MIAC GETS A NEW PRESIDENT, AND MORE! The Macleay Island Arts Complex Inc now has new leadership. The new president is Melinda Biggs, along with new secretary Kim Snowden and new treasurer Susan Tobin. It is no secret that Melinda was ‘head-hunted’ for the role. Previous president Christopher Gilbert made known his intention to stand down, although offering his services to stay involved with the design and, hopefully, the building of a new MIAC Gallery and complex on the unique waterside site. Melinda comes into the role with an impressive background in the advertising and promotions industry. Melinda and her husband are relative newcomers to the island, moving from their acreage property near Noosa just a few months ago. They admit to be ‘downsizing’, but have admitted the attraction to the islands came from their love of sailing. They have a Blue Water ketch ‘Dream Chaser’ and are hopeful of making far more use of it here on our islands than when living at Pomona. Melinda believes she is taking over an organisation that is in ‘pretty good shape’. “With the possibility for funding for a new MIAC complex, it is good to know the organisation is ready for that next step, when and if it happens,” Melinda said. She recognises the value and importance of art in a community, particularly an island one. “Clearly the islands are rapidly changing and we have to be in a position to grow and welcome new island members to a positive, artistic organisation in brilliant new headquarters, hopefully! For now, it will be a ‘softly, softly’ approach. I just want to get to know everyone and welcome both old and new members to a positive and productive organisation,” Melinda added.
• Kim, Melinda and Susan
MIAC’S BIG NIGHT
Boy, didn’t they dress up for the big Macleay Island Arts Complex (MIAC) Puttin on the Ritz. The event was held at the new look Macleay Island Progress Hall. And what a ‘hit’ it was. The hall was beautiful decorated and everyone was dressed in ‘theme’ with some great food a service as well. As Susie Catton said early in the night: “ Come back in a couple of hours. This place will be really humming!” And so it was. Great to see such events as this.
NEW PROGRESS HALL PROVING VALUE
In relation to the above event, the investment in the Macleay Island Progress Hall by the Progress Association has been a clever move, in more ways than one. The overall plan for refurbishment was a thoughtful and productive one. It wasn’t just a case of fixing the roof and extending the deck, it was a whole package that involved improving the amenities of a strategically important island building. The interior and amenities changes have been just as important, allowing terrific events able to be held and catered for. The new, big decks overlooking the lovely landscaped lawns caps off a wonderful island amenity.
BREAST CANCER DAY
The Breast Cancer Day at the Bay Islands Golf Club was again a success with important funds raised to go towards Breast Cancer research. Rhonda Chapman and her team were at it again with a day of lots of fun, some great prizes and fund-raising auctions. The one distinct aspect of the day was that was ‘very pink’. Everyone got into the swing of things and a good time was had by all. A heap of businesses made donations of goods that made the auction another success. Rhonda Chapman says the contribution from businesses was ‘outstanding’. Well done all.
LAMB’S MONTH OF WELLNESS
What at great concept this was on behalf the very active community on Lamb Island. What made it particularly clever and important, was the effort that went into studying the impact of the event, run by the Lamb Island Residents Association with all the community playing important roles. They have come up with the following statistics. There were 220 bookings into activities that were listed for the event; over 300 people participated in activities; only 2 people have said they have not met someone new; The event involved over 80 hours of activities; AND all activities were facilitated on Lamb Island! Good stuff indeed.
BICS THANK YOU
In mid October, Bay Island Community Services held a luncheon in the Jackson Road function room to show appreciation to the seniors who participated in 'Your life on the Islands'. RusselI Island Bowls Club's new chef Jess cater for the event as the new BICS kitchen was installed, but yet has to have final plumbing and electrical carried out. There was a choice of braised beef cheeks in gravy or Chicken Mignon with citrus butter both served with mash and vegetables. The vegetarian option was stuffed butternut squash with tofu, pine nuts and assorted greens roasted to perfection. Desert was pavlovas, cheesecake and fruit salad with coconut, vanilla chia cream. Yum! Those who attended viewed the videos that were made documenting some very interesting lives, presented certificates for service provided to the community, and each participant was gifted a artisan chocolates. The event was enjoyed by all.
ISLAND SES GROUPS IN NEED OF MORE VOLUNTEERS!
The Southern Moreton Bay Island (SMBI) SES group is made up of volunteers and with a very wet and season already here, with more predicted, more volunteers are needed. The State Emergency Service (SES) and Rural Fire Services (RFS) make up the volunteer arms of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service. These volunteer groups don’t just turn up in times of crisis but support the island community in many other forms of volunteering. You really see them come to the fore during times of crisis, and are expected to be fully stretched in the La Nina months to come. Unfortunately, numbers are thin, particularly on our islands, and more are currently needed. The SES SMBI volunteers are part of the Redland City SES Unit and are a small group comprising of just 15 personnel and with many newcomers and recent arrivals coming to our islands, now is the time to put your name in to volunteer, meet more people and become an integral part of the community. You can go to the QFES website https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/careers-and-volunteering/volunteering/state-emergency-service-volunteer to sign up as an SES or RFS volunteer or speak to one of the islands QFES volunteer groups whenever you see them out and about in their orange uniform.