CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
The Christmas Lights competition on Macleay island was a huge hit. We featured some of the entries in our December edition. The event was run by renowned Christmas enthusiast Heather Billaney. There were so many homes that participated this year, making a tour of the Christmas lights popular on the island. So successful was it, that 'official tours' were held with a supper at Christmas Wanderland, which just happened to be Heather's home. There were 15 entries in the Christmas Lights competition this year and the winners were: People's Choice, 20 Tingara Street; Best House and Yard, 8 Cressy Street; Best Tree, 20 Cooee Street; Best Business, Videos and More. The Friendly Bay Islander was happy to be one of the sponsors, as were Spar Supermarket, Waters Edge Bistro, Mumma's Pizza, Bay Islands Community Centre, Sue and Michael Tungate and Macleay Island Pharmacy Essentials.
RUSSELL FIRE STATION FIRE!
Unusually the Russell Island Station experienced a fire in the Christmas-New Year break. SES organiser for the islands, Robert Hurran, reports that the gated area was entered by 'indivIduals'. The area is also shared by the SES, with new facilities being opened only months ago. The fire saw a generator that was placed between the fire and SES buildings, destroyed. "It was a senseless act, against organisations that are here to protect the island community," Robert Hurran said.
Russell Island police are investigating.
MACLEAY ISLAND BIG WINNERS
Macleay Island residents have been big winners. Firstly there was the $1000 Cash for Christmas Buy Local campaign that saw Rayner Ward a deserving winner. Two other big winners came by way of George and Sophie at Pharmacy Essentials. There were two prizes on offer, a $1000 Christmas Hamper and $5000 cash. Both of these went to Macleay Island residents!
COOCHIE CHRISTMAS DAY BOOKINGS
How heartless must you be to hand out bookings for parking in the Coochimudlo mainland car park on Christmas Day. One visitor got booked by both council and police - a double whammy. Right next to the car park there is a council sign promoting Redlands Tourism. Fining everyone and not sorting out the parking mess between boat owners and visitors is a negative. The sooner the situation is eased, the better.
$80,000 FUNDING FOR FIRE TRAILS
Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards reports that Redland City Council is on the front foot when it comes to protecting residents from potential bush fires. The councillor has secured nearly $80,000 additional funding to improve and create over eight kilometres of fire trails on Russell Island. In addition to the upgrades of the existing fire trails, an extra new 11 trails are also being created.