See Bubbles & Brushes—23 Sept

The purpose of the newly formed “Grief and Loss –Peer Support group” is to provide a supportive, friendly environment with others who “understand”. Although grief is unique for everyone there are some common aspects that are so beneficial to be able share. How many of us have “pretended to be ok” and say we are “coping well” around others when deep down this is not the case? How many of us have apologised for our tears when we shouldn’t? “Grief is like an ocean, it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim”

Vicky Harrison.

The first monthly “Grief and Loss – Peer Support group” get together was held on 24 August with future dates to be decided. For more information contact Suzi on 0409 880 902

2nd Saturday of Every Month!

Next Sitting — 11TH SEPTEMBER Doors Open 12.30pm Eyes Down 1pm 40 Calls

G’day everyone, and welcome everybody to this month's edition of the Rolly Rag Report for the Fishing Club. The last Friday Night BBQ held Friday 30th July wasn’t actually a BBQ, but a camp oven night. We had 11 camp ovens cooked up by our Cordon Bleu camp oven cooks; Graham Milliken, Garry Luff and Greg Sant. They were absolutely brilliant – and it wasn’t just the cooking that made them so, but also the preparation by Di Greene, Moira Sharkey, Chris Maher and Vicki Fischer, who toiled for more than a day to make them all up. Then, when half a dozen pumpkins were delivered to Di, she cooked them up and we had mashed pumpkin to go with the mashed potatoes, corn and damper. The night was very well attended and I don’t think anyone went away hungry or disappointed.

The next Monthly Function will be the AGM on Friday Night 28th August, commencing at 6pm, where all positions will be vacated and a new Committee elected. There will be a BBQ at usual time of 6.30pm following elections. Anyone looking to catch the courtesy bus for the night, please ring Kim on 0419387856 to book a seat. Remember, you do need to be a paid up Member in order to vote, or to take on a Committee Position. Markets – Most recent markets were held Saturday 7th August. Again, a good day at the markets. The Fishing Club BBQ basically sold out again and feedback from stallholders in attendance was good. MEMBERSHIPS – Annual Memberships are now due (as of 30th June) so I encourage you all to get your Memberships in to continue to take part in this vibrant Club and avail of the benefits of your Membership. Existing Members have been emailed a Membership form, there are Blank Forms at the Landing and we will have plenty of forms at the next Friday Night Function. Member for Hinchinbrook Fishing Challenge against Toomulla is currently under way. Get those fish photos into Gavin and see if we can win the Trophy back again. Many thanks to Nick Dametto, our Member for Hinchinbrook, who has again sponsored this event. Tales of woe:- I think President Graham needs to keep away from any machinery. Following a recent infected leg as a result of a nick by a chain saw, this week he was digging post holes with a trencher, buggered his hand and gashed his arm. Sounds like these sorts of jobs might be best left to volunteer members from the Club!

We are still looking for a volunteer to take the Rolly Rag

article job on – its not very time consuming – about half an hour a month—it wont be long and the current scribe will be away for an extended period - Covid permitting. Any interested parties could let Graham know on 0428 416060 or Kim on 0419 387 856. Check our Facebook page for up to date news at: https://www.facebook.com/Fishermans- Landing-Fishing -Social-Club-Balgal-Beach-Inc For more information regarding our club please contact Graham 0428 416 060 or email fishermanslandingfishingclub@gmail.com

That's it for this month - tight lines and happy fishing. Spike

The Emergency+ App is a free app developed by Australia's emergency services and their Government and industry partners.

The app uses GPS functionality built into smart phones to help a Triple Zero (000) caller provide critical location details required to mobilise emergency services. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

Wow wow wow what a fantastic month August was, and September is shaping up to be even as good. Welcome Cindy, the new Chef and her themed Saturday night feasts have been very popular and club is still getting well supported from not only the caravans near, but locals too. Early August event was Closed Club Championship over 2 days. Club champions Todd Small and Rebecca Logan showed the way for many to follow. Div 1 Gross Winner Jason Flynn, Runner Up Bruce Ferrett. Nett winner Keith Ruddick, Runner up Denis Cleaver Div 2 Gross Winner Phil Thompson, Runner Up Mick McMahon. Nett Winner Matt Farlow, Runner Up Ron Condren. Megan Jeffree took out Gross Runner Up. Nett Winner Teresa Jewel and Runner Up Rhonda Gurd. Unfortunately we had low number in the ladies competition and we are hoping to introduce more ladies to club soon to have some fun.

