Save Moreton Bay campaign
Queensland Conservation is calling on political leaders in Queensland to commit to saving Moreton Bay in the next term of government, or risk the $5 billion generated each year in tourism, recreation and primary industries.
The state’s peak non-government environment group launched its Save Moreton Bay campaign at Wellington Point Reserve on Saturday. The campaign includes a petition urging action from the incoming government after the 31 March State Election.
It outlines a clear strategy to halt the continued decline of the Bay and calls on an investment package of $80 million a year over the next three years to reduce the amount of pollution flowing into it.
Queensland Conservation Executive Director, Toby Hutcheon, said the Queensland Government had a responsibility to provide ongoing financial resources to improve the health of the Bay.
Iconic Australians feature at latest literary lunches
Hazel Hawke is one of our nation's most beloved and respected identities. Douglas Mawson is our greatest Antarctic explorer. What do they have in common? Both are the subjects of fascinating new books, and locals can learn more about them at separate literary lunches at Cleveland's Grand View Hotel this month.
Both books are generating interesting discussion in the literary world, and the Redland events are an excellent opportunity for locals to join the conversation – with the authors themselves.
First up, on 15 November, author and professional speaker Sue Pieters-Hawke talks about her intimate and beautiful biography "Hazel: My Mother's Story".
Then, on 17 November, larger-than-life author-journalist Peter FitzSimons returns to the Redlands to discuss his latest book, "Mawson", a collection of true tales of survival and ambition by Australia's most famous "ice men."
Sue Pieters-Hawke
In "Hazel: My Mother's Story", Sue explores Hazel's life as she navigated personal challenges and profound social changes. As the wife of a Prime Ministers, Hazel brought a down-to-earth warmth to Canberra that influenced everyone she came in contact with. She was loved for her energy, practicality and capacity for humour and enjoyment.
Candid, revealing and fascinating, "Hazel: My Mother's Story" celebrates her value as a mother, wife, role model and tireless worker for the rights and welfare of others. As well as being the eldest daughter of Hazel and Bob Hawke, Sue also managed Hazel's office for more than a decade, and cared for Hazel during her illness.
Sue's literary lunch at the Grand View Hotel is presented by Angus & Robertson, Victoria Point.
Peter FitzSimons
Icons of a different nature feature in Peter FitzSimons latest book, "Mawson", an epic tale from the golden age of Australian exploration.
This time around, the prolific writer (whose past biographies have Kim Beazley, Nick Farr-Jones, Steve Waugh and John Eales) tells the story of Douglas Mawson, born in 1882 and knighted in 1914, and who went on to be our nation's greatest explorers.
Published to coincide with the centenary of Mawson's departure, Peter presents meticulously researched and very personal accounts of the harrowing situations faced by Antarctic explorers. "Mawson" also interweaves story of other giants of the heroic age of polar exploration, including Scott of the Antarctic, Sir Ernest Shackleton and Roald Amundsen.
Peter's literary lunch at the Grand View Hotel is presented by Dymocks .
Tickets for each event are $35 ($30 for bookings of eight or more), and include a two-course dinner and a glass of wine on arrival. Bookings can be made by phoning the hotel on 3286 1002 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Both books will be available for purchase at respective events.
Matthew Reilly at Grand View Hotel on 19 October
Want to meet blockbuster author Matthew Reilly?
The bestselling writer will be at the Grand View Hotel in Clevleand for a mid-week literary dinner on Wednesday, 19 October at 6.30pm.
Reilly, whose novels are published in more than 20 languages, has sold more than 3.5 million books worldwide, including more than a million in Australia alone, and a million each in the United States and the United Kingdom.
He is the author of nine bestselling novels, Ice Station, Temple, Contest, Area 7, Scarecrow, Hover Car Racer, Seven Ancient Wonders, The Six Sacred Stones and The Five Greatest Warriors.
His latest novel, Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves, is due out 12 October and is the fifth instalment in the Scarecrow series. This time around, Scarecrow and his team tackle a terrorist force that has taken control of an abandoned Soviet base in the Arctic, and now possesses a weapon of mass destruction. Fans can expect more of the high-octane action that’s made this series a world-wide phenomenon.
Reilly’s career is set to further skyrocket, with film and television projects in the works. Walt Disney Pictures has optioned the movie rights to his children’s book, Hover Car Racer, while Paramount Pictures has optioned Ice Station. ABC US Network Television has bought the rights to the Jack West Jr series of books (Seven Ancient Wonders, The Six Sacred Stones and The Five Greatest Warriors) for a TV series put together by ABC US Studios. The producer is the powerhouse Mark Gordon (Speed, Gray’s Anatomy) and the writer is Michael Seitzman (North Country).
