The LOCAL News Issue 94

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Published every four weeks. Phone: 0447 007 966 PO Box 1019 Bongaree Qld 4507 www.islandandsurrounds.com.au

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Next Distribution dates - 18th October Bribie Island, Sandstone Point & Ningi. 19th - 20th October, 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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Sheree Hoddinett, stories@islandandsurrounds.com.au

Alistair Gray. alistair@thegoodnewswriter.com

Amelia Strazdins.

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Matthew Owen

From Belinda

Welcome to Issue 94

Hello Readers,

Feedback for our Gecko Chirps has been great for both sides of the voting preference. We appreciate your interest in the paper and your communication through letters to the editor, as everyone’s opinion is important. It’s also important you keep your letters to the editor to a maximum of 200 words, as we cannot guarantee your letters will be published if over the word limit. Snake season is upon us. Sheree Hoddinett, our senior journalist, has written a lovely article about two local inspirational lady snake catchers. Their contact details are in the article should you require their services throughout what looks to be a hot dry season.

Wayne Kelly well-known Donnybrook local and president of the Pumicestone Garden Society won an amazing Sapphire. Alistair Gray chatted with him to find out about how he won the gem.

There is a great article on what to do when you come across bees in the walls of your house or anywhere else they need to be removed. It’s very important you get a qualified bee removalist as opposed to a pest control company who would exterminate them. Alistair explains the big difference between the two jobs. It’s school holiday time again. Sheree gives you a great event guide of things to do in the region with the kids. 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.

The Real Referendum – One Government for Australia

Time for a reality check. The Voice referendum is dead in the water. Time the Australian taxpayer got some value for money.

Our citizens are over governed and ruled by an antiquated system of government. Australia’s population is less than 27 million, comparative to many big cities in the world (Tokyo, Jakarta, Delhi, Seoul, Shanghai, Manila, Sao Paulo, Beijing, Mexico City).

If we were governed by a single federal government, we would save billions and the country would run much smoother. Remember the lockdowns and border fiascos during Covid. Consider the savings - no state governments or council rates to pay. A single legal system, a single education system, a single medical system, a single tax system, a single motor vehicle system for us all (not just for heavy vehicles as used now), a single police force, a single fire and ambulance service. The list just goes on. Can it be done? YES, It is already being done in many ways. Consider Medicare, Centrelink, the Tax Office and the construction of major roads and infrastructure. All major airports run under federal jurisdiction now and policed by federal officers. Let us have a real referendum to have a single Australian government. Name and email supplied Bribie Island

Not so scary

I definitely take issue with the Gecko’s recent chirping re: The Voice, which is littered with misleading and potentially scary non-facts and misrepresentations of exactly what ‘The Voice’ will and will not be.

Those extra pages referred to in the article, merely record what essentially were the result of the sort of wishful thinking and kite-flying inevitable at

such a large and diverse assembly. The real nitty-gritty of what would actually appear in the constitution is as follows…

In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

(1) There shall be a body to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

(2) The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the parliament and the executive government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

(3) The parliament shall, subject to this constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.

Not all that scary, is it? Advisory only, no power to compel, veto or in any way seek to over-rule the authority of parliament or the executive government. The above is the only detail going in the actual constitution. Further refinement regarding the bodies that might make up The Voice, how they are selected, and how recommendations would be received and handled are all details that would be managed by parliament, government or parliamentary sub-committees, etc, as they are now, depending on their importance, allowing for fine-tuning over time, hence the simplicity of the basic referendum proposal. I hope the above might help counter what has been a disappointing amount of negativity towards this hugely important, potentially history-making proposal.

M Pete Bribie Island

Gecko response

Sorry to tell you this but your comments indicate a severe lack of knowledge relating to what The Voice really means to Australia. You are in denial, naive or you have not bothered to do your research on Thomas Mayo and other Aboriginal proponents of The Voice. Nor have you bothered to listen to many eminent Australians opposing The Voice and how detrimental it will be to Australia. It is not scare mongering at all, but exactly what I have said. It is a process that will see Australia change for worse. We have not learned from the lessons on New Zealand and Canada.

The Gecko

Continued on page 10

First female president for Bribie Island RSL sub-branch

By Alistair Gray

Hearty congratulations must go to Carol Steley - the new local RSL sub-branch president - as they welcome a new era following the retirement of longstanding president George Franklin.

Carol served in the RAAF for four years between 1975 and 1978 as an Accounting Machine Operator, well before computers. She left the service to get married to her husband of 48 years, Wayne, who worked in

running a family day care and had a short time in banking. She ran the out-of-school program in West End, Brisbane, a big step in managing 15 staff. Here, she developed her management skills. She then moved to St Peter’s at Caboolture and helped them expand from working in a small area to a new complex. This is something she had also done during her time in West End.

I asked Carol what her plans are for the sub-branch.

“To support the Veterans more, to be there for them, to help them,” she said. “We are putting in extra effort when we have meet and greets with the boys, picking up those who can’t get on the bus and using a car for that. We are trying to get them to come to the sub-branch and get involved and give them the support where they need it.

“We have three welfare officers who particularly support the older ones. With more than 800 hundred members, it is about bringing them all together. It doesn’t matter whether you are from World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, the Afghan War or a Nasho; you are all veterans; you are all one.”

working her way up to district leadership at Browns Plains - receiving a Centennial Medal for her outstanding work with children during this time. Carol has a passion for working with children running two out-of-school services. She had 14 years of experience

Carol and her husband Wayne have two grown-up children and two grandsons. Their son, who is blind, works in equestrian, working with kids who have problems at an autistic school and a daughter who works with people with disabilities and caring for people in that field. All are doing well and are a very caring family. As for interests, Carol loves quilting and sewing and you will find her up at the art centre on Wednesday mornings. I sense the sub-branch is in excellent hands with Carol and we wish her well in her new role.

Carol Steley is the new president of the Bribie Island RSL sub-branch.

A second clinic on the way for Bongaree Dental

By Sheree Hoddinett

For doctors Sean Keren and Nachiket Jagirdar (Dr Nach) and the team at Bongaree Dental, looking after their patients is always their top priority. A growing community and an increase in demand for patient services means the practice is set to expand, with a second clinic opening at Banksia Beach in October. It’s an exciting time for the Bongaree Dental team as the new clinic will offer another avenue to continue providing the best in patient care.

Dr Keren and Dr Nach highlighted how proud the whole team is of the level of service they provide to the community, along with the quality of dentistry and the comprehensive treatments they offer.

“Bongaree Dental has been caring for the Bribie Island community for 24 years,” Dr Keren said. “The clinic has always been family-owned and will continue to operate this way, resisting the ever-growing pressure of the big corporates who take the human care factor out and are driven by profit only.

“We stay current and up-to-date with the latest treatments, developments and technologies so that our patients know that what we offer is second to none.”

With the growth both in the community and demand for services, the decision was made to expand with a second clinic.

“Over the past few years it has become increasingly harder to accommodate every client and it has been disappointing us to have to turn patients away from the clinic or be unable to provide them with service in a timely fashion,” Dr Nach said.

“It is our pleasure to announce that in October this year we will be opening a second clinic in Banksia Beach, just outside of the shopping centre and adjacent to the medical centre.”

Bongaree Dental Practice Manager Kelly Spargo has been working with Dr Keren now for 14 years. She also highlighted patient care as being the most important factor for the practice.

“One of the biggest reasons we’re undertaking the expansion is because

we don’t want to stop taking on new patients,” Kelly said.

“We know what it's like with the doctor's surgeries, where patients are unable to get in and then they go off the Island for treatment. So we have tried to minimise that. However, we still need to be able to care for our patients the way that we always have, patient care has always come first for us.”

The Bongaree Dental team features five, soon-to-be six (with the new clinic) providers, along with a further 15-17 admin, assistants and other staff.

“We have a great team, everyone is supportive of each other and we all work well together,” Kelly said. “We know the dentist isn’t everyone’s favourite place to visit, in fact we often hear it from patients coming through the door. But we endeavour to go above and beyond to make their experience the best it can be for each person we treat.”

Located at 37 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach Dental will be a great addition to Bongaree Dental, allowing them to accommodate more clients in a more timely fashion. It will be operated in the same way as Bongaree Dental, offering the same high level of service, latest treatments and technology and of course, the care.

When you walk through the door at Bongaree Dental and from October, Banksia Beach Dental, you have a number of treatment options available to you.

“At our practices, we provide all of the treatments that you might expect to receive at a general dental practice,” Kelly said. “We also provide specialised treatments to help patients with dentures to get a fixed solution with the help of dental implants. This treatment is called All-on-4 treatment.

“We also provide treatment to people that have dental anxiety with the use of happy gas, sleep dentistry in the form of IV sedation and also treatment under general anaesthetic. Other specialised treatments include smile designing, clear aligners, sleep apnoea devices, wrinkle softening and periodontal treatment.”

Having travelled around Australia with his young family for the past year, Dr

Tabrez Prakash (Tabs) is excited to be back providing dental care for Bribie Island and surrounding communities. He has more than 10 years’ experience in general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Dr Tabs brings a friendly attitude and a commitment to providing the highest standard of care for his patients. A local on Bribie Island - when not at

Banksia Beach Dental, you'll most likely find Tabs running after his two toddlers at the park or down at the waterfront. The practice opening hours are Monday - Friday 7.30am-5pm. For further information about Bongaree Dental and the new clinic, Banksia Beach Dental, please phone 3410 1610 or visit their website bongareedental.com.au

Dr Tabrez Prakash.

