Discover Solana 1770-Agnes Waters, the ultimate over50s lifestyle resort where your dream of coastal living becomes a reality.
Our 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom is the perfect home for downsizers or singles looking to simplify and enjoy life.
Thoughtfully designed with comfort and convenience in mind, locals who are familar with the area are eager to embrace the exceptional way of life that Solana offers with the resort facilities currently underway.
As our community continues to grow, I'm thrilled to share events, milestones, and changes that highlight the spirit of our coastal haven.
First, let’s raise a toast to 50 years of service from Volunteer Marine Rescue Round Hill—a cornerstone of safety and dedication that has tirelessly supported our waters. Another exciting event to mark on your calendars is the Miriam Vale Rodeo on 12 April, promising a day of thrills, and community fun.
Our heartfelt farewells go out to John and Noni of Agnes Hardware, who after more than 27 years of service to our community, have decided to pass on the reins of their business. Their presence will be missed, and we wish them all the best in their next chapter.
Meanwhile, fresh beginnings await with new businesses opening their doors, including the Blooming Barrelcongratulations on a successful opening day!
The 1770 Dragons continue to impress in recent competitions, proving their determination and teamwork. Congratulations are in order for the Agnes Water Longboard Classic for yet another year—though Mother Nature did bring some challenges with the rainy week that impacted most sports.
Looking ahead, we encourage everyone to attend the upcoming Agnes Water community forum hosted by the council. It’s an excellent opportunity to voice your thoughts and discuss future aspirations for our region. With the upcoming elections be sure to stay tuned for updates from our local representatives.
Thank you for being part of this amazing journey—I feel privileged to share with you. Let’s celebrate, support, and grow together as we continue to write the next chapter of The Coastal Rag!
Miriam Vale Rodeo: A Proud Tradition That Brings the Community Together
For over 70 years, the Miriam Vale Rodeo has been the heart and soul of this small Queensland community. What began in 1953 as a humble camp draft, thanks to H.A Burgess and family and Jim Bayliss, has blossomed into a cherished annual event that unites locals and visitors alike. With its roots firmly planted in tradition, the rodeo has grown to include a full junior competition and a packed one-day event that showcases the spirit and resilience of Miriam Vale.
Cliff Roylance, a true local, was born in Miriam Vale in 1946 and has been an integral part of the rodeo's history. After serving as President for a decade, he now holds the position of Vice President and continues to play a vital role in keeping the event alive. Bernie Scott, another dedicated committee member, moved to the area in 1962. After years on a cattle property near Bororen, Bernie has settled in Miriam Vale and remains passionate about the rodeo’s importance.
The rodeo isn’t just about thrilling events like bull riding or barrel racing. It’s a testament to the enduring strength of a community that has rallied together for generations. Families like the Kellys, Smallcombes, and Roylances have passed down their commitment to the event, ensuring its legacy remains strong. However, with an ageing committee, there’s always an interest for fresh faces to join and help carry this tradition into the future.
The Miriam Vale Rodeo celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2023—a milestone that saw a fantastic turnout and an incredibly successful event. Beyond entertainment, the rodeo gives back to the community in meaningful ways. Funds raised have supported locals in
hardship, sponsored talented juniors to compete internationally in places like New Zealand and America, and strengthened grassroots sports and events.
The rodeo has also produced its fair share of legends, such as Darcy Ward, a professional bronc rider, and the Ferris family, whose legacy of excellence continues to inspire young competitors.
The success of this event wouldn’t be possible without the tireless efforts of volunteers, community groups and businesses. From the touch football team, the SES managing the car parking to the canteen volunteers. With canteen proceeds being distributed to the local organisations who participated. it’s a community effort through and through. With additional support from the Gladstone Regional Council and businesses like Ergon, which contributed to essential floodlighting and underground power projects, the rodeo remains a shining example of what can be achieved when a town comes together.
More than just a day of fun, the
rodeo is an opportunity for families to connect, for locals to celebrate their shared heritage, and for the wider region to experience the charm of Miriam Vale. Attendees can enjoy live music after the event by Rodeo Rock’s Dallas Ruhland, free camping, and breakfast on Sunday morning.
Cliff and Bernie share how great it is Ato support this event, whether it’s by joining the committee, volunteering, or simply showing up and enjoying the festivities. They have gotten so much out of being a part of this annual event and they know you will too. The rodeo is more than just a long-standing tradition; it’s all about community, run by locals, for locals, with all proceeds reinvested into the town or surrounding communities.
So, mark your calendars for Saturday 12 April 2025 and bring your family to the next Miriam Vale Rodeo. It’s more than an event—it’s a celebration of community, heritage, and the shared belief that together, we can achieve anything.
Jamie Saunders
Celebrating Local Flavours: Eat Local Discovery Dinner and Fundraiser
On 1st March 2025, the Eat Local Discovery Dinner and Fundraiser brought together over 150 guests for an unforgettable evening of community, collaboration, and culinary excellence. The afternoon started with Dave Jacobs and his daughter Milenka performing to set the vibe. The event featured a delectable array of canapés, mains, sides, and desserts, all showcasing the finest local produce from the region’s dedicated farmers and artisans.
Highlights of the Evening
Richard Bleckman- Veterinary Surgeon:
Richard, a seasoned veterinary surgeon with a background in studying large animals, emphasised the importance of the choices we make. If we want a better food system that rewards nutrient density, chemical free food and buying in a way that supports our local community, we can choose that system.
Murry Hallam from Practical Aquaponics: Murry spoke passionately about food purity, food security, and food sovereignty, highlighting the significance of sustainable farming practices.
Rachael Treasure: Renowned for her storytelling, Rachael captivated the audience with her insights on communication, creativity, community, and collaboration. She encouraged everyone to get their politicians on board to see change in our food network.
