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The Best Australian-Built Classic Cars

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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The Best Australian-Built Classic Cars

pre-1980’s

THERE’S SOMETHING TO BE SAID ABOUT A CLASSIC CAR. FROM THEIR BEAUTIFUL FORM TO THEIR LACK OF FANCY ELECTRONICS LEAVING THE RUNNING OF THE VEHICLE PURELY BETWEEN MAN AND MACHINE, THEY HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME (GIVEN THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF COURSE). THINK OF THE IMMENSE POWER OF A 70’S V8 MUSCLE CAR OR A HEAD-TURNING HOT ROD.

Countless car shows and drag challenges around the country put these magnificent beasts on display to show off their amazing curves, brand new or restored engines and perhaps a few with some extra modifications that might make a purist’s blood turn cold but give that extra bit of grunt when you want to show off.

1967 Ford XR Series Falcon GT

The Australian Police Force asked Ford to make a Police Interceptor Pack. They financed the project but rejected the output. Ford continued to work on the GT and gave it a stiffer suspension and modified its engine. The result is the XR we know today. It dominated Bathurst in 1967 and was actually the first Australian muscle car and the first V8 to master the Bathurst Mountain, with the ability reach 100 km/h in 10 seconds.

1969 Holden HT Monaro GTS 350

The HT GTS 350 was released in 1969 and is a revamped version of the HK. Both these muscle cars are from the Monaro line which was Holden’s main car for racing. The GTS 350 had a V8 5.7 L Chevrolet engine with 300bhp, though this also marked the 5.0 litre Chevrolet V8 being phased out and replaced with the locally made Holden V8 engine, the 4.2 litre 253 and the 5.0 litre 308. The automatic version had 5.7 L and two-speed power glide transmission. The engine has always been listed as one of the best V8 engines ever made. In 1972 a touring class for this model was released but it was not eligible to race due to the “supercar scare” where many became wary about the safety of these powerful muscle cars used in racing that was also available to the general public.

1972 Chrysler Valiant VH Charger E49

Some Aussies might remember the E49 for its “hey charger” advert, but car enthusiasts remember this classic for much more than that. The coupe comes from the Valiant Charger line and was released in 1972 and was used in competition at Bathurst that year and placed third. It had a six-cylinder pacer with a three-speed manual transmission. The E49’s engine produced 225 kW and has a four-speed Borg Warner gearbox. Drivers liked the good handling Getting your hands on one of these amazing machines is like having your very own part of automotive history. Though when it comes to vintage cars, beauty comes with a hefty price tag. In saying that if buying a classic car sounds like quite an investment, it’s because it is a good investment – these cars and many other classics are appreciating in value due to their rarity.

1972 Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1

The LJ Torana GTR XU-1 was built for racing and proved that when it won in Bathurst in 1972, with a six-cylinder 3300 engine, 200 bhp and M20 four-speed transmission. Makers sought to give it more power by creating a version with a 308 ci engine but it did not go past the prototype stage due to the supercar scare that put much pressure on Australian carmakers to abandon their specially built ‘Bathurst Supercars’. Holden managed to release its improved version after two years, and contrary to popular belief, it is not a GTR XU-2, it’s still the same car with few upgrades.

 

Where everybody knows your name…

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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Where everybody knows your name…

“We’ve got a very cooperative and forward-thinking board. They were ready to move forward with the strategic and business plans we put in place and its paid dividends as far as the club goes and as the business has developed and blossomed.”

Kevin said even with the recent Covid19 lockdowns, the club remained debt-free, and had not had to borrow any money throughout recent renovations.

“We have zero debt whatsoever, not even on gaming machines. I don’t know that there are very many that don’t owe anybody anything.”

Kevin said the club dealt with the recent shutdown period and was able to keep operating its bottle shop throughout.

“A lot of members came into the bottle shop to buy a six-pack and just wanted to have a chat basically.

“We were fortunate that we were able to open on the very day that restrictions were eased. We found out in the afternoon and we were open the next morning at 10.”

