straight for the sewerage system. What to do? Then, I looked at my fridge and saw the number of the ever-helpful Home-Assist. Might they be able to render the assistance their name suggested? I rang them and was answered by a very kind lady who immediately understood the gravity of the situation, and assured me that someone would be round that very morning to solve the problem. Thank goodness, that only a couple of weeks ago, I had cleared and tidied my bathroom cabinets and drawers so the U-pipe was accessible. I would not want the Handyman thinking I was slovenly as well as careless!

He was easily able to unscrew the pipe and gave it a good shake in the shower recess and we both heard a very reassuring tinkle as the earring fell out. All that was needed was a quick rinse of the offending article. The Handyman was just in time to prevent me from turning on the tap before he had screwed the U-tube back in place, so all was well. Whilst I am enormously grateful to my favourite Saint, I do have another trifling chore for him. It concerns the whereabouts of a certain pale blue purse.

Winelander – October 23, 2020

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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Winelander – October 23, 2020

Because we are fairly restricted here on the Island to independent wineries because of the Coles/Woolworths monopoly I have found myself ordering more online and have found a wine supplier that is a bit different and to date, the wines I have been supplied with have all been very interesting and not a well-known label amongst them. The company name is Naked Wines and whilst the labels may be different there is a spattering of iconic winemakers amongst the companies most of whom have given up the corporate world to go out on their own and make wines that are their own and not to a company directive.

You will find grape varieties of every persuasion that will suit every palate including all the new varieties that have recently appeared on the shelves and with every order, there is usually a bonus bottle included in the mixed dozen you order which also includes free freight. There are around 50 or more winemakers and although they all make excellent wines there are a few that have been around as long if not longer than myself and include Ben Riggs, Brian Fletcher of Evans and Tate fame who has won 40 trophies and hundreds of medals in his time, Sam Plunkett, Geoff Thompson, Stuart Pym whose winemaking talents produced Devil’s Lair and Voyager Estate, Ben Gould, Daryl Groom ex Penfolds Grange winemaker, Simon ‘Sorby’ Adams ex-chief winemaker at Yalumba, Nigel Ludlow, Randal Tomich and Stuart Bourne to name but a few.

If you are looking to become a little more adventurous I can thoroughly recommend these guys as there are some unusual blends, but it is obvious a lot of passion goes into what these guys are producing. Just Google “Naked Wines” and off you go, I have $40 a month deducted from my account then when it’s time to order it is less painful but you can cancel any time and if you are not satisfied with any particular product you can return it, unlikely as that would be.

We have recently touched on organic wines which during the time of the pandemic have seen sales soar and have been receiving a lot of press including the television news who have been spending time at Angove’s McLaren Vale vineyard to find out exactly what goes into making these wines. Angove’s were chosen because whilst there are now quite several organic winemakers they are the leaders in this area of wine production.

To be certified organic a farmer/winemaker can’t just become certified organic overnight it’s a lengthy process that’s done over a period of years. Once you are certified by a Federal Officer you will be audited every year which includes everything from soil analysis to product testing and all the boxes have to be ticked to maintain your certification.

If people are considering buying a product that says it is organic but there’s no proof of any certification it could be anything, it could have had common weedkillers to control the weeds and as in the case of animals which roam around free and eat whatever they want it could be called organic even though it isn’t. To ensure the product you are buying has the organic certification mark it will say certified organic and will have a certification number which ensures the product and growing area has passed all the necessary tests.

One of the problems in grape growing is the pesky snail and Angove’s have come with a novel way of controlling these pests which not only do they feed on the young shoots that burst after rain which can also contaminate the grape harvest. Angove’s use Indian Runner Ducks in the vineyard rather than using baits or synthetic chemicals, these cute animals are far less harmful and not only get a good feed but also enables a sustainable ecosystem and helps to balance nature, the ducks roam around in fenced-off areas as if not they would just pick random areas and eat the snails that are easy to find but as they are controlled they burrow and find the slimy pests.

