1960 Bushfires on Bribie

 In late September 1960 residents of Bribie Island battled several outbreaks of bush fires and endured days of high fire hazard danger as recorded in the following newspaper reports.

BUSH FIRES ON BRIBIE ISLAND

1960

Blaze over Bribie. Fire threatens island town

A mile-long bushfire last night was sweeping across Bribie Island towards Bribie township.  The blaze has menaced dozens of houses on Bribie in the last two days.  Last night island residents, and Brisbane owners of holiday homes who had rushed to the island, were beating out flames as they roared up to their rear fences.  Local residents fought to save Bribie Island school yesterday.  Flames encircled the building.

Picture caption: Fire front a mile long crept through bush across
the south-western corner of Bribie Island towards the Bribie township
(at right) at 4 p.m. yesterday [28.9.1960].  Several houses on the
outskirts already were ringed with flames.
Picture was taken from a specially chartered plane.
Photo source: CM 29.9.1960 p.1

Smoke Pall

Choking clouds of smoke driven by a gusty easterly wind partially obscured the small settlement all day.  The fire started on Tuesday, and burned first from the west.  Although several homes were menaced, the wind gradually took the blaze from homes.  Yesterday, when the wind changed, the fire spread out on a long front, parallel to Bribie Passage, and swept back towards the township.  Fences, outhouses, and gardens have been destroyed on the island.  Police said last night that only a determined battle had saved many homes.

Picture caption: Fire rings township. Ring of flame and smoke surrounding homes
in the township on the southern end of Bribie Island at 4 p.m. yesterday [28.9.1960]
as bushfires swung back into the area with a change of wind. 
Picture was taken from a specially chartered plane which flew over the island. 
Photo source: CM 29.9.1960 p.3

New flares

Firefighters beat out the flames at most danger points yesterday, but last night the fire was flaring at several new points.  Some people on the island, living in homes nearest the approaching blaze, have not been to bed since Monday.  The island's only policeman, Constable Brian Pickup, has had only a few hours sleep in the last three days.

Australian Paper Manufacturers Ltd. yesterday sent a bulldozer and two tankers to the island to safeguard pine plantations owned by the company.

Fires already have burned out an estimated 10 square miles on the island between Bribie township and the ocean beach.

------

BUSHFIRE DANGER NOW AT WORST

1960

The bushfire risk in Queensland was a bad as it could possibly be, the Lands Minister (Mr. Fletcher) said yesterday. ... Like 1951 ... [other places in Queensland] ...

Bribie safe
Bribie Island township was safe yesterday - after two days of fire hazard.  Fires which ringed the township on Wednesday died down when the wind dropped during the night.  But yesterday another huge fire started two miles north of the township, and menaced 1000 acres of pine plantations owned by Australian Paper Manufacturers Ltd. Men and machinery rushed to the island burnt breaks and safeguard the plantations estimated to be worth £40,000.

A huge smoke pall from the fire yesterday blotted out most of the southern end of the island.  By 9 o'clock last night the fire had been stopped short of the plantation, and brought under control.  Firefighters kept an all-night guard to prevent fresh outbreaks. 

Shell risk
A hazard of fires on the island was revealed yesterday by the island's only policeman, Constable B. Pickup.  He said there were many unexploded shells - wartime relics - on the island.  Many had been found during the last few years - one, two weeks ago.  'All the time we were fighting the fires I was expecting an explosion," he said.

Picture caption: Bribie Battle. Bribie Island's "two-man fire brigade,"
Constable B. Pickup (left) and Mr. H. Lougheed,
taking a breather after burning the last of the firebreaks
to safeguard Bribie township yesterday.
Photo source: CM 30.9.1960 p.3

Yesterday Bribie Island's "two-man fire brigade" - Constable Pickup and Mr. H. Lougheed - burnt the last of the breaks to safeguard the township.  The two men, assisted by other residents, have done most of the fire-fighting on the island since the township was first menaced on Monday.  Mr. Lougheed burnt a half-mile long break by himself to save a dozen holiday cottages.  One partly-erected home was destroyed in the fires, which residents said yesterday were the worst for years.  Many owners of holiday homes visited Bribie yesterday to check on their properties.

REFERENCES

Blaze over Bribie. Courier Mail 29.9.1960 p. 1, 3.