Banksia Beach Dental will be opening in October.

The Referendum

By now, everyone of voting age will have received the Official Referendum Booklet and the case for voting ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.

The case for the ‘Yes’ vote promotes the same emotional plea that we have been inundated with for months, with still no detail and substance as to why we should vote ‘Yes’. The case for the ‘No’ vote remains strengthened by what is really behind The Voice. Previous Gecko Chirps writings have already laid out in relative detail of the impact of a ‘Yes’ vote and having a Voice to Parliament and government. Gecko would like to reiterate some important points to consider.

Back to the Referendum. It is essential that voters actually write the word ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on the ballot paper. Do not use ticks or crosses, nor write on the ballot paper words of profanity (even if you have a great desire to do so).

Aboriginality. It is about time that positive action needs to be taken to identify authentic Aboriginals from those that claim to be Aboriginal. The huge increase in Aboriginals needs to be authenticated; even genuine Aboriginals are starting to comment on this. There have been many socalled Aborigines claiming Aboriginal descent that have been exposed as not having any Aboriginal blood relatives at all. The very reason we need to put a stop to this scam is because of taxpayer funded handouts to them. First Nations People. When are we going to stop using this term? The proper term is ‘Indigenous Aboriginals’. Even Jacinta Price does not use ‘First Nations’. But we know why they use this term, because it sounds better and there is more grandeur and dignity attached to the term ‘First Nations’. Gecko mentioned that in the first issue of Gecko Chirps.

Smoking ceremonies and welcome to country – why do we persist with this rubbish. We know this is not traditional Aboriginal culture – it has been copied from other countries. We do not need a welcome to our own country! However, smoking ceremonies are great for keeping mosquitoes at bay.

Do you know what is happening in our states regarding treaties, land rights, native title, sacred sites, etc? In Victoria, for instance, apart from what has previously been stated, in the Grampians, Mt Arapiles is now off-limits and is closed to countless climbers from all over the world because of some artifacts and sacred ground in and around the rocks. The Wimmera has lost millions of dollars in revenue as a result. The highway between Ballarat and Ararat has been closed for about three years because of a supposed birthing tree found in the area and for those three years, we have been paying security guards to protect this tree from vandalism. Black waters billabong in the Barrabool National Park has been fenced off so visitors cannot visit the area, simply because a skeleton was found in the sand hills two kilometers away! And there are many more examples. Treaties are happening in many places and as a consequence we are being locked out of our land. Albanese thinks constitutional change and the Voice is a moderate change – really? It will only get worse if the ‘Yes’ vote succeeds and then we will all pay. The $39 billion already given each year will be modest compared to the potential future cost. Here is a direct quote from the ‘secret’ Voice documents: “Australia got a whole country for nothing; they haven’t even begun to pay for it”.

You may have noted that Julie Bishop, a former Foreign Affairs Minister, is on the ‘Yes’ campaign and has stated that Australia’s international reputation would be affected by a ‘No’ vote. In fact, a vote ‘Yes’ would raise the question of Australia’s integrity when it comes to agreeing and signing international protocols against racial discrimination – this is exactly what a ‘Yes’ vote will do – racially discriminate – giving Indigenous Aborigines preferential treatment over the rest of Australian citizens. Identifying race in a constitution has no place –aren’t we all Australians, regardless of colour or ethnicity.

Ethnicity based discrimination = racism.

Voting ‘Yes’ will divide the country into Indigenous Aborigines and the rest. The constitution is about all peoples of Australia and that includes Indigenous Aborigines. A change to the constitution is not required. What

is required is a Royal Commission into why $39 billion each year has not changed the plight of those most in need. With 11 indigenous MPs in Parliament, 3273 registered Aboriginal corporations and agencies (including the NIAA – a supposed Voice to Government) and the huge number of staff, you have to ask the question – what exactly have they been doing to change the plight of those in need? Janeita Knapp, an indigenous woman, has said “…elected officials are expected to be the voice for Indigenous Australians, rather than an independent advisory body through the Voice to Parliament”. Her words. Makes sense.

Over the coming weeks we will be inundated with ads for the ‘Yes’ campaign because the government and businesses are pouring money into the campaign – millions of dollars – but nothing for the ‘No’ campaign. Kind of one-sided and biased which makes this referendum somewhat sinister, don’t you think?

Albanese and proponents of the ‘Yes’ campaign are trying to deceive the Australian people into believing that it is only to give recognition to Aborigines. If you care to brush up on your reading and do some research, you will know that there is a hidden agenda. Not so hidden now because Gecko, among many others, has told you all you need to know in previous issues to enable you to make the right

decision – for ALL Australians, not just a few.

Gecko previously mentioned what was happening in other countries that have gone down this path, specifically Canada and New Zealand – they now have huge problems, because what Gecko has predicted here, has actually occurred over there.

So if Anthony Albanese thinks that the changes he wants will be just a moderate change, he is bloody dreaming.

There is plenty of evidence of Albanese and proponents of the ‘Yes’ campaign, that there is a lot more behind a ‘modest’ change to the constitution. The Uluru Statement from the Heart, Makarrata Commission, ‘Voice, Treaty, Truth’ will change our way of life and Australia dramatically. Even now, treaties are being instigated, schools are changing curriculums and history is being rewritten. It has to stop.

Gecko will leave you with this ….. lyrics to the song, “I am Australian”?

‘We are one, but we are many ……… I am, you are, we are Australian”. Vote with your head and mind, not with your heart. Bye for now…… Gecko.

Chaos, Crisis & Crime

Queensland crime soars as police numbers

fall

It won’t come as a surprise to Bribie Island residents, but damning analysis of Queensland Police Service statistics has revealed the Queensland crime crisis is worsening. Disappointingly, the Palaszczuk Labor Government continues to deny its devastating impact on communities. In the first seven months of this year:

•Theft is up 24% on 2022

•Break-ins are up 17% on 2022

•Stolen cars are up 12% on 2022

The chaos and crisis in the Palaszczuk Labor Government has allowed crime to surge across Queensland. They no longer care and they're out of ideas to tackle the Queensland Youth Crime Crisis.

2023 started where 2022 ended and business owners and locals are sick of the false hope and broken promises. The premier’s heart is no longer in the job and Queenslanders deserve better. She refused to meet with victims of crime when they marched to Parliament House last month, she refuses to introduce tough laws and she no longer listens to Queenslanders.

Incredibly, there are 202 fewer police officers in Queensland because the Labor Government can’t follow through on their commitment to hire more police officers. Weaker laws and fewer police, is it any wonder crime has increased?

We know you just want to feel safe in your own home

The LNP has put solutions on the table to start tackling Queensland’s Youth Crime Crisis, including creating consequences for actions, unshackling the judiciary by removing detention as a last resort and delivering

gold standard early intervention. The premier and the government need to adopt these solutions.

Labor takes the razor to Queensland grassroots sports

Bribie Island, Caboolture and the City of Moreton Bay have always produced world class athletes across nearly every sport possible. But that may be under threat. The Palaszczuk Labor Government has been caughtout making savage budget cuts to grassroots sporting organisations in the lead-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

After multibillion-dollar blowouts and wasteful spending on projects like Wellcamp, the Labor Government has now resorted to secretly slashing funding to claw-back cash. Some of Queensland’s most popular junior sports organisations including Queensland Little Athletics, Queensland Gymnastics and Yachting Queensland have all suffered tens of thousands in funding cuts.

The Labor cuts come after the government shifted grassroots sports funding from the Active Industry Fund to the Active Industry Base Fund. Under the so-called ‘Base Fund’ the maximum amount available to organisations is $50,000 less than what was previously available under the previous funding program. Grassroots sports were paying the price of Labor cuts due to a wasteful government. Our next generation of athletes deserve a government’s full support in the run-up to the 2032 Games, not a razor gang attacking grassroots sports funding. These secret and savage Labor cuts are further proof of their chaos and crisis. When a government allows budget blowouts and wasteful spending like Wellcamp, Queenslanders pay the price. The very clubs and groups helping develop our next generation of sports superstars are facing the funding guillotine at the time they should be ramping up development. This is more evidence Labor only cares about the red carpets and parties during the games, instead of delivering the generational growth and infrastructure Queenslanders were promised.

Well-known Donnybrook local wins Sapphire

By Alistair Gray

When I heard that Wayne Kelly had won a Sapphire, I asked him if he was about to take a tour around the world on his winnings. Sadly, he said no!

Wayne, well-known to Donnybrook locals as the president of the Pum icestone Gardening Society, has a passion for lapidary and has just won the prestigious Central Queensland Gemfields Lapidary and Craft Inc. 2023 Open-faceting competition.

I discovered that lapidary is gemstone cutting, polishing or engraving. A good lapidarist is highly sought after in the jewellery industry, particularly for their faceting skills where stones are shaped with a flat top and the rock’s faces (sides) polished and shaped down to a point at the bottom of the stone. The cuts enable the light to be refracted from both sides and inside the gemstone to show off the stone’s beauty to allow use in rings and other jewellery.

In this case Wayne, as the competition winner, won the Sapphire he had faceted. The competition was tough in the annual contest, with double the entries from 2022. Fura Gems, Australia’s largest producer of Sapphires, donated all the rough sapphires to be faceted by the entrants.