Angove also uses drones and aerial imaging from satellites to allow farmers to tend to their vines which means they can fertilise, water and pick with absolute precision, it also allows them to spot for things like water leaks in the vineyards drip irrigation system which reduces water consumption by 25%. Without drones, they would have to drive up and down the rows of vines to assess the vineyard health which is time-consuming and power intensive. If you are interested in switching to a healthier way of drinking wines Angove have a wine style to suit everyone and most of the prices are in the $15-$18 per bottle price range although they also produce a few excellent premium varieties at $40 upwards, and whilst the choice in BWS and Liquorland is limited, Dan Murphy’s and First Choice Liquor have a larger selection or simply Google Angove’s Organic Wines to see the choice of over thirty different labels and varietals including names such as Wild Olive, Warboys, Blewitt Springs, Sellicks Foothills, Willunga, Family Crest and Naturalis, here is a 130 Y.O family company moving well with the times.

Eating Away from Home

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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Eating Away from Home

Choosing healthier meals, snacks and drinks can be more challenging when you’re away from home. Sometimes the available choices are only those higher in saturated fat, added sugars, added salt and kilojoules.

Afew simple tips can make it a whole lot easier to eat a variety from the five food groups and limit discretionary foods and extra kilojoules. Think about what food and drink might be available and plan what you will have. Consider taking some food and water with you.

WHEN TRAVELLING
• Consider taking some healthy food and water with you.
• Stop at a bakery or café for lunch and ask for a salad, wholegrain roll or wrap.
• Avoid pies, pastries and other discretionary food.

Takeaway food
• Choose bread based options like wraps, kebabs, souvlaki, hamburgers.
• Avoid deep fried and pastry options.
• Include extra vegetables and salad.
• Choose smaller portions or share with someone else and add a green salad to reduce the kilojoules of the meal.
• Limit high fat, high salt sauces and toppings like cheese, fatty meats and mayonnaise (ask for less).
• Drink plenty of water.
• Don’t upsize unless it’s with a side salad.

WITH FRIENDS
• Offer to take a salad or fruit platter to dinner or lunch with friends.
• If you know you will be able to fill half your plate with salad, you can choose less of the other dishes are limit the kilojoules of the meal.
• Try to serve yourself, so that you can control your portion size.
• Plan meals around activities or outdoor settings. For example: go to the park, organise a picnic, go for a walk, include informal games or sports like barefoot bowls, bocce, frisbee, backyard cricket. Taking the focus off the food helps limit the opportunities to overeat or to drink too much alcohol.

AT RESTAURANTS
It can pay off to plan your eating strategy before arriving at a restaurant.
This gives you more control and discipline in making good food choices from the menu:
• Consider asking for an entrée sized or a smaller serve.
• Think about asking for extra vegetables or salad with your meal. This is especially good for limiting kilojoules when eating out. A salad can be a good entrée choice if others are ordering entrees.
• Ask for dressings and sauces to come separately so you can add a smaller amount yourself and save on fat and kilojoules.
• Skip the chips and go easy on the bread.
• Avoid large serves of pasta and rice dishes with few vegetables and high fat sauces.
• Choose a lean piece of meat, skinless chicken or seafood
• Avoid fried, battered and crumbed choices; instead choose steamed, pan fried, braised, poached, baked, roasted or grilled.
• You can always try asking for a dish to be prepared as you would prefer. Most restaurants would like to please you where they can.
• Consider splitting a meal with a friend and asking for salad on the side if you are trying to limit your kilojoules.
• Finish with fruit or share a dessert if you want one. Sometimes you only need a taste of a delicious dessert to be satisfied.
• Remember that the food is only a small part of the overall cost of the meal and only eat what you need to be satisfied.
• Listen to your body, eat slowly, savouring every bite and monitor how hungry or full you feel.

Drinks
• Satisfy your thirst with water before you go out
• Drink water with your meal
• Limit alcohol and alternate drinks with water
• Think about when you most enjoy an alcoholic drink, for example, before or during a meal, and limit your drink to that time

The Wynett Diary Part 2

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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The Wynett Diary Part 2

The steam-tug took us out past the Eddystone Lighthouse, a nice breeze having sprung up, we lifted sail and away we went for the rolling Bay of Biscay.