Acknowledgements and Thanks
The evening concluded with heartfelt thanks from Luke Tresize, who expressed his gratitude for the amazing turnout and the community collaboration that made the event possible. The food producers, who went above and beyond,
Photo: Above - Jack Ryan 1969 Photos supplied by Bernie Scott
were central to the event’s success.
Special thanks were then extended to all the local producers that made the night possible. A heartfelt appreciation was also given to the homeschoolers who volunteered as waitstaff, and to Phil Suter for his significant contributions to making the event happen. Luke emphasised that the night was about bringing the community together and building a system outside the 'big chains.'
The Eat Local Discovery Dinner and Fundraiser was not just an event but a movement, celebrating the strength of community bonds and the importance of supporting local producers for a sustainable future.
Jamie Saunders
Photos of the evening supplied by event organisers.
Right: Dave Jacobs and daughter Milenka Left: Homeschooler donating time as waitstaff
Below: Rachael Treasure speaking to attendees
The Blooming Barrel Hobby Lounge: Your New Home for Gaming Adventures
Earlier this month, The Blooming Barrel Hobby Lounge officially opened its doors, welcoming everyone into a cosy space purposely built to provide comfortable browsing, learning, and playing tabletop games. Many of you may have already met the owners, Mitch and Kaitie, at the markets over the past year when they were trading as Shipwreck Cards.
Through the support of the community, The Blooming Barrel has evolved from a small card-selling stall into a full-fledged tabletop gaming hub. The store features two distinct areas: the retail space, which offers a variety of products, including trading cards, board games, and puzzles; and the Play Space, where events such as play, trade, and learn sessions will be hosted. The Play Space is also home to the Games Library which houses a growing collection of games available for full access at a low $5 daily fee. With these purpose-built areas, The Blooming Barrel aims to be more than just a shop—it strives to be a space where everyone can feel at home, build friendships, and grow through shared hobbies.
Opening day was a fantastic success, with gamers and curious passersby filling the shop to explore its offerings. Visitors browsed a selection of trading cards, miniatures, and board games, while others tested out the play areas with free use of the games library. A highlight of the day was the free gaming sessions, where guests dove into quick rounds of board games and trading card battles. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as players met new opponents, learned new strategies, and shared their love for tabletop gaming.
In addition to casual gaming, The Blooming Barrel will host regular events, including Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, learn-to-play sessions, competitive tournaments, casual mingle-and-play meetups, and miniature painting workshops. Whether you're a veteran gamer, exploring a new hobby, or just enjoy casual gaming, there's something for everyone.
The shop is now open at Shop 4, 43 Bicentennial Drive, Agnes Water, Thursday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Be sure to drop in, check
it out, and experience the magic of tabletop gaming. Follow The Blooming Barrel Hobby Lounge on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated about upcoming events and news!
Kaitlan Lavender and Mitchell Cooper Photos supplied by Blooming Barrel
An End of an Era: Our Hardware Store has Sold
Agnes Water Building Centre & Hardware was established on 4 December 1997. We started operating our hardware store in the Agnes Water Shopping Centre complex in a 60m2 shop.
As business grew, we moved to the corner of Rafting Ground Road (Homeware’s building), where we operated for 2.5 years before purchasing our land here in Bicentennial Drive. We have lived here for 36 years. When we first arrived, there were only approximately 800 residences, and at present, there are approximately 8,500. We have witnessed and experienced many changes. Agnes Water 1770 is such a beautiful place, without a single traffic light!
We are very happy with the changes, as life 36 years ago was VERY tough here. There was a mail run and bread delivery three times a week, and one tiny general store at the Mango Tree Shop. This store was operated by Mr Ken Tucker, who did an excellent job providing essentials for the locals and visitors. Ken is still a resident here in Agnes Water.
At that time, the Tavern was under construction, and the Service Station was being built. You had to travel to Bundaberg for shopping—otherwise, you would have starved—travelling 45 kilometres of dirt road to get there. The main road going up to the shops was also dirt.
Our first week here, deciding whether to settle, was AWFUL. I said to John, "Please take us back to civilisation in Sydney." But he chose the block on Watkins Road and promised the future would be much brighter!
Looking ahead, it’s hard to understand why people complain about what we have today. I’m sure people have bought property here because it is not like a big city, so hopefully, it retains its unique balance. We raised our children here, and employment was very necessary for us. We did not want to lose our children and see them move away. This is paradise and a very safe place to raise children.
John, being a builder/bricklayer, was frequently asked to source products. While building our first home on Watkins Road, we realised the need for a hardware store. We began buying extra supplies and helping people, but the Council stopped us from operating at home, along with two other businesses doing the same.
Over the years, we have enabled many families to stay and live in our beautiful
town by providing employment. We currently have 25 employees. We wish to thank every one of our employees, past and present, who have helped us keep providing for our area through all the ups and downs. One employee has worked with us for over 20 years— she has truly been the backbone of our business—many, many thanks to Janelle Guymer. We also have several employees who have worked with us for 10 years or more and are still part of our team.
We sincerely thank the community and surrounding areas that have supported us over the past 27.5 years. You have truly been an inspiration through your friendships and support as we have grown our business. Words cannot describe the friendships we have formed over the years, and we thank you for them. As they say, if you support where you live, the community thrives.
We WELCOME our new owner, Beau Small. Beau is a builder from the Sunshine Coast. Being younger, he will bring fresh ideas to the business. We know he will carry on as we have and, in time, take the business to the next level. We wish him success in this new venture and know you will support Beau as much as you have supported us. Our final THANK YOU goes to our children: Beau, Sarah, Chad, Melissa, Anna, Glen, Belinda, and Gary, who have joined us on this journey, experiencing all the ups and downs of business life.
- Sarah worked with us for approx 13
years as a Frame & Truss Detailer. At the time she was one of three only female Detailers in Qld, a great achievement,
- Chad and Beau have worked as Carpenters in our building business,
- Anna worked as receptionist for a short period before starting her family, then came back and worked the weekend for a period of time.
