The LOCAL News, Island and Surrounds

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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Next Distribution dates - 23rd August for Bribie Island, Sandstone Point & Ningi. 24th - 25th July, 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.

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

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From Belinda

Welcome to Issue 92

Hello Readers,

I was reminded from one of our readers that Harvey Fewings certainly had the foresight before he passed, in what was his last ever Contemplations article in Issue 78 where he talked about the Voice. To remind you all of his insightful writings, we are publishing the article again.

Our feature story highlights local Brett Sellers, or PegLeg as he’s commonly known, who won gold in the Para Pairs at the Bowls Australia National Development Series on the Gold Coast earlier in July.

We also have a lovely article from Alistair Gray about the fabulous restoration work being carried out on some of our country’s flying history at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre at Caboolture Airfield.

For the second time in two years, leader of the opposition David Crisafulli held a health crisis meeting in Caboolture, where we once again saw frustration and tears from the locals.

The Gecko certainly has created controversary with his writing. The feedback has been amazing for both opinions regarding the Voice. Once again in this Issue, it will no doubt cause some to put pen to paper as they express their own opinions.

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.

Pig in a poke

Thank you for publishing The Local News. It is good to see local events being covered in the media, especially in this time of social media and the evident demise of print media.

I am a little surprised that you would publish a ‘column’ by an unnamed person, Gecko, as it is clearly an editorial from the newspaper editor. Unnamed sources never carry any weight; however, I realise many locals have no problem with this.

While Gecko has some salient points regarding the mysterious ‘Voice’ proposed amendment to the constitution and it is vital that these issues are raised so that we can discuss them openly, the fact is that in many respects without Aboriginal consultation our country and resources would be sold to the highest bidder. I personally thank God for the small groups of Aboriginal people who stand up against developers and those who mine and destroy Australia.

Currently on the Island, the Baptist church is about to bulldoze a section of pristine bush on First Avenue near Woorim to build a new church. They plan to sell their Bongaree property to erect a large unit complex, no doubt with a tidy profit to this organisation that pays no taxes. Once this ‘cathedral-like’ church is erected, the rest of First Avenue will go under the wheels of the bulldozer. The council have approved this build and so very soon we shall have a lovely concrete corridor through the centre of our pristine Island, no doubt liberally sprinkled with the dead carcasses of wild animals. If we did have an Aboriginal Land Council here on Bribie, perhaps the wildlife and the beautiful bush might stand a chance against the ever-relenting greed of commercialism.

We should be cognisant of the fact that the Albanese Government is selling us a ‘pig in a poke’ with this proposed amendment to the constitution,

but it behoves us to find some middle ground to invite Aboriginal people to be the ‘Elders’ of our country. If not, we shall watch our beautiful country and our beautiful Island be bulldozed and mined into oblivion.

L. Jackson

Bongaree

Dear Ms Jackson,

Thank you so much for your interest in the paper. I would like to clarify your comment regarding the Gecko Chirps column coming from the Editor of the newspaper. Gecko Chirps is an individual in the community and is not one of the LOCAL Team members

An eloquent Voice

Congratulations to Thomas Mayo. So far, his is the most eloquent Voice for the NO case.

M Keen Beachmere

History matters

I will vote ‘Yes’ to the Voice because of history. The TV series The First Inventors on SBS and Channel 10, shows why history matters. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people had (and still have) effective systems to look after the environment, to communicate over distances, to utilise plants for medicine and to navigate this huge country. They developed social taboos that maintain genetic strength. They were the original custodians of our country, using rules that work, rules most non-Indigenous Australians haven’t known about.

The First Inventors host, Rob Collins, says: “The First Inventors not only explores the past, but questions whether this ancient knowledge might hold answers to humanity’s most pressing modern challenges. Traditions and practices that have sustained my ancestors for countless generations are now spurring incredible new discoveries in partnership with the best minds in science today”.

The thought of old knowledge and modern science working together gives me hope. With all the catastrophes in our world, I often feel helpless so hope is welcome.

First Nations’ history deserves acknowledgement in our constitution. If the result of the referendum is YES, my hope for the future will be strengthened and Australia’s contribution to our world will radiate.

R McKenry Bongaree

A darker side to the Voice

Let me offer my views on the Albanese Government’s agenda behind the Voice. I agree with the Gecko in Issue 91.

Most of what is stated is fairly accurate, but there is a much darker side to the Voice and it is totally insidious and completely undemocratic. It is divisive and will ultimately lead to political unrest and possibly uprising, something like we haven’t seen since the days of the Eureka uprising. But even all that aside, Albanese has a bigger plan which is all part of a ‘one world government’. Basically, he admits to having a set of communist ideals.

The United Nations would welcome this referendum getting through, as it would be one more step towards their goal.

We only need to see how things have gone in New Zealand, since they had a similar event over there.

For all of our future generations, please don’t vote yes!

A Pawley Banksia Beach

In response to ‘Broaching the Truth’

What a bunch of dribble!

You are not indigenous to Australia, so you don’t get to tell people about when a smoking ceremony is appropriate. Ayer’s Rock is called Uluru and perhaps there was no one to look after it because before it was being exploited by tourism, it was looking after itself.

As for sacred sites, your comment is yet again ignorant and can be compared by saying that cemeteries where loved one’s rest, aren’t that important or that places of war where artefacts tell of history are meaningless.

Jen Woorim

Be wise and think before you vote

We are being asked to deal with

the proposition that Aborigines are essentially unrepresented or poorly represented. Let’s see if the statistics bear that out and begin by agreeing that democracy is usually regarded as the most representative system existing within the realm of mankind (forgive the political incorrectness, but I’m pre-woke when it comes to our great language).

According to my limited research library, we have 226 federal politicians in our parliament, of which 11 claim Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. As a product of our once decent education system, I deduce that this group of people have a 4.9% representation in the supreme policy making body of Australia. If you believe the fake natural growth of the Aboriginal population, this group makes up 3.2% of the country’s total population, so how can it be statistically underrepresented? Of course it isn’t, but a lot of our citizens could be forgiven for believing the propaganda that indicates the opposite?

This disinformation runs on the theme of the ‘Proposal and Reasons’ for “The Voice” – that the Aboriginal component in our society is not consulted on matters that affect them. Well the statistics don’t back that up, in that Aboriginal input comes in the form of a huge number of agencies that include structures and organisations, national indigenous representative bodies, The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, land councils and other organisations that include the Reconciliation Australia, Australia for Native Tile and Reconciliation (ANTAR) and ‘Link-Up’. Think before you vote.

R Galbraith Bongaree

An Australian Constitution based upon race

We have heard a lot about a Voice to Parliament this year since the announcement of a referendum by the Australian government. It's been a highly discussed topic ever since. Our very own Harvey Fewings was already talking about it a year ago, as seen in Issue 78.

Now is the time for some serious discussion

We can no longer pretend that the problems do not exist, for they do.  We can no longer pretend that 'feel good' solutions work, for they don't.  We can no longer pretend that we do not have to bother ourselves with this matter, for we do.

I have written on these pages before about the truth!

This is the time for the truth about matters relating to the Aboriginal people, who live in our midst as equal Australian citizens. In addressing the truth, we can ask ourselves why the media and consequently, our parliaments and much of our public service, refer to Australian Aboriginals as indigenous? Is there some problem with being called Aboriginal? If you were born in Australia, you are an Indigenous Australian. You are not, however, an Aboriginal Australian!

The word Aboriginal refers to ‘original inhabitants’ in the context of European arrival in this land. The word's origin is found in the Oxford Dictionary as ‘aborigine’ meaning ‘from the beginning’. And that is as it is! Australian Aboriginals were here before Europeans arrived in this land.

The truth demands that we call them Aboriginals. There is no shame in that!

The primary issue in this matter is calling for a national referendum to change our constitution to include a provision for Aboriginals to have a ‘voice’ in our federal parliament. This ‘voice’ would have relevance, according to its proponents, when legislation or matters affecting Aboriginals are before the federal parliament, ensuring that the parliament listens to the concerns of the Aboriginal people, as expressed by the ‘voice’, when discussing and ultimately legislating on these matters. The same proponents of the ‘voice’ assure us that the ‘voice’ would have no binding effect upon the federal parliament, nor would it constitute a third chamber of federal parliament.

The assumption here is that matters affecting Aboriginal Australians before the federal parliament are more critical than matters affecting all the other Australians. How is this so?

The truth, therefore, demands that we look more closely at the status of Australian Aboriginals.

Australian Aboriginals can apply for an Australian passport, just like you and me.

Australian Aboriginals have equal citizenship rights in our community, like you and me.

Australian Aboriginals have the same access to government programs and benefits, just like you and me.

Australian Aboriginals are subject to the same laws in our states and Commonwealth, just like you and me.

Australian Aboriginals can and do, vote in all local, state and Commonwealth elections, just like you and me.

And, as fate would have it, in the present federal parliament, there are 10 Aboriginal members elected from various seats and senate positions around Australia.

A fair number for representation, if necessary, of Aboriginal issues.

So, what is the evidence for assuming a critical case for having a ‘voice’ in our parliament?

I have lived and worked in Aboriginal communities, being the shire clerk of a large Aboriginal community in Arnhem Land. I worked with them, enjoyed their company, listened to their stories, shared their grief, setbacks and triumphs in equal measure. I remain in contact with some of the tribal elders.

The ugly truth is there are fundamental and systemic problems with these remote communities.

The existence of these remote communities is solely dependent upon the pursuit of a chimera of the past. There is no future for many of the young men and women who live there. No employment opportunities on a reasonable scale. No basic economy to support them. There is no opportunity to interact with the rest of Australia and only a few depart for better education opportunities or take advantage of sporting skills.

Most of them spiral into a toxic mist of drug abuse and violence, particularly toward women. They become consumed by despair and hopelessness, looking for persons or situations they can blame for their plight. Inevitably they focus on ‘white fellas’ as the cause of all this and become a generation of victims.  Their communities can be appalling places to live. Community dysfunction, wrecked housing, vandalised public utilities and relentless alcohol and drug abuse, which result in gratuitous violence amongst themselves, mainly directed at women. I have, as shire clerk, addressed the traditional owners about these matters and was politely but unambiguously told to ‘butt out’, these matters were not ‘white fella’ business. And they meant it!

They were not seeking change. I quote from The Australian newspaper, a Northern Territory Supreme Court Judge, Justice Judith Kelly.

“The problems of violence towards women is so severe that in some cases, women who tried to escape had been effectively kidnapped and dragged to

tiny outstations to face beatings and rape. Others had endured years of often drunken violence, inflicted by ‘hopeless’ men, only to be killed in the company of bystanders who did not try to help.”

A further quote.

“It is genuinely tragic that there are vast numbers of Aboriginal men in prison, the mirror image of that is the vast numbers of Aboriginal women in hospitals and morgues. It is a total epidemic of domestic violence.”

