History

The next Historical Society meeting is Wednesday 10 AUG at 6:30 pm at the RSL Club. which will be the Annual General Meeting. You can see more Bribie history on our new Web Site Bribiehistoricalsociety. org.au and our Blog Site http://bribieislandhistory. blogspot.com or contact us on bribiehistoricalsociety@ gmail.com WHEN I MADE MY FIRST VISIT TO BRIBIE 20 YEARS AGO, I IMMEDIATELY FELT A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT. WE MADE A DECISION TO SELL OUR HOUSE IN SYDNEY AND RETIRE TO LIVE HERE. I HAD NO REAL INTEREST IN HISTORY, DESPITE HAVING LIVED IN SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST HISTORIC PLACES OVER THE YEARS, BUT I DID WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE UNIQUE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND TO OUR NEW LOCATION.

There were few books written about Bribie Island and its history back then, but I saw a quote in the Caboolture Centenary book “Spear & Musket” which said.

This remarkable statement sparked my interest and within a few months I was amazed by what I found. I met and interviewed many long term residents, saw their memorabilia and wrote their stories, installed bronze plaques along the Bongaree foreshore, erected a pioneer sign in Brennan Park and established the Historical Society. This soon led to an extensive and ongoing research project, gathering and creating a Database of local history, giving talks to many local Clubs and Groups, and becoming a Tutor in Bribie history at U3A.

I was invited to give talks at local schools to introduce children to some fascinating people and places on the island, and take them on walks to places of interest. People are always fascinated to see photos like this one of Bongaree in 1920, and hear stories of the people and the lifestyle here on Bribie 100 years ago.

The Historical Society have done much to showcase local history over the past 14 years, including writing regular articles for this magazine and a recent publication of a book of selected articles. Twelve new Heritage Signs have just been installed along Bongaree Trail, telling more fascinating stories of the people and events that make Bribie such a unique location. Hundreds of residents and visitors enjoy the wonderful foreshore walk every day and the new informative signs, which spread from IGA to the end of South Esplanade, will greatly improve the knowledge and enjoyment of all. This Bongaree Trail sign project has taken a long time to achieve as a collaboration between the Historical Society and the Council, initiated by Past Presidents Lynne Hooper and Graham Mills back in 2017. The 12 signs tell a range of interesting stories of people, places and events with words and photos involving extensive research.. We believe that the more people know and appreciate the unique events and people that have shaped this island community, the more it will be respected.

Bongaree Foreshore 1920

The new Bongaree Trail signs complement existing information and bronze plaques already along the foreshore, and we plan to produce a new free publication that incorporates all this information for the guidance and enjoyment of the increasing numbers of residents and visitors. The upcoming Olympic Games in Brisbane will provide an opportunity to showcase Bribie Island as the “Cradle Site of Queensland”, the place where explorer Matthew Flinders first landed in what is now Queensland, before going on to circumnavigate and map the entire continent and give it the name Australia. The Bongaree Trail signs tell stories of a creek called Shirley, a dog named Ranger, Bribie’s old Coungeau house, Australia’s first Opera, and the fascinating people behind the names of streets like Hall and Cotterill. Next time you walk the Bongaree foreshore you can read about Thomas Welsby, and the legend of Bribie, Campbells Boat Shed, Sarah Balls fish cannery, a large Fish collection and catching some very big fish. The Historical Society are committed to raising public awareness and showcasing the unique history of the island. They have published three brochures that are available free at the Seaside Museum and Visitor Centre showing walks to key sites in Bongaree and the World War 2 military remains at Woorim.

The Historical Society also conduct free guided Heritage walks for the public in conjunction with Councils “Healthy & Active” program throughout the year. The next free walks are at end July and early August. Numbers are limited and bookings are essential and must be made online at web site mbrc.qld.gov.au/ healthy-active.

The walks start at 9;30 am and are a gentle stroll for about 90 minutes, and all details are provided when you book online at mbrc.qld.gov.au/healthy-active