BETTER ISLAND BUSINESS

BETTER ISLAND BUSINESS January 2022

BAY ISLANDS MEN’S SHED The Bay Island Mens Shed AGM was held 14th of December where four board positions were filled with a further five positions remaining vacant, with the first meeting to be held in February 2022. There is ample time to call on community interest and new members to accept the responsibilities of a board position and join. It was pleasing to see 15 men plus two community members attending, The number included seven new members. The shed will be rationalised in the new year, making space for other interested groups with similar or overlapping aims and objectives. Board agenda for the coming six months will be to continue the policy based preparation and implementation of the critical procedures around safe works practices. The Mansion 24 Scotts Road is open to all as a drop-in centre for a cuppa on a Tuesday or Thursday, where an impromptu tour of the facility can be arranged. The group’s mission is 'Men's Health through Social Inclusion, participation and community building’. WELLWAYS CARER GATEWAY: Support services for carers, by carers now on our islands! Every day 2.65 million Australians provide unpaid care for someone who needs help due to disability, age, mental illness, or long-term physical illness. These mums, dads, spouses, siblings, children and friends play a vital role in our community, helping with daily tasks such as emotional support, personal care or administering medicine. Being a carer can be a rewarding and challenging experience; sometimes carers need a little extra help. At Wellways they have been supporting carers for more than 40 years and have long recognised that carers require support in their own right. As the provider of Carer Gateway services in Queensland we are committed to helping carers live their best life. Because looking after you, ensures you are in the best place to look after your loved one. Carer Gateway services are designed by carers for carers meaning that whatever support you access, you know it’s been designed with you in mind. If you need a safe space to talk, our counsellors are here to listen. If you’re feeling alone or isolated, we can connect you with other carers. If you need help to plan for the future, our coaches can work with you. If you need time to yourself, we can give you a break. If you need help in an emergency, we’re available 24/7. Carer Gateway services are free to access for carers of all ages. If you or someone you know cares for a loved one you can register for Carer Gateway by calling 1800 422 737 or by visiting carergateway.gov.au. RUSSELL ISLAND MARINE Shane at Russell island Marine is a fully qualified outboard mechanic who works on all marine engines. He offers both servicing and repairs. Shane has lived on Russell Island for several years and has been involved with the marine industry all his working life. He hopes to have some exciting news in the coming weeks that will add to his services. Contact Shane at Russell Island Marine at russellislandmarine@outlook.com or phone 0439 515 869 PAUL ABEAR ELECTRICIAN Paul Abear Electrical is back in operation on our islands. Paul advertised with us for several years until a couple of years ago. He is back providing full electrical work to new builds, renovations and home upgrades and repairs, both domestic and commercial. To find out more, contact Paul on 0400607252. INTEREST IN THE ISLAND CRANE There has been considerable interest in the new, big mobile crane that is now offering its services on our islands thanks to Island Industrial Services. The crane has a 15 tonne capacity and is ideal for home, industrial and commercial lifts, including block retaining wall construction. Island Industrial Services can also move containers as well as provide container hire and sales. Find out more by phoning 0438777726. PICK N PIX Amy and Phil are the team behind Pick & Mix Soft Furnishings located on Russell Island. The couple have operated their haberdashery shop for some time and are known for producing quality work at very competitive prices. If you are building a new home or have an existing home, then you will be pleased to know they make quality curtain products. Check out their page feature in this edition and check out their full range of services. You may call Phil and Amy on 0420 385 347 or 0439 265 632 RUSSELL BUS 20TH ANNIVERSARY Great to see the Blue Bus couple Sandra and Geoff Jacob reach a significant milestone. The Russell Island school bus was the ‘first’ of their investment in the bus industry. Back then they lived on the island and, only after some significant family changes, they were required to move to the mainland. The went from strength to strength over the years until a pandemic called Coronavirus knocked on the door. The bus industry was hurt more that most, but fortunately, the school bus side of the business ‘saved their bacon’. Great to see the milestone and the couple getting back some of the business they lost. NEW PRECINCT GAINS INTEREST The idea for a new commercial precinct on Russell Island has gained some traction. We ran a page in our December edition to attract expressions of interest in the project. And the good news is, there is considerable interest. Interest has come from relative newcomers to the island, and we are sure there will be more of them in the coming months. If you might be interested in establishing a business in the near future, check out the page in this edition or phone 0402280463.