Kevin said the most telling part of it was how staff were “dead keen” to come back to work.

“Even when we were shut down in the main body of the club, the staff were still coming to clean and dust bottles and generally they were very happy to come back and help out.

“I think that exemplifies the culture here. They genuinely enjoy working here.” Kevin said the club was also very proud of the two other award acknowledgements, especially getting second in the Heart of the Community Award for their community event on New Year’s Eve which saw 25,000 people turn out for a laser light show with markets and music.

“It was the biggest major event that we have done. It was wonderful. It was a no-alcohol event, which didn’t help our bottom line, but again it was more about the community. We had police on patrol and there was not one issue, so we were very happy about that.”

Kevin said there are more renovations in the club’s future, but their focus for now and then will remain on their customers and community.

“For now, it’s just a matter of ensuring everybody’s got good food, cold drinks and a friendly smile. We’ve got a good atmosphere and good members rapport.

“The members and the staff, the board and management, everybody has come together and build this relationship.”

 

BANKSIA GARDEN CLUB INC.

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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BANKSIA GARDEN CLUB INC.

Members have been very busy in their own gardens during the COVID19 period. Some members have shared a walk-through of their gardens to keep us all in touch. We have posted these videos on our Facebook page. Our President, Merrilyn has kept in contact via email and newsletters over the break and is very happy to announce that we will hold a meeting on the 2nd September at the home of Desley and Arthur.

The meeting will commence at 9.30, BYO chair, morning tea and drink. We will ensure that we adhere to COVID rules. This is a great opportunity to get together and share interesting stories and experiences since our last meeting in March.

Banksia Garden club was officially founded on 4th April 1990 and has maintained a friendly atmosphere as it grew to have around 100 members. We enjoy sharing the ups and downs of our gardening experiences and learning from each other and our guest speakers who share their knowledge of their specific product or plants. For further information please contact Desley on 07 3408 8470

 

Topknot Pigeon – Lopholaimus antarcticus

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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Topknot Pigeon – Lopholaimus antarcticus

Just recently in the month of July, I received word that rare visitors were on the island and feeding on the fruit of the Dark Corkwood trees growing near the Ranger Station. I picked up my camera and went to investigate. First, I had to find the Corkwood trees then I waited for about 45 minutes with nothing happening. Then flying in and landing in the canopies of the very tall trees were four Topknot Pigeons which proceeded to gorge on the black, olive-like fruit. At the same time as their visit, Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves appeared and were feeding on the same berries. After a few weeks when the berries were finished, the birds were gone. It is not very often that these pigeons come to Bribie Island now, although several years ago they were a more common sight arriving in huge flocks. I had a report of up to twenty birds flying in on the recent visit.

Topknot Pigeons, sometimes called Flock Pigeons are large, grey birds 40-45 cm in length and weighing 470-600 g. Their most prominent feature is their crest which is divided into 2 parts. Falling over the beak is a clump of grey feathers and swept back over the neck is a distinctive reddish crest. Bills and eyes are red and at the base of the bill are two quite large blue bumps. Tails are long and squarish with dark feathers and a wide whitish band which is visible when flying. Breasts and necks are streaked, and wings have darker grey feathers. They are usually silent but when feeding you can sometimes hear low screeching sounds and at other times their calls are more like grunts. Females are like the males but are a little smaller with a smaller crest.

These nomadic birds are found only in Australia along the east coast from Cape York to the south of Sydney. The most likely places to find Topknots are in rainforests, eucalypt forests and regrowth areas when native fruit is in season. They are more common in Queensland and northern NSW where it is warmer. In recent years large flocks have been visiting Gippsland in Victoria each summer. There have been only a few rare sightings in Tasmania.//Topknots are frugivorous (fruiteating) birds which feed on a variety of bush fruits and berries such as native figs, Blueberry Ash, Palms, Dark Corkwood and many others. They have also developed a liking for Camphor Laurel berries. Long distances are travelled by high-flying flocks in their search for ripe berries high up in the canopies. Large quantities of fruit are dropped but Topknots do not feed on the ground. While feeding they are quite active flapping their wings and even eating some of the fruit upside down. Seeds pass through their bodies intact and drop to the ground. This aids in the regrowth of our native trees. They have also taken part in the spreading of Camphor Laurel which is a declared weed.