- Melissa worked in administration with us for many years,
- Glen worked in the Truss Shed then went on and completed his carpenters apprenticeship with our son Beaus company.
Granddaughters Halle, Maddison, and Ada have worked casually in the shop. Halle has since found her passion in hospitality.
Belinda, Gary, and their family have always lived in North Queensland, now residing in Tarzali.
You are all just beautiful children, and we are blessed with 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
It is a sad day for us as we built this business from scratch, so our souls are deeply connected to it. But it is also a great day as we look forward to retirement! John will still assist with the handover to Beau, ensuring a smooth transition toward his ultimate goals.
John & Noni Smith
Agnes Water Building Centre & Hardware - 04/12/97 – 31/03/25
Photo of John & Noni Smith at their store
Golf Club Weekly Highlights: Rain, Results, and Upcoming Events
The welcome rain this week disrupted some of our weekly competitions; however, we did manage to hold some events.
Thursday, 20 March: The 4BBB Stableford competition was won by the team of John Jennings and Neale Dent with 46 points, followed by runners-up Tania Dickson and John McLean with 43 points. John Jennings also won the pin shot on hole 3, Lachlan Hazell on holes 4 and 6, and Jay Bills on hole 5. Lachlan also won the Men'sLlongest Drive and Di Wolfe the Ladies. Special thanks to Paul Gripske from Gripske & Sons.
Friday, 21 March: The Chook Run was won by Dale Cameron with a net 24. Synon Holland placed second with a net 25 1/2, and Vic Glass came third with a net 26 1/2. Both Dale Cameron and Ashley Newstead shot 2 over par for a 36 on the back 9. Nick Fedden won the pin shot on hole 12, Chris Wilkinson on hole 13, Ken Armstrong on hole 14, and Ashley Newstead on
hole 17.
Saturday, 22 March: The individual Stableford round saw Chris Wilkinson win with 40 points on a countback from Rick Petterson, who placed second. Lachlan Hazell took third place with 39 points, and Dale Cameron came fourth with 36 points. Chris Wilkinson also won the pin shot on hole 3, Neale Dent on hole 4, Lachlan Hazell on hole 5, and Rick Gazzard on hole 6. Sue Hughes won the Ladies Longest Drive, while Mark Cornelissen claimed the Men's.
Thursday, 27 March: Tim Anderson won the individual Stableford event with a 4-over-par round, scoring 42 points. John McLean secured second place with 39 points, and Drew Clarke placed third with 37 points. Rick Gazzard won the pin shot on hole 3, Lachlan Hazell on hole 4, Jay Bills on hole 5, and Steve Black on hole 6. Gary Pengelly won the men's longest drive. Thank you again to Gripske & Sons for their support.
Friday, 28 March: The Chook Run saw Ashley Newstead and Lachlan Hazell both score 41 on the front 9 for the best gross score of the day. Blake Townsend won overall with a net 27, Matt Eales came second with a net 28 1/2, and Chris Wilkinson placed third with a net 30. Chris also won the pin shot on hole 3, Ryan Watson on hole 4, and Nick Fedden on hole 8. Julian Eberhard won the "off the green" putting competition with 22 points.
The first round of the Door Doctors match play is due to start on Saturday, 12 April. There are still a few places left if any players would like to nominate. Please phone the clubhouse at 4974 9663. We will be open every day over the Easter weekend and look forward to seeing everyone for a round!
Jo-Anne Lawrence - Town of 1770 Golf Course & Driving Range
Local Teen Shines in Tennis Australia's Emerging Leaders Program
Local teen Edi Rodgers has graduated from Tennis Australia's Emerging Leaders Program. On Saturday, 15 March, in Rockhampton, he was presented with his certificate and a glass trophy at the Central Regional Assembly meeting.
Edi completed a Tournament Director course, a Trainee Coaching course, organised a local junior tournament in August last year, and gained behind-the-scenes experience when he volunteered at the Brisbane International in January this year.
Since the age of four, Edi has been a regular on the Agnes Water Tennis court at Bicentennial Drive, where Angie Draheim has been encouraging and energising players of all ages.
Angie’s agility with a racquet and her warm personality have proved to be an excellent combination, inspiring local kids to play, learn and have fun.
She's played a significant role in ensuring Agnes Water kids have participated in Brisbane International's Primary Schools Cup for nine years running, and Edi attended several of those events in his younger days.
At 15 years old, Edi remains passionate about playing tennis. He coaches red and orange ball kids in Agnes Water and, when possible, travels to weekend tournaments.
It's fantastic to see a program by Tennis Australia and Tennis Queensland upskilling our local youth.
The Emerging Leaders Program is offered annually, with more details available online.
Photo: Edi Rodgers and Glenn Vickery
1770 Dragons: Best Hall of Medals Ever at State Level
The 1770 Dragons paddled with heart at the recent Queensland Dragon Boat State Championships on the Sunshine Coast. Teams from all over Queensland converged on Kawana Lakes, competing on Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday.
For many years, the team has made the commitment to compete at the state level. We are only a small team in comparison to many of the South East Coast teams.
This year, the small regional team of 25 paddlers attended the championships and they were gettng noticed as they competed in the finals of eight races and received six place medals.
The team, under the leadership of coaches Jen Hansen and Kerrie Tanzer, achieved the best results in the history of the club, coming home with two gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals, racing with either 20 or 10 paddlers, a sweep, and a drummer.
Our 2025 results at the state level:
- 2km race - 20s Senior A Mixedsilver medal
- 500m - 20s Senior A Mixed - bronze medal
- 500m - 10s Senior A Women - bronze medal
- 500m - 10s Senior B Open - gold medal
- 200m - 10s Senior A Mixed - silver medal
- 200m - 10s Senior B Open - gold medal
The team is made up of a variety of members, with a variety of ages and strengths. Being a small team limits the categories we can enter. We often find we are entering A Division races because of our 40-year-old paddlers, along with many older paddlers in the boat. The larger clubs are able to enter the A Division races using only their 40-year-old members. The amazing thing to note is that we still remain competitive, with our team spirit and experience in the boat making the difference. We are proud of our inclusive club, with many valuing the friendships and support provided through the dragon boat paddling family.