The truth demands a question. Why do we, as a nation, allow this to happen?

It would not be tolerated in Sydney or Melbourne or in any of our major cities or towns. Of course domestic violence is a curse in our cities and regional towns, but not to the extent that it exists in these remote communities. It is evident that the remoteness of these places contributes significantly to the problem.  Another question! Why do we, as a nation, allow for the continuing existence of these dysfunctional communities? Are we not better than that? Is that all we can think of? A fierce look at this terrible mess generates yet another crucial question. How, just precisely how, will an Aboriginal ‘voice’ in our constitution address this mess? ATSIC could not do it. It did not really try.

Australians are capable of magnificence.

We can prevail in world sporting events. We contribute scientific knowledge on a global scale. Our artists, ballet dancers, musicians, painters, architects and fashion designers are held with global respect. We punch well above our weight in military matters. We walk tall on the streets and boulevards of major cities on the face of the Earth. But we are apparently incapable of sensibly addressing the problems that engulf the lives of our Aboriginal Australians.  We have made them victims. We have made them dependent upon welfare handouts. We have removed their digni-

ty in the name of welfare and concerns for their wellbeing.

We allow the untruths to prevail. We fail to address the daily nonsense that is run by the media.

The ‘welcome to country’ ceremony is not traditional. It was cobbled together in Perth in the late 1970’s by Ernie Dingo and Richard Whalley to welcome a Maori party to Australia from New Zealand. But we run it every time a significant public event occurs. It is just confected, feel good, nonsense. And that, in my opinion, is the root of the problem. We do not challenge the media rubbish thrown at us. We accept easy solutions. We are too busy dealing with important matters in our lives to get involved in issues over which we think we have no control.

BUT YOU DO HAVE CONTROL!

You can ask yourself when a referendum occurs to change the foundation document of our nation.

“How will this change help the hundreds of Aboriginal women who are bashed with star pickets each month to within an inch of their lives?”

The truth is that this constitutional change will not help them one bit, not one bit! Constitutional change is not the answer to the fundamental problems pressing on Australian Aboriginals, governments and Aboriginal leaders, all of us can take some responsibility here.

We can demand change.

We can demand that Aboriginal leaders and governments accept the reality of the problem and deal with it realistically. Not just throw money at it! We do not have to divide our nation, by race, on constitutional issues.

That is not the answer!

I acknowledge that this might be difficult and confronting for some people. If it is too hard, do not read it!

An extra special birthday for Phoenix

By Sheree Hoddinett

Phoenix Myers celebrated his 10th birthday with a few more cards than most of us would ever expect to receive. After his mum Jaymee-Lee reached out to the community last month, the cards came flooding in. They received 785 cards from across Australia and the world including New Zealand, Sweden, Montenegro, England, Scotland, Canada and America.

But it seems the generosity didn’t just stop there for this Beachmere family. Phoenix’s favourite NRL team the Canberra Raiders also delivered the goods. He received a card from Jarrod Croker with a signed kicking tee and the entire men's team (Canberra Raiders NRL) signed a poster for him. Another Canberra Raiders player, Jordan Rapana, sent some birthday wishes and the entire Canberra Raiders women’s team sent him a card (each player signed it and wrote a little message) along with a fully signed shirt. A complete stranger from Morayfield gave him a fully signed and framed Raiders Jersey (from 2012) - her name is Karen. She reached out to the family after seeing social media posts.

A card arrived from Nancy Kopman, a well-known children's singer/song writer from Canada - Phoenix loves her music.

Video messages came from Josh Papali'i (Canberra Raiders), Jamal Fogarty

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from page 3

Further to ‘Broaching the Truth’ issue 91.

them, which is a serious honour as you not only have to be a member to join the cheer squad, but there is also a waitlist to join!” Jaymee-Lee said.

“A lot of fellow Canberra Raiders and Collingwood Magpies supporters sent him cards and gifts which tied into those particular sports/clubs, so he has a full wardrobe now. He received signed footballs etc too.

“Phoenix was also offered horse riding by a local lady, Rebekah, so we did that and he loved it. Now he does it every Sunday afternoon. Everyone was so kind and generous. It was beyond anything we could have imagined.”

Phoenix’s reaction to the generosity of everyone who helped make his birthday even more special was one of excitement, especially upon discovering all the cards and of course, he couldn't wait to open all the gifts.

During the late 40’s and early 50’s, my grandfather was the welfare officer at Cherbourg. As a result, my father would often spend his school holidays there. Dad still fondly recalls being welcomed by the locals and accepted into their community. Never did he see a smoking ceremony. A gentleman named Charles Perkins travelled to North America in the 70’s and witnessed a smoking ceremony by the Iroquois Indians.

P Rees

Bribie Island

The killing fields

The sign at the start of the Bribie Island bridge says ‘Welcome to Bribie – a Fauna and Flora Sanctuary’. Oh no it’s NOT –these are the ‘killing fields’. We have just phoned in our ninth kangaroo road kill, two of which were mothers and their joeys. All these road kills were on either Sunderland Drive or Avon Avenue and we know there is far more carnage elsewhere on the Island.

Let’s stop all the BS and face up to reality..... it’s time to fence the national parks.

Continued on page 29

(Canberra

(former Canberra Raiders) and Bobby Hill (Collingwood Magpies).

Collingwood Football Club sent a birthday certificate signed by Darcy Moore (team captain), as well as a few little goodies. The Collingwood Cheer Squad invited the family to the Suns versus Collingwood AFL match at Heritage Bank Stadium on the Gold Coast.

“They paid for our tickets and we got to sit with

Noise Action Plan for Brisbane

Airservices Australia is implementing the Noise Action Plan for Brisbane to reduce the impact of aircraft noise on communities

Flight path design options are being discussed at community drop-in sessions across Brisbane, as some new flight path options will change where aircraft operate

For updates and to join us at our upcoming community engagement sessions, scan this QR code or visit: engage airservicesaustralia com/nap4b

communityengagement@airservicesaustralia com

“I do want to say a massive thank you to every single person who sent him a card and/or gift and also to those who sent their well wishes and kind words,” Jaymee-Lee said. “We have felt completely surrounded by love and support. It has been amazing.

“Now that I've finished the full-time job of his birthday, I can focus on starting The Phoudini Foundation.”

Raiders), Joel Thompson

A & C Schnack Banksia Beach

Phoenix pictured with just some of the many birthday cards he received.

Australia – already a divisive nation –the Voice will widen the gap

Let’s look at New Zealand. The NZ experience proves the Voice is not a simple request. Ask a Kiwi like Casey Costello, an equality campaigner with Māori and Irish/English heritage, who as spokesperson of Hobson’s Pledge, knows the grave consequences of dividing our democratic system by race.

She said New Zealand’s Voice and Treaty for the Māori – in the form of the Waitangi Tribunal – had become a “co-governance” model. This means there are two governments in New Zealand, one for Māori and one for non - Māori.

And they are constantly in conflict. Casey said this system had divided New Zealand by race on the assumption that “better decisions will be made because the Maori’s will have a voice”.

by colonization; that impacts their sentence. As a victim of crime, how do you combat these things?”

“Law should be the law for all. It should be the same – no differentiation. It's really dangerous,” she said.

The reality?

“Instead, it is a self-appointed, elitist minority advocating that they speak for all Māori and the outcomes aren’t being achieved. In fact, in some areas we’ve gotten worse outcomes. Those that claim to represent these most at-need people, have the perfect opportunity to deny any culpability for failing to deliver because they blame things like systemic racism and colonisation for their failure to deliver. So, we just end up with a downward spiral of welfare dependency and no tangible benefit.”

Even New Zealand’s Supreme Court is now taking into account the “idea of tikanga Māori – which is an idea referring to our traditions and our protocols. It was introduced into the court system to determine an outcome in a court case. We’ve also introduced the idea of cultural impact at sentencing”

For instance, “if an offender is determined to have been affected

In 2011, the New Zealand government passed a law, the Marine and Coastal Area Act, which confiscated public ownership and created Customary Marine Title which only Māori could claim. 580 claims were lodged and the very first agreement awarded a tribe title to 15km of beach, even though it had been used by the public for fishing, swimming and hiking since 1840.

This caused the creation of a “coastal-owning tribal aristocracy” which owns “valuable seabed minerals, charges for boat ramps, blocks competitors wanting to set up businesses such as mussel farms and charges fees for cultural consultancy, which nobody wants or needs”.

It’s really about a treaty and “co-governance”.

It’s about dividing our nation. Below is the link to an interview with a NZ farmer explaining what is actually happening in NZ. Gecko Chirps strongly encourages all to watch this interview because this is where Australia is heading with the Voice.

https://realitycheck.radio/julianbatchelor-on-his-stop-co-governancetour/

Readers should refresh themselves with the previous Gecko Chirps and you will see the similarities with what is happening in Australia. Remember point three in the last issue about old age pensions. An Aboriginal man sought access to the aged pension early due to racial disadvantage and life expectancy “because we die younger”. Thankfully this month the full federal court rejected the claim.

Now a reader wrote in to dispute those 11 points as misinformation because AAP FactCheck contacted NIAA and NIAA denied those points. Really? Why wouldn’t they deny them because to confirm them would be detrimental to the cause of getting the Yes vote up. Let’s not be naïve about this and as Gecko Chirps iterated, it was not NIAA policy, however Gecko believes most people are smart enough to ‘read between the lines’. The above example is indicative of what lies ahead and lends some truth to that point.

Australia already a divided nation - why? The majority of Australians are not racist. Look at some facts. We have the Aboriginal flag flying beside the Australian flag – is that not a divide? Aboriginals have access to 3273 Aboriginal agencies that 96.2% of the population cannot

access. Similarly, the 96.2% of nonIndigenous Australians are being locked out of OUR Land. ‘Welcome to Country’ is divisive because it separates non-Indigenous from Indigenous. Pretty convincing argument isn’t it? And there is a lot more if people care to think about what is happening to OUR country. Why can’t Indigenous Aboriginals embrace a unified identity so that we can all be Australians as a patriotic nation?

Look at Western Australia and the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act. Farmers in WA are facing monumental problems with what they can do on their land. The new cultural heritage laws will require them to pay an Aboriginal consultant up to $160 per hour to obtain permits to do anything on their land that might disturb more than 50cm of soil. How can you dispute an Aboriginal claiming the land has spiritual significance and now your land can no longer be used for the purpose intended?

Readers may also have noted that one morning Channel Ten news showed the weather with all cities in Aboriginal names. Brisbane being ‘Meanjin’. It doesn’t take much to see how the Aboriginal elite (activists and strong proponents of the Voice), are attempting to rewrite history. History is what it is, be it good or bad, but it defines the soul of the nation. Indigenous Australians should embrace it, just like Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and not continue to be so divisive. Although we know why – because it is all about sovereignty and reparations. Actually, the Uluru Statement from the Heart, can be viewed as a militant document because it is all about taking back the land – sovereignty.

