The LOCAL News, Island and Surrounds issue 102

Published every four weeks.

Phone: 0447 007 966

PO Box 1019 Bongaree Qld 4507

www.islandandsurrounds.com.au www.facebook.com/islandandsurrounds 100% independently owned While great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and contents of the publication, the Island and Surrounds accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views held by TIAS. All content is copyright and may not be reproduced without permission. The production of this FREE newspaper is only made possible by you continuing to support our local advertisers.

In order to maintain acceptable editorial standards we reserve the right to edit content and, where necessary, the spelling, punctuation, grammar and readability of all articles submitted for publication in The Island and Surrounds News. We are a small Community Newspaper and welcome submissions from our readers and community groups which will provide us with relevant information about our region and provide a platform on which to voice their opinion. Responsibility for the accuracy of the content of submissions remains with the contributor.

Next Distribution dates

29th May - Bribie Island, Sandstone Point & Ningi. 30th May - 1st June delivered to Beachmere, Caboolture, Toorbul, Donnybrook and surrounding areas.

Delivered to homes and local businesses in the following areas:Bribie Island, Sandstone Point, Ningi, Godwin Beach, Beachmere (including Peel Road & Beachmere Road) Bribie Pines, Toorbul, Donnybrook, Meldale, Central Lakes, Caboolture and Elimbah.

Copies can also be picked up from IGA and other local businesses in these districts.

Circulation 24,000

PUBLISHER AND ADVERTISING SALES

Belinda Ferguson 0447 007 966. belinda@islandandsurrounds.com.au

CHIEF OF STAFF

Kym Braithwaite cos@islandandsurrounds.com.au

JOURNALISTS/WRITERS

Sheree Hoddinett, stories@islandandsurrounds.com.au Alistair Gray. alistair@thegoodnewswriter.com

DESIGN & ADVERTISING

Roger Small design1@islandandsurrounds.com.au

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA

Matthew Owen

From Belinda

Hello Readers!

Welcome to our 102nd issue!

Another month is upon us. As usual, we have the regular columns from Gecko Chirps and fishing report. This is the final gardening article from Jill who is deservedly retiring and I personally thank her for her contribution which has enlightened us, giving us plenty of gardening tips and great recipes. If you get the chance, please drop into Mitre 10 and wish her well in her retirement. Moving forward, we will have Adelle from Bribie Garden Centre on Verdoni Drive, Bellara contributing to the garden section of the paper.

There is some great local articles in this issue and with Mother’s Day fast approaching Sheree Hoddinett has done a lovely article called “It’s all about mum”, where our team have reminisced about their favourite moments with their own mums. Alistair has compiled a wonderful article remembering RAAF Flight Lieutenant Wally Edwin Dalitz, who recently passed away just shy of turning 102.

Sheree has written an informative article about our local posties and the dangers they face with dogs when delivering our mail. She has given some great tips for your dogs.

Alistair has written about the Bribie Classic Boat Regatta holding its 25th anniversary on May 25-26. Make sure you get down to Sylvan Beach to see all the classic boats on display.

A senate inquiry into bank closures was held on Bribie Island and Alistair has spoken to some locals about their thoughts. It’s a great read.

As usual, we cover a wide variety of local issues, while showcasing our local businesses. It is our local businesses who make this publication possible, so please support them. Until next month.

Warm regards,

Belinda

The views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers of the newspaper.

Electoral stability

Since the defeat of our inaugural Member for Pumicestone Carryn Sullivan back in 2012, the seat has seen a different member every term. Lisa France (2012-15), Rick Williams (2015-17), Simone Wilson (2017-20) and Ali King 2020 to present. Whether you’re an ALP or LNP supporter on Bribie Island and surrounds, you have got to realise this situation is unsatisfactory. What this Island and its surrounds needs is stability in representation. When Carryn Sullivan won this new seat in 2001, she held it for more than a decade, providing Bribie Island with the stability it needed. Come election day on October 26, please remember this and don't throw out another member just because of your political persuasion, think about what's best for Bribie Island and surrounds.

P Nash Banksia Beach

Where is the Fair Work Commission? The ramifications of the CFMEU’s employment conditions and wages will be calamitous for our future economy. Obviously construction and building costs will skyrocket, but on a wider basis our economy will become a disaster. Who will want to be a teacher, nurse, shopkeeper, police officer, firefighter, journalist, etc if one can earn more than $200K (with an extra 30 days off as well as annual leave) by being a construction traffic controller?

And if that is the ‘standard’, watch the applications for comparative pay increases from other industries/occupations flood in. If successful, those pay increases for other industries will naturally go into the suppliers’ costs. If you think the cost of living is high now ...just wait!!!!

One other question...where is the Fair Work Commission???

R Galbraith Bongaree

It’s all about mum

By Sheree Hoddinett

Flowers, perfume and all manner of soppy, heartfelt cards - it’s that time of year again, Mother’s Day. Mark it in your calendar, Sunday May 12 is the day where we celebrate all those who take on a mothering role of some kind, shape or form. This year, the team at The Local News have spent some time reminiscing about our own mums.

Long before I became a mum to my amazing and spirited young ladies, there was one woman who I looked up to the most and still do to this day, my own beautiful mum. To say I’d be lost without her would be an understatement, especially after some tough times in recent years. My mum was quite young when she and my dad welcomed my brother and then me into the world back in the early 1980s. Determined, strong and selfless are just some of the words I would use to describe the woman I have grown to know in my almost 40 years of life.

We have shared many special moments, but some of my favourite times are when we go shopping together and then have morning tea and chat, it’s nice being

able to have that one-on-one time with my mum. I have understood so much more about my mum and the many sacrifices, choices and decisions she made for us since having my own girls. One thing I always remember mum saying, “I brought you into this world and I can take you out again” and it brings a smile to my face every time I think of it. I can honestly say she is everything I hope to be and more as I continue on my own mothering journey. To me, she is the best mum ever! Love you mum!

Kym

I would like to thank our extremely talented and creative journalist Sheree for again including us and our stories in The Local newspaper. Mothers come in all shapes and sizes, some are quiet and some loud, some demure, some brazen, others ordinary and others famous, some a bit rough around the edges and others quite refined and now some have interesting pronouns, proving that we are not all the same and cannot be put into the same box.

For some, mothering comes easily and others it’s a struggle – it’s not an easy job, the only payment sometimes being a smile, a hug or an energetic belly laugh and most of the time is quite thankless. Regardless, a mother’s heart holds the essence of a child’s wellbeing. There is no manual to help you be a ‘good parent’, most of us just fumble our way through and hope we have done a good job – only time will tell!

As a mother there is an overwhelming desire to protect, to want the very best for your child, their welfare, their health, etc, so most of us make sacrifices that will not be understood by our children until they become parents themselves.

My philosophy as a parent was to provide my children with the skillset to become functioning adults as they venture out on their own journey, to experience the joys and pains of life hoping that they cope regardless of what life throws their way and being there to support their decisions knowing it is their life and not mine, learning and growing through these life experiences.

My own mother is an extremely intelligent woman with an incredible thirst for knowledge who would have embraced the opportunity to pursue academic options, but instead sacrificed her own dreams to be a mum of four very different humans. As I watch my own mother age, I try to remember the woman who gave her all so that I could become my very best. I wonder if my children look at me and wonder the same thing. It is a reminder to us all that life is short, love those who hold a special place in your heart.

So for all the women who have passed through your life, that hold that special place, that essence of being a mother in your heart, to you I wish the absolute best and the most beautiful mother’s day, which should be celebrated every day not just one day of the year.

Roger

My mother Doreen Olive Small was born on June 26, 1935. Growing up, I remember my mother for her unwavering Christian values. She was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need and she always put her family first. My mother was a strong believer in having faith, especially during tough times. She taught me to never give up and to persist, because in the end, we would always come out on top. And I have seen it play out time and time again. Whenever life throws me a curveball, I think back to my mother's words and find the strength to push through. "If there is a will, there is a way," she used to say. And I am a firm believer in that thanks to her.

One of my mother's other favourite saying was, "half the things you worry about never happen". And as I look back on my life, I realise how true that statement is.

My mother was a force to be reckoned with, but she also had a gentleness about her that made her truly unique. I can't help but smile when I think of her. Sadly, I lost my mother on February 24, 2023. But her words and her spirit still live on in me every day. I miss her dearly, but I am forever grateful for the lessons she instilled in me. She will always hold a special place in my heart.

Alistair

Mum was an incredible woman, a role model for us all. She had strong Christian values, which very much shaped the family. I am sure her early life during the war years made her resilient, independent, highly disciplined and able to withstand every challenge life

doted over the grandkids and great grandkids. She was affectionally known as GG by the great grandkids, with handwritten cards and paintings regularly exchanged. She loved their visits and loved to encourage their reading by buying fabulous books with big pictures, often tied back to something Kiwi. Over many years, Mum has been active in the community, giving time and doing those small things that make a difference in others’ lives, like having young pregnant mums stay with the family, who were otherwise unloved and on the street. She helped the City Mission, made marmalade, gathered fruit to send to the South Island, was actively involved in Girl Guides, helped struggling young adults with remedial reading and was a guide at the Auckland Museum—a role model for active community life and giving back.

Belinda

Mother’s Day has even more meaning to me every year, as my own beautiful mum passed away on Mother’s Day in 2012. I am not fortunate enough to have children, so I can only write as a daughter and remember my mum who was a tough lady and I was scared of her. I learnt very quickly not to tell porkies because you certainly couldn’t pull the wool over mum’s eyes. She had this incredible knack of knowing when you

threw at her. Mum’s perseverance and ability to rise above the challenges was inspirational. Mum had an enormous thirst for learning, a deep enquiring mind with an active interest in world affairs and politics, loved travelling and was even fluent in Maori. She was an avid reader, not ‘Mills and Boon’, but detailed non-fiction texts like the autobiography of Hilary Clinton, a three-inch thick read. She hated being driven and excelled as a backseat driver and constantly counselled me. I think my wife Helen must have learned from her.

