AUNTY ALICE CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
One of our island friends has called us to tell of this happening on Christmas Day on Russell Island. Ned from the popular Aunty Alice’s on Russell Island has definitely done it again! Ned often gets involved with charitable causes and each year she holds a special Christmas Luncheon for islanders who may be alone or have no family around on the big day. She puts on a luncheon for islanders who want to attend. If they can afford it they contribute; but if they can’t no matter. Around 50 people attended on Christmas Day. What a lovely thing to do to give so many a helping hand and showing that there is real care in our island community. Well done Ned, you are a gem!
MARA GETTING A HELPING HAND
Island yachting star Mara Stransky has managed the biggest win of her career a year out from her objective, the Tokyo Olympics and Australian representation. She is now the Australian Laser women’s National Champion with her win at the recent Australian titles in Devonport, Tasmania. This follows up some great recent success in Tokyo, the site of next year’s Olympics. Despite her success, Mara is still operating on a shoestring budget and The Friendly Bay Islander has been trying to garner some local support to help her in her Olympic quest. We are glad that the multi sports group BIMSARA has come to the party and they are preparing a special fundraising account for Mara and her parents. It's called Hello Tokyo. Bimsara is starting Bingo at the Resilience Centre once the group gets council approval. This will become a regular event on Mondays. All proceeds will go to Mara. If you wish to donate and help Mara, you can go to https://asf.org.au/athletes/mara-stransky/
or Mara Stransky Sailing
MATTHEW FLINDERS FOUND
Coochiemudlo Islands will be interested in the latest news from London that the body of explorer Matthew Flinders has been found at a burial site beneath Euston station in London, 216 years after he circumnavigated Australia. His remains were identified by archaeologists working on a high speed rail site that was once St James burial ground, where he was interred on July 23, 1814. Matthew Flinders died at the age of 40, the day after the book detailing his circumnavigation of Australia, A Voyage to Terra Australis, was published.
He was identified thanks to a well-preserved lead breastplate.