Gecko Chirps congratulates Jacinta Nampijinpa Price on being the voice of reason on the Voice issue. She is a true Australian because she believes we are ALL Australians and the Voice is a divisive tool which will only widen the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Her story is a credit to her and now she is a respected member of parliament as Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians. We need more like her.

Until next time – Gecko Chirps

The views expressed in this article are that of the author and do not necessarily represent the views held by the Publisher of the LOCAL News.

Toorbul & Donnybrook Seniors Club Outgoing President’s Annual Report

I would like to thank the outgoing committee for their sterling work to carry on with the club activities and to make our club a worthy one to belong to. During the past year, we have sadly had to farewell two of our long-term members who passed away.

RIP Les Timms and Les Duncan.

2022/23 has seen the first full year of our name change (Pensioners to Seniors). In the past year, there have been 36 new members, out of a total membership of 129. We welcome the new members and encourage everyone to promote our club to many of the area’s new residents.

The year saw our usual social activities: a successful Christmas in July and great Spring Fair, a technology seminar, a fun Melbourne Cup luncheon and then in the new year, a successful art exhibition and a St Patrick’s luncheon.

We successfully ran two stalls at the TCDA Markets at Christmas and Easter. It has been a busy year for members. Our Christmas lunch was well attended - thanks to Jamie Daniell for his entertainment.

Of special mention is the artwork provided to the club by Carmen Tapper. Carmen painted our fridge cabinet outside – the first foray into our Community Street Library, which has now grown by four more bookshelves. Carmen was then asked to paint a mural on the facilities block at Toorbul’s main boat ramp. What a special job she has done - congratulations Carmen. This mural has encouraged more of us to be aware of

the migratory birds visiting our shores.

Each week, we continue to hold TaiChi exercise mornings, indoor bowls, line dancing, craft and cards. More participants in these activities would be welcomed. Two ‘happy hour’ socials are held each month.

We say ‘thanks’ to our local politicians, who support us in many ways, providing raffle goods whenever requested and printing flyers and newsletters.

The local businesses in Toorbul also support us in promoting the club and providing goodies for raffles. Thank you all!

For last year and the current one, a calendar was published with dates of club activities and featuring photos of Toorbul and its surrounds provided by our club members.

Margie Hildred now has the job of looking after our newsletter. As a result, we have a great monthly newsletter with club news, insights into Toorbul, Donnybrook and surrounds and some of our special members and the jobs they do.

May I wish the incoming committee a successful year. For the members, I hope it is a year of good health and happiness!

Bruce Hansford (outgoing president)

Bribie Garden Centre

Still lots of colour!

There's still a chill in the air but still lots of colour! Be sure to come on in and check out our wide variety of colour for your winter and spring garden. Here at Bribie Garden Centre we have the wonderful new range of Australian native Hardenbergias. These evergreen beauties can be used as a climber, trailer, or ground cover consisting of the gorgeous colours of white, purple and burgundy. Its still cool enough to have one of our beautiful cyclamens which will bring life and colour into your home. And just when you think you couldn't possibly have more colour... be sure to check out our range of tibouchinas including the Jazzie, the peace baby, and the adorable groovy baby. What else do we have? we have... the stunning bee attracting colourful range of lavenders, argaranthymums, and osteospermums. Don't forget it's the Camellia's

Over the past few months, I’ve outlined the increasing chaos and crisis that plagues the Palaszczuk Labor Government. Another indicator that this government has lost control is their increasing inability to deliver what they announce. It’s almost like they believe the announcement is enough. Sadly, your current Member for Pumicestone appears to be having trouble delivering on her promises too.

I’ve shared before the very obvious example of the much-promised ‘Bribie Hospital’. Your local member had sign after sign up during the last election selling it as a ‘hospital’ just to get your vote! But you all now know, it’s nothing more than a community day clinic with no overnight beds and no emergency department –meaning Bribie Island locals will need to continue to make the 30-minute trip down the road to Caboolture.

Unfortunately, the false announcements by the Member for Pumicestone are not confined to health services. You’ve also been led down the ‘garden path’ on road infrastructure projects.

Let’s look at Bribie Island Road, whereprogress on upgrades has been sluggish at best and the state government has only managed to finalise traffic lights at the Old Toorbul Point intersection – a project that started before the current member was even elected in October 2020.

When those lights at the Old Toorbul Point Road intersection were switched on back in August 2021, your member told you, “But we’re not stopping there. The next stage of the upgrade will meet up with the dual lanes past Saint Road. Design work has already started.” Then on June 27, 2022, your member assured you that Stage 2 “will start construction” before the financial year ended. Well, the financial year has ended. Has construction started? No! And there have been no updates on progress, no explanation for the delays, no communication or plans shared with the community.

It appears the Member for Pumicestone has taken a leaf out of her premier’s playbook and just loves making the announcement, not actually delivery for her community.

Now before you think I might be being a bit harsh, don’t forget the Member for Pumicestone kicked up a huge stink

Life in the bowls lane

when your federal Member for Longman, Terry Young, secured funding for the Hickey Road to King Johns Creek duplication. Apparently it wasn’t good enough that the federal government committed $10 million dollars for a state road. The Member for Pumicestone was most upset that $6.5 million of that wasn’t allocated until 2025-26 onwards. Based on the Palaszczuk Government’s track record on delivering road projects when they say they will, including projects on Bribie Island Road, I reckon Terry was right on the money. I honestly can’t see this state government delivering anything between Hickey Road and King Johns Creek before 2025. However, let’s assume miracles could happen and they could do the work sooner. In January 2022, your member ‘announced’ a federal Labor government would bring forward that funding. The federal Labor government has now delivered two budgets. Have they brought forward that funding? Nope! Has the Member for Pumicestone reminded her Labor mates in Canberra to bring the funding forward? Clearly not.

So it’s obvious the Member for Pumicestone knows her protests were like her announcements – nothing more than hot air.

It’s common knowledge that on hot weekends and when major events are on, Bribie Island Road becomes a car park. Just earlier this month, the Abbey Museum held another hugely successful medieval festival and catered for thousands flocking to the Abbey on Old Toorbul Point Road. But congestion was bumper to bumper for hours because of this single lane section of Bribie Island Road. By making this section dual lanes, Bribie Island Road will become less of a car park during peak periods and will get you home sooner and safer.

Your member needs to be transparent with you about the status of the Bribie Island Road upgrades and explain why you continue to endure traffic jam after traffic jam when works that were promised two years ago and budgeted 12 months ago, have not even seen a shovel in the ground since.

The Member for Pumicestone and the Palaszczuk Government need to stop announcing and start delivering.

By Sheree Hoddinett

went from there,” PegLeg said. “I have been taking it a lot more seriously in the last few years and the results are starting to show.

“I haven’t represented Australia yet, so I haven’t got my Para Jackaroo cap number but it’s definitely what I’m working towards and hopefully I get selected next year and get my number.

“I’m excited about what lies ahead. It’s been a great journey so far and I’m just looking forward to seeing where it takes me from here.”

Once considered an ‘older’ persons sport, bowls is definitely gaining more traction with the younger generation. PegLeg, who now bowls fulltime, is a member at Solander Lake Bowls Club (after being at Bongaree Bowls Club for 13 years) and even he’s seeing the younger players coming up through the ranks.

Brett Sellars or PegLeg as he’s also known is certainly no stranger to a bowling green. Bowls is a sport that’s very much become a big part of his life and one that has seen him play on a national level with his ultimate goal to hit the international scene. His foray into the world of bowls began when his son actually started the sport in 2008 and PegLeg was convinced to join him. PegLeg’s journey has followed a somewhat different path to others out there. He was just 12-years-old when a cancer diagnosis meant his left leg had to be amputated. Now 51, PegLeg takes it all in his stride, but considers himself one of the “lucky ones” as he’s still here to talk about it.“I was

“Just at our club at Solander Lake, we have three juniors there now and you can just see how their bowls is growing,” PegLeg said. “We have members that are in their mid 90s down to 13-year-olds. So it's actually pretty cool to have that mix.

“I wish I had started a lot younger, but these guys definitely have a bright future ahead of them. You look at a lot of the Australian representatives now, they're all younger people. So it’s definitely more of a mixed sport now compared to what it used to be and there's no age barrier anymore.”

Even with his growing list of achievements, including his most recent gold win in the Para Pairs at the National Development Series on the Gold Coast earlier in July, it’s surprising to hear PegLeg considered giving away the sport he has grown

told I had cancer in my knee and it was bad enough that my leg had to come off,” PegLeg said. “In the beginning I used to have what I call a Barbie doll leg, so it looks like a real leg. But with working on fishing boats and trawlers with the floor and then in panel beating shops with airlines and power leads, it just wasn’t a practical option anymore. So I chose a straight peg leg with a hoof at the bottom of it, which was a lot safer! And that’s kind of where my nickname came from.”

The nickname of PegLeg has been in the mix now for about 20 years and one he was more than happy to go by once he joined a bowls club for the first time in 2009.

“I played socially for a few years and then I discovered disability bowls and it just

extremely fond of. It was his amazing and supportive partner that encouraged him to keep playing and she is the reason he continues to aim high.

“I have a growing number of medals from state and national championships but I’m still looking for that cap number,” PegLeg said. “That's the ultimate goal, lining up the cap number for Australia.”

Quiet and humble about his achievements, PegLeg has never thought about his potential of being a mentor to others living with life-changing circumstances like what he went through.

“I've never really looked at it like that. I just try not to let it stop me,” PegLeg said. “If I want to do something, I'll find a way around it to get it done.”

Winning Gold in the Para Pairs at the National Development Series.

Brett in action at the national championship.

Record numbers at pickleball tournament

What do you get when you combine 1352 matches, 388 medals and 1421m of tape? A record pickleball tournament held right here in the Moreton Bay Region! Labelled as the biggest pickleball tournament the Southern Hemisphere has ever seen, more than 500 players descended on the Morayfield Sports and Events Centre for the Pickleball Association of Queensland’s 2023 Queensland Pickleball Championship from June 30 to July 3.

For those wondering what pickleball is, it’s best described as a combination of badminton, ping pong and tennis in one. You can play indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court with a net similar to that of tennis. Rather than a racquet, players use paddles and the ball is plastic with holes in it. It’s a game that is suitable for all ages and skill levels with relatively simple rules, making it a great sport for those looking for something new to play.

The action-packed tournament saw players from all over the world take part in Doubles, Singles, Mixed Doubles and Hybrid events across the four days of competition. Wesley Vine and Bruce Winther took home a Quadruple Crown for taking out wins in the Singles, Dou bles, Mixed Doubles and Teams Event.

