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
Welcome to Issue 119! Hello Readers,
Sheree has a candid conversation with Candice Kiss, owner of Annie Lane, who recently won an award for the ‘Best Breakfast’ in Queensland at the Restaurant & Catering Hostplus awards for Excellence this year.
JJ’s is a much-needed new delivery service on the Island. Sheree reached out to the team behind the service to find out what they offer the community, including picking up takeaway from your favourite restaurant to groceries, essentials and even alcohol deliveries to help locals get what they need quickly and easily. It’s as simple as downloading an app on your phone.
Chase writes about the achievements we have seen so far in our local area during the short time the Crisafulli Government - which includes Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan - has been in office, especially concerning the crime and health statistics.
International comedian Arj Barker is bringing his unique style of humour to our little Island. Sheree had the pleasure of interviewing him and has written a short article on what to expect if you witness his live performance, his career to date and his humble beginnings.
Our very own local Michael Taylor has competed nationally and internationally in hand cycling, a sport which is becoming more popular and certainly is unique. Young Chase had an opportunity to chat to him about it to find out more.
It’s
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It’s the pride of migrants from every corner of the globe who have made this land their home, bringing with them stories, traditions and a fierce love for the freedom Australia offers.
We are not perfect. We are not always united. But we are one. One people, one land, one future.
So when our symbols are challenged, our flag burned – let it remind us not of division—but of the deeper truth: that pride is not only in the cloth of a flag, but in the character of the people who will carry it forward.
We are Australian. And we’re proud of it! R Hansen Bongaree
By Sheree Hoddinett
The countdown is on at the Bribie Island RSL, as the community eagerly awaits the unveiling of a $15 million redevelopment which is currently in full swing.
The club has remained fully open as the renovations have taken place, with the sports bar, reception area, bottle shop, gaming room and the external façade of the building all included in the project.
Bribie RSL general manager Janelle Barraud and her team are watching closely as they anticipate the new areas to be open in time for Melbourne Cup celebrations in November.
“This project is like open-heart surgery for us,” Janelle said. “We’re working on all of our key areas at once. You’re looking at somewhere between a third and a half of the footprint again, so it’s a big extension and it pushes our footprint out as far as the boundary will allow.”
The renovation is the biggest the club has ever undertaken, eclipsing even the 2019 upgrade that opened just before Covid. That earlier project, which included Social Cafe, helped the club continue trading through pandemic restrictions, not missing a single day.
This time, the focus is on space, comfort and flexibility, lessons learned from recent years and changing customer expectations.
“Attitudes and behaviours have shifted since Covid,” Janelle said. “People want more room, so we’re creating spacious areas with higher ceilings, better airflow and more natural light.
“In the gaming room, for example, we’re cutting back from 218 machines to 200 even though we’re licensed for 224, just to create a better experience.”
One of the most exciting additions will be the new sports bar and entertainment lounge, designed to deliver the buzz of live sport without sacrificing comfort.
Features include:
• A 6m x 2.5m LED screen inside and another big screen outside.
• An indoor–outdoor bar concept.
• A separate TAB area with directional sound ceilings so race commentary stays in its zone.
• A brick fireplace with a real woodburning fire.
“It’s inspired by what worked at Social,” marketing manager Cloe Einam explains, referring to the venue’s popular bar and dining space, “but it’s not a duplicate.
This will be more of an adult sports and entertainment environment.”
The goal is to have the venue ready by
early November, ideally before the Melbourne Cup, so visitors can celebrate both the day itself and the new experience.
“It’s the biggest sporting day of the year, perfect timing for us to show off the space,” Janelle said. “We’ll run a cup function in the new area and then a live band after-party. This year we’re forgoing our usual cup event at Social to see how our members use and react to the new space.”
While the construction noise and occasional disruption are unavoidable, members have been overwhelmingly supportive as they await the official unveiling.
“No one has complained, in fact, the closer it gets, the more excited people are,” Janelle said. “They know it’s their money being reinvested. We are here for them.”
That sense of ownership runs deep. Many staff have been at the club for decades, Janelle now for 31 years and Cloe for 19 years.
deliver multiple new spaces, each with its own personality and purpose. While a name for the new area hasn’t been finalised, the approach will follow the successful branding of existing spaces like Social and Botanic, creating a feeling as much as a label.
“We want to offer variety from loud, family-friendly areas to quieter, adult spaces. The sports bar will be more refined, without kids’ play zones, but still welcoming to families,” Cloe said.
Another aspect of the renovations that will take on a new appearance, the foyer and entry/reception area will feature a grand ceiling, statement lighting and a
“We’re like a family,” Janelle said. “We value work–life balance, set hours that work for people and appreciate the fact that we can have great jobs right here on Bribie without battling Brisbane traffic.”
Despite its size, the RSL has never shied away from neighbouring competition, instead focusing on how they can continue providing for the community they know and love. The club’s own calendar is busy with free live entertainment, smaller events and more than 50 community groups also using the venue.
When complete, the redevelopment will
refined memorabilia display which has been designed to be an immersive, dedicated space for quiet reflection and remembrance. It will also be home to Bob, a Queensland Bottle Tree that will take pride of place for everyone to see and admire.
By Chase Christensen
It has been 10 months since the LiberalNational Party was elected to parliament with a majority vote — the first time since Campbell Newman led the party to victory in 2012.
After Annastacia Palaszczuk, Steven Miles and the Labor Party dominated the state for eight years, Queenslanders took a gamble by making their voices heard. They were tired of the government and decided it was time for the tide to turn by electing a David Crisafulli LNP Government.
Pumicestone’s local Member of Parliament, 23-year-old Ariana Doolan, was elected as the youngest ever Queensland Government MP since Lawrence Springborg in 1989 (21-yearsold).
