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Restaurant rules we Need to Follow in COVID!

DON’T’ – LINGER
If there a queue of people waiting for a table at the cafe where you’re still reading your horoscope or on Facebook after paying the bill? If so, it’s time to go. The same applies in restaurants, especially ones with fixed sitting times.

When there is only a certain amount of people allowed in at one time, hanging around is costing that business money it desperately needs at the moment, not only that, people are hungry and may decide to leave and go somewhere else or simply go home. Common courtesy can also help save a business.

BE RUDE TO STAFF ABOUT SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES
These guys are doing the best they can under the guidelines they must follow. I am pretty sure we would all agree we would all love to get back to the way it was, especially the staff who have had their hours cut back, but this is not possible and abusing the workers for something out of their control, is not only extremely rude and unnecessary, but it is also pointless.

PUBLICLY CRITICISE A FOOD SERVICE BUSINESS
While the restaurant industry works to get back on its feet, people should also be mindful of leaving negative comments and ratings on their sites.

If there’s a problem, let the manager know rather than the internet. That way they have a chance to fix the problem, not close down because of feedback that could have been dealt with to make your dining experience better.

It’s simple people, be kind.

EXPECT A RESTAURANT TO MEET EVERY REQUIREMENT YOU HAVE
This is a worldwide pandemic, not the time to quibble over the fact you can’t get everything you used to be able to. Some facts of dining for the short-term future: private rooms may not be available due to the four-square metre rule; some ingredients will be hard to find as producers, farmers, and fishers kick back into gear; restaurants may not be able to meet every dietary requirement or custom request. Be grateful you can dine out at all, I remember when everything was shut down and I was dying to just go out and get a meal cooked for me without having to do the dishes after!

DO – ADD A TIP OR AN EXTRA DISH
Have the entrée, try a dessert, and get some starters. All of this helps, not only do you get to treat yourself, you are trying new things all while helping to save someone’s livelihood. While the restaurant is operating at reduced capacity, that extra cash helps staff and owners a lot.

SHARE THE LOVE
Tell people what a lovely meal and great service that you have received. Recommend them to your friends and family, every bit of good feedback helps our struggling restaurants and cafes.

BUY OTHER PRODUCTS
If the café or restaurant sells other products, such as jams, sauces, wines etc.
Buy them and help boost sales a bit.

I have seen some wonderful produce in our local cafes for sale. Snap them up and try something different when cooking at home instead of the boring supermarket chain brands.

TRY NEW PLACES
We have some fantastic venues on the Island.
You may not have had a chance to try them all, now is the time. You may find your next favourite spot to dine! Get out there and make the most of them all.

Happy Father’s Day!

Being a father is its own reward. But sometimes other rewards are nice, too. That’s why we’ve put together this list of small, nice things you can do for husbands and fathers. We’re not talking about spending money rather, we mean making little gestures to make Father’s Day that much better. Like giving them a little bit of extra sleep. Or buying the fancy lunch meats they love but won’t splurge on. Or setting up a ridiculous roughhousing ring so they can have all the fun of flinging the kids around with none of the work. Any of those will do. Father’s Day may mean different things to different dads, but there’s something on this list that nearly every father will appreciate. Because at the end of the day, it’s the little things that matter.

Small, Nice Things to Do for Dads This Father’s Day….

1. LET HIM SLEEP IN. LATE. LIKE, UNTIL 8.30AM.

2. After he wakes up, bring him some coffee and give him 15 minutes of time to mindlessly scroll through his iPad.

3. NO TO-DO LISTS FOR THE ENTIRE DAY. 4. Let him pick the menu for dinner.

5. WRITE A NICE NOTE TELLING HIM HOW MUCH YOU LOVE HIM, AND WHY HE’S SUCH A GREAT DAD. BE SAPPY. IT WORKS.

6. Just show appreciation for his hard work — either at work or at home. And do it in front of someone else.

7. TAKE A FAMILY DRIVE TO A PLACE NEARBY THAT HE’S WANTED TO VISIT BUT EVERYONE ELSE THINKS WILL BE BORING.

8. Have a six-pack of his favourite beer waiting in the fridge. If he doesn’t dig beer, sub in wine, ice cream, cheese, or whatever his thing is.

