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FINDING BRIBIE ENDS COUPLE’S SEARCH

David Sweedman
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FINDING BRIBIE ENDS COUPLE’S SEARCH

Tags: Retirement. Travel. Tourism destinations. Queensland. Moreton Bay.

Three years ago, my hubby Ian and I visited the Sunshine Coast region, from NSW, searching for a change, looking at over 50 resorts and parks, we came across Bribie Island and an over 50’s new resort being built in the best area we had seen to want to live. We took the plunge to be able to live in a wonderful environment, close to all amenities, yet far enough away to feel as if you are on holidays every day.

The caring and happy community on the island, the availability to pursue any interest you may have within the close proximity of your home, good transport options, with the lovely scenery to walk, ride your bike, peaceful environment close to water, what more could you ask for. My husband and I are retired and he is very much involved with lawn bowls and he very much enjoys being part of the Bribie Bowls Club who made us both feel very welcome from the first day.

I then thought I better try to find something for myself, so I ventured out to U3A, joined a couple of things, did some volunteering for a while, but still wanted more to use the old brain cells and my life experience to contribute to the wider community. As we live in a manufactured home resort, I eventually found the Manufactured Home Owners Association Inc. (MHOA) website, became a member and then a member of the management committee. I can work from home and attend a couple of meetings a year, and I became committed to working with MHOA.

The Association is a nonprofit, volunteer, state-wide organization developed to help prevent unfair treatment of manufactured homeowners. It is devoted to promote, advance, maintain and safeguard the combined and individual interests of manufactured homeowners throughout Queensland. With a bit of mentoring, (which continues, from the president Errol) I have immersed myself in the Manufactured Home (Residential Parks) Act 2003, working on raising the profile of MHOA.

We are continually lobbying State and Federal Governments on all manners of issues concerning members’ welfare and our members can receive free advice and support. I hope for many years to contribute to the Queensland community and live in this amazing place we now call home. How many people get to say, I live on an island, one of the best we think, Thanks Bribie. Rhonda and Ian Cooper.

History – Queensland LOOKING BACK 250 YEARS

David Sweedman
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History – Queensland LOOKING BACK 250 YEARS

Tags: Captain Cook. History. Historical events. Queensland. Australia

In a few months’ time, we will all be preparing for the start of the year 2020, which is the 250 year Anniversary of James Cook being the first to sail and claim the East Coast of Australia in the name of King George the Third in 1770. He sailed along the east coast of Australia, landing only three times, and naming several prominent landmarks including Cape Mor(e)ton and The Glasshouses, their distant shapes reminding him of Glass Factories in his distant homeland.

Cook and the crew of the Bark “Endeavour” had been sailing for nearly two years already, and they were well off the coast so did not actually see the Bay or any islands. Cook and naturalist, Joseph Banks had left England in 1769 to observe the “Transit of Venus” from the remote island of Tahiti and then went on to be the first to circumnavigate and map the entire coast of New Zealand, before continuing south-east and hitting Australia. James Cook is generally regarded as having “discovered” Australia in 1770, but several Dutch, French and Portuguese explorers had previously sailed and mapped much of the West, North and South coasts.

Able Tasman has charted parts of what he named Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) and New Zealand in 1643, which was 127 years earlier, but he did not know they were close to a much larger land mass. Frenchman Jean de Surville had also sailed quite close to the east coast of Australia a few months before Cook, and his crew reported being able to “smell land”, but they did not actually see it. De Surville and Cook also sailed almost within sight of each other at north New Zealand in December 1769, but again did not actually see each other in the vast expanse of Ocean.

Australia had come very close to being claimed by the French. After returning from his first voyage in 1771 Cook went on to conduct two more significant world explorations, for a total of eleven years. What a remarkable navigator, cartographer and ship’s Captain he was. On board the “Resolution” from 1772 to 1775 he explored vast areas of the south Pacific Ocean searching for almost two years, without success for what was thought to be a “Great South Land”.

