MARKET RAFFLE SUPPORTS AUSSIE STUDENTS

-

June 18, 2019

You’ve probably been roped in by big smiles from the Bribie VIEW members at the local markets lately. An eye-catching child’s quilt and Miss Piggy doll have entranced children and grandmothers alike and at $2 per ticket or $5 for 3, passersby have been very generous.

Bribie club supports 5 Australian students with their extra education expenses. Every parent knows how hard this can be having to cope with extras for computers, sports and music lessons or school excursions.

The Smith Family helps families whose children may be disadvantaged by providing funds and mentoring for careers plus numerous excellent programs to assist with their reading, maths and computer skills.

VIEW Clubs across Australia are a division of The Smith Family and they also give women a network and friendship with a lunch meeting and a social outing once a month. Pictured is the beautiful child’s quilt that was donated by a Sunshine Linus quilter for the raffle which is drawn on the 24th June. Enquiries about the raffle or if you’d like to come along to a VIEW occasion to make some new friends call Faye Clark on 3410 7444.

Photo credits: Tina Galloway

Bribie Island Wildlife – AUSTRALASIAN SHOVELER

Wildlife

David Sweedman

-

June 18, 2019

0

Bribie Island Wildlife – AUSTRALASIAN SHOVELER

Tags: Wildlife. Native. Birds. Ducks. Australian. Bribie Island. Queensland. Moreton Bay. AUSTRALASIAN SHOVELER

Only very occasionally will you see Australian Shovelers on Bribie Island but during the first few weeks of May two males and a female paid a visit to Buckley’s hole. I have only seen them twice during the time I have lived on Bribie Island. The last time was in March 2014 when Shovelers stayed for several weeks and again at Buckley’s Hole. Males are quite colourful with blue, chestnut, black and white bodies and a grey-green head. Females are mottled brown with a little bit of blue on the wing.

Featured Image(above): Female Shoveller, Buckley’s Hole

Probably their most noticeable feature is their large shovel-shaped bill which is about 56-67 mm long. When swimming they sit very low in the water so with the bright colours of the male they can be distinguished quite easily from other ducks. They are 45-54 cm in length and weigh 545-852g. Usually silent, Shovelers make soft sounds during the courting period. They are very cautious and tend to spend a lot of their time a distance from the shore.

Shovelers are found from Cairns to Tasmania and inland, also in NZ mostly in areas where there is dense vegetation in the water. They are spread over a large area often in the company of other ducks but are mostly uncommon and nomadic. Their large shovel-shaped bills with grooves along the edges are used to filter insects, crustaceans and vegetation from the water. They swim in wide circles, upending every few metres to obtain their food using their bills in a dabbling action.

Bottoms Up

Because of the shape and size of its bill they can only feed in water and are unable to source their food supply from the land. Breeding takes place usually from August to November or at any time after rain. During courting hens are usually pursued by several drakes as there are more males than females in their population. Scuffles often break out amongst the pursuing males until a suitable one is eventually selected by the female. Nests which are lined with grass and down are usually on the ground and concealed in thick grass for safety. Nine to eleven creamy-white eggs are laid by the females which hatch after 25-26 days.

Females are the sole incubators and carers for the young. Because of the females’ brownish colouring they are less likely to be spotted by predators. The young fledge after about 40-45 days and will begin their breeding life after 1-2 years. Their main threat in Victoria, South Australia, ACT, and Tasmania is an open duck hunting season. As many as 8 species of duck are on the shoot list. Hundreds of thousands of ducks are killed and thousands injured in Victoria alone every year.

Shoveler, Buckley’s Hole

In Victoria, Australian Shovelers are usually hunted every season but because of the extremely dry conditions for the past three years, they have been taken off the list for now. Males from a distance could be mistaken for Chestnut Teals which are on the list and females could be mistaken for Pacific Black Ducks so they are still quite vulnerable. Not all shooters stick to the rules and many protected birds are shot.