Bushfire danger now at worst, Minister warns. Courier Mail 30.9.1960 p.3

1995 Air Forces Park Bongaree

An article from 1995 describes a memorial erected in the newly created Air Forces Park at Bongaree. The memorial was unveiled on 6th June 1995.

Bongaree get war memorial. 

1995

A new memorial dedicated to allied airmen has been erected in the new designated Air Forces Park at Bongaree. Officers from the Air Force base at Amberley erected the propellor from a DC 3 on a rock plinth on Thursday. 

The memorial was erected by the Air Forces Association in memory of all who served with the Commonwealth Air Forces or their allies. It will be officially unveiled at a VP day ceremony later this year as part of the 1995 Australia Remembers celebration.

The memorial is already turning heads with some residents concerned about the safety of mounting a propellor in a park which is so populat with children. The council is to inspect it to decide if modifications need to be made.

Caption: Howe Scully works on the memorial at Bongare. 
Photo Peter Williams, 1995.

Plaque Inscription:

Per Adua-Ad Astra

To the memory of those of all nations who served 

in and with the Air Forces of the Commonwealth.

Proudly and thankfully we will remember them

Erected by 

Bribie Island Branch Royal Air Forces Association

Royal Australian Air Force Association

6th June 1995

Plaque unveiled 6rh June 1995

The area (middle left) that would later become Air Forces Park.
Source: Discover Queensland - Sunshine Coast - Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage
brochure circa 1990. By Sunshine Coast Tourism Promotions.

***************************

Entry #90584 on Monument Australia: Air Forces of the Commonwealth

The monument commemorates all nations who served with the Air Forces of the Commonwealth.

Australia Remembers 1945-1995

Photographs dated 13.9.2014 from Monument Australia entry 90584, 

by Diane Watson / John Huth.

REFERENCES

Bongaree gets war memorial.[unknown publication] 1995

Entry #90584 on Monument Australia - Air Forces Park - Air Forces of the Commonwealth
https://www.monumentaustralia.org/themes/conflict/multiple/display/90584-air-forces-of-the-commonwealth

Aerial photo from: Discover Queensland - Sunshine Coast - Bribie island and Pumicestone Passage - brochure circa 1990. By Sunshine Coast Tourism Promotions. BIHS historical database FM01_006

If you have any photos of the unveiling on 6th June 1995 and would like to share your experience please email us at bribiehistoricalsociety@gmail.com

1963 Bellara Motel

 The following article describes the opening of the Bellara Motel on 2nd February 1963.

Opening of the Bellara Motel

Bribie Star 8.2.1963 p. 1, 8. 

At 11.30 a.m. on Saturday, February 2nd [1963], in brilliant sunshine, the Hon. D.E. Nicholson, State Speaker and Member for Murrumba, officially opened the Bellara Motel which is situated in the new Bribie Island approach street - Benabrow Street.

Picture shows the Hon. D.E. Nicholson unveiling the plaque
at the official opening of the Bellara Motel. 
Bribie Star 8.2.1963 p. 1

The official party included Mr and Mrs D.E. Nicholson, Mr Ross McCowan, Mr and Mrs A. Winston, Mr Athol Brentnall, Mr and Mrs W. Ewart and Mr and Mrs J. Proctor. Others noted in the large gathering were Mrs. Roggenkamp, Mr and Mrs R. Cheesman, Mr A. Thornley, Mr G.F. Gooch and Miss Gooch, of Woorim, Mrs W. Selke, of Woorim, Mr and Mrs G. Marr, Mr and Mrs F.E. Mullen, Mr and Mrs D. Mullen, Mr H. Davies, Mr R. Lewis, Mr R.J. Campbell, Mr Peter McCowan, Mr Neil McCowan, Mr Colin McCowan, Mr Frank Bayley and Mr Bob Canning. An apology was received from Mr Clayton, Chairman of the Caboolture Shire Council, whose indifferent health did not permit his attendance. 

Mr J. Proctor opening proceedings with some very interesting remarks and he subsequently introduced the various official speakers.

Warm Welcome

Mr Ross McCowan extended a warm welcome to the gathering, and in his opening remarks he cited a young couple who recently arrived from England to select a suitable island off the Queensland coast for community living, which he described as ideal island living. He said Bribie had all these ideal conditions and it should not be long before the Bribie Island bridge was completed.