Sunday night was the time to talk, and often we were on the phone for an hour as we talked through everything from what was happening in the garden to the latest with Trump, politics and the weather, but most of all, she was in

were not being honest and she always knew where you had been without her permission. There wasn’t much she didn’t know - I guess that’s what mums do.

I learnt some very strong core values from my mum. She taught me that NO was negotiable and I should have trust in my own capabilities and confidence. This value has served me well for the past 60 years. My mum and dad were married for 50 years, so family is everything to us and I miss them both every day.

I would like to wish all the mums a very Happy Mother’s Day, but most importantly I wish my own mum a very happy heavenly Mother’s Day. Enjoy your time with family on May 12.

Me and my mum Tracey.

Alistair (left) pictured with his mum Sheila and siblings Robyn, Hilary and Stuart.

Roger with his mum Doreen.

Belinda (pictured left) with her sister Sabrina and mum Judy.

Kym (far right) with her mum (middle) and father, Kym’s daughter Tara, granddaughter Olivia and son Coady.

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My name is Lise and I’ve joined Bongaree Dental as your dental hygienist. My love for teeth comes from my father who was a Professor in dentistry in South Africa. I am extremely passionate about teeth and dedicated to my profession, which is to help folks care for their precious teeth and maintain healthy gums. Many years of experience enables me to identify issues related to teeth and gums and

educate our patients about their oral health. You are probably aware of the strong link between gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) and other systemic conditions like higher incidence of stroke and diabetes. A stitch in time saves nine… Both my two daughters have had orthodontic treatment, fissure sealants and extractions of impacted wisdom teeth. Your children will benefit from a visit to the dental hygienist to help prevent dental decay and gum infections. Sadly, dental decay is still on the increase so the battle is not over yet! I work alongside our dentists to care for your teeth by cleaning off the calculus that grows on teeth. You may hear me compare calculus to the tough barnacles that sit under a boat and often hides under the water (under the gums). These ‘barnacles’ can lead to gum infection, bone infection and often loss of teeth. This is my forte.

At Bongaree Dental, we offer dental implants to replace lost teeth. Personally, I

am the happy owner of two dental implants that have drastically improved my eating and chewing. I can assist in taking dental x-ray photos to determine your initial situation. Maybe you have been wondering about teeth whitening? I would be happy to have a look at your teeth and give advice accordingly.

Some years ago I invented two specialist oral care products which are available in several countries including Australia. In the past I’ve presented papers at international dental conferences on the maintenance of dental implants and how to keep periodontitis under control.

Away from work, I love to climb mountains and make mosaic art pieces. My husband and I live here on beautiful Bribie Island where you may find us glued to our binoculars while bird spotting.

I look forward to seeing you at Bongaree Dental.

Dentistry for the whole family

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Issue 102/2024 - We're here for YOU!

By Sheree Hoddinett

Get red-dy for another bright display as supporters hit the road for this year’s Moreton Bay Red Ride on Saturday May 18. Now in its fourth year, the ride is all about standing up against domestic violence in our community and beyond.

For those who hit the road, not only will you get to take in the many beautiful sights in and around the City of Moreton Bay, but this year’s event is going to be brighter and bigger than previous years, with the addition of a family fun day component for all ages.

These days we are hearing about domestic violence more and more. Knowing it was so prevalent and wanting to make a difference was a big part of why the Red Ride came about. Red Ride committee member Randall Macey has been involved now for the last three years and enjoys the opportunity to be a part of such an important event.

“The initial idea for the ride came from the Rotary Club of Caboolture, particularly Riana Botha and Chris Sharp - sadly Chris passed away several months before last year’s ride - and also Councillor Tony Latter,” Randall explains.

“Initially Red Ride was about a motorbike ride showing solidarity against domestic violence. The sea of red procession down Morayfield Road and the Ted Smout Bridge is a very visual show of solidarity. The colour red was chosen because of its impact. We wanted to make an impact and highlight that domestic violence is NOT OKAY in our beautiful community. The aim of Red Ride is to raise awareness of domestic violence in our community and to raise funds for not-for-profit organisations that support individuals and families who are impacted by domestic violence.”

This year’s Red Ride event begins from 7am with breakfast/coffee and time for a chat at the Caboolture Showground. Stands will go up at 8.30am with the

Red-dy to ride

“For me, it’s all about helping the community in any way possible to put smiles on people’s faces. With smiles it helps ease daily pains and takes their minds off things for a little while, that's why I do this,” Randall says. “I also really love to dress my bike and fly these flags, raising money and helping people is what this is all about. I don't like domestic violence and I will help where I can with the skills I have.”

This year the big focus is about families and the provision of information, particularly in relation to coercive control and where individuals and families can get help. The Domestic Violence Prevention Council is on board this year and Vanessa Fowler will be giving a presentation on domestic and family violence and coercive control. Vanessa is the sister of the late Allison Baden-Clay and is Chair of the Board of Directors of The Allison BadenClay Foundation.

Red Ride would not be possible without the support of the Caboolture Sports Club, who have been the platinum sponsor for the past four years.

“We would also like to send a big thank you to the working committee including Tony Latter, Kathleen Fitter, Leah and Duncan Campbell and Darren Marshall,” Randall says. “Without these guys, we have no event.

Once riders are back out on the D’Aguilar Highway, they will head towards the final stop at the showground.

Last year was the first year the Red Ride included a car show and now it’s about including even more fun for the family.

“We tried a few things last year but we knew we had to go bigger,” Randall says.

“This year we have added a family fun day to the event with live music, super slide, rock climbing wall, face painting, balloon twisting, giant Jenga and much more.

Spreading awareness and saying no to Domestic Violence is what the Red Ride is all about. procession heading from the showground to Caboolture Sports Club before making its way to Redcliffe and regrouping in the Humpybong Yacht Club car park. From there the ride will go towards Brendale, out to Dayboro and up Mt Mee Road where photographers will be capturing all the action, so make sure you smile and wave.

“With another major sponsor, Supreme Community Care on board, this has given us the opportunity to make it a free event for the kids. Yes, a free event! We will have boxes/buckets around, so do feel free to drop a gold coin into one of these as the money goes to our not-for-profit domestic violence charities we support. The kids need a happy day so this is our way of helping.”

So what is it about the Red Ride that makes it special to Randall?

“We encourage everyone to spread the word. You can be a part of the ride or just come along for the family fun day, remember to bring your smiles and dress to impress by wearing red! Red is the colour of the day so dress your bike, your pillion, your car and yourself in red. We have flags to purchase, so let them fly free on your bikes. We also have prizes for best bike in five categories, so it will be fun for all the kids to see a sea of red.”

For further information, please visit redride.org or follow Red Ride on Facebook.

Sarah Adams

Participants in last year’s Red Ride.

Ariana Doolan LNP candidate for Pumicestone

The LNP will make Queensland safe again

As you would be aware, the youth crime crisis has exploded across Queensland due to fewer police, weaker laws and no consequence for actions.

I met with Morrie last week, a Caboolture local who has installed many security cameras around his home because he and his wife feel unsafe - afraid they may be the next victims of the youth crime crisis. Tragically, the security cameras have already come in handy, catching footage of their neighbour’s car being broken into.

We all know of someone who has been impacted by Labor’s youth crime crisis.

Someone who has been assaulted, someone who has had their property damaged or their possessions stolen.

Crime is simply out of control!

In Queensland we have seen:

• Assaults up by 219% since 2015

• Break ins up by 54% since 2015

• Car theft up by 116% from 2015

And recent reports indicate a significant surge in break and enter offences in our area.

There are now 322 fewer police than there were 18 months ago, despite the significant growth in crime rates. Labor has not given our police the resources they need to deal with this growing problem.

Youth crime is hurting our community financially as well.

More crime in Pumicestone means

our insurance premiums go up. And you can’t go to work if your vehicle has been damaged or stolen.

That is why the LNP has announced our next step in tackling the out-ofcontrol Queensland Youth Crime Crisis. The Making Queensland Safer Laws will be rolled out as the first legislative priority of an LNP government, if elected in October.

We will remove detention as the last resort to give the judiciary the freedom they need to make a penalty that is appropriate for the crime. Victims’ rights will be put first. We will keep more police on the beat and introduce gold stand intervention programs to turn kids around early.

Let’s fight local crime together. For too long, we have been forced to

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confront terrifying youth crime in our lives. We all pay for it, whether it’s as victims, feeling unsafe in our own homes or through higher insurance premiums.

Please sign my petition and send a message to the Palaszczuk/Miles government that we need to get serious about community safety in Pumicestone https://online.lnp.org. au/stoppumicestonecrime

Sunshine Mitre 10’s long history of servicing customers within our local communities spans over 110 years. As a long standing independently operated Hardware business, our family and community ethos sit at the core of what we

We are proud to welcome another strong Mitre 10 business with a proud culture and history, an established team of dedicated employees, loyal local customer base, and an extensive product offering.

As a local family-operated business we value making a positive contribution to the community by providing jobs, lending support through various partnerships and sponsorships, and playing an active role within community groups and charities.

We look forward to becoming ingrained in the Bribie Island Community and continuing this legacy for years to come.

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Bribie Classic Boat Regatta holds its 25th anniversary regatta

May 25-26, 2023

Pictures and story by Alistair Gray

Bring the kids, invite friends and put together a picnic. Come and enjoy one of Bribie Island's keystone winter events, the Bribie Classic Boat Regatta. It is the regatta's 25th anniversary event, hosted by Bribie Island Community Events Inc. (BACE) and is the largest classic boat regatta in Queensland. The annual event showcases the maritime recreational past, with boaties travelling from far and wide, with a strong involvement of local boaties and the surrounding communities of Donnybrook and Toorbul.

