Contents
New clubhouse approved for Moore Park SLSC
Local artist finds beauty in Bundaberg landmarks
Enterprise and Training Company launch locally
Bundaberg Rum strikes gold for third year running
Rotary book sale back next weekend
Wine lovers encouraged to join appreciation club
What's On Bundaberg
Taste Farmers Market showcases food bowl
New docuseries explores life on reef
Got you covered: Be Connected sessions
In Our Garage with David Coe's 1973 HQ GTS Monaro
How to: check for a lost pet
New clubhouse approved for Moore Park SLSC
Ashley Schipper
The development of a new Moore Park Surf Life Saving clubhouse has officially been approved and will include a range of features to benefit the organisation's 230 members and the community once constructed.
The Material Change of Use application for the single-storey development will include two training rooms, a club canteen and storage facilities.
A first aid room, bathrooms, terrace and public amenities block will also be featured as well as 12 parking spaces for staff and volunteers.
According to the application, the development was initially proposed due to impacts of erosion upon the existing clubhouse building which “has led to a state of disrepair.”
Funding secured from the State Government and the Commonwealth allowed Surf Life Saving Queensland to progress with plans for the development, which has been included in Bundaberg Regional Council's proposed Moore Park Beach Masterplan.
“Once the new clubhouse is constructed, as part of the Moore Park Beach Masterplan project, Council will demolish the existing building,” the application states.
New clubhouse part of Moore Park Beach Masterplan
In April 2021 Bundaberg Regional Council adopted the final version of the Moore Park Beach Masterplan ‘Spaces and Places’.
The Masterplan is a strategic document that’s objectives are to improve recreational facilities and amenities in the Moore Pak Beach area to entice visitors while creating a greater sense of pride in the local community.
The Moore Park Surf Lifesaving Club‘s development of a new clubhouse will form Stage 1 of the Masterplan.
According to the application, the new clubhouse will be constructed near the current building on Park Drive and will become a “crucial point of connectivity for Moore Park Beach for staff and volunteers".
“The club has approximately 200 to 230 members per season and is staffed and operated solely by volunteers,” the application states.
“In 2021, the 33 patrolling members amassed 2,169.42 volunteer patrol hours for ‘between the flag’ duties for 13,017 beach goers.”
Local artist finds beauty in Bundaberg landmarks
Georgia Neville
Artist Chris Poulsen has put paint to canvas to depict some of the most well recognised landmarks of the Bundaberg Region in his latest exhibition.
On display at the Book Boutique Bundaberg, The Hungry Tum, School of Arts, ‘whale building' and Childers Peanut Van are just some of the iconic places featured in the exhibition, which are all available for purchase.
Open until Sunday 14 August, Chris said his exhibition provided the opportunity to see various icons from within the region in a different light.
He said the artwork on display was inspired by an appreciation for the local region and he enjoyed showcasing the beauty in places which people might not always recognise.
“I was inspired by the new scenery around us as I enjoy finding beauty in everyday life,” Chris said.
“Some of these icons are special to my family and I and others are ones that we just see every day that I guess is nothing particular but, if you stop and look you think, wow it is nice.
“Then there are some other places that are a little bit quirky, and I am still discovering what they are, like the Observatory one for example.”
Bundaberg landmarks inspire joy
Chris said it was fascinating to watch people and how they responded to the works which depict well known places in the community.
“What I really enjoy seeing with this particular exhibition, is when people find a special place of theirs, like they go ‘oh that’s that place’, and that is a real joy,” he said.
“To see my artwork brings out something in their everyday life and something they may begin to appreciate more.”
Chris moved to the Bundaberg Region in 2019, with his wife and five children after growing up in Brisbane.
Chris’s works have also featured in the 2021 HERE + Now Exhibition at Childers Art Space, while he also entered the Bundaberg Art Prize in 2020 with his paintings of the Alloway Observatory and Busy Bee Fish Bar.
He found his passion for music and the arts from a very young age.
His involvement in the church and various traditions of Christian worship music proving formative to his love for music, while Expo88 saw him gain exposure to the arts at a key point in his life.
Throughout school, Chris continued to focus on arts and music, going on to study part time at the Queensland College of Art while also working full time as an interior designer for a shopfitter.
You can find out more about Chris and his exhibition of Bundaberg landmarks here.
Enterprise and Training Company launch locally
Contributed
Enterprise and Training Company has launched in Bundaberg as part of an expansion of its operations into the Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast regions.
With over 30 years of industry experience, ETC comes with a wealth of knowledge in employment, training and business services.
The not-for-profit, community-oriented company currently provides services along the East Coast of Australia from the NSW Hunter region and now up to Bundaberg.
