The Bribie Islander Issue 211 March 22, 2024

CHERRIE WILSON EDITOR | GENERAL MANAGER

on 0448 694 507 editor.thebribieislander@gmail.com

on 0448 448 457 or 0493 838 687 sales.thebribieislander@gmail.com

DEBBIE

JENDA

0400 932 604 invoicing.thebribieislander@gmail.com

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Country across our region. We also acknowledge and pay our respects to the Kabi Kabi, Jinibara and Turrbal Traditional Custodians, and their elders past, present and emerging of the lands, winds and waters where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects and acknowledge the important role of Elders past and present, for they hold the memories of the traditions, cultures and aspirations of Australia’s First Nations peoples, and have taken on the responsibility to protect and promote their culture and leave a legacy for future Elders and leaders.

SEASIDE MUSEUM’S NEW EXHIBITION

Welcome to edition 211. Thankfully, the heat wave has started to back off, and we are having lovely weather—not saunalike humidity! It’s the perfect weather for getting out and about!

In the last edition, we had the beautiful Kiani on our front cover thanks to Vernazza Ristorante, who was battling it out for the top contender in Australian Idol. The community really got behind Kiani on her Idol adventure and she made the top 8, just missing out on the top 6! To go that far at such a young age is amazing and I am sure this talented young lady has only just begun. So, before she gets swept away from Bribie, keep an eye out for when and where she is playing so you can enjoy her beautiful singing live. Kiani is playing at Vernazza Ristorante on

Mother’s Day, so get in and book your spot quickly!

As always, please support our businesses and shop locally. The big corporations get enough money, let us get behind our smaller, family-run businesses and make sure we keep them afloat and not closing their doors.

Until next time, Take care, Stay safe,

CONTRIBUTORS

Anne

Barry

Bribie

Colin

David

Elaine

Joie

John

Karyn

Katherine Miller

Kathy Vincent

Maria Christina

Marj Webber

Peter Schinkel

Peter Dallimore

Philip Arlidge

Robyn- B.I.

Boat Charters

Sue Wighton

Whether you’ve spent the day engaging in intense physical activity or have just been on your feet too long, your muscles and joints will likely be overworked and a bit achy. Even though this pain is temporary, it’s natural to want quick relief. You might not have to look far. One of the most effective and inexpensive ways to soothe a sore body is likely already in your medicine cabinet: Epsom salt.

Afarmer in the English town of Epsom discovered the healing power of the salts in 1618 after his cattle refused to drink from a particular well. He tasted the mineral water, thought it tasted bitter, and eventually noticed the water helped heal his rashes and scratches. People would flock to the area for years to soak in healing springs rich in magnesium sulphate (MgSO4). Both of the compound’s minerals have properties that can help the body recover from common hurts like muscle and joint pain. Once absorbed into the skin, magnesium can reduce the brain’s pain responses. It also controls other body proteins, increasing the body’s overall performance. Sulphate, on the other hand, is made up of the elements sulphur and oxygen, flushes out toxins, and forms proteins that improve joint and tissue performance. Fortunately, you no longer have to travel to southeastern England to enjoy a relaxing Epsom salt soak. Today, you can buy mineral salts by the

pound at almost any chemist for just a few dollars.

Taking a bath in Epsom salt offers health benefits that have led many people to make soaking in the tub a regular routine for years. People take Epsom salt baths for many reasons: They can help relieve stress, soothe muscles, soften skin, and maybe even reduce the look of wrinkles.

In addition to treating aches caused by too much activity, Epsom salt can also address other types of pain. It’s been shown to help heal bruises and reduce the pain of bee stings, sunburn, and the achiness of the flu.

Sulphate also plays an important role in the way your body works: It forms brain tissue and joint proteins and can strengthen the walls of the digestive tract.

Taking an Epsom salt bath helps restore magnesium and sulphate in your system because they can be absorbed through your skin. Some doctors recommend soaking thrice weekly for about 12 to 15 minutes.

How to Take an Epsom Salt Bath

If you’re ready for an Epsom salt bath, consider your tub size and water depth before you begin pouring in the salt. More salt isn’t necessarily better. A common formula is to add a cup or two (about 0.25 or 0.5 litres) of Epsom salt to warm water in a standardsize bathtub. If your bathtub is bigger or smaller than most, you may want to adjust the amount of Epsom salt you add. If you’re a lover of hot, steaming bath water, know that it’s not doing your skin any favours. The water you use in an Epsom salt bath -- and any bath, for that matter -- should be warm, not hot. Warm or tepid water is best for your skin because it doesn’t strip away as much protective oil, and it helps to dissolve the Epsom salt. Before you climb into the bath, make sure that all of the salt has dissolved so that it can be more easily absorbed into your skin. Any salt that hasn’t dissolved in the water may dry on your skin as an opaque white powder. If you see this

residue on your skin after the bath, don’t worry; excess salt should be harmless and easily rinsed off.

Aside from these soothing baths, Epsom salt baths can be incorporated into your beauty routine to exfoliate, as an athome facial when mixed with a cleansing cream and as bath crystals when mixed with a fragrance.

Despite the benefits, Epsom salt baths aren’t for everyone. They are generally not recommended for people with conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes. If you aren’t sure whether an Epsom salt bath is

THE FASTEST WAY TO TREAT THE VISIBLE SIGNS OF AGING ON THE BODY

The forever body BBL treatment is a no-downtime comfortable procedure that eliminates the visible signs of aging, such as age spots, sun spots, redness or dull looking skin. Improving skin’s appearance anywhere on the body.

WHO SAYS GREAT LOOKING SKIN STOPS AT YOUR FACE?

Now your body can look JUST AS RADIANT

• Skin Rejuvination & Correction

• Permanent Hair Reduction

• Skin Firming & Tightening

• Acne Treatment

• Laser Skin Resurfacing

• Hydra/Aqua Facial

• Skin Needling

• Microdermabrasion

• Cosmetic Tatooing

• Cosmetic Injectables

• Facials And Skin Peels

• Pigmentation Correction

Full body treatement in minutes. NO downtime Comfortable treatment well tolerated without anesthetic cream

91% Patient Satisfied improvement seen in just 1 Treatment 4 x faster treatments ELIMINATES Stamping or Striping 1-3 Treatments Suggested

Bribie Harbour Shopping Village Shop 14, 25 Sunderland Dv, Banksia Beach enquiries@qldcosmeticclinic.com.au | www.qldcosmeticclinic.com.au

07 3410 7710

GET READY TO TURN HEADS WITH ATTRACTIONS FASHION!

UNVEILING OUR LATEST EVENT DRESSING COLLECTION!

Are you ready to shine like a star at your next event? Attractions Fashion is here to make sure you’re the centre of attention! Introducing our brand-new Event Dressing collection, curated to make you look and feel your absolute best for every occasion. Whether it’s a glamorous gala, a chic cocktail party, or an elegant wedding, we’ve got the perfect outfit for you.

Bribie Harbour Shopping Village Shop 14, 25 Sunderland Dv, Banksia Beach enquiries@qldcosmeticclinic.com.au

www.qldcosmeticclinic.com.au

07 3410 7710

SIMPLE post care stay out of the sun RESULTS seen in 2 - 4 weeks

Challenging times…

Often, when one goes through a challenging time in life, they view it as a negative experience. However, it is the challenges in our lives that provide us with a huge opportunity for personal growth and change. To call in all parts of ourselves, perhaps we were unaware existed.

Challenges can bring forth the boundaries of opportunity, the places where you can pinpoint the lessons and grow from them.

When we have challenges in our lives, it allows us to grow in ways that perhaps we would not have if the challenge had not occurred.

When we are challenged by a person or a situation, it allows us to embrace another part of ourselves by meeting it with an open heart and mind and looking at challenges as a gift rather than something we want to push away.

When we look at it in this way, we can see the positive side of things, as well as embrace growth and change.

Challenges teach us about ourselves, so in those times, ask yourself some questions and reflect upon your answers. Some questions you may choose to ask are:

• What can I learn from this?

• What is this teaching me about myself?

• Are you viewing this challenge positively?

• How or what can I do differently?

• Is this a repetitive challenge?

• Is there anything I can do to prevent it from arising again?

• Are you fighting with yourself in this challenge or are you accepting what is taking place?

Accepting what is taking place does not mean we are giving up; it purely means we are not resisting, and when we accept what is, that is half the battle gone.

Sometimes when we accept learning, we avoid the same lesson being repeated and perhaps avoid it coming back as a greater lesson to learn. At times of challenge and change, we can tend to hold onto the old, though when we can let go, have acceptance, surrender, and let love in, wonderful things can happen!

Embrace your challenges with love, and it is from this place you will find strength and courage to be a stronger version of yourself. Growth is not always easy, and you can experience some growing pains, though rest assured you will feel blessed by your renewed spirit.

Perhaps you are going through a challenging time or are looking at change, and you need some love and support. I offer coaching and counselling sessions; do you want to take that first step to find out more? Reach out and send me a text or give me a call…

Always with love,

•

EMBRACING THE PRINCIPLES OF ETIQUETTE

Part 3

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF FASHION

Okay, well, I had to pull back this one as there is so much on dressing correctly that I could have filled this whole magazine. I could go on things like making sure the line of your mock seam on your nylons is running straight, what side of your head you wear a fascinator, and the requirement that women wear slips and girdles. Thankfully, things have changed. I call myself stuck in the old days; I believe they have changed too much, and the less-is-more attitudes have gone out the window and been replaced with nothing left to the imagination style. Some “rules” are just ridiculous, and some I see merit in them, too, so let's dig in!

FAUX FUR, LEATHER AND DENIM ON DENIM ARE TACKY

Fake fur, leather, denim on denim, and animal prints were once referred to as cheap-looking and tawdry and were reserved for women of no class or breeding. These days, however, there is a fantastic selection of these clothing styles that look both elegant and sophisticated. I still will not wear any animal print, denim on denim, and I also won’t wear spots as I feel I look like a cow, yet I have admired some of the outfits I have seen on other women who looked stunning!

COLOUR CONFUSION

Remember the old saying, “Blue and green should never be seen, without a colour in between", or “Pink and red, I’d rather be dead?” Hot pink was for only accessorising, and it was never worn as a full outfit. That was considered to be a “showy girl”, if you get my drift. They are not the only colour combination traditionally frowned upon. Brown and black, navy and black, are also no-nos if the old rules are to be believed. If this were still the case, I would have no wardrobe! I love the colour combinations we play with now; not as stodgy and uptight, allowing freedom to express your unique personality.

YOU CAN’T WEAR RED TO A WEDDING

This somewhat ridiculous fashion rule ensured a way-too-sexy, attentionstealing colour didn’t outshine the bride. You can wear red these days; try to refrain from the Jessica Rabbit sultry style. Also, it goes without saying that

WHITE IS FOR THE BRIDE ONLY

It is her special day, and you have plenty of other colours to choose from.

TALL WOMEN SHOULDN’T WEAR HEELS

As a tall woman, I can say this is a really

stupid rule. So what if we are already tall? That is not the purpose of heels! I always thought that people {ok men, sorry guys} find it intimidating and imposing. Back in the day, I loved high heels with a passion; the higher, the better; however, now, they are reserved for special occasions, as the older I get, the less pain I wish to impart on myself.

RED LIPSTICK IS ONLY FOR EVENING

This colour was always defined for evening lip choice as it was considered too bold and brash to be worn during the day. I hated this rule; I never adhered to it and owned more shades of red lipstick than any woman has a right to own!

DON'T BE "TOO MUCH" OF ANYTHING

According to the powers that be of yesteryear, the following things are a do-not-do list: Too much skin, perfume and makeup would very quickly get you a name as a lover, never to meet the mother type of woman.

No skirt needs to be so short that your bum cheeks are on display bending over. Ladies never wear a tight skirt and a tight top together; one or the other is fine, just not together, as it is considered tasteless. {Probably by all the women who wanted their hubbies to keep their eyes to themselves}

Wearing a dark-coloured bra under a light-coloured top was also a no-go, just like letting your bra strap or slip be seen, as underwear should never be visible. Don’t go braless; wear a strapless bra with anything that has thin or no straps. Visible straps are not classy at all.

Legs or cleavage - never both One or the other, never, ever both. It looks cheap, simple as that. It is about having an outfit that draws attention to you for the right reasons, not your legs and cleavage going into battle for what body part gets the most attention.

LOVING THE LOGO LOOK

I’m talking about the logo prominently displayed on all items. Logo piling is the fastest way to make an outfit look cheap and nasty. Not only does it make you look like a paid advertisement for that particular brand, but it actually cheapens the look by having too much of it; like the old saying, less is more. It is considered gauche and lacks social grace to flaunt your wealth.

I will leave you with that now, as I dare say my head will be on a spike soon if I keep going. All I would like to say is to be a strong, proud woman with selfrespect, dignity, sexiness, and admiration. You don’t need to grant everybody a full show; just give a preview!

What is the Connection between Alternative Haircuts and Edgy Fashion Trends?

In the fashion world, keeping up with the latest trends and making a statement that stands out is crucial. The connection between alternative haircuts and edgy fashion trends is fascinating and continues to captivate the industry. This article delves into the complex relationship between alternative haircuts and edgy fashion trends, highlighting how they complement each other to create unique styles.

Self-Expression and Individuality: One common thread connecting alternative haircuts and edgy fashion is the emphasis on self-expression and individuality. Both allow individuals to break away from societal norms and create a style that truly represents them. The juxtaposition of an unconventional haircut with edgy clothing sends a powerful message of personal authenticity.

The Role of Creativity: Creativity is the driving force behind both alternative haircuts and edgy fashion trends. Fashionistas and hairstylists alike use these outlets to express their artistic talents. Edgy fashion often borrows from various subcultures and styles, creating unique combinations of colours, fabrics, and designs. Similarly, alternative haircuts provide a canvas for hairstylists to showcase their creativity, crafting intricate, avant-garde styles. Influential Subcultures: Subcultures play a significant role in shaping alternative haircuts and edgy fashion. Punk, goth, and grunge are just a few of the subcultures that have left an indelible mark on these trends. The rebellious aesthetics of these subcultures often inspire alternative haircuts, while edgy fashion takes cues from their fashion sensibilities.

Unconventional Colour Palettes: Alternative haircuts often feature unconventional colour choices, such as neon hues, pastels, or even multi-coloured designs. These colour palettes seamlessly blend with the daring and vibrant colour combinations seen in edgy fashion. The boldness of alter-

native hair colours complements the edginess of fashion trends, creating a harmonious look that draws attention.

Breaking Gender Norms: Both alternative haircuts and edgy fashion are known for transcending gender norms. Edgy fashion often incorporates androgynous styles and gender-neutral clothing, while alternative haircuts can be customised for any gender. This inclusivity allows individuals to break free from traditional expectations and express themselves authentically.

The Influence of Pop Culture and Celebrities: Pop culture and celebrities play a significant role in popularising alternative haircuts and edgy fashion trends. Celebrities like Rihanna, Billie Eilish, and Ruby Rose have embraced these styles, bringing them into the mainstream. As these icons push the envelope, their influence on fashion and hair trends becomes more pronounced.

Accessories And Styling:

Accessories and styling are pivotal in enhancing the connection between alternative haircuts and edgy fashion. Edgy fashion often features bold accessories, from chunky boots to leather gloves, while alternative haircuts can be accentuated with piercings, headgear, or avant-garde hairpins. This combination of accessories and

hair styling creates a comprehensive, edgy look.

The Influence of Street Fashion: Street fashion is a significant source of inspiration for alternative and edgy haircuts. Street fashion's gritty and raw aesthetics often blend seamlessly with the rebellious and unconventional styles of alternative haircuts. Street fashion icons, especially in urban centres like Tokyo and New York, have embraced the edgy look, further merging these two trends.

The Recurring Vintage Influence: Vintage fashion has always held a special place within edgy trends. Retro styles, such as punk rock and grunge from the ’70s and ’90s, continue to inspire both edgy fashion and alternative haircuts. Incorporating vintage elements into modern looks creates a unique blend of old and new, further cementing their connection.

Sustainability and Ethical Choices:  There is a growing movement towards sustainability and ethical fashion choices within the edgy fashion and alternative haircut realms. Many individuals in these communities seek out eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and vegan products, aligning their fashion and hair choices with their values. This emphasis on conscious consumerism demonstrates that these trends can be responsible and forward-thinking.

HOW ACUPUNCTURE WORKS FOR HAY FEVER

• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

• Post-operative nausea and vomiting

ACUPUNCTURE FOR HAY FEVER

With our hot summer wrapping up and (hopefully) cooler autumn days finally upon us, many are welcoming the season change, while for others it means it’s time for allergies to rear their head again! Allergic rhinitis, also commonly known as hay fever, affects nearly 20% of Australians and can affect people seasonally or year round. Typical seasonal triggers for allergic rhinitis are pollens, grass, and weeds, while persistent triggers include animal dander and dust-mites. Episodes of allergic rhinitis typically result in sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and eyes, and blocked nose leading to interrupted sleep, snoring, fatigue and poor concentration. Allergic rhinitis can have significant negative impacts on quality of life for many people. Allergic rhinitis sufferers also frequently suffer from other allergic conditions such as asthma and skin rashes, due to the close relationship between the nose, the lungs and the skin.

The conventional treatment of allergic rhinitis involves avoidance of triggers, oral medications, nasal sprays and allergen immunotherapy. Acupuncture, however, is a popular choice for allergic rhinitis symptoms - in fact, approximately one in five people with allergic rhinitis have used acupuncture for symptom relief. For some sufferers, medication is not effective and some experience side effects from medication that are not well tolerated.

The short answer is that acupuncture affects the immune system and reduces the allergic inflammatory response to allergens, and therefore symptoms, and also improves people’s tolerance to would-be allergens. Acupuncture for allergic rhinitis is one of the many conditions that have been extensively studied by western medical sciencethe ‘Acupuncture Evidence Project’ (a comparative literature review for the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions) in fact found acupuncture to be more effective than medication in some studies, and that symptoms continued to improve for up to 3 months after treatment. Acupuncture has also been recommended in the allergic rhinitis clinical practice guideline of the Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery Foundation in the US as a treatment option for those who prefer a nonpharmacological treatment.