Last year saw the return of the regatta after a break related to Covid. It was a great success, with locals and visitors turning out by the thousands to see the fabulous display of classic boats. Imagine looking across the Pumicestone Passage towards the bridge to see the water chocked full of boats of all sizes, ages and types. It is spectacular and something not to be missed. See the large 48-foot classic motor cruisers, the speed boats with highly polished wooden decks, the old wooden yachts with classic sails, outrigger canoes and much more. Two old steamboats will also join the regatta this year. Besides the boats, there will be a display of classic cars, model boats, various beach activities, food, drink and live music.

“It is the 25th regatta since Alan Graham, a local wooden boat builder, staged a one-day event for putt-putt boats on the Pumicestone Passage, Bribie Island,” Secretary of BACE Inc. Dr Doug Wilson said.

A ‘classic boat’ is defined as one built between 1943 and 1975, while a ‘late classic boat’ is defined as made after 1975 and older than 25 years.

The event will start on Friday May 24, with boaties gathering in the late afternoon at the Oyster Bar, Sandstone Point Hotel for registration, briefings, and a get-together. For the public, all the action starts the following morning.

Saturday May 25

You will see boats launched at the boat ramp at Bellara from 7am. The boats will then depart from 9am for a spectacular cruise on the Pumicestone Passage

to Donnybrook, where the boaties will enjoy a free lunch put on by the Toorbul Community Association. After lunch, the fleet of boats will return to the Pacific Harbour Marina for public viewing between 1.30pm and 4.30pm. The return of the boats to the marina creates an excellent opportunity for mum, dad and the kids to walk along the marina walkways and get a close view of these magnificent old craft. Check out the workmanship and detail of these classic crafts, usually moored at anchor and only seen from afar. On the hard, there will also be more boats to see, a display of classic cars, community club activities, model boats and boat building, other pop-up stalls, food and entertainment.

The members will enjoy a special anniversary dinner at the Bribie Hotel in the evening with trophy presentations for Pride of the Fleet, Best Sailing Boat and Best Motorboat.

Sunday May 26

Watch the Grand Parade of Boats leaving the marina at 9am with the best viewing from Sylvan Beach as they circle around and finally either pull up on the beach or anchor just offshore. The display of boats is spectacular and not to be missed. The water will be churning with action, so camera enthusiasts should bring their cameras and lenses for some superb shots. There will be every type of craft to see, from rowboats, putt-putts, motor cruisers, sailing boats,

surf boats, dragon boats and outrigger canoes, with visitors given the chance to vote on the People's Choice Award with presentation. Around the beach area, there will be speciality pop-up stalls, classic cars, model boats, ice creams and a sausage sizzle. Mark your calendars, as this is a day you don't want to miss.

Political Absurdity

Let’s cut the fluff and dive straight into the cesspool of political absurdity. I’m about to serve you a steaming hot plate of truth, sarcasm and a dash of ‘whatthe-actual-heck’.

Our beloved politicians, those illustrious saviours of humanity, have perfected the art of self-promotion, strutting around like peacocks on steroids, flaunting their ‘achievements’ like they just single-handedly wrestled a dragon while juggling flaming swords. But let’s dissect their grandiose claims, shall we?

Hospital Builder Extraordinaire: Ah, yes, the politician who allegedly erected a brand-new hospital. Picture this: they’re in a hard hat, surrounded by construction workers, pointing at blueprints with an intensity that screams, “I invented healthcare!” But hold your applause, folks. Turns out, this hospital was in the pipeline since the Stone Age. The politician’s contribution? Probably choosing the font for the ‘Emergency Exit’ signs.

Road Whisperer: Beachmere Road fixed? Check. Bribie Island Road improved? Double check. Our politician struts along these freshly paved highways, chest puffed out, as if they personally laid every asphalt slab. Spoiler alert: road projects take longer than a sloth’s commute. But hey, let’s give credit where it’s due—the politician’s Instagram game is on point.

#RoadWarrior Bridge Dreams and Selfies: Behold, the politician who secured funding for a new bridge! They pose on the bridge-to-be, wind ruffling their hair, gazing into the distance pondering the meaning of life. Meanwhile, engineers, architects and bridge trolls (yes, they exist) did the actual work. But fear not dear citizens, for our hero has mastered the art of bridge-selfies.

#BridgeLife

Small Business Awards, aka Politician Hedonism: Picture this glittering event: a red carpet, flashing cameras and the politician’s face plastered everywhere. Forget struggling business owners; this soirée is all about our star. The awards? Mere props for their re-election campaign. The real winners? The photographers who captured the politician’s ‘thoughtful’ expressions. #BusinessBlitz News Articles: From Journalism to Advertorials: Our politicians moonlight as wordsmiths. They take legit news articles and sprinkle them with fairy dust, transforming them into glowing tributes to their own brilliance. ‘Breaking News: Politician Breathes Oxygen—World Saved!’ The byline? ‘By Our Humble Servant’. #MediaMagic

Let’s raise our imaginary glasses to change. It’s time for politicians to listen, act and stop treating public service like a vanity project. Otherwise, we’ll be drowning in a sea of selfies, press releases and empty promises.

L Roubin

Bribie Classic Boats Regatta 2023 - the water was a mass of boats.

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It’s time to get moving

You know things are serious when the pollies get involved! As the Million Moves (MM) representative for Moreton Bay and the electorate of Longman, Member for Longman Terry Young has laid down the fitness gauntlet to his neighbouring politicians, all in the name of getting the community moving.

In a recent gym session, Mr Young taunted Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien that the challenge is more about exercise than sipping lattes overlooking the beach break. It seems Mr Young has set his sights on more than just Ted O’Brien for the MM challenge, with his target the entire Sunshine Coast region.

Determined to put the electorate of Longman and the Moreton Bay region on top for the Million Moves Challenge, Mr Young is putting a call out for assistance to reach the million milestone first. The aim of the campaign is to get the community moving so that they feel better and they can win prizes in the process!

For 21 days (starting May 1), people of all ages living in the electorates of Longman, Fisher, Fairfax and Wide Bay are invited to join the challenge and complete 75 moves a day to help their electorate reach the million milestone first.

Research shows 75% of Australians don’t get the required amount of physical exercise a day. Million Moves

aims to highlight this statistic - and break it - by promoting 75 moves a day over three weeks – the time it takes to form a new routine.

Mr Young said Million Moves was about promoting physical activity to help improve overall health and wellbeing.

“Health and exercise is such a good preventative measure, when it comes to health, both mental and physical, so let’s get off the couch and get into it!” Mr Young said. “I’ll be getting out with the people from Dragon Boats on Bribie and going for a paddle and just doing a few simple things like doing a few star jumps or push ups each day. It all makes a difference, so I encourage everyone, get involved, it is going to be a great initiative.”

To help AUSactive reach the Million Moves target officially, don’t forget to make your pledge to take part, it’s FREE! To register, or for further information, visit https://millionmoves. org.au/

The challenge is on between Member for Longman Terry Young and Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien.

When posties and pooches combine

By Sheree Hoddinett

Hearing a dog bark or even seeing one running towards you might seem trivial, but for Wayde Notley it can send a shiver of fear through his body. Wayde, who is a motorbike postie with Australia Post, was left shaken and injured following an attack from a dog on September 4 last year. It’s a day Wayde is unlikely to forget in a hurry and it seems he’s not the only one. More than 50 postal workers fall victim to dog-related incidents each week, with

through the fence again.”

The sharp rise in dog-related incidents last year was most pronounced in Queensland, followed closely behind by New South Wales.

• 321 in Queensland

• 306 in New South Wales

• 177 in Western Australia

• 103 in Victoria

• 68 in South Australia

• 9 in the Northern Territory

• 5 in Tasmania

calls for dog owners to secure their pets

Wayde’s face may be familiar to some of you out in the local community. He has been a motorbike postie for six years and is a business partner with Australia Post on three runs in the Morayfield, Burpengary and Narangba areas. Going through a scary and traumatic experience like a dog attack is not something you expect to encounter as you go about your daily work, but unfortunately it’s something posties always have to be on alert for.

“I was out delivering on my usual route at that time, when a dog grabbed my leg through the fence,” Wayde recalls. “All I could think was no, no, no and I knew it had punctured my skin. I did my best to remain as calm as I could, given the situation I was facing.

“I immediately switched off my bike, put myself in a safe position and grabbed my first aid kit in an attempt to stop the bleeding.”

While several months have passed since Wayde felt the pressure of dog teeth sinking into his left leg, the physical and mental scars are still very much at the forefront of his mind.

“It’s an experience that left me shaken and unsure,” Wayde explains. “Even now I still get highly anxious when put in a situation where a dog comes across as aggressive in close proximity to me.

“Whenever I have to deliver on that run, I still have flashbacks to that moment, even though the owner and their dog have since moved away.

“Speaking of the dog’s owner, although I’m disappointed this all happened, she was extremely concerned for my wellbeing after the incident and assisted me with first aid, bringing me towels to help stem the bleeding. Her husband also put immediate measures in place so the dog was unable to put its head

Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns from Australia Post, the frequency of dog related incidents has not decreased. Australia Post General Manager Safety and Wellbeing Rod Maule has emphasised the simple steps dog owners can take to keep posties safe.

“Our team of posties are working hard delivering to our customers in all parts of the nation, however we need the support of dog owners to keep their dog secure and our posties safe,” he says.

“We see a lot of incidents occur at the front door as our posties try to deliver packages, with dogs racing out from behind their owners. It takes just a second to secure your dog in another room and it makes the world of difference to our team members.

“We know our customers are eager to get their deliveries however our team’s safety comes first, if it’s not safe for our posties to approach a home, then they won’t be able to deliver.”

As a postie on the ground and a fellow dog owner, Wayde also encourages residents to be proactive to protect their pets and their friendly postie.

“I urge all dog owners with any size dog to have a good look at their boundary fences and ask themselves ‘is there a situation where my dog can attack and can I prevent that from happening?’” Wayde says. “I have four employees who work alongside me and their safety is my number one concern. I want to ensure they get home safely to their own families.”

To help protect its team members, Australia Post introduced several preventative measures aimed at reducing the number of dog-related incidents. In addition to on-the-job training, posties are also provided with a digital hazard tracker that allows them to log the location of a hazardous dog. The next time they, or any other postie, approach a pre-logged location they will receive a warning notification on their device, allowing them to avoid it or take extra care.