9. BUY HIM NEW UNDERWEAR. HE WILL NOT BUY IT HIMSELF AND PROBABLY NEEDS IT. IT DOES NOT, HOWEVER, COUNT AS A REAL GIFT. JUST A THOUGHTFUL PURCHASE.

10. Does he love roughhousing with the kids? Set up a wrestling room. Lay out all the foam weapons. Arrange the pillows into a ring. Let them go nuts.

11. NO CHORES, ALL DAY, NONE. 12. Accomplish Sunday’s chores on Saturday so that he can truly have a day without any unfinished tasks lingering in the back of his mind.

13. LET HIM PICK THE MOVIE, WHETHER YOU’RE GOING OUT OR STAYING IN.

14. Have the kids draw a superhero comic starring dad. Have them give him cool powers that match his everyday heroics, like his ability to find monsters under the bed or make amazing nachos.

15. IF HE LEAVES THE HOUSE AND THEN COMES BACK, HAVE THE KIDS RUN UP TO HIM AND GREET HIM WITH BIG HUGS. FEW THINGS ARE BETTER THAN HAVING YOUR KIDS BE EXCITED ABOUT YOUR ARRIVAL.

16.bIf he’s into public displays of affection, post something on social media about how great a dad he is along with your favourite photo of him. Tag him in it. Rack up all the likes.

17. GIVE HIM A FRAMED PICTURE OF HIM AND THE KIDS THAT YOU LOVE. TELL HIM WHY YOU LOVE IT SO MUCH.

18. Let. Him. Nap. For at least an hour. If he snores, let him snore. If he falls asleep watching TV with the kids, take them somewhere else so he can nap in peace.

NBN Co. Launches Community Education Campaign During National Scams Awareness Week

  • NBN themed scams are one of the most common scams reported to Scamwatch, with more than 2,300 reported between January and June this year and losses of $320,624.
  • Queenslanders have reported 480 NBN themed scams between January and June this year, with losses of $38,155
  • NBN Co has partnered with Scamwatch to raise awareness on the evolving nature of scams and tips for how the community can stay safe, free information sessions to be held nationally.

NBN Co is continuing to grow its efforts to educate the community with scammers increasing their focus to deceive Australians, with new and variations of common NBN themed scams emerging in recent months.

As part of National Scams Awareness Week, NBN Co will host information sessions across Queensland and will leverage the latest insights and intelligence from Scamwatch in order to raise awareness about the most common and emerging scam trends and share tips about how to stay safe.

The ACCC’s ‘Targeting Scams’ report noted that NBN themed scams were the most commonly reported scam type via the Australian Communications and Media Authority, with the ‘Nicole from NBN ‘ robocall scam the most prolific example.

Recent reports to NBN and to Scamwatch indicate ‘Nicole’ has been joined by ‘Carol’ in addition to the emergence of two new NBN themed scams including:

  • residents being sent a fraudulent NBN invoice for payment after they were offered an NBN upgrade over the phone; and
  • scammers claiming radiation or harmful UV rays will come from the computer and instructs the individual to move away from or cover the screen, allowing the scammer unmonitored remote access to the device.

It is important to note that NBN Co does not issue invoices direct to customers unless work has been agreed to by NBN and the customer.

NBN Co’s Chief Security Officer, Darren Kane, said that ongoing education and awareness was one of the best ways to combat scammers and help Australians protect themselves against scams and identity theft.

“Scammers thrive on uncertainty and misinformation when it comes to the use of the NBN brand to access people’s computers to steal information or push for unnecessary payments. This is why it is critical that we continue to educate the community about how they can protect themselves and others from being scammed.”

“NBN Co is a wholesaler and does not make unsolicited calls to sell products, request remote access to computers through programs like Team Viewer, ask you to purchase gift cards in lieu of cash payments, threaten to disconnect your services, or request personal or financial details.”

“This week, our teams will be concentrating on arming residents, and particularly those who help the vulnerable in our community, with the information on what to look out for and what to do if they suspect they have been contacted by a scammer. “The team at NBN Co is committed to empowering the community with knowledge, education, and information to help protect our loved ones from these insidious scams.”

ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard: “Scammers are increasingly using trusted brands like NBN to trick unsuspecting consumers into parting with their money or personal information. Australians lost more than $900,000 from NBN impersonation scams in 2019 with the highest number of reports and losses coming from people aged 65 years and older.”