Wayne is a member of the Caboolture Gem & Mineral Club Inc. Other winners in the competition includedNovice – Sherri Wright and Intermediate – Steve Pitts, both from Gemfields

Lapidary & Craft Club Inc.

Those interested in learning more about faceting and gem setting should contact Caboolture Gem Club, which meets at the Pioneer Village in Caboolture or the Bribie Gem Club at the Bribie Art Centre.

Wayne Kelly showing off his trophy.

Mass Murder at Beachmere

By Alistair Gray

I was just about to leave the property when the phone rang and Gordon Buckley told us there had been another mass bee-killing. What do you do when you have bees in the walls of your house? Do you call a pest controller or a bee removalist? There is a big difference, as you will see.

The caller said they discovered bees in the wall of their home. They had searched for a bee removalist and found a pest control website advertising bee removal—not realising that instead, the bees would be chemically exterminated, not relocated to another site as they had intended.

The results are not a good outcome for the bees or the homeowner. Not only did they kill the bees at the site of the problem but once bees are dead and no longer protecting the hive, bees from another hive can enter to rob the honey, taking the honey and the poison back to their hive and either kill or weaken that hive.

Worse still, the customer is not getting a long-term solution to their situation as without cutting into the wall, removing the tubes of honeycomb and the dead bees; pests are likely to be attracted to the site including small hive beetles. These beetles breed in the honeycomb and dilute the honey to a stage where it ferments, causing a terrible stink. If not done correctly in the first place, the homeowner will have to cut into the wall later to remove the fermented honey because of the smell. However, when you use a bee removalist, the bees are safely relocated to a new hive using a vacuum process, and the residue honeycomb is removed from the wall to ensure the bees don’t return. After all, killing bees is terrible for the planet’s ecology, so let’s save the bees.

Gordon mentioned that many houses on Bribie have had bees in their walls or ceilings. One way to prevent this is to block up weep holes and other small holes in your walls with fine insect mesh, still allowing the building to breathe but keeping the bees out.

Gordon and Louise Buckley have been farming bees on their Beachmere property since 2007, starting with one hive which they split. Today, they have 26 hives on their property and spread around the local area. They have been slowly renovating a beautiful old Queenslander, with the honey processing carried out on-site. Once the honey is extracted, the leftover wax is cleaned and ready for making various biproducts.

They share a fascination and passion for bees and, as a result, have been developing an eco-friendly business, Buckley’s Bees.

They are members of the Queensland Beekeeper’s Association and affiliate Northside Beekeepers Association Inc. Through the interaction of members, Gordon and Louise have developed their skills and knowledge, with Gordon often called upon for advice and help in relocating swarming bees or those who have set up homes in walls and

ceilings. Louise is also a midwife working as a practice nurse at Bribie Doctors and Gordon an insurance assessor.

Visiting their property and learning more about beekeeping, putting on protective gear and looking inside some hives was a thrill. It brought back many memories of watching fascinating documentaries about bees. I was amazed to see how small the worker bees were. It was strange to have them buzzing around my head so close. Then, I felt how heavy each frame of honey was. A whole hive would be very heavy, with about 10 frames in one hive section. Honey production is seasonal and depends on how much rain we get for the plants to flower. If we go through a dry patch like the predicted El Nino, you could go without honey for six months, and for producers, this means no income.

“So far this year, honey production has been phenomenal,” Gordon said.

They have emptied all their hives of honey three times this year and now, they are taking four frames of honey each week and can still take more. He said we had been lucky to have had a very mild winter with enough moisture to encourage flower growth. It is important every time Gordon harvests the honey to always leave about one-third of the honey produced to feed the bees should the weather turn to avoid manual feeding.

One of the challenges of being an apiarist in Beachmere is the very sandy soil and the need for flowering plants.

The poor soil and lack of water require some hives to be located away from the property to maximise honey production and local planting of blooming plants that can tolerate the conditions.

Queen bees can lay up to 2000 eggs a day. These grow into foraging worker bees and survive for 30 days during spring and summer when they produce the honey. The Queen can live for about five years, though Gordon will introduce a new Queen every two years.

A beehive has two main parts – the brood box, at the bottom where all the bees live with the Queen. It is here where the Queen lays all her eggs. The box on top of that is where the bees build the honeycomb and fill it with honey. That’s what they use if they need to look after themselves over the winter and why it is necessary to leave some honey for the bees. The two boxes are separated by a small grill called a queen excluder to keep the Queen producing in the brood box and away from the top box. The worker bees move through to the honeycomb in the top box. There is so much to learn about beekeeping and space doesn’t allow me the opportunity to go into more detail.

To learn more, check out videos on YouTube or attend one of Gordon’s information sessions at their property in Beachmere. Besides pure, raw honey and honeycomb for sale from the farm gate, Louise makes and has available beeswax wraps, long-burning beeswax candles and furniture polish. For more details, please go to their Facebook page, Buckleysbees Beachmere.

Continued from Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A waste of signage

Recently, I contacted MBRC regarding a mattress and doona dumped near the bins at the park at the end of Turners Camp Road. I further advised that there had been a tent (located close to a sign stating “Camping and overnight stays are strictly prohibited. Penalties apply.”) in the parking area for at least two weeks with huge amounts of rubbish dumped around it.

I rang six days later stating the tent and rubbish was still there. A council director contacted me advising that council was unable to move the campers and cannot fine them for staying as they may be homeless. Why are they wasting rate payers’ money erecting costly signs if they are unable to enforce what is written? He stated the signs are to discourage people. Clearly this isn’t working. He asked me what I think they should do about the situation. To me, neither he nor council have contingency plans for this situation.

I then wondered that if a sign stating you must have your dog on a leash or you pick up your doggy’s droppings can result in a fine for noncompliance or are those signs just to discourage people?

I don’t care if people park in these areas considering the extremely high rates in van parks. I do object to the way some people treat these areas as a dumping ground. I am sure our mayor would have something done very quickly if it was near his residence.

J Goss Bribie Island

A breath of sea air

Definitely a breath of sea air and a poke in the eye to the gutless who bury their heads in the sand.

I have asked Senator Malcolm Roberts to familiarise himself with the Gecko’s expose, compliments ‘The Local’.

How do we define the measure of Aboriginality? Perhaps % DNA. Perhaps our parliamentary leadership could debate this. I can hear the Greens and the political cowards howling now. My hat off to the Gecko.

P Dockley

Banksia Beach

That’s a YES from me

I will be voting yes in the upcoming referendum, as I feel that past approaches for effective, positive impact on the lives and for justice, for our First Nations people have failed.

We, non-indigenous folk have told indigenous people what they need and how they can have it. I and most people I know certainly don’t react well when others tell us what is good for us, what we need and what we should do, especially if there is a history of those in power abusing us in the past.

I feel that the only way forward is for First Nations people to have a consistent, self-representative input into what is planned and done to and for them. Non-constitutional change has not worked as it has usually become a political bargaining chip.

I feel that the constitutional change requested in the referendum may well be a way for First Nations people to feel and become equal citizens in Australia. We believe our selves to be a fair nation, so let us show the world and ourselves that we are.

J Owen White Patch

Tubes of honeycomb in a bee infested ceiling.

An example of the honeycomb left inside a wall following bee infestation.

Alistair looking the part in protective gear about to visit the hives.

Gordon Buckley showing a bee frame with honeycomb and worker bees.

Gordon and Alistair looking at a frame chocked full of honey.

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Explore the world of emergency services

When there’s an accident, a natural disaster or someone is missing, we turn to the important members of our community who make up the emergency services. But how much do you know about their roles and the vital work they do to ensure we are kept safe?

You can ask all the tough questions and find out what it is each sector of the emergency services can do at the upcoming Emergency Services Expo on October 7. The event is presented by City of Moreton Bay and delivered by Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT). The expo provides an opportunity for families and others in the community to learn more about our local emergency services and the important work they do. As an added bonus, you even have the chance to get up close and personal with the equipment behind these valuable services.

MBRIT chief executive officer Natassia Wheeler highlighted a number of hands-on experiences and simulations visitors to the expo can be a part of to better understand the work of our emergency service personnel. Whether you head along for some entertainment or a little education, there’s something for everyone.

“Attendees will actually get to talk to personnel, which is what makes this event so special,” Natassia said. “On top of that, they can also try the fire hose on a rural fire fighting truck, look inside an ambulance, participate in mock rescue scenarios and learn life-saving techniques. A main

highlight will be on-water displays, including Volunteer Marine Rescue. “In addition to this, guests can enjoy a variety of food options available via food trucks and there will also be free face painting for the kids.”

More than just a way to showcase their amazing skills and expertise, volunteers at the expo will also have information for those interested in taking the next step to help serve their community.

“The expo is a great way to gain a better understanding of the incredible effort that goes into maintaining and executing our key emergency support services,” Natassia said. “Not only will you also meet the incredible people who work tirelessly to protect our communities, but for those interested, there will be opportunities to learn how to volunteer and how to assist the community in emergency services.”

This is the second emergency services expo to run in 2023, with the first event hosted in Woodford. Bribie is viewed as the perfect spot for this next expo as the event will showcase both land and marine emergency services.