Tips to help keep your dog secure

• Always keep front gates securely closed.

• Where possible, secure dogs in the back garden (rather than the front) and keep any side gates securely closed.

• If you are expecting a delivery, be careful when opening your front door to ensure your dog doesn’t run out from behind you. Keeping them safely in another room when you answer the door is a great way to prevent this.

As a motorbike postie, Wayde has experienced an attack from a dog while out delivering mail.

The Voice still festers and so does the government on reliable energy

Just when you thought the Voice had lost its momentum and it was something we could all forget about. Despite the referendum on ‘the Voice’ being soundly defeated by the Australian public, the South Australian government has ignored the referendum results and pressed on to establish a ‘Voice’ in their parliament. Less than 10% of eligible voters cast their ballot for the South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament election. Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders were asked to elect the 46 members of the state’s ‘Voice to Parliament’ in a non-compulsory election on March 16. Only 2619 votes were counted across the state, which is home to about 30,000 eligible voters. Just goes to show that the majority of Aborigines either accepted the referendum outcome or they are so divided over the candidates that they couldn’t be bothered to vote. We need to stop this rubbish!

The Goondiwindi Regional Council and the Queensland government, in conjunction with Bigambul Aboriginal Corporation is planning to hand over the 220-hectare Toobeah Reserve to the Bigambul Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC). Toobeah, is a small rural town of about 30 residents in the Darling Downs region about 400km southwest of Brisbane. The reserve is not only a recreational area for the town, but also houses a pipe bringing water to the town. The residents are up in arms as there was no consultation, typical of this government. The granting of native title is becoming a scourge on our society, resulting in us being locked out of many areas which we used to enjoy. The Gecko knows this because, being a lizard, he gets around a bit. So, watch out, because the Voice is stealthily progressing and ignoring the referendum outcome not to have a Voice. Same goes with native title; land under Aboriginal native title now amounts to about 65% of the Australian continent. Aboriginals make up about 3.8% of our population and aboriginality is growing exponentially every day. Simple solution...claim aboriginality, because it is easy... then put your hand out and let the money and benefits flow into your hand, better still, use a wheelbarrow.

Our energy minister, Chris Bowen, continues to spin the propaganda regarding renewables and why we don’t need coalfired power stations or nuclear energy to provide us with a source of reliable power, basically continuing the spin that wind and sun are free and batteries will be our savior. Perhaps the caption below will get the message across.

Why is there such an aversion to using nuclear on land when the government is in favour of nuclear power at sea with our proposed nuclear-powered submarines? Defence Minister Marles talks up nuclear-power and Energy Minister Bowen talks down nuclear-power! Bowen’s propaganda about nuclear-power or coalfired power generation not being required because we will have free solar and wind power plus batteries to serve all our needs, is downright delusional. If the serial ministerial failure, Chris Bowen, is so certain

that nuclear-power is too expensive, why are other countries now embracing it and ramping up nuclear-power generation to provide a reliable source of electricity?

At the COP28 UN climate talks, there was a declaration signed by 22 countries “to advance the aspirational goal of tripling nuclear-power capacity by 2050”. Naturally, with our government obsessed with renewables, Australia was not a signatory.

Therefore, unless the government comes to its senses, the ‘funny’ above may prove to have a lot of truth to it!

Currently, 32 countries have nuclear-power plants that generate electricity, with the contribution of nuclear to total generation ranging from less than 10% to above 70%. In 2022, 13 countries produced at least

25% of their electricity from nuclear. The largest generators of nuclear power are the US, China, France, Russia and South Korea.

In the case of France, about 70% of its electricity is generated by nuclear-power plants; it is also a major exporter of electricity. There are currently 56 nuclear

reactors, with a total capacity of 61 gigawatts.

The amount of subsidies handed out by the government for renewables, almost entirely to wind and solar, has now grown to at least $15.6 billion. To provide batteries or pumped storage to firm-up intermittent wind/solar sources of energy would cost far more than this. The renewables-sympathetic Global Roam consultancy, using highly optimistic assumptions, estimates battery back-up equivalent to 70,000 Hornsdale Tesla batteries. That would put the cost at $6.3 trillion, or three-times GDP! And Bowen says nuclear power is too expensive!

The problem is the population gullibly believes we are saving the planet and believes the propaganda by the government that wind/solar and batteries provide cheap electricity. Really! If all the costs are accounted for in the setup costs then it is far more expensive than coal-fired power generation and nuclear-power generation. There has certainly been no relief in the electricity prices as the cost continues to skyrocket. So much for our promised cheaper electricity and a saving of $275 per annum!

The British government largely has changed its tune about nuclear and is currently planning for another eight nuclear plants.

Bowen is keen to make the point that there are lengthy delays between the decision to approve a nuclear-power plant and its commissioning. The problem is deliberately obstructive regulatory agencies, excessive regulation and prevarication on the part of governments. Now, if there is a Voice to Parliament, a decision will never be made.

The point here is that Australia is being left behind when it comes to the revival of nuclear power, notwithstanding our commitment to purchase nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS Agreement. And, we have uranium in abundance.

Bowen argues that nuclear-generated electricity is simply too expensive to contemplate and renewable energy is by far the cheapest source of power. Rubbish! Read Part 2 in the next issue.

Before closing, a little insight into the hypocrisy of the renewable brigade! Fact. We all know that in the outback there are chargers for your EV to provide electricity powered by a diesel generator!

The ‘Off-Grid Living Festival’ in Chiltern, Victoria, is a weekend to celebrate and investigate sustainable living in Australia. Half the stalls were powered by solar, however, festival organisers confirmed food stalls, which needed ‘ridiculous amounts of energy’, required a diesel generator.

Say no more! Take care and be kind to yourself.

Until next time, Gecko Chirps.

At Bribie Respite, we exist to make a real difference in the lives of our senior members of the Community, people with disability and offer well needed support for their carers. We provide a range of well-researched, effective social and development programs in a warm, community-focused setting in our Centre based programs.

Bribie Respite and Support Services Incorporated has been servicing Bribie Island and surrounds since 1987. As a not for profit organization all monies generated are reinvested into our Bribie based business. Our well trained support workers offer high quality care and support to ensure our clients are able to live their lives in the best possible way with support and dignity.

Our Aged and Demen�a Care Services are also funded through the Commonwealth Home Support Program, which include various activities:

• Social Support Group (5 days/week)

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• Centre based Day Program (5 Days/week)

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Feeling the heat in the kitchen

By Sheree Hoddinett

It seems we have an Island brimming with television stars and Stephen Dennis is the latest to join the elusive list. In a move that’s been many years in the making, Stephen or Steve as he is known to many, is one of this year’s contestants on MasterChef Australia. Originally, Steve was selected for the very first season of the show (all thanks to his wife Gillian who applied on his behalf), but Mother Nature got in the way with a repeat moment ahead of season two. His adventurous life kicked up a gear and the thought of appearing on the show became a distant memory, until now.

“I missed out on the first two seasons and then work became busy so I couldn’t afford to get time off, so when this opportunity came up, I thought maybe I should try again, one last time,” Steve said. “And I was thinking maybe I’m too old for it, but then I thought why not give it a go?”

At 62, Steve is the oldest contestant on this season of MasterChef Australia and is out to prove that age means nothing when you’re doing something you set your mind to.

“Age is something that has never worried me and the other thing is I've always grabbed on to experiences with both hands,” Steve explains. “For work, I’ve never worried about whether I can do the job or not. The way I figure it, if you get the job, you have to make it work anyway. So, I thought this can't be any different to doing another job out there.”

Steve has certainly tackled a variety of jobs over the years including working in the printing industry, wrangling emus and crocodiles, hitting the water as a dive boat manager, leading tours in the Daintree Rainforest and even running his own tour business.

“After university I actually got a job in the graphic arts industry and I ended up working for the world's largest manufacturer of printing presses, Heidelberg,” Steve said. “I was working for them for a while as an instructor and I moved into a business development role which saw me dealing with some of the biggest customers in the Asia Pacific region.

“I ran a printing company in Port Douglas for three years; then there was a dive boat company and then I ran a coach

and limousine company and I worked at a crocodile farm. I've done quite a few different things and there isn’t much I haven’t had a go at.

“I'm on to my next chapter now with MasterChef, so who knows where that's going to take me.”

A self-taught cook, Steve’s foray into the world of cooking all started with a cookbook that was gifted to him from his mum when he was 18, a cookbook he still uses to this day.

“Mum gave me her cookbook which was actually a Women's Weekly book and it was the first Women's Weekly they brought out which had imperial and metric measurements in it so you could do both,” Steve said. “So that's how old it is. I still cook out of that book occasionally, although it's definitely looking a bit worse for wear. The first thing I cooked was out of that book, a strawberry hazelnut gateau because it’s a recipe that jumped off the pages when I first looked through it.

“I've also travelled extensively overseas through my work and I've developed a passion for trying different cuisines through travelling. Once I got back to Australia, I very quickly realised that if I wanted to keep on eating this beautiful food, I couldn't afford to be buying it all the time, I'd better learn to cook it.”

Steve has been based on Bribie now for the last seven years and couldn’t think of anywhere better to live, especially after seeing many corners of the world.

“I've been all over Australia and I haven't found anywhere as good as Bribie Island to live,” Steve said. “I think it's a very friendly place and everyone that comes here and visits us can't believe how friendly the people are. I'm happy to be helping drive the Island on to the world stage through the show as well.”

Speaking of his time on the show, Steve couldn’t give away too much as the first episode had only just aired when we spoke. He described the situation of cooking with lights, cameras and people

running around everywhere as “mad”, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’ve watched every show from day one and you see this show and think everything that’s playing out can’t be real,” Steve said. “But it’s an amazing experience and all 22 of us have created the best friendships, we have a common interest and we’re like a tribe.

“We love the same things, we're passionate about the same things and on the show, we just eat, talk and live food.