THE ACUPUNCTURE EVIDENCE PROJECT

For the science-y types, the ‘Acupuncture Evidence Project’ (as mentioned above) was an extensive review of published scientific literature, particularly systematic reviews and meta-analyses, on the effectiveness of acupuncture. The intent of the project was to set a benchmark to inform acupuncturists, the public, researchers, health departments, governments, and other health providers that acupuncture has a valuable contribution to make to global healthcare and to assist in reducing the global burden of disease. Completed by two of Australia’s own Chinese Medicine doctors (who also have western medical backgrounds) based in Brisbane in 2017, the Acupuncture Evidence Project is now a resource used around the world. It concluded that acupuncture has been demonstrated with strong evidence to be effective in the treatment of:

• Migraines

• Headache

• Chronic low back pain

• Allergic rhinitis

• Knee osteoarthritis

• Post-operative pain

Thirty-eight other conditions had evidence of positive effect, including irritable bowel syndrome, menopausal hot flushes, neck pain, sciatica, and poststroke rehabilitation.

If you’d like to make a booking or if you’d like to discuss whether acupuncture and Chinese medicine is right for you, please contact us - Jessica, Wendy, and Katherine - via our website www. bribieacupuncture.com.au or call 0423 160 228. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram @bribieacupuncture. HICAPS is available onsite. Pensioner discounts available.

On 8th March, on International Women’s Day, we held a grand opening celebration for Element Fertility & Pregnancy - what we like to call our ‘sister’ clinic to Bribie Acupuncture. Thank you Ali King for joining our celebration!

Though we’ve supported many women and couples on their fertility and pregnancy journeys as Bribie Acupuncture, we wanted to create something special and dedicated to those on the path to parenthood - this is how Element was born.

We have many years of experience working in fertility and pregnancy focused acupuncture and Chinese medicine clinics in Brisbane and surrounds, and are so happy to be part of so many more journeys on Bribie.

You can also find Element on Facebook and Instagram @elementfertilitybribie and elementfertility.com.au.

AUSTRALIANS IN THE DARK ABOUT ‘SILENT THIEF OF SIGHT’

There’s an eye disease taking hold of 300,000 Australians, with more than half going about their day-to-day lives without a diagnosis or the knowledge they are affected.

This World Glaucoma Week, the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is raising awareness of the eye disease, also known as

the ‘silent thief of sight’.

Glaucoma is a condition where the eye’s optic nerve — which provides information to our brain — is damaged with or without raised intraocular pressure.

Glaucoma develops slowly and often without any symptoms, which is why there is such a high rate of non-detection in Australia. Left untreated can cause vision loss or lead to irreversible blindness — reinforcing why awareness and early intervention are crucial.

In Australia, glaucoma affects:

• 1 in 10,000 babies are born with it.

• 1 in 200 of us have it by age 40.

• 1 in 8 of us have it by age 80.

The ASO calls on Australians to take proactive action and book a potentially sight-saving eye test this week.

‘Cruisin’

‘You’ll love it!’ they said. ‘Once you try it you’ll want to keep doing it!’ they said. ‘We can’t get enough!’ they said. And no, my friends weren’t talking about sex or bingeing on Tim Tams.

So, I’ve been on two cruises now—my first and my last. I’ve spent years knocking cruises (and those who take them, if I’m honest). But I finally succumbed to my friend’s entreaties and decided to drag my partner along on a short cruise up the Queensland coast and back. After all, four days isn’t so long. And if my lovely friends like this, and I like them, how bad could it be? Watch this space.

I confess the process of being processed (think, luncheon meat) and boarding our enormous cruise ship (capacity of a gazillion souls – well, four thousand) was smooth and pain-free. But then, so is a colonoscopy, right? And you get a free cup of tea and a ham sandwich.

We go straight to one of many bars. This one is styled like an English pub. Faux experiences like these abound in

fake marble columns and fake chandeliers. Faux stuff isn’t my favourite. No thanks. I’d rather have the real thing. But I digress.

So, after handing over our spleens and our first-borns to the bar attendant, we down a couple of hideously expensive and not very good cocktails. We should have bought the ‘drinks package’ but didn’t want our friends to think we were alcoholics. I wasn’t an alcoholic before the cruise.

One bar was entirely staffed by robots. Talk about a mess! These robots were flinging around the G and Ts in all directions, mostly not in the glass. Think of the bar scene in Star Wars, but even more feral.

Looking around, there are lots of blokes with shirts seemingly made from the Eureka flag, and one joker is wearing a turkey (faux) as a hat. Hilarious. The women have tans reminiscent of the oompah loompahs of Willy Wonka fame. I fear these are not my people.

Our friends arrived, and we enjoyed a convivial (expensive) time together. Then it’s off to our ‘state room’. It’s actually

very pleasant with a tiny balcony looking over the side of the ship and out to sea (well, once we get going).

Dinner the first night was in a pleasant, if unremarkable, restaurant. Unfortunately, my partner and I had recently seen the movie Triangle of Sadness. A memorable scene in the movie begins in just such a restaurant on board an ocean liner. Bad weather causes mayhem—mostly of the overflowing lavatories and projectile vomiting kind. So I’m already feeling a little queasy. However, we enjoyed our (cost included) dinner.

There were many activities on board for the bored. We headed off to the trivia competition –sadly we couldn’t understand any of the questions, so had no chance of answering.

The ‘shows’ featured very talented singers and glamourous dancers with amazing production values (giant screens, fabulous light shows, performers emerging from below the floor). I appreciated the talent on display, but somehow these glitzy shows aren’t my scene. Ditto the casino and the ‘art’ show.

I thought I’d enjoy swimming in the many pools on board the ship. Imagine my dismay to find the pools overflowing with large, cocktail-swilling oompah loompahs. Once my partner pointed out that none of these folks would leave the pool to pee … well, let’s just say my togs didn’t get wet.

Don’t get me wrong. I know some folks love a cruise – being waited on by small, brown people, all-you-can-eat buffets, lounging poolside with loud music and giant TV screens, etcetera. It’s just not my thing.

We did see a pod of dolphins one day, which was magical. And cruising through the Whitsundays in the soft, grey dawn was quite beautiful.

As for the rest, no thanks.

Then, to top it all off, when we docked back at the cruise terminal (thank the cruise gods!), an ambulance was waiting. Apparently, at least one person dies per cruise (not surprising considering the age of the patrons!)

My takeaway was that I can now say I’ve been on a cruise— and I survived!

PICKING A PHOTOGRAPHER

If you're looking for the perfect photographer for your needs, you might be wondering where to start. Here are some tips to help you find the ideal candidate.

Being a good photographer isn't just about knowing how to use a camera or having the best equipment. It's about having the innate ability to see beauty in unexpected places and capture it in a photograph. Of course, different types of photography require different skills. For example, pet photographers need to be able to interact with animals, while sports photographers need to be quick and agile. However, there are some qualities that all good photographers share.

When you're hiring a photographer, you want to make sure that the final product is exactly what you had in mind. After all, these photos will be a lasting memory of an important moment in your life. This is especially true for wedding photography, where you only have one chance to get it right.

To find the best photographer for your needs, start by asking friends and family for recommendations. You can also look for reviews online to get a better idea of the photographer's reputation.

Make sure to look at the photographer's website and portfolio to see if their style matches what you're looking for. Do you like their use of colour and lighting? Do their photos have the same aesthetic?

Once you've narrowed down your search to a few candidates, schedule a consultation to get a better sense of their personality and working style. This will help you determine if you'll be comfortable working with them.

It's also important to find a photographer who specializes in the type of photography you need. For example, a nature photographer might not be the best choice for a wedding, and vice versa.

Finally, don't make the mistake of choosing the cheapest photographer you can find. Quality photography requires expertise and experience, and photographers charge what they're worth. Make sure to ask about any hidden costs, such as editing or printing fees.

By following these tips, you'll be able to find the perfect photographer to capture your special moments.

THURSDAY

TIME:

Street Address:

RSVP: By FRIDAY

Laugh until your ribs hurt

Pam Corbett (nee McNoon) and Geoff Corbett met in the UK and got engaged before they decided to move to Australia. They arrived in Australia on January 1st, 1964, with only £40 in their pockets and no job. Despite the challenges, they settled in Mermaid Beach and started their new life. After arriving in Australia, Pam and Geoff got married on February 29th, 1964, at Mermaid Beach. They then returned to the UK to have their first daughter, Julie. After spending some time in the UK, they decided to move back to Australia in 1969

THINKING OF DE-CLUTTERING?

and settled in Brisbane, where their second daughter, Laura, was born.

Over the years, Pam and Geoff have been blessed with a large family. They now have five grandsons and seven great-grandchildren. They currently reside with their eldest daughter, Julie, and her husband, Tony, at Banksia Beach.

Despite the challenges they faced when they first arrived in Australia, Pam and Geoff built a beautiful life for themselves and their family. They are a testament to what can be achieved with hard work,

DE-CLUTTER AND DE-STRESS

You are very welcome to join our fun, supportive group to get encouragement, advice, motivation & ideas to help you to free your home and your life of clutter and its associated stress.

PRIVATE NDS/DVA AGED CARE ALL WELCOME

All About Care Bribie Island is family-owned, and I take pride in providing one-on-one

Care Bribie Island, we understand this and provide a range of services to help. From personal care assistance to household chores and companionship, Emi Sasaki can make your home a sweet and comforting place to reside in.

Dedicated & committed one-on-one senior-aged & disability home care service. Hold Certificate III in Aged care, Diploma in Nursing & Midwifery (Japan).

Current First aid certificate, national police check, fully insured professional indemnity and public liability.

About All About Care Bribie Island

Finding the right care at home is crucial for ensuring the comfort and well-being of yourself or a loved one. At All About

At the heart of everything Emi does is compassionate care. She is dedicated and committed to providing exceptional aged care and disability support services on beautiful Bribie Island. Emi brings a wealth of experience and a heart filled with empathy to her clients. She believes every individual deserves respect, dignity, and support in their journey towards wellness and independence.

Emi’s journey has been defined by a commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals in need. With a background in healthcare spanning two continents, her qualifications speak volumes about her dedication to providing top-notch care.

She holds a Certificate III in Aged Care and a diploma in Nursing and Midwifery from Japan. Her extensive experience, including medical and hospitality industry roles, has equipped Emi with unique skills that transcend boundaries. From her time as a receptionist at the International Medical Centre to roles in the kitchen, she has honed her ability to adapt, work under pressure, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

At All About Care, we believe in promoting emotional and mental well-being by enabling individuals to retain a sense of autonomy and independence while receiving the necessary support and assistance to maintain their well-being. Our services allow individuals to stay in a familiar and comfortable environment. Emi says, “My mission is simple yet profound: to enhance the lives of my clients by delivering compassionate and personalized care. My core values of adaptability, empathy, and integrity mirror my own qualities. I believe in fostering a balanced approach to care and worklife, ensuring my business provides the highest level of support with patience and honesty.”

We are proud to serve Bribie Island, Ningi, Goodwin Beach, and Sandstone Point, ensuring that individuals within these areas have access to our highquality home care services.

BRIBIE ISLAND VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY HELP ASSOC. INC.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS WANTED

Bribie Island Community Help is after volunteers to assist our active aged and frail clients with door-to-door transport. We transport clients around following areas:

• Bribie Island & surrounds

• Caboolture, Redcliffe, Northlakes

• North Brisbane & Brisbane City. Currently seeking to expand our Volunteering numbers to service all areas to assist our growing client numbers.

We are seeking committed volunteers who can donate 5 to 8 hours per week. We are registered with Centrelink for those with

volunteering obligations. We have a fleet of Toyota Commuter automatic minibuses, and we will provide training on driving the buses as well as orientation and ongoing support from our professional office staff.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Must hold Australian or NZ Citizenship or the capacity to permanently work in Australia.

• Above 25 years of age due to insurance constraints.

• Be able to pass a driving record history check by Qld Transport.

• Be able to pass a criminal history background check.

• Have a minimum of an Australian Open “C” class license.check by Qld Transport.

If you wish to apply or seek further information, you can email your details to apply@bivchai.org.au or call on 3408-0111.

The Associations receives funding from the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works and the Department of Communities to support our Services.

Learn about the world of BUTTERFLIES

Become a

As you walk through the entrance to the Butterfly House, you’re likely to meet Warren, one of our volunteer tour guides. You’ll find him in front of the breeding lab windows where he’s ready to answer yourquestions and explain the butterfly life cycle.

Look closely through the windows: you might spot a runaway caterpillar who’s managed to escape from their cage. Be sure to let Warren know or tap on the windows to notify our lab volunteers. What attracted you to volunteering?

When I retired, there was a little bit of emptiness in my life. I guess my sense of purpose was lost. I was talking to my daughter about it, and she found the Butterfly House for me.

What is your volunteer role?

I meet people at the lab windows and explain about the caterpillars they can see and their metamorphosis into a butterfly.

I get a lot of different questions

from visitors, so I’ve learnt a lot by researching information to better answer their questions.

We have a range of ages visiting the Butterfly House, from toddlers to adults, which means I have to modify what information I provide to cater for their ages. For example, with little kids I always relate back to the Very Hungry Caterpillar book, which they’ve all read. People are also surprised to learn that caterpillars can eat several times their body weight every day. You can see them thinking about that information and what would happen if human babies ate that much every day.

What do you enjoy about volunteering?

I feel like I’m achieving something for the community. And I’m always learning new things about caterpillars and butterflies.

Bribie Island Butterfly House

Open Wed and Sun 10am-4pm

206B First Ave, Bongaree

www.bribieislandbutterflyhouse.org

social butterfly

LOOKING FOR A WAY TO GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT THE ENVIRONMENT HERE ON BRIBIE ISLAND?

We are supported by volunteers and offer a place where visitors can learn more about these amazing creatures. We have a range of roles and sessions to suit your availability:

• Butterfly breeding

• Hydroponics gardener

• Gardener

• Tour guide

• Butterfly House Attendant

• Plant foster carer

• Front office assistant

• Maintenance operator

• And many other opportunities

We are an approved organisation for Centrelink Jobseeker volunteers.

For more information visit our website www.bribieislandbutterflyhouse.org/volunteerroles 206B First Avenue, Bongaree - Woorim,

SISTER Concepts

March 27 – April 14

Sisters Jan Gardiner and Sue Gardner (yes, different spelling) share a gene pool but have very different art styles, as shown in this exhibition. Their parents were artists and ran a Toowoomba art gallery.

Jan is an experimental and unconventional artist who came to the practice late, after a career in IT. Sue has been painting since she was 13, using textures, colours and different mediums to exlore a connection to nature. The seaside and what is in and around water, combined with the interaction of fish, birds and people in those landscapes, resonates with her.

Dear Pumicestone

Locals tell me cost of living is their number one issue in our community.

How is cost of living impacting you?

Have your say:

From the price of groceries to interest rates, Pumicestone locals are under pressure.

I’m not going to pretend any government can fix inflation or national cost of living pressures, but we have delivered big cost of living relief for locals - and we won’t stop there.

Here’s what we’ve done so far.

Big money off your energy bills.

By now, everyone should have seen money come off their energy bills. Every household is getting $550 off their bills, with seniors, pensioners and concession card holders getting up to $1,072 off their bills.

This is only possible because our Miles Labor Government kept our energy assets in public hands, and because our progressive mining royalties are putting money back in Queenslanders’ pockets, instead of giving multinational mining companies bigger profits.

We’ve made Kindy FREE for every Queensland family, because the littlest members of our community deserve the best start in life regardless of their families’ income.

We’ve made over 70 TAFE courses FEE-FREE.

10,000 young people have already taken up the opportunity to get a TAFE qualification for FREE.

We’ve expanded the school breakfast program.

Every kid deserves a good start to their school day, so we’ve expanded the school breakfast program to cover more days in local schools.

We’ve frozen car regos and public transport fares.

We’ve launched an inquiry into price gouging at the big supermarkets.

The Premier has made it clear he expects fairer practices and lower prices from the big supermarkets. Why are famers getting less for their produce, while we are paying more at checkouts?

Premier Steven Miles has also called on

the big banks to lower interest rates, while our Federal Labor Government is giving everyone a tax cut to help with cost of living pressure.

We’re doing lots to support locals with cost of living pressures, but I think there’s more we can do.

If you agree, please fill in my Cost of Living Survey so I can push for more support for our community: https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/B6QPBXY

Let’s make sure our government hears from our Pumicestone community about what you need most.

I will fight for more support for locals who are struggling to pay their bills and finding it hard to put food on the table.

I believe our Pumicestone community needs even more cost of living relief - and I won’t stop working to make it happen.

Warmly

Bribie Island Seaside Museum Unveils Exciting New Art Exhibition

The City of Moreton Bay is excited to announce that the Bribie Island Seaside Museum will reopen on Saturday, March 23, with a new exhibition by renowned artist Ruth Downes, Barely Wearable.

The museum will reopen after maintenance works were conducted following the recent severe weather event. The works have ensured that the museum will be back and better than ever with an exciting array of exhibitions, interactive displays, events, and workshops, starting with Barely Wearable.

Downes is passionate about reappropriating everyday materials and objects to celebrate their intrinsic beauty. By reimagining these materials, Ruth has created works that look past their practical function and invite viewers to see objects in a new light.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Bribie Island Seaside Museum also features the following displays:

• “Playback”, a mini Imaginarium that takes visitors back in time to look at old-school gaming.

• stories from First Nations elders video archive

• a theatre showing films about the famous S.S Koopa (1180-1953)

• stories of Bribie Island’s important role during World War II

• the story of internationally renowned artist Ian Fairweather.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the Bribie Island Seaside Museum to explore Bribie’s unique history. Admission is free, ensuring cultural experiences are accessible to all.