June to January are favoured months for Topknots to nest. Males perform an involved mating ritual by using their topknots in showy displays, marching, bowing and flying high to attract the attention of the females. The monogamous pairs work together to build flat nests of vines and twigs hidden in a dense bush about 2-12 m from the ground and are quite hard to find. A clutch of one white egg is laid and incubated by both parents for 22-24 days. Both parents then feed their young by regurgitating pigeon milk from their crops. Pigeon milk is a nutritious liquid, looking a little like cottage cheese coming from the lining of the crop. A pair of pigeons cannot produce enough milk to feed several chicks which limits them to laying just one egg. When flying towards the nest adult birds call to their young to alert them of their presence. If the nest is in danger adults will crouch protectively over their young warding off any intruders. Young birds fledge at 4-6 weeks.

Crested Pigeons which are common in our area are often mistakenly called “Topknots”.

Large scale land clearing and hunting for food depleted much of their population in earlier times and flocks became smaller. Numbers have recovered somewhat since they began eating the berries from the invasive, introduced Camphor Laurel trees. Even though populations seem to be fluctuating conservation status in their Queensland and NSW habitat is secure at present.

My next article will be about Rosecrowned Fruit-Doves which were feeding on the Dark Corkwood trees at the same time as the Topknots.

ZUCCHINI CHEESY Bread

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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ZUCCHINI CHEESY Bread

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cup zucchini, shredded (do not squeeze)
1/4 cup onion, sliced (optional)
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

METHOD
Mix the zucchini, green onions, eggs, sour cream, and butter well before mixing in the cheese.

Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and pour the batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.

Bake in a preheated 180C oven until a toothpick pushed into the centre of the bread comes out clean, about 50-70 minutes.

Let cool a bit before running a knife around the inside edge of the pan, removing the loaf, slicing and enjoying topped with melted butter.

Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup shredded cheese on top of the batter before baking to have a nice cheese covered top!!

NOTE: The zucchini is the source of some of the liquid for this recipe so after you shred the zucchini do not squeeze out or drain off any of its liquid. Because zucchini has different amounts of liquid, if your batter ends up being too thick to pour into the pan, feel free to mix in 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water.

HORSE SENSE? IT’S JUST ALL LUCK!

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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HORSE SENSE? IT’S JUST ALL LUCK!

 

BACK in the dim dark ages (the 1960s), I worked for a time on Brisbane’s former afternoon daily newspaper, The Telegraph (now a long time defunct).

Not without reason, it was regarded (in journalism then) as Brisbane’s “bloodsheet”, for it operated on what was a shoestring, compared with its much more prestigious Big Brother, the Courier Mail.It had less than half the staff of the Courier (with which it shared premises and production facilities at Bowen Hills) – and it had much less than half the time to produce its daily edition of “The Rag” than the staff at the Courier.

In fact, its journos started work at 7/7.30am and the Tele’s first edition was sold on the streets (in nearby Fortitude Valley, and Brisbane’s CBD) by 1-1.30pm. This was quite a feat, requiring maximum effort (and speed in producing advertising and editorial copy) from a pretty tight team who, as the saying goes, “knew their onions”! Many of the staff – like me – came from country journalism initially and cut their teeth in the harder world of bigcity journalism on the much-loved Tele. It was the “people’s paper” of Brisbane – and was regarded as (almost) the journalistic Bible for the metropolitan racing industry….the flat track races, the trots and the dogs.

Coming from the country, as many did, the writers and sub-editors were well versed in the nuances (and knowledge of “form” required) in the racing game……most of them, that is. I was one of the exceptions.