Our new members are coming from all over Queensland, NSW, and Victoria to settle in the beautiful area of Agnes Water/1770. The club has provided a sense of belonging to the community, while learning a new skill, getting fit,
and taking it to the competitive level if that’s what you’re interested in.
Next month, paddlers from the 1770 Dragons will travel to Sydney for the National Competition. We are very proud of Marjie Bryant and Jason Pukallus, who are part of the Queensland team, both travelling many miles to Brisbane for training with their representative team throughout the year. We also have Gary Rapley, Paul Tanzer, Ron Barker, Keith Tucker, Jan Bergman, and Lyn Harms wearing the maroon and travelling to Sydney in April, representing Central Queensland. They have been attending training in Bundaberg as part of the lead-up to the Nationals. A support crew of husbands and wives will make the journey into NSW for the week-long competition, including state racing and club racing.
Once the Nationals are over, our regional Wide Bay Series begins with regattas at Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Tin Can Bay, and 1770. The 1770 Dragons have always been strong in the Wide Bay Series, but all the Wide Bay teams have been going from strength to strength.
1770 Dragons
below: Team spirit – our team has the greatest team spirit with high fives for all paddlers.
Photos supplied by 1770 Dragons from the Championships.
Gary Rapley and Keith Turner with 2 gold, a silver and a bronze
Photo
Volunteer Marine Rescue Round Hill 50 Years Serving The Community - Come Help Celebrate
On April 12, 2025, Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Round Hill will celebrate an incredible milestone—its 50th anniversary. What started as a small, dedicated group of locals working together to ensure the safety of boaters navigating the unpredictable entrance to Round Hill Creek has grown into a vital community organisation providing life-saving services for half a century. Today, VMR Round Hill stands as a testament to the power of volunteerism, commitment, and community spirit.
The story of VMR Round Hill began in 1975, when a group of concerned residents, including Jack and Nora Lewis, Jack Chalmers, Paige Ball, and others, recognised the need for a rescue service to assist the boating public. At a meeting held on April 12, 1975, at the 1770 General Store.. The group understood that local knowledge of Round Hill Creek could make all the difference in times of emergency, and so, Air Sea Rescue Round Hill was born.
The first president, Kevin Maultby, along with other founding members, set out to establish a reliable communication and rescue network. They secured the callsign VN4NL, and the first radio, a Crammond 150 HF, was set up in the General Store. This radio served as the lifeline for the community, providing communication with the outside world and coordinating emergency medical evacuations through the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
In the years that followed, VMR Round Hill expanded its operations. In 1988, they became incorporated as Round Hill Air Sea Rescue Inc, and by 1991, the group had secured a permanent headquarters on Captain Cook Drive. This base, which included a well-equipped kitchen, training room, and radio room, became a hub for both the rescue service and community activities.
The introduction of VHF radios in the mid80s greatly expanded the communication capacity, while the launch of new vessels, including 'Round Hill 2' in 1990, marked important milestones in its rescue capabilities. By 1994, they had built its first secure boat shed, and in 1999, the completion of a communication center solidified the infrastructure.
The most significant achievement came in 2007, with the completion of a dedicated rescue boat shed and training facility at Round Hill Creek. This new facility ensured that VMR Round Hill had a secure home for its equipment and volunteers.
In the last five years, VMR Round Hill has continued its legacy of service while adapting to the changing needs of the community. Over this period, they have responded to more than 200 tasks, ranging from search and rescue operations and breakdowns to medical evacuations. These efforts have been carried out by a small, dedicated group of volunteers who continue to serve the community with the same passion and commitment as the original founders.
The rising number of boats in the region and the increasing popularity of Round Hill Creek as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef have added to the workload. The creek, once a dependable waterway, has become more challenging to navigate, particularly at low tide, further emphasizing the importance of the rescue service. Despite these challenges, VMR Round Hill remains steadfast in its mission, with volunteers manning the radios for a combined total of over 20,000 hours in the past five years alone.
“Over the last five years, we’ve had more boats on the water, and with that, more incidents requiring our attention,” said a spokesperson for VMR Round Hill. “But the dedication of our volunteers has never wavered. From search and rescues to assisting with vessel breakdowns, we’ve been able to offer a vital service to the boating public 24/7.”
However, as the demand for services grows, so does the challenge of sustaining the volunteer base. The volunteers, many of whom are aging, face the need for new recruits to ensure the future of the organisation. With the boating community expanding and the responsibility of safeguarding the region's waters becoming more complex, the call for new volunteers has never been more urgent.
As VMR Round Hill celebrates 50 years of service, it is not just looking back at its past achievements but also focusing on the future. The 50th anniversary is an opportunity to recognise the incredible work of past and present volunteers, as well as the unwavering support from the local community and partner organisations like Queensland Water Police, Queensland Ambulance Service, and VMR colleagues from Gladstone and Bundaberg.
The anniversary celebration on April 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM will be a chance to reflect on the history, honor the volunteers who have made it all possible,
and celebrate the community that continues to support this essential service. The event will serve as both a celebration and a reminder of the vital role that VMR Round Hill plays in keeping the local waters safe. “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past 50 years, but we know that our work is far from over,” said a VMR Round Hill spokesperson. “This milestone is not just a celebration of our past; it’s a reminder of the continued need for volunteers to carry this legacy forward.” As we enter the next 50 years, the commitment to the community remains unchanged. With its highly trained and dedicated volunteers, state-of-the-art equipment, and a strong support system, VMR Round Hill will continue to provide a vital service to the boating public and ensure the safety of all who venture into the waters of Round Hill Creek and beyond. The legacy of VMR Round Hill is a story of dedication, courage, and community, and it will continue for many years to come. For those interested in joining the volunteer ranks, we encourage new members to step forward and become part of this proud tradition of service.