ETC CEO Jenny Barnett said that, due to the success of ETC’s employment contracts with the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the not-for-profit company was able to expand.
“Across this region we will be offering Workforce Australia Programs – Self-Employment Assistance and youth focused Transition to Work (TtW),” she said.
ETC’s Self-Employment Assistance provides budding (or current) business owners with guidance, networking, and mentoring opportunities.
“Start-up businesses, as well as established businesses, will benefit from our services,” ETC Self-Employment Assistance Program Manager Selena Baillie said.
“We’ll help you to grow, develop best-practice and improve management and operating processes with an expanded suite of products that can be tailored just for you.”
Enterprise and Training Company helps you transition to work
The Transition to Work (TtW) program is a service to support young people aged 15-24 who are not in employment or in education.
“ETC’s TtW program is all about creating an environment where participants feel connected, unique and respected,” ETC TtW Program Manager Billy Unsworth said.
“Our Youth Advisors are passionate about supporting youth through their journey, whether they are still figuring things out, or are ready to get a job straight away.”
The program features a range of supportive group activities.
These include accredited training and engagement with other programs based on participants needs, interests and skills.
ETC is now operating from eight office locations in the Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast areas, including in Bundaberg.
The local office can be found out 4/12 Barolin Street.
If you are interested in up-skilling or want to find out more about ETC, contact 1800 007 400, or visit www.etcltd.com.au
Bundaberg Rum strikes gold for third year running
Contributed
For the third year running Bundaberg Rum has won big at the prestigious 2022 International Spirits Challenge, taking home a slew of gold awards.
The event, held on Tuesday 12 July, saw Bundaberg Rum continue their strong presence at the ISC with an impressive Double Gold Award for its Distillery Visitor Centre and Gold Award for its Distillery Tour.
The company has built a strong presence at the challenge, with previous trophy wins in 2020 and 2021.
At this year's competition Bundaberg Rum was also recognised in the Distillery Tour category for its ‘Blend Your Own Rum’ experience, allowing visitors to meet with expert guides and blend their very own rum liquid direct from the barrel.
The new International Spirits Awards join Bundaberg Rum’s ever-expanding trophy cabinet that is already home to more than 250 domestic and international accolades for its rum and tourism experiences, cementing its status as Australia’s most-awarded rum distillery.
Marketing and Experience Manager Duncan Littler said to be continually recognised at an international level made him incredibly proud to be part of Bundaberg Rum.
“Each year, the team work tirelessly to deliver an experience unlike anything else in the world and without fail continue to delight and surprise global visitors with a Distillery Experience that is truly world-class,” he said.
“For this to be recognised internationally by an award of this scale is testament to the unrivalled dedication and commitment of the Bundy Rum team.
“To earn Double Gold Awards in the Visitor Centre and Tour categories for the past three years is a fantastic achievement, and each award feels more special than the last.”
Rotary book sale back next weekend
Georgia Neville
The Bundaberg Recreational Precinct will be a sea of books come next weekend, with the annual Bundaberg Central Rotary Club’s annual book sale taking place from Friday 22 July.
The sale, which has been running for over a decade, will raise much needed funds for both local and international projects.
The Rotary Club supports local projects including assisting farmers affected by drought, and providing backpacks filled with personal care items for men residing in local homeless shelters to contribute to their welfare.
Bundaberg Central Rotary Club’s book sale coordinator Ross Peddlesden said while the book sale was a fantastic fundraiser for the club, it was also a literacy project.
“Literacy is one of the six rotary areas of focus, and we are delighted by the fact that we can raise money, but at the same time thousands more books will be in Bundaberg homes by the end of the weekend,” Ross said.
“Lots of families with kids come to the sale, and the kids are so excited to get books.
“We have a whole row of tables of kid’s picture books and teenage fiction and everything in between.
“You see families arrive and you see kids run to get to the tables first and that is so great to see that kids are excited to get books to read.”
The books are all priced between 50c and $7 making it an affordable opportunity to purchase new books to read.
“The cheapest books that we sell are 50c, with the prices going up to the most expensive at around $7, with these books being newer or more popular,” he said.
“All of the children’s books are priced between 50c and $1.”
Ross said the sale was a collaboration between Bundaberg Regional Libraries and the Rotary Club, with a number of books being donated from the library.
The books donated are a mixture of ex-library stock and donations from the public which are not deemed suitable for inclusion in the library collection.
A percentage of profits go back to the library, which are used for its literacy projects.
EFTPOS will be available at the event, as well as a sausage sizzle, drinks and other food available.
Rotary’s 2023 calendar will also be on sale for $7, full of beautiful photographs of the region making for a great christmas gift for friends and family.
