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Help Needed for Pelican Twinnies

David Sweedman
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Help Needed for Pelican Twinnies

Dear Loyal Readers, we need you to read this article in full. It is sadly the reality for these guys and they need your urgent help! As you may know, The Twinnies have been rescuing pelicans for the last 19 years. We featured them on the front cover a couple of months ago. It has been a great journey and they have rescued close to 20,000 birds over the years. They couldn’t think of anything better to do.

However, the calls for help have dramatically increased over the last few months. They can’t put one exact reason on it. Perhaps they are just becoming better known as the place for injured and sick pelicans and birds. It’s a good thing – exactly what they were set up to do, but it’s now getting to the stage where they are struggling to cope. The recent bushfires certainly haven’t helped. Just last night, they received a call from a man who phoned to collect an injured pelican?

Managing to help him out. It was close to 2 am before they finished but it was worthwhile in the end. “Over the past few days we have discussed, what we should do. We were put on this planet to do what we do best, rescue and rehabilitate our pelicans and we don’t want to slow down or turn any away.” “So, we are asking you to chip in. To help us raise $25,000 to help us expand and continue to treat sick and injured pelicans. We want to be able to keep on treating and helping every single pelican that comes our way.” $20 helps feed a pelican for one day and the usual fish bill is around $600 a week.

Can you donate just $5? It’s just the cost of your next cup of coffee in the morning but one that would help them continue to save our beloved pelicans? Please also remember to mention this article amongst your family and friends to spread the word. “We are hoping that when we wake up in the morning a miracle has occurred.”

The Twinnies have two pelicans from Bribie that they will be releasing on the 13th of October and have been speaking to John from the VMR, it should be a good day. The Twinnies are very grateful for any help they have received from Bribie Island in the past and hopefully, in the future, they like coming and rescuing there and if people see a pelican, poor darlings, just phone 0421476 561.

“We hope to raise funds as one day we would love to secure a place for rehabbing and always be for birds 20 years doing this.” Some luck must come their way soon. Please donate online here: https://giveeasy.org/charity/appeal/twinnies-pelican-and-seabird-rescue-inc/default?

Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue are located at 2147 Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough QLD 4550. Call 5439 9995. 24 HOUR RESCUE HOTLINE: 0421 476 561.

Movie reviews – ANGEL HAS FALLEN

David Sweedman
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Movie reviews – ANGEL HAS FALLEN

Tags: Movie reviews. Angel Has Fallen. Action Movies.

First, there was “Olympus Has Fallen.” Next, we had “London Has Fallen.” Now, we have “Angel Has Fallen.” Although a trilogy, you don’t need that background to ride this film’s action wave. Morgan Freeman, this time around, plays the US President, Allan Trumbull. Gerard Butler returns as Mike Bannon, a vital and highly skilled member of Trumbull’s Secret Service Team deeply committed to the safety and well-being of the President.

Movie reviews. Angel Has Fallen. Action Movies.This time around, however, we see the personal cost Bannon has had to pay to maintain that commitment. Interestingly, in preparing for this role, Butler spent time with ex-Navy Seals to accurately portray the heavy emotional and physical toll involved in service. The film opens as Bannon is under siege from what appears to be enemy fire. We quickly learn, however, that this is a training exercise offered by a past associate, Wade Jennings, played by Danny Huston.

Bannon is impressed with what Jennings has to offer. The film then moves in a new direction when an assassination attempt is made on the President. Compelling evidence points to Bannon as the orchestrator of the assault. The follow-on action is nonstop as Bannon sets out to clear his name; find those responsible and protect the President. To his surprise, he picks up an unlikely ally along the way – his estranged father, played by Nick Nolte.

Although the film tries to interject social issues along the way, in its essence this is an action film. Enjoy the ride as Bannon survive blasts, attacks and gunshot wounds. Will there be another chapter in the life of Secret Service Agent Bannon? Stay seated after the credits begin to roll and judge for yourself.

 

Hellys Celebrities – AT HOME WITH JOAN COLLINS DBE

David Sweedman
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Hellys Celebrities – AT HOME WITH JOAN COLLINS DBE

Tags: Famous actors. Celebrities. Joan Collins

My first fond memories as a teenager of the beautiful JOAN COLLINS go back to the early 1950s, when, with much excitement, I would open each latest issue of Photoplay Magazine, looking for Joan’s extraordinary fashion design sketches appearing regularly. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she makes her stage debut aged nine, her first movie at 18 in 1951 and appears regularly in British theatre, films, TV, and in Hollywood movies after 1955.

But it’s not until 1981 that Joan is catapulted to global superstardom, with her role as the vengeful, manipulating ex-wife, Alexis Colby Carrington, in DYNASTY, the box office gold TV series. This phenomenal soap opera runs for 9 years, with Joan receiving the GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS 1982. And this life-changing success enables her now to do so much more with residences in London, Los Angeles, New York and Saint Tropez. But it’s just before the start of filming Dynasty that I’m invited for a photoshoot of Joan’s and third husband’s (Ron Kass) 18th-century house in Mayfair.

Joan’s bedroom is the most creative and spectacular I have ever seen: the walls covered impressively in elegant brocade; the ceiling in pleated satin; brocade covered sewerage pipes cut in half as the bed base; and the mirrored headboard originally designed especially for Joan in her movie THE BITCH. Joan loves speaking about her special room. “I knew exactly what I wanted long before it was built. I have always used dress fabrics for decorating and saw that bedroom in my mind months in advance.