Mr McCowan said that he had great faith in Bribie and in the near future the company would build an ultra-modernly designed shopping centre, comprising 10 shops, immediately opposite the motel in Benabrow Street, also a modern service station in the vicinity of the motel.

Mr McCowan paid high tribute to the architects, the builder and all sub-contractors who completed the 10-unit motel and restaurant in 12 weeks, for as late as October last year, the whole area was wilderness.

He also said that the prolific bird life on Bribie was no doubt due to the fact that one could not find a stone on Bribie, and that prompted him to have suitable porphyry brought down from Brisbane. These stones, including a very large one, were used to build the Cairn, to which a brass plate was fixed showing that the motel was officially opened by Hon. D.E. Nicholson on 2nd February, 1963.

Natural Surroundings

Mr Athol Brentnall, of Bligh, Jessup, Brentnall and Partners, Architects, sail all credit for the motel was due to Mr Ross McCowan for his foresight in having it built in such charming natural surroundings, and he hoped that the Island would never lose this charm. He said he would always remember his happy association with Bellara Motel principals.

Early Pioneers

Mr Arthur Winston, the Island's Councillor on the Caboolture Shire Council, said that it afforded him great pleasure on behalf of the Caboolture Shire Council, particularly in respect to Division 5, to extend congratulations to the proprietors, whom, he felt sure, would never regret their venture.

Mr Winston said that much credit was also due to the pioneers for their foresight in the ultimate development of the Island, and he particularly referred to the early transport services provided by the Brisbane Steamship Company, The Moreton Bay Shipping Company, Mr Gault, Mr Tesch, and finally Mr Snowy Drenan with his barge service. Mr Winston also paid tribute to the late John Goodwin for the many years he served the Island and the good work he had done as its Councillor on the Caboolture Shire Council. 

Whole Support

Mr D.E. Nicholson M.L.A., congratulated the proprietors on their venture, which he said was one of the best motels he had seen, and he made special reference to the accommodation provided for the family man, who could take his children with him and all be under the one roof.

He said thanks were due to the government, who were whole-heartedly behind land development, and to this end, despite adverse cricitisms from several sources, three or four years ago the Government still proceeded with the bridge project, which he hoped would be completed by June. Critics said that the bridge would be for only 300 or 400 people, but the Government reasoned differently ad he hoped and anticipated it would be used by 8.,000 to 10,000 people in the comparatively near future.

He congratulated Mr McCowan for his early foresight, as he knew that he had proceeded with Bribie land development even before the bridge was thought of. Mr Nicholson said that practically all the nearby North Coast beaches, and particularly Bribie Island, had a wonderful potential for the growing tourist trade, particularly when the bridge was completed. He said the motel business was here to stay and he believed Bellara was the first of others that would follow with the growth of the motoring tourist trade.

Mr Nicholson said that with the rapid development of Bribie, no doubt, applications would be made for future liquor licences and in respect to this, he said he was in favour of package licences for approved motels. He said the package licence was actually for a bottle store where one could obtain bottled liquor for consumption in their own unit in the motel.

Land Developers

He said that the surface of Bribie Island has been only scratched, and that much credit was due to land developers for the part they had played, and he also said that credit was due to K.D. Morris and sons for the progress they had made with the bridge despite the many hold-ups by sub-contractors and the adverse weather conditions which prevailed on occasions.

Mr Nicholson said that if he had his way there would not be any toll on the bridge.

He said that some people figured values with heavy rates could likely occur, but, he said, the Island should profit from the lesson of the expensive Gold Coast. His experience and knowledge of councils led him to believe that in instances where values increased substantially, Councils gave thoughtful consideration to lower rates and that no comparable inflation would occur on Bribie Island. Mr Nicholson said he liked to see all enterprises repaid, and he again congratulated the company and wished them every success in this and their land development scheme.

Vote of Thanks

Mr Ross McCowan said how much he appreciated the kind remarks of Mr Nicholson, and moved a vote of thanks to Mr Nicholson for officially opening the motel.

This vote of thanks was carried by acclamation by all the visitors and Mr McCowan invited Mr Nicholson to officially unveil the plaque.

Mr Nicholson then officially unveiled the plaque.

At the conclusion of this opening ceremony and the unveiling of the plaque, Mr McCowan invited all those interested to inspect the units, etc., after which the official party and other invited guests sat down to an excellent luncheon prepared by Mr Jack Dracos, the lessee-proprietor of the Cafeteria.

