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Music Review – Erin May

By
David Sweedman
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music reviews, singers, songwriters, local bands, musicians

Earlier this year, local band Erin May featured as “Entertainers of the Island” in this magazine and I remember thinking at the time when I wrote the article that this was a band that had the ability to go places within the music industry. Well, if releasing their debut EP “Turn It Up” can be regarded as an indication of my thoughts being correct, I guess they are on their way.

I had the chance to chat with Erin May founder Kirk Jeffs recently and he told me about the four all original tracks on the EP and also about the new members of the band. ‘We had the official release of the EP at the Blue Pacific Hotel a couple of weeks ago to an audience of one hundred and it was such a great night. The four tracks are “Bailey”, “Home”, “Spider” and “Moonshine,” said Kirk.

‘The band now has a couple of new members with my sister Lana Jeffs on bass guitar and AJ Kena on drums joining with Derek Pakuza and myself,’ he explained. Although having already heard both “Spider” and “Moonshine” previously, I spent time listening to all four of the tracks following my talk with Kirk and, whilst I could never be regarded as an expert on music, I will now take this opportunity to include my thoughts in this article. One common feature about all of the Erin May songs is that, in their own; sometimes obscure way, they do tell a story.

Let’s begin with “Spider.” With an accompanying video on YouTube, this track is probably my least favourite of the four. It has a quite unusual theme and will only be popular with those who enjoy something out of the ordinary or dedicated Erin May fans. I do however like the video which was filmed around Bribie. “Bailey” could be regarded as another slightly unusual track but with a much easier to understand theme accompanied with an upbeat, almost rock tempo, it seems to have Rolling Stones sound at times. (No Kirk, I didn’t say that you sounded like Mick Jagger.)

One that I have actually listened to a number of times is “Moonshine” and I am especially fond of the accompanying video. This song has a rather amusing theme and the video is well produced with some well thought out moments. With eyes shut, could be mistaken for Mumford and Sons. Now. Let’s talk about my favourite. “Home” was written by Kirk’s dad Warwick and will certainly hit at the heartstrings of anyone who has returned home after an extended period of absence.

With another very well thought out accompanying video (filmed locally by Kirk), I regard this track as being a true representation of the Erin May sound. All the Erin May tracks can be found on YouTube as well as Triple J “Unearthed” and I would urge all music lovers to support this up and coming local band. Along with the release of their EP, Erin May are now keen to take bookings to appear at venues from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast. Anyone who would like to enquire about booking the band is welcome to call Kirk on 0403 558 719.

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Music Review – Ariana Grande

BRIBIE 30 YEARS FROM NOW

By
David Sweedman
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SUCH A DIFFERENT LIFESTYLE…

As we reach the end of another Year it is appropriate to be reminded that History is not always about looking back. Every reader of this article has lived such a different life, and experienced many significant aspects of what is now “History”. History is also what is happening NOW…. and what will happen in all our Tomorrow’s. Depending on how old you are, reflect for a moment on your first experience of such new “Inventions” as the TV, Walkman, Microwave, Computer or Smart Phone, and consider how much these things have changed the way we live our lives. Not always for the better ….or necessarily making life measurably “Happier”.

It is an interesting question to ask your friends and family over the holidays; “If you could relive any one year of your life over again …..what year would you choose?” Where were you when man first landed on the Moon, when President Kennedy was shot, the Twin Towers were destroyed ……or even when you had your first kiss? All of these events have shaped our world and our lives and are now part of History. Imagine how the simple life of those living on Bribie Island years ago would have changed when a Telephone line was laid to the island in 1922 or the impact of mains Electricity connection in 1953, and being linked to Australia with a Bridge in 1963.

Since those days the population has increased over 20 fold, cars are everywhere, local Councils have been combined, and people are living much longer. However, the rate of change is about to get even faster than ever before, and some will struggle to keep up, and others will be left behind completely.

30 years’ on life will have changed beyond recognition.