For more information about the 50th anniversary celebration or how to get involved, visit VMR Round Hill’s website or contact the organisation directly.
Safe Boating to all VMR Round Hill Team
Photo left to right: Betty Wait Lee and Clive McMahon
Photo below: VMR Round Hill serving the boating community
Meet the Eurimbula Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers
Get to know our members: Martin Tansley
Current position: Sixth Officer and Chairperson
When did you join the Rural Fire Service (RFS)? Early 2023?
Why did you join? I have always wanted to be part of a community fire brigade. Turns out my dad did the same thing.
What’s your day job? I own my own business Attitude Audio part time, and during the week I work for IT Guardian.
Who is in your family? My wife Roshelle (Camp shop & Taxi driver), Jake, and Victoria (In NZ).
What do you love most about being a firefighter? I love being able to help turn a bad day into a not-so-bad day. Lets be honest, shit happens. Fire can
be devastating and scary, but I am here with my fellow crew members, to minimise damage, and get things back under control, so the community can keep moving forward.
What was the most memorable fire for you? Being relatively new to the brigade, Gwyn Range fire. I watched field grass burn faster than I could run. It is an eye opener seeing it first hand, TV does not show you that. It was overwhelming with so many other firefighters from so many other brigades all coming together as one united front. We got in, we got it done, we went home safe.
Anything else you’d like to say? I believe in community, and community supporting each other. I encourage others to become part of a brigade so we can all join forces and combat scenarios that occur. Together we can do anything. In addition, our brigade feels more to me like another family, one that I can count on and lean on. Oh, and I do feel a bit of a kid when I can dress-up and turn on the lights and siren.
GREAT WEATHER FOR DUCKS
Meet the Radjah Shelduck: A Classy Quack
BY JODIE RICHARDS
You don’t need to be an expert birder to spot this one. With its crisp black-and-white suit, pale pink legs, and calm, watchful eyes, the Radjah Shelduck (say it “ra-ja”) is one of the most distinctive ducks in Agnes Water. Locals sometimes call it the Burdekin Duck , but whatever the name, it’s definitely not your average pond-hopper.
Unlike the more camouflaged brown ducks, the Radjah Shelduck looks like it’s dressed for a formal dinner party. Its white chest and dark wings really stand out against the water.
While they look fancy, they’re a down-to-earth duck—often seen hanging out near still water or dabbling for aquatic snacks, their heads underwater and their tails in the air. Radjahs are known to form lifelong bonds and are usually found in pairs or small family groups. If you see one, chances are its partner is nearby.
Radjahs love all water—fresh, salt or brackish—so you’ll find them in or around the ponds at the Beach Houses Estate, dams at the Cove and Ranches Estates, at the 1770 Golf Course, around any puddle on Round Hill Road as you drive by and, occasionally, they’ll even float around under the bridge to main beach
Like most ducks, they’re opportunistic omnivores, feeding on insects, seeds and small aquatic critters. But they’re not deep divers—they prefer to pick off the surface or forage in the shallows and they love a puddle after rain when waterlogged underground critters float to the surface for a Shelduck feast!
Of the 24 duck species found in Australia, 10 can be seen in and around Agnes Water. Over the next few issues, Wild About Agnes Water will help turn you into a duck expert with our Good Weather for Ducks series.
Want to take it further? Join the “Agnes Water & 1770 Birders” Facebook page for tips, sightings and friendly duck talk. In the meantime, if you’re walking past a dam or a quiet waterhole, keep an eye out for the unmistakable black-andwhite flash of Agnes Water’s most elegant duck.
Eurimbula Rural Fire Brigade.
Photo: Martin Tansley, supplied by Eurimbula Rural Fire Brigade
Photos courtesy of Stephen Goldsworthy
Photo to the left: 50th National Medals
Photo below: The first rescue vessel
Miriam Vale Welcome to the Region Morning Tea
Gladstone Regional Council and the Gladstone Region Neighbourhood Centre have been hosting a series of ‘Welcome to the Region’ Morning Tea events across the region to welcome our newest residents and connect them with valuable services.
The most recent Welcome to the Region Morning Tea was supported by UnitingCare, Agnes Water and was held on Wednesday 12 March at Miriam Vale.
This event was in partnership with the Gladstone Regional Libraries’ First 5 Forever Family Fun Day and saw approximately 80 community members walk through the doors.
Many new residents who attended the event had relocated to our region from all over Australia, including from towns such as Darwin, Cairns and as far south as Tasmania.
Residents were happy to connect with 17 local organisations who service the Miriam Vale area and enjoyed connecting with other residents over morning tea.
Local shop owners reported that community members who had attended the event enjoyed their time.
The next ‘Welcome to the Region Morning Tea’ will be hosted at Agnes Water Community Centre on Saturday 14 June.
Regional Council
supplied by Gladstone Regional Council from the Welcome to the Region Morning Tea.
Tech Savvy Rebates Open for Tourism
• Local Tourism Operators encouraged to apply for $2500 rebates to help improve visitor experiences and future-proof their businesses.
• More than $3 million in rebates available to support more than 1,000 tourism operators to boost their tech take up.
• The Tourism Business Digital Adaption Program is open to micro, small and medium-sized businesses.
The call is out to local tourism operators to boost their tech take up and apply for $2,500 rebates. The Tourism Business Digital Adaption Program has $3 million in rebates available for micro, small and medium-sized tourism businesses to help them stay tech-savvy and ready to attract more tourists.
Whether it’s improving websites, simplifying online bookings, upgrading payment systems, or boosting social media management, this program aims to help businesses thrive in today’s digital world. Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the rebates will help fast track tourism operators to reach more customers.
“The Crisafulli Government understands the importance of small businesses in the tourism sector which is why we have also directed the Queensland Small Business Commissioner to reduce the red tape that suffocated industry under the former Labor Government,” said Mr Bennett.