“It’s an incredible experience, but the pressure is also insane and when that clock starts, you’ve got to be so focused to create an amazing dish. When you finish and you've got a beautiful dish, it's an amazing experience. When you finish and the dish doesn't work out, it's an awful experience, so it's got its highs and lows.”

Although his first dish didn’t win him immunity, Steve is quite proud of what he achieved in a nod to a very special person in his life, his biggest supporter, wife Gillian.

“That first dish was really for my wife and it was about our holiday in France,” Steve explains. “We went to this beautiful little French restaurant when we were lost in the middle of nowhere. We couldn’t actually read the menu so we didn’t know what we were getting and it was a quail dish that was amazing. So I cooked my interpretation of that dish from all those years ago and I was really happy with it, although I had no idea I was going to be cooking for a four-hatted French chef (Jean-Christophe Novelli), so that rattled the nerves a little bit.

“And I had no idea that Jamie (Oliver) was going to be there. He's a really nice bloke, very helpful in the kitchen and he even sent a message prior to the show wishing me luck and there’s not many people that can say they have had that!”

A fan of icons of the kitchen including the likes of Marco Pierre White, Rick Stein and Peter Gilmore, Steve can see a future where he could bring his food dream to fruition, a small restaurant called Table For 8ight, where he would cook for guests in an intimate setting. Let’s see what the future brings for Bribie’s own MasterChef Steve!

RAAF Flight Lieutenant Wally Edwin Dalitz 410635 May 2, 1922 – March 27, 2024

By Alistair Gray

Members of the Australian Aviation Heritage community, his many friends and followers were deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Wally Dalitz, who is believed to be the last surviving World War II pilot to have flown the Bristol Beaufort Bomber. Wally aged 101, passed one month before his 102nd birthday. He enjoyed celebrity status, appearing on Channel 9 and various news media in support of the long ongoing restoration project of a Beaufort Bomber at the Australian Heritage Centre at the Caboolture Airfield. In 1944 Wally joined 8 Squadron and served in PNG and the South Pacific and flying a Beaufort Bomber took part in the last operational bombing mission in World War II. He later transferred to 100 Squadron and was involved in post war reconnaissance and survey work

“A thorough gentlemen. You couldn’t keep him out of the Beaufort,” the principal driver and investor behind the Beaufort Restoration Project, Ralph Cusack said. “The goal has been to get the Beaufort to fly again and Wally Dalitz had shared the dream to do just that.”

“I would like to be sitting up in one. It was a dream machine to fly,” Wally said when being interviewed back in

2022 for a special Anzac Day video by LNP leader David Crisafulli. Thank you, Wally Dalitz. Fly high and Rest in Peace.

Many of our readers didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Wally Dalitz. However, you can help keep his dream alive of restoring the Beaufort and at the same time remember those brave aviators who sacrificed so much to defend this country and the freedoms we now enjoy by volunteering at Aviation Heritage Centre, Caboolture Airfield. The centre is in desperate need of volunteers.

For more information, please contact Rod Thiesford 0407 030 381 or email info@aahcqld.org.au

Wally Dalitz on ANZAC Day last year in the Tiger Moth he first learnt to fly in.

Wally Dalitz with the Beaufort Bomber in the background.

Wally on ANZAC Day flying a Tiger Moth.

Ariana Doolan, the new LNP Candidate, brings a young perspective to Pumicestone

Ariana Doolan is the LNP party candidate who has been pre-selected for Pumicestone in the upcoming Queensland election. Here is a brief glimpse into Ariana and some of her plans.

Q: Who is Ariana and what is her background?

A: Ariana’s parents are both educators – her father as Head of Science at Glasshouse Christian College and mum a former Head of Special Needs at Caboolture High School working with disengaged students.

Ariana threw herself into her studies and set a personal goal of becoming a school dux in Year 12, which she did.

Along the way, she became very passionate about the arts and comedy, trying some acting and at 16 scored a role in a Netflix TV show with Australian comedian, Chris Lilley. She found humour a great way of engaging and connecting with people, an experience which will serve her well in politics.

Being passionate about protecting the environment, Ariana commenced working as a youth program coordinator at Zero Positive assisting with running school programs and providing data and educational resources that teachers could integrate into the students' lessons.

Her coordination role involved setting up student committees for environmental events, marketing, social media, fundraising and public awareness, with lots of public speaking, all skills which will prove beneficial in her upcoming campaign. She went on to study Environmental Science at Griffith University.

"I knew the environment was very important to me, especially protecting the environment for the future generations and I knew in the future how crucial sustainable business and environmental management would be and where I could get a job,” Ariana said.

Earning a Sir Samuel Griffith Scholarship in the Honours College and now study-

ing Business Environmental Science, majoring in environmental management and sustainable business.

Q: What motivated you to get into politics at such a young age?

A: “I was tired of standing on the sidelines and seeing how our community was constantly being short-changed by the current Labor government,” Ariana said. “Whether it was seeing the stories of chaos at Caboolture Hospital or issues with youth crime, I knew I wanted to give a voice to our community and work to deliver better outcomes.

“I had connected with members of the LNP during my local community work –whether it was a tree planting day or a trivia night and I found that their values really resonated with me. It was through the party that I met Andrew Powell and became a youth member for Glass House. I found it a great way to meet people online and learn about politics.”

Alongside making our community safer and ensuring we have easier access to health services, Ariana is also very passionate about tourism, protecting native wildlife and their environment. She sees that being in politics is about combining her passions with the ability to advocate and make a positive change through policy.

Q: Many of the people have expressed concern about your age. How do you respond to that?

A: “I think the challenges that Queenslanders are facing right now don’t discriminate based on age –whether it’s soaring power bills, costs of living, trying to deal with the housing crisis or accessing health services, all of us are being impacted by the failures of the current government,” Ariana said. “I bring enthusiasm and energy to this role. I’m excited to have this opportunity to meet as many people as possible, listen to their experiences and advocate for the change we desperately need.

“In terms of political precedent, I’m in good company - Lawrence Springborg, the LNP president, was first elected at 21

and Wyatt Roy was 20 when elected to the federal parliament.”

Q: How do you believe your age and life experiences differentiate you from Ali King?

A: “It's having that energy and enthusiasm that's been sorely lacking,” Ariana said. “I bring a diversity of experience in a range of different sectors. I can pull from that because I've worked in education, the film and television industry and the environmental sector. Importantly, I’m also standing as a candidate for a political party that, unlike the current Labor government, actually has the right priorities for Queenslanders.

“What I can show in my experience is that I’m someone who takes action to deliver a real difference. Whether that’s being part of the Pumicestone Youth Advisory Board or a member of the Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association (BIEPA). I’m not someone who will sit on my hands if a job needs to be done, I’ll jump in with both feet and work to deliver a solution.”

Q: Considering the age gap, how do you plan to connect with and represent the interests of the different demographics?

A: To put the question in perspective for our readers, Pumicestone Electorate has an average age of 52 and Bribie Island has an average age of 63. It represents 40% of the electorate, Caboolture has an average of 38 with Ariana being 22.

“I will go door-to-door and have one-onone conversations with people across the electorate. People want to be heard and I’m keen to listen and find out what their concerns are,” Ariana said.

“What I’m hearing as I talk with people in Bribie are concerns around traffic congestion and access to health services, whereas people in Caboolture are very concerned on crime. The common feedback across the electorate is that people want a local member and a state government, that actually have the right priorities for our area.”

Q: What specific issues do you think are most pressing for the residents of Pumicestone?

A: One of the key concerns is crime. I’ve met people who are scared to leave the house and others who have had to spend money on things like home security cameras and are paying higher insurance premiums because of the increased rates of break-ins and car theft.

“Sadly, as we’ve seen during the last parliament sitting, the Labor government aren’t serious about tackling crime,” Ariana said. “That’s why I’ve started a petition to send the government a message that tackling crime is a priority for our area. If you would like to sign, jump online at www.stoppumicestonecrime. com.au

“As I talk with families, pensioners, retirees and locals right across Pumicestone, everyone is hurting from Labor’s cost of living failures. Rent, insurance, electricity bills, groceries – the costs of everyday basics are all going up under the Labor government.

“Another issue I hear about consistently is people’s concerns about access to health services and the crisis at Caboolture Hospital with some of the worst ambulance ramping times in the nation.

“That’s why the LNP is focusing on the right priorities for Queensland’s future – making our communities safer, delivering easier access to health services, saving you paying for Labor’s failures, securing our housing foundations and working harder for Queenslanders.”

Ariana Doolan, LNP candidate for Pumicestone, is at home in Beachmere.

Police seek public help in identifying graffiti vandals

By Alistair Gray

Local Facebook pages are running hot with angry residents who, to put it bluntly, are ‘pissed off’ with the senseless damage caused by some local low life who has been running rampant with a spray can ‘tagging’ and adding ‘graffiti signatures’ to any wall they can find. There is damage on the soccer and rugby league club buildings in First Avenue, the front of Bribie Bowls Club, Aldi's main building and walls surrounding the Aldi car park that back onto the Golden Gallery Chinese Restaurant, the big blue wall next to McDonald's restaurant, numerous public buildings, conveniences, rubbish containers and the like. They have even resorted to defacing some of the historic place's signage put up after years of work by the Bribie Island Historical Society.

It is easy to see why residents are upset as we all love our Island and take great pride in keeping Bribie in pristine

condition for the enjoyment of locals and visitors. With many Bribie residents being ‘old school’, brought up with strict discipline and great pride in their country and themselves, with respect for the law and the values of our community, they are rightly very affronted by these senseless acts of vandalism. Some even drawn to tears.

Thanks to the team's fast response at the City of Moreton Bay, much of the damage to public buildings around the Bongaree waterfront has been cleaned up. However, more work is needed to remove the graffiti around many of the business premises. The City of Moreton Bay only has two trucks equipped to remove graffiti across the council area. As you can imagine, these trucks are in high demand. I have decided not to display images of the damage as I don't want to encourage further vandalism.