Duck hunting is banned in Queensland, NSW and W. Australia. John Latham first recorded the Australasian Shoveler in 1801. Australian Shovelers are quite rare throughout Australia but fairly common in SW Western Australia. Even so, they have been listed as not threatened.

WHERE ARE OUR PELICANS?

Wildlife

David Sweedman

-

June 13, 2019

0

Tags: Bribie Island pelicans.

Recently there has been quite a reduction in our Pelican population on Bribie Island. Where are they going? Will they come back? In central Australia, there is a huge mass of water slowly making its way to the Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre Basin and from near the end of March, the lake has been slowly filling with the waters dumped in the North from Cyclone Trevor. As the lake fills the waters fill with fish and aquatic life and vegetation become plentiful.

Pelicans from all over Australia and as far away as PNG somehow get the message and begin to fly to begin their breeding season. At the peak of the season, there can be as many as 200 000 pelicans vying for nesting positions on the ground and on the islands on the lake. As they can breed at any time of the year the fact that winter is coming on should not be a deterrent.

They don’t have a lot of time as Lake Eyre often does not stay full for long and the pelicans try to get as many broods as possible hatched and dispatched before the waters start drying up. When the lake is full the water has the same salt content as the ocean but as it dries up the salinity increases and the fish begin to die. Many Pelicans that have not flown back to their homes are caught out with young to care for and no food.

The parents then have to fly long distances to try to obtain food and eventually through exhaustion and starvation hundreds of birds and their young perish in the harsh conditions. The reason we don’t ever see baby pelicans on Bribie Island is that the pelicans breed so far away. I did see many juveniles some years ago after Pelicans had disappeared from the island for some time.

When they came back they brought many almost fully grown juveniles with them. Maybe we will see more when they return this time. When they return it would be nice as a welcoming gesture to have new perches preferably over water installed on the bridge.

Where the Pelican Builds.

The horses were ready, the rails were down, But the riders lingered still,— One had a parting word to say, And one had his pipe to fill. Then they mounted, one with a granted prayer, And one with a grief unguessed. “We are going” they said, as they rode away— “Where the pelican builds her nest!”

They had told us of pastures wide and green, To be sought past the sunset’s glow; Of rifts in the ranges by opal lit, And gold ‘neath the river’s flow. And thirst and hunger were banished words When they spoke of that unknown West; No drought they dreaded, no flood they feared, Where the pelican builds her nest!

The creek at the ford was but fetlock deep When we watched them crossing there; The rains have replenished it thrice since then And thrice has the rock lain bare. But the waters of Hope have flowed and fled, And never from blue hill’s breast Come back—by the sun and the sands devoured— Where the pelican builds her nest! Mary Hannay Foott (1846-1918)

BUSY FINGERS – May 2019

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

-

June 13, 2019

0

Tags: Second-hand Store. Used clothing, books. Charity. Not for Profit

RUBBISH DUMPING

I just can’t understand these lazy people who continue to use us as a dumping ground. At approximately 1.30 am, a person drove up on the footpath and proceeded to dump 2 filthy, urine-soaked mattresses, later that morning it rained and these mattresses became very heavy and disgusting to handle. Our volunteers should not have to deal with these problems, but they do it to help us and the community.

As I have stated before when our gates are shut, the footpath area belongs to the council not Busy Fingers, so you are dumping illegally and the council can prosecute and fines will apply. Due to this final dump, the management will now report all out of hours dumping to the council and will supply them with security footage.

PLEASE think of your fellow residents who give their time to support the island, helping us raise funds that are used to enhance the quality of life of island residents. PLEASE take your rubbish to the dump yourself, we already have two large green bins emptied every week at great expense, money that could be used more productively on the island. Our vehicle is used for pick-ups and deliveries, and our roster easily gets behind if we have to take time out to do dump trips.

The public could also help by recording licence plates numbers if they see anything suspicious during the evening or early morning, and ringing us on 3408 1014. We do report any issues to the police and the council especially when filthy items are dumped outside our gates.