Tackling the youth crime agenda was at the top of the LNP’s to-do list. One of their first actions to combat the crisis was introducing the ‘adult crime, adult time’ law — the most highly promised policy by Mr Crisafulli. He made it plain and simple: he would reduce youth crime numbers if Queenslanders elected him. That is exactly what happened. Voters overwhelmingly supported a Coalition majority government and he acted immediately with the implementation of these laws.
The laws targeted serious youth offenders. One key provision was giving courts the power to enforce life sentences on minors. During his October 2024 election campaign, the now premier
pledged that if the number of crime victims did not decrease, he would resign during his four-year term. So far, things are looking promising. According to The Courier-Mail, the daily count of serious youth repeat offenders fell by 17.5% between December 2024 and May 2025.
In the local area, Ms Doolan’s region is improving significantly. According to a Courier-Mail report, the daily count of serious youth offenders fell by 24.2% between December 2024 and May 2025.
Stopping repeat youth offenders was one of the key goals of the ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws and it’s certainly paying off — offending rates continue to drop and early intervention strategies are beginning to show measurable impact across City of Moreton Bay and surrounding areas.
Doolan marked the ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws as her proudest achievement so far in office.
“Queenslanders can now access crime
victim data faster than ever before,” Ms Doolan said.
Moves have also been made in the health and infrastructure sectors as the government launched a series of health and emergency response initiatives. One of the main goals was to reduce the rate of ambulance ramping. A 4.6% decrease was recorded between January 2024 and January 2025 — before the annual budget was released in June, which featured a $1.7 billion commitment toward ramping reduction and a further $1 billion for paramedics and infrastructure.
Ambulance ramping had previously been a major issue targeted by the Labor Party. However, since the release of these promising figures criticism from the opposition has noticeably quieted.
Other notable achievements of the state government so far include the abolishment of stamp duty, the introduction of a 2% shared equity scheme and a $7.2 billion commitment to the Bruce Highway — in partnership with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Pumicestone’s Ms Doolan highlighted the unique privilege of being the electorate’s voice in parliament. She also noted her role in “securing funding for vital infrastructure projects like Bribie Island Road, Bribie Bridge, Clayton Park upgrade at Beachmere and much more”.
Ms Doolan stated that her goal for the near future and beyond was to “keep building on the important work of our Crisafulli Government and delivering positive outcomes for Pumicestone”.
Do you have some Scotch in you?
Many people on Bribie Island have family ancestors and connection back to the Old Country in England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
This is specifically targeted at those with Scottish connections in their family history who would like to participate with a group to help their research and understanding.
On September 6, one of just six full Scottish Chiefs who live in Australia will visit Bribie to conduct a workshop for interested people. He is Alistair Henderson of Fordell and he will conduct a public workshop in the Boardroom at Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, 191 Sunderland Drive Banksia Beach between 12.30pm and 4.30pm. This has been organised by the Bribie Island Family History Association, who have been helping people search for their ancestors and solve DNA mysteries for many years.
The workshop is open to the public, but bookings must be made to David Barnes, email bribiefhs.president@gmail.com or phone 0415 10 68 68.
This is a great opportunity to commence research and understanding of any Scottish ancestors in your family and enjoy interaction with some online research sites that are available.
You are invited to come along and meet Alistair. Bring some details and examples of any ancestors you would like to research and enjoy the interactive workshop session with like-minded people.
“We can’t think of a more fitting way to show off what we have built,” Janelle said.
And while the official opening of the new areas of the RSL will likely stretch across months with multiple member events, Melbourne Cup Day remains the milestone.
Happy Multicultural Queensland Month, a time to celebrate the cultures, languages and traditions that make our state so vibrant.
had the opportunity to attend the Bribie Projects NAIDOC event recently, a wonderful time to come together and celebrate culture, tradition and legacy. A shout out to Michelle Watson, who helped put this amazing event together and who was recently awarded with the Order of Australia Medal.
This month in parliament includes estimates hearings, where I’ll be holding ministers to account on how your money is being spent. During the session with
our education minister, I asked him the tough questions...how is our government tackling bullying in schools? This is something I have personally faced and know a lot of young people are going through. Bullying is not confined to the
school yard, it follows young people home on social media. The minister spoke about our government’s commitment of $33 million to implement a comprehensive five-point plan to address bullying in schools, which includes an anti-bullying stakeholder advisory group, rapid support squads, parent line - a seven day a week parent hotline with trained counsellors, more chaplains and wellbeing staff, staff training, evidence based training models and state-wide consultation to shape future direction.
had the opportunity to thank the Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security during the women’s portfolio session in estimates for her attendance at our women’s forum in Pumicestone last month. The minister has been hosting women’s forums around the state to listen to women from all backgrounds and experiences to assist with the development of Queensland’s first-ever Women’s Economic Security Strategy.
Domestic and family violence is a scourge on our community and I had a chance to ask the Minister for Domestic and Family Violence about the investment in the Pumicestone electorate to act on this issue. The Honourable Amanda Camm said she had the opportunity to visit the Centre Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) who services our electorate and our government is investing just over $6.3 million to provide a range of support services. These include domestic violence counselling, court-based services and
women’s health and wellbeing services, as well as embedded workers within police stations delivering great outcomes. The minister also revealed the government invests just over $10.3 million for other services in Pumicestone and the broader Moreton Bay region.
I have also been proud to launch the $200 Play On! Vouchers across Pumicestone, visiting local sporting clubs to share the news. These vouchers help families cover the cost of kids’ sports, because the Crisafulli Government knows how important it is to get our young people active, confident and connected.
Applications are now open for my Bright Future Grants. Each quarter, four $250 grants will be awarded to local community groups for equipment or expenses and to individuals pursuing sporting or academic goals. This closes on the 22nd of this month and the link can be found on my website.