Don’t miss your chance to mix and mingle with some of many heroes we have in the community. The Emergency Services Expo is on Saturday October 7, 9am-1pm at Brennan and Apex Parks, Bongaree. Entry is free. To find out more about other upcoming community events visit www. whatsonmoretonbay.com.au.

Putting a Price on Education

By Amelia Strazdins

Everything has a price and recently that price has increased exponentially. In a post Covid world, we have faced major increases in everything from interest rates to fuel to everyday items. The struggle to find and afford housing has become a common worry for many and it seems that debts are continuing to expand. One debt that continues to grow and that poses a significant issue to society, is the growing cost of education. When you think of the first major debt someone may incur within their lifetime, many may consider that cost to be in relation to a first car or maybe the purchase of their first property. However, in 2023 one of the biggest financial costs posed to many of all age brackets but specifically those within the younger bracket, is their HECS debt. This growing cost of education has been seen across Australian, emphasised most recently with a reported 7.1% interest increase in all HECS debts. The old saying ‘you cannot put a price on education’ evidently does not ring true in these circumstances. Increased interest rates in relation to these educational debts is not the only struggle students have faced within recent years in regard to their tertiary education. A government decision executed in 2020 saw humanities and arts-based degrees almost doubled in their cost, with other degrees in areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), nursing and teaching reduced. For students in, or about to enter, a humanities-based degree this increase was an unexpected and unwelcome surprise. Years later, after the increase of these degrees and the increase of all HECS debts, we are left in a position wondering what impact these increased costs have had

both on the students and the ideals surrounding education in Australia as a whole.

To put it simply, the increasing cost of education is presenting challenging barriers to students in a variety of different forms. The stress placed on tertiary students cannot just be attributed to the stresses of course load. Firstly, the raised cost of living coupled with fulltime university study and part time jobs leaves students juggling studying, working and living on top of their student debts and in some circumstances, on top of unpaid placement work. For any student who is not an Australian citizen attending Australian universities, HECS is not available to them and thus they are required to manage their university fees throughout the duration of their degrees. Secondly, increasing the cost of gaining a university education, presents itself as a deterrent. Financial barriers and the rise of course costs can lead to further difficulties for those in vulnerable positions attempting to access these pathways. Even for those able to access these pathways, there’s still a legitimate fear that despite holding a degree, these students will not be able to find a job in their chosen field or begin to pay off the debts in their name. Finally, in raising the cost of education we are presented with a message of exclusion. Education should not be a privilege for those who can afford it. Education is a right, a right that must be continued to be fought for and not continually monetised. Those within our universities are helping to shape our future but cannot do so if they are drowning in debt.

BATHROOM RENOVATION SPECIALISTS

Time for school holiday fun!

By Sheree Hoddinett

It’s September and with that comes another round of school holidays. How are we here again I hear you ask? I too am wondering the exact same thing. Here come the rounds of “I’m bored”, “There’s nothing to do”, “What are we doing today?” or even “I’m hungry”, the list goes on. And all the parents out there are already sighing and thinking of ways to keep their darling children entertained as much as possible. With that in mind, here are some handy ideas that may just help pass the time these school holidays.

Abbey Museum - Kids dig it! Viking Family Fun is on September 25-29 with a week of hands on, educational fun for the whole family. Activities for the kids include:

• Practice archery

• Carve your own Runic inscription

• Learn about and practice weaving

• Uncover Viking artefacts…..and more! Doors will open at 9.30am for activities to start at 10am. Pre-booked activities can be selected when purchasing tickets online. Each child entry ticket includes admission for one adult. Visit abbeymuseum.com. au for further information and to book tickets.

Caboolture Historical Village – School Holiday Activities

Craft ideas, gem sieving, educational demonstrations, train rides and even a sausage sizzle. To be held Monday –Thursday (no activities planned for Friday) 9.30am for a 10am start with a 12.30pm finish. Cost is $16 per child with bookings required. Visit historicalvillage.com.au for all the info.

Bribie Island Seaside Museum – Wheelz

What would life be like if wheels were never invented? The Bribie Island Seaside Museum mini-Imaginarium is zooming into the world of wheels. Wheels are an amazing invention that changed the direction of the world. 'Wheelz' is a fun and interactive space for all ages and abilities. Take part in various activities that will allow you to explore the versatility of the wheel. The museum (1 South Esplanade, Bongaree) is open Wednesday to Friday, 10am-4pm and Saturday to

Sunday 10am-3pm.

The Monster Jump – Sandstone Point Hotel

Spring into action and unleash your inner adventurer at Australia’s most epic attraction! Get ready to bounce back and experience the thrill of Monster Jump, a colossal mobile inflatable obstacle course stretching over a whopping 280 metres. The Monster Jump will be at the hotel until Monday October 2. Everyone

from toddlers to adults is welcome, guaranteeing endless excitement for all ages. A two-hour pass will set you back $40. Pre-booking is recommended. Visit sandstonepointhotel.com.au/event/themonster-jump/

Strawberry & Dessert Festival – also at Sandstone Point Hotel

Touted as the berry best day of the year, the Strawberry & Dessert Festival returns to the hotel on Sunday September 24 starting from 12pm. Enjoy strawberry eating competitions, farm fresh strawberry stalls, dessert food trucks, dessert cooking demos, dessert cocktail making demonstrations, kids rides, live music and more! For all information, ticket prices and carpark passes, visit sandstonepointhotel. com.au/event/strawberry-dessert-festival/

Visit a City of Moreton Bay library

Meet a llama in a library, get into some messy play and check out the Emergency Services Exploratorium! You can get started on your journey as a DJ in the Sound Studio, make a figurine out of polymer clay and learn to draw cute and crazy cartoon pets too. Further information can be found at www.moretonbay.qld.gov. au/libraries/Events/School-Holidays

Get out of the house - Take a day trip into Brisbane and visit GOMA, the Museum of Brisbane, the State Library or just hang out at Southbank. Head down or up the coast for some theme park related fun. If you want to keep it local, there’s heaps of places to enjoy some time out, from Butterfly House on the Island, White Ridge Farm at Elimbah, ten pin bowling or even mini golf, movies and plenty of local beaches, parks, walking tracks and of course shopping centres, restaurants and cafes.

**Please check dates, times and locations of specific events as they may be subject to change.**

COVID – 19

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

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.

New Alfresco Area Now Open

We are happy to announce the arrival of our new outdoor alfresco area with some beautiful and comfortable lounge seating. Enjoy a beverage or two whilst watching our talented golfers show their skills on our 18th green. The lounge seating is undercover and the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Due to popular demand, we announce that our Melbourne Cup 3 course Luncheon is sold out.

Our regular Friday Night Raffles, Trivia and Members Draw takes place every Friday Night (some exceptions do apply due to Charity events – contact the Club for details) from 5.30pm. We have 12 Quality Assorted Meat Trays up for grabs, plus the Lucky 13 Draw where you could win $500 CASH. The 14th draw in the raffle will give the winner a ticket in our $1,000 Christmas Cash Giveaway. We also conduct the quickest 10 question trivia on the night – Free entry, and our Member’s Draw. The restaurant is open and bookings are highly recommended – so come and join us.

$12 Senior Lunches – still available Monday to Friday

The best value lunches on the Island are still available to seniors every Monday to Friday from 11.30am to 2.00pm. On offer is our popular Seafood Basket, Chicken Schnitzel, Roast Pork and Veges, Linguini Carbonara, Battered Fish and Chips, Chicken Caesar Salad, Banger and Mash – or perhaps upgrade your Chicken Schnitzel to a Chicken Parmi for an extra $2. Bookings are highly recommended via our website or by contacting the Club.

EVERYONE WELCOME!

It's Worth The Drive!

Wednesday Nights – all new $15 main meals: We have re-jigged our current menus to offer some of them at $15. Where else can you get a great meal for under $20? You will not walk away hungry.

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.

If you are looking for even better value, you can join as a Social Member for just $10 and you will benefit from discounted menu items (excludes already discounted items and special offers), discounts on our already low priced beverages, reduced ticket pricing for our special events (Okotberfest and Melbourne Cup coming up) and you will be entered into our weekly Membership Draw which currently stands at over $3,200 (correct at time of writing), and is drawn every Friday at 7.00pm or shortly thereafter. Please note you must be at the draw to claim. We look forward to looking after you … see you soon.

SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP $10.00

Contact the Club Office for more details or see our website at: www.bribiegolf.com.au

Beachmere U3A and Beachmere Area Network Group (BANG) will again host the Beachmere Seniors Expo at the Beachmere Hub this year. Community groups, Senior’s organisations and various businesses supporting Seniors will all be a part of the Expo on Wednesday, October 11 from 1pm to 3pm.

Organiser, Barb Woodroffe, said last year’s event was so successful it was a certainty that it would be held again.

“It is an afternoon full of information for all the Seniors in the area. We have speakers on interesting topics and all the community groups and businesses supporting Seniors will be available for a chat. The entire afternoon is free , even afternoon tea,” Barb said.

For more information on the Beachmere Seniors Expo email events@u3abeachmere. org.au or info@bang.org.au

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

System overhaul

Much is said these days about the failure of our education system. I feel the problem is that the basic nature of children is being overlooked and too much reliance on modern technology has eliminated explicit teaching. Only bright children are sufficiently motivated to teach themselves using tablets.

Watching young children reveals that they love repetition (think bedtime stories), they love rhythm and sounds (they have been hearing them since before birth) and yet authorities frown on classroom recitations, such as tables. Besides teaching maths, these activities improve self-discipline - most kids love to belong.

