Bribie Island Part 2

If I’ve given the impression that Bribie is full of old codgers you would be right – but then you would also be wrong. In recent years there have been new housing developments on canal estates with designer golf courses and with a boat worth more than twice than that of my house moored by the back door.

When visiting the Island, there is a huge choice of accomodation as well as eateries: both the Haves and Have Nots are well catered for. Much of the Island remains a National Park and is home to brumbies, wallabies, dingoes, and emus. I’ve not seen them though I believe the serious campers that arrive by boat are privy to these iconic creatures.

From my front door. Tough but someone has to do it.

One of my favourite places to visit on the Island is the Surf Club at Woorim with its glorious views across the ocean – a bonus in winter when the whales are travelling north. Virtually next door is the Woorim Cenotaph for Servicemen and Women.

And then there is this:

The Book Exchange at Bongaree has to be one of the best organised second hand retail outlets I’ve ever visited and is open 364 days. Lost an hour perusing an only came out with The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo DVD.

Catering to tourists many of the Cafes have a book shelf that promote “borrowing a book, and leaving a book”.I must admit to judging accomodation by whether or not it includes holiday reading material.

There are heaps of clubs and weekly markets on Bribie which give the island a real community feel. Seven years ago a hairdresser with a salon on the island, with consultation from the local Uni , came up with the idea of Hairdressers with Hearts. This not-for-profit organisation trains hair stylists and barbers in providing support and resources to clients who download about domestic violence or elder abuse whilst in the chair.

The other community initiative that impressed me was the placement of a red bench seat along the busy foreshore of Pumicestone Passage. The idea behind these seats is that if you are experiencing any sort of domestic abuse you can flag the issue by using this seat. We have a red bench in our local shopping centre but no one knows it’s significance.

Anyway, I’ve channelled Jimmy Buffet at Margaritaville, lost numerous fish hooks, and am still finding sand in places I forgot existed, so its back to business for me this week. Bugger.

Note for Pommepal: Too busy to manage the Butterfly House. Next month.