I would also like to invite you to join us for an inspiring evening of hope, purpose and impact as we shine a light on the fight against human trafficking. I am also taking on the role of MC for a fundraising dinner at the Bribie RSL to raise money for Destiny Rescue, an organisation I helped support during my high school days. Hear from Nerilee Sowter, Queensland Partnership Manager with more than 10 years at Destiny Rescue and Chris Gribble, Interim CEO and Nepal Country Manager. They’ll share powerful stories of rescue and restoration, offering a deep understanding of this urgent global issue and how you can help make a lasting change. Grab tickets here: https://gathering-for-freedom-bribie. raiselysite.com/
It’s been a busy month attending events across our electorate and helping as many people as we can, but as always if can assist with any state government matter, please contact me via pumicestone@parliament.qld.gov.au.
By Sheree Hoddinett
Get ready Longman, the muchanticipated Seniors Expo is making its return in 2025, bigger, brighter and brimming with opportunities for connection and fun.
Proudly hosted by Member for Longman, Terry Young, this year’s Seniors Expo will span two bustling days in Caboolture and on Bribie Island. The program promises a vibrant mix of information, entertainment and community spirit and best of all, everyone is welcome to join in.
Far more than just another date on the calendar, the Seniors Expo is a celebration of experience, resilience and the bonds that unite generations.
Completely free to attend, it’s designed to bring seniors and their families face-to-face with the services, advice and support that can help them thrive and stay engaged in the community.
“These events are a fantastic opportunity for seniors to connect with vital services and enjoy a great day out,” Mr Young said. “I encourage everyone to come along, there’s something for everyone.”
With more than 130 exhibitors on site, attendees can explore expert guidance on everything from healthcare to aged care and community programs to lifestyle services. Expect inspiration at every turn, whether you’re a senior yourself, a carer, a family member or someone who simply wants to support
our older generation.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true community gathering without a few extras. Kids can enjoy their own dedicated play area, while the grownups make the most of a sausage sizzle, fresh-brewed coffee and showbags packed with goodies. There will also be plenty of giveaways, lucky door prizes and hands-on activities to keep the day buzzing.
And here’s the part that makes it even more meaningful, every dollar raised will go directly to a local charity, making a real difference right here
By Sheree Hoddinett
It was when Joshua Peasley moved back
home after a stint in Melbourne, he realised something was missing. In the city, delivery services were quick, seamless and just a tap away. Back on Bribie Island, however, options were limited, unreliable and often out of touch with local needs.
“It felt like Bribie was stuck in the dark ages by comparison,” Joshua said.
“That’s when the idea hit, why not create a local delivery service that actually works for the people and businesses here?”
In March 2023, Joshua and his brother Jake, with the backing of their other brother Kurt, turned that idea into reality, launching JJ’s Deliveries, a Bribie-based food and goods delivery platform run entirely by locals, for locals. From the start, the brothers set out to do things differently.
“We’re a small, family-run team,” Joshua explains. “Our drivers, dispatchers and customer support staff all live in the area and genuinely care about the people they’re serving. We know our customers by name, we know the streets like the back of our hand and we understand what local businesses need.”
For the team behind it, JJ’s Deliveries is more than just a business, it’s a mission to strengthen the local economy and support the community that raised them.
“Our ethos is simple: locals supporting locals,” Joshua said. “That means giving restaurants and small businesses a delivery option that works for them without high commissions or complex
systems. It means offering customers fast, friendly and reliable service. And it means creating jobs for locals so money stays in the region.”
Unlike the big national players, JJ’s Deliveries doesn’t pile on service fees or leave customers dealing with chatbots. What you see is what you pay for and get and if you call for help, you will speak to a real person who lives nearby.
The business began by focusing on restaurant deliveries, but growing demand quickly pushed JJ’s into new territory.
“Now we cover groceries, essentials and even alcohol deliveries to help locals get what they need quickly and easily,” Joshua said.
The delivery area includes all of Bribie
Since day one, locals have embraced JJ’s Deliveries with enthusiasm. Customers share the service with friends, post glowing reviews online and encourage their favourite restaurants to join.
“I hear all the time how much people appreciate having a delivery service that’s actually reliable, responsive and rooted in the community,” Joshua said.
“Our restaurant partners tell us they value how flexible and personable we are. That’s something we’re really proud of.”
In an industry dominated by large corporate apps, JJ’s Deliveries takes
pride in being refreshingly different.
“We’re Bribie owned and operated,” Joshua said. “Our whole team lives here. There are no hidden costs, no offshore call centres, no one-size-fits-all policies.
We reinvest in the community, we support local jobs and everything we do is about making delivery better for our region.”
That personal touch combined with a commitment to affordability and transparency has helped JJ’s carve out a loyal customer base in just a short time in operation.
For now, Joshua is focused on staying true to the values that got JJ’s off the ground: reliability, community and genuine local connection.
“I just want to say thank you to the Bribie Island and surrounding communities for embracing us from the beginning,” he said. “Every single order placed through JJ’s isn’t just a delivery, it’s a show of support for local businesses, families and livelihoods.
“We’re proud of what we have built and we’re only just getting started. I’m excited for what’s next as we keep growing, improving and staying true to our roots.”
To find out more visit www.jjsdeliveries. com.au or download the app using the QR code.
By Sheree Hoddinett
a passion. And now, that passion has been recognised at the very highest level, with Annie Lane taking out Best Breakfast in Queensland at the prestigious Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence.
Dubbed the “Oscars of hospitality,” the awards set the benchmark for the industry, with venues assessed anonymously by industry judges across 56 detailed criteria, including food quality, ingredient sourcing,
presentation, innovation, customer service and overall experience.
For the past three years, Annie Lane have been proud state finalists, already no small feat in a fiercely competitive field.