The sea was very rough and the waves dashing over the sides of the vessel. In the night the wind blew fine and strong and nearly all were seasick.

On the 27th the morning was fine; by a heavy swell on the water the ship kept rolling about and we felt very awkward and ill. I must say a few words about our ship Stracathro; she was a Scotch Barque built in Dundee in the year 1876 in place of the Strathmore (which was wrecked on St Paul’s Island sometime before).

Our Captain was the first mate of the wrecked ship he, with 50 more, escaped, and when the Stracathro was finished, he was appointed Captain. Our ship was classed A.1. at Lloyds, owners David Bruce & Co., length 280 feet, beams 35 feet, depth of hold 21 feet, plates 3/8 inch, the height of main truck above deck 140 feet, length of the main yard with stern-sail boom 130 feet, barque rigged register. 1159 tons No.9 G.D.N. Captain Naine. G.D. Peters 1st Mate, A. Honeyman 2nd Mate, Ramsey 3rd Mate Peters.

She had a splendid figurehead, a woman painted white, with ropes under her arms in the attitude of drawing our ship. We had a cargo of Railway Iron also a metal bridge for the Brisbane River and other valuables for a firm in Brisbane town.

The ship was beautifully fitted with every convenience; the single men occupied the forecastle, the married men and families midship, and single girls the stern, with the poop for a promenade. They were the best off. The first few days everyone was more or less sick, and unable to enjoy their meals, but we had to be out of bed at 7 in the morning, their beds made up and berths cleaned; but we might sit at our tables or go on deck just as we pleased; the men had to attend to the meals; carry them to be cooked, and go for them when done; we were divided into messes; four families in each mess, not exceeding ten adults, and a Captain over each mess whose duty it was to see that the articles received on board were kept clean and unbroken; the beds folded up and place clean.

On the 29th May we got such a rolling and pitching about, we were going through the Bay of Biscay.

We had a fair wind and in two days we were past that little trouble. We had lovely weather. On the 2nd June, we passed a vessel which signalled, Charles Wesley, bound from Liverpool to Bombay, all well. There are Constables chosen out of the married and single men whose duties it is to look after the people and keep them in their places, three attend to single girls, bring them their food and water daily, as they are not allowed down on deck; three more keep midships clean, and three more looks after single men.

They will receive a gratuity of £5 each when we arrive in Queensland; there is also a schoolmaster who teaches the youngsters, gives out the library books, and makes himself generally useful to the doctor. 3rd and 4th June passed quietly, everything is so new to most of us, we are never tired of looking over the side of the ship, nothing to be seen, but the wide beautiful ocean.

June 6th – A beautiful morning with a nice cool breeze; passed four sailing vessels, signalled two, but I did not hear their names, all outward bound. There was a quarrel among the single men today, I am sorry to add, there is a bitter jealous feeling between the Irish and English. In 24 hours we have travelled 176 miles.

Bribie Respite

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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Bribie Respite

CAREGIVING IS A DEMANDING JOB AND NO ONE IS EQUIPPED TO DO IT ALONE.

BRIBIE RESPITE AND SUPPORT SERVICES ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF THEIR COMMUNITY LIVING SERVICES RESPITE HOUSE, LOCATED AT BANKSIA BEACH.

Caregiving is a demanding job and no one is equipped to do it alone. Bribie respite and support services are proud to announce the opening of their community living services respite house, located at banksia beach. Caregiving is a demanding job and no one is equipped to do it alone.

Bribie Respite and Support Services are proud to announce the opening of their Community Living Services Respite House, located at Banksia Beach.

Providing 24-hour short term accommodation, the newly furnished home is a 4-bedroom modern residence available to NDIS funded clients, which enables families and other unpaid carers of people with disabilities and/or mental health issues the opportunity to take a well-earned break.