SUNDAY 12th SEPTEMBER 10 am Ladies Hit and Giggle fun golf day is on.

Entry is $20 and includes light lunch and 9 holes of fun . Golf clubs are available if needed. All ladies are welcome but booking are essential prior to September 10th to assist with catering.

NOW IS THE TIME TO TRY YOUR HAND AT GOLF WITH OTHER BEGINNERS!

Breast Cancer Fundraiser

BEST CART—Ian Dow with “My Little Pony” BEST DRESSED - A new member and local Narelle Luckie (pictured with husband Glenn Luckie).

The Breast Cancer Fun day held on the 22nd of August was well attended with players of all levels and from near and far, having fun and lots of laughs. Winners were: Best Cart - with My Little Pony, Ian Dow; Best Dressed - a new member and local, Narelle Luckie; Winning Team was Brian Wilson, Stuart Jones and Anja Devereaux; 2nd Place Greg Ryding, Graham and Therese Milliken; 3rd Place Phil and Sue Thompson and Bruce Ferrett. What an outstanding fundraiser with $2,655 being raised via raffle, competition fee and donation . Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone! An amazing effort to a great cause. The Club is also very happy to announce it has been chosen to host Men’s Pennants over the long weekend in October. Matches will be played Sunday and Monday with clubs from Hughenden, Mt Isa and Charters Towers to name a few. All wanting accommodation and boosting our local businesses so a great opportunity for everyone. Hoping to see you on the course or at the club in the coming weeks enjoying ourselves. Yes, we are the lucky ones and we should be all very thankful we can make the most of what we have available. Remember hit ‘em long, hit hard and most of all have fun in the sun, Gurdie.

BOWLS REPORT

What a month at the Mystic Sands Bowls Club with Thursday nights averaging 32 bowlers. One week we had 68, yes, 68 playing with 5 and 6 a team on 6 rinks. Lots of fun and some new bowlers surprised the experienced bowlers by winning the prizes. We had a Sunday afternoon competition where 4 teams competed. Some Smokey's amongst the campers, so they took all the vouchers and left the local stars penniless. It was a great afternoon. Competitions are most Sundays from 3 to 5pm. Register from 2.30. Upcoming events include Lions night in September and Leo's also in September. Watch Facebook for updates. If you want to learn to play, call the Club. Lessons can be booked anytime with senior bowlers. Remember "use it or lose it " - a great slogan! Til next month, good bowling.

Hello Families I met with staff yesterday to get an update as to when we can meet with the community again after our meeting about the long term drainage/ stormwater issues. See below an update, and as soon as I have any more information I will share. As discussed at the meeting, our first priority is getting the drains cleaned out properly PRIOR to the next wet season.

Stormwater issues in Balgal Beach.- Update from Staff to myself 16th August 2021

As promised, I have now discussed the current status of the Balgal Beach and Rollingstone Flood Study (AECOM report) with the Strategic Planning Department. They have advised that they have received a copy of the draft report and provided comments on this. It is anticipated that the final report will be provided by the end of August. This report must then go through a peer review process to ensure that there are no critical issues or oversight by AECOM. This process is expected to take 2 to 3 months and timing will be heavily dependent on whether any issues or problems are identified. Once this review process is finalised, the report will then be taken to Council for adoption. It is anticipated that this will not occur until early in the New Year.

Maintenance Schedule and Cleaning of the Drains I have met with staff again and are still waiting or a clear maintenance plan, ( remember what was identified that some drains and information from the amalgamation was not brought over – drains have been missed) once I receive this and the maintenance completed, I will show the community. it is then I will meet with the community again to go through the steps moving forward. Thanks for your patience on this; it is documented, the Mayor is aware of the issues, senior council staff are aware, I WILL not let this go. Any concerns, you all have my number and email , and a reminder I don’t always read social media, Email or Phone is the best way to contact me.

Many thanks all

Cr Margie Ryder

Councillor Division 1

How quickly this year is passing! Though, perhaps not so for people in other parts of the country whose activities have been so restricted thanks to Covid 19.

After a mild winter, spring has announced its arrival with cool misty nights and warm, sunny days. New leaves burgeon on the forest trees: cascades of salmon pink and a hundred hues of green mingle with the daker tones of old growth. A callistemon is unfolding pale pink bottlebrushes and on the ground, the leaf- tips of hippeastrum lilies are poking through the earth.