I spoke to Acting Sergeant, Senior Constable Phil Wallace from the Bribie

Police Station, who has lived on Bribie for 15 years, who said, like the public, many of the station's officers also live on the Island and feel much the same way as members of the public about the damage. To date, they have been unable to identify the culprits, and the ‘tags’ are not listed in the Queensland Police Graffiti database. They have received six graffiti complaints and the damage is believed to have been committed at night. The policing team would appreciate the public's help with any information that could help identify the offenders. They have a team of 23 at the station who provide coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the front office reception area open between 8am - 4pm each day. He stressed there had been no lack of effort on their part in supporting the community despite the high workloads and challenges with staffing levels. When the front reception area is closed, Bribie still receives full coverage with police car patrols and calls man-

aged through Policelink. I think we can all agree that despite the odd challenges and some petty crimes, Bribie remains a safe place to live—much thanks to the hard work of our local policing team.

If you have any information that can assist the Bribie police with the graffiti issue or any other criminal activity:

• In an emergency and an immediate police response is required, call 000.

• To provide information and calls requiring non-urgent action, call Policelink 131 444.

Non-urgent calls made via Policelink have a job created in the police system. Then, a message is sent to officers' iPads and nearby patrol cars can respond as appropriate. Please note, if you have any information regarding a crime or criminal activity, please report the information to the police as a priority and leave posting on Facebook or telling friends or neighbours until later. Police don't actively monitor Facebook.

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So as not to give these vandals notoriety we have blurred these images

Senate inquiry into bank closures held on Bribie Island

The 13th and final senate hearing into bank closures in regional Australia was held on Tuesday April 16, 2024 with Bribie Island Bowls Club general manager Kevin Birtwistle and John Oxenford, in his private capacity, invited to make submissions. I am sure there is a lot of interest in what was said and I have included some edited extracts of their opening statements from Hansard below.

Kevin Birtwistle: I have been the general manager at the club for the last 10 years, since 2014. I noticed the change in the distribution of cash versus EFTPOS. In 2014, we were probably 80% cash. As of April 1, we’re at 39% cash. Whether that’s a result of availability of cash, because I know there have been quite a number of branches and building societies that have closed on the Island or whether people are more accepting of the process of EFTPOS and that sort of thing—anecdotally, a lot of members and even staff don’t have a local branch anymore. I can’t go to the ANZ because it’s not there. It’s a bit of a problem, I’d say.

John Oxenford: I’m a retired engineer, born and raised in rural Queensland. My wife and I decided to come back to Australia in 2006 and retire on Bribie after nearly 30 years in Canada. The issues we’re dealing with here on Bribie Island are many of the same issues this inquiry will have heard about in rural Australia. The mean age of residents here on Bribie Island—our postcode is 4507—is 62. It’s the highest average age of any postcode in Queensland and it’s the second highest of any postcode in Australia. Around 16% of Bribie’s residents are over 75, requiring them to obtain a medical clearance every year to continue driving. And public transport on Bribie serves little or no useful purpose.

According to elections Queensland, only about 2.3% of journeys on Bribie Island are taken on public transport.

Those people above the mean age will have all but completed their education prior to the invention of the computer chip, so, not surprisingly, many of those people have limited computer skills and many don’t even have access to a computer. So, here on Bribie, we have this community with a significant portion of the population having limited mobility and limited computer skills however despite that, we see the banking services offered to this community being reduced and members being forced to find alternatives. Those alternatives include using a credit card for transactions. But, if you talk to the carers here on Bribie Island, many of those people don’t even have a credit card. Residents can get cash out at the supermarket, but that’s under scrutiny or they can pay a fee and use the post office or a private ATM. They could get a carer or a relative to do their banking or in many cases, they choose to leave Bribie. In some ways, we’re still fortunate on Bribie. Although three major banks have left Bribie, we still have a number of banks here, along with a number of bank ATMs, but the services offered in those remaining banks and

ATMs are being curtailed. Bribie islanders are forced more and more to go online to do their banking. Despite this decline in banking services on Bribie, our situation is nowhere near dire as it is in rural Queensland, which I’m sure you have heard about. Last week, my wife and I rode along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, which has become a significant tourist attraction. This is the longest rail trail in Australia, stretching for about 140 kilometres from Yarraman to Ipswich. There are no banks in any of those communities along that way, despite these being significant tourist places and there are no bank ATMs.

In my hometown of Esk, there’s a private ATM and the IGA, therefore the only way residents can obtain cash is via cash out at the IGA or paying a fee to use a private ATM or the services of the post office. If someone wants to deposit a cheque in Esk, they have to travel over 50 kilometres to Woodford or to Ipswich to the nearest bank that will offer that service.

I just fear that this is the future for Bribie. Since we arrived on Bribie in 2006, three of the major banks have left the Island and the services provided by those that remain have been greatly downgraded. When we came back from Canada, having sold our house and property in Canada, we moved those funds to Australia and purchased a property here. The bank staff were most helpful in setting us up with appropriate accounts, transferring funds from Canada, helping us with progressive payments as we purchased a property and so forth. They helped to arrange finance and insurance for our new house and finance and insurance for a new car. They helped our two daughters with financing and insurance arrangements for the cars that they bought. But none of those services are available today.

My bank has closed with the nearest branch 40km away in Caboolture. I went there in December to get a bank cheque to accompany a government application, but I have since been advised that I can no longer even get a bank cheque at my bank. What sort of nonsense is that? How on earth can we have a bank that doesn’t even issue bank cheques? I don’t pretend to know how we might solve these challenges; that’s up to you folk to try and do.

What I do know is that our banks enjoy a privileged position in Australia and are shielded in many ways from foreign competition. They are supposed to provide a public service in return for that privilege and while the downgrading

and withdrawal of services by the banks might help their bottom line, we do not see those savings being passed on in better returns of funds lodged with the bank or streamlined approvals. It’s not even passed on in terms of employment and I’ve given up many times trying to use the bank’s help desk. I have to go around the world to find the right category, wait forever to speak to somebody and give up because I can’t understand that person’s accent because that help desk is offshore.

There followed several detailed questions by the senators to give clarity and perspective to their submissions. Congratulations must go to Kevin and John for representing our community so well. Thanks guys for a job well done.

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Compiled by Alistair Gray

Perfect presentation in a peaceful location

12 Pimpala Crescent is centrally nestled within Bongaree and is a home of convenience in every aspect. It really is a residence of distinction and immaculately presented. Boasting a generously proportioned easy-care coastal living address, this home has been recently modernised, all-inclusive of the side access to the superb brand-new shed! Solid brick and steel frame 4-bedroom 2 bathrooms home boasts soaring high ceilings, solar panel system, new roof plus magnificent enclosed outdoor patio completed by a second brand new bathroom to boot. All the ‘must have’ inclusions are here offering air-conditioned tile-through living, absolute prime

additional family space, within fenced easy-care established landscaping plus bonus shed, spear pump and solarmeans you're covered, watered, cooled,

or those who love to entertain. They say when choosing a home, you want to start with great bones which begins right here - with the foundations, size and building materials utilised – so many lifestyle advantages ready for you to optimise. Another must have inclusion when choosing a home relates to the water supply and costs to keep the property. That is why homes as like this prime ‘lock up and leave’ eco-style ready to move in residence are highly sought after.

Feel at home within this peaceful location featuring modern convenience as being located so near to all the amenities you require and desire, yet also close to the beach. Short walk to cafes and minutes to Bribie Shopping Centre, Woolworths, IGA, Aldi and restaurant precincts, plus new ‘Satellite Hospital’’ close by in Bongaree.

This residence is a must to inspect, to enjoy the ambiance and explore a home with fantastic privileges, plus perfect separated areas to easily cater for extended family and friends.

Contact Sheri Binzer, Lifestyle Realtor 0412 666 779

Julie Walton, Sales & Marketing 0438 726 290.

and powered up!

Beneficial floorplan with majestic extended and enclosed outdoor patio ticks so many boxes for the larger family

Steps away from the beach

In the heart of the picturesque coastal town of Woorim, there is a hidden gem that has captured the attention of locals and visitors alike. A stunning 4-bedroom brick home built on an 800 sqm block, this property is a rare find only steps away from the beach. Perfect for a growing family or a weekend getaway, this immaculate and well-maintained sanctuary offers the ultimate beachside lifestyle.

As you step inside, you are greeted with a spacious and open floor plan, highlighted by a well-equipped kitchen and a cozy family room. Socialize with your loved ones on the large fully fly screened verandah, or take a dip in the secluded pool while enjoying some delicious barbeque. With a vacant lot on one side and metal fences surrounding the property, you'll have absolute privacy in this tranquil oasis.

Featuring 2 bathrooms, including an en-suite in the primary bedroom, and all bedrooms fitted with built-in closets, this home has everything you need. Stay cool year-round with ceiling fans

in every room and ducted reverse cycle air conditioning with 3 separate zones.

Tiled throughout and boasting insulated ceilings, it's clear that every detail has been carefully considered.

Not only does this property offer a luxurious beachside lifestyle, but it also offers convenience and accessibility.

With the Woorim beach only 250 metres away and the 4X4 Beach Track just a minute's drive, the options for fun and adventure are endless. Plus, with a single garage and side access for your caravan or boat, you can easily store all your recreational equipment. This property is also perfect for families with kids, with an hourly bus service to Caboolture and a school bus stop with service during term time. And if that's not enough, the established native land scaping with an automatic spear pump watering system and 2 garden sheds are just some of the added bonuses of this exceptional property. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of paradise in Woorim. Schedule a viewing today and experience the true essence of beachside living.

Bribie Island

16/19 Benabrow Avenue, Bellara

Woorim 25 Eighth Avenue

Steps to the Beach

Immaculate well-maintained private sanctuary & only steps to the beach, backing onto a natural bush reserve. Ideal for that growing family or a weekender getaway. Socialise by the secluded pool with those family barbeques.