The Grand View event on 19 October, part of the historic hotel’s popular literary dinner series, is a rare chance to meet Matthew and listen to him talk about his career and his latest novel.Tickets are $40 ($35 for bookings of eight or more), and include a two-course dinner and a glass of wine on arrival. Bookings can be made by phoning the hotel on 3286 1002 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Image courtesy of Pan Macmillan Australian (credit: Peter Morris)
(Prepared on behalf of Redland City Council’s Tourism Unit)
World-class events on Straddie in October
North Stradbroke Island is set to come alive in October, with three world-class events offering unforgettable experiences for sporting and music fans.
People come from all of Australia, and overseas, to be a part of the excitement, but for Redland residents it's right next door – just a quick trip across the bay.
First up is the Straddie Salute Multisport Festival on October 8 and 9, followed by the Straddie Assault Teams Surfing Competition on October 15 and 16, and then the Island Vibe Festival on October 28 to 30.
In just three years, the Straddie Salute Multisport Festival has become a must-do weekend on Queensland's sporting calendar. Participants can swim the crystal clear waters in the Sibelco Straddie 1000 Ocean Swim, jog along one of Queensland's most beautiful coastal trails in the Columbia 8km Adventure Run/Walk, or take up the ultimate challenge in the Straddie Salute Offroad Triathlon (which includes an 18 km mountain bike ride).
The Stradbroke Ferries Straddie Assault is a must for surfing fans, and this two-day event is Australia's longest running teams surfing competition. Now in its 28th consecutive year, it brings together 16 of Australia's premier clubs based between Noosa and Lennox Heads. It's a chance to see hot up-and-coming surfing talent, with the likes of Bede Durbidge, Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson and Danny Wills (all currently competing on the World Championship Tour), having cut their teeth in the Assault.
The Island Vibe Festival, a celebration of roots and reggae music, is also now a staple on the Queensland music festival calendar. Over three days, more than 40 musical, dance and cultural acts from across Australia and the Pacific region share four stages at Point Lookout, overlooking stunning Home Beach. The event also showcases island culture with art exhibitions, interactive workshops, stalls, circus performances, eco-food and craft markets.
David Thomson, Chairman of the Straddie Chamber of Commerce - the Local Tourism Organisation (LTO) for the island - encouraged locals from other parts of the Redlands to take advantage of being so close to world-class sporting and music events.
"If you've never been to the Salute, Assault or Island Vibe Festival, you don't know what you're missing. Whether it's the excitement of the sporting events, or the music and atmosphere of the festival, it's really worth the short trip over the bay."
The October events provide a great excuse for a weekend away. While on North Straddie, you can surf, swim, snorkel or sandboard, or take a 4WD adventure along the beach. Or, you could just kick back, relax, and enjoy one of the most beautiful locations in Australia.
For more information, phone Redlands Visitor Information Centre on 1300 667 383 or visit the LTO's new official website for North Stradbroke Island at www.stradbrokeisland.com
(pH creative provides PR support to Redland City Council's Tourism Unit.)
Sand-boarding - best to keep mouth shut!
Had a ball this week being one of the guinea pigs to road test Barefoot Dave's new sand-boarding venture on North Stradbroke Island.
Dave runs Straddie Kingfisher Tours (specialising 4WD beach tours) and now has the second licence to offer sand-boarding in the dunes out from Point Lookout.
I (Paula) was part of a famil with Redland City Council's Tourism Unit (and some lovely girls from Tourism Queensland), and we had a blast with Dave, who wanted test out his "boards" on the slopes.
The hardest part was climbing up the sand hills (especially the first hike from where the 4WD track came to an end). And yes, I did consider chickening out (it was a steep hill!), but I'm so glad I didn't. Haven't had that much fun without a wine in my hand for years.
You really pick up some speed flying down the hill, but it's easy enough to break by digging your toes in the sand. (The benefit of going last is that you can see everyone else does – and what does and doesn't work.)
Most important tip when sand-boarding: keep the front of the board up, and mouth closed. I was laughing too much first time around and lost concentration ... and spent the rest of the day tasting sand and getting it out of my nose and ears! I also recommend putting sunscreen on well in advance, so the sand doesn't coat your skin quite so much when it flies up as you fly down the hill.
The daredevil of our group was definitely Council's Paula Rathegeber, who even tackled a second ridiculously steep hill with Dave.
Sand-boarding on Straddie is a great way to get the adrenaline pumping without being too extreme. The biggest challenge is having the fitness to get up the hill to go again.
And afterwards, we got to cool off on the deserted Flinders Beach. Magic.
Dave is a great character and fun guide, so I definitely recommend Straddie Kingfisher Tours if you're thinking about trying sand-boarding (or enjoying a 4WD beach tour).
More pics on our facebook page.
You can find Dave and Straddie Kingfisher Tours at: www.straddiekingfishertours.com.au/
For more info on fun in the Redlands, call the Redlands Visitor Information Centre: 1300 667 386.
(pH creative provides PR support to Redland City Council's Tourism Unit.)