On Bribie Island, we currently enjoy a more peaceful life away from the crowds and hype of the city sprawl, but by 2050 it will be very different. Bribie Island seems to have the highest percentage population over the age of 65 than any other postcode in Australia. We also have three Schools reflecting a younger population, but the limited local work opportunities distort the middle age distribution. Australia’s overall population is ageing, and Bribie Island attracts an increasing number of over 50’s residents, Retirement Villages and Aged Care facilities. Let me paint a possible picture of Bribie Island 30 years from now. By then you will be “Old” or have even gone somewhere else. All of this will be as unremarkable as Traffic Lights, Microwave Ovens and Tap and Go payments are today. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Networked devices

“Early one morning in 2050 a lady is automatically woken from her induced sleep by a white clinical Robot entering the room to download blood and heart rate readings from monitors under her pillow, before serving her personal nutritionally balance breakfast from its built-in food processor. After breakfast, with controlled media entertainment, the Robot returns to gently lift her from the bed, pass her through a cleansing and dressing unit and place her gently into a driverless vehicle. She is then transported to scheduled destinations to see family, medical services or government agencies as required. This is not just about old people….this is for everyone. Robots will carry out delicate routine surgery and complex medical procedures, diseases will be automatically diagnosed, body functions will be checked and monitored, and the cost of each interaction will be automatically debited from nominated accounts.”

will totally transform our future society in the same way that Steam Power did all those years ago. The difference is that in the years ahead all these changes will happen much more quickly. By 2050 the world’s population may have almost doubled, and 300 billion network-connected devices will respond to remote and speech commands, and the very nature of work and recreation will be totally different.

Worldwide food sourcing, production and security will be completely transformed, and computerisation of all aspects of life will radically change things. Where we live, how we live, and what we live in will completely transform social interactions. Perhaps our future lifestyle will lead us to all to have less “Stuff”, rather than the current drive to always having more of whatever is available.

What is clear is that the rapid development of Robots and domestic technology will be able to constantly monitor personal health and well-being, and enable the prevention and treatment of a wide range of common issues. Imagine a mirror that when looked into will read and diagnose all aspects of your body and mind, and detect viruses and medical risks. When you go to the Toilet it will automatically analyse your urine, prescribe high protein and nutritious insect or seaweed based farmed foods, which may have replaced traditional fish and animal products.

Autonomous driverless vehicles will be the safest form of transport, they will communicate with each other, and may even fly. Are you kidding me …..is this going to happen in 30 years? Most of what I have outlined here already exists and is just waiting for world economics to enable effective roll-out. How will you cope with all this? You only have to watch a Toddler for a while to appreciate how quickly humans adapt to and adopt new technology. I have recently visited remote parts of China and other Asian countries and have been amazed at how all ages embrace new technology. Australia is already far behind what we had previously considered to the Developing World. History has already overtaken us. Was life better in the past?

Only you can answer that question for yourself, but many people who have been around for quite a while often say “Yes”. Individuals and communities certainly had far more control and involvement in their own goals and objectives, and far less reliance on “Them” to do things for us. Today we are limited and constrained by “Them” rather than enabled. Just look at Bribie Island 50 years ago when the population was less than 2000 people. We had 2 elected Councillors representing the interests and requirements of those few Bribie Islanders.

Councillors represented the aspirations of the people to the Council, rather than a Councillor representing the Council to the people. They encouraged, supported and assisted the community of Bribie to achieve the things they wanted, rather than stand in their way. So, what about all this futuristic stuff I have written here , and what will Bribie really be like in 2050.

The population of Bribie will probably be double or even treble what it is now, medium high rise buildings seem inevitable, and Bribie may become just like every other seaside location along the Sunshine Coast and beyond. What a shame that would be. Bribie still has many unique features that differentiate it from the other places. We have the rich History and Heritage of Bribie as the “Cradle Site of Queensland” since Matthew Flinders first landed on what is now Queensland in 1799.

Bribie still has many unique and original buildings and structures from the earliest times, and we may still have the chance to retain our pristine Environment, Wildlife, Flora and Fauna from the ravages of developers and mass tourism. When you visit other parts of the world your “Tourist” experience is to see the unique History, Heritage, Buildings and life style that has been preserved and retained for its significant value. When the era of Tourist visitors to Bribie was booming 100 years ago it was known as “A Zoo without a Fence’. Many other communities would fight very hard to have such a unique and valuable difference.

Bribie still has a chance to remain a very special place to live and visit, even though the future is going to be very different. Nothing will prevent the technology changes that I have outlined here happening to all our lives going forward, but we do have a chance to retain the unique environment and lifestyle factors that are so special to those who live and visit this island. Maybe it is time for the residents of Bribie to agree and stand up for a shared “Vision” for the future of Bribie, so that the big and small decisions made by “Them” will ensure we head in the right direction, in both the short and long term. Contact me at… bribiehistoricalsociety@ gmail.com

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History – Bribie Island Prewar

In the Air – with The Caboolture Warplane Museum and “OLD FRED”

By
David Sweedman
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History. Military. War. Planes. Aircraft. Museum. Queensland. Caboolture. Brisbane. WWII

Tags: History. Military. War. Planes. Aircraft. Museum. Queensland. Caboolture. Brisbane. WWII

During World War II, aircraft played a major role in both in the ultimate victory by Allied forces and, regarded as the flagship of Bomber Command, the four-engine Avro Lancaster bomber was arguably one of the most active in that role. A total of 7,377 of the type were built over the years of production and of these, 3,636 were lost during the conflict and only seventeen remain in complete form, two of which are still airworthy.