BARGAINS

Please be aware that the last week of each month we will be having our “Fill a basket of clothing for $5”, this will continue until further notice. Any other bargains and discounted items will be written up daily on the Blackboard as you enter the shop. As the cooler months are approaching the clothing racks will have more winter clothes than summer clothes, but we will continue to have a wide variety of summer clothes available throughout the winter months.

We have had problems selling on lounges and large wall units over the last few months, these items take up a lot of valuable floor space. Therefore, it has been decided to only accept a lounge or wall unit once the ones on the floor have been sold, and we will only accept these items if they are in a very good condition. We thank you for considering us when you have donated these items in the past.

CHANGES TO COUNTER

We wish to apologise for the inconvenience caused last week when we had to rope off part of the area around the front counter. The counter required much-needed changes, allowing us to display a lot more jewelry and delicate items. We have moved the glass cabinet that used to be on the left as you entered the front door; this has opened up the entrance and made it easier to go straight to the electrical and kitchen areas.

DONATIONS GIVEN THIS MONTH

Over the month we have given many donations across the island including the following:- Croquet Club required 2 sun/ weather shelters. Diabetes Support can now send 20 children to the education camps. Toc H required several safety repairs including replacing the back stairs. Banksia Beach School now has new sensory equipment for their Special Education Project.

A Play Centre for the Baptist Hall grounds for the use of all groups on the island and those who use the hall. Linen for Boronia Cottage Respite, and repairs to the old cottage in Renton Street used by the Amateur Fishing group, also medical equipment for the BI Aged Care to name a few. We could not support these groups without the support of all the island residents who donate their pre-loved items and our customers, we thank you all.

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.

THE LOSS OF A DEAR FRIEND

Over the last few years, I have continually thanked our dear friend Mavis Howard who used to give up some of her valuable time to make up the children’s lucky dip bags. These bags were greatly received by the children, and Mavis used to ensure we had plenty on hand during the school holidays.

Children staying with their grandparents used to come in for games and puzzles to keep them occupied and they used to also get a bag for the surprises inside. We were advised by Mavis’s family that Mavis had passed away recently, we send our condolences to her family and we sincerely thank Mavis for all her efforts and support over the years, she will be sadly missed by all at Busy Fingers.

As usual, I wish to thank the Bribie Islander Family for all the support they have given us over the years. Hope to see you in the shop soon. Sandra

THE PURSUIT OF PEACE

A Look at Life (Nikita Chee)

David Sweedman

-

June 13, 2019

0

A few Wednesdays ago I woke up in a terrible mood. I can’t remember the specific reason why, but I do remember feeling overall a dull shade of grey. My usual things that bring me happiness just weren’t sparking as they would do normally so my mother – being heaven sent – decided to take me on a drive. We didn’t reach a destination but just drove through some streets branching off Bribie Island road I’d not been down before. At the beginning of the drive, I didn’t even have the energy to look at mum when she spoke or look around at the beautiful scenery.

I just stared blankly out the window looking at whatever fell into my direct view. Joyful eh? Anyway by the time we reached home again I was feeling a tad lighter and seeing all the properties and their gardens made me want to spend time with my plants nurturing them. I have a collection of tropical and indoor plants which usually have big leaves. The leaves catch dirt, fluff and sometimes pests so I thought I’d spent the next little while cleaning each individual leaf with water and a Chux and applying white oil for protection and sheen. I put on some calming nature music and away I went.

As each hour went by I could feel my spirit lifting once again. The slow process of paying close attention to the leaves steadied my thoughts and the beauty of plants and their unique markings filled my soul with colour. Three hours went by and the process was complete. Not only were my babies looking healthy and clean but I felt back to normal and happy again! I’ve always loved plants and gardening but that little moment made me appreciate them just that little bit more.