I usually make instant decisions and my room was to look very much 1930’s and like a movie star’s bedroom. I’ve always had practical round bedside tables because I spend a lot of time in bed. When I’m not working, I go to bed at half-past nine. I read, I write my books, watch TV, do my letters and bills. “I like to have a lot of space around the bed, a huge area for trays of food, and so on. But it’s messy. So this time I thought I’d have all the junk in drawers, which we found in Italy and personally carted back to England instead of waiting for a two months delivery.

We have a vacuum cleaner attachment which hoovers the walls and ceiling. There is double glazing, so very little dust.” Different story when my photographer and I try to start shooting the distinctly masculine mirror-tiled bathroom and Katyana’s bedroom! We can’t do either before I vacuum the bedroom floor, full of dust devils under the bed and furniture. Nor can the bathroom be photographed until we remove the white soap scum, filling the brown ceramic vanity basin, showing up as a double image with the mirror behind the basin making it incredibly visible.

But it doesn’t take long and we don’t mind doing it, yet are a bit surprised and have a grin on our faces. And does Joan love renovating, both for friends and herself! “It gives me great pleasure to renovate a place like this Mayfair house, keeping the character of 260 years ago, yet bringing modernity and livability into it. None of the shelf units, cupboards, cocktail bar and bookshelves was here. I get much satisfaction from creating a large space where it doesn’t seem feasible and putting things together seeing they really do match. “It’s been Ron’s house since the ’60s when he was managing director of the Beatles, and there‘s really only one major room per floor. But Ron and I had all our children in this house, although on five floors.”

Where many a childhood dream fades into oblivion with growing up, Joan always remembered where hers lay. “I was interested in Art Deco from a very early age, although I didn’t know what it was called then. I used to go to the library at school and look up that short period between the two World Wars. But I was not interested in the furniture, only in the designs of the dresses, the hair and the makeup.” But this talented English girl from Paddington is more than an actress, author, columnist, mother of 5 children and house renovator.

And in 2002, Joan will become the wife of her 5th husband Percy Gibson, a marriage, unlike the other four, which will already have lasted 17 years by 2019. And in 2015 she will become Dame Collins, honoured by Queen Elizabeth II for services to charity. But let’s get back to 1980 when renovating is still a real passion. “I’ve never stayed longer than three years in any one house other than as a child – 10 different houses in the past 20 years. I decorated my first house in 1966 when I was married to Anthony Newley. I decorated a house in Hampstead and stayed for two years. Then back to California for 18 months with a pool and tennis court.

After that a beautiful marble and glass house in L.A, which freaked me out. I couldn’t stay there alone at night – I was too frightened, so sold it after 18 months and now bought another, which I really like and do so hope we will keep.” Joan pauses with a deep and nostalgic sigh. “I’m a sort of a gypsy and one of those people who can’t throw things away. I even have magazines and records going back to the 1950s. I like possessions. Unfortunately, they end up owning me.”

Other Articles

https://thebribieislander.com.au/entertainment/celebrities-of-the-20th-century/hellys-celebrities-20th-century-john-mills-not-manor-born/

CREATIVE SPACES by Nikita Chee

David Sweedman
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CREATIVE SPACES by Nikita Chee

Daydreaming, doodling, thinking, making, resting: these are the kinds of things we do in creative spaces. Today I want to talk about our personal environments and how they can affect everything from our current mood to our future life. My special Island friends, nice to be back with you all. Lately, I have been getting to see more of the intricate beauties of the place we live in rather than the main attractions whilst on my pushy. I think I can safely say that we all appreciate Woorim as our surf side’s main attraction, but I’m really loving the bike path on the way to get there.

There are some quite lovely little locations along the path where the trees overhang and the Australian bush crowds together along with dainty native flowers. It is all rather sweet. Sometimes it’s just overwhelming – the beauty. If you’ve got the time, I suggest a morning ride over to Woorim, making sure to stop and smell the native roses! The slow pace of the bike will allow you to ‘feel’ the landscape and make connections with your place and yourself. Landscapes determine, to a large degree, lifestyle.

They shape the people and the places we make. One a more personal scale, our living rooms – the spaces we inhabit and cohabit – affect our wellbeing and personalities. I often look at home and land design online for fun and inspiration. It’s fascinating to see how people with their personalities and ideas pour into a space to make it both functional and beautiful. What’s more interesting is how much variety there is out there in design.

You go from a moody, modernindustrial style bathroom with brass appliances and dark walls to quaint backyard rustic she-shed with cottage flowers and all. One for getting clean and stylised in, the other for getting down-right dirty and creative in!

All these ‘spaces’ give us an ambience for lifegiving activities. For this reason, we must be thoughtful for where we invest our time and, inevitably, our mind into.

There is a scientific name for the concept we are meandering through here and it’s called psychogeography. Colin Ellard, a cognitive neuroscientist, says psychogeography is, “the study of the relationship between the places that we move through in our everyday life and the effects that those places have on our minds’ (Ryan, 2015). Basically, a large part of the research coming out of studying this concept points to our need to be near and exposed to nature on a daily basis.

I desire to dive into more research regarding psychogeography, but already I know by instinct what makes me feel good, creative, peaceful and happy. Being exposed to nature: I whole-heartedly agree with that! Yet what about being exposed to colour? Or textures, smells, shades of light, text, temperature, music and sound, people? Or combinations of all or few of these things!

The possibilities are literally endless and this is just talking about the physical stuff, we are also soulful and spiritual beings. Moreover, we are unique individuals that respond to stimuli differently. I encourage you to find places and spaces that make you come to heal and come alive. From there, and once you are filled, you can then carry that goodness alive in you and re-create new spaces for the now and the future to come.