He went in the “Resolution” again from 1776 to 1779 seeking a hoped-for North West Passage, around the top of North America to find a sea route to Europe. Unable to find a passage through the frozen north he returned to Hawaii where he was killed in an unfortunate incident with the natives. Returning from their first journey James Cook and Joseph Banks reported finding the coast of a new land (they called New South Wales).

The report of their brief landing at what they called “Botany Bay” in 1770 led to a decision 18 years later to send a “First Fleet” of 11 ships, laden with convicts to settle on the other side of the world. Australia was once again so very close to being French. When the First Fleet ships arrived in 1788, after 9 hard months of sailing uncharted waters, with such a difficult cargo, they arrived in the same week as Frenchman La Perouse and his two exploration ships.

They stayed peacefully for a few weeks before La Perouse two ships sailed away. They were never seen again ….they simply disappeared off the face of the earth …..and despite subsequent searches by the French Government, no trace was ever found!! This year 2019 is the 220th Anniversary of the first white man to land on Bribie Island. When Matthew Flinders aboard the sloop “Norfolk”, with his aboriginal companion Bongaree were sent to explore Moreton Bay in 1799, just 11 years after the arrival of the First Fleet.

Flinders and his small crew were the first white men to set foot on what is now Bribie Island and climb a Glasshouse mountain. Flinders went on to be the first to sail right around this entire continent which was later named Australia.

The Colony of Queensland.

It would be another 60 years before Queensland was separated from NSW in 1859 to become a new Colony of the British Empire. In those 60 years, there were very few who came to this desolate Island. Within a hundred years of the first sighting of this coast by Captain Cook in 1770, the Aboriginal population of Moreton Bay had been reduced to just a few. This resulted in the establishment of Queensland’s first Aboriginal reserve being set up here at Whitepatch on Bribie Island 1877.

In 1891 Bribie Island was briefly visited by Archibald Meston, an Explorer, Author and Politician who made this now famous comment…… It is therefore quite remarkable that just 17 years later some Brisbane businessmen developed Bribie Island into Australia’s first Island holiday destination. In 1912 they built the Jetty at Bongaree, started Steamship trips, and saw Bribie develop as a destination for mass tourism. These remarkable boom years for Bribie Island were interrupted in the 1930s by the “Great Depression”, and soon after that came World War 2.

This led to great change as the Military moved in, and most residents were moved out. The “Steam Ship Excursion” trade resumed again after the War but by now the Motor Car was becoming popular, and people braved the dreadful roads to bring their car by barge to the Island. In 1963 a bridge was built and the Island was joined to mainland Australia. Looking back over those 250 years the Island has experienced many remarkable events, Here is an overview of some of the key dates and events in the History of Bribie Island.

MORE LOCAL 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]

Bribie Island Wildlife – GREY SHRIKE – THRUSH – COLLURICINCLA HARMONICA

David Sweedman
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Bribie Island Wildlife – GREY SHRIKE – THRUSH – COLLURICINCLA HARMONICA

Tags: Native wildlife. Birds. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Queensland. Australia

Grey Shrike-thrushes are moderately common on Bribie Island in forest areas and occasionally venture into suburbia. Their melodious call is often a signal that this rather plain bird is nearby. Throughout Australia, there are several variations with colouring differing slightly in each area. The birds we are likely to see on Bribie have a rather drab colouring with greyish brown backs and pale grey undersides.

Featured Image(above): Grey Shrike-thrush in bushland

Heads are thick and bills are black. There is not a lot of difference between male and female in our area except the females have more heavily streaked throats and breasts and the males have a white patch in front of the eye. They are 22-25 cm in length and weigh 70-84 g. Grey Shrike-thrushes have some of the most beautiful and varied calls in Australia. Also known as the Harmonious Thrush they have over a hundred clear, sharp and melodious songs.