But this year, they finally claimed the top spot, beating out some of Queensland’s most well-known and highly regarded breakfast institutions.
“It was honestly a shock, in the best way possible,”
Candice said. “We have always been proud to stand alongside the state’s best cafés, but to actually win... it’s just such a massive moment for our team and our little café on Bribie.”
The awards night was held at the Marriott on the Gold Coast. Sadly, Candice couldn’t attend as the awards were held on the same day as her father’s funeral. In a beautiful twist, a couple of staff members made a last-
minute decision to attend and represent the business.
“When the announcement came through, there were a lot of emotions,” Candice said. “It felt like a win not just for us, but for every small, hardworking hospitality business out there.”
Candice’s journey into hospitality began with humble beginnings, a small food truck, often staffed with help from her children, serving good food made with heart. That venture grew into the first café, Annie Lane, which opened with just three staff members.
“Nearly 10 years on, we’re now running three cafés — Annie Lane, Gather & Feast and Ruby Tuesday — with a team of 35 passionate people,” Candice said.
“We have built this business on passion, grit and a love for local food and community.”
That love of community has been returned in spades. Since the award announcement, customers have showered the team with flowers, congratulations and heartfelt messages.
“Bribie Island has really wrapped its arms around us,” Candice said. “This win is shared with our community, they have backed us every step of the way.”
Candice knows that hospitality is an ever-evolving game.
“To stay relevant, you need to keep growing, stay sharp and never stop learning,” she said. “But at the same time, success doesn’t mean you need the flashiest fit-out or the biggest following. It’s about understanding true customer service, owning your story and celebrating the best of what’s around you, for us, that’s the incredible produce of the Moreton Bay region.”
The team is already looking ahead, with several exciting initiatives in the works.
One is the upcoming Regionality Program, which will highlight dishes made with local, seasonal produce.
Another is the push toward Level One ECO Certification through the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, part of a long-term commitment to sustainable, responsible tourism.
And it seems, the awards season isn’t over just yet. The best breakfast win isn’t the only accolade on the horizon. All
three cafés are currently finalists in the Precedent Local Business Awards, with the results to be announced in September. In October, they’ll head to the national finals for best breakfast and they are hoping to make it to the finals for the Moreton Bay Business & Innovation Awards.
“We don’t enter awards for the spotlight,” Candice said. “We do it because our team works their butts off and they deserve recognition. These programs are professionally judged, so the feedback we get is invaluable, it’s a benchmark for us to measure ourselves against and helps us keep improving.”
No matter how many trophies the team takes home, Candice insists their focus will remain unchanged.
“It’s always been about people, produce and purpose,” she said. “That’s what drives us every single day.”
And as for that award-winning breakfast? Candice isn’t giving away too many secrets, except to say it’s made with fresh local produce, a lot of care and the same philosophy that’s taken them from a tiny food truck to one of Queensland’s best.
“To now be recognised as delivering the best breakfast in Queensland is such a proud moment and a huge boost for the whole team,” she said.
Go and try the best breakfast right here on our doorstep. Annie Lane Café, 5/1 Toorbul Street, Bongaree.
By Chase Christensen
A 12-time Australian National Champion, two-time Oceania Champion, three-time Auckland marathon winner, Michael Taylor is truly one of a kind. Michael is a champion para hand-cyclist, originally from Bendigo Victoria. The sport of hand-cycling originated in 1980 as rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries and amputations. It quickly became a competitive sport and was introduced into the Paralympics in 2004 and has been a part of the games ever since.
Michael Taylor is one of the best to ever be a part of the sport, as his accolades mentioned previously speak for themselves. The year 2015 presented some of his greatest achievements, winning the hand cycling division of the New York Marathon and the Australia Day Sports Person of the Year. Before fame, Michael was an electrical contractor, describing himself as a “typical tradie trying to find more work to support his family”. It goes to show what you can make out of life despite facing adversity.
When asked about his proudest accomplishment as a hand-cyclist so far, he stated that it was when he organised and looked after a national running series that stretched across different states in Australia. According to Michael, he and his team “begged, borrowed and lent whatever we (they) could to get athletes to different states and to try and grow the sport of handcycling”. Their attempt to grow handcycling nationally
the coordination of future paracycling events in Australia.
The sport of paracycling is obviously a tiering sport, as most forms of sports are, therefore it is important for Taylor to stay fit and have a consistent training procedure. It is astounding to hear the rigorous training he puts his body through on a weekly basis, consisting of approximately 300km of riding, use of a SkiErg machine and visiting the gym for a couple of sessions. Obviously the 300km of road riding is the most fascinating part of this package. No wonder Michael Taylor bathes in racing glory when he trains like a machine every week.
In regard to what the future holds for Michael Taylor, he admitted he’s on the “downhill slope,” but he still wishes to compete locally as well as cross over the
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Credit: Michael Taylor
Bel Canto Singers warmly invite you to Eternal Light, a luminous celebration of the music of Gabriel Fauré, one of France’s most cherished and enduring composers. Taking place in the beautiful Redcliffe Uniting Church, renowned for its stunning architecture and iconic pipe organ, this concert promises a moving and uplifting experience for all ages.
It’s a show that also features a taste of Bribie. Music director, conductor and Bribie Island local Chloe Han has curated a program featuring a selection of Fauré’s most beloved choral works, including the serene Requiem, Op. 48, the delicate Messe Basse, and the radiant Ave verum corpus and Tantum ergo from Two Motets, Op. 65. These works are known for their lyrical beauty, emotional depth and Fauré’s unique ability to express light and peace through music.
cycling, as well as being a resource for people who need help of have questions surrounding the sport.
The low amount of attention towards para-athletes has been an issue in Australia and the world for decades.