Details on the NBN Scam Awareness sessions can be found on the NBN Facebook page. If you would like to book a oneon-one or group scam awareness session with an NBN representative, email [email protected] NBN Co’s top tips for protecting against scammers:

  • Visit NBN Co’s website at www.nbn.com.au/scamadvice for information on how to identify and avoid potential scammers or for advice if you suspect you have been scammed.
  • Remember NBN Co will never call and ask to access your computer or advise that you’re going to be disconnected. NBN Co is a wholesaler, which means it does not sell phone or internet services directly to the public. People need to contact their preferred phone and internet provider in order to make the switch.
  • Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer or devices via the installation of programs, such as Team Viewer.
  • NBN Co does not make automated calls, such as robocalls, to advise of disconnections to NBN or existing copper phone line services. Do not engage with these calls.
  • Do not share your financial information (i.e. bank, credit card or gift card details) or personal details with an unsolicited caller or door knockers trying to seek payment for a service over the NBN ™ network.
  • If in doubt, hang up and call your retail service provider on their official customer service centre number to check if the call is legitimate. Do not use contact details supplied by the caller.

Start a Change Jar

Put aside a large container or piggy bank labelled ‘spare change’ and put any loose coins into it at the end of each day. You won’t notice the money missing from your wallet but you will feel amazed at how much it adds up within a year.

MAKE IT AUTOMATIC
If you lack the discipline to save, find a mobile app that will do it for you. With a reputable mobile app, you can plan your budget and track your spending. You can even schedule the transfer of money from your salary to your savings.

If you learn to make simple, quick meals at home you can reduce the number of times you buy takeaway or eat out each week. On the weekend take some time to write up a menu plan and shop for the week ahead.

Start with a couple of easy-cook meals and add new ones over time to build your repertoire. You’ll notice the task of food preparation will become more efficient the more you do it.

DROP YOUR DRINKS
Add up how much you spend each week on takeaway coffees or alcohol at bar/pub prices. You’re not alone if it’s in the double digits.

Cutting back doesn’t mean missing out. To feed your coffee habit, make your own travel mug of coffee before you leave home. To feed your social life, leave your credit card at home and take a pre-determined amount of cash with you when you go out drinking. Suggest to friends you meet up at happy hour or enjoy a few drinks together at home before going out.

SWITCH TO WEEKLY HOME LOAN REPAYMENTS
Pay your home loan weekly instead of monthly. Home loan interest is calculated on a daily basis so the more frequently you pay, the more you will save. This applies even if you are not actually paying any more than you used to.

Talk to a mortgage broker about other ways to make your home loan more competitive.

The Strangler Fig

On this beautiful Isle of Bribie
There dwells a spreading shade tree,
It has an interesting story
Of how it came to be.

Now every year it bears a fruit
The birds and the bats just love it,
This fruit has seeds as tough as nails
Not many rate above it!!

It’s also quite a laxative,
And any one may see,
The birds and bats will drop their load,
On any poor old tree.

Now these droppings may contain,
A seed that’s been through hell!!
And soon it may continue on,
Into a tree as well.

That seed may sprout, and soon those roots,
Will travel down the tree
There’s one beside Welsby Parade
For anyone to see.

Now as the years roll onward
They finally reach the ground,
And over time, that strangler,
Will the poor old tree surround?

So as you stroll around this isle
Just open your eyes and look,
For you will find a Strangler Fig
Around the tree it took.

– By Des Peters

Founder Returns

The Bribie Island Historical Society was established by Barry Clark in 2008, and has done much to raise awareness of the rich and fascinating history of the island.

At the recent AGM Barry Clark was again elected as President, with the strong Executive team of Lynne Hooper as Secretary and Ellen Beechy as Treasurer, continuing in their roles. Outgoing President Shauna Hicks remains on the Committee, together with Past Presidents Graham Mills and Donna Holmes, plus Trevor Sutton.

It was also agreed to change the Constitution to increase the Committee membership to enable contribution by more members of the rapidly growing Society.

Since its formation, the Society has installed many Heritage Plaques and Signs, conducted commemorative events, given public presentations, conducted Heritage walks and published regular newspaper articles. A significant Database of thousands of photos and documents has been created, a Website and Blog spot are maintained, and many enquiries and questions from the public are regularly answered.

