The LOCAL News, Island And Surrounds, Real Estate, Trades & Services

08/09/2025

A 12-time Australian National Champion, two-time Oceania Champion, three-time Auckland marathon winner, Michael Taylor is truly one of a kind. Michael is a champion para hand-cyclist, originally from Bendigo Victoria.
The sport of hand-cycling originated in 1980 as rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries and amputations. It quickly became a competitive sport and was introduced into the Paralympics in 2004 and has been a part of the games ever since.

By Chase Christensen Credit: Michael Taylor A 12-time Australian National Champion, two-time Oceania Champion, three-time Auckland marathon winner, Michael Taylor is truly one of a kind. Michael is a champion para hand-cyclist, originally from Bendigo Victoria. The sport of hand-cycling originated i...

07/09/2025

Companion planting is a gardening technique where certain plants are grown together to enhance growth, deter pests and improve overall garden health. This strategy leverages natural relationships between plants to create a thriving, balanced ecosystem. Below are effective companion planting strategies tailored for vegetable gardens, with a focus on pest control, soil improvement and space optimisation - principles that can be adapted to various climates, including Southeast Queensland’s subtropical conditions. https://www.islandandsurrounds.com.au/post/issue-119-gardening

30/08/2025

It was when Joshua Peasley moved back home after a stint in Melbourne, he realised something was missing. In the city, delivery services were quick, seamless and just a tap away. Back on Bribie Island, however, options were limited, unreliable and often out of touch with local needs.
“It felt like Bribie was stuck in the dark ages by comparison,” Joshua said. “That’s when the idea hit, why not create a local delivery service that actually works for the people and businesses here?”

By Sheree Hoddinett It was when Joshua Peasley moved back home after a stint in Melbourne, he realised something was missing. In the city, delivery services were quick, seamless and just a tap away. Back on Bribie Island, however, options were limited, unreliable and often out of touch with local ne...

27/08/2025

Get ready Longman, the much-anticipated Seniors Expo is making its return in 2025, bigger, brighter and brimming with opportunities for connection and fun.
Proudly hosted by Member for Longman, Terry Young, this year’s Seniors Expo will span two bustling days in Caboolture and on Bribie Island. The program promises a vibrant mix of information, entertainment and community spirit and best of all, everyone is welcome to join in.

By Sheree Hoddinett Get ready Longman, the much-anticipated Seniors Expo is making its return in 2025, bigger, brighter and brimming with opportunities for connection and fun. Proudly hosted by Member for Longman, Terry Young, this year’s Seniors Expo will span two bustling days in Caboolture and ...

27/08/2025

For Candice Kiss and her hardworking team, breakfast is more than just putting together a meal, it’s a passion. And now, that passion has been recognised at the very highest level, with Annie Lane taking out Best Breakfast in Queensland at the prestigious Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence.
Dubbed the “Oscars of hospitality,” the awards set the benchmark for the industry, with venues assessed anonymously by industry judges across 56 detailed criteria, including food quality, ingredient sourcing, presentation, innovation, customer service and overall experience.

By Sheree Hoddinett For Candice Kiss and her hardworking team, breakfast is more than just putting together a meal, it’s a passion. And now, that passion has been recognised at the very highest level, with Annie Lane taking out Best Breakfast in Queensland at the prestigious Restaurant & Cater...

24/08/2025

Comedy fans are in for a treat, as international funny man Arj Barker heads for Bribie Island. Barker brings with him his razor-sharp wit, laid-back charm and all-new material guaranteed to have audiences laughing until their cheeks hurt.

Barker is seen as Australia’s adopted son of comedy. He has also been seen on our television screens, with appearances on The Project, Just for Laughs and playing Dave on the hit show Flight of the Concords.

By Sheree Hoddinett Comedy fans are in for a treat, as international funny man Arj Barker heads for Bribie Island. Barker brings with him his razor-sharp wit, laid-back charm and all-new material guaranteed to have audiences laughing until their cheeks hurt. Barker is seen as Australia’s adopted s...