NAPLAN should be revealing lack of basic literacy, which can be remedied before children are lost in the system. Remedial reading should not be handed to untrained volunteer parents, as it requires the ability to work out where the failure to learn lies. This requires a specialist.

Overworked teachers should not be blamed for this failure. Most teachers I have spoken to say that their course never included any training in how to teach. They were expected to instinctively know what to do - some did, but most didn’t. The whole system needs an overhaul.

H Beneke

Banksia Beach

Are we dumber than we thought?

For more than 60,000 years, the First Nations people of the continent now known as Australia, had dominion over their destiny.

In 1788 with the colonisation of Australia, they lost any say over their destiny and were subject to genocide by murder and inter-breeding.

In 1901 the constitution didn’t even acknowledge them. It took until 1967 for them to be included as people who at last were recognised as part of Australia and were able to vote.

Since 1788, the government has been influenced by the wealthy, privileged, big business and lobbyists, all of whom were and still are, influenced by power and money.

Since 1788, there has been no voice for First Nations people and the majority of programs to help them have failed, mainly because they weren’t consulted and we thought we knew better.

To give First Nations people a non-binding voice to parliament to counter the influence of the wealthy, privileged, big business and paid lobbyists means we have a better chance of closing the gap.

Going back to the status quo means we are dumber than we thought.

H Slorach

Beachmere

Gross invasion of privacy

Using the self-service checkout at Coles, I was horrified to see that I was being filmed. There’s no obvious signage stating that entry to the store implied giving personal permission to be filmed, no explanation of what the footage would be used for or to whom it would be made available. No-one asked me if I minded being filmed. I did mind!

We are advised to be cautious regarding our bank account details and personal ID, now big supermarkets are filming us as we process our financial

transactions. They already have our card details and shopping history; now the machines have linked to this, a video of our face and possibly a PIN input.

Times change. Gone are the days of small local community grocers with a friendly, trusted person behind the counter. A Coles employee remarked “Oh, it’s just a new system”. Another assured me that the film was “not being recorded - it’s just a deterrent”. It’s certainly a deterrent for me. I don’t want to look at myself, nor do I like the implication that I could be a thief and that my actions need to be overseen. If the film is recorded (and what use is it to anyone if it’s not?) then I have serious concerns about my ID and personal space being compromised. I consider it appalling rudeness and a gross invasion of my right to privacy while I go about my business in good faith with the supermarket. I will not be using the self-serve checkouts in the future.

Helen Elimbah

My Health Now document puts vital health information right at your fingertips

Continued on Page 28

Referendum Notice

“At the referendum next month, you will receive a ballot paper with the proposed alteration to the Constitution on it, followed by a question asking if you approve the proposed alteration. On the referendum ballot paper you need to indicate your vote by clearly writing:”

YES in the box if you approve the proposed alteration, OR NO in the box if you do not approve the proposed alteration.

Commonwealth of Australia

BALLOT PAPER State/territory

Referendum on proposed Constitution alteration

DIRECTIONS TO VOTER

Write 'YES' or 'NO' in the space provided opposite the question set out

We’ve all had moments where we have to fill out pages of paperwork with all our medical information. It’s not always easy to remember all the details! Now, there’s a new form in the mix to help make a difference.

My Health Now is an easy-to-use form that helps you have your important health information right in your hands when you need it most. The handy document was developed at Caboolture Hospital and features basic information you may be asked for in an emergency department or outpatient appointment, as well as other things you may want your health care team to know.

Caboolture Hospital acting executive director Alanna Geary said going to hospital could be sudden and stressful for some patients.

“You may be injured or unwell and you will be asked many questions about you and your health,” Alanna said. “We know it can be hard to remember everything you need to share. My Health Now ensures you have your information in your hands when you need it.”

Caboolture Hospital Health consumer

Jurina developed My Health Now after attending a hospital appointment and struggling to remember all the information needed to fill out the forms she was given.

“I found it very difficult to recall parts of my health history and impossible to recall the dates of my surgeries or the names and dosages of the medications that I currently take,” Jurina said.

“When I got home, I sat down and created a health history document that I could easily edit as needed and could take with me to all my health-related appointments.

“I shared the template with my colleagues at the Caboolture Hospital Caring Together Consumer Network and we all agreed that it is a valuable resource that could benefit everyone in our community.”

My Health Now is designed to help you to remember and communicate your health information with ambulance or hospital staff if you are unwell. It is not an official health document and is not legally binding.

“We all appreciate our fantastic health care system but many of us recognise areas that could be improved on, yet we don’t want to be seen to be complaining so we keep quiet,” Jurina said. “If we don’t suggest improvements, then no one knows that things could improve.”

My Health Now is available on the Caboolture Hospital website. Download a copy today from: metronorth.health. qld.gov.au/caboolture/patients-and-visitors/mhn

Caboolture Hospital Health consumer Jurina developed My Health Now after attending a hospital appointment and having to fill out multiple forms.

Slithering into the world of snakes

By Sheree Hoddinett

While many of us would prefer to head in the opposite direction of a snake, Chalon Lee gravitates toward them. Chalon and her trusty sidekick Judy Moore are the dynamic duo behind Rid-A-Snake, your local and super friendly snake catchers. I take my hat off to these ladies, who smile and happily chat about the feisty and sometimes slightly friendlier slithering creatures they have caught and relocated in the Bribie Island area.

What makes these two even more inspi rational in the world of catching snakes (especially those of the venomous variety), is they are both originally from interna tional shores, Chalon from the United States and Judy from New Zealand. We all know Australia has quite a lengthy list of snake species. For Chalon, it’s a dream come true.

“I’ve been fascinated with snakes my whole life,” Chalon said. “Growing up in America, from when I was a kid, I was catching snakes. But of course, most of the snakes there are non-venomous, so it’s not a big issue. Then I was in Africa and I had pythons and also caught snakes there. And then I went to Eastern Europe.

“So, wherever I've gone, I've looked at what kind of snakes they have there and tried to catch them. And then I come to Australia, it's a whole different scene. This is heaven! I love it! So many venomous ones.

“In other countries, usually there will be two or three venomous species and then something like 40 non-venomous species in snakes. And so you come here and it's flipped.”

With the weather warming up and snakes starting to move around even more, now is the time to be aware and keep an eye out. Chalon said there were about 16 snake varieties you might come across within

proach the Department of Environment and Science and she was granted a permit to be a registered snake catcher.

“Every three months, I report back to the department about what I catch and other information relating to the snakes,” Chalon said. “Primarily, I stick to Bribie and close by areas and from what I’ve been able to find, I’m the only snake catcher currently registered on Bribie Island.”

Although we tend to see a lot of men catching snakes, for Chalon, it’s all about the task at hand.

“It's not something that just takes strength, even though at times that can be important,” she said. “It’s also about identifying and reading the behaviour of the snake, so you can decide the best approach to capture it.

“Take carpet pythons for example. Once you get a hold of them and start handling them and all that, they don’t often come back at you. They are beautiful snakes, elegant and gorgeous. A lot of it is each snake species has a different behaviour, especially when they're aggressive. How they behave when they're aggressive, if they're kind of just naughty, they’ll try to nip at you and you can see when they go to do that.

“I have been bitten a couple times by little carpet pythons and then once by a mildly venomous snake, but it was a dry bite. But it’s all in the way you handle them, the way you handle an eastern brown and the way you handle a mildly venomous or non-venomous snake is quite different.”

From barbecues, behind the television, under rubbish bins, bird aviaries, in the shed and even inside walls, there are so many places snakes will slide into for warmth and to hide.

“We tend to go and retrieve them from all the usual places and little hidey holes in and around the home,” Chalon said.

“It’s great to have Judy with me, because it takes more than one person to catch a snake. And a lot of it is with most people, they want to come around, they want to ask you questions, things like is it dangerous, what type is it, they might have children or dogs they’re concerned about.

“Judy gets the initial call and has them watch it and give some information over the phone, so you kind of know what you’re getting into, whether it’s a little

snake, big snake and of course once we get there and I go into catching mode, she makes sure people stay back and answers their questions as best she can. I'm the animal person, she's the people person, it's a good balance of personalities.”

Although for Judy now, she has a little bit more of a hands-on role.

“In the beginning, after Chalon had caught the snake I’d have to hold the bag on my knees in the car, I was a bit nervous, so I used to hold it out the window,” Judy said with a laugh. “I’m used to them now, but it’s taken a bit of time to get my nerves at the right level to hold them!”

Just a year into their official snake

catching journey, Chalon and Judy are enjoying the opportunity to contribute to the Bribie community by helping fellow residents (both the people and the snakes!) when they can.

“For us, this isn’t about money or running a business,” Chalon said. “It’s our way of giving back to the community and also saving the snakes, so people don't feel like they have to kill them to get rid of them.

“It’s more of a service and it's good because it doesn't matter where we are on the Island, once we take that call, we can be there sooner rather than later.”

To contact Rid-A-Snake, call Judy on 0477 966 024.