Opening hours are:

Sunday: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Council is seeking feedback in relation to the suggested naming of parkland located at 60 Sylvan Beach Esplanade, Bellara

It is proposed this parkland be named “Phil Hungerford Place”

Comments in relation to the proposed naming will be accepted up until Friday, 19 April 2024

Visit yoursay.moretonbay.qld.gov.au email parksplanning@moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Wednesday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Thursday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

The Bribie Gleemen annually hold a concert to raise funds for a worthy local cause.

After all the recent hot and windy weather, no service is more deserving than our local Rural Fire Brigade. Recently, at Toorbul Rural Fire Brigade, the Bribie

Gleemen were proud and grateful to present the $500 from concert proceeds to the good men of that Brigade.

These chaps hold fire drills in the Toorbul Station every two weeks, and though there are up to 25 volunteers, they are always grateful for more.

Enjoy

On Saturday, 4th May 2024, at 1.30 pm in the Recreation Hall, First Ave, Bongaree

“GLEEMEN ON THE RUN” has many songs about bushrangers, gaol breaks, ruffians, gamblers, running off to sea or the latest gold rush! SPECIAL GUESTS, THE FABULOUS LOCAL LADIES’ GROUP “GOOD COMPANY” AND “THE

“Good Company” Shines Again”

On Saturday, March 16, Good Company presented its usual polished performance and a table-service afternoon tea to the delight of over 120 locals who enjoyed the toe-tapping, singalong tunes of the 60s and 70s. Sadly, the girls of Good Company regret that many missed out, as the afternoon was a sellout. But take heart—two performances are scheduled, hopefully, in August. To be sure not to miss this great afternoon of song, fellowship, and food, purchase your tickets soon after the advertised dates.

Tickets are $20, including light refreshments BOOK ONLINE DIRECT AT “trybooking.com”

Or Phone 0438 618 073 Or 0408 404 180

The girls are Bribie Island locals and are thankful for the wonderful support from fellow islanders, the Bribie Islander, the Ink Shop, the Moreton Council and many others.

We are looking forward to seeing you at our next afternoon tea and entertainment.

Follow us on Facebook or contact us Phone: 0418 157 486 Email: goodcompanysingers@gmail.com

LocalGuideDining

BONGAREE | BELLARA | BANKSIA BEACH | NING I BEACHMERE | WOORIM | SANDSTONE POINT

SERENITY CAFE

With fabulous views across the Passage and open from 7:00am – 2:00pm every day, Serenity serves up lovely coffee and fresh cooked food for breakfast, brunch, lunch & snacks. Enjoy High Tea in our little tea salon which can also be booked for your small gatherings (bookings essential). We also provide catering for picnics and events

2/83 Welsby Parade, Bongaree, 4507.  Phone: 0466 221992.  Email: allan@serenitycafebribie.com

Find us on Facebook

THE SURF CLUB

Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, our casual bistro boasts a bar and gaming area as well as mesmerizing ocean views. Explore our diverse menu, offering a little something for everyone. It’s the perfect place to unwind, indulge in good food, and enjoy the laidback friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’ll enjoy a memorable visit at The Surf Club Bribie Island. Come for the food, stay for the view!

First Avenue, Woorim PH: (07) 3408 2141 www.thesurfclubbribieisland.com.au

SCOOPYS

Located by the jetty on beautiful Bribie Island, Scoopy’s Family Cafe is all about the family vibes, great food and coffee, fantastic service and all the ice cream you can eat! Enjoy our friendly hospitality with barista-made coffee, amazing burgers, and a tempting array of ice cream choices to impress the pickiest connoisseurs. Our massive range of cakes and famous fish and chips make it well worth the hour’s drive north of Brisbane.

Shop 2/2 Toorbul Street, Bongaree 07 3410 1791

J&J JAVA CAFE

Carlie, Taylah, Skye and Hayley look forward to meeting you at our friendly Woorim café. Come in and try our delicious Tiempo Seasonal Fair-trade Blend coffee. Enjoy our all-day breakfast and be sure to ask for our tasty smokey tomato relish.

Shop 3, 2 Jacana Avenue Woorim. 0468 477 380

IKIGAI Café &Workshop.

Making friends one cup of coffee at a time. Oscar and Keahni welcome all locals and holidaymakers. Pop in and have a chat over a delicious coffee and experience our fresh take on making simple food taste amazing.

7 Toorbul Street, Bongaree. Check out ikigaibribie on Instagram

BONGAREE | BELLARA | BANKSIA BEACH | NING I BEACHMERE | WOORIM | SANDSTONE POINT

EL PIGFACE

Hola Amigos, if you love authentic Mexican cuisine, all freshly made on-site, look no further than our little Mexican Cantina, located next door to Pigface, right beside the beach at Woorim. What better to go with Mexican food than our very own, secret recipe, that goes into our frozen margaritas, which are perfect for our Queensland summer.

OPEN FOR LUNCH: Friday, Saturday & Sunday (11.30am to 2.30pm) OPEN FOR DINNER: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (5.00pm to 8.00pm)

CLOSED TUESDAY

3/4 Rickman Parade, Woorim. (07) 4800 8393

DIAMOND CHINESE TAKE AWAY

With a huge variety of tasty meals Diamond Chinese can offer something for everyone. Positioned in Welsby Parade, grab your meal and sit by the jetty and watch the boats go by or one of our amazing sunsets.

3/1 Welsby Parade, Bongaree, 4507.  (Opp the Library) Phone: 3408 1430

LUNCH Wed to Sun 11.30 - 1.00pm

DINNER: Tue - Thu & Sun 4.30 - 8pm, Fri & Sat 4.30 - 8.30 CLOSED MONDAYS

$ 2 0 S P E C I A L O F F E R $ 2 0 S P E C I A L O F F E R

2 0 0 G S T E A K S E R V E D W I T H Y O U R C H O I C E O F C H I P S & H O U S E

S A L A D O R C R E A M Y M A S H & S E A S O N A L V E G E T A B L E S , P L U S O N E

O F T H E F O L L O W I N G S A U C E S : P E P P E R , M U S H R O O M , D I A N E ,

C R E A M Y G A R L I C & W H I T E W I N E , B E A R N A I S E , G R A V Y * .

N B : A l l s a u c e s a r e G l u t e n F r e e

Two For Tuesday Two For Tuesday

$ 3 5 S P E C I A L O F F E R $ 3 5 S P E C I A L O F F E R

P U R C H A S E T W O M A I N M E A L S F R O M T H E ' T W O F O R T U E S D A Y ' M E N U

A N D P A Y J U S T $ 3 5 C H E C K O U T T H E D A I L Y S P E C I A L S B O A R D F O R

T O D A Y ’ S S E L E C T I O N * .

C H E C K O U T T H E D A I L Y S P E C I A L S B O A R D F O R T O D A Y ’ S

S E L E C T I O N O F D E L I C I O U S B U R G E R S * .

N B : G l u t e n F r e e s u r c h a r g e a p p l i e s V e g e t a r i a n a n d V e g a n o p t i o n s a l s o a v a i l a b l e s e e s t a f f $ 1 8 S P E C I A L O F F E R $ 1 8 S P E C I A L O F F E R

H O U S E M A D E S M O K E Y B B Q P O R K R I B S S E R V E D W

*

Air Fryer

We are thrilled to have a new contributor to our magazine... Greg has kindly agreed to submit some yummy, quick and easy recipes to make in the Air Fryer!

RECIPES

Steak and Vegetables

INGREDIENTS

Potatoes ,pumpkin,veg of your choice

METHOD

Par boil veg 8 mins at slow rolling boil , drop into ice bucket to stop cooking process Pat dry sprinkle cornfour onion and garlic powder to your tastes over items and brush with Sesame oil  1x 300 GM steak my fave either rib fillet or sirloin , brush with sesame oil and have ready at room temp

Preheat 5 min 220c  Airfryer

Place steak and veg on grill plate to get the grill marks or without plate if your not worried about the lines

Air fry for medium rear 7 min at 200c flip steaks and final side 220c for 5 min more checking regularly for doneness as different machines have different wattages

Change time up or down depending on your likes , Rest for 10 min under cover before enjoying with salad or chips etc,Pepper sauce is my goto with hot chilli sprinkle to finish ENJOY

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 - Dec 21)

They say the best time to change was yesterday, and the second-best time is today. Yet as April fools us by kicking off with Mercury turning retrograde, it might not be easy to get exciting ideas off the ground. But never fear! This month, with a Total Solar Eclipse and Jupiter meeting Uranus for the first time since 2011, even if our flow is interrupted, there’s no stemming the tide. And with Mars and Venus returning to their celestial homes at the end of April, any lasting difficulties will become yesterday’s news..

We can’t help taking things for granted. We expect the Sun to rise every morning. And set every night. But suppose it decides to have a duvet day? Fortunately, that’s not going to happen. Some things are always there for us, no matter what. As usual, unpredictable situations are guaranteed to pop up in April. But the spark of sunshine within you will empower you with the resources to deal with whatever comes your way. Add the power of the Solar Eclipse, and this month success is guaranteed too. Enjoy!

For inspiring predictions to take you through the coming month, visit ozfree.cainer.com

PISCES (Feb 20 - Mar20)

When you move into a new home, you make decisions about where to put the furniture. And that’s where it stays; you get used to the way it’s arranged. Then, one day, you might be sitting on the sofa and realise that if you shifted things around, you’d create a new vibe, and make better use of the space. With a creative shuffle it will be much improved. In April, you can use a similar technique on your life. You can find inventive, exciting (easy) ways to solve old problems which lead to a much more comfortable lifestyle. Take full advantage of April’s opportunities! Visit ozfree.cainer.com

GEMINI (May 22 - Jun 22)

Imagine you’re setting off on holiday. You’ve packed your bags, checked in at the airport, and are waiting for your flight to be called. Now... where is that book you were going to read? It’s in the bag that’s disappeared into the hold. You remembered to pack it, but you can’t access it when you want it. Frustrating. With your ruler turning retrograde, April might seem to kick off with that kind of start. Yet the Solar Eclipse brings the experiences you need when you’re on vacation. Expect enthusiasm, thrills and fun this month. You’re going to enjoy April. Find out why! Visit ozfree.cainer.com

VIRGO (Aug 24 - Sept 23)

There’s a big difference between checking somewhere out on Google maps and travelling to the area and looking around. It’s a bit like planning a dinner party and actually having people round for a meal; no matter how wellprepared you are, there are going to be surprises and challenges to deal with. Some things will go better than you expect. And some things will do the opposite. As April starts with your ruler turning retrograde, you might need to rethink some of your ideas. But that’s OK. You’ll end up stronger and happier.

Make April a month to remember! For valuable news, visit ozfree.cainer.com

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 20)

Being an industrious Capricorn, when people need help, you’re at the top of their ‘go-to’ list. It’s obvious; you’re so competently dealing with your ‘to-do’ list that you hardly notice a few additional items. But do you want to spend April running around looking after problems that other folk should be dealing with? Don’t you have enough on your plate? If you enjoy carrying extra responsibilities, go for it. But be aware that April brings opportunities with your name on them. Make sure you’ve got the energy and time to seize them. April brings potential for positive change. Find out more! Visit ozfree.cainer.com

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 20)

Inspiration isn’t polite or patient. It arrives without warning; entering without so much as a knock, and acting as if it owns the place. And it leaves without a word of warning. And when we invite it into our lives, it doesn’t always respond. How does it get away with behaving so outrageously? It knows it’s always welcome! In April, if you want inspiration to make itself at home in your world, be as expectant as you can be. The Solar Eclipse, in your sign, brings such a boost that with revitalised hope, you can achieve great things. April is going to be amazing! For inspiring insight, visit: ozfree.cainer.com

CANCER (Jun 23 - Jul 23)

A new month lies ahead of you and, since every day is ‘the first day of the rest of your life’, you’re facing an abundance of opportunities to refresh and recreate your world. If that sounds daunting don’t panic! The Solar Eclipse signals change. Your task is to accept that things are transforming, and know that if you allow the changes to unfold, you won’t have to go through any more fresh, courageous starts for a while. If you seize the opportunities April brings, the breakthroughs you make will be pleasingly satisfying. And lasting. For news you need to hear about April, visit: ozfree. cainer.com

LIBRA (Sept24 - Oct23)

You know how you feel when you walk into someone’s house and it’s spotlessly tidy? The cushions are colour coordinated, and plumped up. Even the sock drawers are neatly arranged. It’s easy to compare our own homes and feel we come up short. They say that cleanliness is next to godliness. But they also say that you can’t judge a book by its cover! In April, with the Solar Eclipse in your opposite sign, don’t worry about how things look. Focus on how they feel. Following your heart is key to comfort and joy this month.

Be ready for April! It’s going to be action-packed! Visit ozfree.cainer.com

AQUARIUS (Jan21 - Feb 19)

Some people are philosophical about their lot in life and make do with whatever comes their way. And some people, who don’t seem to think much about anything, experience extraordinary good fortune. Is that fair? It seems that luck follows principles that defy our comprehension. And that the harder we try to grasp the way it works, the more easily it slips through our fingers. So, what kind of mindset should you adopt in order for things to go well in April? If you accept what life brings, and stay hopeful, your luck will be in!

Make April special! For inspiring forecasts and great news, visit ozfree.cainer.com

TAURUS (Apr 21 - May 21)

Everything happens for a reason. The problem is that we don’t always know what it is. It’s easy to assume we know why something’s happening, only to realise it’s happening for a different reason. Signals that seem clear can be misleading. Aargh! Even astrologers have to be careful about how they read the planet’s movements to make accurate predictions. Like everyone, if we jump to conclusions, we can get it wrong. Yet in April, as long as you reflect (rather than react) all the signs point to you having an excellent month.

For uplifting news about April, check out your forecasts at ozfree.cainer.com

LEO (Jul 24 - Aug 23)

If you’re feeling less influential than normal, and concerned that you don’t have the authority to deal with upcoming events, April brings reassurance. The Solar Eclipse enables you to see that the sense of loss you’re experiencing is because you’re awakening to the reality of a situation. You’re becoming clearer. And, as the month progresses this clarity will lead to a much deeper understanding of what’s going on. Your insight will ensure that you’re able to make excellent decisions that bring emotional (and material) rewards. Yay!

April’s cosmic events could transform your life! Find out how! Visit ozfree.cainer.com

SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 22)

Self-help gurus talk about keeping things simple. It is, apparently, the key to an easy life. But they go on to detail lots of different ways and approaches we should use to simplify our worlds. Meanwhile, kids are taught simple maths, which they’re expected to use to work out ever more complicated equations. It’s confusing! Should you go for simple or complex this month? While you can expect the usual kinds of challenges to come your way, if you’re prepared to adapt your approach each time, your achievements will be top class. It’s April! For uplifting news on the opportunities ahead, visit ozfree.cainer.com

Beachmere District Community

The B.D.M.S. Community Markets are held at the Men's Shed 53 Rogers Street Beachmere, every 1st Saturday of the month 7.30am - 12pm

Bribie Island BICA Markets

The Bribie Island BICA Markets are held at Brennan Park, Bongaree, the 3rd Sunday of each month from 6am -12pm

Bribie Rotary Markets

The Rotary Markets are held at Brennan Park, Bongaree on the second Sunday of each month from 6.30am – 12 noon

Queensland Cancer Council

The Cancer Council Markets are held at Brennan Park, Bongaree on the first Sunday of each month from7am to 12 noon.

The Sylvan Beach Munch Markets (Farmers Market)

The Munch Markets are held in the park opposite the Bribie Island Hotel on the 1st Saturday of each month from 9am to 2pm

Banksia Beach Market

Bribie Harbour Shopping VIllage is held on the last Saturday of each month 8am to 12pm

The Bribie Island Comm Plant Nursery

The BribieIsland Community Plant Nursery is openTues to Sat 8 am to 12 pm

The Bribie Island Lions Market

2nd Sat of the month at Tintookie Park Woorim 7am - 1pm.

Bribie & District Woodcrafters Assoc

Contact president: 0415 237 167Bribie Island Gem Club Open Day & Markets on the last Sunday every month 8am -12pmAt 191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach.

“The Bribie Bowls Euchre Club meets at the club each Monday at 12 Noon.  Fun afternoon.  Contact Lorraine on 0414802733.”

13

15

CRYPTIC

Across

1 Group representatives (13)

8 Likely (3)

9 Respiratory infection caused by a virus (9)

10 In the correct way (8)

11 Don’t delete (editor’s instruction) (4)

13 Lazy (6)

14 Pessimistic (6)

16 A Farewell to ___, 1929 Hemingway novel (4)

17 Erotic (8)

20 Furthest point (9)

21 (Literary) anger (3)

22 One marries for money (7,6)

Across

1 Edward caught in a maelstrom? (4) 3 Goes against the flow (8)

9 Denigrate medication - alternative unknown (7)

10 Ancient site found by favourite artist (5)

11 Remove weapon from a French member (5)

12 Steal the Spanish coin (6)

14 Habit holds University head under pressure (6)

16 Complain about mental problem (6)

19 Potter needs room to throw (6)

21 Coach on the rails. (5)

24 Dish up or dish out (5)

25 A class the French put together as a blueprint (7)

26 An idiot begins taking it as read (8)

27 It’s about notice, understand? (4)

Down

1 Marshland (5)

2 Engine attached to a boat (8,5)

3 Outbreak of 9, perhaps (8)

4 Codswallop (6)

5 Sauce thickener (4)

6 Twitching individual? (13)

7 Quickly – and elegantly (7)

12 Gesundheit! (5,3)

13 Bit of Assam? (3,4)

15 Cherry-red (6)

18 Express contempt (5)

19 (Old-fashioned) boyfriend (4)

Down

1 Explains an old flame with money (8)

2 Edward at last late making an entrance (5)

4 Attending to Bill’s bottom line (6)

5 Subject has Principal in charge (5)

6 Most hazardous describes what was once a river, we hear (7)

7 Intend to be parsimonious (4)

8 Heavens! - Lettuce, mostly cropped (6)

13 Ensign of calibre.. (8)

15 Tax statements causing unrest with the right conditions (7)

17 Co-star irritated by his peers (6)

18 Sounds like respiratory trouble in the chest (6)

20 Vision of 500 - that many sheets? (5)

22 Take advantage after sailor suffers assault (5)

23 Continental identity as personal article describes it (4)

Supplies

T-shirts

Bangle bracelets

White craft glue

Scissors

Hot glue gun

Instructions

First, you’ll want to cut your t-shirt material into strips. My strips were about 16 inches long and approximately 1 inch wide. The material will stretch as well, making them considerably longer. To create a simple single colored bangle, first, stretch the material out, tie the t-shirt strip in a loose knot around the bracelet.