REFERENCE

Opening of the Bellara Motel.
Bribie Star 8.2.1963 pages 1, 8. article and photo.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The origin of the name "Benabrow" is a combination of part of the surnames of two local men, Cyril Bendall and Norm Browning. [source: Don Mullen, 18.1.2010]

In 1966, the restaurant at the Bellara Motel was named Bellara French Restaurant.

In the late 1980s / early 1990s, the Bellara Motel ceased trading. The motel buildings were repurposed as shops and commercial trade.

If you have any photos of the Bellara Motel, its opening in 1963 or the opening ceremony plaque, please contact the Bribie Island Historical Society on bribiehistoricalsociety@gmail.com

1923 Bribie Incident

 The following article describes a medical emergency which occurred in 1923 to a visitor to Bribie Island and the local residents actions in facilitating the patient's conveyance back to Brisbane for medical treatment.

1923 Bribie Incident. Aged Man's Collapse.

An incident of a peculiar nature, but which fortunately resulted in no serious harm to the person concerned, occurred at Bribie Island on Sunday night.

Mr Edward Crammond, of Waterworks road, Ashgrove, aged 61, proceeded to the island by the Koopa on Sunday afternoon. On arrival he spoke to the caretaker of the island (Mr W Freeman), and then apparently set out for a long stroll. Nothing further appears to have been seen of him during the latter part of the that day, but about 10 a.m. yesterday (Monday) another visitor was walking along the ocean beach, on the far side of the island, when he saw an old man stretched out upon the sand, in what appeared to be a serious condition.

He immediately hurried back to the main jetty (a distance of nearly four miles), to secure assistance. The position was explained to Mr Freeman, but as the Koopa was nearing the jetty at the time, it was decided to await her arrival. A member of the Ambulance Brigade happened to be on board, and acting on his advice a horse and cart was secured, and the party set out for the far beach.

When they arrived on the scene, it was found that Mr Crammond was conscious, though suffering from shock, and he was hurried back to the jetty to enable him to be taken back to Brisbane on the Koopa.

The excursion steamer Koopa at the wharf at Bribie.
Source: The Brisbane Courier 23.11.1926 p.18

The captain of the boat had previously promised to hold the boat up for a short period, pending their return, but at 3 o'clock he was forced to cast off, on his return trip to Brisbane. When the party eventually arrived at the jetty, the Koopa was a considerable distance out in the bay, but by means of signals, the captain was acquainted with the position. The boat was stopped, and Mr Reg Campbell, of Bribie, offered the assistance of his motor boat, and with his aid Mr Crammond was taken out and put on board. On arrival in Brisbane, he declined to go to a hospital, and was conveyed to his home.

The action of the captain of the Koopa, in delaying the departure of his board, was very much appreciated.

REFERENCES

Bribie Incident. Aged Man's Collapse. The Daily Mail (Brisbane) Tuesday 24.4.1923 p.8 
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220561687

Photo: The excursion steamer Koopa berthed at the wharf at Bribie. From article: Bribie's Spell. Health and Happiness. The Brisbane Courier, Tue 23 Nov 1926, p. 18

1940s 1950s Reminiscences

The following two reminiscences of Bribie in the 1940s and 1950s were written in 1997 by Ted Simpson and Ted Clayton respectively.

Bribie Jetty, 1945
Photo: The Longreach Leader 30.6.1945 p.9

22. Reminiscences of Bribie (1946-1950) by R.E. Simpson

About the author: In 1997, Ted and Rose Simpson returned to Bribie Island and Ted Simpson wrote the following reminiscences, of his time on Bribie from the mid-1940s till he left to serve in Korea and Japan, which were published in the Island and Mainland News, 29 Oct 1997.

Interestingly, a 23-pound snapper16 caught off Bribie Island by Dick Simpson in 1951 was cast in plaster by the Queensland Museum.*

In the mid-1940s my parents Dick and Melba Simpson (both now deceased) moved to Bribie Island along with eight of their nine children. The house we lived in was located near where the Bongaree Post Office now stands. Dick Simpson was, at different times, a professional fisherman, skipper of the barge which transported vehicles from the mainland to the Island as the bridge had not been thought of at that time. He also operated a butcher shop for a time where the second-hand shop is now [in 1997]. After that he converted the 28-foot launch Sunny Girl to a flush deck trawler and so became what was most likely the first commercial prawn trawler operator in Moreton Bay. His wife Melba Simpson, as well as being housewife and mother, sold fish and crabs and shell ornaments from her front verandah. My younger brother Max drove an old international truck and delivered ice. I am not sure but I think Ivan Tesch might have owned the truck. Another brother, Albert, worked part time assisting Tex the slaughterman.