Bribie Garden Centre

It looks like spring has sprung early this year so be sure to come on in and see what we have in stock for you. The jasmine is a must to have in your garden which not only puts on a beautiful display of gorgeous white flowers but also smells amazing! Check out our other climbers too including... English honey suckle, Pandorea, and the beautiful hardenbergias. So much potted colour to choose from to brighten up your garden and to keep the bees happy including... a big range of daisies, kalenchoe, azaleas, petunias, and much much more. Wow look at the kangaroo paw range we have in, it's the new celebrations range which display beautiful colours of blue, green, purple and pink. Now's the perfect time to plant your hedge, we have so much to choose from including... murraya mock orange, lilly pilly, plum gorgeous, snow maiden and much more. The beautiful NSW Christmas bush is about to be out in full bloom, come and grab your very own at a great price! We also have the unique pitcher plants in too which are a great edition to your patio or garden. We also have stunning water features in now which gives any garden that tranquil feel. Don't forget about our huge range of pots, potting mixes, mulches and fertilizers too. And remember we stock that perfect gift for that special someone, come on in and check out the massive range of unique gift wares and decorative pots we currently have in. Happy Spring everyone!

HugeVariety

Chalon releasing a carpet python.

Chalon with a captured carpet python.

Judy is no longer as nervous as she was when they first started catching snakes.

A beautiful home

Enjoy country living at the seaside, this must-see property has multi-generational, dual living potential with a large rumpus, 2 built-in bedrooms, family bathroom, kitchenette/bar downstairs, large laundry, outdoor patio and private courtyard. Upstairs boasts a well-appointed kitchen with an outdoor servery, open plan dining & living, huge Master with Ensuite & WIR, another bedroom and a spacious deck overlooking the fabulous greenspace. Finished with window shutters, blinds on the sliding glass doors, security screens and outdoor blinds on the patio, this is a perfect family home for the growing or extended family. Alternatively it would be an outstanding investment property with its many separate living and entertaining areas.

Backing onto a well maintained Reserve, you could easily be mistaken for thinking your lot is bigger than its 610m2. There is a lockup single garage with internal access, an over height carport for the caravan or boat and drive through access to the fully fenced backyard..

With only a few minutes walk to our beautiful foreshore and boat jetty, this 11 year old home will not disappoint.

an

Bongaree 51 Kangaroo

More Than Meets The

Eye

Beautifully renovated and presented throughout. open plan living opening out onto front and rear balconies. 12+ watts of solar on the newly pointed roof, and gas hot water for efficiency. Want a workshop?? Massive workshop area + utility room at rear with its own toilet, shower and kitchenette. Split A/C units both in the home and utility room. The property is fully fenced and also boasts a rainwater tank at the rear, and side access through double gates at the front.

Bribie Island

Sandstone

Renovated Water View

Townhouse

Located in Spinnaker Stage A. Immaculately renovated townhouse which enjoys tranquil water views across to the Bribie Island Bridge and Pumicestone Passage Waterway across other lower units in the complex. This one is larger and wider than most others on offer and enjoys a position in the complex which is located on the foreshore, and is an end unit so great seabreezes, light, and only one direct neighbour.

Beachmere

4 Charles Crescent

Attention Renovators or Investors

A rare opportunity to purchase a low set home situated on a 798m2 block. Within a quiet cul-de-sac, offering ample scope for modernisation and further improvement as required by the discerning purchaser. An idyllic location being only a short distance from the Beachmere State School, Shopping Centre and the waterfront - enjoying views over Moreton Bay.

Banksia Beach

2/8

Idyllic Canal Waterfront Duplex

From the moment you enter this delightful three bedroom canal waterfront home you will immediately appreciate all the features available to you:- only a short distance from Pumicestone Passage, located opposite Cosmos Park benefitting from the off leash dog enclosure and close to the Banksia Beach Shopping Centre.

Banksia Beach 52 Topsail Circuit

Prime Location | Incredible Potential Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed living space that seamlessly connects the dining, and kitchen areas. Abundant natural light pours in through large windows, creating an inviting and airy atmosphere. The heart of the home, the kitchen, boasts standard laminate countertops, induction cooktop, electric oven, and ample storage. to be inspected to be appreciated.

Bongaree 8 Burrawong Avenue

Coastal Haven

Nestled amidst the serene beauty of the coast, 8 Burrawong Avenue is a captivating coastal retreat that offers the perfect blend of relaxation and convenience. With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a prime location, this property provides an opportunity to embrace coastal living at its finest.

Rental Property Shortage

3 1 Woorim

34 Arcadia Avenue

Time to act!

This solid brick home on a flat 607m2 block, with 3 bedrooms and a study, that could easily be converted into a 4th bedroom, multiple living areas and a well-equipped kitchen, this is the perfect investment opportunity you have been looking for, or that affordable seaside change you have been dreaming of.

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 landlords a great introductory management fee. Experience the LJ Hooker difference.

Servicing Bribie Island and Surrounds since 1980

BribieIsland

16/19 Benabrow Avenue, Bellara QLD 4507 | bribieisland.ljhooker.com.au | (07) 3400 1900

call 118 Esplanade, Toorbul Beachmere 17 Miramar Street, Bongaree

River Front Beauty - 5.8 Acres! Call for more Info or a private inspection Leanne Cody 0407 071 357 Michelle Jones 0405 759 996

Michelle and Steve Jones are excited to welcome Leanne Cody to their team! • Impressive 4 Year Old Hallmark Home • Massive overheight sheds for Caravans, Boats, Machinery, Storage • Inground Pool and Entertaining Areas • Private Jetty for Boating and Fishing • Stunning Views, Access to Pumicestone Passage & beyond • And much much more! • Corner lot, 607m2 with side access • Airbnb potential, Sleeps 11! • 2 Bedrooms plus 3 good sized Utility rooms (effectively 5 bedroom set-up if required) • Spectacular views and breezes from combined kitchen/dining • Front, rear deck and fire pit entertaining areas, all with unrestricted sea views • 2 Bedroom • 1 Bathroom • Large open plan kitchen, living,

42.520 • Open plan dining and lounge • 2 car lock up garage • Recently painted and carpeted • Ready to move into

on 0407 Spectacular Views Investors, Retirees, First Home Buyers Price: Offers Over $635,000 Price: $575,000

or Michelle on 0405 759 996 for an obligation free appraisal, 7 days a week. Price: Offers Over $1,250,000 Michelle Jones 0405 759 996 Michelle Jones 0405 759 996

Real Estate Talk

Housing Recovery Gains Momentum!

The latest monthly CoreLogic Home Value Index shows that national home values surged by 0.8% in August, marking the sixth consecutive month of growth. This acceleration comes after a period of slower gains in previous months. Since hitting a low point in February, the national Home Value Index has increased by 4.9%, adding approximately $34,301 to the median dwelling value.

The recovery is broad based across most cities, with the exception of Hobart. Brisbane took the lead with a remarkable 1.5% increase, followed by Sydney and Adelaide at 1.1%. While the overall trend is positive, variations exist among cities. Sydney and Brisbane were the standouts with gains of 8.8% and 6.2% respectively since their lowest points this year. On the other hand, Hobart and the ACT display stability, showing minimal value changes.

House Values Leading the Way: The housing rebound is more pronounced in house values compared to units, attributed to a steeper dip in house values during the recent downturn.

City vs. Regional: Capital cities outpace regional areas in value appreciation, partly influenced by shifting migration patterns. Regional markets showcase mixed results, with growth in some areas of Queensland and South Australia but slight declines in parts of New South Wales and Victoria. Coastal destinations like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Coolangatta are shining due to strong internal migration driving housing demand.

Listings Rising, Yet Remain Tight: Advertised supply levels remain lower than average, significantly impacting rising home values. Despite a surge in new listings during winter, total supply lags at 15.5% below last year's levels in combined capitals and nearly 19% below the five-year average. The market efficiently absorbed the new supply, leading to only a 3.6% rise in total capital city listings over two months. The ACT leads with a 10.2% rise, while Sydney and Melbourne follow at 9.8% and 8.3% respectively, despite lower stock levels than the previous year. Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane grapple with remarkably low supply, more than 40% below the past five-year average.

Rental market update: a modest August growth.

The national rental index continued its upward streak, growing by 0.5% in August. While it's the smallest monthon-month gain since November 2020, annual rental growth stands at 9.0%. This is slower than April 2022 but still significantly above the decade average of 3.2%. While rental growth slows in most areas, Melbourne houses reached a record 11.9% annual growth, and Perth units surged by 16.4%, even though their quarterly pace is tapering.

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GARDEN WITH

Jill

Hi plant lovers,

This month I have asked one of my local wholesale plant growers to write an article on his wholesale nursery. I try to buy as local as possible and I know as gardeners you will appreciate the perspective of Ted Watts from Queensland Indoor Foliage (QIF) on plant growing in our area. I thought that this week I would write about indoor plants or house plants some people call them. Of course, origi nally all plants were outdoor plants. But through careful selection of plants from around the world (mainly the tropics), we have many plants available to us which thrive indoors in our local conditions. And many are produced locally, with Ningi boasting one of Australia’s premier growers of indoor plants.

Why have indoor plants?

There are so many reasons!

Principally, as all gardeners know, humans have an innate desire and need to be connected to nature. It feeds our spirits and increases our optimism. Being among plants keeps us calmer. There is mounting international evidence of the benefits of living and working with interior plants. Aside from creating a pleasant anaesthetic, there are measurable health benefits of living with indoor plants, with plants providing a vital air filtering and purification function. There is also considerable evidence of the benefits of having plants in workplaces, from both a mental and physical wellbeing, leading to productivity benefits.