Wrap the material tightly around the bangle. If you run out of material before you get to the end, simply hot glue another strip to the end of your current strip and continue.

When you arch the end, untie the first knot and tie the two

loose ends together. Tie them tight and position the knot on the inside of the bangle, cut the ends and secure with some white craft glue.

To make braided bracelets, gather SIX strips of material, 2 of each color you wish to use. It’s best to choose contrasting colors. I used four tie-dyed strips and two white strips for one bracelet, and for the other I used two each gray, tie-dye, and pink.

Use a hot glue gun to attach two matching strips, end to end to make one long strip. Repeat for the others. Stretch out the material, taking care not to pull them apart where they are glued. Tie the three strips together in a loop knot, leaving a couple of inches above the knot.

Braid the strips together. When you get to the end, wrap in a rubber band or tie with some scrap fabric (only temporary). Wrap the braid tightly around the bangle. When you reach the end, loosen the knots on both ends and tie together. Secure the knot with white craft glue. Trim the fringed ends to a length that you like.

PET HYGIENE

We love our furry roommates, but they generally have different hygiene habits than we do. Sure, your dog and cat buddies are great snugglers, but they sometimes indulge in rolling around on the remains of a dead animal, and, as we all know, licking their own butts is a perennial favourite pastime. Also, they have a lot of fur, which can harbour fleas and ticks, and often creates fluffy little hair mounds under the furniture.

So, how do we keep the house clean when our pets seem bent on making it grimy and pest-ridden? Here are some tips for keeping your home fresh and clean despite your best friends’ efforts.

1. Cleaning Up Pet Hair

Pet hair can be a real nuisance — especially if you have allergies. Vacuuming is the most effective method of managing the problem — you can even vacuum your pet! — dust wipes are great for quickly and efficiently cleaning hair from hard surfaces.

Covering furniture and floors with machine-washable covers and rugs can be a big help, as well as choosing furniture made out of leather (fake or real), canvas or ultrasuede, all of which are easy to wipe down.

2. Keeping Your Pet Clean

Regular grooming and bathing of your pet can really cut down on the amount of housework your dog or cat creates. While cats and dogs groom themselves, some pets occasionally need a little human help keeping clean — for your sake as well as theirs. And don’t forget about your dog’s oral hygiene. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth is a must for the dog’s health and longevity, as well as for your nose.

3. Keeping Fleas Off Your Dogs and Cats

Fleas are not only unpleasant houseguests, but they’re also terrible for your dog. These fur-infesting pests set up shop sucking Fido’s blood, but some dogs even have an allergic reaction to flea saliva, making for one miserable canine. In addition to all this unpleasantness, fleas can cause tapeworm and anaemia in dogs. Your best bet is to prevent your dog from getting them in the first place. Flea and tick preventatives prescribed by your veterinarian are very effective, but there are

To Punish or not to Punish –DIGGING

Dogs dig. It’s a natural and normal behaviour so it’s futile to punish them. If you don’t want your back yard to resemble the moon then before bringing a dog or puppy home do your research on breeds as some breeds are more inclined to dig than others for eg terriers. Terriers were bred to be diggers to hunt out vermin for eg rats; saying that all breeds can dig. You may own a Jack Russell who absolutely would be horrified of getting dirty paws or you own a Greyhound who is in 7th heaven when digging its way to China! It is possible to stop or redirect your dog’s digging habits. Before you can fix the problem we need to know why the dog is digging in the first place:

• as mentioned above some breeds were

selectively bred to dig eg Terriers and Dachshunds

• they dig to bury and recover bones

• on a hot day dogs may dig to keep cool

• dogs may dig to get under the fence

• they’re not desexed and searching for a mate

• from boredom or Anxiety disorders. Common mistakes we make to stop dogs from digging”

• we leave the dogs at home all day with little or nothing to do

• we come home and see the holes dug and then punish the dog. How to solve the problem”

• if its to bury bones then remove the bone when he has finished chewing it

all kinds of products, from shampoos to collars, that can be used to combat fleas. Keeping your cats and dogs free of fleas will make them happier and your home a cleaner and healthier place to live.

4. Keeping Fleas Out of Your House

Killing the fleas on your pet only takes care of part of the problem — once fleas have set up shop in your home, it can take three to four months to eradicate them because the existing eggs you don’t find and clean up must cycle through all their life stages.

That said, the vacuum and washing machine are your friends — vacuum all furniture and wash all pet beds, blankets and rugs. Fumigate your house yourself or invite a pest control service to treat your house and yard. Most importantly, be

• provide shady, cool spots on a hot day

• if he is digging to escape, exercise him before going out. Also go around and check fences and fix any weak spots

• desex the dog but that alone may not stop him as it may have become habit forming

• if he’s bored provide things for him to do. Some suggestions instead of feeding him kibble in a bowl, scatter throughout the yard for him to sniff out his food. Change toys around regularly so he has something to look forward to. Provide him with a sandpit or clam shell pool and encourage him to dig there.

Happy Training

Bringing Nature Home

There is something magical about watching birds fluttering around our gardens. Their vibrant colours, lively presence, and melodic songs bring joy and tranquillity to any outdoor space. Investing in birdhouses can invite these feathered friends to nest and make your garden their home. Not only do birdhouses provide shelter and nesting places for birds, but they also contribute to the beauty and charm of your garden. Moreover, birdhouses can help maintain the balance of nature in your garden by providing a habitat for nesting birds, aiding pollination and pest control. By carefully selecting, designing, installing, and maintaining birdhouses, you can create a safe and welcoming environment for your feathered friends while adding to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. So why not bring nature home and create a sanctuary for birds in your garden?

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF BIRDHOUSES

Are you looking for a way to bring some life to your garden? Well, birdhouses could be just what you need! Not only do they provide a cozy shelter for our feathered friends, but they also add a decorative touch to your outdoor space. Imagine sitting in your garden and being serenaded by the sweet chirping of birds - it's a peaceful and beautiful experience. But did you know that birdhouses are also crucial for our ecosystem? Birds play an essential role in pollination and pest control, and providing a safe habitat can help maintain the balance of nature in your garden. However, it's important to remember that birdhouses require careful attention to detail. You want to ensure that your birdhouse is designed, installed, and maintained correctly to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for your feathered friends. So, go ahead and invest in a birdhouseyour garden and the birds will thank you!

RESEARCHING BIRD SPECIES IN YOUR AREA

It is crucial to conduct thorough research on the bird species native to your area before purchasing a birdhouse. This is because different bird species have distinct nesting requirements, and selecting a birdhouse that is specifically designed for the bird species you want to attract is essential. For instance, some birds prefer to nest in enclosed spaces, while others require open nesting areas. The entrance hole size, birdhouse height, and placement are critical factors that vary among bird species. Understanding the nesting preferences of the bird species in your vicinity will enable you to choose the ideal birdhouse

that will attract the birds you desire to see in your garden.

Choosing The Right Birdhouse Design

After researching the bird species in your local area, it is important to choose the right birdhouse design. Birdhouses are available in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Some birdhouses have a traditional house-like design, while others have a more modern and minimalist look.

PLACEMENT AND INSTALLATION

After selecting the right birdhouse design, it is crucial to place and install the birdhouse correctly. The birdhouse should be sheltered, protected from the wind and rain, and receive enough sunlight.

It is also essential to ensure the birdhouse is securely installed. If it falls or shifts, it can harm birds. The birdhouse should be installed at a height appropriate for the bird species you want to attract and placed away from potential predators such as cats.

MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING

Maintaining and monitoring your birdhouse is crucial to ensure it remains a safe and comfortable living space for your feathered companions. It is recommended to clean out the birdhouse at least once a year, preferably once the nesting season is over.

During the cleaning process, removing any old nesting materials, debris, or pests that may have accumulated in the birdhouse is important. You should also inspect the birdhouse for any signs of wear or damage and make necessary repairs to ensure it remains secure and safe.

Monitoring your birdhouse is also essential to ensure it remains a safe and welcoming bird habitat. Regularly checking the birdhouse for signs of nesting activity, such as eggs or baby birds, can help you determine if the birdhouse is being used effectively. Also, watching the birdhouse for any signs of predators or other threats to the birds is essential.

Bringing nature home by purchasing birdhouses for your feathered friends can be a wonderful way to add beauty and charm to your outdoor space while also playing an important role in maintaining the balance of nature in your garden. By understanding the importance of birdhouses, researching bird species in your area, choosing the right birdhouse design, placing and installing the birdhouse correctly, and maintaining and monitoring the birdhouse, you can create a safe and welcoming habitat for birds in your garden.

Eastern Barn Owl TYTO JAVANICA

EASTERN BARN OWLS HAVE VISITED AND EVEN BRED ON BRIBIE ISLAND IN THE PAST, BUT TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THERE HAS NOT BEEN A SIGHTING FOR SEVERAL YEARS. BECAUSE THEY HIDE IN THE DAYTIME AND ONLY EMERGE AT NIGHT, THEY ARE NOT AN EASY BIRD TO SPOT. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ONE HERE BUT HAVE OBSERVED THEM IN OTHER AREAS, USUALLY PERCHED ON FENCES BY THE ROADSIDE AT NIGHT IN OPEN OR AGRICULTURAL AREAS. THEY ARE USUALLY ALONE OR IN PAIRS.

They are medium-sized nocturnal owls, 32-35 cm in length, weigh 260-470 g, and have wingspans of 70-90 cm. Their faces are flat and heart-shaped, with small dark eyes and hooked beaks. Upper parts are blotchy, light brown, and grey, and lower bodies and chests are white. At night, they look white and quite ghostly in the moonlight.

Their sense of hearing is amazingly strong, which aids them in listening for prey. Calls are rasping, hissing sounds. Males and females are similar in appearance, with females being a little larger.

Barn Owls can be found almost anywhere in Australia, even in arid areas, if their food supply is present. Still, their preferred habitat is open country, lightly wooded areas

and farms. During the day, they roost in tree hollows, barns or other hidden places. They emerge in the late afternoon and can often be viewed in the moonlight or car headlights while driving at night. While conditions are right, they remain sedentary but will become nomadic if food becomes scarce. Numbers can vary greatly from rare to common in some environments. They are the most widespread of all Australian owls.

Hunting for food takes place at night, and their preferred foods are rodents, small animals, birds, and large insects. Using their incredible hearing ability, they listen for prey while perched on fence posts or other low objects. Their hearing is so good that

they don’t really need to use their eyes at night to detect their victims. Sometimes, while searching for food, they fly low and pounce on their prey. Food is swallowed whole, and unwanted bones and hair are regurgitated and often deposited inside their nests.

When females reach 10 to 11 months, they can begin breeding, while males are two years old before they are ready. They breed only if the food supply is adequate, and several broods are produced if food is plentiful. During the courtship, males fly high and swoop towards the female at speed, then fly off to find food to present to the females, which, in the meantime, have been preening, making themselves

presentable and waiting for the offerings. Nests are usually in tree hollows, some of which can extend as far as 10 metres into the tree trunks but can also be in buildings and in caves on cliff faces. The only adornments to the nests are the regurgitated materials from their meals, particularly the furry bits, which are used to soften the nests for the chicks when they are hatched. Two to nine eggs are laid at any time of the year, and an egg is laid every second day. Incubation takes place for about 30 days by the females, while males work hard to find food for themselves and feed the females as well.

When the chicks are hatched, males bring extra food to the females, who tear it into smaller pieces to feed to their offspring. Young birds remain in their nests for about ten days before moving to a nearby perch and are fed for a further month. Chicks are fully fledged at nine weeks but remain with their parents till about 13 weeks or so when females teach them the art of locating and procuring their own food.

If Barn Owls emerge from their hiding places during the day, they are immediately mobbed by other birds because owls are known to feast on young birds of other species. The most dangerous time for Barn Owls is at night when gathering food close to roads. Many are blinded by headlights and become roadkill. Another threat is when eating dead rodents that have been poisoned by pesticides.

Barn Owls live on every continent except Antarctica, so their conservation status is “of least concern” for now.

In the 1950s, I grew up in Holland Park, Brisbane, and began my education at the local state school.

To my chagrin, every now and then, I would be ridiculed for my Irish ancestry. Even the odd teacher would call me names and ask me why I wasn’t at some “Cattle-tick” school. As the years passed, this denigration gradually died away. At home, we had many large family gatherings with dozens of Finegan and Murphy relatives enjoying, often wild, celebrations of various anniversaries.

Along with my brothers and cousins, we listened to many stories related by Uncles and Grandfathers of the cursed English. Grandfathers told of their refusal to enlist in the First World War. When Great Britain declared war again in 1939, my Dad and Uncles all refused to enlist to fight for the English. Then, Australia was suddenly threatened by the Japanese. They all rushed to volunteer. As I grew older, my curiosity caused me to investigate why this hatred was so deeply embedded in my Irish ancestors. I began to understand the horrors suffered by the Irish Catholics for hundreds of years until they finally fought and gained their

IRELAND in the Blood

full independence in the midtwentieth century. How and why did Irish independence win? This is my story.

Until 1780, native Catholics did not exist in the eyes of the law. Most were impoverished and uneducated, forbidden to acquire knowledge and skills. If a people are disabled by total suppression of all means whereby, they might exist above the lowest level of the peasantry, you will have created a temporarily disabled people. That is what the Protestants, in league with the Whitehall government, set out to do and succeeded. They were sufficiently fearful of the Irish potential to damage England to be determined to destroy it. God was an Englishman, not just an Englishman, but a Protestant Englishman. Apart from the Angels, they were next to God, and they believed that absolutely.

The American War of Independence had been a colonial revolt that occurred between 1775 and 1783, watched on by monarchies all over Europe with everincreasing alarm. The American Patriots in the Thirteen Colonies, with the assistance of France, had defeated the British and

created the United States of America. The Catholics in Ireland lapped up the news that stirred their simmering demands for independence. Prisons throughout the UK were overflowing at an even faster rate as unrest in Ireland increased. This problem was further exacerbated by the loss of Britain’s American colonies as a destination for their convicts.

The long-suffering French who had assisted in the successful American Revolution saw that rebellion could be successful. The people’s grievances against their regency grew and manifested itself in the “Terror”, the French Revolution. It began with the Estates General of 1789 and ended with the coup of 18 Brumaire in November 1799. It was a period of far-reaching social and political upheaval in France and its colonies. The Revolution overthrew the monarchy, established a republic, catalysed violent periods of political turmoil, and finally culminated in a new political system. Inspired by liberal and radical ideas, the Revolution profoundly altered the course of modern history, triggering the global decline of absolute monarchies while

replacing them with republics and liberal democracies. The Revolutionary Wars unleashed a wave of global conflicts that extended from the Caribbean to the Middle East. The English aristocracy watched on in abject fear as over 17,000 French Lords and Ladies were carted to the Place de la Revolution and beheaded. The English increased their military presence throughout British lands and executed anyone they suspected of entertaining rebellion. But it was their fear of an Irish uprising that kept them awake at night.

The Irish Catholics, now utterly inspired by the Americans and the French, began to plot. They, too, could revolt and gain their independence. Catholic men plotted in secrecy all over Ireland, forming groups culminating in the creation of the Society of United Irishmen in Belfast in October 1791. Citing the success of the French Revolution and with great admiration for the new democracy of the United States, the United Irishmen determined to secure a reform of the Irish parliament.

To the English, the unabashed admiration of the United Irishmen for the French seemed akin to treason. The

government of Ireland seated

In Dublin Castle viewed the new organisation with the gravest suspicion. With the outbreak of war between Great Britain and France in February 1793, suspicion hardened to naked hostility. From that time on, terror, torture, and atrocities began across Ireland, with increasing horrors for both Catholics and Protestants alike as they attacked each other with uncontrolled madness. Increasingly, as the days passed, English and Protestant armies began to march through Irish towns, many remaining to establish a policing force. And as they set up shop, so the atrocities began. They suspected all Irishmen of being rebels. Women were not safe, and the rape of Catholic girls and women occurred daily. Men who resisted, or fought for their women, were beaten and often tortured. Flogging, pitchcapping, burning, and public executions became commonplace, provoking terror and rage among townsfolk. Reprisal attacks on Protestants only provoked even more atrocities on Catholics.

Then more tragedy struck as the potato blight destroyed their main food source.

Between 1845 and 1855 Ireland suffered a period of starvation, disease and emigration that became known as the Great Famine.  The English authorities watched on as over 1 million Irish men, women, and children died from starvation or hungerrelated diseases, while another 2.1 million people emigrated to escape hunger and the hated English. It was one of the greatest exodus from a single island in history. Ireland lost over a quarter of its population. America, Australia, and New Zealand were popular destinations. During this time, two of my great-grandfathers were arrested for stealing food for their families and transported to Australia.

In 1879, the “Land War” broke out. It consisted of mass demonstrations of civil unrest protesting the conditions of tenancy and ownership of land. After the male leaders were imprisoned in 1881, the

Ladies’ Land League took over this mass campaign. Unrest, with occasional violent attacks, continued. Eventually, in 1912, a Home Rule Bill was introduced in the English Parliament. After two years of debate, it was passed and received Royal Assent on 18th September 1914. To great anger, it failed to be entered into law when the outbreak of World War I caused the British government to suspend the establishment of Ireland’s home rule indefinitely.

