The Yowie of Bribie Island

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January 4, 2019

The Yowie of Bribie Island has been spotted (again) yesterday in the deep thick bush at the northern end of the island.

It has been said that the resident Yowie once tore an army Bloke to shreds many moons ago.

He can also climb to the top of a tall tree and back down again in 4.9 secs.

This folklore is a distant relative of the Star Wars character chewbacca and they used to live together on Bribie until Chewy landed the ‘dream job’ and headed off to the stars.

Someone told me many years ago that his name is David, yes David Yowie.

BUT BEWARE DO NOT APPROACH.

If you have any information regarding David Yowie then please get in contact with The Bribie Islander.

Please share this post ‘for awareness’

Today we had the opportunity to catch a rare glimpse of the Bribie Yowie, it's said to have Bribies well known Black Panther as its pet

Posted by Gateway Discovery Tours on Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Break and enters at Bribie Island

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

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January 3, 2019

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Over the past few weeks Bribie Island police have received a number of calls from members of the community whose homes have been broken into.

Retirement homes and houses along the canals have been targeted in these latest offences where money, electronic devices, jewellery and vehicles have been stolen.

Entry is being gained through unlocked doors and windows or by cutting the fly screen and unlocking doors from inside.

Police are urging residents to ensure that your houses are secure and take measures to secure your valuables.

If you have CCTV cameras or an alarm ensure that they are in working order and make your neighbours aware if you are going away.

Vehicles are regularly stolen from houses using the keys which have either been left in the vehicle or have been stolen from inside the residence.

Don’t leave your keys on a table, kitchen bench, beside table, key hooks within your house – keep them out of site.

For more information on home security click here.

Police are asking residents to be vigilant. If you see or hear of anything suspicious in your local neighbourhood please contact Policelink.

Even if you don’t think it is important it might be the piece of the puzzle that we are missing.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

The MINI Bribie Islander Dec 2018 / Jan 2019 Issue 24

2018

David Sweedman

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December 22, 2018

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The MINI Bribie Islander Dec 2018 / Jan 2019 Issue 24

Get all your local news from your local newspaper – The Bribie Islander. Articles on sports, boating, camping, fishing, life, drama, travel destinations, what to see on Bribie Island and what to do, charities, organisations, places, children’s activities, arts and crafts, tourist destinations, heritage parks, technology, science, music, gardening and much more.

Bribie Island, one of Queensland most desired travel destinations.

THE BRIBIE ISLANDER PET PICS – Dec 2018

Pet Care & Pet Pics

David Sweedman

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December 20, 2018

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SHARE YOUR FUNNY PET PHOTOS WITH THE BRIBIE ISLANDER. SEND TO: [email protected]

A picture of Archie Matthews of Bribie Island

Bribie Island Diabetes Support Group

Local Clubs & Groups

David Sweedman

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December 20, 2018

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BS

For every business or organisation, a logo that accurately describes their relevant purpose is regarded as important and, if that logo is something a little different that makes those who see it take notice, it has done its job. There is one particular organisation within the community that has two bees in front of a B as its logo and that becomes very relevant when considering the group’s motto which is, “Be Well -Be Supported – Be Informed”, three almost essential requirements for anyone who is a diabetic.

The organisation which I have referred to in the previous paragraph is The Bribie Island Diabetes Support Group and group Publicity Officer Elizabeth Morrice has told me that 2018 has been a wonderful year for all involved. ‘We have had amazing support from within the community, especially from Busy Fingers and the Wallum Action Group who have been donating to our “Kids at Camp” and “Insulin Pump” programs for several years,’ said Elizabeth. ‘We acknowledge their support and thank them for their understanding of diabetes and just how important our programs are,’ she added.

Elizabeth explained that during the year the group has been really active, holding six Support Group meetings which featured a number of keynote speakers who discussed the risk factors for people with diabetes regarding blindness, kidney disease and stroke. ‘This information is so important for those living with diabetes,’ she said. She also mentioned that 2018 was the second year that the group has held the “Walk with Us – Diabetes Dash” event and told me that the event will be held again on May 26th in 2019.

‘It is fantastic to see so many families and friends walking or running in support of those who are living with diabetes,’ Elizabeth remarked. ‘It provides a look into what it’s like to live with diabetes, bringing families together to meet and a chance to make new friends,’ she said. As part of the 2018 program, the Diabetes Support Group has purchased three new insulin pumps at a cost of $10,000 each, allowed thirty children to attend camp, costing $350 per child provided funding for a Continuous Blood Glucose Monitor and assisted two children with medical devices and consumables.