I suppose my dear Islanders, I’m realizing that pursuing peace doesn’t have to be some mega mission. It’s in the simple cost-free things that peace can be found in plenty. Moreover, and maybe not so liked, it can be found in discipline. Repetitious, focused, diligent discipline. There is a necessary place where happiness can be found in fun. But it is in the everyday healthy hardworking simple habits of life that steady joy rests in.

When we put our lives into balance (and we all know our areas we need to work on) then peace arrives into our hearts. Our breathing is steady and deep, thoughts align, eyes closed with relief and a gentle smile emerges. Until next time Islanders, Remember to eat your citrus during these cooler months, breathe in the salty sea air and get some sunshine onto your skin. Xo Nikita

The bribie Winelander May 2019

The Bribie Winelander

David Sweedman

-

June 13, 2019

0

If you want to see the colour drain from a winemaker’s face just mention the word Phylloxera, this is an aphid-like root louse that destroys grapevines and devastated over 70% of Europe’s vineyards, notably France, towards the end of the 19th century. It was introduced to Europe by botanists in Victorian England who collected specimens of American vines in the 1850s.

Phylloxera is native to North America where the native grape varieties are partially resistant, by contrast, the European wine grape varieties were very susceptible to the louse and the vineyards in Britain then Europe was devastated almost wiping out nearly two-thirds of all of the European vineyards or around 6 million acres of vines. In France one of the desperate measures by grape growers was to bury a live toad under each vine to draw out the ‘poison’, this sounds familiar, doesn’t it! The industry in Europe started again when resistant rootstock was brought from America and grafted onto the existing vines but it still rears its ugly head from time to time.

Here in Australia Phylloxera first appeared in Geelong in 1877, then New South Wales in 1884, and Queensland in 1910 destroying vineyards and devastating the industry. South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania had banned the movement of vine material and remained disease-free and this banning of the movement of cuttings and other materials remains in force today which is why some of the vines in South Australia are claimed to be amongst the oldest wine producing vines in the world.

Phylloxera infestation cannot be successfully cured and replanting is the only option and is very expensive. In 2017 Vinehealth Australia calculated the cost at $60,000 per hectare, the pest has not been entirely eradicated and there are several areas such as The Yarra Valley have been declared a Phylloxera infested Zone and great care has to be taken in these regions when growing grapes. Talking of Queensland it is not commonly known that after planting vines in Farm Cove New South Wales Captain Arthur Phillips chose the Granite Belt region as the second area to be planted with grape vines in 1820 preceding Victoria and South Australia by more than 15 years.

One of the problems which hold the region back is a large number of small wineries in the area without proper representation at the retail level and who survive by promoting their products at cellar door and mail order, which was a similar case in Western Australia some forty years ago, until the larger wineries became popular and then tourism took off, the rest they say is history and Margaret River now boasts some of the finest wineries in Australia and is responsible for over 30% of Australia’s premium wine production whilst accounting for only around 10% of the country’s total wine production.

Queensland’s oldest working vineyard is Ballandean Estate Wines which has been in the Cardillo and Puglisi family for more than 80 years and they have high hopes for this year’s vintage despite climate challenges throwing up a warmer and drier season, but the region was still cooler than other wine growing areas around the country. The Granite Belt also excels in alternative styles and while it produces mainstream varieties such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay it is also growing Fiano, Vermentino, Chenin Blanc, Savagnin, Barbera, Graciano, Durif, Nebbiolo, and Tannant.

Being at an altitude of over 750 metres the climate in Ballandean is both cool and continental which accounts for the successful growth of many European grape varieties. For the last thirteen years, there has been a competition which recognises the talents of young winemakers and known as ‘The Young Gun” of wine. Andrew Scott of La Petit Mort Winery secured the first ever final 12 places for Queensland and he will compete for the title ‘Young Gun of the Year’ which will be held in Adelaide on June 3rd.

