RUSSELL ROUNDUP
COMPLAINT RESULTS IN STRONGER TELSTRA SIGNAL
A recent meeting on Russell Island involving a Federal communications announcement in relation to Black Spot funding for mobile services (including Russell and North Stradbroke Islands), has had a positive benefit. I took the opportunity to speak with the Telstra management who came over with Member for Bowman Andrew Laming. Many people living on the eastern side of Russell Island had not just poor mobile reception, but it had dwindled to almost nil. The chat with the Telstra management certainly paid off. A few days after the encounter, all of a sudden mobile services on the island’s eastern shore improved considerably. It just goes to show that you need to speak to the right person (usually at the top). Thank you Telstra for responding!
VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED AT RSL EVENT
A special event is to be held on June 18 on Russell Island when the island’s first ‘Volunteers Appreciation Luncheon’ will be held. Each year around Australia, celebrations are held to commemorate the contribution made by volunteers to our communities. It is no different on the islands. In fact, volunteers probably make a bigger contribution on our islands than in many other communities, due to our isolation. The benefit from their service is priceless. This year on Russell Island for the first time we can say ‘thank you’ for all the support they give. The luncheon will be held at the Russell Island RSL and Kim Richards MP will be present to speak to the volunteers. This event is proudly supported by: Member for Redlands Kim Richards, RICARTS, IGA Russell Island, The Russell Island RSL Sub Branch and Sealink.
LOVEABLE DAY AT CAFE
Talking about events to be supported. A Loveable Day at the Cafe is to be held on Sunday, July 15, until 3pm at Aunty Alice’s Cafe to raise funds supporting Reachout Australia, the fight against Bullying. Tracey Taberer and Ned from Aunty Alice’s Cafe has organised a day of activities involving pet pampering, colouring and nails, photos with your pet, treats and giveaways, car show and shine, prizes, arts and crafts, stalls and much more, even some karaoke! This is a not for profit fundraiser day with a $1 from everything to go to Reachout Australia.
RUSSELL RSL ASSISTS NEW YOUTH CLUB
Zero Tolerance Xone Mindful Movement Arts (ZTXMMA) is a new sports club on the islands. It uses a synthesis of classical and contemporary, eastern and western martial arts and combat sports to instil a sense of self-worth, social conscience and community mindedness in Russell Island youth (7-17 years). There are over 90 members on the books of whom around 40 train regularly. Classes are held (M/W/Friday) for free and are 100% community funded through the financial support of the following: Andrew Gleeson and the RI RSL provided $3500 seed funding to purchase training equipment; Atif Khan and FlareSports, Melbourne provided training equipment at near cost price; Island policeman Eddie donated a brand new heavy punching bag; Julie 'Chook' Larson and the Running Wild Organisation cover the public liability insurance and, with help from Nicole, print and supply all necessary administrative forms and promotional materials. Chook also funded the design and purchase of training uniforms in the club colours; Jason and his team at FightLife, Brisbane designed, manufactured, imported and delivered training shorts at below cost price; Joan Moser facilitates ongoing no-fee use of the Anglican Diocese Church Hall; Nev and RISS P and C organised and funded the recent 2 days of training and seminars by 5x undefeated WBC World Boxing Champion Sharon Anyos; embroidered colour grading patches have been provided anonymously; Ned and Isa from Aunty Alice's Cafe provide complimentary meals for visiting guest instructors/coaches; Kylie Little and the Kiosk fully funded food and beverages for about 80 people at the first grading and social event; Jasmin Martinez and Andrea Wright covered printing and laminating full colour grading certificates; Rosemary Binks-Carvalho designs and produces all artwork and a host of parents and volunteers in a community-based club. Thank you all.
SHARRAL LEAVING FOR MARRIAGE
Popular pharmacist at Don Frost’s Russell Island Pharmacy, Sharral Adhar, is leaving the pharmacy for a very good reason. She is getting married and moving to Sydney. Sharral is well known to many islanders having been with Don and the terrific team of girls for the past few years. Not only did Sharral work at the pharmacy during her study years, but when she graduated and became fully qualified, she stayed on. Sharral will be missed. A lovely girl who is now off dad’s hands (Dr Adhar at Redland Bay) for a new life in the biggest of the Australian ‘big smokes’ in Sydney. Bet she misses the islands and we wish her well and great happiness!BRAVERY AWARDK
A LESSON IN RECONCILIATION
Keen FBI reader Ian Ratcliffe recently attended a musical event at the Aunty Alice Cafe where a group of thee performed comprising singer, guitar player and violin - a unique combination. After watching the performance, Ian tells us he came to the conclusion that the combination was a direction that we should all be aspiring to: a blend of the old and the new. “The trio sounded so connected, it brought a tear to my eye”, he told us. He said the various instruments representing old and new was a ‘beautiful blending’. “Wouldn’t be wonderful if we used the old and new in harmony,” Ian added. The group was Blue, Ridgy Dig and the Girl; what a cool name! And their songs reflect the harmony that Ian is talking about. They will be at Aunty Alice’s again on June 10 from 12 noon. Thanks Ian.
TREE FELLING GOES WRONG
The residents of Taylor Street, Russell Island, got a shock a couple of weeks ago. The power was cut off to the street when a tree that had been felled, cut the power line to the street. It was a fairly dangerous situation, we are told. It was made even worse when whoever cut the tree down, bolted. They made no report to the appropriate authorities or stayed behind to warn people of the dangerous situation. Basically, they took off and left the residents to sort the mess out. This is not the first time it has happened on the island. When organising trees to be cut, islanders should make sure that those doing the job are fully qualified and insured.