Featured Image(above): Bill Elliott’s pencil drawing of Old Fred (lead aircraft)

Interestingly, most “high ops” Lancaster bombers were operated by squadrons belonging to the RAAF, flying consistent missions to bomb German targets and, as has been well documented, this type was used in the famous Dambuster raid in May of 1943. All aircraft are referred to by alphabetic call-signs and one of the Lancasters flown by RAAF pilots was DV 372, call-sign F for Fred, affectionately known as “Old Fred.”

This particular bomber (the cockpit section of which is now on display at the Imperial War Museum in London) is on record as having flown over forty missions with RAAF 467 Squadron and one of the brave men who flew F for Fred was known to have been a resident of Bribie Island prior to passing away. English artist Bill Elliott often does commissioned work for ex-aircrew, drawing images of the aircraft which they have flown and it so happened that the Lancaster pilot from Bribie requested through a friend for Bill to depict “Old Fred” in one of his drawings.

History. Military. War. Planes. Aircraft. Museum. Queensland. Caboolture. Brisbane. WWII

Bill Elliott

Upon completing the very realistic pencil drawing, and being aware of the gentleman’s passing, Bill has sent the work to his brother Dave who is a local resident and made the request that his drawing be displayed in a place where it can be seen by all as a reminder of the valiant effort by our airmen. With this in mind, Dave and his wife Liz presented Bill’s work, along with a copy of the aircraft’s operations log, to the Caboolture Warplane Museum recently and museum Curator Graham Cowan is in the process of preparing a special place where the drawing will be noticed by all who visit the facility.

History. Military. War. Planes. Aircraft. Museum. Queensland. Caboolture. Brisbane. WWII

The cockpit section of Old Fred is on display at the Imperial War Museum in London

The Caboolture Warplane Museum in Hangar 101 on Mcnaught Road in Caboolture has undergone some very welcome refurbishments recently and visitors are able to not only have the opportunity to view the engines, equipment and artefacts on display and get close to the rare still flying warbirds but can also gain greater understanding of the stories about them and a range of DVDs are on hand should visitors wish to sit, learn and be entertained.

The museum has now welcomed back the 1944 P51D Mustang following it having undergone a complete rebuild and paint job. Since its return, the aircraft has been kept busy with aerial displays and adventure flights. A new display in the premises tells the story of local pilot Garry Coopers aviation career including his time as a forward air control pilot during the Vietnam War.

History. Military. War. Planes. Aircraft. Museum. Queensland. Caboolture. Brisbane. WWII

Dave Elliott (L) presented the drawing to museum president Carlos Fernandes (C)
and curator Graham Cowan

Anyone who would like to experience an enjoyable and educational few hours should definitely consider a visit to the Caboolture Museum. To find out more about what the museum has to offer, call 5499 1144.

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HISTORY PRESERVED AT CABOOLTURE AIRFIELD

SEA MINE AT NINGI

By
David Sweedman
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Tags: Tourist destinations. Bribie Island. Queensland. Brisbane

Gateway Discovery Tours has secured an exciting piece of WW2 memorabilia that will be on permanent display outside its headquarters at 1383 Bribie Island Rd Ningi. Rick Williams, the owner of the company, said that for decades this “Sea Mine” was touted to be German in origin but recent sandblasting revealed an amazing history.

The inscriptions on the mine were MINE MARK XIV A & B NO 8144 A N 7/43 F. This information was forwarded to the Australian Navy Commanding Officer A. J. Walsh LCDR, RAN AUSCDT One, who responded and provided the company with the following information: The Mine is a MarK14 Sea mine manufactured and laid as part of the Australian War Cabinet decision to deploy defensive minefields around Australia and New Zealand, this mine was built in Australia by the Ford Motor Company in Geelong and filled with TNT manufactured in Singapore, this sea mine was stored at the RAN Mine Depot Swan Island.