“We know that staying up to date with ever-changing digital technologies can be difficult for small businesses, but these rebates offer a solution to help overcome that challenge.
Stephen Bennett Member for Burnett
Gladstone
Photos
A Call for Change with the People First Party
Well, the 2025 Federal Election has been called! On the 3rd of May, the people of Australia will have their say on who will govern Australia for the next three years. The major parties have rigged the system to best enable themselves and their sidekicks to be returned to government.
The People First Party has joined forces with the “Heart Party” and the “Libertarian Party” to work together to bring about a return to prosperity and democratic representation in Australia.
We stand for:
• A public bank and insurance –putting competition back into the banking system and banks back into the community.
• An infrastructure bank – stopping the borrowing of overseas money to fund infrastructure, especially infrastructure purchased overseas.
• Voluntary superannuation –stopping the fat cats from living off your super while you struggle to pay your home loan.
Boyce Ready for Election
I’m all systems go after the Prime Minister called a federal election for May 3.
Under Labor, regional Australians are poorer and are being hit with higher taxes, higher grocery prices, and higher energy bills. Our community can’t afford another three years of this Labor Government.
As the local Federal Member for Flynn, I’m advocating for our community, including better local healthcare, stronger telecommunications infrastructure, and protecting Central Queensland’s future. Cost-of-living pressure is the number one issue I hear from people of all walks of life around the Flynn electorate.
The LNP has a plan to fight cost-ofliving pressure by getting inflation down and alleviating household cost pressures. This includes halving the fuel excise, saving families up to $1,500. We also have a plan to back small businesses as the key driver of economic growth and security. This is why we have already committed to extending the value of assets eligible for instant write-off to $30,000 for firms
with an annual turnover of up to $10 million.
Our plan will immediately address the housing crisis. Through this initiative, we will free up more than 100,000 homes in the next five years and unlock up to 500,000 new homes through new infrastructure funding. We will rebalance our migration program to relieve pressure on housing and community services.
Additionally, we aim to grow our GP workforce because a strong pipeline of homegrown doctors is critical to increasing the number of bulkbilling GPs. The LNP’s $400 million commitment will incentivise junior doctors to train in general practice, helping to fill shortages in rural and regional areas.
The Flynn electorate generates an enormous amount of income, and as such, we should be given a greater share of the economic pie. I am fully committed to the Flynn electorate and have made a concerted effort to visit and speak with as many local communities as I can. Whether you live in the Central Highlands to the west,
• Flexible childcare – payments made to parents to care for their children instead of big childcare companies.
• Lower income tax – raising the tax-free threshold from $18,200 to $40,000.
So, please give the People First Party a go on May 3rd. People First by name and by nature.
https://www.peoplefirstparty.au/ Because if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got.
Lance Price
Gracemere to the north, Gladstone or Agnes Water to the east, Wondai to the south, or one of the towns in between, I am committed to ensuring strong representation for the Flynn electorate. I will continue to deliver for our region.
Colin Boyce - Member for Flynn
GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL
Phone: (07) 4970 0700
For urgent matters (e.g., burst water main), call anytime, day or night, and after-hours calls will be redirected to our Emergency Call Centre.
Non-urgent: Call during opening hours
Opening Hours:
8.30am - 5pm Monday to Friday
Council General Meetings: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month.
If you need to let council know of a problem in your area, then “Snap, Send & Solve”
TRANSFER STATIONS
MUST WEAR ENCLOSED SHOES
Agnes Water: Mon – Fri - 8am – 12pm Sat & Sun - 8 – 12 & 1 - 4pm
Baffle Creek: Thurs – Mon - 1pm – 4pm
Rosedale: Thurs – Mon - 8am – 11am
LIBRARY
71 Springs Rd, Agnes Water
Mon – Fri 9am – 1pm, 2pm – 5 pm
Saturday - 9am - 12 pm
Activities
Mah-jong Wed 9.30 - 1pm
Cards 500 Wed 9.30 – 1pm
Chess Club on Fridays 9.30 - 1pm (for those that want to learn and those who wish to have a game or two)
Storytime Thursdays 10.30 – 11.30
MUSEUM
NEW EXHIBITION – DOOR OF DESTINY
Open Monday-Sunday 10.00am - 2.00pm
69 Springs Road, Agnes Water (opposite the Visitor Information Centre) Ph. (07) 4974 9511
Adults $5.00. Children FREE
EMERGENCY
POLICE PH: 000 IN AN EMERGENCY
Agnes Water 4899 4000
Miriam Vale 4974 6000
Rosedale 4153 8636
Police Link (non- urgent) 131 444
RURAL FIRE BRIGADES
Agnes Water First Officer: 0428 815 568
Eurimbula First Officer: 0423 464 037
FIRE WARDENS
Eurimbula: 0411 269 510
Colosseum: 0429 953 048
Lowmead 1 & 2: 0428 569 131
Wartburg: 0436 942 422
Rosedale 1 & 2: 0422 727 330
RURAL FIRE BRIGADE - NOTICE
We are all volunteers, we are glad to help people out, donations welcome!
A fire that is more than 2m x 2m wide needs a permit!
Phone your local fire station.
Agnes Water/1770 SES - 132 500
Flood or Storm Emergencies
Ph: Ian (07) 4974 9330.
E: Ian.jones@ses.qfes.qld.gov.au
Baffle Creek & Rosedale SES
Training 2nd & 4th Tues 10am @Rosedale Ph: Margaret 4156 6223 / 0448 486 176
MEDICAL
Shore Care Family Doctor: 4859 1234
Impact Dr Dani: 4902 2000
DC Doctor & Dentist: 4974 7707
Agnes Water Doctors - 4803 5451
Poisons Info: 13 11 26
Ambulance: 13 12 33
13 HEALTH: 13 432584
CHEMISTS
Agnes Water Pharmacy - 4974 9700
LiveLife Pharmacy - 4803 5291
DEFIBRILLATOR LOCATIONS
Agnes Water/1770 Local Ambulance, Agnes Water Ampol, 1770 Bowls Club, 1770 Camping Ground, Rosedale Hotel,
Baffle Creek General store, Agnes Water Post Office, Food works, IGA Supermarket, Codie’s Place, Captain Creek Sport & Rec. Agnes Water Tavern. LiveLife Pharmacy. The Reef Caravan Park, Sandcastles Resort and Chappy House donated by Rotary.