Michael’s thoughts on whether or not para-athletes are receiving enough visibility in Australia is “simply no, as a small nation with a smaller group of disabled athletes we certainly punch above our weight in every manner of speaking”. He believes the current funding towards para-sports is not enough to go overseas.
Michael Taylor’s inspiring career highlights his dedication to handcycling, his role in growing the sport nationally and his ongoing commitment to supporting para-athletes despite challenges in funding and visibility.
Adding a special touch to the performance is the Banksia Beach State School senior choir, who will join Bel Canto Singers for Pie Jesu from the Requiem and selected movements from Messe Basse and also present two delightful works of their own: Now the Day Is Over and Popcorn. Their presence brings an intergenerational spirit of joy and community to the event.
There will also be two special guest artists: distinguished organist Dr Phillip Gearing, whose sensitive and expressive playing will bring Fauré’s organ writing to life and baritone soloist Nic Wallace, who will feature in the Requiem with his warm and resonant voice.
Concert Details:
WHEN Saturday September 13, 3pm4.30pm WHERE Redcliffe Uniting Church - 1 Richens St Redcliffe TICKETS: Adults $20; Children under 14 FREE.
https://www.trybooking.com/DECEX
By Sheree Hoddinett
Comedy fans are in for a treat, as international funny man Arj Barker heads for Bribie Island. Barker brings with him his razor-sharp wit, laid-back charm and all-new material guaranteed to have audiences laughing until their cheeks hurt.
Barker is seen as Australia’s adopted son of comedy. He has also been seen on our television screens, with appearances on The Project, Just for Laughs and playing Dave on the hit show Flight of the Concords.
The long-time international touring
comic is returning to Bribie (yes, he’s been here before!) as part of his ongoing Australian tour and while he may joke about the geography, his love for connecting with regional crowds is no
“I like staying busy,” he said. “I can’t just play metro areas and big venues all year.
I’ve been doing this a long time, big venues, small venues, doesn’t bother me.
The Californian-born comic has carved out a unique niche with Australian audiences over the past three decades, finding inspiration in everyday life and occasionally, ghosts.
“Today I started writing about ghosts, like why aren’t there more of them?
What do they even do during the day?” he said laughing. “Maybe they float along the beach or read ghost stories. I don’t know, but it’s stuff like that I’ll
Despite a sharp comedic edge, Barker has no airs about his process. He writes daily when possible, drops into small local shows to try out material and remains humble about his roots in stand-up.
It all began with a nudge from a friend who encouraged him to give stand-up comedy a go.
“I don’t know why he didn’t do it himself. He’s funny. But I’m glad he pushed me,” Barker said. “I’ve given him credit publicly over the years. After that, I just fell in love with it. never looked back.”
Barker has a worldwide following, as a standup he won the coveted Perrier Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh
Fringe Festival and has also performed regular sell out seasons at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
With a career spanning more than 30 years, Barker splits his time between Melbourne and Northern California, depending on where the gigs take him. While comedy remains his primary focus, he’s built a rewarding life outside the spotlight.
“I realised 10 or 15 years ago that I needed hobbies,” he said. “I love guitar, I’ve dabbled in photography, there’s some bird shots on my Instagram and I’ve got a woodworking series on YouTube called Do It Myself TV. It’s a bit of comedy, a bit of instruction.”
His comedic style has matured with time too. Barker now leans away from overusing yelling or swearing for impact.
“Less is more,” he said. “I still yell sometimes, but not as much. You want it to mean something when you do it.”
When asked if he ever worries about jokes flopping, he’s quick to point out that most audiences are there because they already know and enjoy his work.
“People don’t come to my show by accident. They come to laugh,” he said.
“The rare times something doesn’t land, it’s usually a distraction, someone drunk or a baby crying.”
He’s still amused by the media buzz surrounding a past show where he asked a mother to take her baby outside.
“It wasn’t about the baby distracting me. It was distracting the audience. I’ve spent too much time getting here to
compete with a monkey, robot or raccoon,” he jokes. “But hey, it got people talking and ticket sales went up!” Throughout it all, Barker remains grounded. He credits his Australian fan base, his two small dogs (Frankie and Freya) and the joy of learning for keeping him going.
So does he see retirement on the horizon?
“Not really,” he said. “Maybe I’ll slow down, maybe I’ll take a break to travel or play music. But comedy’s fun and it pays the bills.”
And his advice for aspiring comedians?
“Don’t wait. Start now. You’ve got the internet,” he said. “Make something, put it out there. There’s more opportunities than ever. Just go for it.” Barker now tours Australia and New Zealand on a regular basis, even attracting sold out audiences at some of the largest theatres in the country. He has also performed in Holland, Sweden, Norway, USA, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand. Arj Barker – The Mind Field is on September 12 at the Bribie Island Hotel. For tickets and show info, visit https:// www.arjbarker.com
Australia’s pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050 has been sold as a moral and economic necessity, a bold step toward a cleaner future. But beneath the glossy promises lies a troubling reality: net zero policies are set to drive up energy prices, burden households and undermine the nation’s economic strength. For a country built on affordable energy and resource exports this agenda risks becoming a self-inflicted wound.
The energy price trap
The transition to net zero hinges on phasing out coal and gas - Australia’s reliable and historically cheap energy sources - in favour of renewables like wind and solar. While the government touts’ renewables as ‘low-cost’, the reality is far messier. The Grattan Institute notes that large-scale renewable projects face cost overruns, delays and social license challenges, requiring hundreds of billions in investment to replace coal infrastructure. Add to this the need for expensive grid upgrades, battery storage and transmission lines and the price tag balloons.
Households are already feeling the pinch. Energy prices are rising, squeezing budgets in regional communities like Parkes, where locals voice ‘widespread concern’ over soaring power bills. The Australian Bureau of Statistics confirms increased energy prices as a trend, driven partly by the shift to renewables and underinvestment in reliable base-load power. Policies like the Safeguard Mechanism and New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, while aimed at cutting emissions, add regulatory costs that trickle down to consumers and businesses.