In Australia, there are four species of Shrike-thrush with the Grey being the most widespread. The only other species we are likely to see on Bribie Island is the Little Shrike-thrush which is much smaller, a lovely rufous colour and a fairly common resident. Grey Shrike-thrushes can live in most parts of Australia and in very diverse habitats such as wooded coastal areas, tropical areas and arid areas of the interior where there are trees and water.

They are also found in PNG. Usually, they stay in pairs and remain in the same territory which is about 10 hectares for their entire lives. Grey Shrike-thrushes can become quite used to people and will often come into a garden for a drink of water or come to the balcony of a restaurant looking for handouts. A large variety of food is on the menu as they are omnivores which eat meat as well as vegetable matter. Invertebrates, small reptiles, frogs, mice, nestlings and eggs of other birds and sometimes seeds and fruit are just some of the items on their varied diet.

They usually feed on the ground, scratching around in the undergrowth and around rotting timber, but will feed in foliage in trees and under bark looking for insects and larvae. Breeding takes place from July to March or after rain in arid regions. Nest sites are well hidden and quite varied and may be built in shallow hollows in trees, in stumps, crevices on cliff faces and in logs on forest floors. Shrike-thrushes have even been known to nest in parks and in hanging pots in gardens. Nests are in the shape of bowls built of bark strips and lined with fine material found in the area.

Native wildlife. Birds. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Queensland. Australia (1)

Grey Shrike-thrush looking for a handout

Clutches of 2-4 creamy, blotched eggs are laid. Males help with the nest building, incubation of 17-18 days and tending the young. Nestlings fledge in about 17 days and there could be several clutches produced during the season if conditions are right. The same nest sites are sometimes used year after year. Parents generally stay together for life.

A common name amongst birdwatchers is GST (Grey Shrike-Thrush). They were given the scientific name Harmonica from the Latin meaning “skilled in music” and Colluricincla which is derived from two Greek words meaning “shrike”. Oddly enough they are neither Shrikes nor Thrushes but were called “Shrikes” because of their predatory bills and “Thrushes” after the melodious Thrushes of Europe. They belong to the same family as the Whistlers and Shrike-tits and were studied and cataloged by John Latham in 1802.

John Latham contributed largely to our early ornithology knowledge and first documented many of the birds in the late 1700s and early 1800s. They are often attacked by other birds because of their tendency to raid nests for eggs and chicks. Because they feed mainly on the ground their main threats are from cats, dogs, and foxes.

Feral cats are a huge problem in Australia with an estimated 6.3 million occupying our wild and suburban areas. If one cat eats one bird each day that is over six million birds eaten every day in the wild and if it were only half that number, it is still an enormous daily loss of wildlife. This is a huge problem for the bird and small mammal world. Grey Shrike-thrushes conservation status is secure but in some areas, they appear to be on the decline.

MATTHEW FLINDERS ART PRIZE 2019 Gallery – Starts July 20th

David Sweedman
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MATTHEW FLINDERS ART PRIZE 2019 Gallery – Starts July 20th

Tags: art gallery, Matthew Flinders, artist, artwork, Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane

Excitement is building for the opening of this year’s Matthew Flinders Art Prize. Now in its 21st year, the Matthew Flinders Art Prize honours artists of all mediums and showcases the wonderful Bribie Island Community Arts Centre where it is housed. The Arts Centre, built in 1988 in Banksia Beach, had the splendid Matthew Flinders Gallery added in 1999.

The same year, in tribute to Bribie Island’s intrepid discoverer/ explorer, an annual art competition/exhibition began in his namesake gallery. The MFAP has been a focal point for creatives and the art-loving community on Bribie Island and the surrounding region, eagerly anticipated and joined and a launch point for several successful artists over the years. Initially drawing local Bribie artists who worked, shared and honed their craft at the Arts Centre, it has grown and spread its range to artists from all over south-east Queensland and beyond.