In accepting the role of President again Barry Clark said:

“We have been well served by many great people since formation, many doing three years in the leading role of President, as I did initially. Our membership has grown steadily as more residents, new and old, learn and appreciate the unique Heritage of the island.

Not everyone is interested in History, but everyone who lives or visits here has their experience enhanced by learning something new and fascinating about the place. It is not only local history, but events relating to the start of Queensland and Australia that happened on these shores.

It makes Bribie island a very special place, and it has been said that Bribie contains more history, written and unwritten, than any place in Queensland.

We hope that that this can be recognised by Council and Government, to ensure that unique sites, structures and environment of Bribie Island will be maintained and showcased for the future. There are few places with such rich history, and we hope that it will still be visible and attractive 100 years from now.

The Dancing Silk

On meeting Phil Looney QC, one could be accused of being drawn into his warm and gentleman-like character. In one afternoon of learning more about this interesting man, I am pleased to declare that he is as he appears on the surface, a humble and genuine guy from the “other side of the tracks”, who loves his family, travel, dancing and his career choice – being a Barrister at Law. Attending a suburban Catholic School then finishing high school at Gregory Terrace, Phil worked for one of the ‘Big 4” accounting firms around the world, never staying on to be Partner. He defines himself as not being “the big end of town, and never wanted to be. I drive a Mazda not a Mercedes” The thing he loves the most about the Bar is being an advocate; arguing, making judgement calls, persuading the Judge.

As a kid he always wanted to be a lawyer, however, his teenage hospitality jobs led him to want to own a restaurant. So his path was directed to becoming a Chef. He promptly enrolled at Gatton Agricultural College to do its hospitality course. However, before he started this course he realised he needed money to own a restaurant and he thought the quickest way to make some money was to become an Accountant.

He enrolled in Commerce at UQ part-time and got a job with a predecessor firm to KPMG and did that for 14 years becoming a Chartered Accountant, working in Brisbane, Sydney, London and Hong Kong.

In the early 1990s whilst in Hong Kong, he decided to pursue the option of becoming a Barrister. For 4 years he continued working fulltime and sat the Bar Board exams in between Commencing at the Bar in April 1996, this man was and still is, a rarity being a Barrister without a law degree. “You never think that you know what the law is. You are always researching, the law is so vast, you can never know it all”.

For this proud father of 3 children, if he wasn’t working, Phil says he would probably play golf. Arriving in Bribie just over a year ago, he has only played once on the course that his home backs onto, and “given the annual fees, it was a very expensive round of golf”.

Not working would also mean he would be dancing more. As a teenager having been injured while playing Aussie Rules (Phil was born in Melbourne and is a lifelong Richmond supporter) Phil took up dance lessons offered at Gregory Terrace. He and some mates joined the dance classes that also included students from All Hallows and St James’s schools. His interest took him to take up competitive Ballroom Dancing as a sport. Unbeknown to Phil, a young lady that was part of the dance scene back then, would re-enter his life many years later and become his wife. For the last 20 years, they have been doing Latin dancing together.

So why move from Brisbane to Bribie Island? It started as an exercise in looking for an investment property and ended with a visit to the QM Properties land sales office and purchasing a beautiful golf front block. “Bribie is the hidden gem of South East Queensland,” said Phil and his wife Annemarie in unison.

A huge lover of travel, Phil’s most interesting adventure that he has undertaken thus far was visiting the Galapagos Islands. He describes it as “like being in a David Attenborough documentary, with thousands of different birds and animals”. Adventurous travels with Annemarie also led Phil to Vietnam, Machu Picchu, Antarctica, Iguazu, Niagara & Victoria Falls, Cuba, Morocco, Norway and Finland amongst other destinations. Sadly, COVID has stopped their next adventure to Africa to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. My last question: If you could change one thing in this world what would it be? Phil responded, “Embed tolerance in people; allow people to see the value in each other”.

On-line Shopping

I was talking to my brother last night, he lives in the UK, in order to wish him a Happy Birthday and could not resist a little gentle teasing. Although he has had a desktop computer for years he has not yet really got around to using it. Even a simple email seems to beyond the capacity of himself and his wife. I am not suggesting that this is because of any lack of native wit, he was a Pathologist in his previous life, but rather, that in his days, one used a dictaphone and some little girl came rushing to his aid and did the actual typing of letters and reports. During the course of our conversation, I was totally amazed when he said that he was considering venturing into the world of online shopping as he felt that his clothes no longer reflected his once exalted position. Whilst in no way wishing to lessen his new-found enthusiasm, I did wonder how he would manage this venture that can be so fraught with perils.