The government’s Powering Australia plan promises relief through rebates and community batteries, but these are band-aid solutions. A $300 household energy rebate and $3.5 billion in temporary relief over three years pale against the structural price hikes embedded in the net zero transition. Meanwhile, the closure of coal plants without adequate replacements risks blackouts, further eroding confidence in the energy system.
The economic fallout of net zero extends far beyond energy costs. Australia’s economy has long relied on its fossil fuel exports - coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) - which account for a significant share of GDP. The Reserve Bank of Australia warns that net zero policies in key markets like China, Japan and South Korea could reduce demand for these exports, hitting regional communities hardest where mining is a lifeline. While the government dreams of replacing coal with ‘green hydrogen’ or ‘green metals’, these industries remain nascent and unproven at scale. The Net Zero Australia study estimates $7-9 trillion in capital investment is needed by 2060 to decarbonise exports, a figure that dwarfs current economic capacity. Domestic industries face their own challenges. The Productivity Commission acknowledges that net zero policies vary in cost-effectiveness, with overlapping regulations burdening sectors like manufacturing and agriculture. Small businesses, already grappling with high energy costs, face further pressure from decarbonisation mandates. The Future Gas Strategy admits that industrial gas users, critical to manufacturing, will see
promises a “coordinated, practical strategy,” but its heavy-handed policies risk alienating the very communities it claims to support. Former Nationals
Senator Ron Boswell warned that sticking to net zero will weaken the economy and erode living standards, a sentiment echoed by MPs like Barnaby Joyce, who recently introduced a bill to repeal the policy. Their argument resonates: why sacrifice affordability and reliability for a target that may deliver negligible global impact?
only modest declines in demand by 2035, meaning higher costs for transitioning to alternatives like hydrogen or electrification.
Then there’s the question of jobs. The government claims net zero will “create a boom in new jobs”, citing initiatives like the Capacity Investment Scheme.
But the Net Zero Australia project highlights the risk of job losses in fossil fuel regions, with no guarantee that renewable jobs will match in scale or stability. Regional Australia, from Queensland’s coal fields to Western Australia’s gas hubs, faces economic disruption without a clear path to prosperity.
A misguided priority?
Proponents argue net zero is essential to combat climate change and seize global opportunities. Yet Australia’s contribution to global emissions is just 1.1% and unilateral action won’t move the needle when major emitters like China and India continue to expand coal use. The Climate Analytics report criticises Australia’s reliance on gas and offsets, but even it admits the power sector’s decarbonisation is the only area showing progress - largely due to state-level efforts, not federal mandates.
The government’s Net Zero Plan
A better path forward Australia doesn’t need to abandon environmental responsibility, but it must prioritise pragmatism over ideology. Investing in gas as a transition fuel, as outlined in the Future Gas Strategy could stabilise prices while reducing emissions more gradually. Carbon capture and storage (CCS), already used in projects like Chevron’s Gorgon LNG, offers a way to maintain fossil fuel exports while cutting emissions. Nuclear energy, though dismissed by some economists, deserves a serious look given its reliability - provided costs can be managed.
Above all, policy must focus on keeping energy affordable and protecting jobs.
The Grattan Institute warns against broad-based cash rebates, advocating targeted support like home insulation to lower long-term costs. Streamlining regulations and incentivising private investment in reliable energy could reduce the burden on taxpayers and consumers.
Happy Days
Chameleon
Net zero, as it stands, is a noble but flawed vision. Its pursuit risks plunging Australia into an era of high energy prices and economic uncertainty, hitting hardest those least equipped to bear it. It’s time to rethink this agenda - not for the sake of denial, but for the sake of Australians who deserve a future that’s both sustainable and affordable.
I might not be able to build the bridge — but I can guarantee your home will be sold long before it’s finished. With buyer demand still running hot across the area, I’m helping sellers move quickly and confidently. If you’re thinking about making a change, I’m here to make it happen — no waiting around.
Companion planting is a gardening technique where certain plants are grown together to enhance growth, deter pests and improve overall garden health. This strategy leverages natural relationships between plants to create a thriving, balanced ecosystem. Below are effective companion planting strategies tailored for vegetable gardens, with a focus on pest control, soil improvement and space optimisation - principles that can be adapted to various climates, including Southeast Queensland’s subtropical conditions.
Key benefits of companion planting
• Pest control: Some plants repel harmful insects or attract beneficial ones that prey on pests.
• Soil improvement: Certain plants enrich the soil with nutrients like nitrogen, benefiting neighbouring crops.
• Space optimisation: Pairing tall and short plants or climbers and groundcovers maximises garden space.
• Enhanced growth and flavor: Specific combinations may boost plant vigour or improve the taste of produce.
Top companion plants and their roles
Here are some widely used companion plants and their benefits, ideal for a vegetable garden:
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Role: Repel nematodes, whiteflies and aphids; attract ladybugs and hoverflies (natural pest predators).
Best paired with: Tomatoes, eggplants, leafy greens.
Tip: Plant around garden edges or intersperse among veggies.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Role: Repels whiteflies, mosquitoes and fruit flies; may enhance tomato flavour.
Best paired with: Tomatoes, peppers.
Tip: Its strong scent confuses pests, protecting nearby crops.
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
Role: Acts as a ‘trap crop’ attracting aphids and caterpillars away from main crops.
Best paired with: Cucumbers, zucchini, beans.
Tip: Plant at garden borders to draw pests away.
Garlic (Allium sativum) and Onions (Allium cepa)**
Role: Deter aphids, slugs and fungal diseases; onions repel carrot fly.
Best paired with: Carrots (onions), roses, fruit trees (garlic).