La Petit Mort is a part of The Bent Road Wine Family in Ballandean and specialises in producing small batch experimental wines with minimal winemaking intervention and is bottled without filtering or fining as was the case in the distant past, allowing Scott’s winemaking talents to shine through. Due to the difficulties of the growing conditions around the country this year the grape crush in January is expected to be around 5% down which is quite significant given that the annual crush is around $4.4 billion dollars, Ballandean Estate is expecting a reduction of 30% but the quality looks like it could be amazing, however decisions will have to be made where the wines are going to go.

This week we tried a couple of wines from Liquorland, a Devil’s Lair Fifth Leg 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot which at $10 instead of $18 was excellent drinking. Dan Murphy had the floor special Barwang Shiraz 2017 $15 for two bottles, which is half price, on the members’ card or available if you purchased 6 bottles of anything else, again outstanding value from The McWilliams Wine Company. Cheers, Philip Arlidge [email protected]

BRIBIE LIONS FUND PREPS’ HEARING TEST

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

-

June 13, 2019

0

Tags: Bribie Island Lions Club. hearing tests.

It is very important to identify hearing problems before a child starts school,” says Rosita Chan, Clinical Educator from the University of Queensland Health and Rehabilitation Clinics, at the Bribie Island State Primary School where her students from UQHR-Audiology Clinic School Hearing Screening conducted hearing tests for Prep Schoolers.

Each year Bribie Island Lions meet the cost to get the Prep schoolers’ hearing tested before they go into Primary School. “Hearing is very important for a child’s development in learning, language communication, etc. and a lot of the problems are through middle ear infections,” said Rosita.

She said hearing is tested when a child is born and again before they start school. Julie Thomas, the support teacher who organized the day, said out of the 93 children tested 17 needed further investigation.

She thanked the Lions Club of Bribie Island for their continued support. Genie Kahler from the Lions Club of Bribie Island said the club has been sponsoring these tests for Prep Schoolers for some six years and it is the Lions’ way of giving back to their community.

RIDE FOR RED SUCCESS NOT DAMPENED BY RAIN

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

-

June 13, 2019

0

RIDE FOR RED SUCCESS NOT DAMPENED BY RAIN

A very wet Saturday did not deter the Gronks Social Riders club from running their Third Annual Ride for Red raising much-needed funds to support Cancer Council Queensland in their quest to cure cancer.

The gathering at Wamuran saw 43 bikes and numerous cars departing for Blackbutt’s Bunya Nut Café for a vanilla slice and coffee.

Featured Image(above): Last stop at Toogoolawah Hotel, bikes lined up

Raffles were held and from Blackbutt riders arrived at Maidenwell for a buffet lunch, again in support of the Queensland Cancer Council. Whilst the rain tumbled down at lunchtime the ride to Toogoolawah was mostly dry for an overnight stay and fundraising auction and raffles.

Funds raised combining raffles, auctions and donations along with donations made online through the Do-It-For-Cancer fundraising page totaled $7021.00, a mammoth achievement with having set the goal of $6,000.00.

Winner of major raffle Debbie Hunter (left) and organiser Helen Weir (right). Framed North Queensland Cowboys Women In League jersey was worn by Jake Granville and signed by the 2019 North Queensland Cowboys squad. Debbie donated the jersey back for auction.

Mr. Gary Blake of the Gronks Social Riders Club said: “Today was very gratifying to see the support from the community. We decided to hold an annual ride after a very good mate (Red) passed away from brain cancer to assist in some way towards the cure of cancer. Each year we have surpassed the previous year and the Ride for Red will continue for many years to come.

The support from businesses and the community continues to grow and without their help, a successful event would not be possible, and for that, we thank each and every-one helping to find a cure for this insidious disease.” One of the participants in the ride was Councillor Cheryl Gaedtke from the Somerset Regional Council. Cheryl thanked the organisers, Gary Blake, and Helen Weir, “It was such a warm and personal ride to commemorate a dear departed friend.

Tara Evans (left) with Gronks Social Riders Club and event organisers Helen Weir (middle), Gary Blake (right).