Birdsong seems more spirited and the calls of seasonal or migratory birds, not heard for nearly a year, join with the songs of locals. Currawongs swoop in, terrifying other birds, when food is put onto food trays. Sometimes, a currawong will be driven off by a group of lorikeets. Perhaps the bullies are afraid of the lorikeet’s strong beak which could snap a currawong’s leg.

A working bee was held at the Village Green on 31st July. It was a case of many hands making light work. Fifteen or more residents weeded all the garden beds around the hall and picnic areas, spread a truckload of mulch over those and the Trees of Memory Garden and installed irrigation pipes. All done within two hours – it was a mighty effort. A delicious barbecue dinner followed.

The Bureau of Meteorology has installed a rain gauge at the back of the Community Hall with PDCA responsible for taking daily readings. A roster system is being set up of people who will carry out this duty.

The highlight of the month was on August 7th, when the crew of HMAS Paluma marched through the centre of the village, exercising their right to ‘Freedom of the City’. Their ship, the fourth of the name, was commissioned in 1989 and at the time was awarded the ‘Freedom of the City ’and the crew permitted to march ceremonially through Paluma. After 32 years of service, this ship has now been decommissioned and to honour its service, a re-enactment of the rite was carried out on 7th August. The ceremony was impressive, performed with the precision and discipline expected of our armed services; the crew and officers all in immaculate white uniforms. A crowd of spectators turned out to watch the proceedings which followed a traditional form.

At about 100 metres from the Community Hall, the assembled crew were inspected by Councillor Margie Ryder (normally this would be the mayor but Jenny Hill was in Covid 19 lockdown). As the crew set out to march toward the village centre, they were challenged by Tony Jacob, OIC Rollingstone. A Naval officer produced the ‘Freedom of the City’ permit, and the crew were then granted the right to continue the march, to the beat of two army drummers, to the village centre. Inside the Hall, Margie Ryder presented the Captain of HMAS Paluma with a scroll confirming the’ Final Right of Entry’. A copy of this was presented to the PDCA and will be included in our historic photo display. It was quite impressive to see some ‘pomp and circumstance’ in little Paluma.

The concept of ‘Freedom of the City’ began in mediaeval times with the granting of ‘Freedom of the City of London’, when to be a ‘freeman’ was an essential requirement for all who wished to carry on a business or prosper in a trade within the square mile of the city. The connection between freemen and London’s government can be traced back to the Saxon folkmoot; public assemblies of the freemen of the town, shire or district. These functioned as both parliament and courts at different levels of society. The status of freeman was eagerly sought as it conferred privileges, (as well as obligations and duties), and protection under the charter of their own town, hence the term ‘Freedom of the City’. Guilds offered similar protection and obligations. Over the centuries the function has changed but the tradition is kept alive in the awarding ‘Freedom of the City’ to people who have achieved success, recognition or celebrity in their chosen field or who have given significant service to that city. Often a medal or plaque is given to symbolise the ‘Freedom’. It is interesting to reflect, that a tradition begun centuries ago in London, is still celebrated, even on the other side of the world in a tiny place like Paluma.

The Paluma Historic Photographic display is open every Tuesday from11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Entry is free and visitors are welcome to browse and enjoy coffee, cake and gossip.

Remember to check us out on our website, www.paluma.org

Keep safe, keep well.

Rollingstone RSL continues to operate as we do, providing member’s welfare and community engagement. We conducted a Vietnam Veteran’s Commemoration Service on 18th August (Wednesday) at the Balgal Beach Memorial. The service commenced at about 10.00 am and from there we conducted fellowship at the home of Rollingstone RSL; Mystic Sands Golf Resort. The service was attended by a smaller group than other commemorative activities, but did have a number of travellers who have included Vietnam Veteran’s Services at Rollingstone every year for a number of years now, which was fantastic. Along with local visitors and some of our members, we had about sixty people in attendance. The Committee has always maintained that if we have one Veteran who tells us they will attend, then we will conduct the service for the Veteran and all his comrades whether in attendance or not. We look forward to Remembrance Day in November (11th at 11.00 am) when we provide the bus to bring students from Rollingstone State School to the Commemoration, thanks due to the good offices of the Principal and staff. In reality, attendance by the students is in accordance with the curriculum for Grade 5 students, as part of their social studies learning program. I mentioned in our last article that our Secretary, Suzi will complete her appointment. Suzi has been a wonderful Secretary of the RSL for just over two years. Her time has included the most dramatic events including Covid in our short history of 21 years. Suzi leaves her post with the best wishes of the members and their regrets. Suzi has been simply inspirational in the conduct of her duties and support of the RSL. Fortunately, we haven’t lost Suzi from the organisation, just her role as Secretary. Suzi continues to enjoy her participation in the Friday nights at the Golf Club; selling raffle tickets and engaging with the crowd. Thank you, Suzi, from the bottom of our hearts for your achievements and support to the Rollingstone RSL. Rollingstone RSL continues to operate. If you would like to support the RSL on the Committee, volunteer on Friday nights, or assist us with commemorative activities, please contact the President or a committee member at any time and have a chat. Our contact details are in the Rag of course. I would like to thank our supporters from our community including the team at Mystic Sands Golf Club, without all your support our endeavours would be much more difficult to achieve.