Mary Harding took home a Triple Crown in the 70+ division in 2.5-3.5 Skinny Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

With the support of Moreton Bay Regional Council, the Pickleball Associa tion of Queensland (PAQ) has been able to host this event for the second time at Morayfield Sports and Events Centre. Last year, more than 350 players entered and this year that record has been quickly eclipsed - showing the growth of this new sport in Queensland.

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery was excited to host the 2023 Queensland Pickleball Championships in the Moreton Bay Region.

"Our Halcyon Glades courts in Caboolture were Australia's first purpose-built pickleball courts. This event, secured through the major events sponsorship program, showcases the rapid growth of pickleball in Australia," Mayor Flannery said.

Pickleball Australia executive officer Brendan Lee also expressed his delight regarding the record number of participants taking part in the Queensland Pickleball Championships.

"Another record has been set with registrations eclipsing 500 for the first time at a pickleball tournament in the Southern Hemisphere,” Mr Lee said. “PAQ, its volunteers and those associated with the event should be delighted at the response from our pickleball community.

“PAQ is known for delivering great tournaments. The partnership between Moreton Bay Regional Council and PAQ strengthens the ties between council and our community and we thank them for their support.”

The Moreton Bay Region and pickleball are both the winners with events like this, as players and their families play, stay and explore this beautiful region.

To find out more about pickleball, visit www.pickleballqueensland.org or follow their page on Facebook for all the action.

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Volunteers fit new helicopter door

It’s time for some sparkle and shine at Gemfest

Don’t miss all the fun and colour of Gemfest at the Caboolture Historical Village on Saturday August 12. Hosted by the Caboolture Gem Club Inc, Gemfest is an exciting annual event that celebrates the beauty and fascination of gemstones. The festival brings together gem enthusiasts, lapidary artists and of course collectors from near and far to indulge in their shared passion for these treasures. Gemfest offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages with the opportunity to explore and purchase a diverse array of precious and semi-precious stones, as well as the chance to learn about their characteristics, origins and values.

By Alistair Gray

A few months ago, I wrote about how the door from the helicopter - the centrepiece at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park - had gone walkabout presumed stolen. Despite best efforts, the original door has never been recovered.

Thanks to members of the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre Inc. (AAHC) at Caboolture Airfield, they were able to locate a replacement door from Nicholas Pay at Tyabb in Victoria. A few years back, AAHC sold a Kiowa

Helicopter similar to the one on display for spare parts, to Nicholas Pay Aviation.

Thankfully, a door was still available and gifted back to enable the repair to be carried out to the memorial. Three of the volunteer team (shown in the photograph above) were involved in putting the helicopter in place at the park. The helicopter is an important part of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park and is dedicated to all those who served in helicopter operations in Vietnam.

What you can expect at Gemfest:

• Gemstone sales

• Lapidary sales

• Stake-a-claim

• Food vans

• Kid’s fossicking

• Crystal healing

• Jewellery sales

• Tailgaters

• A big range of displays

• Demonstrations

• Raffles with great prizes to be won

• And so much more!!

See all the action and skills at work as members of the gem club demonstrate

their expertise in cutting, polishing and setting gemstones, allowing visitors to witness everything that goes on behind the scenes.

The Caboolture Gem Club Inc. Gemfest is not just a fantastic event for gem enthusiasts, but it also serves as a platform for fostering a sense of community and appreciation for these natural wonders. It brings together like-minded individuals who share a love for gemstones and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Whether you are a seasoned collector, an aspiring lapidary artist, or simply intrigued by the beauty of gemstones, the Gemfest is an event that offers a memorable and enriching experience for everyone!

What: Caboolture Gem Club Inc. Gemfest

When: Saturday August 12

Time: 9am-4pm

Admission: $5 (under 12 years – Free)

Where: Head along to the Caboolture Historical Village (280 Beerburrum Road, Caboolture)

Parking (gold coin donation) is provided by Caboolture Woodcrafters, a not-forprofit organisation building toys for charity.

Further information: Visit caboolturegemclub.com, follow Caboolture Gem Club and Lapidary on Facebook or contact the club via email caboolturegemclub@live. com.au or phone Lyn on 0400 406 844.

Volunteers Nelson Heatherington, Jock Young, Jeff Wallis and Ken Weeks from the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre with the replacement door.

Nelson Heatherington and Glynn Young (holding the door) about to fit the new helicopter door at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park.

Can I phone a friend?

By Sheree Hoddinett

As a working mum, I use my mobile phone every single day. Do I absolutely need it every second of the day? No of course not, but it has become a pretty important part of my life. Could I survive without it? I think so, but life and work would likely become very difficult, given that I use it for emails, messages, phone calls (both personal and work), maps, social media, research and probably a million other reasons throughout my day-to-day life. It is not the be all and end all of my existence, despite what my father says at times.

That being said, mobile phones can carry different meanings to lots of people. If you haven’t yet heard, the state government recently announced a full ban of mobile phones at state schools which will take effect from term 1, 2024. This ban will mean mobile phones have to be “away for the day” (including break times) and it will also cover certain wearable devices such as smartwatches. Many state schools already have bans in place, but not all cover break times. Students will still be able to bring phones to school so that they can contact their parents or carers immediately before or after school hours. Exemptions will also be available for digital learning opportunities or in specific circumstances, including reasons related to health and wellbeing.

Where did it all kick off from? Earlier this year, Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace asked the department to seek the latest information about the different approaches being used in state schools for students and mobile phone usage. Former Queensland Family and Child Commissioner Cheryl Vardon was appointed to carry out an independent review into the current policy. Ms Vardon’s full report is due later this month, but she advised one of the core recommendations was to implement state-wide restrictions on the access to mobile phones and certain other devices

full report is received, the department will work closely with schools on how to best implement the ban in a way that reflects the realities of their school.

It is a decision which is already causing lots of chatter among parents, kids and others in the community. While my two daughters are yet to have a mobile phone (and won’t need one for many years to come), I can see both sides to this and why it may cause issues for some. However when you think about it, there is no reason for a child (of any age) to need their phone while they are at school, either in the classroom or out in the school grounds. Ultimately it is a distraction they don’t really need. I understand there are likely to be circumstances at some schools out there where students may need to contact their parents because they feel they’re in a situation where they truly need them. If this happens, surely you can go and ask to use your phone. As for messaging or phoning your friends while you’re at school, here’s an idea, go and actually talk to them face-to-face! You can share whatever new craze or fad you’ve found online with them once school is finished for the day.

But the biggest question remains on how each school will actually effectively stop students from having their phones on them during school time. We all know some teenagers out there aren’t going to conform to these new rules easily, nor will they willingly hand over their phone if they “don’t want to”. I have no doubt, there will likely be some big discussions ahead on the best way for it to all play out. I know it’s been more than 20 years since I was at school, but we managed to survive without mobile phones back then, so kids today can do it as well!

A moment of reflection

By Sheree Hoddinett

For those lucky enough to have met Harvey Fewings, you could easily describe him as a man larger than life. His strong personality and opinion shone through on everything he did and every piece he produced here at the paper, both as himself and as many of you know, as his alter ego Cranky Lizard. It’s been exactly 12 months (July 27) since we lost Harvey. His passing left a hole in the heart of the newspaper itself and for those of us who knew him, both on a professional and personal level. I’m sure many of you out in the community also miss him and reading his monthly columns. He certainly had a lot to share and knew the right way to stir other opinions out there. Whether you were a fan of his writing or not, no one could ever replace Harvey, he certainly was one of a kind. In our June edition last year, Harvey actually wrote about The Voice in what would be his last Contemplations for the paper (reprinted in this edition). The Voice is a subject which is now very much a hot topic, creating a lot of division out there over whether it’s needed or not. Harvey never shied away from a difficult discussion, in

about The Voice. Although I only worked with him for a short time, I do miss catching up with Harvs at our monthly meeting and chatting about all kinds of topics, both paper related and just life in general. He would often ask how we were all doing, quietly listening to our moans and groans (okay probably mostly mine!) and he would just sit back, smile and share advice where necessary. We both had vastly different writing styles and opinions, but I have always admired him and what he put out there, not even worried about the responses that would come his way and believe me, there were plenty!! I think he actually waited with a big grin, just to see how well he could stir the pot! We certainly miss you Harvs and of course Cranky Lizard as well. On a side note: No doubt, many of you would now be familiar with Gecko Chirps, the latest member to join our team here at The Local. Gecko, just like Harvey as Cranky Lizard before him, has many an opinion to share and doesn’t shy away from the difficult stuff. Gecko is also more than happy to hear from anyone and everyone out there, so please feel free to write a letter, but remember to be courteous when you do!

Amelia Strazdins

The world is reaching a crisis point. From daily temperatures reaching the highest they have ever been to an increasing number of species being listed as endangered, the threat towards our environment is growing exponentially. In order to mitigate these growing issues, conservation and preservation of these various environmental ecosystems and their animals must take priority on both a political and social level.

Thus, the question is posed, how do we ensure the long-term conservation and protection of our local environment?

Our local surroundings are comprised of various different types of flora, fauna and spices. Whilst we are so lucky to experience such biodiversity, it also falls upon us to ensure we are taking the correct steps to prevent further degradation and harm to these areas.

There are so many actionable steps we can incorporate into our daily lives. From picking up rubbish on a walk, to using more eco-based products, to ensuring that pets do not cause harm to native wildlife - all these seemingly little steps make a big difference. When at the beach, staying off sand-dunes and using reefsafe sunscreen both assist in preserving our water ecosystems.

There are also many organisations and local community groups committed to this cause. Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association (BIEPA) is a locally based organisation that is committed to protecting and improving our environment. Founded and run by local

community members, the group runs various activities aimed at involving community and simultaneously cleaning up our Island. There is so much to get involved in, whether it be their monthly social meeting, to get a feel for what they do or signing yourself and a friend up for one of their many events based around Bribie. Their website provides both dates and times if you are eager to get involved.

It is so incredibly important that we continue to support such organisations, both locally and nationally, as they continue to assist in protecting our endangered species and persist in their fight to preserve our environment. Issues of climate change and conservation of the environment impact every person on this earth and is not an issue that we can ignore or pass off as being ‘a problem for the future generations’.

Donations and volunteering for environmental causes and organisations is always helpful. However, perhaps one of the most helpful actions that can be taken is to educate both ourselves and others. Understanding the issues surrounding environmental conservation and sharing knowledge all assists in raising awareness of the problem. Environmental degradation is a growing crisis and the need for conservation and protection is more prevalent than ever. Whether you take smaller steps by reducing your use of plastics or sign yourself up to a local environmental event, every form of action is vital to ensuring the conservation of our environment and our earth.

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Come and Experience some of the best value meals on the Island

If you haven’t visited the Club before or haven’t been in for a while, it’s about time you did yourself a favour. We offer some of the best value meals on the Island as well as a good range of different menu items to treat your tastebuds. Some of our specials are listed below so take your time to read them and then take advantage of them.