The ride provides Red’s family and friends with even more treasured memories and also funds to help combat brain cancer.” The Ride for Red is an annual event and is held on the same long weekend in May every year and the Gronks Social Riders Club extends the invitation to anyone who would like to get involved in supporting the Cancer Council in finding a cure for Cancer.

The Bribie Island Surf Club

Local Clubs & Groups

David Sweedman

-

June 13, 2019

0

Tags: Surf Club. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Bribie Island Surf Club is located on the Eastern Side of the island and is the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Woorim beach is particularly well known for its well protected, safe, and very popular swimming environment. Like most other beaches in Queensland, Woorim can experience strong currents, inshore holes, and can be susceptible to blue bottle stings in strong north-easterly conditions.

Our advice is always to swim between the flags and always when patrolled. Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club has a longstanding patrolling history at Woorim Beach that dates back to the 1920s. The club has a large and very successful junior activities section, we like to call these our future lifesavers, that range from the age of 6-13 years old. These juniors spend their weekends developing their confidence in the surf and on the sand. The senior side of the club is equally as successful and you will find them mastering their skills in the water, on the sand, and in competition.

When they aren’t perfecting their surf safety skills, you will find them on the beach yearly from September to the very last weekend of April. Surf Life Saving is a relatively inexpensive sport to participate in. However, we rely heavily on funding from the government and the public to keep our flags up and flying. My role at the club is an active patrolling member. I do help as an IRB coach alongside Matthew Bull who is the senior main coach of our team.

I have been volunteering for 15 years now and I started my journey with Surf Life Saving in nippers. In that time, I have managed to gain 46 different nationally recognised awards that I am able to use within and outside of the club. These opportunities that lifesaving have given me have taken me to some pretty incredible places outside of the surf club. The sport I participate in mainly is IRB racing (inflatable rescue boat racing). These are the orange inflatable boats that you see on the beach.

The idea around the sport is to further perfect our rescue skills in often high-pressure situations. It allows us to race against other surf clubs wanting to also further perfect their skills. It puts us in a similar high-pressure situation to one that we would experience in a rescue. The equipment we use is the exact same equipment that you see us use on the beach. Just to give you an example of the cost of keeping this kind of equipment operational; a boat costs roughly $13,000, motor costs about $6000, $300 out of the box prop and a further $600 to fine tune them, $100+ for the fuel to run the boat for an entire weekend. So just to have one boat on the beach you are looking at an upfront cost of $20,000 and this money comes primarily from grants or donations to the surf club.

We have a lot of equipment that we need on the beach to be operational we use, radios, ATV’s, 4wd’s, signs, flags, boards, tubes, uniforms, and the use and upkeep of the amenities. As you can imagine, if a single boat costs $20,000 to be operational, trying to keep everything mentioned operational is no small or cheap feat. I guess what I am trying to say, is that you get back from lifesaving what you put into it. I have spent 15 years of my life standing on the water’s edge voluntarily.

In that time, I have performed more rescues than I have fingers to count and prevented even more than that from happening. I’ve met people that I would now call family and I’ve got a place I can go to that I can call home. I have gained skills and awards that I am able to use to help people on and off the beach that most people only dream of gaining. I give up my weekends every year to either help keep the beaches safe or continuing to perfect my skills and there isn’t a thing in the world that would change that. Why I love this sport so much is because it is so family orientated.

I race with my sister I drive the boat and she crews the boat. Mum comes down to watch and often helps out with the team managing. Not only do I get to race with her but I patrol with her too! It’s kind of forced time together but I love it. You’ll find many stories like this within our team. Our team manager, Greg Bulluss is a father to another one of our crewies Georgie Bulluss. Selene Wooton’s mum will often stay with the team and will help cook and keep the team healthy.

Alexander Cybulski’s mum Rhonda Cybulski and sister Nadia Cybulski both official at our carnivals and his dad George Cybulski helps to set up and pack up all of the carnivals. Then we have the rest of the team’s parents that spend their entire day standing on the beach supporting us, It really is a family affair at our carnivals! To get involved you can contact the club by calling (07) 3408 1188 or email [email protected]. For more information, you can visit our website www.bribieislandsurfclub.com.au or we’ve even set up a new Instagram page that can keep the public up to date on what we are doing its handle is @bribie_irb.