Even I, who am a lot more technical savvy than he, can find navigating around some sites full of difficulties. I tried giving him some straight forward advice along the lines of getting the helpful postman, who does most of his computer work ie getting into YouTube so he can listen to his favourite Alkan. Have you heard of that composer? No? Neither had I. Apparently he was a contemporary of Lizt and Chopin. He wrote piano compositions almost too technically difficult to play and devoid of all human feeling. My opinion; apologies to any other aficionados of the dreaded Alkan out there. The advice re the postman was not well received, so I suggested ringing up his daughter in Scotland, giving her his measurements and letting her do the lot. Again, no. I do not think that his refusal was due to any lack of trust in his daughter’s probity as regards her knowing his credit card numbers, nor was it any embarrassment about her knowing the intimate details of his neck and inside-leg measurements, that gave him cause to pause. Rather, I believe it was a sudden attack of independence, I will do it myself, stubbornness. However, being privy to the domestic disputes that the assembling of a certain vacuum cleaner caused in the family home, I worry that attempts to shop online can only lead to more tears before bed-time.

Perhaps I am being too pessimistic about my brother’s ability to learn new skills. I have heard of one elderly gentleman who became so concerned about his appearance if his relations should decide on a “viewing” when he had finally shuffled off his mortal coil, that he decided that he needed to purchase new clothes for the occasion. No transport was available, so he felt that he had to resort to his computer. I think he had a little more experience than my brother, and managed to buy a new suit, a smart shirt, a lovely silk tie, and to finish, new shoes and socks. On receipt of all his new garments he tried them on and was well pleased with the result. They fitted perfectly and were tasteful without being ostentatious. Indeed, he looked a dapper fellow!

Sadly though, he decided he wanted to look as elegant on the fateful day he was going to get to wear all his smart new clothes, as he did when he viewed himself in his mirror, so he hung them all in his wardrobe where I trust they still remain. I believe he has informed his friends and relations that these are the clothes he wishes to wear whilst attending his own funeral.

As for my brother and his attempts to order online, I really do think it might be safer for him to enlist help and to break himself into the world of Windows by learning to send and receive emails.

Elaine Lutton

Pumistone Passage Probus Off with a Bang!

WE ARE BACK!!! And what a way to start. Not only was it great to see everyone again, but fit and healthy! Let’s hope that is how we stay.

The guest speaker was Patrick Pickett who is the artistic director and conductor of the Queensland Pops Orchestra. This orchestra performs several times a year at the Concert Hall at the QPAC to full audiences. The orchestra has also been involved in playing for films such as “Star Wars” and “Love Actually”. We started with a short video of the Orchestra playing and Patrick conducting. It was good to see that so many young people were given the opportunity to play in the concerts. Brilliant!

He is an interesting and inspirational speaker. Patrick joined the Australian army as a 16-year-old apprentice musician and left as Lieutenant Colonel, Director of the Defence Force School of Music. He has commanded and conducted the Australian Defence Force bands at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

He was appointed as Musical Director for the 90thanniversary celebrations at Anzac Cove in 2005 and is now an adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland. What an amazing career.

His talk was entitled “How to make great Music “ Which was witty and informative. However, there was also ‘Audience Participation!’ We made music by clapping different beats and then we were divided into groups and created our own clapping orchestra!!

He finished with a quiz which proved we had all been listening. The Orchestra and the QPAC are closed due to Covid 19 but I feel sure once it reopens and the Pops Orchestra is up and running they will be playing to full audiences again and you will need to get your tickets early.

Kathy Vincent

Winelander – August 28, 2020

Although it’s safe to say that Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the mainstays of the Australian wine industry, and that won’t change anytime soon, there are now plenty of alternative varieties that have found their way onto the shelves over the last few years and whilst the volumes aren’t huge they offer something different, and because many wine drinkers are reluctant to change in case they find they have wasted their money we shall explain the alternatives and what to expect should you want to have a change. With the effect of climate change and the increase in temperature, we have to consider planting grape varieties that can thrive in higher temperatures.