This expansion has been helped significantly by generous local sponsors and supporters. This year, the sponsors are; Hans Electrical, Bribie RSL, Waterways Motel, Gem Life, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Traditional Funerals, Ireland Flooring, Victory Press, Mitre 10 Bribie, italkTravel & Cruise, Simone Wilson MP for Pumicestone. In keeping with the event’s growth and enhanced status within the arts community, it has done away with categories and is now an open competition.

In recent years, major prize winners have been a painter – and also a sculptor and photographers. Prize money totals $8500. First prize is $5000, second prize $2000 and there are two $500 Highly Commended awards. There is also a $500 People’s Choice prize. This year’s entries which will be judged and hung on July 15 -18 promise an outstanding exhibition, says organising committee chairman, Stephanie White.

Bribie Island Community Arts Society members and friends look forward to the 2019 event with excitement to the opening on July 19. The MFAP runs July 20 until August 9 at Bribie Island Community Arts Centre 191 Sunderland Drive Banksia Beach. Hours Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 4 pm. MFAP Opening Nights tickets are $10 each. Book yours on 3408 9288, but be quick as numbers are limited. Don’t miss it – and vote for your favourite.

Gloss Magazine Bribie Islander 14th Edition July 5 2019 Issue 91

The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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Gloss Magazine Bribie Islander 14th Edition July 5 2019 Issue 91

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 the high-resolution digital version here

PREPARATION KEY TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE

David Sweedman
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PREPARATION KEY TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Tags: Bribie Island Emergency Services

When disaster strikes, either by natural or man-made means, it is what happens immediately after the initial event that sets the scene for the effectiveness of any response. Bribie Islanders have been blessed that we have not had to deal with that many major incidents over the years.

Those that we have had, such as the bush fires and brush with cyclone OMA earlier this year were dealt with very effectively by our emergency services teams on the ground, in the air and on the water. The Bribie Islander recently caught up with another milestone in the protection of our beautiful island and the surrounding region with the local sign off by each emergency services person responsible for working together on any future combined emergency response that affects our region.

The occasion that brought all the key players together was the signing of the recently reviewed and updated Bribie Island Emergency Services Multi-Agency Response Plan. This is the critical planning document that underpins any coordinated emergency response to an incident that happens on the island where more than one emergency service is required. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Station Officer Bribie Island Wayne Brown said that the document is a practical working guide that has been reviewed and updated to ensure the correct resources are employed in any given emergency across a number of different emergency service areas.

The Bribie Island Emergency Services Multi-Agency Response Plan document has been signed off by members of the Bribie Island Emergency Management Group. The attending group was comprised of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Station Officer Bribie Island Wayne Brown, Queensland Police Service Officer In Charge Bribie Island Senior Sergeant Lyndal Wiggins, Queensland Ambulance Service Officer In Charge Bribie Island Jarred Thorne, Qld Parks & Wildlife Services Officer In Charge Bribie Island Brendan McLarty and Cheryn Kelly, VMRBI Vice Commodore Ces Luscombe VMRBI Secretary Gary Voss.

Given the often challenging nature of responding to emergencies in the off-road area, (around 86 percent of the island is made up of environmental and national marine parks) the BIEMG meets regularly and conducts exercises to prepare for real-life emergencies should they occur. Wayne said that later in the year it is planned that all agencies will join together during an exercise to simulate a disaster situation. The exercise will allow the group to utilise their specific skills to respond, practice and refine their disaster training recovery techniques.

Wayne said that these exercises are very important to ensure that our local emergency services agencies are well prepared to respond to incidents in the Bribie Island area. Bribie residents and business owners should take comfort in our local emergency services preparedness to respond to any disaster that comes our way.

THE ART OF RUNNING BY LORNA GROVES

David Sweedman
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THE ART OF RUNNING BY LORNA GROVES

Tags: Bribie Island Art. Art Gallery. Artist. Artwork. Brisbane. Moreton Bay.