Tip: Use as a natural pest barrier in rows or clusters.
Legumes (Beans, Peas)
Role: Fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for nearby plants.
Best paired with: Corn, cucumbers, leafy greens.
Tip: Rotate annually to maintain soil fertility.
Effective companion planting combinations
These pairings have proven to work well in vegetable gardens: Tomatoes + Basil + Marigolds
• Basil repels pests and boosts tomato flavour, while marigolds deter nematodes and attract beneficial insects.
• Ideal for a productive summer bed. Carrots + Onions
• Onions deter carrot fly and carrots aerate the soil for onions.
• Perfect for raised beds or tight rows.
Cucumbers + Nasturtiums
• Nasturtiums attract aphids away from cucumbers and suppress weeds.
• Great for sprawling garden layouts.
Lettuce + Tall Plants (e.g. tomatoes or corn)
• Taller plants provide shade for lettuce, protecting it from heat.
• Useful in warm climates or seasons.
Beans + Corn:
• Corn acts as a trellis for climbing beans, while beans enrich the soil with nitrogen for corn.
• A space-saving combo for small gardens.
Plants to avoid pairing together
Some plants compete for resources or attract similar pests, so keep these apart:
Nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers)
As part of the same family, they share pests and diseases (e.g. blight, fruit fly).
Solution: Separate with unrelated
companions and rotate crops yearly.
Beans + Onions/Garlic
Onions and garlic can stunt legume growth.
Solution: Plant in different garden sections.
Cabbage + Strawberries
Brassicas may inhibit strawberry development.
Solution: Pair cabbage with dill or chamomile instead.
Practical tips for success
Use trap crops: Plant nasturtiums or mustard greens to lure pests away from valuable crops. Monitor and remove pests from these plants regularly.
Rotate crops Avoid planting the same plant families in the same spot each year to prevent soil depletion and pest buildup.
Maximise vertical space: Use tall plants (e.g. sunflowers, corn) for shade or as supports for climbers (e.g. beans, peas) to save space and improve airflow.
Monitor pests: In humid climates, watch for snails or fungal issues. Use garlic/onion sprays as natural deterrents and ensure good plant spacing.
Building a thriving garden
Companion planting is an easy, sustainable way to improve your vegetable garden’s health and yield. By pairing plants like marigolds with tomatoes or nasturtiums with cucumbers, you will reduce pest pressure and make the most of your space. Start with a few combinations, observe how they perform in your garden and adjust based on your local conditions. With time, you will cultivate a productive, resilient garden that works in harmony with nature.
For further inspiration, explore local gardening resources or connect with community groups to share tips and seeds.
Happy planting! Mole
BRIBIE ISLAND, August 14, 2025 –
Despite the annual snapper and pearl perch closure from July 15 to August 15, anglers on Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage have enjoyed a productive 30 days, with flathead, whiting, bream and tailor dominating catches in this scenic Queensland waterway.
The Pumicestone Passage has been a hotspot for kayak and boat-based fishing. Recent reports highlight consistent hauls of dusky flathead (5070cm) and yellowfin whiting along shallow sandbanks and channels, particularly near the Bribie Island bridge and Ningi Creek. Yellowfin Bream and juvenile snapper thrive around structures like jetties and oyster leases, with soft plastics and yabbies proving effective baits.
Mangrove jack and estuary cod have been active in creeks and around mangroves, especially at dawn and dusk, while sand crabs are plentiful near the passage’s southern entry. The bridge area, a deep-water haven, has produced mulloway and grassy sweetlip, though strong tidal currents demand fishing on the drift or at tide changes.
Local charter reports note additional
catches of tuskfish, trevally and Moses perch with the Avon Wreck and White Patch yielding whiting and bream. Anglers are reminded to avoid marine park sanctuary zones, such as around Long Island and check Queensland fishing regulations.
As the snapper closure lifted on August 15, anglers anticipate a surge in activity but are urged to fish sustainably. With its rich biodiversity and sheltered waters, the Pumicestone Passage remains a premier angling destination. For updates, visit Bribie Island Boat Charters or local fishing forums.
By Chase Christensen
The top eight positions on the NRL ladder are as far from undecided as can be, with 14 teams still in contention to play finals football in 2025.
The Broncos and Dolphins are both heavily in the mix to play in the postseason. There are four rounds to go and the Broncos are sixth whilst the Dolphins are eighth, so both teams can comfortably make the eight. A large obstacle that both teams must deal with is an injury crisis.
Brisbane is suffering one of the most absurd injury crises in years, as Selwyn Cobbo, Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam all suffered major injuries in their Round 23 clash against the Storm. Reynolds and Mam both injured their hamstrings in the same play. It is unheard of for a halves pairing to injure themselves in the same play. A Xavier Coates intercept not happening would have reversed the injuries and possibly even changed the result of the match to a Broncos win. The season was completely flipped after those injuries. They were at $10 odds to win the competition before the match and have now blown out to $23 odds following the battle in Melbourne (per Sportsbet).
Michael Maguire’s men have one of the easier runs home, as they play the Dolphins, Knights, Cowboys and Storm. The Knights and Cowboys likely must be defeated if they want to have a chance at
making the finals. A win against the Phins will set them up well to comfortably stroll into September. For optimistic Broncos fans, the top four is still mathematically possible. Given that Penrith are three points ahead in fourth position, Brisbane would need to win out, which is more possible than many might think. Their biggest challenge will be Melbourne in the final round of the season, which, on paper, seems like a low winning chance — but Melbourne may rest some of their key players if they’re guaranteed a top-two ladder finish. If the Broncos go undefeated in the final four rounds, they’d just need a struggling Warriors team and Penrith to lose a couple of games at least.