They have been able to help support and inform approximately five hundred people who are living with diabetes or caring for someone who is. As Elizabeth pointed out, it has been an active year. Another important event for the group during 2018 was the “Putting the Pieces Together” Diabetes Seminar which included talks by guest speakers who were all well respected in their fields.

Elizabeth said that the group would like to extend their thanks to the speakers, Dr Chris Michaelides, Lisa Diggles, Rick Thornton and Cathy Mc Gillivray for their time on the day. The members of the group have recently enjoyed their end of year party and Elizabeth mentioned that she wished to say thank you to Member for Pumicestone Simone Wilson for donating a beautiful hamper which was presented to the winner of the lucky door prize. She said that with 2019 fast approaching, everyone is gearing up for the AGM in February and for the planned lineup of guest speakers who will keep them up to date with the latest technologies and medications.

If anyone would like to find out more about the Bribie Island Diabetes Support Group, they can call Elizabeth on 0408 156 912 or Rhonda on 5428 1434. Alternately, an email to [email protected] will result in all the information being made available.

ANOTHER GREAT CONTRIBUTION

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

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December 20, 2018

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I know that I have said this before but I have no hesitation in once again praising the members of our local community for their readiness to help in whatever way they can whenever the opportunity presents itself and the continued support for the drought relief appeal is an excellent example.

Featured Image(above): Beryl Higgins from the Crafty Shed presenting the $2,000
cheque to Lions Club of Sandstone Point Vice-President Keith Hadley

There has been fundraising events by several local organisations and not the least of those is the one conducted by the Lions Club of Sandstone Point. A total of $3,152 was recently handed over to the Lions Drought Assistance Scheme at the District Convention in Roma recently and a Lions Club of Sandstone Point spokesperson has pointed out that the funds which came from a variety of sources including the regular sausage sizzles (watch that onion) at Bunnings will all be used to help struggling farmers.

The spokesperson said that included in the total raised was a donation of $374 by the Bongaree Neighbourhood Watch and mentioned that special thanks must go to the ladies at the Crafty Shed at Ningi for their wonderful donation of $2,000 towards the appeal. The ladies at the Crafty Shed have also donated “Love Rugs” to the club in the past and I’m told that these have been passed on to the “Lions in Place,” a respite Centre for youth in need.

MORE THAN THEY DREAMED OF

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

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December 20, 2018

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When those well-known entertainers The Bribie Gleemen held their most recent concert with the theme, “Men Can Dream,” they expected to attract an audience of somewhere just over one hundred and hopefully raise around $1,500 to donate to the Drought Relief Appeal so, when the amount raised was tallied at $2,300 due to the concert hall being packed out, a spokesperson commented that the result was “more than they could have even dreamed about.”

Featured Image(above): The Gleemen handed over a cheque for $2,300 to the CWA Drought Relief Fund.

The funds were handed over to the CWA for distribution to the right areas. The Bribie Gleemen have become popular within the community and hold several concerts each year, some for the public and a few for residents of aged care facilities. Publicity Officer John Gaffy told me that the group still has two performances between now and year’s end, one for the residents of the Churches of Christ Care in Foley Street and their Christmas concert at the Uniting Church in Webster Street in Bongaree on December 15th, commencing at 2.30 pm.

Singing about their dreams – The Bribie Gleemen

Anyone who has been to a Bribie Gleemen concert will know that this will be one not to be missed. John also mentioned that the Gleemen will be performing an Irish themed concert in April 2019. More information about the Bribie Gleemen can be obtained by calling John on 3408 1837.

A SPECIAL BENCH

David Sweedman

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December 20, 2018

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There is no doubt that each and every one of us has experienced a time of loneliness that saw us wishing that we had someone who we could talk to and sadly, this is a situation that is all too often faced by children, both at school and in other environments.

Featured Image(above): Kindy kids Nate Harvey, Georgia Ruthven, Israel Crouch, Lauren Findlay and Pippa Harvey joined with John Oxenford, Anne Matthews, June Sturgess and June Jeffrey to try out the new bench

Being well aware of this situation, Bribie Island Rotarians have found a way to lessen the impact of loneliness on our young by donating Friendship Benches to Bribie Island Schools and also the Bribie Community Kindy. Earlier in the year, there were two benches presented to the Bribie Island State School and one to the Banksia Beach State School and during November, Rotarians John Oxenford, Anne Matthews and June Sturgess joined with June Jeffrey from the Bribie Woodcrafters (The Woodies) to present a slightly smaller Friendship Bench to the Bribie Community Kindy.

Rotary Club President John Oxenford and Nate Harvey demonstrated how the bench is used

The donated benches are the result of many hours of careful craftsmanship by The Woodies and are situated in a convenient position in the playgrounds so that if a child is feeling like they need a friend to keep them company, they can sit on the bench as a way of telling others of their situation.