No, not that sort of running, but making the paint run onto a canvas in extraordinary ways. And I’m not giving too much away about the art of our Artist of the Month for July on the wall at the Bribie Community Arts Centre. Mostly because I don’t know much about it. However I did look it up to find there’s little more satisfying than using fluid art, liquid art, or acrylic pouring as it is variously called, to create abstract masterpieces by letting pigment run amok. This form of abstract art uses acrylics with a runny consistency to create psychedelic paintings.

There are endless possibilities and different ways, I learned, to combine the paint before spilling it across a surface. And it is why Lorna has called her exhibition Fluidity. Lorna Groves was very excited upon first seeing fluid art, and knew immediately it was the type of art she wanted to pursue, having always preferred abstractions. She can also be found lately enjoying another fluid medium – watercolours, with the U3A class. South African born and raised, Lorna has proudly called Bribie home for 30 years. Arriving on our continent in 1974 on a work visa and job transfer, she knew no one in Australia and was unimpressed at a job downgrade.

But with an attitude change, she decided the world was her oyster and never looked back. Always having an appreciation for the creative arts, eight years ago Lorna joined a U3A art class ‘to give it a go’. A decision was made that her family would see as many travelling art exhibitions as possible. So as part of their education, Lorna ensured her children were thoroughly immersed in the art world as she enjoyed every exhibition they could visit. Lorna’s son lives in Oslo, Norway, but I am absolutely certain it is not to avoid being dragged to art shows by his mother!

For Oslo has what must be the most inspiring sculpture garden in the world. There is no way to get away from art there. Oh to have a mother who appreciates art as does this lady. The exhibition will be on the wall at the Arts Centre, 191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach, throughout the month with Lorna’s Artist of the Month talk on Friday 12 July. Morning tea will be served afterwards. Bookings for catering purposes can be made by ringing 3408 9288.

Troon Family Golf Day

David Sweedman
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Troon Family Golf Day

Have you got anything planned this school holidays? Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club are hosting a Troon Family Golf Day and inviting parents, grandparents or guardians to pair up with their little ones to play a round of golf (2 person Ambrose format). The Ambrose format is popular as it allows all standards of golfers to mix and play together with equal enjoyment irrespective of ability. It also helps to promote teamwork. No prior experience needed and handicaps will be provided on the day.

When: 11.30am-2.30pm, Thursday, 11 July 2019
Where: Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club, 141-159 Avon Ave, Banksia Beach

What you need to know: Bookings are essential (07) 3410 4011, $15 per team of 2 to play which includes a cart!

https://www.facebook.com/events/503890543692440/

Somebody Tell The Pelicans

David Sweedman
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Somebody Tell The Pelicans

By Richard Whetlor
As I drove over the bridge this morning to The Bribie Islander office I noticed a pelican defying all odds as it wobbled trying to secure it’s footing on one of the first few lamposts which have the new LED lights and anti pelican bars to stop them pooping on the lights and causing damage. As you may already know the transport minister for main roads Mark Bailey has done a wonderful job by agreeing to install the old lights on five of the 13 or so lamposts as a solution.

Well, guess what? As I was driving over the bridge thinking about that pelican and taking in the beautiful scenery the Bribie bridge view has to offer I spotted them, the new pelican perches are here YAY! All five of them.

Good work and well done to everybody that has got involved in the pelican movement to bring the pelicans back to the Bribie bridge street lights!!
Funny seeing the pelican on the lampost without the new perch though! We need to let the pelicans know :0)

Community Event – ECLECTICA 4 AT THE GALLERY – June 25 – 12 July

David Sweedman
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Community Event – ECLECTICA 4 AT THE GALLERY – June 25 – 12 July

For the fourth year since its inception, the Contemporary Arts Practices Working Together Group at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre is presenting its annual Eclectica exhibition. Opening night, to which all are welcome, is Friday 28 June at 6 pm, but the display runs for almost three weeks from 25 June till 12 July.