Assyrtiko- this is a white wine grape variety associated with the Greek island of Santorini where it produces everything from vibrant, fresh-tasting dry wines to syrupy dessert styles. Jim Barry from the Clare Valley found this variety whilst holidaying in Greece in 2006 and it is possible to buy the wine online for around $32 a bottle. Nero d’Avola-a red wine with its origins in either Sicily or Calabria this southern Italian classic has seen a resurgence of interest around the wine-growing regions of the world and is an ideal grape variety for the Australian climate. Nero d’Avola can make anything from a heady, cherry and berry red that’s capable of cellaring through to a fresh strawberry and raspberry tinted rose. The Adelaide Hills and the Fleurieu Peninsular are two regions that currently grow this grape variety, look for Kirrihill Wines $27, The Ethereal One $16 at Dan Murphy’s, La Bise $29 and Chalmers Rose direct from the winery.

Gruner Vetliner-is a white wine staple of Austria but is now finding favour in Australia and at a recent tasting in the cooler region of the Adelaide Hills, there were several examples which combined freshness and minerality with generous fruit character. Wineries to look out for are Hahndorf Hill, Aramis, Geoff Hardy all from the Adelaide Hills and Stefano Lubiano in Tasmania.

Tempranillo-is a red wine grape variety well suited to Australia and is mainly associated with the great wines of Spain and in Australia partners very well with Grenache. There are now over 200 wineries making Tempranillo including such names as Tim Adams, Gemtree, Brown Bros, Brooklands and Nepenthe and can be found in just about every liquor outlet. It is a variety that can produce powerful wines and can be grown in every wine-growing area around Australia although in the Adelaide Hills it produces a more elegant fresher style that is very foodfriendly.

Vermentino- is not new to the Australian market but has never reached the heights expected as wine drinkers stuck to their preferred white wine styles. Now that new varieties are flooding the market there is a chance more wine drinkers will experiment and find this very appealing white wine grape variety. When we resided in Perth I organised the wines for a wine club called the “Twist Club” which met once a month on a Friday afternoon for lunch at a premium Perth restaurant to improve the member’s knowledge of wine and I invited various personalities from the industry to present their products. One of the most respected winemakers in Australia, Louisa Rose who is a senior winemaker with Yalumba Family Winemakers, came along several times and among the varieties she presented was Vermentino which she was very passionate about. I have to be honest in that senior winemakers can make very good wine but find it hard to put up a good show when talking in public but Louisa could hold the attention of everyone for several hours and the orders at the end of the evening were a testament to her lively presentations. I suggest that if you have taken to enjoying Pinot Grigio you should give Vermentino a go because they have very similar qualities with tones that range from pears and melons to tropical fruits. Yalumba makes excellent Vermentino but also look out for Chalmers and Oliver’s Taranga.

Touriga Nacional- is a red wine variety that was made for the Australian climate and thrives when the heat is on and is up there with Grenache. It has found a home in South Australia, Victoria (Bendigo, Goulburn Valley and Rutherglen) and New South Wales (Hunter Valley, Mudgee) and the Canberra district. The wines produced are typically well coloured rich and powerful with good balance. The future for this variety in Australia looks very promising and Steven Pannell makes a superb Tempranillo/ Touriga McLaren Vale blend worth seeking out. Steven comes from the famous Western Australian Pannell family who had Mosswood wines in Margaret River some year ago.

Fiano-is another Italian white wine variety which is finding favour with Australian wine drinkers and has a reputation for producing fullflavoured aromatic wines with aromas of honey, nuts and spices. Because it comes from small berries with low yields it has a natural tendency towards quality and premium quality. It has found a home in McLaren vale where Coriole and Angove make very good styles of this variety.

Nebbiolo-is a red wine variety that is very hard to understand why it has taken so long for this magnificent winemaking grape to be embraced by our nation’s winemakers. Although it has a reputation of being one of the hardest grape varieties to work with and is picky as to where it wants to be planted getting it right will repay the winemaker with outstanding wine. Success has already come from a range of regions including The Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren vale and The Clare valley. Aromas of ‘tar and roses’ is a common theme as are high tannins and acidity. If you enjoy your red wines with a bit of difference and with a bit of structure look for wineries such as Coriole, who enjoy using Italian grape varieties, Bent Road, Ballendean Estate, Thorn Clarke and Grant Burge.

Next month we will carry on with unusual varieties which may improve your choices when staring at the shelves.