Gloss Magazine Bribie Islander 12th Edition June 7 2019 Issue 89

2019

The Editor Cherrie Wilson

-

June 7, 2019

0

The Bribie Islander Magazine

Get all your community news and information Bribie’s 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.

You can now download the Bribie Islander digital edition by clicking here.

MOVIE REVIEW – Breakthrough

At the Movies

David Sweedman

-

June 6, 2019

0

Survival against the odds; a medical miracle never before was seen…Both have been used to describe the events depicted in this film. Based on a true story, this film tells the remarkable story of a fourteen-year-old boy named John Smith, played by Marcel Ruiz. It was 19 January in 2015 when John, on a day off from school with two of his friends, decided to have some fun on the iced-over lake near his home.

Unbeknown to them, the ice had begun to melt that fateful day and cracked beneath them. They all fell into its icy waters. Although John’s two friends surfaced, John did not. After 15 minutes submerged, John’s lifeless body was recovered. Despite every effort to revive John, there were no signs of life.

That is until his mother, played by Chrissy Metz, arrived and prayed over her son. To the astonishment of John’s entire medical team, a faint heartbeat was detected. That, though, is not where the story ends.

No one was prepared for what followed, including John’s father, played by Josh Lucus. Watch what unfolds as the story continues. Stay for the credits and meet the real Smith family. This is a moving story not to be missed.

ITA – INSPIRATION THROUGH ART ANNUAL EXHIBITION

Art

David Sweedman

-

June 6, 2019

0

ITA – INSPIRATION THROUGH ART ANNUAL EXHIBITION

Tags: Artist. Art gallery. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Australia

ITA’s Annual Exhibition will be held in the Matthew Flinders Gallery, Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, 191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach. The Official Opening will be on Friday 31st May (5 – 7 pm) with Guest Speaker Simone Wilson, Local Member for Pumicestone. Come and meet the artists and enjoy drinks and nibbles while you view the artwork. All work is for sale.

No booking required, but a gold coin entry is appreciated. The Exhibition will showcase an eclectic range of subjects & mediums ranging through oils, acrylic, watercolour, coloured pencil & mixed medium. Each year the group selects a range of 10 new subjects, plus one of their own choice, from which to challenge their creative talents & imagination.

Artist. Art gallery. Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane. Queensland. Australia (1)

This year will also feature some beautiful pottery by Sue Harrison and her Ningi Pottery Group. Formed over 12 years ago, ITA’s core membership has remained strong and although a couple of people have moved on, new members have joined and brought fresh ideas and talents to the group.

The artists meet each Thursday at The Crafty Shed, Ningi where they paint together, swap ideas, encourage each other, and of course sort out all the problems of the world! Currently, the membership is 16 strong, and new members are always welcome. ITA would like to acknowledge & thank The Crafty Shed for their support and sponsorship.

HELLY’S CELEBRITIES OF THE 20TH CENTURY – Stirling Moss

Celebrities of the 20th Century

David Sweedman

-

June 4, 2019

0

HELLY’S CELEBRITIES OF THE 20TH CENTURY – Stirling Moss

Tags: Celebrities. Actors. Famous People. Stirling Moss

Widely described as the greatest Formula 1 racing driver of all time, Stirling Moss, in spite of winning 212 races, 16 of them being Grands Prix and being the 1st ever British F1 driver to win his home race, Stirling never wins the World Championship. I have often wondered why. It certainly is not his driving ability.

But Mossie, as I always call him, is a difficult, dominant man, who must always have his own way, and maybe his personality is partly responsible. One of his greatest victories is the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix, where he wins in a Lotus against the much faster Ferraris, as well as setting a new track record in the famous 1,000 miles 1955 Mille Miglia race, right around Italy. Being very much interested in F1 racing, I attempt all the official channels to gain an interview with Moss on my arrival in London in 1968.