At that time the Post Office was located near the Koopa jetty to the rear of the service station. In 1950 I joined the army and after that I only returned for a few short holidays. Two brothers Ronald and Albert eventually joined the navy. William and sister Marjory joined the Air Force. My teenage girlfriend, Rosaline Long, later to become my wife, lived at Graceville but worked weekends in the Cafeteria on either the Koopa, Miramar or Mirana.

As a point of interest, a vehicle used only on the island cost £4.10 per year to register. At that time, I don’t think there were any sealed roads on the Island. Mail was picked up at Toorbul Point and transported to Bribie by motor launch. I know that progress has brought many changes to the Island. Some good, some not so good, but I cannot, for the life of me, understand why places like Campbells Creek (now Williams Creek) had to suffer a name change. After all the Campbell family owned and operated a business on its banks for many years.

I wonder what the Island will be like in another fifty years. Still free of traffic lights I hope.

R.E. Simpson

1997

                                                         

23. Reminiscences of Bribie (1940s-1950s) by Ted Clayton

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ted Clayton’s parents Ernie and Marion met on Bribie Island in the 1920s and while Ted grew up in Brisbane most of his childhood family holidays were spent on Bribie. After Ted married Patricia, the couple chose to settle on Bribie Island and raise their family. As the Island’s carpenter, builder, fisherman and regular contributor to Fishing World for over two decades, Ted Clayton’s knowledge of Bribie Island’s natural environment is extensive. Ted’s large collection of Aboriginal artefacts were gifted to the Queensland Museum in recent times. Ted also collected copies of many of Vera Campbell’s photos thus capturing a wonderful pictorial memory of Reg and Vera Campbell.

Letter by Ted Clayton to the Editor. Island and Mainland News, 11 Nov 1997.

I read Mr R.E. Simpson’s letter in your October 29th edition. His brother Max delivered our ice for quite some time. Certainly the ice works (and probably the truck) belonged to the Tesch family. I had no idea that the name of Campbells Creek had been changed to “Williams Creek” – if that is so, then it saddens me. Another case of out of sight out of mind.

I do not know who the Williams referred to would be but they could not have a claim that would surpass that of Reg and Vera Campbell, two modest and lovable people whose ties to the creek go back a very long way. I do not know the exact date that they acquired their creek bank lease but I was buying aniseed balls from their shop prior to World War 2. At that time they had a well-established business alongside the creek as general store/garage/professional fisherman/boat hire, boat building etc. They were there before a road bridge existed across the creek. The remains of Reg’s boat shed can be seen in a popular painting at the local library.

As a child Reg attended Clark’s school at Toorbul Point. On Bribie he was a prominent and popular businessman, someone who could fix anything. He deserves to be remembered. It is a pity that the Campbells Creek where I caught mullet as a child has been turned into something resembling a drain.

On another point of historical accuracy. Toward the south west corner of the island there used to be a delightful little inlet with mangroves and a few mud crabs. It was called “The Yabby Patch Creek”. It became involved in the erosion of the foreshore and putting a dam across it saved the adjacent properties. The dam filled with fresh water, grew reeds, and attracted bird life. It has come to be known incorrectly as “Buckley’s Hole”.

“Buckleys Hole” – historically – refers to an area of deep water alongside the ledge in front of the parking area at the south end of South Esplanade. The real Buckley’s Hole has strong memories of dark nights and exciting times for generations of fishermen. Who it was named after I don’t know – someone else who has lost their mark on history – but the name goes back to the very early days prior to World War 1. My father was fishing it by 1920. There are many people alive who object strongly to the name being hijacked and the old timers will be turning over in their graves. It was – and is – a very well-known local feature.