In addition to the Eclectica art, this year’s showcase features monochrome landscapes, wearable art, encaustic work, revamped shoes and the promise of being unique, expressive, impressive and creative. Eclectica is the perfect name for the multimedia artistry of the CAP Group members. The word ‘eclectic’ describes a combination of many different individual styles, themes, mediums or inspirations pooled from a variety of sources. Membership in the Eclectica group is highly sought after due largely to the lively program and mandatory fun had by all.

They have held two successful exhibitions at Vianta Espresso and Wine Bar in Beerwah during May this year and in 2018, the Wearable Art Fashion Parade in the Matthew Flinders Gallery in March, Island Fringe – a Bribie Perspective exhibition also in May at the Redcliffe Old Fire Station Gallery, and in September a joint exhibition called Both Ways with the Maleny Art Group.

The CAP is a group of experienced artists using a diverse range of media which push boundaries in painting, the use of textiles, printmaking, glassblowing, woodcarving, jewelry design, pottery, and sculpture. Among their number are former and working art teachers and art prize winners. New members or visitors are always welcome. Check out the current timetable at the reception in the arts centre. And phone 3408 9288 for further information. We are at 191 Sunderland By Debra Mieth Drive, Banksia Beach.

BUSY FINGERS June 2019

David Sweedman
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BUSY FINGERS June 2019

SHOP CHANGES

As usual, we are continually busy in the shop, as well as trying to make it easier for customers to locate the items they are looking for. Our manager Sonia has just finished changing the ladies’ shoes area in the corner of the clothing, there is now one large shoe stand for all the ladies shoes (Men’s shoes are in the baskets above their clothing racks).

There are also two pegboards full of leather and nonleather belts for $4 and $2 respectively, and shortly we will be adding more wall shelves in that corner. A table has been placed in front of the kitchenware shelves displaying special/ collectible items including china, glassware, and trinkets that have a dot on them, these will be 50% off the marked price, and it will be an ongoing display until further notice.

So you may get a good bargain for your own collection or maybe a present idea for family or friends. NEW We now have an alcove on the far right side wall as you come into the shop, this area has recently been renovated and it is being used to hang a lot of the pictures we have in stock, these are also on sale at the moment, so please check them out.

ZERO TOLERANCE

Usually, all our customers are happy and friendly and praise the volunteers and staff for their help, they enjoy coming for a wander through the shop looking for bargains and enjoy their visit, it is just a shame when we have incidents that cause upset to both our people and the surrounding customers. Over the last few weeks, our cashier and some volunteers have been subjected to irate and rude customers, this is unnecessary and totally unacceptable.

One customer even became abusive towards our cashier and then started on the manager when she was called for help. This will not be tolerated and in the future, the manager has been advised to ask the rude customer to leave and not come back at all. These people will be banned from future entry to our premises as we have had a Zero Tolerance policy for many years now. Our staff and volunteers are always willing to help our customers; but we cannot help if we do not have the items they are looking for in stock, that is still NOT an excuse for abuse.

Our volunteers share their precious time with us for the benefit of our beautiful community and therefore should be treated with respect at all times. We always thank our wonderful customers for their support and hope they enjoy their visit to our premises.

RUBBISH ONCE AGAIN

We received a couple of black bags recently that had wet smelly clothes inside, please do not put these things in our white collection bins, it is not pleasant when opening these bags and volunteers should not be subjected to these issues. Please donate only clean and re-saleable items in our bins, we thank you for your cooperation and support.

REQUEST FOR PRESENTATIONS AND DONATIONS

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.

ON SALE

All our sale items are written on the blackboard as you come into the shop; please check it out on your way in. There is a new rack just behind the counter which has special or designer clothing, these items are priced and tagged accordingly. I would like to thank the Bribie Islander Team for their continued support of us and the island community. Hope to see you in the shop soon.

