ISLAND BUSINESS IN 2021
So, the year that we hope never repeats itself, 2020, is at an end and let’s look forward to 2021. Island business literally ‘boomed’ thanks to Covid-19 with people from the cities mostly, looking to new places to live out of the city ‘bubble’. We have benefitted considerably and our real estate and building industries have led the charge. Real Estate sales on our islands increased 400% in recent months and it shows. Once a glut of home rentals has reversed and it is difficult to find a rental. Island estate agents are running out of home stock to sell, and our building industry is set to enter a new ‘boom’ period that could last for years. What with new island jetties and road sealing increasing in 2021, we can look ahead with considerable optimism.
AUSTRALIA DAY AT SANDY BEACH
Australia Day at Sandy Beach on Tuesday January 26 should be a lot of fun. Island organisations BIMSARA and the Russell Island Sports Fishing Club are combining to hold a fun event. Check out the full page in this edition. The Bay Islander of the Year awards are going to be announced at this event which will be announced at 1pm. If you know someone who deserves to be recognised by the island community, you can go to our website and nominate them www.thefriendlybayislander.com.au
BARGE SERVICE CONCERNS
Island businesses have been holding meetings in relation to the Sealink barge service. Growth on the islands has been such that it is difficult to get a place on a barge at popular times. There are also complaints about the cost impact on island businesses that need to use the service several times a week. These issues are being investigated by Cr Mark Edwards and MP Kim Richards. Sealink, we are told, has responded with some increased services in the lead up to Christmas. It has also been suggested that another barge may be added to the service.
ENGINEER RAY SAUNDERS
Ray Saunders The Island Engineer of Island Consulting Group and Island Geotechnical Services, is a new advertiser in our pages. Ray, a resident of Macleay Island, founded the business in 2019. He provides a multitude of services as an engineer which will be a boost to the island home building industry. He also provides island soil testing, which is the first step in building a home on our islands. His Geotechnical services will also be invaluable to islanders. See his full page in this edition.
ANITA’S TOURS
Macleay Island resident Anita Bertoncelj has established a new and unique island business Bay Islands Art and Scenic Tours. An artist in her own right, she lives on Macleay Island and works in copper and other mediums, mostly pastels, and Paul, her partner, produces much of his art pottery based on the fish that swim around the waters of Moreton Bay. Bay Islands Art & Scenic Tours are boutique tours designed for small groups up to nine people to provide a personalised experience that involves local island art and visits to island locations where she highlights island plants and animals. It involves the four Southern Bay Islands in a very special and definitely unique experience. If you have visitors over the holiday period, or want to learn more about the islands you live on, give Anita a call. She has a full page promotion in this edition.
BAY ISLAND MOWERS
Qualified mechanic Andrew Groth has established Bay Island Mower repairs on our islands. Andrew has a terrific mobile operation and he can fix or repair ‘any brand or any machine’. He is happy to work on any small engine and come to your place with his specially fitted out mechanical trailer. Push mowers, ride-ons, Trimmer, Generators, Pressure washers and more; he can fix them. Give Andrew a call on 0482 935 705.
McNALLY’S REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING
Chris McNally has brought his refrigeration and air conditioning skills to the islands and is now a resident on Macleay Island. With summer here in full flight and very high humidity after recent heavy rains, refrigeration and air conditioning are essential. Chris can assist with new installations, service and repairs, maintenance, insurance claims, residential, commercial and marine refrigeration and air conditioning as well as being able to help with those small camping and car and van fridges. Give Chris a call on 0455 997 666.
NEW MACLEAY ACCOMMODATION
Steve from Eastview on Macleay is pleased to announce the opening of his new short-term private self-contained accommodation. It is about affordable accommodation to cater for the ever increasing number of new people coming to beautiful Macleay Island. He provides a very comfortable and well-appointed private space for guests that are looking for a weekend break or perhaps a week on the island while they oversee the construction of their new home, play golf or bowls and explore the beautiful Southern Moreton Bay. Within easy walking distance to the ferry and barge, shops, post office, golf course and medical facilities, it is ideally located to make your time as stress free as possible. Steve will even collect you from the ferry if required! Double and single bed accommodation is available in a spacious area with a secluded outside patio area with sun-beds is provided. Steve looks forward to welcoming you to Eastview on Macleay. www.eastviewmacleay.com
NEW SHOWS ON RADIO FBI IN 2021
Have you dowloaded your FREE RadioFBI app from the App Store yet? Our online radio station is getting Better and Better, with lots of new innovations and new shows in 2021.The latest is the Three Legged Dog Album Show presented by Steve Morgan. The show can be re-heard just by going to the Radio FBI website (www.radiofbi.com.au) where Steve presents some of the greatest music, bands and artists of all time. Click on the program guide and you can play the show by clicking on the Three Legged Dog Show icon. Steve updates the show weekly with new musicians and groups. All classic rock!