Ewan Cameron, President

Helpline. If you, or someone you know, needs support call Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046. It is a national mental health service that provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling, group programs and suicide prevention training for current and ex-serving ADF members, and their families...

A huge thank you to our P&C and all the community for supporting our school’s fundraising activities throughout the year. Camp was an incredible experience for everyone and a highlight for the year. Not only did we experience activities that some of us would never normally do, we are also now much closer as a group.

The Screaming Race

One of my favourite games was the screaming race. Why? Because we got to be loud, really loud, scream high pitched piercing screams. Normally we get roasted for doing this! On top of that, Mrs. B constantly says I’m a foghorn in class, so I was extremely confident of having the loudest and longest scream. The objective of the game was to see who could run the furthest while screaming as loud as possible. You could only use one breath. Everyone gave their best running scream but it came down to a couple of trusty professional foghorns for the final. To be honest, I ran out of room, making it across the whole oval while still propelling my beautiful high pitched musical screeching. Not only that, I managed to entertain everyone with my unique skill by doing 6 encores. Mia M. A.K.A Queen of the Foghorns.

Archery

The last activity on school camp was archery. Finally, my moment to shine! We wont talk about abseiling. Little did my group know, I have done some archery before. As the moment came and I heard my name called, I puffed out my chest and held the bow with confidence. I pulled back to its full power, then a little bit more for extra power and accuracy and aimed down at the small target. Just like Authur Morgan on my computer game, I breathed out slowly and ‘pew’, let it fly. Just like time had stopped, the arrow leapt out from the bow; only to my absolute horror, the arrow exploded in mid air. It bent, strained and snapped in half, dead on the ground, bullseye untouched. I could not believe it, robbed by an arrow. It wasn’t till a lot later that I realised how cool that was. My muscle and extreme power caused an arrow to explode in mid flight. Now that’s something to boast about. The Mighty Anthony.

Abseiling

We woke up around 6:30 and started to get ready, I had a shower, dressed and walked through the cold morning

air to the meeting spot and sat waiting with the other kids. This was the big day. It would probably be the most fun activity but I was nervous and scared. I certainly wasn’t the only one. Abseiling had us all quaking in our boots! We walked to the hill and hiked up, up, and up, and up! With legs burning we kept climbing. Boy was it steep! At one point I tried to run and I stopped because my legs were pinging with pain. Freya our guide informed us that walking backwards up a hill helps. With little confidence we all tried. It certainly did work and even allowed us a rest on the ground!

An amazing view at the top. I looked over the living hills and the glistening water and all the lush green growing environment. It is amazing what you appreciate when you don’t want to look down. We got our blue helmets on and tightened our harnesses. Really tight! Stepping backwards over the wall into nothing was an experience we will never forget. Absolute pure terror until the harness took your weight and you knew you were safe. It was awesome! Everyone braved up and had at least one go abseiling down. Many of the brave had more. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone. Brave Jarvis and Team

ROLLINGSTONE STATE SCHOOL is looking for donations of every day materials for the students to create, build, experiment and play with at Rollingstone State School. We are asking you to have a look around your house and yard for any unused objects that the children could use outdoors. We only ask that these items are not sharp (including broken) or treated with toxic chemicals. They will be used in the sandpit most of the time so tough things like pots, pans and other kitchen items will be greatly appreciated. These items will help the children use their creativity and imaginations in endless ways. Please drop your items to the school house yard. Thank you in advance for your contribution.