Cheers, Philip Arlidge [email protected]

Toorbul & Donnybrook Pensioners’ Club

Early August saw the Toorbul & Donnybrook Pensioners’ Club hold it’s Annual General Meeting – nearly 3 months late.

There were more than 35 members present and quite a few apologies. We filled the whole hall as we carefully practised “Social Distancing”.

Our year has been a disrupted one, but members have been happy to restart many of our activities – Tai Chi, Indoor Bowls, Line Dancing, Cards and Craft, as well as our regular monthly meeting. St. Michael’s Church conducts a Church Service at the Club House on 3rd Sunday of each month at 8.15 am.

During the past year, we have been able to donate money to regular charities – the hospital, cancer research, and our special project were to help out our local Rural Fire Brigade with alterations to their building to accommodate the NEW FIRE TRUCK. Rural Firies do a great job, and we are pleased to have a working organisation within our small town.

The new fire truck arrived in Toorbul this week, and training sessions will be undertaken soon. A new Committee was introduced by long standing member Mr Les Duncan (himself a past President).

Our new Committee has vowed to work hard for our club and community.

The Bribie Islander Gloss Magazine August 28, 2020 Issue 121

Issue 121 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.

Understanding Asthma

ASTHMA STATISTICS
ACCORDING TO THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF HEALTH AND WELFARE, ONE IN EVERY NINE AUSTRALIANS HAVE ASTHMA.

Asthma is:

  • slightly more common in women.
  • more common in boys younger than 14, but more common in females 15 years and over
  • also more common in people living in remote areas than in cities

UNDERSTANDING ASTHMA

Asthma is a long term inflammatory airways disease that causes the muscles in the airways to tighten and the lining of the airway to become swollen and inflamed. These changes cause the airways to become narrow, making breathing difficult and causing coughing, a whistling sound when you breathe out, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be triggered by a range of factors and currently, there is no cure, but with good management, people with asthma can live a normal and active life.

Asthma runs strongly in families but it affects everyone differently.

SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA

Symptoms of asthma can include:

  • Wheezing – a whistling noise when breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Coughing

These symptoms are often worse at night, in the early morning, or during exercise.

Symptoms that your Asthma could be worsening include:

  • Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome
  • Increased difficulty breathing – by visiting your pharmacy we can measure how well your lungs are working using a peak flow meter
  • Use of a quick-relief inhaler more often than normal

TREATMENT FOR ASTHMA

There is a range of medications and devices that are available to manage and control asthma attacks. The most common types of medications are relievers and preventers, they are usually in inhalers or puffers.

Everyone with asthma should have a reliever (a “puffer”) to use whenever they experience symptoms to relax the muscles around the airways and open them up within minutes, their effects last for up to four hours. Most relievers are available from pharmacies without a prescription. Do not overuse your reliever, use only when you have symptoms or if your doctor tells you to take it before exercise.

Most adults with asthma need to take a low dose of an inhaled corticosteroid preventer medicine every day to reduce inflammation inside the airways and lessen the risk of a severe asthma flare-up. If you have been prescribed a preventer, you should take it every day even when you have no symptoms and also during colds and asthma flare-ups.

All medicines have possible side effects. It is important to rinse the mouth with water after using the preventer as inhaled corticosteroid medicines can cause hoarseness of the voice and oral thrush. The risk can be reduced by using a spacer with the puffer to help increase the amount of the medicine that reaches the small airways in the lungs. Puffers are available from pharmacies and your Pharmacists can help you to choose a suitable spacer and show you how to use it.

ASTHMA ACTION PLAN

In order to manage your asthma effectively, it is important to have a written Asthma Action Plan with your doctor. This will help you recognise worsening asthma symptoms and give clear instructions on what to do in response. Even if you think you are in control of your asthma, ask yourself, “Am I needing my reliever on more than 2 days a week?” If the answer is yes, your asthma might be controlling you.

The team at Woorim Surfside Pharmacy is here to answer any questions about your asthma medications. If you feel you need to use your Ventolin or Asmol inhaler more than a few times a week or are suffering the symptoms of asthma visit Sing, our Pharmacist Manager, for a free in pharmacy consultation.

References:

  1. National Asthma Council Australia https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/ unders
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2018. Asthma Snapshot, Canberra: AIHW
  3. Asthma Australia https://asthma.org.au