ISLAND TRAILS ON GOOGLE EARTH
Considerable work has been done on Russell Island in relation to the island trails. Ian Larkman from the Conservation group has for several years been developing a concept that will link all the island fire trails into exploration trails. It is believed that next year Redland City Council will erect signs and a program to make the fire trails usable for walking and mountain bike riding. Now, the trails can be viewed and identified on Google Earth. This has been done by an island enthusiast. You can check them out via the website and pass on your comments to Bay Islands Conservation of to Chris at chrismansergh@hotmail.com Also go to:https://goo.gl/maps/qRFvU71N2ck
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RUSSELL BURNOFF
Burnoffs have been carried out on Russell Island thanks to the Russell Island Rural Fire Service and Redland City Council. The burn-off has made a difference, with vivid memories of the terrible island fires a couple of years ago. We are now, seemingly, more vigilant with the mantra, prevention is better than cure. Islander Chris Le Roy sent us some pixes and he told us: “ They are finally burning off an area that I have asked about and the Rural Fire Service is doing an awesome job keeping everyone’s home safe and actually minimising the smoke. Really ecstatic with how they are doing this because my home borders the conservation area and there is very little smoke or any issues, which is great. That is good news!
THE OBSERVATORY GETTING EXCITING
Plans for an observatory on Russell Island are gaining momentum. Bay Islands Conservation via president Ian Larkman are getting right behind the project, with funding and artistic concept plans already produced, thanks to the assistance of Clem Ebber on Lamb Island. However, the interesting bits will happen when the project is examined by Redland City Council officers and ways and means are worked out. As well as the observatory, council is keen to make all the islands ‘observatory friendly’ by installing observatory viewing pads and seating on all the islands at appropriate vantage points. Good idea!
SWIMMING POOL SEASON TO OPEN
The swimming season starts at the Bay Islands Pool on Russell Island on Saturday September 22. It will remain open until the following April 22, 2019. The pool is a popular outlet for island activity, with many keen swimmers keen to get into their laps again. It is hoped Roman Kuroczycki from the Russell Island Gym will start his Aquarobics again in the coming weeks. We will keep you posted.
KINGA’S EVEN
That artistic event held at the Russell Island Community Arts Farmhouse Gallery for the art exhibition by Kinga Rypinska, was a huge success. The Farmhouse Gallery was packed to the rafters for the event, also attended by Cr Mark Edwards and Member for Redlands, Kim Richards. Some very nice words were said by vice president Bob Turner about RICARTS president Shirley Bennett. RICARTS has come a long way since it was granted tenancy of the Kennedy Farm property by Redland City Council. The group is excited about the new additions including a new pottery shed that has recently been constructed.
CANAIPA NURSERY
Great to see Jacqui Torbet of Canaipa Island Nursery getting busy as we head into Spring. Jacqui is to be admired for her love of plants and the islands. She definitely has a ‘green thumb’ and a visit to her nursery is definitely a pleasure. She has turned it into a garden adventure that you should visit, if you haven’t already done so!
SCHOOL CELEBRATES NAIDOC WEEK
Russell Island State School celebrated NAIDOC week 2018 in recent days. Students marked the annual event by completing an art installation that was displayed on school grounds, visible to the public. "Tell Me a Story" was the theme. Inspired by the stories and totems of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists, students have created their own symbolic stories. These symbols represent a place in nature that is special to them. The event was completed with the help of a NAIDOC grant from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and generous donations from Gunnersen Pty Ltd and Bunnings Hardware, Victoria Point. Thanks to Nichole Henderson for keeping us updated re school happenings!
$10,000 TO BE WON THIS MONTH
If you are a financial member of the Russell Island RSL Club, you had better be at the club on Saturday, September 15, when $10,000 will be ‘up for grabs’ for one lucky member. The introduction of the club’s new membership card/swipe system several months ago was the catalyst for the club to put up the $10,000 cash to be won. The more you attend the club; the more swipes you make; the more chances you have of winning. To win, however, you have to be at the club at the time of the draw on Saturday, September 15, and no one knows what time the draw will take place! By the way, the recent Murder Mystery night was definitely fun. So great to see so many dress up to ‘suit’ the occasion!
BOWLS CLUB
The popular Footy Tipping Competition at the Russell Island Bowls Club will come to an end on Sunday, September 30, grand final day. Starting at 1pm, there will be a busy afternoon of fun and activity, culminating in the Grand Final game on the big screen TV and the announcement of the Footy Tipping winner! Should be a great day at the bowls club.