Children at the school or kindy are educated about the idea of the benches and know to respond if they see anyone sitting on the Friendship (or Buddy) Bench. On presenting the bench to Bribie Community Kindy Director Narelle Dawson, Rotary Club President John Oxenford explained that the idea of the benches originated in England and has now been adopted by schools throughout the world. After the ribbons were cut, John joined with Kindy member Nate Harvey in a demonstration of how to use the bench.

Narelle Dawson, John Oxenford and June Jeffrey cutting the presentation ribbons at the
Bribie Community Kindy

I have been informed that in a continuation to improve the lives of our school children, there has now been a second bench provided to the Banksia Beach State School.

NO LAME DUX ON BRIBIE!

Schools

David Sweedman

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December 20, 2018

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No, this is not another story about why the lame duck gets the first chip. It’s about young local students achieving success. Dux is Latin for “leader”. During the Roman Republic, dux could refer to anyone who commanded troops, including foreign leaders, but was not a formal military rank.

Featured Image(above): Keifer Titmus

Today, Dux refers to the person with the highest academic rank in their year or class. Although the term ‘Dux’ is extremely common in some regions, most notably Queensland, and around Australia, it is often unheard of in many parts of the world. The Rotary Club of Bribie Island has been presenting a Dux perpetual trophy and a $100 bursary to the top students in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 at the Bribie Island State High School since 2005 (2016 for Year 7).

At this year’s 30th anniversary of the High Schools Awards night, our Youth Director, June Sturges presented the five awards. Those receiving the awards were:

Year 7 Keity Turpin
Year 8 Lucy O’Connor
Year 9 Olivia D’Rozario
Year 10 Brooklyn Self
Year 11 Keifer Titmus

Bribie Rotary congratulates this year’s recipients of the Dux awards and wish them well in their future schooling and careers. I’m sure the $100 will be spent wisely. Our Club is proud of the ongoing support we give to our local High School not only through sponsoring the Dux awards but through the sponsorship of students to attend other Rotary Youth Programs.

For example, one of next year’s School Captains, Alexis Thomas, was selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra in January 2019. In 2016 and 2017, students were selected to attend the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) in Canberra. Dakoda Titmus and Lexie Waddell-Bajor who attended MUNA when they were in Year 11 went on to become School captains in 2017 and 2018. We are honoured to support these students and follow their careers with interest.

So next time you buy a raffle ticket from us, or a sausage sandwich (with the onion underneath!) at the Rotary markets, know that your money does support local youth as well as our overseas causes.

EXCELLENT SPEAKERS

Schools

David Sweedman

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December 20, 2018

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Bribie RSL Sub-branch President Laurie Leonard has praised the performance of the students who took part in the 2018 RSL sponsored Public Speaking Competition recently. ‘When considering the range of subjects and the professional way that the participants handled them, it seems that the future is in very good hands,’ he said. ‘The RSL has been sponsoring the competition for the past twenty years now and looks forward to continuing with the event for many years,’ he added.

Students from both the Bribie Island State School and the Banksia Beach State School competed against others from their own school this year rather than the inter-school competitions of the past and the judges from both Caboolture and Bribie Island Toastmasters agreed that the standard of the students’ performances was nothing less than excellent. A spokesperson from Toastmasters has said that the judges had a very difficult task to decide the outright winner from each school.

‘The competitors were so good that they would give some of our members a run for their money,’ one high profile Toastmaster was heard to say. When the time came for the judges to announce the results of their deliberations, it was Madelaine D’Rozario from Banksia Beach State School and Lily Togiatama from Bribie Island State School who took out the winners’ awards. I have been told that due to such a high standard being demonstrated this year, all involved are waiting in anticipation for the 2019 event.

THE BULL JUMPED AND THE KIDS WERE OVER THE MOON!

David Sweedman

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December 20, 2018

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THE BULL JUMPED AND THE KIDS WERE OVER THE MOON!

Bribie Island State School P&C Association are also over the moon about the rave reviews of last week’s first ever school bush dance. P&C President Jo Myers-Cave said that the positive feedback from students, staff and parents has been overwhelming. “What’s not to love about food, fun, dancing and fireworks. We know we got the vibe right when our students can’t wait for next year already.”

Reflecting upon the event, the P&C President says that measuring success is not just down to financial gain. The sheer enjoyment and abundant fun of the evening means that the future for bush dances at BISS is assured. “Our event can only get bigger and better from these great beginnings.”

From preps through to the seniors, each year level practised their dancing during the term to perform on the night with Beefa’s bush band. Dancing was the perfect showcase to bring people together for a night of fun. “When putting on a major event for the first time, you need the support of a bold team who are enthusiastic and brave enough to even try.