Sandra.

Bribie Island Wildlife – YELLOW-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO

David Sweedman
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Bribie Island Wildlife – YELLOW-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO

Tags: Black Cockatoo. Wildlife, native, birds. Australian. Queensland. Brisbane. Moreton Bay

Not long ago Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos were quite uncommon on Bribie Island but recently they have been seen more frequently particularly in the state pine forests. Quite often while traveling on the Bribie Island Road near Ningi I have seen them flying overhead. So, keep watch and you might see them too.

Yellow-tailed Black- Cockatoos are large black birds 60-69 cm in length and weighing 620-900 g. They have yellow patches over their ears and large yellow feathers in their tails. On top of their heads are small black crests. Bills are large and strong designed for crushing and their feet have two toes in front and two toes at the back which allows for a strong grip. Males and females are slightly different with males having a pink eye ring and dark grey bill while females have a grey eye ring with a lighter coloured bill and a bigger yellow patch over their ears. In flight, their wings move in a slow, floppy action.

They keep contact during flight with mournful, screechy wails. Endemic to Australia, these Cockatoos are found from Rockhampton along a wide stretch of coast and slightly inland to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and in Tasmania. Eucalypt forests, state forest plantations, and rain forests are favoured haunts. In some areas, they venture into suburbia and into parks and gardens. They are locally migratory in the search of food. Favourite foods are seeds mostly from native trees such as Banksia, Eucalypts, Casuarinas, Hakeas, Grass trees, and Grevilleas. Insects are also eaten.

Black Cockatoo. Wildlife, native, birds. Australian. Queensland. Brisbane. Moreton Bay (3)It is common to see the Cockatoos holding their food with their feet while eating. Beetles and moth larvae are extracted from under the bark of wattle trees and with their strong bills, they dig into the wood several centimetres to obtain this food. Over the years they have begun to feed on the exotic pinecones. In fact, in one area in South Australia, they have become quite reliant on these imported trees. Their long breeding season begins in October and can extend through to May but is variable. Nests are built high up in large, old, tree hollows. Nest diameters are about 40cm and hollows from 1-2 m deep, so the hollows have to be very large indeed.

The birds enter the hollows feet first. Two white eggs are laid on the woodchip nest floor and incubated by the female for about 28 days. During this time males feed the nesting females. One chick usually survives and is tended by the female for around 20 days. It is then cared for by both parents and remains in the nest for about 11 weeks and stays with them for about 6 months. After about 4 years the young birds are ready to breed. Their life span is about 20 years in the wild but much longer in captivity. There are 6 species of Black-Cockatoos in Australia.

Black Cockatoo. Wildlife, native, birds. Australian. Queensland. Brisbane. Moreton Bay (3)It is believed that Black-Cockatoos evolved in Gondwanaland before it broke up. Naturalist George Shaw was the first to record the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo in 1794. Their scientific name funereus means “dressed for a funeral” referring to their black coat. The genus name Calyptorhynchus is derived from two Greek words calyplos meaning “hidden” and rhynchos meaning “beak”. Black-Cockatoos are regarded as pests in some areas because they strip the young foliage and branches from the plantation Eucalypt and Pine trees.

They also damage the bark on the trunks as they strip it off looking for larvae and beetles. Because of this, they were shot as pests in NSW until the 1940s. Because they need such large and mature trees to breed, usually over 200 years old, they are on the decline in some areas because of the clearing of old growth. This leaves them with less space to make their nests. Throughout their habitat areas, they are moderately common and listed as secure in most areas but in South Australia, they are recorded as vulnerable.

Event – TOP SPEAKERS AT QUEENSLAND GARDEN EXPO

David Sweedman
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Event – TOP SPEAKERS AT QUEENSLAND GARDEN EXPO

A full line up of speakers will keep the expected crowd of 40,000 busy according to the spokesperson for the show’s organisers. Whether it is bees or bromeliads, composting or camellias, the Queensland Garden Expo will have something for everyone when it opens for its 35th year on 12 July 2019.