Bellara 3 / 4 Quail Street

Stone’s throw away from Beach

This three-bedroom

serves the needs of the residents, providing convenience and functionality. Additionally, the unit includes a garage, offering secure parking and storage space for residents' vehicles, beach gear, or recreational equipment. This feature adds to the convenience and practicality of the property, ensuring that residents have everything they need for a comfortable coastal lifestyle.

Woorim

27 Eighth Avenue

Land Auction 800m2

Truly a rare find and opportunity to secure your own vacant block of land with water connected in a prime position in Woorim on beautiful Bribie Island. Last available block in this street and area. Listen to the surf at night. This generous 800sqm block of land is nestled in a quiet street with great neighbours just minutes walking distance to the beach, offering a lifestyle of tranquillity and coastal charm. Corner block cannot be built beside.

Bongaree 3 Paradise Parade

Central Bongaree

Location

Located on the quiet street of Paradise Parade in Bongaree. Central to all amenities. Solid concrete block construction with a replaced iron roof. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, and kitchen upstairs with spacious decks front and rear, and downstairs there are another 2 bed/utility rooms, small kitchenette and second bathroom. 4 carport car accommodation, and lovely well established native gardens surrounding.

Bellara

70 Bellara Street

Nestled in a quiet pocket of Bellara

The property features a double door entry into the sunken lounge, allowing the coastal breezes to flow throughout the home.

Complete with air conditioning in the master bedroom, a new electric stove/oven, electric hot water, solar, built in robes, extra storage cupboards in the hallway, a separate laundry, and a great private back yard.

Woorim

23 North Street

One-of-a-kind home at Woorim What the owners have enjoyed about living here:

Ningi

Family home on a 764m2 block

Only 12 years young, with brick and tile construction. A/C in the main living area and master bedroom. Ceiling fans throughout and remote-controlled panel lift garage door. A generous sized, open plan living, dining, and kitchen area. Walk in and built in robes. A separate laundry. Gas cooking and hot water. A water tank, plumbed into the laundry and toilet. And all this, only minutes to the Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay.

The sound of the ocean. * 90 seconds walk to the surf. * Huge master suite with full-length, covered deck & ocean views, kitchenette with hidden bar fridge, his and hers vanities, large rainfall shower. * House is perfect for entertaining; large living area at the front, and an equally spacious, open plan kitchen/ living/ dining area at the rear. * The covered veranda at the rear (fully screened to keep insects out, without cutting breezes) is a favourite place to relax, dine and entertain. * Super-functional kitchen and 'proper' butler's pantry. * Indestructible bench tops; they don't scratch, stain or chip and are impervious to heat. * The spaciousness of all areas of the house, even the laundry. * Art studio. * Completely private, vine-covered, rustic outdoor shower with hot water. * 2x Robin Hood ironing stations, one in the laundry and the other in the master bedroom. * Easy walk to everything...restaurants, coffee shops, butcher, bakery, IGA etc. * Trees give privacy.

IN THE GARDEN

Jill Happy retirement

Many of you will have come to know and love our regular gardening column Garden with Jill. After many years with Mitre 10, Jill has decided the time has come to retire and so that also means the end of her column here at The Local News.

The team here at The Local would like to send a very big thank you to Jill for her contribution to our paper over the years sharing her amazing tips, hints and very yummy recipes! We wish Jill all the best on her retirement and hope she enjoys her well-earned and deserved break. You will be missed!

We would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Adelle and Paul from Bribie Garden Centre as the new garden column contributors from our next issue. They will share their wealth of knowledge with you, offering up hints, tips and other gardening advice to get you through the cooler months of the year.

He Loves me Bellis perennis is a lovely daisy flower growing as a flattish rosette of leaves, which are rounded at the tip and narrow abruptly at the base, dark green on top and paler underneath. Each flower stem, which grows from the centre of the rosette, has a reddish tinge and carries only one terminal flower, made up of a yellow centre of disc florets, surrounded by white ray florets, some with a touch of pink.

The leaves were used medicinally as an external poultice for pains in the joints. Called the ‘measure-of-love’, which involves the pulling off of the petals oneby-one, saying ‘he loves me, he loves me not’. It always ends with HE LOVES ME.

TIPS

Being dormant in winter, lawns are often invaded by moss. To stop this happening, mix 30g of iron sulphate in 4L of water applying twice a week, for six weeks (three times).

Indoor pot plants will need less water. Use tepid water when watering the plants, removing any old growth and ensuring plants are not near heaters or sunny windows. If needed, repot after winter. Mid-winter is the time for planting roses and fruit trees. Roses should be planted with the bud union just above the ground level. Ensure that you build a small mound in the centre of the hole

and that the square hole is large enough to accommodate the spreading root system.

COMPANION PLANTS

An addition to your rose garden is a lavender plant. Lavender increases the scent of your roses and is a very popular garden plant. Native to the Mediterranean and used by the Romans as perfume in their washing water, this shrub comes in quite a number of varieties, growing to heights of 30-60cm or even to one metre like the French lavender. Its stems are erect and the leaves narrow and silvery green. All parts of the lavender plant are aromatic, but it is the fragrance of the purple, pink and white flowers that make this plant a fabulous summer flowering treat in your garden. Medicinally, it has been used for treating depression, anxiety and tension headaches. Remember to sprinkle some lime through the garden 10 days before planting, as lavender likes a sweet soil and hates wet feet.

FOXGLOVE – make sure you wear gloves when handling this plant. The heart drug (digitalin) is derived from foxglove. When planted in your garden, it has a strengthening effect on other plants so increasing their resistance to disease. Try planting it near fruit trees, particularly apples.

FIG

Athletes in Ancient Greece ate a lot of figs, believing they increased a man’s speed and stamina. A deciduous tree growing to 4-5 metres, it has large lobed leaves with flowers that are hidden, clustered inside the green fruit, which ripen after being fertilised by insects crawling into the fleshy figs. Figs grow best in a warm sunny sheltered position, with a soil pH of 7–8, so a little sweet. Beware, the milky sap can burn and blister the skin.

As some of you already know this will be my last newspaper article, as I am retiring, my last day will be June 27. I am very grateful that I had this chance to make a small contribution to your gardening world. I hope this has been an enjoyable experience for you, as it has been for me.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

As I have often included recipes or cocktails for your pleasure, I would like to leave you with a wintertime treat; my Mum’s Rum Ball recipe:

1 can condensed milk

3-4 tablespoons rum (Bundy)

2 tablespoons cocoa

8 Weet-Bix

1 packet of raisins

1 cup coconut

Blend the Weet-Bix to a rough mix, then add all the remaining ingredients. Make into golf ball size balls, roll in coconut and refrigerate.

Happy gardening, the experience ends.

Regards,

Jill

Next month IN THE GARDEN with Adelle & Paul from Bribie Garden Centre 50 Verdoni street, Bellara, Bribie Island.

Adelle and Paul

Flowering Foxglove

Greetings anglers! Danny and Michelle here from Island Fishing Supplies, serv ing Banksia Beach and Bellara with the latest updates on your favourite fishing spots. Let's dive into this month’s catch!

White Patch

Bream and grassy sweetlip enthusiasts, head to the northern end for prime action. Live bloodworms and squid are the bait of choice, yielding impressive hauls.

Bream

Banksia Beach

Reel in some impressive snapper at the ripples, drifting with soft plastics also don't miss out on the excellent flathead action!

Sandstone Point

Summer whiting and flathead enthusiasts, rejoice! The flats are teeming with them, particularly partial to yabbies and bloodworms.

Skirmish Point

Early risers, set your alarms! Skirmish Point offers a few nice summer whiting during the morning hours on the incoming tide. And for those craving mackerel action, floating pilchards or metal slugs are your go-to strategies.

Squid and Cuttlefish

As we transition into the upcoming months, anticipate a surge in squid and cuttlefish activity. These delightful creatures not only offer thrilling catches but also make prime bait for various fish

species. Keep an eye out for tiger and arrow squid as water clarity improves in in-shore areas, particularly as we head towards winter.

Seek out clear waters around structures like weed beds, rocks, jetties and pontoons. The prime fishing window typically spans an hour or two around high tide. Remember, even if they're not immediately visible, squid can often be lurking nearby. Optimal technique involves long casts around structures, allowing your jig to sink slowly to the bottom. Incorporate sharp lifts with the rod tip to entice strikes during the pause.

Gearing Up

For squid adventures, equip yourself with light spinning rods and reels paired with light braided line such as Platypus P8 or Platinum Plus Mono, ranging from 8-10lb. A smooth drag on a 20-30 size reel ensures you're well-prepared for the thrill of the catch. With squid season on the horizon, now's the time to gear up and prepare for delectable calamari rings at dinner!

Enjoy Your Fishing! And remember, practice responsible angling by only catching what you need. Happy fishing adventures!

Danny & Michelle

- White Patch

Whiting and flathead - Sandstone Point

SPORT

Dolphins riding the wave of wins

While the end of the 2023 season was somewhat dismal for the Dolphins, the 2024 NRL season so far is proving to be so much better! Apart from a loss to their fellow local Queensland side (yes, we all know the Broncos!) in Round 6, the Dolphins are in top winning form. The Dolphins took down the Titans 30-14 in Round 4, handed the Tigers their marching orders in Round 5 with a final score of 26-16, couldn’t quite match the power of the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium losing by 14 points (28-14), but certainly made up for it by demolishing the Eels in the Top End 44-16.

It was a massive accomplishment for the side, who was missing big names including the likes of Herbie Farnworth, Thomas Flegler, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Tom Gilbert, Felise Kaufusi, Anthony Milford and Kurt Donoghue. Oh and we can’t forget Wayne Bennett! The veteran coach stayed at home in Brisbane after being struck down with the flu. It was up to assistant Kristian Woolf to step in to guide the team. It was also a win that marked a historic moment in the club’s history, notching up more than 40 points for the first time.

The Eels were in prime position after scoring the first two tries of the game to get out to an 8-0 lead, but never looked totally in control. The Dolphins got on the board 10 minutes before half time to set up what seemed like was going to be a competitive second half. Instead, the Dolphins ran in eight tries – four of those in eight minutes – to leave the Eels scratching their heads and searching for answers.