The Rotary book sale will be open from 9am on Friday, 22 July.
You can find out more about the event here.
Rotary book sale event details:
When: Friday 22 July – Sunday 24 July
Where: Bundaberg Recreational Precinct
Times:
• Friday 9 am – 5 pm
• Saturday 9 am – 3 pm
• Sunday 9 am -1 pm
Wine lovers encouraged to join appreciation club
Contributed
A wine club which has been operating for more than 25 years in the region is encouraging local vino lovers to join.
The Burnett Wine Club is made up of a group of locals dedicated to sharing the appreciation of wine and learning more in an informal and fun atmosphere.
According to member Anne McWhirter, the club gets together for fortnightly evenings where members present tastings of quality wine with an educational theme.
“Tastings are designed to explore wines of different countries, regions, varieties and styles,” she said.
“One fortnight you might be tasting great Margaret River cabernets, the next you could be comparing Australian shiraz with French syrah.
“You might be considering the effects age has on premium wines or exploring the world of Tasmanian pinot noir or you might be enjoying premium aged Rieslings or deciding which fantastic chardonnay you think is the best.
“All that and more is on show at the club each fortnight and it’s cheap – a charge of $25 per head covers the cost of the wine you get to taste.”
Ms McWhirter said the club also presented at least four social events each year which were designed to explore the world of food and wine matching while having a great social time with friends.
“These include a degustation lunch with matched wines, a formal dinner with premium wines and an Italian-style long table lunch,” she said.
“Our motto is ‘learning while laughing'.
“While we’re serious about wine and learning more, we believe that it doesn’t have to be a serious business, and that we can all learn together in a relaxed atmosphere.”
Ms McWhirter said the Burnett Wine Club welcomed new members.
“You don’t have to be an expert, just be willing to try wines from across Australia and the world and ready to discuss them, analyse them and most of all enjoy them,” she said.
For more information contact Anne McWhirter, Burnett Wine Club on 0428 074 818 or email burnettwineclub@gmail.com
Taste Farmers Market showcases food bowl
Georgia Neville
Local produce, food and drink will once again be on show for the Taste Bundaberg Farmers Market in August, with the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct providing an all-new space to deliver the popular, free event.
While the region is renowned as Australia’s food bowl, the Taste Farmers Market is an opportunity to fill a bowl – and the pantry!
Fruit and vegetables fresh from the fields will sit alongside meats straight from the paddock and the ocean, showcasing the diversity of delights available right across the region.
The popular cooking demonstration stage will also be back in 2022 with the freshest produce sourced direct from the market, showcased in recipes by celebrity chefs Colin Fassnidge and Kirsten Tibballs alongside talented local chefs.
Council’s Arts, Culture and Events portfolio spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said the market event provided the opportunity for the community to see just how many producers called the Bundaberg Region home.
“The market is not only an opportunity to purchase fresh produce for your pantry, but also the first chance some people may have to meet and support local farmers and hear about their product,” Cr Learmonth said.
“With a range of stallholders from right around the region, I am sure there will be something for everyone.”
Dandy Produce part of Taste Farmers Market
Lisa Fyffe from Dandy Produce said she was looking forward to having a stall at the event and providing fruit for direct sale to consumers, which was not something the business often had the opportunity to do.
“When you sell straight to supermarkets you do not get the feedback, you don’t know if people like the produce or not,” she said.
“So these markets provide a great opportunity to get that feedback and work on any suggestions people might have.”
Dandy Produce is a family-owned and operated avocado and macadamia farm in Meadowvale with Lisa, Andrew, Danny and Michael Fyffe directors of the business.
At this year's Taste Farmers Market, Lisa said Dandy Produce was also going to be selling its double-grafted avocado trees.
The special tree has two avocado varieties grafted to allow for multiple fruiting and different flavours throughout the year.
“We are trying to sell a new tree, a double-grafted avocado tree which we will have for sale at the markets,” she said.
“It gives us the chance to speak to people face to face and explain the benefits of the plant, while creating a great launching pad for our new product.”
You can find out more about the upcoming Taste Bundaberg Festival here.
Event details:
Date: Saturday 6 August
Time: 7 am to 2 pm
Location: Bundaberg Recreational Precinct
Cost: Free event
New docuseries explores life on reef
Contributed
Life on the Great Barrier Reef will be showcased to the world when Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort releases a new docuseries on YouTube this month.
‘Life on the Reef’ showcases the untold stories and behind the scenes footage of the critical research taking place on Lady Elliot Island, just off the coast of Bundaberg.