Ryan, R 2015. https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/sundayextra/how-our-surroundingsaffect-the-way-we-thinkand-feel/6758818

WINELANDER – Sept – Oct

David Sweedman
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0
WINELANDER – Sept – Oct

Tags: Wine. White. Red. Wineries. Bribie Island. Brisbane. SE Queensland. Australia

A few years back wine used to be packed by the dozen and most wineries used more or less the same size 750ml bottles. Then marketers became involved and some saw the opportunity that if they made them taller and wider they would stand out of the crowd, the unfortunate side effect was as they became taller they also became heavier, a lot heavier to such a degree that they had to be packed in six-bottle packs instead of dozen packs because in most liquor outlets a lot of ladies work behind the counter and as much as 5 kilos was added to the dozen carton.

Another problem was as the bottles became taller and taller, they didn’t fit on the shelves and many wines have been deleted from the outlets due to their height. Schild Estate from the Barossa has just announced it is going to reverse this trend and has sourced a lightweight 750ml bottle that is smaller in height and easier to recycle and will be available as the 2018 vintage red wines are being released. Schild Estate began when the Schild Family moved into the Barossa and purchased a vineyard near Rowland Flats where the original homestead is still situated.

wine wineries white redToday the family owns 12 unique vineyards and included is one small patch of 170 year old Shiraz vines from which their flagship wine the iconic Moorooroo Shiraz comes from which is made in very small amounts and is strictly rationed to allow as many premium retailers the opportunity to carry the product which has a recommended cost of $199 per bottle. Whilst Shiraz is certainly their claim to fame and they have won many awards with this variety they also produce Riesling, Chardonnay, Moscato, an unwooded Chardonnay, a sparkling Pinot Chardonnay, a GMS using Old Bush Vines, and a Merlot.

At cellar door they sell a Frontignac which is a variety that used to be quite popular forty years or so ago, the wine tends to be quite perfumed and has distinct notes of lime/lemon citrus and a number of wineries in the Barossa still produce the wine. If you are looking for wines that are amongst the best from The Barossa then lookout for Schild Estate they are available from leading premium wine outlets such as Dan Murphy’s.

I have a couple of bugbears about this industry, firstly I get annoyed that to get a reasonable price in BWS and Dan Murphy’s you are expected to purchase a minimum of six bottles of wine and usually a couple of cartons of beer which in an age of moderation in alcohol consumption goes against the grain. I am also suspicious of Woolworths and Coles promoting their own labels all the time at half price which explains why 1 in every 5 bottles of wine sold through their store is now a label exclusive to each of them.

Having tried a couple of their exclusive label wines I certainly wouldn’t pay the full price for them whilst at least with wines from Rosemount, Wolf Blass and other major brands you at least know what the regular shelf price is, am I suspicious the other wines have been deliberately overpriced so that a halfprice can be applied every day, of course not, what would make you think that? My other bugbear and has been for many years is the mark-ups restaurants put on their wines, wines that retail in the liquor store with a 30-40% mark-up are marked up by as much as 300% making it very expensive to enjoy more than one bottle, and this practice isn’t just confined to five star restaurants even pizza restaurants get in on the act.

Italian wines. Red. White. Wine. There was a time when there always used to be a good quality wine at around the same price as some of the main courses but often the house wine which may be under a label you don’t recognise is probably bought by the restaurant for as little as $5 a bottle and you are expected to pay upwards of $30 which I feel is a little rich. I suppose having worked in the industry for so long you know what the mark-up is which makes it all the more annoying, whilst I understand glassware gets broken, staff wages can be high especially on long weekends and normal week-ends and rents can be a killer I still believe consumers would appreciate it if some wines on the wine list were priced so everyone could enjoy them and even encourage diners to return more often, an evening of good food can be ruined by overpriced wine.

As mentioned last time it is Penfolds 175th birthday this year and other wines that have been released to celebrate the event are The Grange 2015 RRP $900, Penfolds 2017 Kalimna Shiraz RRP $50, Penfolds 2017 Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro RRP $40, St. Henri 2016 RRP $135 and the Penfolds 2017 Yattarna Chardonnay RRP $175. I have fond memories of The Bin 28 and also The Bin 128 which used to be priced the same, both were exceptional quality wines for the price but I suggest you have a look at what Dan Murphy’s and First Choice Liquor come up with, they often have these wines out closer to $35 than $50 if you are looking for them.

This is a small selection from the 17 different wines that Penfolds have released for their 2019 collection, also released are a 2019 Bin 51 Eden Valley Riesling RRP $40, and a 2018 Reserve Bin Chardonnay RRP $125, we forget Penfolds also make very good white wines but a problem that Penfolds have had for many years is whilst having a great reputation for making fantastic red wines they have never had much success with white wines. A quiet week on the home front with a bout of flu, this week Liquorland had Vinvale Shiraz on special from the exceptional Shingleback winery for $12 a saving of around $6, A Wynns 2017 Coonawarra “The Sidings” 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, this company produces some of the most consistent red wines from the area, the Wynns Shiraz is always great value especially when on special and their black label range never disappoints, also at Liquorland was a Vasse Felix Classic Red from Margaret River, again a very good wine and a Cape Campbell Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from BWS which was 2 bottles for $20, not a bad wine for the price.

Cheers, Philip Arlidge [email protected]

In a wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.

Benjamin Franklin

Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

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Bribie Island Fishing Report & Tide Times Sept-Oct 2019

David Sweedman
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Bribie Island Fishing Report & Tide Times Sept-Oct 2019

Tags: Fishing Report. Tide Times. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Bongaree. Bellara. White Patch. Woorim. Banksia Beach. Sandstone Point.