Our school calendar is full of many wonderful events, but we really wanted to spice it up with something new and exciting that would turn into a celebration for all to enjoy.”

THEY ARE COURAGEOUS

Local news and articles

David Sweedman

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December 20, 2018

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Without a doubt, it is essential that all children are accepted by others regardless of any special needs that they may have and their battle to successfully overcome the additional barriers which face them in this world should be recognised and rewarded.

From when, in 1983, Western Australian Lions initiated a program with this in mind, courageous children throughout the country are recognised each year as recipients of the Lions “Children of Courage” Awards and eight young people who were nominated by both the Bribie Island State Primary School and the Bribie Island High School received “Children of Courage” awards at a ceremony at the Lions Community Hall during November.

Lions Club of Bribie Island Publicity Officer Gordon West told me that Lions Clubs throughout the district are proud to support the program. “There are more than one hundred children from this area who are recognised as being “Children of Courage,”’ said Gordon. ‘The “Children of Courage” awards is not a competition and every child who is nominated receives an award,’ he explained.

Gordon also pointed out that for siblings who receive this award, it is a recognition of the valuable contribution which they make in caring for their siblings. He said that families also benefit by sharing in their child’s pride and the recognition of how the children have overcome the hardships that they face.

On the Water – with THE MAHALO OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB, THE POLYNESIAN VA’A – ALO OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB and THE BRIBIE ISLAND SAILING CLUB

David Sweedman

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December 20, 2018

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On the Water – with THE MAHALO OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB, THE POLYNESIAN VA’A – ALO OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB and THE BRIBIE ISLAND SAILING CLUB

From when the Bribie Island Mahalo Outrigger Canoe Club was founded almost two years ago, outrigger canoeing has become popular with many within the local community and club membership has increased accordingly, with a number of keen paddlers successfully competing in a number of events throughout the region. As is to be expected, when a club is seen to be achieving these type of results, it attracts the attention of others in the sport and that usually inspires them to check out what the club has to offer, as was the case on a recent Saturday at Sylvan Beach.

Featured Image(above): Assembling at Sylvan Beach for the inaugural regatta

In ideal weather conditions, the Mahalo Outrigger Canoe Club hosted a visit by members of the Polynesian VA’A-Alo Outrigger Canoe Club and this was regarded as something special as it was the first time that another club had paid a visit to the local paddlers. During the morning, I had the opportunity to catch up with visiting club member Eddie Jensen who told me that the Shorncliffe based club which was founded about three years ago and now has over forty members is concentrating on promoting the sport whenever the opportunity arises. ‘We are attempting to get interest from the schools because, as is the case with all sports, the future is with the young,’ said Eddie.

I had the chance to chat with visiting outrigger canoe enthusiast, Eddie Jensen

‘At our club, we are slightly more traditional than others, with our canoe outriggers being secured with lashings instead of the new clip-on method,’ he explained. Eddie also pointed out that whilst outrigger canoeing originated in the island nations such as Polynesia and Micronesia due to their need to commute over the water, some of the old ways relating to navigation by the stars are being lost and consequently, there is now a move to revive that tradition. Along with the Mahalo Club members, the fifteen visiting Shorncliffe paddlers made the most of the calm Pumicestone Passage waters during the morning.

On the same weekend, as the Polynesian VA’A-Alo Outrigger Canoe Club came to the Island, the Mahalo Club’s associates at the Bribie Island Sailing Club held their inaugural local regatta, attracting entries from eighteen boats which attended from as far away as Bundaberg. Club Commodore Barry Coulson told me that Judy O’Donoghue towing her boat “Blue Heeler” from Bundaberg, Chris Eldridge sailed “Alyth” up from Manly for the event which consisted of a race on the Saturday which included a BBQ lunch at Mission Point and then a short event on the Sunday.

Members of the two clubs enjoyed a morning on Pumicestone Passage

‘I would like to thank all those who helped to make the weekend possible. Tony Swinscoe and Warren Robertson who manned the start/finish boats, Alan Dossel and Jana made sure that all were fed at Mission Point and Meredith at the Pacific Harbour Marina provided berthing for the visiting boats,’ said Barry. ‘Without them all and also Doug Wilson who supported us with his photographic skills, there would not have been a regatta,’ he added. The Bribie Island Sailing Club and The Bribie Island Mahalo Outrigger Canoe Club are both a part of the Bribie Island Boating Club, operating from their compound beside the Bribie VMR on Marine Parade.

Both clubs hold regular club days as well as inviting anyone who is interested to come along for a look. For more information on either club, the website https://www.bribieislandboatingclub.org.au offers the appropriate links. To make contact by phone, 0490 471 930 is the number to call.