If you are looking for even better value, you can join as a Social Member for just $10 and you will benefit from discount menu items, discounts on our already low priced beverages, reduced ticket pricing for our special events and you will be entered into our weekly Membership Draw which currently stands at $2,300 (correct as at 14th July 2023), and is drawn every Friday at 7.00pm or shortly thereafter. Please note you must be at the draw to claim.

Wednesday Nights - 15 meals at $15 each

You read it right, we are the place to be on a Wednesday night with 15 different menu items available for just $15 each. The 15 meals include Chef's curry of the day, 3 different pasta dishes, Thai spiced Calamari, Fisherman's Catch, Battered Snapper, the Vernazza Pie, 5 different Pizzas and a Beef or Vegetarian Lasagna. Our full menu is still available as well as the Chef's Specials and desserts.

Thursday Reef n Beef Special: Our popular Steak, Garlic Prawns, salad and chips deal for just $23 is available - often imitated by other venues but never beaten. Full menu and specials menu available. Bookings are essential.

Saturday Lunch Special:

Available from 11.30am to 2.00pm: Purchase one of our hand-picked lunches for just $17 and receive a complimentary pot of beer, glass of house wine or a soft drink. The menu changes weekly and is the best value on the Island. Full menu and other snacks also available.

$12 Senior Lunches - Monday to Friday from 11.30am Your choice of either: Northern Rivers Roast Pork, Beer Battered Fish and Chips, Chicken Schnitzel and Chips, Chicken Caesar Salad, Seafood Catch or Banger and Mash.

Available from 11.30am to 2.00pm. Full lunch menu is also available. Bookings are essential see our website to book or give us a call on the number below.

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Kris Tomalin and Avocado Pete.

Bribie locals Sue and Allen Bay enjoyed a day of racing at Caloundra on Jan and Mack's Bribie Bus Tours.

Judy Carmock celebrated her 80th Birthday at Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club with family. Cake by Matsuri Patisserie's at Deception Bay.

Judy with her children - son Scott Carmock and daughter Marcelle Carmock. Gorgeous girls at The Coffee

Heather Stuart and Jan Angus, celebrating

Did you know Australia once had the fourth-largest air force in the world?

By Alistair Gray

Yes, as extraordinary as that may sound, it is true. I learned about this on my recent visit to the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre at the Caboolture Airfield and followed up with some research. I also discovered that Australia manufactured more than 2195 aircraft (755 Wirraways, 705 Beauforts, 250 Boomerangs, 365 Beaufighters, 104 Mosquitoes, 16 Mustangs) and almost 2000 aircraft engines during World War II. Sadly, all that manufacturing expertise was lost due to our inability to adapt to post-war conditions.

Then amazingly, I was introduced to an extinct warbird of global historical significance sitting right here in Caboolture, the DAP Mk V11 Bristol Beaufort, a Torpedo Bomber, being carefully restored to become the only flying Beaufort in the world. In its day, the Beaufort was lauded as Australia’s most outstanding manufacturing achievement and the key vehicle to the industrialisation of Australia. Yet completion of this significant Australian heritage project is at risk of being lost overseas if adequate funding is not found to ensure it remains here in Australia. It was an experience to sit down and talk to Ralph Cusack, owner of the Beaufort, the large hangar we were sitting in, the Sea Devon used by Lord Mountbatten and King Charles and a Tiger Moth. All are predominant on the floor of the hangar.

Ralph is an entrepreneur who started five businesses from scratch and spent most of his life in brake and clutch businesses, with his last business (recently sold) in aviation parts. He developed a passion for collecting old aircraft and restoring them. His project with the Beaufort started in 1984 when he collected it from an outdoor museum in Mildura and transported it to Brisbane. To date, he has personally spent $3.1 million on the restoration work. The work is painstaking, as you are not just restoring the aircraft but pulling it apart, piece-by-piece, to make the Beaufort airworthy so it can fly again.

The Beaufort is about 70% complete, however to complete the task another $1 million is required to employ appropriately qualified electrical and engine mechanics.

Mr Cusack expects that the project will take another three years. The Australian Airforce has shown interest in the project but it needs funding. The government, federal or state or in partnership, should be considering this. Imagine having the Beaufort flying over at the start of the Olympics. The hard work has been done the project now needs finishing.

The Australian version of the Beaufort was superior to the English version, with each engine having 1200 horsepower. In contrast, the English model proved to be underpowered with only 875 horsepower, resulting in very heavy losses in the early life of the plane. The Beaufort carried an excellent payload of bombs, 2000 pounds

and only needed four personnel, whereas the B17 used in the war in Europe had 4000 pounds and needed 10 men to fly it. This made the Beaufort well-suited to the war in the Pacific.

The world’s fourth largest Airforce

At the start of World War II in September 1939, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) had 3489 service personnel, 12 flying squadrons and 246 aircraft – 164 operational. On August 29, 1945, two weeks after the war against Japan ended, the RAAF had 173,622 service personnel operating 5585 aircraft with 75 squadrons, with all but 20 squadrons operating in the Pacific. At this time, for a short period, Australia was said to have had the fourth-largest air force in the world. Not long after, Australia demobilised with personnel numbers dropping to 7897 by the end of 1948.

The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre, where the Beaufort is located, is hidden in Hangar 104, McNaught Road, Caboolture Airfield. Here you will find a small team of dedicated volunteers who spend Mondays and Wednesdays restoring and preserving old aircraft. Many are ex-Ansett, TAA and Qantas employees.

Housed in what was originally the main Canberra Airport hangar and big enough to accommodate a DC3 with wings fully expanded, you will find a facility chocked full of old aircraft and aviation history. While not a museum, despite some displays and numerous visitors, it is an active workshop focusing on restoring aircraft to their former glory. Here you will find a Westland Wessex Helicopter being restored for display, a Bell Kiowa Helicopter in mint condition that has been statically restored and outside the hangar, a Caribou A4-228 maintained as a static display. Much of the income to date for the centre has come from selling restored aviation memorabilia and aircraft to the National Museum in Canberra and various RSL’s around the country. This is starting to dry up and the centre is keen to facilitate group tours of the facility as part of its fundraising.

Can you help? The centre is looking for volunteers to help. This may mean working on planes if you have the necessary skills or simply doing office work. For more information, please contact Rod Thiesfield 0407 030 381, info@aahcqld.org. au, or visit www.aahcqld.org.au.

(1)Source: The Australian Aviation Industry: History and Achievements Guiding Defence and Aviation Industry Policy by Air Vice Marshal Brian Weston, AM FRAES – Working Paper 12.

(2)Source: The Royal Australian Air Force’s Pathfinder Air Power Development Centre Bulletin Issue 119, September 2009.

The Bristol Beaufort Torpedo Bomber is undergoing restoration at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre.

Ralph Cusack in front of the Bristol Beaufort.

The Beaufort, with the wing at the foot of the picture, is waiting to be attached to the main aircraft.

Bell Kiowa Helicopter

Westland Wessex Helicopter

A full hangar with the Wessex Helicopter, the Sea Devon, A Cessna & the Beaufort.

The Caribou is on display outside the hangar.

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location in North Street, Woorim. Located across from park, with water views from front balcony. Open plan, and only a short walk to cafes, restaurants, hotel, and Surf Club. Tightly held in sought after area. Opportunity exists to add on another storey to gain even better water views. To follow the property or register to bid go to: https://buy.realtair.com/properties/108014

Located centrally in Bongaree, and currently tenanted until the 24th of August 2023.

high-set home close to transport, and shops. Bathroom up, and down, with great side access potential. To follow or register to bid on-line, go to: https://buy.realtair.com/properties/108016

Rental Property Shortage

We need properties for quality tenants we have waiting. If you or someone you know has a vacant property they can’t fill, or are unhappy with their current managing agents, we have approved tenants waiting. Refer potential landlords to us, and we will reward both of you with a $250 Visa Debit Card and shall offer any new

a great introductory management fee. Experience the LJ

Real Estate Talk

RBA holds steady as inflation falls

At their monthly board meeting earlier this month, the RBA decided to hold the cash rate steady at 4.10%. This decision to maintain the cash rate comes after 12 increases since May 2022, which has seen the cash rate rise from 0.10% to 4.10%. The main driver of the decision was the latest monthly inflation data, which showed a decline from 6.8% in April to 5.6% in May. This indicates that previous rate rises are having the intended effect.

The decision to hold rates steady will contribute to the positive momentum observed in most property markets over recent months, which is likely to result in a gradual increase in listings. Auction clearance rates remain high, attendance at open homes is elevated and price growth remains positive. These

State Government milks the property cash cow yet again

The Queensland state government is dipping into the piggy bank of property owners yet again with a new land tax regime which the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) says is a slap in the face to the very sector that is propping up the economy.

The shock announcement comes off the back of the state government pocketing soaring stamp duty revenue with $5.38bn in transfer revenue this financial year, and it will increase overall from $16.53bn to $19.93bn over the forward estimates.

encouraging selling metrics should inspire homeowners who have been waiting for the market to improve, and I anticipate that listings will slowly increase in the coming months, leading up to spring. The demand/supply imbalance and positive selling indicators, like reduced days on the market and higher auction clearance rates, are likely to motivate homeowners who have been awaiting a better market to consider listing their properties for sale in the upcoming months.

Bribie Island

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said disappointingly the government had not consulted with relevant property stakeholder groups on this new land tax regime, which was the wrong move at the wrong time.

“This treatment of property investors as an endless money pit is outrageous – the government is raking in a huge stamp duty windfall, then relying on private investors to provide the lion’s share of housing supply, and now they’re slapping investors yet again with new taxes,” Ms Mercorella said. “How can the government possibly justify slugging property investors with tax for land they own that isn’t even within our state borders? It’s utter nonsense that there’s a “loop hole” to close.

“From a practical standpoint, it’s also baffling to understand how on earth they intend to get this data in order to double-tax investors who are already paying this tax elsewhere.”

Ms Mercorella said that property investors were tired of being the ATM for the state and, given the flagged second wave of tenancy rental reforms, many could decide to vote with their money.

“There is no other state or territory that takes this approach, and by treating property investors with contempt like this time and time again, investors may very well pull up stumps,” she said.

“All this is doing is deterring people from investing in Queensland and, instead, opting to invest where no multi-jurisdictional land tax applies.

“For those not scared off from investing in Queensland, and current investors brave enough to stick around, this tax will make their holding costs more expensive and the logical consequence of that is rent goes up.

“In the midst of a rental crisis, it beggars’ belief that this would be the lever the government pulls. It shows the government lacks the ability to think outside the square and come up with alternative and innovative solutions to find new revenue streams.