Designed to feel like home and planned for short breaks the spacious house comprises indoor and outdoor spaces, available for guests to enjoy, either in the company of others or as a retreat providing solitude. Each guest is offered a room of their choice, which contains a queen size bed with individually controlled air-conditioning.

Separate rooms provide privacy for each guest and space to make their own throughout their stay.

Experienced and qualified Bribie Respite and Support Services staff greet and support each guest ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. On each occasion, a carefully planned respectful visit is facilitated enabling guests, choice and control in choosing meals, activities, level of participation in daily household routines, as well as facilitating social and leisure opportunities in the Bribie Island community.

Promoting the upcoming opening of a respite house internally to existing Bribie Respite and Support Service clients and carers has already generated significant interest. The excitement has been shared amongst the disability community. Bribie Respite and Support Service is now receiving enquires from all over Queensland.

Community Living Services, another service provided by Bribie Respite and Support Services assist NDIS clients to access the community for activities of their choice. This enables clients to live inclusively within our local community. Our NDIS clients access local clubs and pubs for bingo, music trivia, live entertainment, karaoke and casual dining. Bribie Respite and Support Services support clients to attend events such as sports, concerts, fishing, 4WD, hiking, camping, weekends away and extended travel. We’ll do all the work, arranging each occasion for our clients and assist with affordability, finding others wanting the same events, making it cheaper for everyone.

Bribie Respite and Support Services take enormous pride in supporting clients in their local community and are determined to be the Bribie Island NDIS service of choice. As a not-forprofit business, all monies generated are reinvested into our Bribie based business for the benefit of the Bribie Island disability community. We create jobs, supporting local businesses and local community groups. Our philosophy is supporting local clients in their community with local carers. Locals supporting locals.

For all enquiries regarding Community Living Service or to make a booking at Bribie Respite and Support Services Respite House call Andrew on 34082112

Is Politics the “Game” For You?

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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Is Politics the “Game” For You?

O I have the job for you! But you will need shoulders as broad as an elephant’s, a hide as thick as a rhino’s, the stamina and heart of a lion, the honesty and integrity of a saint – and the purity(of heart and soul) of a child! If you reckon you have all of these attributes, then you’d be a smash “hit” in politics – because that is what is expected of you.

Oh, and then there are the little matters of being available (to your constituents) 24/7, 365 days a year – and accepting intense public scrutiny of both your public and private lives…..and those of your family members and your staff, as well.

And all this for (in most cases) about half what you could expect to receive, in salary or wages(and other benefits), if you applied the same attributes, qualifications and credentials to holding down a decent job (requiring similar commitments) in the private sector! In your private life outside of politics, you (or your neighbour) may well get away with being a womaniser, a wife-beater, a Dole-bludger, a welfare hypochondriac, a joy-riding car thief, a habitual liar, a thieving fraudster…. or a serious felon, like a sex offender or even a professional “hitman” – without your neighbours (or friends) getting too much “overheated” by it all.

But that won’t “wash” once you become an elected MP….no sir… and nor should it of course. What this highlights, however, is the absolute hypocrisy that applies to our demands and expectations of our so-called “elected elite” compared with those us out here in “Civvy Street who we are, seemingly, prepared to make allowances and excuses for(as regularly as necessary)when it comes to our own personal sins, shortcomings, and other transgressions.

I’m not suggesting that our elected elite shouldn’t be subjected to strict scrutiny concerning their integrity, and their ethical and moral standards – and in most cases, the “shonks” aspiring to become our MPs are sorted out (and sifted out) by party endorsement and pre-selection processes.

However, the trait of human fallibility kicks in at times, and some doubtful characters “slip through the cracks”. This can become more of a risk where “Independent” candidates are concerned of course, but generally, the selection processes work to our (public) benefit.

Apart from the public v. private income differences which can apply, the biggest drawback to us (the public) getting the MPs we deserve (not just those on offer) is the level of very invasive public scrutiny of their private and public lives that our “elected elite” (and their individual family members and staffers) are subjected to, every day they hold office……and sometimes, even long after they have flown the political coop!.