Outrage spread across Ireland, culminating in the 1916 “Easter Rising”, an armed rebellion against British rule. It was staged by militant republican groups working together, including the Irish Volunteers, the Irish Citizen Army and Cumann na mBan (a women’s group). The rebellion forces occupied Dublin’s General Post Office on O’Connell St, where they established their headquarters. Their “soldiers” took up strategic positions in buildings around central Dublin and repelled British attempts to remove them. They publicly read a proclamation, then sent out written copies, demanding Irish independence from Britain.

The Rising lasted for just six days. Around 2,500 rebels fought against 20,000 British troops. 458, mostly civilians, were killed and around 2,000 wounded. Then, in an act that horrified the world and was to alienate Irish people for generations, 15 leaders, without a trial, were summarily executed by the British. Their shocking deaths triggered a huge tide of public opinion in Ireland, and indeed the world, supporting Ireland’s full, legal independence from Britain.

Meanwhile, in Australia, the news of World War 1 had caused so many men to volunteer to fight for Great Britain that many were turned away. By 1916, the scale of the slaughter began to horrify the nation. As casualties rose, enlistments declined. Pressured by the British government to keep its regiments filled, the ALP government, under Prime Minister Billy Hughes,

proposed a referendum to approve conscription. Melbourne’s Archbishop Daniel Mannix, like most Irishmen, was appalled by the swift executions of the Easter Rising’s leaders earlier that year and became a fierce advocate for Irish independence. Many of the Archbishop’s anti-conscription speeches were reported in detail in newspapers throughout Australia. Hughes, undeterred, went ahead and held two referendums, the first on 28th October 1916, and the second on 20th December 1917. Both failed. Australian men of Irish descent, which included my kin, refused to fight for the English.

After the war ended, men and women in Ireland escalated their fight for independence. It took some initial roughhouse politics turning to what amounted to a civil war between 1922 and 1923 before Ireland finally found peace. The Treaty with Britain agreed that Ireland should become a self-governing dominion within the Empire to be known as the “Irish Free State”. The British demanded, and were allowed, to retain three Naval bases in the new Dominion. The British also forced the Irish Free State to pay huge compensation, called “annuities”, to the “absentee landlords” for the “loss” of their land. Sadly, the six counties that make up Northern Ireland remained part of GB. This division became the basis for all the “Troubles” in the second half of the 20th Century and remains a greatly resented part of Irish history.

It took 15 years, until 1937, to pass a new constitution declaring Ireland a “sovereign, independent, democratic state.” The newly independent government quickly removed all references to the British Monarch, including the hated “Oath of Allegiance.” It also decided to withhold the land annuities, draining the economy and breaking the farmers. This started a brief “economic war” with Britain. Then to great rejoicing, the British were ordered out of the three Naval bases on Irish land. Ireland was now truly

independent of Britain.

When the Second World War erupted, Ireland refused to engage on the side of Britain and remained neutral for the duration. The final British insult to Ireland came when Winston Churchill, in his victory speech, made a point of criticising Ireland for her neutrality during the war. Outraged, the Irish Prime Minister de Valera made an emotional speech to both nations. His broadcast echoed the strong sentiments of the Irish population at the time. He said:

“Mr Churchill is proud of Britain’s stand alone, after France had fallen and before America had entered the war. Could he not find it in his heart the generosity to acknowledge that there is a small nation that stood alone not for one year or two, but for several hundred years against aggression that has endured spoilations, famines, massacres in endless succession; that was clubbed many times into insensibility, but that each time on returning to consciousness took up the fight anew; a small nation that could never be got to accept defeat and has never surrendered its soul.”

Ireland turned its back on Britain and became an enthusiastic member of the European Community. Since that time, Ireland’s story has been one of steady economic progress and growth. Today the Irish Republic is a bright buoyant place with an open and rapidly changing society. It has come a very long way since the dark days of the famine, just 170 years ago.

In Australia, the legacy of the nineteenth century, when convicts, settlers, miners and soldiers from every background and religion were forced to work together to simply survive their new country, eroded the lingering social divides. By the mid twentieth century, the strict beliefs of birthright had all but disappeared. Today, we of Irish descent are simply Australians, and the chains that held Australia’s rigid loyalty to the British crown have all but disappeared.

SPORT BOWLS RESULTS

BONGAREE BOWLS MEN'S

Scroungers March 2nd 1st

Yuki King 2nd Eric Stavely, 3rd Peter Brown

Wed 4's March 6th Winners

Yuki King, Jaarpung Blundell, Doug Meikle, Tim Carlton Runners Up Gordon Heap, Garry McCarthy, Col Valentine, Ian Paterson

Thurs Jackpot pairs March 7th

Winners David Vaughan, Gary Ryan

Runners Up Greg Hemphill, Jacque Murdoch

Scroungers Sat March 9th 1st Jan Dixon, 2nd Pauline Sleet, 3rd Mick Falvey

Wed 4's March 13th Winners

Ken Wales, Darryl Birt, Bev Birt, Joanna Horsley

Runners Up Billy Moor, Robin Maffey, David Vaughan, Peter Vlajic

Thurs Jackpot pairs March 14th Winners Ally Spittle, Alistair Wright

Runners Up Mick Falvey, Tim Carlton

BONGAREE LADIES BOWLS

Results for the past 2 weeks

Friday Ladies Triples 1st Mar

Winners: Ross Bryant, Rhonda Warwick, Ray Broughton.

R/UP: Joanna Horsley, Bev Montgomery, Elna Jensen.

Tuesday Ladies Turkey Pairs

5th March 2024

Winners: Errol Fender, Arne Jensen

R/U: Jaarpung Blundell, John Parks

Bonus draw winners: Chris McMillan, Trevor Mallouk

Tuesday Ladies Turkey Pairs

12th March 2024

Winners: Sandra Scott & Bob Vonarx

R/U: Jenni Mitchell & Jen Hadley

BRIBIE BOWLS CLUB

Self Select pairs results Friday

23 February 2024

Winners: T Dean, I Cooper

Runners up: M Beutel, B Pritchard

Lucky draw: W Kelly, K Piva

Lucky draw: J Hazelwood, R Fowler

Lucky draw: R Brinton, E Deakin

Lucky draw: B Meek, Helicopter

Random Select fours Saturday

24 February 2024

Out of hat winner: G Woollett, G Geisler, G Hutchison

Out of hat winner: G Frew, L Hackwood, K Muller, K Brown

Self Select Triples Results

Tuesday 27 February 2024

Winners: W Kelly, T Smith, C Kelly

Runners up: T Bishop, J Wallis, J Lonsdale

Lucky draw: B Castle, P Patrikeos, T Hudson

Lucky draw: T Turnbull, R Tunbull, S Mitchell

Lucky draw: J Neill, A Riley, N Smith

Scroungers Results Wednesday 28 February 2024

1st: T Smith

2nd: G Jackson

3rd: J Herbert

4th: BJ Adams

Self Select Pairs Results

Wednesday 28 February 2024

Winners: B Meek, C Chidley

Runners up: G McENiery, L Murphy

Lucky draw: G Hazelwood, G Cooper

Lucky draw: J Oliver, P Gray

Lucky draw: g Hartley, B Svenson

Lucky draw: D Muir, G Muir

Random Select triples results

Thursday 29 February 2024

Winners: M Gittens, L Tebutt, C Kelly

Runners up: G Woollett, G Reilly, G Mellor

Lucky draw: J Murray, R Ward, J Hilliar

Lucky draw: C Stroud, G Mulpeter, J Herbert

Self Select pairs results Friday 1 March 2024

Winners: L Savage, P Mann, M Burnett

Runners up: B Meek, C Chidley

Lucky draw: K Ford, T Revena

Lucky draw: M Mills, T Bennett

Lucky draw: K Burdon, S Root

Lucky draw: J Papps, P Cook

Random Select fours results

Saturday 2 March 2024

Out of hat winner: P Gee, L Kurtz, G Woollett

Out of hat winner: H Groves, B Watkins, P Neumann, P McCarthy/R Gilmore

Self Select Triples Results

Tuesday 5 March 2024

Winners: L Godfrey, M Gittens, L Gilmour

Runners up: M Garfield, B Garfield, L Williams

Lucky draw: R Wallis, M Ball, Wally O

Lucky draw: G Bentzon, J Sutherland, C Christensen

Lucky draw: W Kelly, T Smith, K Piva

Scroungers Results Wednesday 6 March 2024

1st: L Hackwood

2nd: P Ryan

3rd: W Gilbert

4th: S Lonsdale

Self Select pairs results

Wednesday 6 March 2024

Winners: D Cherry, J Prowle

Runners up: W Gilbert, M Cullen, J Cullen

Lucky draw: D Bishop, M James, E James

Lucky draw: C Thornton, K Thornton

Lucky draw: F Grimsey, G Reilly, F Crockett

Lucky draw: M Lowe, G Jackson, S Chandler

Founders day fours results

Thursday 7 March 2024

Winners: A turm, L Hackwood, L Gilmore

Runners up: M Gittens, J Smith, D Davis, S Kurtz

Lucky draw: P Conn, G Hutchison, C Hamilton

Lucky draw: C Christiansen, F Grimsey, J Herbert, F Moses

Lucky draw: H Groves, M Wright, D Groves

Lucky draw: D Neumann, J Hilliar, C Kelly, B Ward

SOLANDER LAKE BOWLS

CLUB RESULTS

Ladies Fours Club Champions

Winners: L to R  Ann Boast, Jenni Cummins, Marie Torrington, Jan Oakley

Runners Up: L to R Jannelle Day, Raie Stuart, Ricci Harris, Marieke Moore

Ladies Novice Singles

Winner: Audrey Roe, Runner Up: Vanessa Smith

WEEKLY SOCIAL BOWLSW/E 09/03/2024

Tuesday Winners: Shane Case, Mike Jones & Neil Feazey.

R/U: Cheryl Crawford, Brad Gorey & Ron Schultz.

Wednesday Winners: Raie: Stuart & Bruce Hill.

R/U: Julie Kent & Brian Kent.

3rd : Paul Dixon & Robert Stumbles.

Jackpot ($500) – No Winner.

Thursday Winners: Bev Power, Pat Samuelson & Deb Hill.

R/U: Mike Whiteside, Val Paul & Merv Adams.

3rd : Jeff Farmer, Ray Griffin & Kev Zipf.

Jackpot ($300) – No Winner.

Friday Winners: Paul Ollier & Steve Jameson.

R/U: Krys Henshaw & Maggie Zahl.

1st Rnd: Steve Todd & John Gemmell.

2nd Rnd: Stan Barringhaus & Bob Edwards.

Saturday Winners: Brian Wrice & Nathan Wrice.

R/U: Carl Deagon, John Sly & Rosa Mcleod.

WEEKLY SOCIAL BOWLS W/E 16/03/2024

Tuesday Winners: Carol

Langley, Ib Larsen & Sheila Jeffery.

R/U: Wayne Shackle, Brad Storey & Janelle Day

Lucky Team: Terry Little,Raie Stuart, John Harris

Wednesday Winners: Mike Wilson & Brain Harris.

R/U: Paul Dixon& Robert Stumbles.

3rd : Terry Nash & Murrie Bonollo

Jackpot ($500) – No Winner.

Thursday Winners: Marieke Moore, Chris Cummins & Neil Feazey.

R/U: Anne Larsen, Judy Pursehouse & Mike Power.

3rd : Jeff Farmer, Ray Griffin & Kev Zipf.

Jackpot ($330) – No Winner.

Friday Winners: Neil Feazey & Glen McCarthy.

R/U: Robert Stumbles & Rob Dickson.

1st Rnd: Ross Weir & Ray Zahl.

2nd Rnd: Steve Todd & John Gammer.

Saturday Winners: Mitch Magnussen & Mike Whiteside & Geoff Sorrenson

R/U: Paul Bottger, Frank Grimsen & Alan Thompson.

MORETON BRIBIE

BRIDGE CLUB:

Sat 2 Mar  N/S  1 S Watson & R Sutton  2 J Budgeon & Y

Nakamura  3  L Carr &J Wright

E/W  1 M Hardy & R King  2 D & G Lock  3 B Fuller & P Breene

Wed 6 Mar, Championship

Pairs Week 1  1 K Cohen & J

Reiter  2 S & C Watson  3 S & G Barnulf

Sat 9 Mar  N/S  1 L Carr & J

Wright  2 G & S Barnulf  3 J

Easey & J Borowski  E/W  1 L

Groves & A Fielding  2 M Hardy & R King  3 R Medhurst & M O’Reilly

Wed 13 Mar Championship

Pairs Week 2  1 S & C Watson 2

K Cohen & J Reiter  3 J Easey & Y Nakamura

Championship Pairs Final  1

S & C Watson  2 K Cohen & J Reiter  3 J Medhurst & H Tyler

BICBC:  Mon  4 Mar  N/S  1 M

Peterson & D Quinan  =2 A Fielding & J Easey =2 D Quinan &  M Peart

Mon 11 Mar  N/S  1 L Wilson & B Van Dongen 2 A Fielding & G Lock  3 P Edis & C McAlister

E/W  1 S Smith & M O’Reilly  2 J Lawson & C Frankcom  3 R Deacon & L Groves

Bribie Dragons Invite to the Jacaranda Regatta on the Clarence River NSW "We were lucky to have an absolutely beautiful weekend to participate in a regatta down south of the border while Bribie Island was having its share of wind and rain. The team went to Grafton on invitation from our new and youngest member, sweep Tyler Hogden, who hails from there. It was a wonderful, welcoming weekend, and it was nice to have the chance to compete with and chat with the Northern NSW teams, which we have not done for many years.

Paddling on a river has distinct characteristics from paddling on a tidal, free-flowing saltwater passage; it is a different challenge. The regatta's management was flawless, and we finished ahead of schedule, which allowed us more time for

Bribie Island Women’s Golf

29 February 2024 to 12 March 2024

29/2/24 – Single Stableford

Div 1 Winners: Toni Grossmann 36 cb, R/Up Sandy

Smith 36, 3rd Suzanne Vallely 35 cb

Div 2 Winners: Lyn Cockerell 37, R/Up Fitzie

Jackson 35 cb, 3rd Sylvia White 35 cb

Div 3 Winners: Sonia Ferrante 32 cb, R/Up Cathy

Cooke 32, 3rd Kerryn Keys 29 cb

NTP’s: Hole 4 Vicki Jones, Hole 7 Jennifer De Ruyter, Hole 14 Sandy Smith, Hole 16 Di Benghamy, Hole 7 (Div 3 2nd shot) Penny Brittain

5/3/24 – Single Stableford

Div 1 Winners: Suzanne Vallely 39, R/Up Gaby

Bennett 36 cb, 3rd Vivi Lloyd 36

Div 2 Winners: Leonie Buxton 38, R/Up Sheena

Bath 37, 3rd Fitzie Jackson 36

Div 3 Winners: Susan Brown 37, R/Up Jody Bedson

36 cb, 3rd Di Croft 36

NTP’s: Hole 4 Suzanne Vallely, Hole 7 Abby Driver, Hole 14 Claudia Lutgemeier, Hole 16 Myra Dickson, Hole 14 (Div 3 2nd shot) Jody Bedson

7/3/24 – Monthly Medal – sponsor – Churches of Christ Qld

A Grade Winners: Susie Smith 72, R/Up Di Benghamy 76 cb, 3rd Jo McCowan 76 cb

NTP’s: Hole 4 Jo McCowan, Hole 7 Judith Umlauft, Hole 14 Pauline Grooby, Hole 16 Ailsa Lauchlan

Best Gross Di Benghamy 82

a chillout and a swim.

Making a weekend of the experience was easy for time management. It allowed us to rotate drivers, visit Kingscliff on the way down, and have a leisurely dinner before being up bright and early for the Regatta.

On our return journey, we visited old haunts from our earlier years, the Byron Bay lighthouse and its surroundings, walked along the rolling waterfront of Byron Bay's promenade, and had an easy run home on the newer Pacific highway. As always, we are grateful for these paddling opportunities in life.

So, if you are a breast cancer survivor or a man or woman who has been in close contact with a breast cancer patient, a family member, or a person with a like-minded ethos, then this is the club for you.

Bribie Pink Dragons are on the water three times a week -amongst dolphins, pelicans, dugongs and turtles, on Saturdays and Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons.

B Grade Winners: Jasmin Tamayao 71, R/Up

Margaret Huxley 74, 3rd Roslyn Crossley

NTP’s: Hole 7 Lesley Heap, Hole 14 Helena

Winterflood, Hole 16 Sue Graham

Best Gross: Jasmin Tamayao 98

C Grade Winners: Claudia Lutgemeier 78 cb, R/Up

Jan Jennings 78, 3rd Nadia Aylott 79 cb

NTP’s: Hole 4 Jody Bedson, Hole 7 Kerryn Keys, Hole 14 Jody Bedson, Hole 16 Jody Bedson

Best Gross: Penny Brittain 109

12/3/24 – Irish 4BBB Stableford

Overall Winners: Val Phinn, Roslyn Crossley, Vicki

Butcher & Vicki Jones 87 cb, Runners Up: Gaby

Bennett, Nadia Aylott, Sandy Smith & Sue Navie 87

NTP’s: Hole 4 Sue Navie, Hole 7 Lesley Heap, Hole 14

Diane Fitzpatrick, Hole 16 Yuko Nakamura, Hole 14 (Div 3 2nd shot) Anne Carmody

LIFE’S BETTER WHEN YOU’RE BOWLING

Have you considered finding an activity that offers some gentle exercise, friendly competition, and fun, but it’s been too hot to be bothered?

Look no further than our own Bribie Island Indoor Bowls Club, air-conditioned for year-round comfort.

We have our spacious and well-equipped hall and play on Tuesday mornings, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. A cuppa, biscuits (sometimes cake, too!), and three games cost less than a cup of coffee at a cafe, and our annual membership fee is also extremely reasonable. Where does all this happen?