The markings indicate that it is mine No. 8144 manufactured in July 1943 only 18 months after Pearl Harbour, the Australian war cabinet approved the Naval Mining Policy in the expectation that the Japanese would soon invade the south, hence the Brisbane Line. These mines were deployed throughout Australian Waters which includes Moreton Bay and at Fort Bribie.

It was reported that two sea mines broke free at Fort Bribie only one was recovered. “Our mine is the same as those deployed at Fort Bribie (RAN2) gun emplacements,” said Rick. “Drop in for a photo with our sea mine 1383 Bribie Island Rd Ningi, we do inexpensive 4 ½ hour guided tours into the National Park and visit the WW2 gun emplacements and mine control hut. We have lots of history to share, Japanese Sub deployed mines off the Sunshine Coast and the Port of Brisbane, torpedoed the hospital ship Centaur, torpedos missing the Charles C.Jones merchant ship under escort of HMAS Gympie,” he said.

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Gloss Magazine Bribie Islander 1st Edition Jan 04 2019 Issue 78

SLUMBERING SANTA WINS COVER COMP

By
David Sweedman
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The Bribie Islander’s inaugural Christmas Cover Art Competition was won by local artist Anca (Shelly) Nedelcu with her digital art painting depicting Santa relaxing on Bribie Island. General manager and editor of The Bribie Islander, David Sweedman, said that inviting local artists to provide the artwork for the Christmas edition was a way to embrace the fun of the season.

Featured Image(above): Winner of the inaugural Bribie Islander Christmas Cover art competition Anca (Shelly) Nedelcu with editor David Sweedman

He said that he was very grateful for the support lent by The Bribie Island Community Arts Society Inc. to ensure support from local artists. “We congratulate Shelly on winning the competition with her depiction of Santa in a slumbering repose with Pumicestone Passage and The Glasshouse mountains as the backdrop.

This followed the brief of ‘A very Bribie Christmas’. We also thank all those artists who took the trouble to enter this year and trust that they will put forward an artwork in 2019 when we run a similar art competition for the Christmas cover,” he said.

IN THE DOGHOUSE NOW

By
David Sweedman
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0
dog grooming service bribie island

Tags: Dog grooming service. Bribie Island
When a man is punished by his wife or partner for doing something stupid, annoying or, just wrong in so many ways, it is often said that he is in the doghouse and this description may very well be the most accurate way to sum up the permanent living arrangements of Woorim resident, Brett Ironmonger.

Brett is the husband of Glamour Petz owner Robyn Ironmonger and, as one would expect, both Robyn and Brett are dedicated animal lovers, even to the extent of having eight large dog statues fixed to the railing of the front deck and roof of the carport. ‘It all began when Brett bought two of the statues from a place called Nature World at Brendale as a birthday present for me,’ Robyn explained. ‘With the dog statues all the way across the front of the house, it seems to have become a bit of an attraction for passersby.

We even have buses pull up for the passengers to take a few happy snaps,’ she said. Robyn also told me that they eventually intend to get even more of the lifelike statues. Prior to commencing her “Glamour Petz” business thirteen years ago, Robyn worked at Australia Zoo so I guess the founding of an animal related business was the obvious choice for her when leaving the zoo.

As I spoke to Robyn about the “Doghouse” and her business which she tells me now has three hundred customers, it became clear that this was someone who is dedicated to the welfare of animals and ensures that she provides the best possible service to pet owners. ‘My assistants and I normally start at around 7 am, and finish at 6 pm. At the moment we are so busy and are fully booked until Christmas,’ said Robyn. ‘Everyone wants their dog to be clean at Christmas,’ she added.

The Ironmonger’s “Doghouse” is on Arcadia Avenue in Woorim and I would not be surprised if it soon earns the reputation of being another Bribie Island icon in the near future. Although the popular dog grooming business is booked out at the moment, anyone who would like to get their dog pampered in the New Year should give Robyn a call on 0401 382 491.

Gloss Magazine Bribie Islander 1st Edition Jan 04 2019 Issue 78

By
The Editor Cherrie Wilson
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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.

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The MINI Bribie Islander Dec 2018 / Jan 2019 Issue 24

The Yowie of Bribie Island

By
David Sweedman
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yowie big foot queensland bribie island

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

By
David Sweedman
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0

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

By
David Sweedman
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0

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.

 

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The MINI Bribie Islander Nov 2018 / Dec 2018 Issue 23

THE BRIBIE ISLANDER PET PICS – Dec 2018

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

 

Bribie Island Diabetes Support Group

By
David Sweedman
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0

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

By
David Sweedman
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0

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.

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