What are some of the main plants that grow well in this area?

Dracaena plants

Dracaena is a genus of around 120 species of trees and shrubs, which are native to tropical areas. A significant number of common and successful indoor plants come from the Dracaena genus. Some examples are:

Many people will know and love the Peace Lily, a variety of spathiphyllum. This plant has lush green leaves all year round and then produces stand out, uniquely shaped white flowers as shown in this picture. They are a very attractive indoor plant, which especially loves morning sun and filtered sunlight.

Continued from Page 19

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A rebuttal

Most debates offer both sides the opportunity to present and rebut the chosen subject. There are no rebuttals in the referendum booklet.

As I will be voting Yes, it is not my desire to rebut the affirmative case, however will take the opportunity to rebut the negative case, listing my response to correspond with the 10 reasons to vote No.

1. Australians have made ‘leaps into the unknown’ with untested ideas before. An example is the right for females to vote and sit in parliament - a positive outcome. One has to take risks to improve on the status quo.

2. The lack of detail in the constitutional change is a safeguard so future changes in organisation of the Voice don’t require another expensive referendum.

3. Whether the Voice divides or unites us is a matter of opinion, depending on one’s attitude to other human beings. The naming of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders is not about race, but about historical occupancy of the land. During these millennia an understanding of the land has been acquired, which deserves a respect neglected for the last 220 years.

4. The Voice is not intended to be centralised in Canberra. Current Indigenous members in Canberra cannot represent every community, already having responsibilities to their constituents and party. With appropriate listening, the Voice could replace some of the other representative bodies.

5. With important areas (e.g. medical, housing, education and incarceration) to deal with, it is unlikely that A & TI people will concern themselves with other areas unless they directly impact the important ones. These concerns are just a form of scare tactics.

6. Hypotheticals are not an excuse to vote No, with the intent of this argument similar to reasons 1 & 5 - scare tactics.

7. If other changes result from a successful vote, surely this is a reason to look forward to a better Australia, as when women got the vote. Europeans have caused irreparable harm since arriving. The people who cared for the place for millennia deserve the chance to repair it.

8. Why should it cost more? If decisions are made based on listening to requests rather than taking paternalistic actions - they may actually cost less.

9. A permanent Voice is the only way to stop governments abolishing advisory bodies at the stroke of a pen. It would be preferable for a learned judge to make decisions than rely on politicians with ulterior motives.

10. If there are better ways forward, why haven’t they been implemented successfully before now? They have been requested for numerous years - this is NOT a rushed and heavy-handed proposal.

H Beneke Banksia Beach

Golden Heart. The very attractive and amazingly resilient Golden Heart brings an amazing combination of bright greens and yellows into the home. Needs moderate watering and an occasional visit outside in the rain.

The Ficus Lyrata is a beautiful plant which graces many restaurants, offices and homes. Also known as the Fiddle Leaf Fig, this plant has become very fashionable owing to its attractive large leaves and sculptural form. There are many varieties of Ficus (figs), many of which make excellent indoor plants. The smart money says watch out for the upcoming Ficus family - Ficus Audrey, Melanie and Benjamina.

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

Spathiphyllum

Ficus Lyrata – Fiddle Leaf Fig

Happy cane, Dracaena Massangeanna, is a very common architectural plant owing to its height and space filling characteristics. Easy growing with strong, hardy foliage.

Danny & Michelle

Greetings readers of ‘the LOCAL’ newspaper,

Hi everyone,

Danny and Michelle from Island Fishing Supplies, Banksia Beach and Bellara.

White Patch

Plenty of sand crabs through the main channel, with nice Summer Whiting and Bream on the flats, using worms and live yabbies.

Sandstone Point

Good Summer Whiting and Flathead on the incoming tide down at Oxley Place, with bloodworms and live yabbies as the best bait.

Banksia Beach

Some decent Snapper being caught off the ledge drifting from the boat ramp through to the artificial reef on an outgoing tide, fresh gar and herring have been working well.

Red Beach

Whiting on the incoming tide on bloodworms, also a few Tailor on metal slugs in

Skirmish Point through to Woorim

Good Tailor and Mackerel early morning on pilchards and Summer Whiting as well on bloodworms.

The Mighty Mud Marlin (Flathead) On Soft Plastics

One of the favoured targets for estuarine anglers. Throughout Spring, larger numbers of Flathead congregate throughout the passage and bay shallows as they prepare to breed.

Everyone has their favourites that they swear by, but for anyone who is getting started do not stress, there are plenty of plastics that work well. I catch most of my Flathead on 3in up to 5in. With a few styles to consider, paddle tails are one of my favourite and shrimp imitations then curly tails, jerk shads. What colours work best? As a rule of thumb, you want natural looking colours in clear water and really bright or dark colours in dirty water. In saying that, this gets thrown out the window sometimes.

Jig

Heads

Just as important as the plastic you choose. If you are not keeping the lure close to the bottom, chances are you will not catch as much. Too much weight and it will look unnatural. When fishing the flats with little current, I like 1/8 - 1/6 jighead, deeper water and drop offs 1/4 –3/8 to get it to the bottom more easily, so basically lightest weight possible for the situation where you’re fishing. Hook size will depend on size of the plastic.

Gear

When fishing for Flathead 3–6kg outfit is going to cover most situations you will face. All my soft plastic outfits are braid and leader to suit. A 2500 series reel and a 7ft graphite rod being weapon of choice.

Tides

A couple of hours either side of low tide are a great time to chase Flathead as the water comes off the banks, fish have no option but to retreat into the deeper water. This creates a great bite time, as all the fish that were spread out over the banks are now along the drop offs. So, there it is a beginner’s guide to soft plastics for catching the mighty ‘Mud Marlin’ - get out there and start flicking. Make the most of our wonderful spring days and only take what you need.

Enjoy your fishing!

Danny and Michelle

Blake Hillier caught this 67cm Flathead Lure Selection

A nice catch of Tailor

An impressive mixed bag of Whiting and Bream.

Flathead caught on Soft Plastics.

The amazing Joan Scott - The oldest reigning Queen of the Red Hat society celebrating her 93rd birthday at The Bribie Island Hotel.

Yvonne Vanderwey and Richard Curtis enjoying a beautiful seafood lunch at the Jetty Restaurant.

The beautiful Ellen Holdsworth out and about in Bongaree.

10/8/23 – Club Championships Rd 2 –

sponsor - Woorim Surfside Pharmacy

A-Grade Winner: Ann Rogers 71 cb, 2nd Val

Smith 71, 3rd Abby Driver 75

NTP’s: Hole 4 Jo Malone, Hole 7 Lyn Ball, Hole 14 Jo Malone, Hole 16 Di Benghamy

Best Gross: Jo Malone 82

B-Grade Winner: Vivienne Learoyd 68, 2nd

Heather Croukamp 70, 3rd Rae Clarke 73

NTP’s: Hole 4 Mary Barbeler, Hole 7

Charmaine Price, Hole 14 Vivi Lloyd, Hole

16 Diane Fitzpatrick

Best Gross: Vivienne Learoyd 94

C-Grade Winner: Jude Dorhauer 75, Hazel

McDonnell 78, 3rd Nadia Aylott 80 cb

NTP’s: Hole 7 Lulu Drew, Hole 14 Nadia

Aylott, Hole 16 Hazel McDonnell

Best Gross: Jude Dorhauer 106

15/8/23 – Club Championships Rd 3 – spon

sor – Woorim Surfside Pharmacy

A-Grade Winner: Myra Thomsen 73, 2nd

Carole Watson 75, 3rd Abby Driver 76 cb

NTP’s: Hole 7 Yuko Nakamura (hole-in-

one), Hole 14 Ros Gardiner, Hole 16 Judith

Umlauft

Best Gross: Jo Malone 84

B-Grade Winner: Ailsa Lauchlan 72, 2nd

Sue Graham 75, 3rd Vivi Lloyd 76 cb

NTP’s: Hole 4 Rae Clarke, Hole 7 Sue

Graham, Hole 14 Paula Mckenzie, Hole 16

Sheena Bath

Best Gross: Ailsa Lauchlan 98

C-Grade Winner: Nadia Aylott 77, 2nd

Tricia Phillips 79 cb, 3rd Jude Dorhauer 79

NTP’s: Hole 4 Lulu Drew, Hole 16 Di Croft

Best Gross: Jude Dorhauer 110

17/8/23 – Club Championships Rd 4 –

sponsor – Woorim Surfside Pharmacy

A-Grade Winner: Debra Dunn 75 cb, 2nd

Magrit Pearce 75 cb, 3rd Vicki Jones 75

Results for Bribie Island Women’s Golf

August 10 - September 5 2023

NTP’s: Hole 4 Myra Thomsen, Hole 7 Jo

Malone, Hole 14 Ros Gardiner, Hole 16 (2nd shot) Ros Gardiner

Best Gross: Di Benghamy 85

B-Grade Winner: Jennifer De Ruyter

74 cb, 2nd Diane Fitzpatrick 74 cb, 3rd

Marjorie Sills 74

NTP’s: Hole 4 Lesley Heap, Hole 7 Lesley

Heap, Hole 16 (2nd shot) Lyn Cockerell

Best Gross: Diane Fitzpatrick 99 cb

C-Grade Winner: Jennifer Mckay 81 cb, 2nd Yvonne Nicklin 81, 3rd Jude Dorhauer

83 NTP’s: Hole 7 Nadia Aylott, Hole 16 (2nd shot) Heather Croukamp

Best Gross: Jennifer Mckay 112

Dolphins phin-ish season on a high

It may not have been the dream end to their inaugural NRL season that they were hoping for, but the Dolphins managed to finish the season with one last win. Taking on the Auckland Warriors, the Dolphins nabbed their ninth win for the year with a smashing result of 34-10 at Suncorp Stadium on September 2.