Right here on First Avenue, near the Orchid Society and

For further information, contact

President 0499 990 352"

the Butterfly House, look for the signs and flags on playing days, and pop in for a look. Prospective members can arrange to play a few games before signing up, and members are also offered training. Our club is always friendly and welcoming to new members, and we are willing to help them when they start playing. So, wait no longer! For more information, call our President, Kay, at 5327 2768 or the Secretary, Margaret, at 0423 091 354.

Hope to see you there!

“A NEW SHED FOR THE

Tthe site of the Columbarium was chosen in 1989. The official consecration of the site wasn’t until November 1990. In 1992, we obtained the first of two containers to be used as sheds for storage.

Those storage sheds were a temporary solution to a storage problem…..temporary being 32 years.

When I first joined Bribie Lions, there was constant discussion about “A NEW SHED FOR THE GARDENS.” Plans had been drawn up many times, and the council had discussed it over the course of many years, but still, there was no shed. When I became President of Lions in July 2022, I made it my first order of duty to bring this new shed to fruition.

thing that we both agreed upon. Now, we need to find the funds to obtain this new shed.

I saw an article in The Bribie Islander magazine that spoke to Busy Fingers Charity and its amazing work on our beautiful island. I thought to myself that we couldn’t possibly be lucky enough to be a recipient of this generosity. Spurred on by a conversation with the lovely Sandra from Busy Fingers, I applied for funding to assist us in building this shed.

On 18 August 2022, I received an email from Busy Fingers saying that they would provide the major funding for the building of this new shed. The amazing generosity of this Charity has allowed The Lions Club of Bribie Island to have safe storage for the many pieces of equipment required to continue maintain-

Clean Up Australia Day

Can you imagine the good we could do if all of Australia came together on one day and took practical action to improve the environment? What a difference we could make!

It’s hard to believe that what was started over thirty years ago by Ian Kiernan, AO, an “average Australian” with a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard, has now become the nation’s largest community-based environmental event, held annually on the first Sunday in March.

Over twenty million Aussies have stepped up over the years, donating their time to improve the environment. Registration for Clean Up Australia Day is free for communities and schools (businesses pay a small fee). This ensures that they are not only covered by public liability insurance but also receive a

free Clean Up Australia kit. Bribie Island Seventh-day Adventist church member Angeli Taylor arranged with our sister church in Nundah to organise a group of 40+ people to join the Cleanup Australia program. They arrived in force to help us, claiming a gazebo and setting up the barbecue to feed the hungry hordes.

Organisers registered participants, splitting the group into two sections with green or orange high-viz vests. They then sent them off in pairs with gloves, picking up gadgets and instructions to meet back at the jetty for food.

Our local MP, Ali King, was there to assist and support along with many of her faithful supporters. In thanking everybody, she commented that it is wonderful to see a faith group who puts their faith in action.

REVOLUTIONIZING Accessibility Solutions in Our Communities

In our increasingly digital age, technology continues to pave the way for innovative solutions to real-world problems. One such solution is the Snap Send and Solve app, a powerful tool that addresses accessibility issues in our paths and communities with unprecedented efficiency. Developed to bridge the gap between citizens and local councils, this app empowers users to report accessibility concerns swiftly and conveniently, leading to tangible improvements in community infrastructure.

What is Snap Send and Solve?

Snap Send and Solve is a mobile application designed to streamline the process of reporting various issues, including accessibility concerns, to local authorities. Whether it’s a broken sidewalk, lack of wheelchair ramps, or any other obstacle hindering mobility, users can snap a photo of the problem, provide a brief description, and send it directly to the relevant council or authority. This intuitive interface eliminates the need for lengthy phone calls or complicated forms, making it accessible to users of all ages and abilities.

Moreover, the app supports multimedia submissions, allowing users to attach photos or videos that provide visual context to the reported issue. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals with impairments who may struggle to articulate their concerns verbally. By incorporating multiple forms of communication, Snap Send and Solve ensures that authorities effectively communicate and understand accessibility issues, leading to more targeted solutions.

In an era defined by technological innovation, Snap Send and Solve stands out as a shining example of how mobile applications can be harnessed to address real-world challenges. By empowering citizens to report accessibility issues with ease and efficiency, the app serves as a catalyst for positive change in our communities. Through its seamless integration with local councils and commitment to transparency, Snap Send and Solve embodies the principles of inclusivity and civic engagement, paving the way towards a more accessible and equitable future for all.

Do Home Security Systems Deter Crime?

If you’re thinking of investing in a home security system, you might wonder if it’s effective in deterring crime. Studies have shown that it is. However, it’s important to remember that the first line of defence against burglars is simply locking your doors and windows. You can take many measures to increase the safety of your family and home, such as installing sturdy locks, deadbolts, and sliding door locks. You can also use outdoor lights to illuminate paths to your home’s entryways. Additionally, it’s important to follow common-sense burglary prevention strategies, such as never letting a stranger into your home. A home security system can provide additional protection and peace of mind.

The cost of losing the ability to feel safe in your home is immeasurable. Many people choose to invest in home security despite the financial cost. While it’s true that a determined burglar can eventually gain entry into your home, you can make it much more difficult and dangerous for them to do so. To achieve this, you must think like a criminal and identify potential weak spots in your home’s security.

When securing your locks, it’s recommended that your doors have at least one deadbolt lock with a one-inch or longer throw. Ideally, the deadbolt lock should be a double-cylinder lock that requires a key on both sides of the door. This is especially important if your door has glass panes near the doorknob, as burglars can easily break the glass and unlock the deadbolt if it has a turn knob instead of a keyhole. Solid metal or wood doors with metal sheathing outside and a peephole are optimal. However, remember that your door is only as strong as the frame that holds it. Investing in a solid metal frame with at least one three-inch screw for each hinge plate can make it much more difficult for a burglar to kick your door frame off the surrounding wall.

It’s also important to secure sliding glass doors and windows. You can do this by placing a length of wood in the track of your sliding doors or windows to prevent them from

being opened from the outside. You can also invest in keyed locks for sliding doors and windows to make them even more challenging to open. However, making your home a hard target for burglars requires more than just locking your doors. Deterring burglars begins with ensuring you have good locks and solid entry points. You can also consider posting a sign that indicates you have an alarm system, as this may be enough to deter potential burglars from targeting your home.

Creating the impression that someone is always at home is another effective way to deter burglars. You can leave your television or radio on and install an automatic timer on some of the lights in your house to make it appear as if the house is occupied. Most burglars aren’t interested in entering a home if they think someone’s there. If you leave your curtains open, be careful what’s in view. If your car is visible and the keys are within reach, that may be the incentive burglars need to break in

and steal your car.

While having a dog may be a deterrent, keep in mind that a professional burglar knows how to deal with a guard dog. Instead, a dog is much more effective as a detection device. Detection is one of the best ways to prevent burglaries. A barking dog can alert an entire block that something is wrong. However, most people turn to alarm systems for even more effective detection.

Alarm systems come in a wide range of prices, usually depending on the kinds of features they offer. Regardless of your price range, your system should include sensors at entry points, motion detectors within your house, and a loud outdoor alarm that alerts the neighbourhood that someone has entered your home. While alarm systems won’t prevent a burglar from entering, they will re-frame the crime. With an alarm blaring, the burglary becomes a smash and grab -- a hurried scurry through your home looking for the most easily stolen valuables, followed by a quick exit.

Installing motion-sensitive flood lights outdoors will also help deter burglars who work at night. During the day, ensure that your shrubs are trimmed to allow a clear view of your home from the street. Burglars are looking for cover, and trimmed shrubs take that away. It’s also a good idea to consider planting thorny shrubs beneath your windows to make them an even less attractive place to hide.

Delaying criminals is another essential aspect of home security. This can include using a safe to store your valuables or investing in security cameras. The more difficult and time-consuming you make it for burglars to enter your home, the more likely they are to move on to an easier target. Presenting a burglar with limited options for entry into your home and the threat of an alarm sounding can go a long way to deter them. And don’t forget your locks; none of the other precautions amount to much when your doors or windows are unlocked!

TOP 5 HOME DIY MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

PART 2

So, your plans are approved, and you’re ready to jump in and do some demolition. Well, we are not there yet. Let’s move on to the next part.

Under-budgeting

Running out of money could leave you without a finished home.

One thing you can count on above everything else in the world of DIY is that a project will almost always cost more than you thought it would. Doing a detailed budget for your project is important so you can have a good idea of what you can afford. But it’s tough for even experienced DIY-ers to get a really accurate estimate. Any project can throw you a curveball, and you can always expect the unexpected. Especially in older homes that have been tinkered with over the years, you never can tell what a previous homeowner decided to do. Tools break and need to be replaced. You spot a small leak when replacing your sink, and that leads to a larger plumbing issue. You measure incorrectly and need to buy more materials. All of these issues will lead to budget overruns.

Here’s an example of how a budget can get out of control: You decide to paint your dining room. You buy paint, trays, rollers and a drop cloth and think the spending is over. After discovering wallpaper underneath the paint, you decide to remove it. This leads you to the store to buy stripping tools and materials. Removing it is tough, and you mangle your walls. The only choice now is to tear the existing drywall down and replace it. Tearing down the drywall damages your hardwood floor and needs minor repairs. You finally finish

the demolition, hang new drywall, paint and fix the floor. What started as a $100 job has now swelled to at least five times that amount. Some budgets grow so much that you must put the project on hold. You can avoid this by getting as detailed as possible when budgeting and adding a cushion for unexpected costs.

Not Giving Yourself Enough Time

Besides added costs, another thing you can count on if you’re tackling a job yourself is that it will almost always take longer than you think. Most people engaging in a home renovation aren’t able to do so full-time. They have jobs and become DIY weekend warriors, or they take “staycations” and attempt to complete a project in a week or two. Professional contractors tend to take longer, so it’s highly unlikely that a DIY-er will finish sooner than expected or even on time. In the DIY world, “on time” becomes a sliding scale. This can be a problem because if the project isn’t finished in the time you’ve carved out for it, life can get in the way, and you can end up with a half-finished bathroom for days, weeks or even months. If you’re dealing with plumbing or electrical issues, you could end up without running water or power in your house for a period of time as well. Avoid short-changing yourself on time by having realistic renovation goals. If you’re not sure how long a task should take, ask someone who knows or do some surfing on DIY message boards on the Internet. A knowledgeable employee at your local hardware store can also give you an idea of how much time you’ll need. And finally, get a friend to help you

and then help him or her in return. Working with a partner will always speed things up.

Working Outside Your Skill Level

Tackling a job best suited for a professional, a.k.a. biting off more than you can chew, is a surefire way to spend more money and take more time than you can afford. An inexperienced or even seasoned DIY-er can turn a small problem into a big one in a hurry by not knowing exactly what he or she is doing. If you get surprised by an issue you don’t fully understand in the middle of a job, your instinct may be to press on and try to figure it out. You should deny this instinct. When you’re met with a surprise, like a simple light switch installation that turns up a bird’s nest of old wiring, stop and call a professional if you have any doubt about what you’re doing.

You can get away with learning a few things on the fly here and there by researching your problem on DIY websites, but most times, you’ll end up costing yourself, damaging your home, or even putting yourself in danger. The best way to assess your skill level is to be honest about your know-how. Only you know your capabilities, and there’s no hard and fast rule for what constitutes a DIY job. But here’s an idea of what may be best left to the pros:

• Plumbing work

• Electrical work

• HVAC systems

• Roofing repairs

• Window replacement

Not Having the Proper Tools

You can’t fit a round peg into a square hole. That’s the same thing as using the wrong tool to

get the job done.

It’s expensive enough to sink so much money into materials when renovating, which is why many home renovators skimp on tools and try to bore into a brick wall with a 12-volt drill. In this case, the job requires an electric hammer drill and using anything else can be fruitless and even dangerous. There are many kinds of hammers, and using a claw hammer when you need a rubber mallet could damage the spanking-new drywall job you just finished. Using a cheap posthole digger instead of a power auger when you’re digging holes for fence posts will take you longer and, in some cases, may not even be possible. You get frustrated halfway through the digging process, cut it short and end up with an unstable fence. These are just a few scenarios that can arise from working without the proper tools.

If you’ve bought a house you plan on renovating yourself, you’ll need a basic set of power tools and a well-stocked toolbox, at the very least. A rechargeable cordless power drill is a must-have. When it comes to saws, most of your tasks can be handled with the trio of a circular saw, a drop saw, and a reciprocating saw. The reciprocating saw is great for demolition; the drop saw gives you perfect angles for wood trim, and the circular saw makes most of your longer cuts. Get a good level, measuring tape and some safety equipment, goggles, gloves, respirator and a hard hat. If you’re doing a job that requires a tool you probably won’t need again, go to your local home improvement store, where you can rent every kind of tool for every kind of job by the hour, day, week or month.

Using Super For House Deposits Increases Property Prices By $75,000

New modelling from the Super Members Council shows that allowing first homeowners to withdraw their super for a house deposit could see property prices rise by nearly $75,000 across Australia’s five largest capital cities.

Pouring retirement savings into housing would inflame an already-inflated property market – pushing up the major capital city median price by an estimated 9%.

The Super Members Council (SMC) modelled a scheme allowing a first home buyer to take $50,000 from their super for a deposit – as has been proposed.

The rigorous econometric model found the scheme fuelled demand in capital cities and led to price increases that quickly exceeded the $50,000 first homeowners could withdraw from super.

The model showed prices would hike in all capital cities, with the Sydney median ballooning by almost $80,000, Melbourne by nearly $70,000, Brisbane by $78,000, and Perth

by a whopping $86,000. (See Table 1)

Super Members Council CEO Misha Schubert said allowing withdrawals from super for house deposits could raise prices for everyone - meaning all home buyers would pay higher mortgages for longer, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.

“Using retirement savings for house deposits would just unleash a huge price hike,” Ms Schubert said.

“That would mean higher and longer mortgages for Australians – and would quickly make capital cities even less affordable for new home buyers struggling to enter the market.”

“We all desperately want more Australians to own their own homes, but this idea won’t achieve that—it would just make that goal even harder for first-time home buyers by making house prices even more expensive.”

Ms Schubert said a growing list of policy ideas encouraging people to raid their retirement savings has long-lasting consequences for everyday

Australians and the country.

“Breaking the seal on super leaves people poorer in retirement and costs every Australian taxpayer more from higher age pension costs.”

SMC analysis shows a 30-yearold couple who withdrew $35,000 each from their super could retire with about $195,000 less in today’s dollars. People retiring with less super increase age pension costs, which would likely be met by higher taxes—a price every Australian will pay.

Robust international studies confirm schemes allowing people to access retirement savings for house deposits do not lift homeownership rates.

A Mercer study of its Global Pension Index found that countries that allow early access to retirement savings for housing did not have higher home ownership rates than Australia.

The study also concluded the common feature of the best global retirement systems was that they ‘preserved’ savings until retirement.

An academic review of the

New Zealand super scheme Kiwisaver, which allows withdrawals for housing, found balances were far lower, partly due to the country’s first home deposit withdrawal scheme. New Zealand also has a lower rate of home ownership than Australia.

A chorus of credible economists, including Retirement Income Review author Mike Callaghan, the RBA, APRA, Coalition PM Malcolm Turnbull, and OECD General Secretary Mathias Cormann, have cautioned that using super for housing deposits could inflate property prices.

“The Super Members Council works with Parliamentarians and policymakers across the full breadth of the Parliament to ensure the super policy is stable, effective and equitable,” Ms Schubert said.

“We produce rigorous research and analysis to help inform policy development that protects and promotes the interests of the 10 million everyday Australians we represent.

SHERI BINZER AWARD WINNING TEAM

60 years combined local knowledge & experience.

BRIBIE ISLAND & SURROUNDS

Boutique Real Estate Agency

Sheri Binzer of Bribie Realty Wins RateMyAgent’s National 2024

Top 100 Agent in Australia! + Bongaree + Woorim + Bellara + Sandstone Point - Agent & Agency of the Year Awards!

RateMyAgent – Australia’s leading review marketing platform for real estate agents – has announced Bribie Realty as the winner of the 2024 Agent/Agency of the Year Award.

The ninth annual awards ceremony was held 22nd February at Crown Palladium, Melbourne, hosted by comedian Jimmy Rees and featured keynotes from industry expert Tom Panos.

The RateMyAgent Awards recognises Australia’s top real estate agents plus agencies and celebrates their dedication to the highest standards of customer service.

Award winners and nominees are the most highly recommended performers by local Australian vendors, landlords and buyers.

They are selected based on customer satisfaction ratings across the country and the total number of reviews collected.

“The Agent of the Year Awards acknowledge real estate agents who go above and beyond for their vendors,” said RateMyAgent CEO Michael Davey.

“Performance-based reviews are essential in enabling agents to stand out, and they’re also the main criteria toward receiving a RateMyAgent Award. Our nominees and winners received highest satisfaction rating across the country in the 2023 calendar year –that’s something to be extremely proud of.” RateMyAgent reviews are linked to verified

transactions, ensuring each review is unique to the agent from a genuine property vendor or buyer.

“Sincerely thank the invaluable team for consistency, along with all vendors and buyers who have contributed to achieve these astonishing goals. We have had the pleasure of welcoming many new Bribie Island & Surrounds residents, as well as assisting cherished vendors with their new endeavours. Absolutely appreciate every review that has enabled this level of achievement – especially the surprise award of being recognised the Top 100 Agents Within Australia!” said Bribie Realty’s principal Sheri Binzer.

Meet the Team

SHERI BINZER BRIBIE REALTY

Building Business from the Ground Up. Now at 5 Banya St, Bongaree

New Office – Finally after a lengthy search have office location! Right near the new ‘Satellite Hospital’ – making us central in the region’s investment hot spot.

In essence of pure character... 5 Banya Street. Iconic 1910 elevated 3 level Cape Cod building, successfully housing 5 star ‘Bella Abode’ holiday letting (‘Loft’ 1 bed + 4 bed/2 bath ‘Middle Residence’) above the entire ground floor office. We have large LED screens mounted at the front to complete the promotion of our properties! We continue providing our clients with ‘free marketing’ & competitive rates with the highest home values in the shortest possible timeframe to suit you the vendor.