In a working life of almost 40 years (cut short by health issues) I was involved in politics at various levels of public office for almost 20 of those years, and I can attest to the impact this level of invasion of (personal) privacy has on everyone involved.

I and my wife and family had to endure the indignity of being named in Parliament on a couple of occasions for alleged “dodgy” activities we had absolutely nothing to do with. The impact on family and friends can be very hurtful – and very divisive….and you never forget these things! So spare a thought for the aspiring MPs who will seek your vote on October 31 – and spare them your barbs, too, until their bona fides (or otherwise) are established.

Aaroulee Retreat Tamborine Mountain

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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Aaroulee Retreat Tamborine Mountain

Aaronlee Retreat at Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast Hinterland is the perfect place to stay for a short mid-week getaway. Located 2 and a half hours drive from Bribie, guests will feel like they are in another world. Temperatures on the mountain are generally 5 – 10 degrees cooler than Brisbane and Aaronlee’s country rural charm will delight all who visit.

From its perch at the very top and edge of the mountain, Aaronlee Retreat offers a variety of accommodation, yet reasonably priced and regularly offering discounted Senior Special packages. The Federation homestead is a 10-minute drive from town and is set amongst acres of lawns and pretty flowering garden beds. All rooms have fireplaces, ceiling fans, kitchenette, outdoor seating and are fully self-contained, (some with spa baths).

Guests enjoy the selection of board games, books and magazines on offer. The Retreat has BBQ facilities, a swimming pool and there are so many places to sit and relax whilst breathing in the pure mountain air. The views from the lawns are uninterrupted and simply breathtaking.

During a stay at Aaronlee, guests enjoy the very popular Half or Full Day Wineries (and local sites) Tours which depart from Aaronlee at 9.45 am. The Full-Day Wineries Tour includes a delicious sit-down restaurant luncheon at a local winery.

Tamborine Mountain offers beautiful bush walks, lookouts and waterfalls. Visit the rainforests, swim in rock pools, shop the famous Gallery Walk, indulge in a high tea, be pampered with an Aaronlee in house massage and spa treatment, take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens, play a game of golf or lawn bowls, visit the orchid farm, galleries, nurseries, cheese factory, take a short day trip to the Gold Coast or explore the Scenic Rim region. There are many interesting and fun attractions. Details and maps are provided by your host when you check-in.

Aaronlee is home to Bonnie and Honey, two Shetland ponies, an abundance of birdlife including the endangered Albert’s Lyrebirds and a flock of Tawny Frogmouth birds. This peaceful and relaxing Retreat is available for Group bookings too including friend getaways, milestone birthday celebrations, elopements, anniversaries, weddings and family reunions.

The Storries Amongst Us – Cultivating Change

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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The Storries Amongst Us – Cultivating Change

Originating in Cronulla, NSW where his grandfather was the first beach inspector, Dennis Chiron has forged a life built on positively cultivating the livelihoods of others.

With an arsenal of education to his name, this selfconfessed extrovert has little time for small talk, only time for “real talk”. He is a big softie at heart who loves to help people in need and is driven to make a difference.

So who is this man? A natural athlete, playing rugby league and rugby union from seven to 47 years of age.

As a youngster Dennis joined the merchant navy to see the world, while simultaneously studying Psychology and Business by distance learning through Deakin University. His first role as a civilian was in introduction of and subsequent building of the business and brand PixiFoto throughout Australia. His success in creating a well-known brand led him to being headhunted for a CEO role with The Lorna Hodgkinson Sunshine Home in Sydney (now known as Unisson Disability), an organization built to support intellectually disabled to lead meaningful lives. Following this engagement he became the Regional Manager for House with No Steps, assisting children and adults with various disabilities to have access to employment, better living arrangements and recreational activities.

Without realizing it, it seemed his need to help people also led to a talent for building businesses. In 1985 Dennis started the first comprehensive Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) in Australia, followed by the first Small Business Incubator (SBI) in 1986. Leading the pathway for 150 BEC’s and 70 SBI’s throughout Australia and New Zealand.