The Dolphins scored first in the eighth minute, when Jack Bostock soared into the left corner and Jamayne Isaako converted from touch, taking the score to 6-0. They held onto their lead for a big chunk of the match. A brilliant inside ball by prop Jarrod Wallace found Isaiya Katoa in support and the Dolphins had cashed in on the weight of possession to lead 18-0 after just 28 minutes of play.

The Warriors opened the second half with more steel in their defence, showing they weren't going down without a fight. When Freddy Lussick crashed over from dummy half in the 58th minute, the Warriors had closed within 16 points and given themselves some hope. But alas hope wasn’t enough, it was the Dolphins who secured the win.

The Dolphins went out exactly how they joined the competition, coming in with all guns blazing. Rewind to round 1 of the 2023 season, the Dolphins set the bar high when they upset the Roosters 28-18. They followed it up with another upset in round 2, this time against the Canberra Raiders with the Dolphins victorious 20-14. It was another big win in round 3, taking down the Newcastle Knights 36-20.

They lost their footing for the next two rounds before clocking another win against fellow Queensland side, the Cowboys in round 6. It felt like the year of seesawing for the new side. It was a case of they won some and lost some, hits here and misses there. But on a high note for the newbies, they managed to defeat four top eight teams in their debut season –the Raiders, Knights, Sharks and Warriors and they also avoided the wooden spoon, coming in 13th on the points ladder. The feel-good factor around the club also translated off the field, with 30,000 people signing up for membership, with this milestone remarkably placing the Dolphins in the top three for membership numbers in the NRL after just one season. So, what will the Dolphins look like in 2024? Wayne Bennett has recruited some gems for next year with Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler from the high-flying Brisbane Broncos sure to help them improve immensely, both through the middle and with their ability to post points. Jake Averillo is also joining the Dolphins, after offering glimpses of his potential during a trying time with the Dogs.

Get your Phins up in 2024!

C-Grade Winner: Pauline Smith 39, 2nd

Tricia Phillips 37, 3rd Jude Dorhauer 36

NTP’s: Hole 4 Ros Gardiner, Hole 7 Desley

Neilson, Hole 14 Sandra Power, Hole 16 (2nd shot) Jo McCowan, Hole 7 (Div 3 2nd shot)

Jude Dorhauer

31/8/23 4BBB Stableford – Invitation

Charity Day sponsored by Harcourts

Winners M/M: Margaret Huxley & Jenny

Williams 56, 2nd Angela Claxton & Denise

Shearer 55 cb, 3rd Maree Bailey & Tricia

Brown 55

Winners M/G: Jennifer Mckay & Veronica

Leggatt 55, 2nd Nadia Aylott & Lesley Foran

54 cb, 3rd Myra Thomsen & Diane Gilmour 54

NTP’s: Hole 4 Stina Barnuff, Hole 7 Diane

Gilmour, Hole 16 Narelle Hollowood, Hole 18 (3rd shot Pro Pin) Jo Malone

Accuracy Drives: Div 1 Catherine Morgan, Div 2 Anna de Bondt, Div 3 Jan Jennings

5/9/23 Chapman Foursomes

Lesley Heap & Yuko Nakamura

67.125, 2nd Myra Thomsen & Pauline Grooby

74.75 cb, 3rd Carol Williams & Maureen

Jenny/Josh, Sherrie/Josh, Chris K/Josh, Jenny/ Jai.

Runners Up

Max/Cecil, Jai/Cecil, Peter/Tom, Josh/Sibho.

The High Pegs

Dale 108, Tom 98, Chris H 62, Mark 92.

Best Throws

Matthew 140, Mark 140, Dustyn 160, Jenny 101, Sherrie 132, 140, Corey 140, Peter H 140.

Yearly trophy winners

Ladies Jenny 54 tons, 122 pegs. Sherrie 80 High Peg 160 High Score.

Men Dale 112 High Peg, Chris K (junior) 156 High Score, Josh 89 tons, 129 pegs, 160 High score. 180 throws Josh 5, Shane, Bill, Mason (junior) one each.

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

Sailing can be a breeze

Radio sailing wrap up for August

Dragon Force65 (DF65) Racing

August usually presents the sailors with quite reasonable breezes; however, the past month gave variable conditions. Two of the four Sunday afternoons gave gentle breezes with Sunday August 27 being the best on the lake for quite a while.

Weed is becoming a problem on the surface of Sandstone Lake, with very few sailors escaping picking up some weed, which in turn affected their score for that race.

The new rescue boat is almost complete, awaiting a small part, then a test sail to make sure it is ship-shape. It will be in the water for sea trials within a week.

Results: August 6 (12 races completed)

Podium Place Winners Scratch Handicap

Boat Name Points Winner Winner 52 Bob 29 52 Bob 33 Graham

48 Roy 29

21 Gary 37

Results: August 13 (7 races completed)

Podium Place Winners Scratch Handicap

Boat Name Points Winner Winner 52 Bob 13 52 Bob 52 Bob 21 Gary 14

98 Wayne 17

Results: August 20 (11 races completed)

Podium Place Winner Scratch Handicap

Boat Name Points Winner Winner 14 Ken 19 21 Gary

21 Gary 20

98 Wayne 27

Results: August 27 (11 races completed)

Podium Place Winner Scratch Handicap Boat Name Points Winner Winner 92 Wally 23 98 Wayne 92 Wally 48 Roy 24 98 Wayne 25

For further information, please contact Bribie Radio Controlled Yachts via email (bribieradiocontrolledyachts@gmail.com) or phone Wayne on 0402 945 045. We sail on both Thursday and Sunday afternoons at 1pm. Thursday is a social sail day, with boats being tuned for the Scratch/Handicap racing on Sunday. Those interested are cordially invited to come along either day. The venue is the large over-water pavilion at the northern end of Sandstone Lake.

Marg Huxley and Jenny Williams

Veronica Leggart and Jen Mckay

Nicole Coe (Harcourts), Sonia Colvin (Hairdressers with Hearts) and Ailsa Lauchlan

Our new rescue boat.

The rescue boat at work.

Social Darts Update

Donnybrook Social Darts Update

Results for the Donnybrook Sports and Community Club Social Darts held every Thursday night @ 7pm sharp.

August winners

Potluck Doubles

Hazel/Andrew, Hazel/Andrew, Russell/ Andrew, Andrew/Sky

Runners Up

John/Ken, John/Ken, Hazel/Ken, Nugget/ Ken

High Scores - Men

Andrew 140x4 125x3 121 Kev 121, 122, 123, 134

Ian 144 Ken 140x3 John 134, 140 Shane 140

Ben 120, 121 Josh 121 Dustyn 120 Ryan 132

High Scores - Ladies

Bec 134 Hazel 90, 94 Sky 94, 97, 98 Vikki 93, 108 Bec 134 Hope 99

High Pegs - Men

Ken 56, 81 bull finish Russell 38 Josh 82

Andrew 80, 50 bull peg, 60, 40 Kev 50

Nugget 40 Dustyn 40

High Pegs – Ladies

Sky 39 Hazel 20, 40 Vikki 18, 36

Best Nights

Andrew 8 x 100+/ 5 pegs and 6 x 100+/ 6 pegs Vikki 3 x 80+/ 1 peg Hazel 3 x 80+/ 1 peg X 2 nights

For further information, phone

Ken 0428 831 453.

Would you like to have a paddle?

By Alistair Gray

It is fun paddling with the Bombora Outrigger Canoe Club.

How would you like to experience the joy of paddling, to make new friendships, get a bit of exercise and enjoy some fresh air? Be part of a unique social group and enjoy paddling on the Pumicestone Passage. Be met by friendly dolphins, see the odd turtle and be amazed at seeing the occasional dugong. Enjoy the sunshine and the magnificent vistas of the Glass House Mountains as you paddle away. It is all fun and you can be part of the action. If you are a bit uncertain, come and try it out and experience the joys of paddling for yourself.

The Bombora Outrigger Club is holding a ‘Come and Try’ day on Sunday October 8, 2023 from 9am–12 noon and you are invited. Pack up the family and come down to Kal Ma Kuta Drive, Sandstone Point, for a great experience you won’t forget. Everyone is invited. Come along and leave feeling invigorated. The club has been operating for eight

years with great support from the local community, the City of Moreton Bay council, Busy Fingers, the community nursery and the Bribie RSL. They are now looking to grow their membership. Bombora runs seven weekly paddling sessions, starting with the early birds or afternoon paddles, depending on numbers. The club is not competitive, though their paddling sessions are taken seriously. Whilst they paddle hard, they laugh a lot

and have heaps of fun, finishing with a coffee and friendship at the end of each paddle. You are encouraged to come along and try it out.

For further information or to register your interest in attending please contact the club secretary Christine Knowles on 0493 075 698, email bomboraoutriggers@ gmail.com or visit their Facebook page Bombora Outriggers Canoe Club.