While they may have been missing some of their bigger names, the Dolphins weren’t without some strong players. Traj Fuller stepped into the mix in just his second NRL game finishing with a try, a try assist, a line break, five tackle busts and 148 running metres. Jack

Results for Bribie Island Women’s Golf

March 28 - April 16, 2024

NTP’s: Hole 4 Di Benghamy, Hole 7 Vicki

Cronan, Hole 14 Judy Graham, Hole 16

Rosanne Sullivan

BRD 39

2/4/24 – Single Stableford

Div 1 Winners: Kate Wesener 41, 2nd

Linda Urquhart 35, 3rd Joanne Mc-

Coombes 34

Div 2 Winners: Dianne Annesley 36, 2nd

Maree Bailey 34, 3rd Kate Brown 33

NTP’s: Hole 4 Judy Graham, Hole 7 Julie

Bell, Hole 14 Carole Watson, Hole 16

Susie Smith, Hole 4 (Div 3 2nd shot)

Kerryn Keys BRD 31cb

4/4/24 – Monthly Medal – Sponsor Churches of Christ Qld

A-Grade Winners: Susie Smith 74 cb,

NTP’s: Hole 4 Desley Neilson, Hole 7

Ann Rogers, Hole 14 Debra Dunn, Hole 16 Judy Graham, Hole 4 (2nd shot Div 3)

Nadia Aylott BRD: 32cb

11/4/24 – Single Stableford - Silver Salver Rd 2 – sponsors E & C Covich

Div 1 Winners: Abby Driver 38, 2nd Desley Neilson

cb, 3rd Vicki Cronin

Bostock nailed the first Dolphins try of the match, finishing with a hat trick after scoring two more tries in five minutes in the second half, while Tesi Niu and Max Plath bagged a double as well. Bostock's hat-trick takes his tally to nine tries from his past nine games. The winger also added four-line breaks and ran for 176 metres. In another defining moment for the Dolphins, Jesse Bromwich reached a milestone by being the first player to achieve starting 300 NRL games as prop.

Dolphins interim coach Kristian Woolf was obviously more than happy with the game result despite the hot and humid conditions at Darwin’s TIO Stadium.

"I'm very proud of the effort,” Woolf said after the match. “There's plenty of reasons for us to have excuses for ourselves and not come up with a performance and we didn't do that. We haven't had Wayne all week, the players have been great, they prepared really well, they carried that through since we got here and deserve a lot of credit for what they've done.”

What’s next in the world of Phins Up?

The Dolphins are heading for Townsville this weekend (May 4) to hit the field against the Cowboys before making their way back to Suncorp on Thursday May 9 for a match with Manly. Another game at Suncorp on May 19 against the Tigers and then the Dolphins will make their way across the ditch to see what the Warriors have to offer. While they’re certainly proving they have what it takes to tackle some of the more high-profile

2nd Lyn Ball 74, 3rd Toni Grossmann 76 cb

NTP’s: Hole 4 Vicki Jones, Hole 11a Judy

Graham, Hole 16 Desley Neilson

Best Gross: Di Benghamy 85

B-Grade Winners: Debra Dunn 77 cb,

2nd Lyn Cockerell 77, 3rd Lesley Heap

79

NTP’s: Hole 4 Fitzie Jackson, Hole 11a

Lyn Cockerell, Hole 16 Charmaine Price

Best Gross: Debra Dunn 100

C-Grade Winners: Jody Bedson 81, 2nd Hazel McDonnell 86 cb, 3rd Jan

Jennings 86

NTP’s: Hole 14 Hazel McDonnell, Hole 16

Jody Bedson

Best Gross: Jody Bedson 112

9/4/24 – Single Stableford - Silver

Salver Rd 1 – sponsors E & C Covich

Div 1 Winners: Judy Graham 42, 2nd Gill

Lee 39, 3rd Kate Wesener 38

Div 2 Winners: Tanya Zanow 38, 2nd

Sue Graham 37, 3rd Sheena Bath 36

Div 3 Winners: Claudia Lutgemeier 33, 2nd Roslyn Crossley 32, 3rd Leonie Pratt 31cb

2 Winners: Maree Bailey

2nd Heather Croukamp 38, 3rd Fitzie Jackson 36

3 Winners: Kerryn Keys

Cooke

cb, 2nd

3rd Joan Osborne

NTP’s: Hole 7 Toni Grossmann, Hole 14

Desley Neilson, Hole 16 Carol McKenzie, Hole 4 (Div 3 2nd shot) Jennifer Mckay

16/4/24 – Single Stroke

Div 1 Winners: Gaby Bennett 75 cb, 2nd

Vicki Jones 75 cb, 3rd Pauline Grooby 75

Div 2 Winners: Marjorie Sills 74, 2nd

Margaret Huxley 75, 3rd Yvonne Nicklin 77

NTP’s: Hole 4 Yuko Nakamura, Hole 7

Vicki Jones, Hole 14 Pauline Grooby, Hole 16 Suzanne Fowler, Hole 4 (Div 3 2nd shot) Nadia Aylott.

Monthly Medal A grade winner Susie Smith

Monthly Medal A grade winner Debbie Dunn

Catherine Covich & Desley Neilson (Silver Salver Winner)

Marshall-King to Kerr to Fuller replay against the Eels

The awesome Fuller try against the Eels

Wayne Bennett tasting success again. (Image thanks to Dolphins Facebook)

Monthly Medal C grade winner Jody Bedson

By Barry - Recording Officer

Results for March 3:

Seven sailors competed in probably the worst weed conditions yet encountered on Sandstone Lake. Most had weed entrapment at least once which led to some frustration. A hot and humid temperature (31.5 degrees C), with E-SE winds varying from 1 to something around 5 knots did not help the score sheet. However, 11 races were completed.

for March 10:

Four intrepid sailors braved the horrid conditions at the lake this afternoon. Moderate to severe winds and squally rain saw the meet abandoned after only four races Place: Sail Number: Name:

for March 17:

Seven Sailors today. Wind 5 knots from the east until 2pm, then from the southwest at 10 knots. Partly cloudy skies with a shower or two. Weed problem is now severe. 10 races completed.

Place: Sail Number: Name:

For more information, please phone the coordinator on 0432 151 143, or email: bribieradiocontrolledyachts@gmail.com.

Jock won the monthly total ‘wins medal’ for the second time. This was presented at a barbecue at the lake on the first sailing day of the month – April 7. Well done Jock!

Everyone is welcome to come and have a look at the sailing on a Thursday (informal racing) or Sunday afternoon at 1pm. We also have a Facebook page open to all - Bribie Radio Controlled Yachts.

The sailing group has been invited to mount a static display at the Classic Boats Regatta on Sunday May 26 at SylvanBeach. Come along and enjoy the day. There will be lots to see and do. Until next month. Barry - Recording Officer

Donnybrook Social Darts

Results for Donnybrook Sports and Community Club Social Darts, held every Thursday night at 7pm sharp. Visitors welcome.

Potluck Doubles

March Winners

Qwynton/Beau, Collin/Russell, Josh/ Qwynton, Sonia/Connor. Runners Up Rhys/Ken, Andrew/Gary, Sky/Ken, Sky/ Josh.

High Scores Men

Qwynton, 140x6, 160, 122. Ken, 180, 140x4, 123, 125. Russell, 121x2, 134. Josh, 180. Brock, 134. Dustyn, 110. Connor, 180, 140x2, 120. Ben, 109, 126. Andrew, 121. Dale, 140, 123. Mark,121. Chris K, 102, 105. Rhys, 120, 125.

High Scores Ladies

Bell, 81, 84, 85, 87x2, 90x2, 95, 100, 128. Sky, 83, 85, 92. Hazel, 84, 90. Bec, 101x2, 81. Sonia, 81, 83.

High Pegs Men

Josh, 56. Connor, 97. Andrew, 41, 86, 98. Ken, 54. Kev, 44, 108. Brock, 75, 83. Brad, 60. Qwynton, 56, 64. John, 55.

High Pegs Ladies

Linzi, 32. Hazel, 16, 20. Bec, 34.

Best Nights

Qwynton, 6x100+/5 pegs, 4x100+/2 pegs, 4x100+/2 pegs. Ken, 4x100+/4 pegs, 5x100+/3 pegs, 5x100+/4 pegs. Andrew, 4x100+/4 pegs, 3x100+/3 pegs, 1x100+/4 pegs. Connor, 7x100+/3 pegs, 4x100+/5 pegs. Chris K, 2x100+/3 pegs. Dale, 2x100+/3 pegs. Russell, 2x100+/2

pegs. Josh, 6x100+/5 pegs. Ryan, 4x100+/1 pegs. Bec, 3x80+/1 peg, Bell, 5x80+, 4x80+. Sky, 1x80+/2 pegs, 2x80+. Hazel, 1x80+/1 peg.

For further information, phone Ken 0428 831 453.

Caboolture Social Darts

Results for the Caboolture Social Darts Club potluck doubles, played every Monday night at 21 Hayes Street, Caboolture. Visitors welcome. Names by 7.15pm.

March/April winners

Cecil/Max, Alan/Bill, Chantelle/Dustyn Runners Up

John M/Conner, Josh/Sandy, Robert/ Tom

The High Pegs

Matthew 85, John M 57, Cody 32, Corey 73(bull Finish), 58, Ian 67(bull Finish), Nathan 54, Josh 63, Jenny 50, Sherrie 40, Cody 30,32, Conner 40, Dustyn 45,56, Cecil 52

Best Throws

Jacinta 109, Peter H 140, Corey 125,124, Cecil 133, Matthew 140, Jenny 2x100, 94, Sherrie 140,145,121, Shane 135, Dustyn 156, Tom 121,140, Mark S 105, Chantelle 89

Best Night players for the period Alan 131,2x100, Dustyn 156, Tom 131,140

For further information, phone Dale 0459 344 493 or Ian 0400 475 007.