23/08/2025

Australia’s pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050 has been sold as a moral and economic necessity, a bold step toward a cleaner future. But beneath the glossy promises lies a troubling reality: net zero policies are set to drive up energy prices, burden households and undermine the nation’s economic strength. For a country built on affordable energy and resource exports this agenda risks becoming a self-inflicted wound.

Australia’s pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050 has been sold as a moral and economic necessity, a bold step toward a cleaner future. But beneath the glossy promises lies a troubling reality: net zero policies are set to drive up energy prices, burden households and undermine the nation’s econ...

22/08/2025

DF65 Radio Sailing wrap up for July 2025. Sailing conditions over the past five weeks have varied from almost gale force to frustratingly gentle on our Thursday afternoon race days.
Good numbers (average seven or so) are turning up at 1pm to try their luck after making changes and fine tuning their boats at the Sunday casual sailing meet.
Planning is underway for the club to hold a mini sailing regatta, involving another club in the district. This is eagerly anticipated as the BRCY sailors look forward to testing their skills against another club.

Dragon Force 65 (DF65) Racing Sailing conditions over the past five weeks have varied from almost gale force to frustratingly gentle on our Thursday afternoon race days. Good numbers (average seven or so) are turning up at 1pm to try their luck after making changes and fine tunin...

20/08/2025

Check out the latest Women's Golf Results from Bribie Island Golf Club

July 15 - August 7, 2025 15/07/25 3 Person Ambrose WINNERS Ann Squires, Barbara Newcomb & Judy Graham 2nd Kate Wesener, Carol McKenzie & Sharon Blundell NTP Hole 4 Kate Wesener, Hole 7 Wendy Washington, Hole 14 Judy Graham WINNERS Judy, Barbara & Ann. 2nd Kate, Sharon & Carol. 17/07/25 SINGLE STABLE...

19/08/2025

The countdown is on at the Bribie Island RSL, as the community eagerly awaits the unveiling of a $15 million redevelopment which is currently in full swing.

The club has remained fully open as the renovations have taken place, with the sports bar, reception area, bottle shop, gaming room and the external façade of the building all included in the project.

By Sheree Hoddinett The countdown is on at the Bribie Island RSL, as the community eagerly awaits the unveiling of a $15 million redevelopment which is currently in full swing. The club has remained fully open as the renovations have taken place, with the sports bar, reception area, bottle shop, gam...

19/08/2025

The top eight positions on the NRL ladder are as far from undecided as can be, with 14 teams still in contention to play finals football in 2025.
The Broncos and Dolphins are both heavily in the mix to play in the postseason. There are four rounds to go and the Broncos are sixth whilst the Dolphins are eighth, so both teams can comfortably make the eight. A large obstacle that both teams must deal with is an injury crisis. https://www.islandandsurrounds.com.au/post/can-the-brisbane-nrl-duo-beat-the-adversity

18/08/2025

Welcome to Issue 119

Hello Readers, https://issuu.com/islandandsurrounds/docs/the_local_news_issue_119?fr=sZDk2YjgzOTUzMDk

Sheree has a candid conversation with Candice Kiss, owner of Annie Lane, who recently won an award for the ‘Best Breakfast’ in Queensland at the Restaurant & Catering Hostplus awards for Excellence this year.

JJ’s is a much-needed new delivery service on the Island. Sheree reached out to the team behind the service to find out what they offer the community, including picking up takeaway from your favourite restaurant to groceries, essentials and even alcohol deliveries to help locals get what they need quickly and easily. It’s as simple as downloading an app on your phone.

Chase writes about the achievements we have seen so far in our local area during the short time the Crisafulli Government - which includes Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan - has been in office, especially concerning the crime and health statistics.

International comedian Arj Barker is bringing his unique style of humour to our little Island. Sheree had the pleasure of interviewing him and has written a short article on what to expect if you witness his live performance, his career to date and his humble beginnings.

Our very own local Michael Taylor has competed nationally and internationally in hand cycling, a sport which is becoming more popular and certainly is unique. Young Chase had an opportunity to chat to him about it to find out more.

As usual, we cover a wide variety of local issues, while showcasing our local businesses. It is our local businesses who make this publication possible, so please support them.

Until next month.

Warm regards,

Belinda