Wow, what another great winter we have just had with beautiful crisp mornings and warm, calm sunny days. With springtime already on the doorstep and the warmer waters and weather heading our way means jacks, muddies, whiting, pelagics, and many other warm-water species will be heading our way. Time to pull out the trolling gear, pots, and snorkeling/dive gear. With so many great spots to dive it’s no wonder why most of my fishing trips end up with a couple of hours freediving around the many different locations in the bay and offshore Moreton.

Fishing Report. Tide Times. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Bongaree. Bellara. White Patch. Woorim. Banksia Beach. Sandstone Point.
Over looking the Cape from Honeymoon Bay

Henderson’s rock, flinders reef, the boulders, shallow smiths, Caloundra shallows, Bulwer ledge and the top of hutchies all great places to go for a free dive, visibility can be up to 30m out there. There’s also some nice patches of coffee rock reef just back from the cape towards Comboyuro Point approximately 400m back. This is also a nice little spot for a look. Probably the best spot of all would have to be flinders reef it’s such a beautiful reef system with good protection from south to south easters.

Tide Times

Click here to see Bribie Island Tide Times
Anchoring here on the moorings or getting that little bit closer to the reef is an amazing experience and location. We generally go in there for the day or night and anchor up, cook up, and have a few coldies. With great visibility and hundreds of fish, sharks and turtles all calling the Flinders reef home. A few of the locations are green zones so be careful and ensure all rods are de-rigged and stowed away or on the floor. There are hundreds of pristine locations to pull up to and enjoy, as the areas natural beauty and the diversity of plant and animal species are amazing.

Fishing Report. Tide Times. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Bongaree. Bellara. White Patch. Woorim. Banksia Beach. Sandstone Point.
Looking at North Straddie from Kooringal

Gilligan’s island, Cowan Cowan, Yellow Patch, Shark Spit, big sandhills, and Kooringal are all unbelievably beautiful locations all within an hour of beautiful Bribie Island. Out offshore at present has seen some nice reefies getting caught with all the local reef systems, wrecks, ledges and bommies holding some great mixed species. Now’s a great time to get out and target an excess size kingie or amberjack with some huge fish getting caught off wide Caloundra, hutchies, tempest and the shoals off the cape. Don’t be afraid of using big live baits for these brutes.

Fishing Report. Tide Times. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Bongaree. Bellara. White Patch. Woorim. Banksia Beach. Sandstone Point.
Views from the big sandhills

We usually float back live squire, moses perch or pearlies. It’s amazing to watch a frantic 35cm-37cm squire getting eaten by a school of voracious kings. 80lb braid, twin 8-10/0 mustard big guns or mustard live bait hooks,100lb mono wind on and then hang on. Amberjack and Samson fish have been known to grow to 60-70kg and quite possibly fish of this size are out off Moreton at present. Generally, these fish prefer hanging around the 60-120m marks and usually always hang around the wireweed pearlie schools, pearl perch definitely one of their favourites.

In the passage, the bream have been spawning for the last few weeks and have been biting pretty much everywhere from the tip of Caloundra right through to Buckley’s ledge, tiger rocks area. The whiting won’t be too far away either with a few early season whiting already getting caught. Live worms are the pick of baits. September usually sees the start of the big duskies coming into the estuaries to spawn also. Now’s a great time to target some nice duskies in the passage.

Fishing Report. Tide Times. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Bongaree. Bellara. White Patch. Woorim. Banksia Beach. Sandstone Point.
Sitting in behind flinders

Drifting around the passage working plastics off the many drop-offs is a great way to target these tasty estuary fish. Dusky flathead has a Minimum size limit of 40cm and a maximum size of 75cm and a bag limit of 5 per person. The sand crabs are going pretty well with the weed now almost gone, although with a dry hot summer predicted the weed will only return again soon.

On the mud crab scene, only the odd one or two about, the crabs being caught are crackers though. So, as we get that little bit closer to the great part of the year enjoy the great outdoors over the next few weeks and “don’t destroy what you come to enjoy”. Tight lines and have a safe and awesome trip out on the water.

Other Articles

https://thebribieislander.com.au/bribie-islander-magazine/2019/gloss-magazine-bribie-islander-19th-edition-september-13th-2019-issue-96/

BUSY FINGERS Sept-Oct 2019

David Sweedman
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BUSY FINGERS Sept-Oct 2019

The Art Gallery

We have done some more rearranging lately and we are pleased to announce the opening of our new Art Gallery. It now houses an assortment of pictures including the larger ones we had problems displaying in the main shop area. As you enter the shop, the doorway to the gallery is on the right side wall next to the change room, next time you are in the shop have a wander through, we continue to have sales on pictures periodically, so please check the blackboard as you enter the shop.

New Truck

As we have had our ute for over ten years now, we thought it was probably time to upgrade, this truck will transport more and has a tuck-away lifter to help our delivery drivers with bulky items. We continue to have a free pick up service, going as far as the big roundabout at Bestmann Road Ningi. Our delivery service is very reasonably priced and your purchases will be delivered usually the same day or the next morning. If you need our pick up service please call Sonia on 3408 1014.

Loss of a Dear Friend

We were sad to hear of the passing of a very dear friend and loyal customer Anita, who continually visited the shop. The number of times I would hear “Hello Sandra, how are you today?” were numerous and it was great to have a little chat and find out what she was up to. Quite often it was a case of “hubby has gone to Aldi, his favourite haunt, so he dropped me off here for a browse”. Anita was a friendly and generous lady who would have a chat as she wandered through the shop and often dropped in with biscuits for morning tea, saying here is a little something for all the hard work you all do for the island.