4CYTE PATHOLOGY
Located at Agnes Water Doctors & at Impact Community Health.
2853 Round Hill Rd, Agnes Water Clinic Phone: 0402 682 086 JP SERVICES
Agnes Conservation Community Contact info@agnescc.org.au
AW Childcare: Ph 4974 9066
AW Craft Ladies: 1st Wed of the month. 9am – 12 pm. 12 Seaspray Dve. Judy: 4974 7373
Agnes Water Men’s Shed: Dennis 0400 831 693
Agnes Water Active Riders: Bronwyn 0448 938 493
AW/1770 Little Athletics: Anna 0431 099 479. awla1770@gmail.com
AW Orchid & Foliage Group: 1st Wed of the month.10am – 12 noon. 0417 141 775
AW/1770 RSL Subbranch: Lillian.Ph 0499 075 741
Friday 915am Bingo at the Tavern, Friday night 6pm - meat trays and Jag the Joker
Agnes Water Quilters: Karen 0417 106 884
Agnes Water Rugby League Marlins: 0431 671 008
AW Surf Life Saving: 4111 1000 Agnes Water Triathlon: admin@agneswatertriathlon.com
AWSUM Ukulele Group: Lyn 0419 015 584
Baffle Creek Craft ladies: Every Wed at the Sport & Rec.
Baffle Creek Art: Every Sat 9.30am to 1.30pm. Patti 0418 183 670
Baffle Creek Fishing Club: Last Sat of the month 2pm. Wayne 0475 353 266
Baffle Creek Garden Club: 3rd Wed of the month. Ph Petronella: 0427 194 986
Baffle Creek Golf: Wed 8.30 am Ladies. Sun 8.30 am Medley, Raffles 2nd Friday of the month.
Baffle Creek Men’s Shed: Every Sat 9am to 12 noon (behind BCCI oval)
Baffle Creek Youth Group: 2nd Friday of the month 3.30 – 7pm.
Boomerang Bags: Every Tues 9am at the Bororen ‘Little Joey’s Playgroup: 49744124 Brekky Club – 1st Mon of the month meets at Latinos! 8 am
Captain Cook 1770 Agnes Water Lions Club: Dave Wilkinson 0439 076 409 Captain Creek Pony Club: Ph: Kyra French 0401 827 988
Disc Coast Environment Group: Ph 0439 289 633
Discovery Coast Men’s Circle: Aaron Shultz. Ph 0400 573 867 Every 2nd Mon at (New Hall) 6.30pm.
DC Meals on Wheels: Delivering to Baffle Creek, Rosedale, Lowmead, Miriam Vale Fingerboard, Captain Creek & Agnes/1770. Ph: 0477 885 506. Volunteers welcome!
Discovery Coast Rotary
Servicing Baffle Creek, Deepwater, Rosedale, Lowmead, Miriam Vale, Agnes
Water and 1770. 0488 087 622 dcrmarkets@gmail.com
discoverycoastrotary@gmail.com
Discovery Coast Sport & Rec: secretarydcsraaw@gmail.com
Disc Coast Tourism & Commerce: (DCTC) Email: info@dctc.com.au. Ph: 0458 491 770 Discovery Vibes choir and marimba in Seventeen Seventy by Helga Bateman 0418752558
Discovery Coast Women’s: 2nd Thurs of each month. 10:00am to 12:00pm, (Old Hall)) Contact: 0437 233 799.
Imperial Vale Station: Every Tuesday Meet & Greet. 10am FREE smoko! Mary 0439 831 806.
Playgroups supported by BUSHKIDS: Contact Sasha - 0427 848 239
- Agnes Water Playgroup: Tues 9-11am
- Captain Creek Playgroup - Mon 9-11am
- Miriam Vale ‘Playtime’: Wed 930-1130am
- Lowmead play group: Every Wed 9-11am
- Wartburg: Thurs 930-11am (Every 2nd wk)
- Rosedale: Thurs 930-11am (Every 2nd wk)
Tide n Turn Board riders Assoc: See our Facebook page.
Up & Active: Rosedale Hall 9.30 Mon. Lowmead Hall 7.30am Tues. Baffle Ck Com Inc 9.30 Tues.
CHURCHES
AGNES WATER BAPTIST CHURCH
200 Bicentennial Dr, Agnes Water
Contemporary Sunday Worship Service commences at 9.30am. Followed by morning tea. There is also a ‘Kids Church’ program running concurrently with the Worship Service during School Terms” All are warmly welcomed. Phone: Pastor Rob Rodgers – 0491 109 633. admin@awbaptist. org.au
OP SHOP - Tues – Sat 9am – 1pm. Ph: 4974 9018
Donations & volunteers welcome!
ANGLICAN CHURCH
Sunday Worship Times. St Mary’s, Larson St Miriam Vale. 1st & 3rd Sunday each month at 4pm. St Luke’s, Lowmead Rd, Lowmead 4th Sunday at 4pm. Rev Beryl Anderson 0419 649 711
LUTHERAN CHURCH
1st & 3rd Sunday of the month 10.30am. Followed by brunch. Rosedale.Ph:4156 6162
ST AGNES CATHOLIC CHURCH
Mass, liturgy with communion (Lay Lead) every 4th Sunday 11am. 86 Bicentennial Dr, Agnes Water Ph: 4972 1025
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Baffle Ck. Mass every first Sunday of the month Coast Rd, 12pm. Baffle Creek. Brian Ph: 0477 701 640 Paul Ph: 0429 885 771
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH Service every Sabbath Saturday 9.30–10.40am, 11am–12pm Main Service Lutheran Church, James St, Rosedale. Ph: 4974 7234.