Team Expansion –Sales & Marketing / Property Investment Specialists

Jules Walton - is very passionate about the industry & is a breath of fresh air, hitting the ground running, with exceptional results. Long term within the industry, with a swag of awards for excellence. A Bribie local, living and working in this region for over 30 years. A born strategist, with experience working with award winning local businesses, government, developers, builders & is considered a top sales & property marketing expert.

Kirra Clarke - having broad experience within the property investment market Kirra is successfully managing and developing our property portfolio of both permanent & holiday letting. She rules with a kind authority and ensures valued landlords have tenancies who actually care about the property they are blessed to be calling home. As a boutique agency, you are prioritized with attention to current legislation and an eye for detail. As a landlord you are protected.

Nareen Keep - another local who greets the many walk-in clients with a professional and friendly manner. Having bought and sold properties she knows the importance of excellent customer service.

If you are looking at selling, buying or investing we are the team to consult for valuable, professional, friendly with an old school value service. Our result driven attitude is our successful formula in achieving record sales in Bribie and surrounds.

How much is my castle worth? Call us for a free appraisal & market update today!

CALLOUT TO CRUISE SHIP

On Friday morning the callout crew was requested to help QLD Ambulance Service with medevacs of 2 passengers with medical conditions the from Cruise Ship Carnival Splendor, which was anchored off Tangalooma during a 4-day cruise out of Sydney. Thankfully they did not need a tow!

up at VMR Bribie after doing extended navigation exercises and thanks to the VMR Bribie for welcoming them in and showing them over your Unit.

The Boys Brigade conducted an adventure training expedition in the Pumicestone passage today and Delta Crew ensured their safety.

The 2024 Yamaha Variety Jet Trek is an exhilarating event that combines adventure, fundraising, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children in need in Queensland. This year it runs from March 3, 2024, to March 9, 2024. The journey spans from Kingscliff in the far north of New South Wales to Gladstone in Queensland. Participants ride personal watercraft (jet skis) over a distance of approximately 820 kilometres on the water. The event raises funds for children and their families, supporting Variety’s mission to improve the lives of kids facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. The Yamaha Variety Jet Trek has been running since 1998 and has raised over $3.7 million for this cause.

HOW IT WORKS

In the lead up to the event, the

rider and road crew from each personal watercraft entered will fundraise to reach a minimum target of $3,000 for Aussie kids. They’ve got plenty of resources and a dedicated team to help them every step of the way! On average participants raise $3,500 or more because of all the support provided.

Tuesday 5th March 2024 97

Jet Skis and 2 power boats, a total of around 230 riders, road crew, safety crew, and officials called in to VMR Bribie Island for “brunch”, before departing for Noosa for the night and a lay day tomorrow. Further stops are planned for Hervey Bay, Agnes Waters then finally Gladstone.

Erin Lazarou, Variety Fundraising Event Director, with Ex-VMR Bribie Commodore Nathan Gundry, Event Official and their team of Event Manager, Marketing and Communications Manager, Medics, Media Film Crew, Ramp and Road Crews make up the land based support.

ended

Friday 8th March 2024 was a busy day for the call-out crew of Skipper Liz Radajewski, Senior Crew Dale Mullins, and Crew Wayne Robinson. Assisting a struggling yacht in challenging conditions of wind against

tide South of Bribie aboard Bribie 1, eventually getting it anchored up off Bongaree. This afternoon Bribie 2 was tasked to assist a large houseboat dragging anchor off Banksia Beach and heading towards another vessel, utilising a special bridle carried onboard our rescue vessels to make towing houseboats easier, the vessel was relocated and re-anchored.

HAPPY HOUR

Friday 8th March 2024 – 45 members and partners attended the March Happy Hour, the first with no catering, and bar snacks available for purchase, to give our hard-working Social Committee a bit of a breather! The new single bar roller shutter proved to a big improvement on the old twin roller grates! A big thanks to Karen Llewellyn and Ian Thomas for manning the bar.

MARCH VESSEL ASSISTS

FRI 01/03 0700AM – QAS had arranged for 2 Ambulance Officers to attend VMR Bribie at 0700 to medevac 2 POB from cruise ship Carnival Splendor at the East Anchorage off Tangalooma at 0800 and return to VMR Bribie to awaiting ambulance.

FRI 01/03 1515PM – 4.7m

Runabout non-member with motor issues, required a tow from 500m North of Tangalooma Wrecks to Bellara.

SAT 02/03 0616AM – 4.5m

Cuddy Cabin non-member with motor issues required a tow from Turners Camp to Spinnaker Sound Marina.

SAT 02/03 1237PM – 5.8m

Runabout non-member with engine issues required a tow from Banksia Beach to Spinnaker Sound Marina.

SAT 02/03 1533PM – 4.3m Tinny member with water pump issues required a tow from Glass House Creek to Donnybrook.

SAT 02/03 1950PM – 3m Jet

Ski non-member (member CG Caloundra), retrieved owner back to Spinnaker Sound Marina, Ski high and dry with high tide at around 2AM, for recovery at a later time.

SUN 03/03 0638AM – 3m

Jet Ski from last night Assist reported floating near Mission Point. Investigated found Ski high and dry and unrecoverable at this stage, relayed info to CG Caloundra.

TUE 05/02 0936AM – 4.2m

Runabout non-member with motor issues, required a tow from Glasshouse Creek to Donnybrook Boat Ramp.

TUE 05/03 1115AM – Tasked by QAS to transport 2 Ambulance Officers to Tangalooma to medevac a patient back to VMR Base to awaiting ambulance.

THU 07/03 0639AM – 11.7m

Yacht non-member stuck on mud flat at Donnybrook, required a tow to South of the Bribie Bridge.

THU 07/03 1056AM – 10m Yacht non-member required a tow from VMR Mooring to anchor at Turners Camp.

THU 07/03 1325PM - Tasked by

QAS to transport 2 Ambulance Officers to Tangalooma to medevac a patient back to VMR Base to awaiting ambulance.

FRI 08/03 1056AM – 11.7m

Yacht with engine problems required a tow from South of the South Cardinal to mooring at Bongaree.

FRI 08/03 1546PM – 16m

Houseboat member with motor issues awaiting mechanic, required a tow from Banksia Beach to Pacific Harbour.

SAT 09/03 1203PM – MOP reported a stand-up Paddle Boarder in difficulty at Toorbul –Investigate.

MON 11/03 1435PM – MOP reported 2 x Paddle Boarders in difficulty at Southpoint –Investigate.

MON 11/03 1900PM - Tasked by QAS to transport 2 Ambulance Officers to Tangalooma to medevac a patient back to VMR Base to awaiting ambulance.

MON 11/03 2203PM – MOP camped at Mission Point reported a man’s Tinny had drifted away with phone and car keys on board – eventually found the vessel and towed to Donnybrook.

WED 13/03 0917AM - Tasked by QAS to transport 2 Ambulance Officers to Tangalooma to medevac 2 patients back to VMR Base to awaiting ambulance, ended up evacuating 4 passengers and all their luggage.

WED 13/03 2026PM - Tasked by QAS to transport 2 Ambulance Officers to Tangalooma to medevac a patient back to VMR Base to awaiting ambulance.

2024 YEAR RADIO ROOM STATISTICS

To Wed 13th March, 2024

3,517 Calls, 898 vessels logged on,

97 Vessel Assists, 387 Sitreps, 541 Requests, 12 Overdue vessels, 2 Vessel Tracking, 297 Radio Checks, 5 Weather Forecasts

3 Securite Broadcasts. 1 Pan Pan, 0 Mayday

VHF calls 49.3%, - 27MHz calls 0.2% - Phone 30.5%

GWN 4.4%, OTHER 3.1%

Fishy Facts

A fish is a water-dwelling animal that breathes through gills. It has a backbone, fins, and a two-chambered heart. If you're incurious, that may be all you care to know about fish —other than perhaps which ones taste better with cocktail or tartar sauce. But for those of us who fancy fish, they're endlessly fascinating creatures about whom we can't learn enough.

They range from tiny creatures that would fit on a fingernail to monsters the size of cabin cruisers. They can sleep with their eyes open, taste without using their mouths and float without casting a shadow.

So, what's the world's most common fish? If you expect it to be a tuna, flounder, or goldfish, guess again. The most common type of fish on the planet is one humans rarely see. Why? Because it's small,

If

ingeniously camouflaged, and lives between 100 and 250 fathoms in the ocean. It's the bristlemouth, a member of the genus Cyclothone.

The bristlemouth clan are humble, homely creatures with stubby bodies and tiny eyes, primarily mouth and fins. Size-wise, they're unimposing. Most species grow to no more than three inches in length. But the bristlemouth has one outstanding piece of equipment: two rows of photophores, or light-emitting organs, on its underside, which it uses to prevent itself from a casting shadow its predators might spy. Its predators include shrimp, which gives you a sense of how puny this fish is.

The big kahuna of the fish world is the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), which lives in semi-tropical and warm temperate waters around

the world and grows to more than 65 feet, weighing nearly 40 tons. With its tremendous length, gigantic blunt head and polka-dot pattern, the whale shark looks like the prototype for Roy Scheider's worst nightmare. In reality, the big fellas are harmless. They're so docile that they've been known to allow swimmers to hitch rides on their backs. They're filter eaters, rather than biters, and feed on a diet of tiny plankton, small fishes, crustaceans and squid. They live to the age of about 70 unless humans harpoon them and grind them up into fish meal.

The title of the world's smallest fish is a matter of controversy. In 2006, the prestigious scientific journal of the UK's Royal Society published an article touting the discovery of a lilliputian fish from the genus Paedocypris, which dwells

in Sumatran swamps and is only 7.8 millimetres in length, or about a third of an inch. Soon after, other scientists came forward to cite an even smaller fish already described in the scientific literature: an

Australian specimen of the stout infantfish (Schlindleria brevipinguis), which is 7.0 millimetres long.

But the tiniest fish is a male anglerfish (Photocorynus

spiniceps) discovered in the Philippines. It measures just 6.2 centimetres (about a quarter of an inch) from snout to tail. The male spiniceps is a parasite that spends its life fused to a much larger female. She does

all the work, like swimming and eating, while he hangs on. Did you know fish have headto-tail taste buds? Unlike humans, fish don't have 3-D vision. That's because their eyes are on the opposite sides of their heads. But what they lack in binocular vision, they make up for with extremely acute interrelated senses of smell and taste, which they rely on to perceive their environment. Some fish use smell to help them find a safe place to lay their eggs. Migrating salmon can recognize the odour of their home stream. Sharks, rays, eels and salmon have such finetuned olfactory rosettes (the organs that detect scents) that they can smell chemical levels as low as one part per billion in the water around them. Fishes' ability to taste is similarly well-developed. Many species have taste buds not just on their tongues but on their fins, face and tail area as well. They can taste food before they have it in their mouths. Catfish have the most sophisticated palates of all.

They're literally covered from head to tail with taste buds. Even their whiskers have taste buds. That enables catfish to scavenge for food even in muddy, murky water.

Most fish are great at swimming forward but not in the opposite direction. Their anatomical design only allows them to flex their bodies and move their tail or caudal fin to propel themselves through the water. However, some fish species have evolved different methods of locomotion that allow them to move in any direction.

Triggerfish use a technique called balistiform mode, where they move by undulating their dorsal and anal fins, and electric eels use gymnotiform mode, which involves undulating their body and flapping their anal fins.

All in all, fish are incredible creatures from which we can learn so much. I hope you found this information fascinating and that it inspires you to explore more about these amazing creatures!

Another week of strong winds and rain, with very few anglers getting out in the bay for a fish.

The upper reaches of the passage have been producing a lot of mud crabs with the extra flush of fresh water. Whiting is still active, and mid-size flatheads are also being caught. Ivan has managed a nice catch of muddies. Just a reminder: There are 7 Mud crabs per person and a boat limit of 14. All female crabs need to be returned immediately to the water. No claws can be kept unless you also have the carapace (body) that it came from.

E.g. 3 Carapace has a maximum of 6 craws total; unfortunately, some crabbers have been removing claws from undersize crabs and

also females, which fisheries can identify the difference in the claw.

If any suspect is fishing or crabbing, please report to the fisheries hotline at 1800 017 116.

I managed this PB flathead caught on a 6lb main line with an 8lb leader using a yabby as bait. With no snags in around 4 meters of water, it was gently brought to the side of the boat and netted first pass. It measured 74cm and weighed 3.064kg, which is about as big as a legal flathead can get. The hook and yabby were well down its mouth, so any tighter on the drag, it would have easily broken free.

A snelled pilchard was enough to trick this 58cm Golden trevelly, giving Sarkis a great fight with strong fast runs before getting on its side and fighting all the way to the surface.

Cobia have migrated to deeper water with only a couple caught over the last couple of weeks. Have a look at this nice mixed bag caught in the passage.

The surprise fish for me this month is the highly sort after tailor which normally starts to school around June and July and will hang around to about October. Allan managed this beauty of over 60cm on a surface popper/sugar pen which are available from Bribie Bait and Cycle. With a balancing act of lighter line for a further cast and heavier line to stop these big fish, I would recommend 15lb braid with 20lb plus leader to handle these tailors, along with flathead, Queenies and trevally.

What If the Oceans Disappeared?

It’s hard to imagine a world without water, but let’s try. Our oceans, covering more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, play a crucial role in supporting all life forms on our planet. They regulate the climate, drive the water cycle, and provide food and livelihoods for millions of people worldwide. But what if they were gone? How would our planet cope?

The oceans have two primary roles. Firstly, they absorb and distribute solar radiation, regulating temperatures around the Earth. The oceans also act as a massive heat sink, absorbing excess heat from the sun and distributing it through ocean currents, winds, and other atmospheric processes. Without water, harsh rays from the sun would bake the equator while distributing almost no energy to the poles, especially in the winter. This would create extreme temperature gradients, leading to severe weather patterns and climatic instability.

Secondly, the oceans feed the water cycle, turning barren places into lush, balmy gardens. When water is heated at the equator, it evaporates and becomes clouds. As warm air rises, it also draws in cooler air from underneath. This process stimulates more even heat distribution, turning places where it would otherwise be too cold to live into habitable regions. The water cycle also maintains the balance of freshwater resources on our planet, providing drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power to millions of people worldwide.

But let’s say the oceans have turned to dirt, leaving us with only 3.5 per cent of our present water supply. Not enough to get a decent worldwide water cycle going. Rain would be incredibly rare without clouds forming over the ocean, and the planet would become a desert. Humans might survive for a while near our homes, but on the surface, plants and animals would begin to die out immediately. Forests would turn into tinderboxes, and fires would

span the continents, releasing tons of carbon dioxide into the progressively stifling atmosphere, accelerating global warming.

The sun would turn the equator into a furnace with no relief from the circulating ocean currents, and greenhouse gases from the world’s fires would trap the sun’s energy close to the ground. The average temperature on Earth would be 153 degrees Fahrenheit, making surface life impossible for even the hardiest desert animals.

Humanity’s only hope would be the window when the Antarctic ice sheet was still intact, prompting massive migrations to the Southern Hemisphere. Survivors would have to collect Antarctic ice underground, where it would be safe from

evaporation. But things would get worse. On the planet’s surface, all plant life is gone. As the world burns, the atmosphere would become less and less oxygenated, perhaps becoming unbreathable for humans.

It’s a scary thought, but we must take action to protect our oceans. The oceans may seem vast and indestructible, but they are a fragile ecosystem that we must safeguard. We must reduce our carbon footprint, curb pollution, and adopt sustainable fishing practices to ensure a healthy future for our planet and all its inhabitants.

THE CLIMATE COUNCIL

IS SOUNDING THE ALARM ON A SEVERE BLEACHING EVENT UNFOLDING ACROSS THE GREAT BARRIER REEF. NEW VISION SHOWS DAMAGE EXTENDING MORE THAN 1,100 KILOMETRES FROM LIZARD ISLAND TO THE KEPPEL ISLANDS.

Marine heatwaves are bleaching swathes of the Southern Great Barrier Reef white, bringing direct observers to tears. With an ominous marine forecast for the coming weeks, authorities could declare another mass bleaching event.

The Reef, a cherished global icon, home to diverse marine life, and a cornerstone of Australian natural heritage, faces repeated and escalating threats from climate pollution caused by the burning of coal, oil, and gas, including more frequent and severe marine heatwaves.

Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said, “Relentless pollution from coal, oil, and gas is Australia’s number one environmental problem, and it’s literally cooking the Reef. Our environmental protection laws are outdated and desperately need an overhaul to prevent new reefdestroying gas and coal projects.

“Since the federal government was

elected, at least five coal and gas projects have been waved through under our outdated law, and more than 20 other highly polluting proposals are sitting on the Environment Minister's desk right now. These projects will be waved through without stronger laws, endangering our Reef, all marine life, and the livelihoods of Queenslanders who depend on a healthy, vibrant reef.

“Australians expect our national environment law to protect precious natural environments like the Great Barrier Reef and the numerous communities that depend upon it— not destroy them. Unless this law is fixed to make climate pollution a core consideration, the Great Barrier Reef will continue to deteriorate before our children’s eyes.”

Climate Councillor Professor Lesley Hughes said: "As ocean temperatures continue to increase, our precious Great Barrier Reef is in grave danger. The composition and diversity of our once mighty Reef have already been changed after repeated marine heatwaves and mass bleaching events driven by the relentless burning of coal, oil and gas. Our focus must be on limiting further harm as much as possible.

“Australians understand the Reef is irreplaceable. Many Queensland workers and communities rely directly

on it for their livelihoods, and everyone depends on a healthy ocean. Scientists and tour operators are being brought to tears by what they observe.

“The Reef can be restored, but it needs at least a decade to recover from a severe bleaching event, and the only way to ensure that can happen is to reduce climate pollution from coal, oil and gas rapidly. The only way to safeguard the Great Barrier Reef and everyone and everything that depends on it is to cut climate pollution at the source."