The series follows Master Reef Guides and research teams who are passionate about protecting and better understanding the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Each episode will delve into the unique wildlife that call the reef home.
It will provide an insight into the technologies used to assist with wildlife research and how together this is helping to better understand climate change.
The docuseries has been in creation for 14 months and has been produced by Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort and local production team @benanddi with the support of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.
There will be 12 exciting episodes launched for season one on Wednesday 20 July at 7 pm AEST on the Lady Elliot Island YouTube channel.
The first episode will introduce the Project Manta team and their important research tracking and identifying the manta rays that inhabit the waters off Lady Elliot Island.
Other episodes include research team Leaf to Reef as they uncover where life begins for the unique marine creatures that call Lady Elliot Island home.
Episodes will keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they watch a team track apex predators.
Managing Director/Custodian, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort Peter Gash said the new docuseries was an opportunity to share the organisation’s goals.
“Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort continues to strive to provide a genuine ecotourism experience to all guests who visit the island, whilst at the same time ensuring they protect and preserve the fragile ecosystem for future generations to enjoy,” he said.
“We hope our new YouTube series ‘Life on the Reef’ will encourage a new audience to join us in becoming Eco Warriors and honorary guardians of the reef.”
You can view the Life on the Reef trailer and subscribe to the Lady Elliot Island YouTube here.
New ‘Life on the Reef’ episodes will air every second Wednesday with the first episode ‘Project Manta’ available on Wednesday 20 July 7 pm AEST.
*Photos: Life on the Reef documentary
In Our Garage with David Coe's 1973 HQ GTS Monaro
Adele Bennett
David Coe built his 1973 HQ GTS Monaro replica in just 12 months, with the Barbados green car turning heads wherever he goes.
How is it a replica?
I bought the car as a rolling shell back in 2014, my wife let me buy it for my birthday.
We then went about building the car and making it look exactly as it looks today.
The shell was different colours, it had brown and white and the seats inside were brown as well, but the guy that sold it to me had just started on it and while he wanted to build the car up.
He had too many other projects so he sold it and we bought it.
What made you want to do up a car?
When my wife and I got married, or when I first met my wife actually, I had a 1973 HQ Sedan.
I thought it would be nice as a tribute to buy another car and use it as a blank canvas and turn it into the GTS we have today.
What have you done under the hood?
The vehicle has been fitted with a 308, which is a five litre, it is a carburetor job.
It has got extractors and 600 holley on it, a small cam in it and a little bit of work done to the valve so it can take unleaded fuel without putting to many additives in it.
What does the interior look like?
The interior has been done to replicate a GTS Monaro, so it has the GTS dash, the GTS console, the GTS seats.
We went through rare spares to get a lot of the stuff because when you are hunting for genuine original parts they are very difficult to find.
So to fill that gap you speak to people like Kingswood Country, they usually have reproduction models of different things and you can use those parts to fill in the blanks.
How long did the process take you to get it looking like this?
Well, it was pretty quick.
I know a lot of blokes who work on cars and their projects are five, 10 or 15 years.
Mine took 12 months.
I do not like to muck around; I want to make sure the car is done.
I went over to Rick Lang’s place to get do all the rust and cutting out in April of 2014 and then I got the car back from him once he cut all the rust out and painted it for me in the colours that it is today, on Melbourne Cup Day in 2014.
From there to May 2015, we then fitted the interior and did the gearbox, the engine which we had rebuilt, the exhaust fitted, and the rims and tyres all fitted so it was ready for the first car show in 2015.
What is the colour and why did you choose it?
My wife actually chose the colour, it is Barbados green with black stirpes.
She saw the colour and thought it is such a nice green.
What is it like on the road?
It is a typical 1973 vehicle, it is not as modern as the cars we drive today but it has power steering
It does not have air conditioning, unless you wind the windows down, but it drives nicely and has plenty of power under the bonnet and drives great both on the highway and in town.
Can you describe the sound it makes when you turn it on?
I wanted to get a nice deep V8 noise out of this, so we run a two-and-a-half-inch exhaust twin system through it off a set of extractors.
So, with that and the small cam that we have in it, it just gives it that nice bit of tone and it sounds really nice on the highway.
What is your favourite thing about owning the car?
I think, being a classic back in the 70s and those cars back then, I mean they are a bit more archaic than the cars we have today.
You know, if you want the windows down you have to wind them down, not press buttons.
It is a good, solid steel, Aussie built car and they are getting rarer.
How will you keep the car running?
We recently bought out Trulson's Mechanical and we have the capability to work on both vintage and modern cars which means we can keep cars like this on the road.
To have your vehicle featured in In Our Garage email us at news@bundabergnow.com
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