What I knew about horse racing, then, could be written on the back of a stamp, with a felt pen! Joining the sports reporting section was regarded, then, as one of the select appointments and there was considerable competition for a spot there.

I served for a time on the subs’ desk ( with journos who generally knew their stuff when it came to sporting parlance and what was appropriate, acceptable and accurate when it applied to racing, especially. I was pretty well versed in most sports, and in what was required in the proper reporting of it….but with racing reports, I was like a duck out of water. But I got a rude awakening, and a very hurried lesson in racing “form” when I was enlisted urgently, one day, to turn out some TIPS on that day’s racing in Sydney.

My initial response to the editor, John Wakefield (an avid racegoer and punter) was to scoff and to reply “You’ve got to be kidding!” He wasn’t …..And John wasn’t one to scoff at, I found.

“Just get on with it, son”, I was told. “Whiffler’s Tips haven’t arrived from Sydney, so you’re Whiffler today…..if you want to stay here and go into Sports. You’ve got one hour!”

A couple of the subeditors gave me some advice on how to go about it, concentrating on the standing of the horses’ jockeys, the form of the horses over their last 4 or 5 starts over the same distance, and the weights carried by them, on that day. So I set about the task in a daze, full of enthusiasm (to keep my job) but with little knowledge of racing to back it up (and “back it in”).

The result was outstanding, and no-one was more surprised than me. I picked five winners, two seconds and a third; I had picked the field! John Wakefield was ecstatic, I was just amazed…and I begged him “Don’t do that to me again, please.” Ah, the memories!!

First Aid Training

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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First Aid Training

Did you know that in Australia, more than 500 people sustain cardiac arrest outside the hospital environment every week? (Heart Safe Australia statistic). Would you be prepared and confident to offer First Aid? Early First Aid, early 000 call, early CPR and Defibrillation are vital to increasing the chances of survival. The Australian Industry & Skills Committee defines First Aid as the immediate treatment or care provided to a person suffering from an injury or illness until more advanced care is given, or the person recovers.

Thousands of people complete First Aid training every year, whether it be for personal development, a desire to be able to help family members in an emergency, or to meet job role specifications or Work Health & Safety (WHS) requirements for employment or volunteer work. Whatever the reason, the greater the number of people who know First Aid, the greater the chance of assistance when needed. AISC advises that the application of First Aid can reduce and/or prevent hospitalisation, requirement for treatment/s and potential long-term health implications.

CPR AT WORK is a newly established First Aid Training Provider in the Moreton Bay area, delivering training for INSCOPE Training (RTO 40926) in all Moreton Bay locations. Training is provided by Jude, who is an experienced, knowledgeable and engaging trainer. Public Courses are currently offered monthly at Beachmere and CPR AT WORK will come to your workplace to deliver training onsite to groups. The next public course is at The Beachmere Hub on Saturday 26th September 2020.

Covid-19 has impacted the way that First Aid Training is delivered and CPR AT WORK adhere to strict Covid-19 Health guidelines from Federal Health and Qld Health, SafeWork Australia and ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority). Group sizes are now smaller and there is no sharing of equipment or manikins. A full list of these guidelines can be found on their website www.cprwork.com.au The courses offered are HLTAID001 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, HLTAID003 Provide First Aid (Includes CPR), and HLTAID004 Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting (Includes CPR). All courses are delivered using the Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines and participants will be issued with their Certificate for the Nationally Recognised Training qualification within days of successful completion. Bookings for these courses can be made via the website and phone enquiries are welcome.

CPR AT WORK First Aid and CPR courses consist of a comprehensive online theory component, which students complete at home (or work) at their own pace, followed by a fun practical workshop. All equipment is supplied, including a mix of male and female manikins, as well as infant manikins, to provide more realistic scenarios for learning and practising First Aid skills.

CPR AT WORK 0410 758 723

Restaurant rules we Need to Follow in COVID!

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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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!

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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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

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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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

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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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

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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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 Editor Cherrie Wilson
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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.

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