I have known Anita for many years and will truly miss her, as will the staff of Busy Fingers. Our condolences and love go to Fred, her family and friends, the shop will not be the same without her dropping in for a “browse”. We have lost a few dear friends over the past year and we sincerely hope their families are coping with loss.

Donations

Over the past month, we have continued to support the VMR with fuel and also the BI Hospice with the Palliative Care suite in the Church of Christ Aged Care Village. We have also recently committed to supporting BI Global Care with their Foodbank account. Other donations have been given to Meals on Wheels who required a commercial Dish Washer, the Banksia Beach C&K Kindergarten with both indoor and outdoor educational equipment. The Fishability Program with a small freezer and also the Bombora Outriggers with a laptop.

If you require assistance

If you are a member of an island club or association and require assistance please let us know. We try to assist all not for profit associations and sporting clubs, we also assist the Police, SES, VMR, and the BI Hospice. Our President Karen is quite happy to come along to your club and present our aims and goals and how your club can apply for assistance.

Please call 3410 1920 or email [email protected] if you wish to have a presentation or if you wish to apply for a grant of assistance. When applying for assistance please include a contact name and phone number and also a current equipment quote, tell us a bit about your association/club and membership and why you need the equipment you are requesting. Please be aware we only deal with island associations and groups, not individuals.

Busy’s Supporter

We have a wonderful supporter John of Banksia Beach who builds and donates wooden toys for sale in the shop, helping us raise funds for the benefit of the Bribie Island community, so thank you very much, John.

Volunteers

We always need volunteers so if you wish to join our family please call Sonia on 3408 1014 or come in and speak to her; we are registered and approved by Centrelink and the employment agencies. It is a chance to make new friends while giving back to your community. We continue to have daily sales, which we announce on the blackboard at the entrance of the shop, so please check it out. Once again, we thank Richard and the Bribie Islander family for supporting both Busy Fingers and the Island Community. Hope to see you in the shop soon. Sandra.

History – THE LAST “BRIBIE” PERSON

David Sweedman
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History – THE LAST “BRIBIE” PERSON

Tags: History. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Australia

Old-timers look back on days gone by, travelling from Brisbane by Steamship, camping, and fishing on an undeveloped Island back in the 1940s. Bribie offered a peaceful hideaway, close to nature, with few residents, facilities or services that we regard as essential today. Back then people had no running water, sewerage or garbage collection, no mains electricity, lights, fridges or stoves, and certainly no air conditioning. As recently as 50 years ago Bribie Island was known as a “Zoo without a fence” due to the abundant wildlife of all kinds, as well as cattle and horses roaming freely around the place.

Everything changes over time.

The First white settlers

So, it was even when the very first white people came to Moreton Bay. The Moreton Bay Penal settlement was established at Redcliffe in 1824 before moving up the Brisbane river and becoming the free settlement before eventually a new Colony of Queensland was separated from NSW in 1859. Convicts were often the first people to be sent and imprisoned in remote parts of Australia, but from these humble beginnings free settlers went on to occupy and develop all corners of the land. There was little regard or respect for convicts or the indigenous people in those days.

History. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Australia (11)

Aboriginal Camp. 24 Jan 1894

History. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Australia (2)How things have changed

Today many people research their past and are pleased to find they have a Convict as an ancestor. To some extent, this also applies to those with Aboriginal blood, who for many years would have tried to conceal it. Aboriginal people have lived in this vast continent for many thousands of years, living by their laws, traditions and understanding of nature. Less than 100 years after the first white settlers came to Moreton Bay, the extensive aboriginal population of the area had been virtually wiped out.

By 1877, with just a few indigenous people left in this area, the first Aboriginal Reserve in Queensland was established at White Patch on Bribie Island. No evidence remains today of the 40 men, women and children who were placed there under the supervision of Tom Petrie. This group of disparate people didn’t succeed, the Reserve was soon closed, and the remaining people dispersed.

A Mission School was opened up the Passage in 1891 at what is called “Mission Point”, to providing basic schooling for aboriginal children. This also only lasted for a short time before it too, was closed and the children relocated to Stradbroke Island. Aboriginal children were simply taken away from their parents in those days as the authorities considered it to be for their own good.

Aboriginal Protection

There was little regard for the few remaining aboriginal people, and even less for the half-caste children of mixed marriages who were increasing in numbers as settlement expanded. The official Government “Protector of Aboriginals “ visited Bribie Island in 1891 and reported that there were just a few and specifically mentioned a remarkable lady known as Kal-Ma-Kuta. Kal-Ma-Kuta died around 1897 and was the last of the Joonboburrie people of Bribie Island. She had lived a challenging life and had contributed much to the area… This is her story…

History. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Australia (2)

History. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Australia (2)

Toorbul Point Navigation Light, 1900

The last Joonboburrie

Kal-Ma-Kuta had been brought up by white settlers and met a young white man named Fred Turner who had come out with his parents from England in 1862 and settled at Ningi. Fred Turner and Kal-Ma-Kuta fell in love, married, and settled at Toorbul Point, near where Spinnaker Sound Marina is today. They set up their home, known as “Turners Camp”, on a small island at the mouth of the creek, and Kal-Ma-Kuta came to be known as Alma Turner. They had 8 children during their 23 years living at Turners Camp.