REFERENCES

*Rival for “Snozzle” [illustration]. The Courier Mail, Wed 22 Aug 1951, p. 3

Reminiscences of Bribie (1946-1950) by R.E. Simpson. Island and Mainland News, 29 Oct 1997.  Reproduced in: Describing Bribie Island 1865-1965: historical first-hand accounts of visiting Bribie Island (2017) chapter 22.

Reminiscences of Bribie (1940s-1950s) by Ted Clayton. Letter to the Editor, Island and Mainland News, 11 Nov 1997.  Reproduced in: Describing Bribie Island 1865-1965: historical first-hand accounts of visiting Bribie Island (2017) chapter 23.

Photo: Bribie Jetty, showing part of Bongaree township. The Longreach Leader 30.6.1945 p.9

 The above stories are two of 27 stories presented in Describing Bribie Island 1865-1965: historical first-hand accounts of visiting Bribie Island produced by the Bribie Island Historical Society in 2017.

1904 Beaver cruise

 The following description of a cruise in 1904 aboard the Beaver from Brisbane across Moreton Bay to Bribie Island and back was organised as a social event for members of the newly formed Commonwealth Public Service Association.

1904 Cruise aboard the Beaver

The Commonwealth Public Service Association gave the first of an arranged series of river trips on Saturday afternoon last on the s.s. Beaver, which was extremely well patronised. The object of these trips is to raise funds for the furnishing, etc., of rooms for the Association. 

Bribie Island was visited, the fragrance of the gum trees from the island being wafted across to the Beaver, which cruised along the shores of the island, a pleasant variation on the tobacco odours which Post Office and Custom House officials aboard enjoyed, but which did not ameliorate the tendencies to squeamishness a number of ladies and children evinced crossing the bay. 

From Bribie Island a splendid view of the Glasshouse Mountains was obtained, with their strange variety of contour, from the sugar loaf to the plum pudding. 

The Beaver in 1909
at the jetty at Ocean Beach (Moreton Island) - South Passage
Photo: Queensland Country Life 1.11.1909 p.51

On the return journey Redcliffe was to have been visited, but Captain Bruce announced that the tide was too low, and Lytton must be the landing place instead. A number of young gentlemen, who had hurried off without lunch, had ordered a dinner party at Redcliffe, and the hot banquet waiting its sweetness in the Redcliffe Hotel was a grievously tantalizing thought as the Beaver steamed past this point. 

A thunderstorm caused the idea of landing at Lytton to be abandoned also, and when it became apparent that amusement must be found aboard the Beaver or not at all, lively choruses were struck up. The Premier Band played delightfully throughout the trip, their strains of "The Old Folks at home," as the boat neared Brisbane, being so well rendered as to merit applause.

Young couples intent only on "love's young dream," enjoyed themselves to their hearts content, while forked lightning and angry thunder had a subduing effect on fair weather coquettes, who nervously clasped the nearest masculine thing available. "Its an ill wind that blows nobody any good," and several budding "cases" thus arrived home full blown! Thunder and lightning also appear to produce devout piety instantaneously, for very mundane strains gave place at once to sacred chorales during the storm. Gehrke catered downstairs, and a number of picnic teas were enjoyed, hot water being provided. The Post office, Customs, etc., with sweethearts, wives, and families, formed a goodly array, whose amalgamated public appearance is a novelty. This first chapter is however "to be continued," the Association promise, and the committee having learned by experience that "time and tide wait for no man," not even of the superior Commonwealth brand, the next programme of events will perhaps be carried out more literally than proved possible last Saturday.

REFERENCES

Gossip from Woman's Clubland. Queensland Figaro 1.12.1904 p.9 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85496526

Photo of s.s. Beaver, at the jetty at Ocean Beach (Moreton Island) - South Passage.
Queensland Country Life 1.11.1909 p.51 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100868648

Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902. An Act for the regulation of the Public Service, assented to 5th May 1902.https://www.legislation.gov.au/C1902A00005/latest/text   

Captain William Bruce (14.2.1869-4.1.1945)
Obituary: The Telegraph (Brisbane) 5.1.1945 p.4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article186331557 

1908 Blown across the Bay

Residents of Brisbane and surrounds enjoyed a public holiday in the years 1901 to 1909, on November 9th for the King's Birthday (during the reign of King Edward VII). Many excursionists took the opportunity to visit the islands in Moreton Bay. The following story details a group of friends out for a sail "on the Bay" over the 1908 King's Birthday weekend, and their unexpected visit to Bribie Island.