Agnes Water SDA Fellowship meet on a Saturday. For more info please contact 0458 040 300.
POWER COMMUNITY CHURCH
St John’s 76 James St Rosedale. Services 10am every Sunday. Contact
Pastor Dave 0438979994
Pastor Shelly 0438874700
SUPPORT SERVICES
Uniting Care Discovery Coast Community Support Program
Food hampers, fuel vouchers, linking, referrals and support with community action. Mon, Wed & Thurs on - 0427 319 978 Or Tues & Thurs on 0439 699 297
Email: jamie.saunders@uccommunity.org.au
Impact Community Health Service
2 Rafting Ground Road Agnes Water.
Our Health Precinct provides a range of health services through co-located and visiting health providers, along with Nursing & Allied Health Services provided by ICHS. Agnes Water, Baffle Creek, Rosedale, Lowmead, Miriam Vale, Bororen & Turkey Beach
Contact ICHS - 07 4902 2000
1800 RESPECT - National Domestic Violence Service
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
Is Australia’s only free 24/7 confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25.
Alcoholics Anonymous AA 6.30pm Tuesday, 6.30pm Friday
Old Community Hall, Springs Rd, 1300 22 22 22
Lifeline: Call 13 11 14
Queensland Health: 13 Health
Out Back Minds
support@outbackmind.com.au
Little Free Pantry
Donations of non-perishable food, pet food, toiletries & cleaning products. Drop off at the “Little Blue Bin” on 56 Innamincka Way, Agnes Water. Anytime, Any Day. Phone: Margaret 4974 9418
TRANSPORT
SHUTTLE SERVICES
to BUNDABERG every Wednesday!
The Weekly Shuttle will pick up from:
• Ampol Servo in Agnes at 9am
• Fingerboard at 9:30am
• Rosedale at 10:15am will drop off at:
• Bundaberg Hospital
• The Hinkler/Sugarland S/Centre
MARKETS
Rosedale Markets - Last Saturday of each season. 730am-12pm. 4 x per year. Call 0419 021 485.
Miriam Vale Community Markets - First Sunday of the month - 9am to 1pm. Contact 0401 288 017 to book site.
DATE CLAIMERS NOTICES
Miriam Vale RodeoSaturday 12 April 2025
Anzac Day Service - Friday 25 April 2025
Mother’s Day BrunchMiriam Vale HotelSunday 11 May 2025
1770 Festival - 23-25 May 2025
Anzac Day Service - Friday 25 April 2025
Dawn Service - 5.15am
Parade - 10am Main Service - 10.10am
• CBD and will return from 3pm
Book Now
$50 return
Phone: 0458 349 000
$50 RETURN!!!
$35 for Concession card holders
Cash For Cans 19 Corfield Drive! 10c bottle & cans.
Meals On Wheels donation code is C101 390 39
WINDOW CLEANING
Baffle Creek Markets - 2nd Sat of the month. From 8am at the shops
Farmers & Artisan’s Market @ the Creek - 2nd Sat of the month.
3-7pm. See Facebook for info.
Discovery Coast Rotary Markets - 2nd & 4th
Sunday of the Month and every Sunday in the QLD School Holidays and Public Holidays. 1770 SES Grounds, Agnes Water
Captain Creek Produce SwapTuesdays fortnightly. 10am-12pm. 111 Murphy Rd, Captain Creek.
1770 Art Show & Quilting Exhibition - from 22 May 2025
Miriam Vale Hotel Wood ChopSaturday 7 June 2025from 9am
Baffle Creek Car/Bike Muster - 19-20 July 2025
Discovery Coast College 10th Year Anniversary Fun Day - Saturday 9 Aug 2025
Agnes Water ThriathlonSaturday 4 October 2025
Strum Music FestivalAgnes Water - Saturday 25 October 2025
Are you interested in history? Agnes Water Museum is the Discovery Coast’s leading museum in local, maritime, cultural and natural history.
The museum is currently looking for volunteers to assist with general duties including welcoming visitors, administrative, data and bookkeeping support and social media sharing.
If you are interested please give our friendly team at the museum a call on 07 4974 9511 between the hours of 10.30am and 1.30pm.
PUBLIC NOTICES
Entries to Central Entries 0754 991 700 on Wednesday 2 nd April between 10am and 2pm, Thursday 3 rd April between 2pm & 6pm. Entries close Thursday 3 rd April 2024 at 6:00pm.
$500
PROUDLY
TEAM ROPI NG $1000
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY….
$400 - SOLACE REAL ESTATE
$350 - MIRIAM VALE HOTEL
$250 - LIMESTONE CLOTHING
STEER UNDECORATING $ 500
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY….
$250 - STAR ROADHOUSE - MIRIAM VALE
$150 - MIRIAM VALE HOTEL
$100 - MORGANS FINANCIAL
$250
STEER WRESTLIN G $ 800
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY….
$400 - MP ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENTATION
$200 - ERGON ENERGY
$200 - ROBOAT BUS CO - MV
BARREL RACE $800
BOB SHAW MEMORIAL
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY….
$300 - ERGON ENERGY
$300 - THE SHOP, MIRIAM VALE
$200 - MIRIAM VALE PLANT HIRE
ROPE & TIE $800
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY…. $350 - MP PROCUREMENT $250 - MV POST OFFICE & GIFT SHOPPE
Tidal predictions are based on limited observations and therefore expected to be less accurate for this location. Users should exercise caution when using these predictions.
VMR ROUND HILL
Please call at 07 4974 9383 or 0427 747 477
On air daily from 06:30 to 18:00, monitoring VHF channels 16, 81, and 82, with working channels 81 and Lady Musgrave to Fitzroy on 82 north.
Weather updates are available daily on channel 82 at approximately 06:40 and 16:40, or upon request on channels 81 or 82.