They managed “Oyster Leases” and maintaining a Navigation Light on the Point, where the Sandstone Point Hotel stands today. Each evening Fred or Alma would walk around the beach to the navigational light, with a bottle of Kerosene balanced on their head, and light the navigation beacon. The next morning one would walk back and put it out. They did this essential service daily for over 20 years providing safe navigation for the many ships travelling up and down Pumicestone Passage to the sawmills at Campbellville.

Before the great rains and silting floods of 1893 Pumicestone Passage was a much deeper and busy waterway. “Turners Camp” site was originally on a small island which later became part of the mainland when the Military built the road from Caboolture to Toorbul Point during World War 2. Alma “Kal-Ma-Kuta” Turner died in 1897 and was buried near their home with a traditional Fig tree marking the site. This historic site also became the resting place for three other descendants, including the ashes of her daughter Florence who died in 1961.

History. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Australia (2)

History. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Australia (2)

KalmaKuta Grave and Plaque

History. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Australia (7)

Turners Camp Plaque

Florence attended the Mission Point School and was transferred to Stradbroke Island when it closed in 1891. In 1894 Fred and Alma asked the Government authorities if their children, who had been taken away from them to go to school on Stradbroke Island, would be allowed to come home to spend Christmas with the rest of the family. The request was refused and the children did not spend Christmas with their parents. Alma died just three years later in 1897.

Kal-Ma-Kuta Memorial

It was 65 years later in 1962 before Kal-Ma-Kuta was recognised for her remarkable life with Fred and her contribution to the area. When the Bribie Island Bridge and approach roads were being constructed through Ningi, the Caboolture Historical Society asked for the road to be diverted around the memorial Fig tree, and a memorial to be erected on the site. Most of the land in that area was owned by the Clark family for the Oyster leases and had been a military training camp during the Second World War.

A memorial was erected in 1962 in the centre of the new divided road, before the opening of the new Bribie Island bridge. It remained virtually unnoticed for many years but is now more visible as the site is cleared and maintained. The stone cairn and memorial plaque can be seen in the median strip, just past Turners Camp road as you approach Bribie.

History. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Australia (2)

Turners Camp Cairn

History. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Australia (2)

Alma Turner Plaque July 2013

Turners Camp Memorial

If you turn left down Turners Camp road as you approach Bribie you can see another memorial stone and plaque near the water. In 2004 Kal-Ma-Kuta’s great-grandchildren asked the then Caboolture Shire Council to recognise the historic Turners Camp site. An appropriate stone carving was commissioned in the form of a Navigation Light encrusted with Oysters on which a plaque was placed. However, the Council wording on the plaque did not indicate that Alma Turner was, in fact, an aboriginal, or indeed the last of the Joondoburrie people of Bribie Island. It seems that even 15 years ago there were problems recognising our history. An additional plaque was added by the Turner family a couple of years later to correct that omission. Let’s hope that these memorials to the last Joondoburrie woman of Bribie Island, her long marriage to Fred, and the treatment of their children by the authorities, are not completely forgotten by those who follow us.

More BRIBIE History

The Historical Society has monthly public meetings at the RSL Club on the second Wednesday of each month commencing at 6:30 pm with interesting guest speakers on a wide range of topics, and you can see many more photos and articles on our Blog Site at http://bribieislandhistory.blogspot.com or contact us on [email protected]

Are you interested in knowing more about Bribie Island History

The Historical Society has compiled and published a great pocket-sized, well-illustrated book titled “Bribie Island- A Handy History” which is essential reading for Bribie residents and visitors. The book provides an overview of the major events, people and stages in Bribie’s commercial and social development over the last 250 years. It answers a lot of the general questions that people want to know about Bribie’s past. The cost of the book is $10 and is available at the Museum and other locations around Bribie, and through the Historical Society.

President Graham Mills & Secretary Author Lynne Hooper

Other Articles

https://thebribieislander.com.au/history-war-bribie-island/our-history/history-bribie-island/

Bribie island Wildlife EASTERN GREAT EGRET – ARDEA ALBA MODESTA

David Sweedman
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Bribie island Wildlife EASTERN GREAT EGRET – ARDEA ALBA MODESTA

Tags: Wildlife. Native. Birds. Egret. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Australia.

One of the largest and most majestic birds to be found on Bribie Island is the Eastern Great Egret which is commonly found just about anywhere there is shallow water. They are often seen feeding in the passage and shallow, permanent or temporary waterholes. Eastern Great Egrets are the largest of the 5 species of Egrets in Australia being 85-150 cm tall and 600-1200 g in weight.

Featured Image(above): Ready to pounce!

They are tall, elegant and graceful with very long legs and necks and are often seen standing with their necks crooked in the shape of a question mark. Their plumage is all white and in the non-breeding season their bills, facial skin and eyes are yellow. In-flight they are lovely to watch with their necks pulled in, wings flapping slowly, and legs stretched out behind. Male and female are similar with the male being slightly larger. Their call is a deep, guttural croak.

Eastern Great Egrets are found in wetlands or anywhere where the conditions are suitable throughout Australia and in most countries of the world. Their main food is fish, but they also eat frogs, reptiles, crustaceans, and insects. Usually, they feed alone wading slowly through shallow water, poising then spearing their prey with their sharp bill. If a large fish is speared it can be difficult to swallow and usually takes some time before the prey can be consumed. Sometimes other birds take advantage of the situation and pirate the fish before the Egrets can finish their meal.

The breeding season in our area is usually October to December. Great Egrets nest in colonies with other birds such as other species of Egrets, Ibises, Cormorants and Night Herons high up in trees which are in or near water. There is quite a dramatic change in the appearance of the Egrets during the breeding season. Yellow bills turn black, faces become green, legs turn a reddish colour, eyes become red and beautiful white plumes appear on their backs.