No luck! So it’s five years later when I finally get his private phone number in London’s Mayfair. I not only introduce myself on the phone but make a daring suggestion, with which, surprisingly, he is delighted: A 3-day interview weekend attending the 1973 NUERBURGRING GERMAN GRAND PRIX.

Quite a surprise, as I have never met the man and know he dislikes journalists! When I ask him later why he agreed so quickly, he simply states, “I liked your super-sounding voice on the phone.” So far so good! Or maybe he thinks we are going to have a romantic weekend?? But then everybody forewarns me not to let him drive my car, as apparently, the F1 icon is not the perfect driver on mortals’ roads, allegedly having been involved in some accidents.

DAY ONE

Mossie begins our weekend date in typical fashion when I arrive one minute before our agreed 5.45 am meeting time. There he stands, tapping his foot on the step outside his Mayfair home. He hates wasting time, opens the boot with one hand, tosses his luggage in with the other and greets me with the third, (He has a third – I’ll swear it!) He pales a little when I insist on driving my own car. So I hastily grab the driver’s seat, wave him into the one beside me and smile, hopefully in a very firm manner.

“I hereby appoint you navigator for the trip, Mossie!” He does not favour nick-names, but grins at that and keeps grinning, no doubt having decided how quickly to remove me from the steering wheel. I immediately discover he is the worst back seat driver ever, so constant and irritating, that between London and the Dover Hovercraft to take us across the Channel, I already vacate the driver’s seat.

But to his credit, during the 12 years I own my 280 SL Mercedes sports car, before bringing it back to Australia with me in 1980, no one ever achieves the low fuel consumption the 43-year-old Mossie masters on this trip. After all sorts of confrontations including officials at the dock and Mossie being convinced we are going to be left behind at the port, and then in Calais, a restaurant that he considers is overcharging…. Very hungry on our two hours drive to Germany we finally find a little snack-bar for lunch.

It’s 11 years since Mossie’s retirement from racing, but I get a perfect glimpse of how a true star never fades. He is immediately recognised by the owner who proudly announces his discovery, and the autograph hunters pounce, bubbling all sorts of German phrases Mossie doesn’t understand. Having, at last, arrived at Nuerburg, I’m thrilled to hear Jackie Stewart is scheduled in pole position for tomorrow’s race, as I like him very much, (you may remember the photo in my Keith Williams piece where Jackie was my observer when Keith took me water skiing).

At last, Mossie relaxes and the blissful look on his face now reminds me of something Jackie once said about taking a fast bend being like an orgasm. So I raise the point. “I wouldn’t say it was a sexual thrill, Mossie replies, “but related to sex. The exhilaration, the satisfaction and the pleasure that one gets from flirting and having a relationship with a woman, is one of the few things that are as satisfying as going around a corner at the very limit. “A motor race is a multiple climax, all the time, every corner, and therefore it’s on a lower plane than an orgasm, but equally satisfying.

“I think women are like cars in this way: how far you can push a woman depends on how expert you are in handling her, and how well you know her. “In the same way, if you get into a car that you don’t know, and you don’t have the expertise that particular car demands, you’ll get into a corner and oversteer. And wham! You’re in trouble. “If you know the car well and you understand the ‘feeling’ and the balance, you can take slight liberties and get away with it.

“Women and cars are the same if you treat them well. It all depends on how compatible you are with each individual one of them. One woman will come alive with one guy and be quite dowdy with another. Some women can definitely bring out the best in a man. And so can some cars.” I know Mossie and I will be friends, but nothing more. So just in case, he might consider me a possibility as the “some women,” from above, I let him know immediately that I not only have a boyfriend but a young baby as well. And for our whole weekend, Mossie is the perfect gentleman.

(DAYS TWO and THREE to be continued in the Bribie Islander Issue 88)