“You only have to look at the timing of this bombshell legislative reform to see the government are clearly trying to sneak this in under the radar at a time most people have clocked off for the year.”.

One Man’s Waste is ANOTHER’S TREASURE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from page 6

Indigeneity, a subtle but profound distinction

Gecko Chirps and like-minded correspondents might contemplate these questions before they tag along with the sour scaremongering against the Indigenous Voice. Why describe The Voice as race-based when its base is not race but indigeneity, a subtle but profound distinction? If present government expenditure on Indigenous affairs has not achieved adequate results, shouldn’t we try something different?

Can you identify any privileges enjoyed by mainstream Australians that will be weakened by an advisory voice for Indigenous communities?

If you are confident that parliament can establish a national forum to consult grass roots people without constitutional change, why aren’t you confident that parliament can prevent the radical measures that some activists might demand?

Once collected, the waste is composted and then fed to worms.

By Marnie Birch

For 10 years, Mitch Langfield was a professional sportsman, travelling the world riding wakeboards in competitions and performing in films. A series of knee reconstructions caused him to reassess his career and Mitch created a closed-loop food recycling system called In the Loop BNE. It diverts food waste from landfill and transforms it into organic garden products, using innovative composting and vermiculture (worm farming) techniques.

After initially purchasing a Beachmere property with wakeboarding in mind, Mitch focused on improving the sandy soil intent on growing fruit and vegetables. When he discovered the importance of compost and worm farming for soil regeneration, he quit his day job to set up a composting business.

“Everything I read led me back to worm farming. If you have worms, you have healthy soil,” he explains.

For Mitch to farm worms on a large scale, he said he needed “massive amounts of organic matter”. He had seen residential bucket collections of food waste operating in America, but no one was doing that in Australia. That’s when he established In the Loop BNE and partnered with Sesame Lane Child Care Centres.

Mitch collects food scraps from 5000 meals that are produced daily in the childcare kitchens. Waste that would typically be disposed of in landfill. Once collected, the waste is composted and then fed to worms. There is zero waste and the end composted product is returned to the gardens to enrich the soil. The recycling loop is complete when a second food crop is grown in the enriched garden.

According to Mitch, certain farming practices may deplete the soil and rob plants of valuable nutrients, whereas a closedloop system retains the nutrients within the soil. This means there is less need for supplementation of crops with fertilisers. He insists plants grown in this way are generally healthier and more resistant to disease adding that the produce is also “packed full of nutrients”.

Fourteen childcare centres, as well as various cafes and households from Bribie Island to Wavell Heights, currently participate in collections with In the Loop BNE.

“We trialled using In the Loop BNE's food recycling system and it was so easy to use we signed up all of our childcare centres and now report zero food waste going to landfill,” Sesame Lane Child Care Centre marketing co-ordinator Tanya Ricketts said.

With waste disposal an ever-increasing problem for society, a closed-loop recycling system has the potential to benefit the environment by reducing methane emissions, a known greenhouse gas, from landfill sites. Over the two years In the

Loop BNE has been operating, Mitch said he had recycled more than 70 tonnes of food waste that would otherwise have been sent to landfill.

The process Mitch uses at his Beachmere property involves an initial hot composting phase, where various components are carefully balanced and turned to ensure the temperature remains ideal for aerobic decomposition to occur.

After two weeks of fermentation, the waste is moved to a curing pile where further decomposition occurs. The structure of the mix itself has completely changed six weeks in. Food scraps are no longer discernible, although plastic fruit stickers persist and require removal as they do not biodegrade. Larger woodchips are separated out at this point and sold as a nutrient-heavy mulch with significant water-retentive capabilities.

“It acts like a slow-release fertiliser,” Mitch said. “Anything that I have put that on has grown like crazy.”

Next, it’s the worm’s turn to process the compost. Onsite Mitch has 26 worm-farm bins with about 20,000 Red Wriggler worms in each. The worm castings are sold online at the Beachmere markets or used to brew a special compost ‘tea’.

Full of beneficial microbes, Mitch said the compost ‘tea’ could be sprayed onto a plant’s leaves, boosting nutrient levels and deterring pests like sooty mould.

Mitch confesses it was a steep learning curve to establish the business, mainly because it’s such a new concept. Admitting to many hours of research and hard work to manage the system’s complexities. He believes society can still achieve zero waste, cautioning that doing it right without contamination, is a different matter.

“We have a long way to go educating people before they care,” he said. “You have to find what they care about to make them care, I think. Everything we do has

another effect down the road.”

As the successful pioneer of closed-loop food recycling systems, Mitch is keen to educate others in the future by offering workshops on farming worms and compost techniques. In speaking with children in the childcare centres about composting and worms, he has already begun to educate the next generation. For further food waste collection information, contact Mitch Langfield on 0434 496 995, at intheloopbne.com.au or via Facebook.

To portray a log of claims by some activists as a hidden agenda of the prime minister is disinformation. Isn’t he simply advancing the Uluru Statement, which is just a plea for dialogue requested by a previous government?

Why do you argue that The Voice won't change the life circumstances of Indigenous people, that is, it won’t be influential enough and yet also argue that it will lead to treaties, sovereignty and reparations, that is, it will be too powerful? Come on, be fair.

G Edwards Godwin Beach

Gecko’s Response

Thank you for your interest in the Local News and particularly my column. I urge you to read more and understand how The Voice will impact all of us. Reading and understanding the two previous issues of Gecko Chirps might help you to be better informed.

COVID – 19

Due to the risk of COVID -19 our plumbers and labourers will be fitted with masks when we enter your home, this is for your safety and the safety of the community and will minimise the risk of our team transmitting the virus from one home to another when caring for your plumbing needs. In the event of a blocked sewer or other high-risk tasks our team will be suited in disposable suits to again help stop the risk of spreading COVID-19.

We ask that when we come to your home that you practice the government supported social distance of 1.5 meters at all time and to remain polite to our team as they are wearing protective clothing for your benefit and to keep our community safe.

From the team at JNR Plumbing - please stay safe and care for one and other.

At JNR Plumbing we are committed to the safety of our community and our at-risk elderly citizens of Bribie Island and Surrounds.

Worm Castings available from In

Health Crisis Town Hall Caboolture

By Alistair Gray

There were tears, anger and disbelief as patients and family members shared their heartfelt stories at the recent Caboolture Town Hall meeting.

This was the second time in two years that Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli and Shadow Health Minister Roz Bates, a former health professional herself, had come to Caboolture to listen to local concerns about the Caboolture Hospital. About 40 members of the public attended the meeting along with a large press contingent - a sign of the significant public concern about the Queensland Health Crisis. I later learnt this was David Crisafulli’s 33rd Health

“This isn’t the fault of our dedicated doc tors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals at Caboolture Hospital,” Mr Crisafulli said. “These dedicated men and women are doing a remarkable job but have been let down by the chaos and crisis within the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

“Today we promised the people of Caboolture that we will again take their stories to the Queensland parliament and together we will continue our fight for better resources, better triaging, sharing data in real-time and putting doctors and nurses back in charge to improve patient care.”

Unbelievably the new Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has announced that the Palaszczuk Labor Government will undertake another review at Caboolture Hospital. So far, the terms of reference

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government needs to be open and transparent with the people of Caboolture about the true state of their hospital. Patient care must always be the top priority,” Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said. “Health Minister Shannon Fentiman is attempting to avoid accountability. Instead of being open and transparent with Queenslanders, she refuses to release monthly ambulance

“When she became health minister, she promised she would do things differently. Instead of swanning around Queensland on a government jet with her photographer, she must listen to these Queenslanders and urgently address

Final stage of Jubilee tree planting project at Ernest Sendall Park

Crisis Town Hall meeting. It was clear

Mr Crisafulli took a personal interest in those directly affected by failures in our health system through listening to their concerns and offering help and support to those involved to clear ways through the bureaucracy.

Some of the concerns raised included ambulance ramping time; failure to check patients while they were waiting on the ramp; multiple examples were given of misdiagnosis; patient discharge letters being mixed up; patient records not being corrected properly; problem medical cases not being properly reviewed; patients in severe pain in the waiting area not being checked upon; 11 hours wait time to get appropriate treatment with delay leading to adverse patient outcomes; complaints not being independently reviewed and the results of the reviews not being made public.

Mr Crisafulli was deeply moved by what he heard as he commented on the bravery of those willing to share their private health battles in a room of strangers. He also noted that everything had stayed the same with the Health Crisis in Caboolture since his last visit in 2021.

The meeting concluded with Mr Crisafulli and Ms Bates thanking all those who attended the Health Crisis Town Hall meeting, with a promise to keep fighting.

“After three terms, eight years and four health ministers, the Palaszczuk Labor Government has stopped listening to Queenslanders. Caboolture and Queenslanders deserve better,” Mr Crisafulli said.

mental Protection Association (BIEPA) embarked on a journey to add a little more beauty and foliage to Ernest Sendall Park at Bongaree. The project was supported by a federal grant as part of the Queen’s Jubilee Planting Scheme. The Jubilee Tree Planting Project will culminate in a final tree planting event on Sunday July 30, which also happens to be National Tree Day.

“We invite local residents and keen gardeners to participate in this community event,” BIEPA’s Glenda Charles said.

“Along with the final tree planting for the project, it’s also National Tree Day, so wherever you are, planting a native tree or shrub will contribute to our healthy environment.”

The ground has been prepped to allow for easier planting access, all you need to do is register, show up and lend a hand if you’re available on the day.

“It would also be most helpful if you could bring your favoured pointy nosed shovel for planting,” Glenda said. “Although the weather is cooler, please also remember to wear sun safe clothing (long sleeves, long pants, hat and gloves).

“After all the hard work is complete, you are invited to stay for morning tea to celebrate the planting, where we will unveil the plaque that acknowledges the funding as well.”

For Glenda, it’s been months of planning, paperwork and of course ensuring the best plants find their way to the site. While she has enjoyed bringing every-

thing and everyone together, she’s also looking forward to seeing the end result of the project.

“It’s certainly been quite a process but one I am quite proud of,” Glenda said. “A big thank you goes to Nicole Byrne (senior environment officer at Moreton Bay Regional Council) who has consistently assisted with this project and BIEPA members who have cheerfully worked alongside me.

“I think once this final planting is done, it will be a prettier space and add a different element to the park. We’re planting grevilleas around the edge that will sort of demarcate the site quite nicely and hopefully bring more birds and other wildlife into the area.”

What: Final Stage Queen’s Jubilee Tree Planting Project

When: Sunday July 30

Time: 10am-12pm

Where: Ernest Sendall Park, Kangaroo Avenue, Bongaree.

For further information/register: www. biepa.online/events

** Registration will ensure that you get reminders and notifications if the event has to be postponed due to the weather.**

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli intently listened to the disturbing patient stories at the recent Caboolture Town Hall meeting.