Nests are untidy platforms of sticks 50-70 cm in diameter which is lined with grass and close to the top of trees to give easy access to the nest from above. Both parents build the nest, incubate the 2-5 pale blue-green eggs and tend to the chicks. Incubation takes about 25-26 days. After about 60 days the young can fly. During the nesting period, the breeding plumage gradually disappears. One brood is produced per season and the nest is often used again the following year.

It is easy to confuse Eastern Great Egrets with Intermediate Egrets. Great Egrets are larger and the yellow skin on their faces extend past the eye. There are many common names for The Eastern Great Egret such as White Heron, Common Egret and many more. During the 1800s Ostridge feathers along with Egret breeding feathers were much sort after in the fashion world and many populations in the world were entirely wiped out. It wasn’t until the early 1900s when two American women crusaded against this slaughter that the trade of Egret plumes was stopped.

Since that time their numbers have been rejuvenated. An Egret in captivity may live to 22 years whereas their lifespan in the wild is thought to be only 1-3 years. The Chinese Egret symbol represents strength, purity, patience and long life. Conservation status worldwide for the Eastern Great Egret is of least concern for now.

DRIVING TO SURVIVE – SAFETY DRIVING PROGRAM FOR BRIBIE’S YEAR 11 STUDENTS!

David Sweedman
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DRIVING TO SURVIVE – SAFETY DRIVING PROGRAM FOR BRIBIE’S YEAR 11 STUDENTS!

Tags: Rotary Bribie Island. Brisbane. Queensland

The term ‘road trauma’ has become part of the modern-day language. It is used to describe both the physical and mental injuries resulting from a road accident and it affects people who are directly and indirectly involved. Those indirectly involved include friends and family of victims, those first on the scene and emergency workers – especially our police. But it also impacts on all members of society, especially when we hear of the tragic and sudden death of a young family or person – people who had their entire life before them.

Featured Image(above): Misjudgement of the braking distance

To me, a road death is always a stark reminder of the fragility of life. How quickly it is gone. There were 1,145 road deaths in Australia in 2018. Although the fatality rate per 100,000 people decreased from 6.9 in 2009 to 4.6 per 100,000 in 2018 it is still far too high. Victoria, South Australia, and the ACT achieved higher reductions over the decade. The largest reduction in road deaths was for young road users (17-25): 226 deaths in 2018, down 37.6 percent over the decade.

Despite this, the fatality rate per 100,000 of young road users remains higher than other age groups. Rotary is determined to help young drivers and has developed a Road Safety Program which is delivered each year to over 50,000 senior high school students from more than 650 participating schools across Australia and New Zealand. Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) is a road safety program designed to reduce the trauma on our roads by encouraging students to take a more responsible attitude to driving.

It is conducted by Road Safety Education (RSE) Limited, a not-for-profit community initiative delivering quality evidence-based road safety education programs to young people. With the assistance of the Rotary Club of Caboolture, the Island’s very own Bribie Rotary recently introduced RYDA to Year 11 students at Bribie Island State High School (BISHS).

The first training day was held on Tuesday 20 August at Morayfield Sports and Events Centre and was attended by 123 students and 6 teachers from BISHS. Seven Rotarians from Bribie Island and at least 9 from Caboolture Rotary Clubs assisted on the day. Students were divided into groups of approximately 20 and attended six interactive sessions delivered by RSE Trainers.

Your humble scribe was the Volunteer Leader for the Yellow Group and moved through the Sessions in the following order:

1. Drive SOS. The Session demonstrated the importance of seeing the road from all perspectives and how this helps you to Drive So Others Survive.

2. Genevieve’s Story. Showed how ‘a good and careful driver’ lost her life through a decision to overtake. It taught participants about decision making and understanding your mind state.

3. Road Choices (jointly with Blue Group). Demonstrated the dangers of risk-taking and that penalties for law-breaking are not just about fines and demerit points. They can lead to criminal charges which can impact on future careers and overseas travel.

4. The ‘I’ in Drive. Taught students to know themselves better, be their own coaches and to have a plan for risky situations.

5. Speed & Stopping. Demonstrated stopping and safe following distances, the importance of good quality tyres and the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) car safety ratings. I remember my husband telling me of an advanced driving course he did. He had to stop a car at 60 kph – without knowing when – on a twisting road that had been deliberately heavily watered. He said it was extremely stressful. I could not believe this – 60 kph? Not being allowed to use the brake until the flag dropped – not knowing when he had to stop. Yet today we have people travelling at 110 kph in wet weather barely 2 or 3 metres behind each other.

6. Crash Investigations (jointly with Blue Group). Gave information about what to do at a crash scene, fatigue tips, understanding crash factors and identifying ways the Safe System (Safe Speeds, Safe Vehicles, Safe Road Users and Safe Roads and Roadsides) can be strengthened.

A speaker told her story and the students were able to ask her how the Safe System protected and/or failed her. Some very powerful, and some quite confronting, messages came out of each session. Participants were taught to change the way they think about road safety. I am sure RYDA has helped lay the groundwork for safe road use throughout their lives.

And I know that they learned the importance of having Road Sense – ‘the offspring of courtesy and the parent of safety’ (Australian Traffic Rule). You often don’t get a second chance on the road, so take your time. In her email to me, I think Ms Holzwart’s Principal at BISHS, summed up the day by saying ‘the students valued the experience and the staff was enthused by the organisation and the great experience for the students. It is such a positive step towards road safety.’