Dr Dean Miller, Climate Council Fellow and reef expert, said: "We see the most vulnerable corals to heat stress start bleaching along the length of the Great Barrier Reef, which is alarming. “It's not just about how many corals are bleaching, but the ones most at risk suffer. This stress affects corals of all sizes, from the largest ones that have survived past bleaching events to the smallest, youngest corals.

“If the heat stress continues, we'll see more widespread bleaching affecting a higher diversity of coral species, which is a major concern for the reef's health and ultimately its resilience."

INOTHING BEATS A CLASSIC

f you’re a vintage car enthusiast? Then you’ll be excited to learn that Bribie Island has its own vintage, classic, and historic car group you can join! The club has a rich history that dates back to 1963 when two Nambour citizens, Ian Hayne and David Sharpe, came up with the idea of a local antique car club to restore and preserve the ‘old faithful’ of bygone days. Following a meeting held on 19 February 1963 at Bert Skinner’s Garage, the “Antique Car Club of Nambour” was born. The club’s members were mainly interested in restoration, and in April 1964, Mick Hayes’ 1912 Buick became the club’s first fully restored car. The club’s cars made their first public appearance in Nambour in the Warana Festival procession on 26 September 1964. The first club rally was to Alexandra Headland on 3 September 1964, and the club was subsequently renamed the Sunshine Coast Antique Car Club.

The club is a non-profit organisation that fosters, encourages, and advances interest in the history, restoration, care, and preservation of old engine-driven vehicles. As mentioned before, the club originates

from Nambour, but a Bribie branch was established to cater to local needs around Bribie Island by Trevor Shields and Gil Leach, who formed the Bribie Island group in 2000.

The Bribie Island group meets twice a month for a cuppa and a yarn somewhere locally to keep in touch with each other. Bob and Mirella Parsons coordinated the club’s events for ten years until last year when they decided it was time to pass the baton onto Joe and Donna Geranio, with the assistance of Paul and Averil McLean. As a local branch of the Sunshine Coast Antique Car Club (SCACC), based at the showgrounds at Nambour, the Bribie Island group caters to locals (and not only locals) who enjoy sharing each other’s company, talking old cars, and participating in less strenuous outings together, with or without their vehicles, on Bribie and the surrounding areas.

The club also has static displays at local functions and events throughout the year, providing members ample opportunities to use their vehicles. Members are proud of their cars and are pleased to have several rare and interesting models among

their number.

The Bribie Island branch is always looking for new members, and if you have a vehicle older than 30 years or are interested in old cars, you are most welcome to join the group. So, why not join this exciting vintage car community and share your passion for the ‘old faithful’ with like-minded individuals? Joe said, “We have a great group of social members who meet about twice a month to chat about all thing’s cars and life in general. Usually, we have a morning tea on the Island and also a longer run to many surrounding places of interest.”

Joe and Donna Geranio encourage anyone who wishes to attend events to come along and enjoy the cars of yesteryear while meeting friendly members for a cuppa and a chat. All events are on the club’s website on the events calendar at www.scacc.org.au  and those with any queries about the club or upcoming events can contact Joe at the following:

Email. broadviews@optusnet.com.au Phone 0431799425

after discovering he’d won more than $2.8 million in the weekend’s Saturday Gold Lotto draw.

The Bribie Island man held one of the seven division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4451 on Saturday, 16 March 2024. Each division one winning entry scored $2,857,142.86.

from above. The winning man’s marked System 7 entry was purchased on The Lott website – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.

A Bongaree man has confessed that his children's future is his top priority after discovering he’d won more than $2.8 million in the weekend’s Saturday Gold Lotto draw. The Bribie Island man held one of the seven division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4451 on Saturday, 16 March 2024. Each division one winning entry scored $2,857,142.86.

must be watching over me from above. “I’ll be straight into the renovations at my home! Thankfully, I’ll be able to pay someone to do them now, and I won’t have to.

“My first phone call is to my children. They’ll be stoked to know some of it is coming their way, and they can set themselves up for the future. “Thank you so much!”

The winning man’s marked System 7 entry was purchased on The Lott website – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.

A Bongaree man has confessed that his children's future is his top priority

The elated winner credited his win to the same numbers he’d used for nearly 30 years and said that some cherished deceased family members must be watching over him

“Woah, woah! This is absolutely amazing!” the winning man said when an official from The Lott called to confirm his windfall. “I’ve been using these numbers for almost three decades. They’re just so special to me for so many reasons. “I’m also sure someone

Last financial year, Australia’s official lottery contributed more than $1.6 billion via state lottery taxes and donations to help community initiatives, such as hospitals, health research, disaster relief and education.

letters to the editor

Dear Local Member,

It seems you are having some difficulty advising us on the final cost of the “pie in the sky” hospital and the likely finishing date.

One wonders why a simple question from a concerned taxpayer whose money has been squandered by your government can not be advised as to what the project is going to cost compared to the original budget.

Is it that you don’t know or don’t care?

Will future projects, such as the proposed bridge and the many Olympic projects, be undertaken without any real cost control, as this one has?

Please tell me that you do have control over our money and know what is going on with union-controlled projects; otherwise, my despair will continue.

Regards

Rod Dominish ASM, Dip QS Bribie Island resident Building Economist

Dear Editor,

In years gone by, I would receive all of my news, both local and international, and all of my entertainment through ‘My ABC’. In recent years, however, due to the clear left-wing bias by our national broadcaster, I only tune into the ABC for one program each week, namely ‘Australia all Over’ hosted by Ian ‘Macca’ McNamara at Sunday breakfast time. I like to hear the views of Australian farmers, truck drivers, grey nomads and regular workers who manage to get their message across without censorship due to the live nature of this program. It would appear that even this show is now under threat from ABC management. Apparently, over the long weekend of Australia Day, Macca agreed with a caller who was complaining about Premier Chris Minns’s intention to increase housing density around transport hubs in Sydney. Macca had the temerity to add “that if you invite 600,000 people into Australia, it’s just a nobrainer that you’re going to have problems with housing”. Furthermore, “I mean why

don’t they say, well look, let’s cut back on the number of people coming and let’s fix up the problems we’ve got now”. I would contend that such views have been held by the vast majority of Australians for quite some time and have been expressed to Macca many times in his travels around the country. Macca’s comments were clearly a breach of the ABC’s editorial standards but much worse, they were at odds with our current left-wing government. That is the last straw! The sooner we impose a fee on those who wish to receive ABC programs, the better so that we can see this once-great institution fade into oblivion. Alternatively, some pressure needs to be imposed on the ABC to ensure that it lives up to its ‘no bias’ charter. I wish to acknowledge the fact that the statements quoted above originated in the Australian newspaper to which I subscribe.

Dear Editor, The article from Michael Cavenor, Letters to the Editor, The Bribie Islander issue 209 February 2024, in relation to “Flags”, is a festering reality. To continue with concerns for our National Icon, The Australian National Flag.” Just a few years back, our flag was to be symbolically altered in recognition of the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islander peoples. One flag, one nation. Instead, the authorities decided on three flags. Those extra two “Flags” are Pennants representing their respective peoples, as is the case worldwide where individual Pennants are flown to identify something or groups of people. How many countries have more than one National flag representing their people? The authorities are turning a blind eye to the objectors of free Australia.

If the British had not arrived here before other nations made a settlement, then it could have been a very different outcome for those inhabitants already here. For the minority who won’t recognise the National Constitutional

Vote “Voice to Parliament,” they should be thankful.

Land has been settled, occupied, and resettled by force, treaty, barter, deed, or agreement all over the world since occupation. This is still done to this day. This country, Australia, is no different.

One can’t step out into society, read a paper or watch a sport without having a selected culture forced upon us by Governments. Was it ever passed through Parliament? Free choice is now virtually non-existent. It is an insult to our Ancestors who settled, worked, and many died for our land called Australia.

When Queensland becomes part of Daylight Savings (it will happen), will the non-believers be tolerated if they take to the streets with placards and loudspeakers, disrupting and venting their anger at the majority? We are the lucky country. “We are one, but we are many”, words changed to our National Anthem to appease some. One Australian flag should be hoisted and recognised for our nation’s many cultures, religions, traditions, and customs.

Dear Editor,

Why are more and more people homeless? Well, here's my rub on it. The Labor government of QLD, headed up by Queen Anna for nine-plus years, who walked away scott-free, did not care to build social housing as in the past. No, she (red carpet Anna) spent it all on toll roads, which makes Brisbane look like a BAD DREAM and fails to fix much anyway. Red carpet Anna just turned her head away from the lower-income families of SE—QLD.

They had land banked, as the QLD government had land everywhere, but they got greedy and cosy with the property developers and sold it to them for poker machine money and woke projects. So where has all the money gone from selling everything? e.g. water /power? Maybe they thought the capitalist market would cater to low-income families. Maybe they are that gullible. Even Sir Jon was smarter than that. From mining royalties to stamp /duty on everything that stops long enough, the 9-year

Queen Anna and her sidekick "Giggles" have left the low-earners to tread water or drown. We still have Giggles as a nasty smell after Queen Anna. For god’s sake, get rid of him and his band of useless excuses for political leaders. It's, in fact, disgusting how they abandoned the taxpayers of Queensland, along with the reserve bank led by an incompetent governor, Sir Philip Lowe, who screwed them over as well.

The last few interest rate rises were unnecessary. Still, he and his cronies living on the Sydney North Shore with particular low-interest rate loans from the reserve bank for whom they work could not or are too incompetent to care about the ordinary folks of QLD. They are the reserve bank boys and girls club.

Queen Anna runs away and leaves her sidekick, Giggles, to mop up, which he can’t do because he is on another planet. Right now, the premier could say we will buy, borrow, steal, and build ourselves multi-roomed homes called maisonettes like in Sa. But it's too late, Giggles, the stooge fall guy for Queen Anna's ego. The bull has gone through the gate for nine years. The homeless have been screwed for many years, and unless an honest liberal govt gets in, it will get worse. Maybe they could move in with Queen Anna and Giggles, so all the nine years of incompetence come home to roost.  It is always the same. Labor, Federal and State, including Victoria, could not run a drinking competition at alcoholics anonymous.

So here we are—people with jobs, mind you—who live in the parks with kids and have no power, lights, showers, or anything else. If this were in Europe, Queen Anna and Giggles would have been, I hope, tarred and feathered long ago. So, why do people keep voting for these incompetent idiots? I'm now lost for words.

Philip White (not on the street now but has been) Vietnam veteran.

“OUR FLAG”.

Re: letter by H.Beneke to The Bribie Islander Mar 8, 2024. Due to the space required, addressing all the mistakes, misconceptions and claims that H. Beneke makes on behalf of the Australian population with “we need”, “we don’t need”, and the like is impossible. One should suffice, however.

1. “. the claim re our flag that “We don’t need the Union Jack, even though a small number fought under it because it represents those who condoned the thefts and massacres of our recent history.” - “. our recent history.” Correction- “. our early history.”, “our” referring to us. i.e., Australians and this Nation.

2. “...those who condoned... “. Correction—not ALL those, which was implied. Many were brought to justice and punished. Unfortunately, as is always the case with the law, many could not be.

3. “.. represents those.” Correction - It did not represent those individuals or that country but was a symbol of that country, and they were representatives of that country.

4. “…a small number fought…” Correctionsfought (voluntarily enlisted) AND -suffered and endured horrendous conditions and privations, hardship, illnesses (physical and psychological) and atrocities of war; were injured; were wounded; lost their lives. - this “small number “, H. Beneke, is 416,809! - this “small number “, H. Beneke, was 38.7 % of the male population aged 18 to 40! - this “small number “, H. Beneke, is well over 1/3 of the fathers, husbands, sons, grandsons, brothers, uncles, betrothed, breadwinners, and leaders and combinations of those of the entire country!

5. 8,700 lost their lives in this service. Is that also a “small number” to you, H. Beneke? Your letter demonstrated to me astounding deficiencies of regard, respect, gratitude, fact, balance, and compassion. It is, in my opinion, in a word — DISGRACEFUL. I have

addressed only one issue, but the starkest to me and which leaves you with zero credibility, in my opinion, H. Beneke.

Note: 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders fought under the Union Jack. As you saw fit to affront the relatives of those “small numbers “personally and denigrate their memories and pride with your trivialisation, I’ve had no hesitation in addressing you personally—Fair’s fair. David, Bongaree.

Dear Editor, “Rapacious behaviour at Bribie Island Caravan Park. Rentals for a permanent site at Bribie Island Caravan Park are the highest in the region. Currently, it is $260 per week (water and electricity are metered). By comparison, Bongaree Caravan Park $195 per week (includes water and electricity).

Bellara Caravan Park $200 per week (includes water and electricity metered).

Dicky Beach Caravan Park $180 per week (includes water, electricity metered).

What makes Bribie Island Caravan Park worth so much more per week?

The park is poorly maintained and infrequently updated. Most residents fear making complaints because they may be evicted, as a couple who did were.

Are the vulnerable and elderly being taken advantage of as they cannot afford to move or relocate anywhere else? How long will this continue?”

Dear Editor, Why do we hate electric cars?

We don’t, but we despise the lies about the technology. 400klm range? Rubbish. If you drive at highway speed, the battery will be nearly empty after two and a half hours. On a recent Sydney to Melb run, the slow lane was full of electrics limping to the next charge point, I just

laughed as I passed them in the fast lane.

Convenient charging means the car is dormant overnight, so you can get a few hours running the next day. Alternatively, you can use the alternate commercial fast chargers, which will still add hours and hours of dormant charging time to your week if you can find one that works.

Clean green rubbish, every component of the car was mined and manufactured using a carbon-based energy source. Resale, who wants to spend tens of thousands on a battery that may die tomorrow because that’s what we are buying, a used battery, and the replacement cost of the battery is the price of the used EV..

Please keep your letters to no more than 200 words, this enables us to submit a number of letters for everyone to read.

The comments and opinions on these pages do not reflect those of The Bribie Islander

Neighbourhood Watch

Sunday, 31st March is Neighbour Day.

Neighbour Day is always held on the last Sunday in March. This year it is also Easter Sunday – a good day to say “Hello” to your neighbour. I was speaking to a local recently who told me that he had lived on Bribie for many years, yet he did not know his neighbours’ names, and certainly would not recognise them if he saw them in the supermarket. Hard to believe, and a bit sad, really.

We, who live and work here, all belong to the Bribie community. All 21,000 of us. We each belong to many other communities as well – from family to football supporters. One very important group is our local neighbourhood. Whether we like it or not, every one of us is a part of that group and our immediate neighbour is, next to our family, an important link in our need to belong and to prevent loneliness.

Start with a smile – progress to “G’Day”, maybe a kind gesture – such as bringing in

their bin from the road – it could be the start of a good relationship. You don’t need to live in their pocket, or be committed in any way other than being a communicative neighbour. Can you rely on them? If you can, you live in a great neighbourhood Crime reduction is an important part of being neighbourly. Not just theft or break and enter, but domestic violence is also a reality in some households – having a neighbour on whom one can rely may save more than just a relationship.

Many people here do feel a sense of loneliness. Some may have lost a partner, friend or family member and have big gap in their lives. Others may just feel isolated from their family or friends. Maybe noone visits them, or they have no-one to visit. A neighbour who cares, and who can be relied upon, is important in our Bribie community.

Being neighbourly is an important way our community can reduce human trauma. We have all heard stories of

a neighbour who has passed away, and yet no-one noticed. If you haven’t seen your neighbour for a while, maybe make discreet enquiries. They may just be on holiday – but it could be worse.

So, let’s celebrate Neighbour Day. Some will have a cuppa with their neighbour, maybe a street get-together or other neighbourhood gathering. At least, say “Hello”!,

Our APRIL meeting will be held on Tuesday the 16th April in the ANZAC Room of the RSL, from 9.30. It lasts about an hour, and you can have a coffee and a biscuit as well!

0408 841 306

CRIME REPORT BRIBIE ISLAND WRAP

March

2024

www.mypolice.qld.gov.au/moreton

Police have arrested a 28-year-old Sandstone Point man in relation to alleged offences that occurred on Bribie Island between February 8 and 11. Police will allege that at about 4:42 a.m. on February 8, the Sandstone Point man entered a residence at Cosmos Avenue, Banksia Beach, and stole a Ford Ranger from the garage using the keys that were taken from the house.

Later that day, at 9:30 a.m., the vehicle was located bogged in the pine plantation off McGarry Road, Caboolture. It is alleged that at about 3 am on February 11, the Sandstone Point man stole a fuel card from a vehicle parked at a Fairway Avenue, Woorim address.

At about 12.30 pm on February 11, it is further alleged that the Sandstone Point man entered two vehicles at an Eden Crescent, Woorim address and stole cash, identification, cigarettes and sunglasses.

Shortly after, police patrolling Woorim located the Sandstone Point man. It is alleged that he was in possession of stolen property at the time. The Sandstone Point man was charged with one count each of unlawful entry to a dwelling, unlawful entry to a premises, receiving tainted property, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and wilful damage.

He is scheduled to appear in the Caboolture Magistrates Court.

Do you know this man?

Police believe the persons pictured in this image may be able to assist officers with the investigation into a recent shoplifting —unlawfully taking away goods—that occurred on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at approximately 10:00 AM.

Report by Phone

Call Policelink on 131 444 and quote the reference number, 24 hours a day.

Phone: 131 444

Reference: QP2400156622

If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 24 hours a day or visit www. crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Appeal to locate tinnie owner, Moreton Bay

Water police are seeking the owner of a boat that was located in the Moreton Bay area this morning, Sunday, March 17, around 5:25 a.m.

The vessel is described as a tinnie/ tender boat, registration XR086Q, with the name ‘Kaygee’ on the side.

Investigators would like to return the boat to the owner and are urging anyone with information to contact police on 3895 0333. Other 5

8 Other Offences Against the Person 3 Unlawful Entry 4

Property Damage 11

Theft (excl. Unlawful Entry) 14 Drug Offences 12

Order Offences 6

& Related Offences 15 Miscellaneous Offences 2