He consulted to the Federal Government in Local Employment and Economic Development Initiatives prior to taking the helm for 22 years at Caboolture Business Enterprise Centre. Following his resignation he went onto assisting organisations to establish Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) and most recently, the Owner and CEO of Brisbane Career College until he sold it in 2014. Being fortunate to meet some outstanding people throughout his life, Dennis would have to say the standout was Bob Hawke.

He had an incredibly strong presence, a charisma that very few people possess, an astounding depth of knowledge and an indisputable love of Australia.

The most awesome, exhilarating, and frightening adventure thus far in his life, Dennis mentions jumping out of a plane & skydiving for his 60th birthday. All was well until the plane reached 10,000 ft when the hatch opened and he was met with the roar of the wind and looking down at a very small Bribie Island below him, he freaked and asked if he could change his mind! Nonetheless, he followed through with it and has since done another jump following the euphoria and landing safely.

This man is many things including a genuine life saver, having saved the life of the next door neighbors’ 14 month old daughter who had stopped breathing and had turned blue. Her parents were overcome with panic and unable to administer any assistance until they ran next door and called for Dennis to help. He successfully revived their daughter and to this day Dennis says this is one of his proudest moments.

Bribie Island has played a large part in Dennis and his wife’s life for many years with a small intermission when they returned to his roots and built a property on their dream block of land in Woolgoolga NSW. Unfortunately, despite the incredible views, age got in the way of the stairs in their 3 storey home.

Finally, if he could change anything in this world it would be advocating for zero population growth (ZPG) to give the world, Mother Nature and the environment a chance to recover

The Art of Hugging

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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The Art of Hugging

When COVID19 is just a bad memory, what will we remember? Will there be a legacy? I’m thinking here of constant hand washing, sneezing into our elbows and maintaining a ‘cassowary’ distance from our fellow humans.

One thing I won’t be sorry to see return is the random, inappropriate, too-long hug. This form of social contact can be problematical even in the absence of a virulent and deadly virus.

Firstly there’s the crucial decision: Do I shake hands with this person or go in for the hug? Okay. It’s a hug. So once you’ve decided they’re worthy of the hug, what then?

We all know those people who like nothing more than perpetrating a chest-crushing vice-like hug upon their unsuspecting victims. I’m reminded of a large predatory python squeezing the life out of an innocent mongoose.

A hug is a greeting. Nothing more, nothing less. Sure, it’s meant to be warm and comforting. But it’s definitely not the same as a cuddle. A cuddle can last for hours, and it can sometimes have unanticipated, and supremely satisfactory consequences. Ah … that’s a whole other story. But a hug is different. It’s a fleeting thing. Some people have no concept of how long your average hug is meant to be, let alone the force with which it is to be executed. When you are in the clutches of a standard hugger, there comes a time to release each other and get on with watching the tele, eating that corn cob, checking your phone or resuming your cribbage game. But some of these inappropriate huggers simply don’t know when to stop. Is there anything more embarrassing and awkward than the hug that won’t let go?

Let me set the scene. You’ve done your bit when approached by an inveterate hugger, and responded with a like-minded if comparatively lukewarm hug. Being a normal person you understand that during a hug, both parties should employ the same amount of pressure and the average hug should last around, oh, three seconds. So you release and attempt to step away. But the hugger won’t let go. They continue the debilitating squeeze seemingly unaware that their prey has gone blue in the face and limp through lack of air.

One of my aunts was such a hugger. Small children ran crying from the room. Babies crawled for cover when she hoved into view, arms wide open and ready for the assault. Adults suddenly discovered they had urgent business at the other end of the property. But she was like a heat seeking missile. And once in her grip, no matter how rigid you became, or how much you struggled, her steel-like arms suddenly developed Herculean strength. She was gonna hug you whether you liked it or not.

Look. I appreciate a hug as well as the next person. It’s a sweet way to say you care without words. But please, once we’ve said farewell to the dreaded dance that is COVID distancing, let’s be a bit sensitive. Not everyone is up for the overwhelming hug. Just use the three second rule. Gentle embrace, count to three, let go, move on. Is that too much to ask?

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