Our thanks to Rob and Lurline Whyllie, President Steve Baker and the team from Caboolture Rotary for their excellent organisation and assistance. Also, a big thank you to the P & C, Ms. Kerri Holzwart, and Ms. Sharyn Bryce from BISHS for their commitment and support. Ms. Bryce’s organising skills were very evident with her colour coded sheets and the fact that the students arrived in their allocated groups.

Indeed, no mean feat. A Tommy Lasorda (MLB Pitcher, Coach and Manager) quote is relevant here. He said, ‘Baseball is like driving, it’s the one who gets home safely that counts.’ So – next time we all go out on the road – let’s all “get home safely” (and, unlike baseball, ensure the other guy does too)!

Communty Event – BIDCA Music Festival on October 26th

David Sweedman
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Communty Event – BIDCA Music Festival on October 26th

Tags: Music Festival. Events. Live Music. Bribie Island. Sandstone Point

As most Bribie Islanders (and visitors) know, there are many talented and popular entertainers who reside within the local area and can often be seen performing to patrons at one of the hotels, restaurants or clubs.

Whilst this ensures that there is almost always somewhere to go for music lovers to enjoy whatever genre that is their favourite, at most these events usually only feature two or three artists over a few hours so, for anyone who would like to be entertained by a different artist every thirty minutes over a six-hour period, the BIDCA Music Festival on October 26th is an event not to be missed.

Commencing at 2 pm in the Bribie Island Indoor Bowls Hall on First Avenue (next to the Orchid House), this concert is being held as a fundraiser in support of those who are homeless or at risk and a BIDCA (Bribie Island District Community Appeal) spokesperson has advised that, as there are only a total of two hundred tickets available, those who wish to attend should get in early to avoid disappointment.

‘The artists who are appearing at the Music Festival all have their own style and this will ensure a great range of genres, providing entertainment for all tastes and making it a must-attend for many,’ he pointed out. Over the six hours, music lovers will be treated to performances by Michael Early, The Wildflowers, Jack James, Rick Dalton and Erin May as well as Emma Dyson, Peta Schubel, the Plumb Dogs and more.

To ensure that patrons do not go hungry, there will be tasty hamburgers and cold drinks available throughout the duration and as well as the chance to take home the lucky door prize, festival-goers will have the opportunity to purchase tickets in the raffle which offers major prizes of a BBQ Boat Hire Voucher and a New Acoustic Guitar with carrying bag and other minor prizes.

As is the case with all fundraising events, the support of the local community and businesses is essential and the BIDCA team have said that they would like to thank major sponsors Victory Press, Simone Wilson MP, The Bribie Islander Community Magazine and Bribie Island Boat Charters along with other businesses for their wonderful support. Anyone who wishes to purchase tickets or find out more about the BIDCA Music Festival should call Neil on 0448 932 484.

bidca music festival bribie islandOther Articles:

https://thebribieislander.com.au/community/community-events/golden-entertainers-shall-holding-annual-concert-16th-october/

International Coffee Day – Oct 1st

David Sweedman
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International Coffee Day – Oct 1st

RAISE YOUR MUG FOR THE BREW THAT KICK-STARTS THE DAILY GRIND

Millions of coffee lovers across the world will be raising their mugs tomorrow morning as they pay homage to one of humanity’s all-time favourite drinks.

Tomorrow (October 1) is the fourth annual International Coffee Day, a calendar milestone that enables caffeine-lovers to celebrate the dark, rich brew that kick-starts their daily grind each morning.

Australians consume nearly 2kg of coffee every year with more than one in four fans (27 per cent) admitting they couldn’t survive the day without a cup.

Brisbane coffee company owner Dean Merlo said Queensland coffee drinkers had developed refined palates when it comes to nature’s nectar.

“When I opened my first espresso bar in Brisbane in 1992, a cappuccino was considered exotic,” said Mr. Merlo, owner of Merlo Coffee.

“People now like to choose beans from particular countries and they drink different styles of coffee at different times of the day. We’ve come a long way.”

But how much do we really know about our favourite brew?

Here’s a way to test your coffee connoisseur knowledge:

  1. Which country produces the most coffee in the world each year?
  2. In which Australian state was the first recorded growth of coffee in Australia?
  3. What is the most popular style of coffee in Australia?
  4. How many cups of coffee are consumed every day around the world?
  5. a) More than 1 million
  6. b) More than 1 billion
  7. c) More than 2 billion
  8. d) More than 5 billion
  9. If you drink a coffee that has fruity and floral flavours, which continent are the beans most likely to come from?

 Answers:

  1. Brazil produces the most coffee at 2,592,000 tonnes per year, followed by Vietnam with 1,650,000 tonnes.
  2. The first recorded growth of coffee in Australia was at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane, Qld in 1832.
  3. Australia’s favourite style of coffee is a latte (33% of coffees bought in Australia are lattes, 24% flat white).
  4. Approximately 2.25 billion cups of coffee are enjoyed every day around the world.
  5. African coffees are often described as complex, fruity and floral. These are stronger, fragrant-rich and full-bodied flavours.

Other Articles

https://thebribieislander.com.au/history-war-bribie-island/our-history/major-events-bribie-history/

 

The Golden Entertainers shall be holding their annual concert on 16th October

David Sweedman
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0
The Golden Entertainers shall be holding their annual concert on 16th October

The Golden Entertainers shall be holding their annual concert on 16th October starting at 1:30 pm at The Golden Age Centre in Woorim.

Refreshments will be available at the intermission and we have a great two-hour show for you all.

Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased at the door or contact Betty on 0408 924 816.

Hope to see you all there!
Betty Mac.
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