Blown across the Bay. Exciting experience at night.

Six hours in a south-east gale.

Cast up on Bribie Island. 
1908 

The crew of the 18-foot sailing boat Osprey are not likely to soon forget their experiences in the south-east gale which raged at the commencement of last week.  The Osprey left Bulimba on Saturday afternoon, November 7, in charge of W. Peters, who had with him Messrs. P. Brunt, G. Rees, and L. Stephens, and a course was set for Wynnum, where that evening Mr. W. Dewick joined the party followed on Sunday morning by Mr. C. Fawcett. The Osprey afterwards set sail for Peel Island, which was reached without incident during the afternoon, and the boat was anchored in the "gutter" on the northern side of the island. As the shades of evening fell a strong south-east wind commenced to blow, increasing in velocity to a strong gale. Having looked to the moorings, and feeling confident that all was safe, the crew remained on board. Rain fell heavily, but being, as they thought, quite secure, the crew paid little attention to the storm. At 8 o'clock, as they were about to retire for the night, the Osprey began to bob about in a most violent manner, and, according to a statement made by Mr. Fawcett, it was suddenly discovered that the anchor rope had given way, and that the craft was adrift.  

To return to Peel Island against such a strong wind was impossible. Cleveland Light was seen on the port quarter, and a light from a boat on Peel Island was visible astern. It was at once decided to try and reach Wynnum, as the wind and sea were increasing in force every minute. The small boat, with a storm jib out, which had knots tied in each corner, simply flew before the wind. The night was very dark, but despite this it was confidently expected with the aid of the lights to make Wynnum safely. Very soon, however, the lights were lost sight of, and the crew lost their bearings. The rain continued, the men being unable to see each other, and compelled to continually call out to ascertain if all were safely on board. Mr. Peters managed the boat with great skill as it dashed across the storm-tossed water in the darkness, every one having to hold on to anything available for fear of being tossed overboard. One or two lights were seen after losing sight of that at Cleveland, but the men were unable to locate their position. One light they thought was Tangaluma, but they were not sure. Two or three times they thought they saw land, but it was only the continual roll of the sea in front of the boat. About 2 o'clock the boat crossed over three rips. This was a very anxious time, as every moment was expected to be their last. 

About 2.30 a.m. land came into view, straight ahead, and Mr. Peters decided to run the boat ashore. This was successfully accomplished without in the least way straining the boat or losing anything overboard, and the crew lost no time in jumping on to the beach to secure the Osprey. Thoroughly exhausted after their six hours’ battle with the elements, the men secured their wet blankets, which they wrapped round themselves, and throwing themselves on the ground slept till daylight.  

When the sun rose it was discovered that the boat had brought up at Skirmish Point, Bribie Island, and the crew then realised what a lucky escape they had had from being blown out to sea.  Soon after sunrise Messrs. Peters and Stephens started out to the Caloundra Canning Company’s works, four and a half miles away, and they returned to the party about 1 p.m. with the information that accommodation had been found.  

Houses at The Devil's Elbow, Bribie.
Photo: Queenslander 8.9.1906

The party were well looked after by the people at the works, who went to no end of trouble to make them comfortable.  The following Wednesday morning the party, who were still dressed in their boating costume, and were without boots, were rowed across Bribie Passage and landed at Toorbul Point, whence they set out to walk to Caboolture, eighteen miles distant. They arrived at Caboolture footsore and weary at 2.30 p.m. Mr. Fawcett said they were without money, and, as they say, applied to the official at the railway station for a pass to enable them to take train to Brisbane, but this was refused, despite the fact that they related their experiences of the previous days. They then made application for assistance to the local sergeant of police, who wired to Brisbane, and that evening a reply was received giving instructions for a pass to be issued to them.

Mr. Fawcett said that great praise was due to the way Mr. Peters handled the boat under such trying circumstances, and the crew very much appreciated the kindness extended to them at the Caloundra Canning Company’s works.  He added that before leaving Bribie Island arrangements were made with Mr. Buckley, a well-known fisherman, for the purchase of the Osprey.

REFERENCES

Houses at The Devil's Elbow, Bribie [PHOTO]
The Queenslander, Sat 8 Sep 1906, p. 26. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25969137

Blown across the Bay.
The Brisbane Courier, Tue 17 Nov 1908, p. 5 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19549869