Shadow Minister for Health Roz Bates listens to the stories about Caboolture Hospital.

GARDEN WITH

Jill

Hi Gardeners,

We are experiencing beautiful winter weather; however we desperately need some more rain.

THE BIRDS AND THE BEES

You will notice Kangaroo Paws starting to appear in nurseries. They are rich in nectar, attracting pollinating birds like honeyeaters and silvereyes. The larger Kangaroo Paws have very long stems topped with furry paw flowers originating from clumps of strappy leaves. The amount of space in your garden will dictate the varieties you wish to plant. They need an open, sunny, well-drained position with compost added to the sandy soil. A slow-release low phosphorus fertiliser can be used. Most are resistant to ink disease, a fungal disease which blackens plant leaves, however a regular application of Liquid Potash and Silica will help.

As birds feed on the lower levels of the flowers and move up to the higher levels, planting Kangaroo Paws of the same height work well for the birds.

Another plant that likes similar conditions is the Grass Tree with spires up to three metres high. The spike is on a short wooden stalk and opens from the base. Each flower, cream in colour, has a tiny six-petalled star, with ants, hoverflies, butterflies and some native bees loving their nectar. With a lovely mop of grassy foliage, it is excellent for landscaping, especially in sandy soil. Honeyeaters and lorikeets also love the nectar and pollinate the plants.

of brown sugar in five litres of water. Do this at least three times a year for the first couple of years. This produces mycorrhiza, helping the root system of the plant. Have a large variety of plants in your garden that produce seeds, fruit, nectar and blooms, which birds and bees are attracted to. Sit back and enjoy their life and yours.

VINES AND FRUIT TREES –A TIMELY REMINDER

Remember your vine is shallow rooted requiring a good deep watering every five to seven days. Mulching is really handy. However, when mulching any plant do not let the mulch touch the stem. Vines planted in spring give a light crop in autumn and will bear fruit in the following summer. Fertilise with a Citrus and Fruit Tree Slow-Release fertiliser in spring when growth starts and then give them a light dressing of Sulphate of Ammonia every three to four weeks in summer. The fruit usually falls to the ground when ripe.

It is now time to plant Citrus in your home garden.

Lemonade trees are hardy and very productive, producing several crops in a year. Fruit can be eaten like an orange or made into an excellent juice.

Lime trees are medium size with some thorns. The fruit has a true acid lime flavour and makes a refreshing drink.

Oranges

Grape Vines

Fertilising in late winter or early spring is essential, as this is when the new growth is starting. Discretion is required with the use of Nitrogen. Ensure a low nitrogen content so as to not encourage vigorous growth of canes. A regular fungicide spraying program during the growing period is necessary, with the first spray at bud well and the second spray at bud burst. Do not spray when the vine is flowering.

Passionfruit

Valencia is king of the juice oranges and is very popular in home gardens. A large tree with sweet but slightly acid taste. Great for eating.

Mandarins

Imperial is of medium height with slender leaves and few thorns. Nice smooth skin with very few seeds becoming puffy when left on the trees. Fruit matures in April to May. The fruit will need thinning out and pruned back after harvest. These are not susceptible to white louse scale and gall wasp.

Emperor is another medium height tree with pale orange coloured fruit and numerous seeds. The fruit matures in May to July and is great for coastal areas.

Fig Trees

All grass trees are slow growing. Plant in a well-drained composted sandy soil in either sun or filtered sun.

After planting give it a drink of one cup

Washington Navel is a medium size tree with a drooping habit. Easy to peel and matures around April to May.

Seedless Valencia is a large vigorous tree. Matures around August and is great eaten fresh or juiced. This Australian variety is a bud variation of Valencia and differs in that the fruit is more oval in form, less seeds and matures slightly earlier.

Black Genoa or Brown Turkey are the best varieties to grow, with Black Genoa being the most popular, fruiting from October to March. They grow to 2.5-3m in the ground but will do really well in a pot, growing to approximately 2m. They lose their leaves in winter and this is when they should be fed with a Citrus and Fruit Tree fertiliser. They love our humid conditions, but remember to water early in the morning. A problem to be aware of is anthracnose, which will appear on the leaves as a yellow, black or brown spot. This can be treated with a copper or sulfur fungicide. No overhead watering, as this will also cause this problem.

If you are feeling decorative and exotic, how about growing some of the above trees or vines.

Happy gardening,

Jill Ross from Mitre 10 Bribie Island. (Meet Jill on the floor at Mitre 10).

is a horticulturist and has an Associate Diploma in Horticulture and has worked in the horticulture industry at various nurseries round the greater Brisbane area for 30 years

Flowering Grass Tree

Stunning Kangaroo Paw flowers

Greetings readers of ‘the LOCAL’ newspaper, Hi everyone, Danny and Michelle from Island Fishing Supplies, Banksia Beach and also Bellara.

WHITE PATCH

Some very nice Flathead and Sweetlip, caught on garfish fillets.

SANDSTONE POINT

Live yabbies are proving successful for Summer Whiting and Flathead, along with schools of Tailor caught around Cooks Rocks.

BANKSIA BEACH

Tailor from the boat ramp through to the Ripples. Lots of Bream and Flathead caught around the Avon wreck.

BRIBIE BRIDGE

Nice Jew have been caught at night under the Bribie bridge on live yellowtail pike, also some big Bream.

An abundance of Blue Swimmer Crab in the passage.

SKIRMISH POINT

Tailor and Dart being caught at Skirmish Point.

Plenty of Bream caught in the canals, as well as Sweetlip caught on prawns and squid.

WINTER WONDERLAND

For many anglers, winter is a golden period on the fishing calendar. Yes the air is chilly with the light westerly winds, but we probably have some of the most beautiful days and glassed out conditions. In the passage the oyster leases, Rock Walls and the Avon wreck have been holding huge amounts of quality Bream, floating unweighted baits into these areas is a very simple and effective technique.

bodied diving lures, as well as soft plastics. If you prefer to target some larger fish, throwing some larger hard body swim baits like our Arashi swimmers in and around the creeks and creek mouths is still definitely an option. Not all the fish travel up the creeks, some still hang around the flats and have to feed at some

There are a few species to target through the golden period and there is always plenty of offshore options as well. Make the most of our fantastic winter days and only take what you need. Enjoy your fishing!

Danny and Michelle

What a catch!

While cool temperatures aren’t always nice for beach fishing, those anglers that rug up will be very well-rewarded with some nice Tailor and Bream. Tailor are a bit patchy for now, but one thing is for sure, the bigger Tailor have all been caught on bait after dark. If you prefer to chase them on lures, you will find the bite window a bit shorter and right on dusk or dawn.

Connor caught this Flathead on our Atomic Prong Lure

Mitchell with a nice Tusk Fish

10-year-old Dylan Wadey caught this well-nourished 47cm sweet lip in the Banksia Beach canals using squid as bait.

MORE FANTASTIC ENTRIES!!

Lucky $10,000 Scratch-It win for one Bribie Island local

A Bribie Island man has unwrapped one of the greatest gifts of all for his milestone birthday – an Instant ScratchIts ticket that yielded a $10,000 top prize that will allow him to reunite with his son. The $5 Cash Path Instant Scratch-Its ticket was purchased at Nextra Bribie Island (Shop 10-11 239 Goodwin Drive). Even after claiming his prize at The Lott head office a couple of weeks ago, the lucky winner is still reeling from the excitement of his windfall.

“We can’t believe it,” he said with a chuckle. “I received it as a gift from my wife for my birthday. I didn’t scratch it for maybe three to four days. I can’t believe it was sitting there the entire time and it was worth $10,000! This is definitely the most I’ve ever won. We haven’t celebrated the win yet as we had a lot of family over, but we’re planning on going on a nice weekend away to the coast. The wait will be worth it!

“This prize has allowed us to plan a trip overseas to see our son and his family. We will be able to stay for a lot longer and explore where he lives! It’s wonder-

ful.”

Nextra Bribie Island owner Steven Kurtz said he and his team were overjoyed to have sold a top prize-winning Instant Scratch-Its ticket to a local family. “What fantastic news! It truly feels as though we’ve won ourselves when we sell a winning ticket to a local customer,” he said. “We always hope when our customers visit our store that they’d pick up a winning ticket and even better, a top prize! Congratulations to the winning man and we wish him all the best with his Instant Scratch-Its top prize. We hope it allows him to conquer some small but mighty dreams.”

In 2022, there were 141 Instant ScratchIts top prize winners across The Lott’s jurisdictions who collectively took home more than $15.16 million in top prizes. During this same time, Instant Scratch-Its players enjoyed more than 28.7 million wins across all prize tiers worth more than $261 million. This equates to almost three-quarters of a million dollars won on Instant Scratch-Its every day.

Blake C age 10

Emmie R age 9

Georgia W age 7

Darcy age 7

Willow B age

Grace M age 7

Sofia D. age 11

Finn R age 6

Ivy McK age 11

Results for Bribie Island Women’s Golf

June 15 - July 11, 2023

15/6/23 – Single Stableford (Captain’s

Trophy Round 1)

A-Grade Winner: Linda Urquhart 38, 2nd

Kris Tomalin 35 cb, 3rd Robyn Harper 35

B-Grade Winner: Maureen Bailey 35, 2nd

Ailsa Lauchlan 34, 3rd Fitzie Jackson 33

C-Grade Winner: Margaret McBride 33, 2nd

Angela Jordan 35 cb, 3rd Sheila Stack 35

NTP’s: Hole 4 Christine Pronk, Hole 7

Linda Urquhart, Hole 14 Sandra Smith, Hole 16 (2nd shot) Beverly Isaksen, Hole 7

(Div 3 2nd shot) Denise Shearer

20/6/23 – Single Stableford (Captain’s

Trophy Round 2)

A-Grade Winner: Kris Tomalin 37 cb, 2nd

Carol McKenzie 37, 3rd Vicki Jones 36

B-Grade Winner: Leanne Skeggs 38, 2nd

Christine Pronk 36, 3rd Vivienne Learoyd 34

C-Grade Winner: Di Croft 36, 2nd Heather

Creedy 35, 3rd Denise Shearer 32 cb

NTP’s: Hole 4 Roslyn Crossley, Hole 7

22/6/23 – 4BBB Stroke

Overall Winners: Ros Gardiner & Chris

Pronk 65, 2nd Vivi Lloyd & Sandra Smith

76 cb, 3rd Bibby Davies & Ailsa Lauchlan 67

NTP’s: Hole 4 Susie Smith, Hole 7 Ann

Rogers, Hole 14 Jennifer Warburton, Hole

16 (2nd shot) Ros Gardiner, Hole 7 (Div 3

2nd shot) Cathy Cooke

27/6/23 – Single Stroke

A-Grade Winners: Gaby Bennett 71, 2nd

Susie Smith 72, 3rd Linda Urquhart 73

B-Grade Winners: Angela Jordan 69, 2nd

Jude Dorhauer 75, 3rd Heather Croukamp 76

NTP’s: Hole 4 Mary Barbeler, Hole 7 Toni

Grossmann, Hole 14 Sylvia White, Hole 16 (2nd shot) Susie Smith, Hole 7 (Div 3 2nd shot) Jennifer Mckay