Featured image(above): Colourful Entertainment

In just one month the Nambour Showgrounds, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, will come alive with 40,000 plants, 360 exhibits and eight stages offering more than 120 lectures and demonstrations. Queensland Garden Expo Event Manager Marion Beazley said event organisers were looking forward to a packed program of gardening delights, perfect for the most dedicated green thumb as well as gardening novices.

“What makes this event unique is the access visitors have to the wealth of knowledge our presenters offer, which makes it perfect for those beginning to venture into the garden, as well as those seeking specific advice,” Ms. Beazley said. “Visitors can learn ‘up close and personal’ from the very best in the business across a broad range of topics from keeping bees and planting a kitchen garden to sowing seeds and keeping chooks. No matter what they’re into, there really is something for everyone.”

queensland garden expo 2019

Sophie Thomson and Jerry Coleby-Williams

This year, crowd favourites Sophie Thomson, Jerry Coleby-Williams, Paul West, Phil Dudman, and Claire Bickle will return, offering visitors the opportunity to really interact with the who’s who of Australian gardening across a broad range of topics. New on the program is Dr. Tim Heard, an entomologist, ex-CSIRO research scientist, and long-term stingless bee keeper and promoter of native bees.

He will be sharing his wealth of knowledge on stingless beekeeping, using stingless bees for pollination and sugarbag honey. “Keeping bees has become so popular over the years that we now have several experts sharing their tips on keeping bees and harvesting your own honey,” Ms. Beazley said. “Earlier this year, former River Cottage Australia frontman Paul West hosted The Great Australian Bee Challenge on ABC where families were challenged to successfully keep a beehive, demonstrating that anyone who’s willing to learn a new skill can produce honey in their own backyard.”

Visitors looking for some great tips on growing their own produce and turning it into delicious gourmet meals will be delighted by the Cook’s Garden Stage. “Growing your own food can ensure the freshest and healthiest of produce and visitors will be spoiled for choice on learning how to produce a bountiful harvest in their own garden,” said Ms. Beazley. “Last year, Paul West was a huge drawcard so we’re thrilled that he’ll be returning to the expo and taking to the stage.

We’re sure his ‘Garden to Table’ presentations will be very popular. “We’re excited that Phil Dudman will be here once again to share a bunch of simple, practical ideas that will help visitors make the most of their growing space and boost their backyard bounty. “Long time Expo attendee, Kevin Redd will introduce the crowd to some very unusual and versatile green vegetables that thrive in a subtropical garden, providing a year-round supply of healthy greens. He will also whip up some quick, tasty and easy recipes using these hardy and delicious plants.”

queensland garden expo 2019-3

Great plants on display and for sale

If you’ve ever thought your backyard was too small for keeping chickens and growing food, think again. With our backyards tending to be smaller these days, Claire Bickle will advise on which chicken breeds are best for small backyards and Jerry Coleby- Williams will show attendees how easy it is to grow food in small spaces. “The Queensland Garden Expo has continued to grow year after year but we want people to know the event is not just for the most dedicated green thumbs – everybody is welcome and will find something of interest,” said Marion Beazley.

The 2019 Queensland Garden Expo will feature more than 120 free lectures and demonstrations and in excess of 360 exhibitors and displays. It will be held between 12 and 14 July at the Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour. To find out more about the event, view the speaker program and purchase tickets online, please visit www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.

Fast facts — Queensland Garden Expo

• Celebrating the 35th year of the event in 2019

• Three-day event

• 40,000-plus attendees

• More than 65 percent of attendees travel from outside the Sunshine Coast

• 360-plus exhibitors and displays including 55 nurseries

• 120-plus free lectures and demonstrations

• Eight speaker stages

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