On the other hand, the Dolphins are hanging onto the top eight by a hair. Herbie Farnworth’s hamstring injury is the story of their season. If it leads to the Dolphins missing out on their first-ever finals berth, it would be devastating for fans, players and Kristian Woolf, who’s had a great opening season as head coach. From not winning in their first month of the season to being inside the top eight, the side has really turned their season around. But a rude awakening against the Roosters in Round 23 has got critics questioning their credentials as a finals team.
The Dolphins’ final four fixtures are not as easy as their local rivals (the Broncos), but they are not a death run. They face the Broncos, Sea Eagles, Titans and Raiders. The Raiders will be their hardest battle by far, but an obviously depleted Brisbane team, a disappointing Manly side and the last-placed Titans are all winnable games.
Both the Broncos and Dolphins remain firmly in the finals hunt, but injuries loom large. Their closing rounds will decide everything, with resilience, momentum and a touch of luck likely determining who survives to play September football in 2025.
NETT Runner Up Angela & Vivi.
29/07/25 4BBB STABLEFORD
WINNERS Maxine Langham & Pauline Smith 45, 2nd Ros Gardiner & Christine Pronk 44, 3rd Vivienne Learoyd & Charmaine Price 43 c/b, 4th Kate Wesener & Carol McKenzie 43
NTP Hole 4 Ros Gardiner, Hole 7 Carole Watson, Hole 14 Christine Pronk, Hole 16 2nd shot Susan Brown, Hole 4 (Div 3 2nd shot) Stina Barnulf
29/07/25 Winners Maxine & Pauline.
05/08/25 SINGLE STROKE
Barnulf 35, Hole 4 Carole Watson, Hole 7 Charmaine Price, Hole 14 Elizabeth Smyth, Hole 16
DIV 1 WINNER Jo Malone 70, 2nd Abby
Driver 71, 3rd Judy Graham 73
DIV 2 Monthly Medal Winner Ann Rogers with Helen.
DIV 3 WINNER Wendy Robinson 67, 2nd Kerryn Keys 74, 3rd Jennifer Stafford 75
NTP Hole 14 Jennifer Stafford, Hole 16 2nd shot Jude Dorhauer
Best Gross – Wendy Robinson 99
3 Monthly Medal Winner Wendy Robinson with
DF65 Radio Sailing wrap up for July 2025
Dragon Force 65 (DF65) Racing
Sailing conditions over the past five weeks have varied from almost gale force to frustratingly gentle on our Thursday afternoon race days.
Good numbers (average seven or so) are turning up at 1pm to try their luck after making changes and fine tuning their
at 21 Hayes Street, Caboolture. Visitors welcome. Names by 7.15pm.
June/July
Winners: Sherrie/Davo Davo/Jai, Greg/Conner, Matty/Matthew, Mark/Matty
Runners Up: John B/MarkB, Beau/Josh, Davo/Luke, Sherrie/Josh, Shaun/Shayne
High pegs: Smokie 40, Kylie 38, Dale 50,2x40 Matthew 48, Sid 42
As
2nd shot Suzanne Vallely, Hole 4 (Div 3 2nd shot ) Nadia Aylott
24/07/25 FOURSOMES
CHAMPIONSHIP – Sponsor Vernazza Restaurant
GROSS WINNERS Abby Driver & Pauline Grooby 136
Gross Runner Up Di Benghamy & Vicki Jones 141
NETT WINNERS Gill Lee & Rae Clarke 114.5
Nett Runner Up Angela Jordan & Vivi Lloyd 117
DIV 2 Bev Isaksen 73, 2nd Diane Fitzpatrick 74 c/b, 3rd Sylvia White 74
DIV 3 Jude Dorhauer 73, 2nd Noleen Brown 76, 3rd Stina Barnulf 77
NTP Hole 4 Jo Malone, Hole 7 Linda Urquhart, Hole 14 Di Benghamy, Hole 16 2nd shot Jenny Williams
BEST GROSS DIV 1 Di Benghamy & Jo Malone 77
BEST GROSS DIV 2 Diane Fitzpatrick 98
BEST GROSS DIV 3 Jude Dorhauer 107 07/08/25 SINGLE STROKE –MONTHLY MEDAL – sponsored by Churches of Christ
DIV 1 Winner Kris Tomalin 68, 2nd Myra Thomsen 74, 3rd Kate Wesener 75
NTP Hole 4 Kris Tomalin/Kate Wilson, Hole 14 Kate Wilson, Hole 16 2nd shot Pauline Grooby
Best Gross Di Benghamy 83
DIV 1 Monthly Medal Winner Kris Tomalin with Helen.
DIV 2 Winner Ann Rogers 71, 2nd Gay Burnham 73, 3rd Myra Dickson 75
NTP Hole 4 Vivi Lloyd, Hole 7 Charmaine
Price, Hold 16 2nd shot Suzanne Peet
Best Gross – Ann Rogers 95
Jai 80, Robert 68, Josh 98, 52 Davo 54, 49, Conner 57, Sid 56, Matty 123(Bull finish)
Best throws: Josh 6x140,132,2x 121,125, Sherrie 98,94,121,112,100, Davo 121,125, Dale 138, Matthew 121, Collin 125,100,120, Mick 118,115,100, Mark 180, Matty 144,123,135,140,122,101, Luke 125, Jesse 119,120, Jai 121, Dillon 120, Robert 131,138,134, Conner 129,101,2x100, Mick 2x121, Dennis 121, Kylie 105, Shaun5x100,140,180,120,101, Greg 132, Beau130,121, Michael 81,94, Luke 125, Juniors: Michael 81,94
Best night’s player: Dale 138 plus 5 pegs, Josh 2x140 plus 3x100, Matty 4 over 100 plus 3 pegs, Shaun 180,140,120,101,5x100
For further information contact Cecil 0411 698 807 or Dale 0459 344 493.
