RUSSELL ROUNDUP JANUARY 2019 PAGE 44
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
So, 2019 has arrived. Another year that seems to have slipped by so quickly. We certainly have a lot to look forward to this coming year. Two more police for the islands to take our police presence up to a four-man station (see next item), and work is expected to start on replacing the Russell Island Jetty. It was approved in the 2018-19 State Government budget. We shall watch with interest!
EXTRA POLICE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Wow! Russell Island is finally going to get two more police for our island making our Police station a four-man team. It is great news and a real coup for Russell Island. It sends a clear message to those in our community who come here for all the wrong reasons. Up until now, some have moved to the islands to escape ’scrutiny’. Hopefully, this initiative will send them scurrying to somewhere else to live. The island has many fine people and families, but there are a few who make it uncomfortable for the majority. The policing numbers came to the fore back in 2014 when a young island boy, Ethan Stephenson, was killed by a car when walking home on Centre Road, Russell Island.
The resultant Coroner’s Inquiry by Coroner John Hutton stated the island police station was ‘vastly undermanned’ and recommended an increase in police numbers for the islands.
CRACKING DOWN ON CRIME
Russell Island police are cracking down on crime, and the reports from island officers to the MyPolice website are also making a difference. Sgt Tim McKinney says domestic violence, drugs and alcohol related crime are the main offences on the islands. There have also been burglaries with unknown offenders who have gained entry to two vehicles on James Street, Russell Island and stolen personal documents and a tool set. As a result of an incident at a licensed premise on Anzac Drive, Russell Island that occurred on November a 56-year-old man and a 28-year-old man both from an address on Neptune Street, Russell Island were charged with a number of offences including public nuisance and refusal to leave licensed premises and will appear in the Cleveland Magistrates Court. Disappointingly, police attended 8 alleged domestic violence incidents in the area. There have also been a number of drug related offences with several people arrested and six people to appear in Cleveland Court. Island police effectiveness is expected to improve substantially now that Russell Island Police will be working closely with the new Criminal Investigation Branch now operating from Redland Bay Police Station with a strong focus on the Bay Islands. In an emergency call the police on triple zero (000) or DVConnect Womensline
Phone: 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week); DVConnect Mensline Phone: 1800 600 636 (9am to midnight, 7 days a week); Kids Helpline Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24 hours, 7 days per week); Lifeline Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hour Crisis Counselling Line)
MEN’S BREAKFAST A HIT!
The men’s breakfasts by the Rev Fred Brogden at the Russell Island RSL Club have started with a blast. More than 50 turned up for the first of these new form of breakfasts which are designed to bring men together in a positive way. Former crocodile hunter and author Col Stringer was the guest speaker. Pastor Fred hopes to hold these events once every three months.
TRAVIS AND THE POOR TELSTRA CONNECTIVITY
Great to know we have IT technician Travis Place living on Russell Island. He has been fighting a lone battle in trying to get Telstra to fix their communication problems on the island. It seems Telstra has forgotten that it is their responsibility to provide an adequate service for its customers, no matter where they live or what the particular circumstances are in relation the the NBN. A call to Federal Member for Bowman, Andrew Laming, could also help. Travis has set up an online petition. You can add you name to the petition at http://bit.ly/smbi-comms
RUSSELL STATE SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS
Interesting to note the end-of-year presentation of awards at our very busy Russell Island State School. What is not generally known is the Russell Island RSL has made available $7000 in bursaries for seven lucky students. The Bursaries are at $1000 each to aid transition costs for young State School students to move on to High School. The funding helps with uniforms, books etc and it is great to see the RSL contributing to the community in this very progressive way.
DANCING CO-ORDINATOR?
Is there someone out there who is a good teacher of the various dances and also happens to be a good organiser? The Russell Island RSL is looking for such a person to help run dance classes and dance session at the club in 2019. If you have any of these skills, give the club a call on 34091372.
BIG CHANGES AT RSL CLUB
There are some big changes happening at the Russell Island RSL Club. The club is introducing an Alfresco Dining night on Tuesdays. It is basically expanding on the very successful pizza nights. There will be some menu additions and changes, and watch for some interesting backdrops to be added to the indoor/outdoor area in the coming weeks.