29/6/23 – Single Stableford (Redcliffe Challenge)

Redcliffe Winners: Jude Bayliss 43, R/Up

Joanne Muir 36 cb

Bribie Winners: Jennifer Mckay 40, R/Up

Bibby Davies 39 cb

Div 1 Winners: Vicki Jones 39, 2nd Myra

Dickson 37, 3rd Ros Gardiner 36

Div 2 Winners: Vivi Lloyd 38, 2nd Sheila Hill (Redcliffe) 35, 3rd Susan Clapham (Redcliffe) 34 cb

Div 3 Winners: Lex Frampton (Toowoomba GC) 37, 2nd Pauline Smith 36 cb, 3rd

Kate Brown 36

NTP’s: Hole 4 Diane Fitzpatrick, Hole 7 Pauline Grooby, Hole 16 Christine Look

Accuracy Drives: Div 1 - Karen Nash, Div 2 – Helen Chittock, Div 3 – Sheila Stack

Bribie defeated Redcliffe 706 to 653

Dolphins feeling the pinch

Things appear to be going from bad to worse for the competition newbies, as the Dolphins slide even further down the points ladder in their inaugural season. The Dolphins had the fighting spirit in their round 20 match against the top-of-the-table Panthers, even leading by two-points with 12 minutes to play at Kayo Stadium. But it wasn’t meant to be, with the Panthers crossing and converting twice to take the match win 24-14. It was just another loss to add to the tally, with the Redcliffe side only nabbing one win in the last month against fellow Queensland side, the Titans, coming away victorious 23-21 on the Gold Coast. The Dolphins have not won back-to-back games since the opening rounds of the season. Coach Wayne Bennett isn’t admitting defeat just yet, praising his side for their performance against the Panthers.

"I'm not sure if it felt like one that slipped away,” Bennett said of the loss. “We played a quality team and we're 18 games into our life. These guys are back-to-back premiers and three-time grand finalists in the last three years and are leading the comp. We didn't play a team of mugs.

“We’re going to make mistakes those teams aren’t going to make because we’re not at that level. We’re trying awful hard to be

there and a lot of effort is going in. I could find fault with a lot of things at the end of the day but I just don’t want to. I just want to recognise the effort that we did put into that game and we stayed in it.”

As the end-of-season creeps closer, Bennett is staying positive about the Dolphins and what he hopes the side can achieve.

“There’s six more games to go until the play offs start, we’re still in the mix,” Bennett said. “We’ve just played the number one team in the comp and we’ve got teams below us now to play and a couple of them are playing pretty well, but we’re playing well too.

“We have to be good for those six games and then we’ll see what happens, whether it’s good, bad or indifferent, but I want us to keep playing on a consistent level and that’ll give us great confidence for the future. We’ll compete for the rest of the season and do our best.”

Next up for the Dolphins is their round 22 match (Sunday July 30) against the Bulldogs in Bundaberg. Given the Bulldogs aren’t having the greatest season and sitting lower than the Dolphins on the points table, it could prove to be an interesting match!

4/7/23 – Single Stableford Winners:

Bailey 33 cb

NTP’s: Hole 4 Suzanne Vallely, Hole 14

Suzanne Vallely, Hole 16 (2nd shot) Vicki Jones

6/7/23 – Monthly Medal – sponsored by Churches of Christ Qld

A-Grade Winner:

Pauline Grooby 76, 3rd Lyn Ball 78 cb

NTP’s: Hole 4 Carol McKenzie, Hole 7 Susie Smith, Hole 16 (2nd shot) Pauline Grooby

Best Gross: Pauline Grooby 91

B-Grade Winner: Toni Grossmann 72, 2nd

Lenore Wilson 74, 3rd Mary Barbeler 77

NTP’s: Hole 7 Sue Graham, Hole 14

Maureen Bailey, Hole 16 (2nd shot) Mary Barbeler

Best Gross: Toni Grossmann 95

C-Grade Winner: Heather Croukamp 77, 2nd Tricia Phillips 80 cb, 3rd Di Croft 80

NTP’s: Hole 4 Jude Dorhauer, Hole 14 Carol Lobegeiger, Hole 16 (2nd shot) Rae Clarke

Gardiner & Hazel

NTP’s:

Social Darts Update

Results for the Caboolture Social Darts Club potluck doubles, played every Monday night at 21 Hayes Street, Caboolture.

Last week’s winners pre-July 17

Josh/Codey, Bill/Cecil, Jenny/Matthew, Jenny/Cecil Runners Up

Shane/Matthew, Ian/Max, Sherie/Josh, Dale/Mark

The High Pegs

Jenny 87, Dale 72, Ian 72, Max 68, Corey 59.

With 180's thrown by Jai and Mark, Cecil had the best other throw of 152. For further information phone Dale 0459 344 493 or Ian 0400 475 007.

Radio sailing wrap up for June

Dragon Force65 (DF65) Racing. Over the past few weeks, sailing conditions on our Sunday afternoon race days have been very light winds. Traditionally, this is typical of winter here in paradise.

Our DF65 fleet is growing with interest for our race day on Sunday’s at 1pm, with good numbers showing up to try out their RC sailing skills. A+ rigs were the predominate choice for all of the race days. We still managed to complete 10-12 races on the very light wind days by shortened courses and applied where necessary.

We have had some interest from a few who just like to come and watch the racing, while enjoying their lunch at a very beautiful lake (Sandstone Lakes). A very warm welcome to those who come along, as this is an encouragement to our skippers and also a chance to meet up with like minded people.

A retired International One Metre (IOM) RC sailor approached our club with a view to donate his hand made RC ‘Rescue Tugboat’ for our use when racing at our venue.

A big thank you to Mike Moore from Beachmere. We accepted this generous donation

and are now preparing it for duties after some modifications and improvements undertaken by one of our members, Barry, in his well-equipped workshop. Barry volunteered his expertise in this challenge to make the ‘Tugboat’ fit for purpose at our venue and we thank him for his dedication and commitment.

RESULTS:

Winners of the Handicap races

Name Boat number Date

Wayne 98

Roy 48

Wally 92

Wally 92

Winners of the Scratch races

June 4

June 11

June 18

June 25

Name Boat number Date

Wayne 98

Gary 21

Wally 92

Wally 92

June 4

June 11

June 18

June 25

For more information contact Bribie Radio Controlled Yachts via email bribieradiocontrolledyachts@gmail.com or phone Wayne Cowling on 0402 945 045.

McDonnell 68.167

Runners Up: Pauline Grooby, Abby Driver & Lyn Ball 69.167

Hole 4 Abby Driver, Hole 7 Tricia Brown, Hole 14 Abby Driver, Hole 16 Jo Malone

Kris Tomalin – Winner Captain’s Trophy

By Sheree Hoddinett

From seashells to coral, waves, starfish and seahorses, Kaikoa Designs is an Australian handmade jewellery brand based right here in the Moreton Bay Region. Inspired by their love of the ocean, Marc and Sally are the faces behind Kaikoa Designs, creating every piece from their workshop in Elimbah.

The business has been running now for three years and continues to grow. It initially started as a hobby on the side for the dynamic duo, who also used to have fulltime jobs. Now Kaikoa Designs has reached a point where they can give it their full and undivided attention.

“I’ve always liked art and Marc’s always utilised his hands for work (he’s a carpenter by trade),” Sally said. “We worked together in a different industry and we were sitting at work one day talking about ideas. Marc had already started the business and we decided to give it a go and now it’s just moving forward better than we could have imagined.”

“We’re really passionate about what we do and we also have a deep passion and love for the ocean,” Marc added. “So Sal went and did all the courses and everything she needed and we got underway. But the first couple of pieces she created, I was like wow, but we’ve just improved so much since then!”

Marc’s love for the ocean goes back to when he was a little boy spending time on his mum and dad’s yacht. Sal shares the same love for the open water as Marc and their current path of making

Riding the wave of inspiration

reason we did that so no one can copy it and it’s unique to what we do. We want to be completely unique and completely different with our business.”

In between life and making their pieces, Sally and Marc also split their time at multiple markets throughout the month to sell their wares. You’ll find them at the likes of Caloundra, Redcliffe, Carseldine, Eumundi and more.

our website) before we place it in a kiln to solidify it and then pour the precious metal into a cast and let it cool before we start working on the finer details of each piece. There is a lot of attention to detail and of course each piece will be slightly different to the last.”

Where did they get the idea for the name of their business?

“It’s a name that has been with me for a long time,” Marc said. “It actually means guardian of the sea and with the importance of the ocean in my life, it was an easy decision to make.”

ocean-inspired jewellery is all leading to their ultimate dream of sailing around the world on their own yacht. But for now they continue to work towards that dream, both designing and making pieces to sell at local markets and online.

“It started that I designed and Marc learned how to finish products,” Sally said. “But Mark has now started designing some of his own pieces. He wants to do a range where we can create more pieces for the guys. A lot of our jewellery is unisex anyway, so he started doing a lot more designing and getting involved, but he's also built all of our displays for the markets as well. We get a lot of comments on that every time we set up.”

“We make everything sustainable, so it’s made from bamboo,” Marc adds. “The

“It can get a bit hectic on the weekends, but we enjoy what we do,” Marc said. “We know that people are always going to wear jewellery, that’s never going to change, so there’s always going to be a market and an interest for what we do.

“These days, people don’t want to pick any piece of jewellery out at the shops, they’re looking for those different and unique pieces, like what we make. Everything is made right here in Australia, with silver that we buy from here as well.”

This dynamic duo have already created a range of earrings, pendants, rings and chains with a plan to eventually move into bracelets and bangles. So, how does it all happen?

“We make everything out of wax first, there’s actually quite a lot involved,” Sally said. “From there, it goes into quite a long process (you can find the whole outline on

Professional Services

In a testament to the business they have built, Marc and Sally often have returning customers at each market they attend. It’s a sign of how far they have come in such a short time.

“The market life isn't going to be forever,” Marc said. “But we have definitely seen the changes over the last few years. I think it was done really, really well, when we look back at the original photos and the original designs and stuff like that. But what we have now is way better than what we did back then. All the pieces are different and we’ve improved on how we design and create, it’s always evolving.”

“We receive a lot of compliments from people telling us how amazing the jewellery is,” Sally adds. “We’re not pushy, we don’t want people to buy something unless they really want it. If they really like it, they will buy it.”

To view all their beautifully handcrafted jewellery or to find out more about Kaikoa Designs, visit www.kaikoadesigns.com