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

Bribie Postal Telecommunications 1913-1961

 The following information on the history of postal (from 1913) and telecommunication (from 1922) services to Bribie Island to 1961, is drawn from a document prepared by the Public Relations Officer, PMG, 1963 and an excerpt from Thomas Welsby's 1937 Bribie the Basketmaker.

BRIBIE ISLAND POST OFFICE HISTORY - 1913-1961

By Public Relations Officer, PMG, 1963.

A petition dated 14th August, 1913, was taken up by a number of residents of Bribie Passage requesting of the Deputy Postmaster-General, Brisbane, that a Mail Service be established between Brisbane and Bribie Island and return, twice weekly per the S.S. "Koopa".

It was suggested that the office be established in the house of Mr. G. Jacques which was situated at the land end of the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Company's Jetty at Bribie Island.

Petitioners were:

J. Campbell     Toorbul Point

G.S. Moss     Toorbul Point

C. Campbell   Toorbul Point

E. Day     Toorbul Point

S.A. Day     Toorbul Point

B. Day      Toorbul Point

A. Bestmann   Toorbul Point

F. Turner     Toorbul Point

A. Cook     Toorbul Point

Mrs. A. Cook   Toorbul Point

L. Padget     Toorbul Point

Alfred Volz     Toorbul Point

D. Campbell    Bribie

R. Campbell    Bribie

K. Campbell    Bribie

S. Campbell    Bribie

F. Day      Bribie

Investigations were carried out and the Post Office decided to establish a Receiving Office at Bribie Island in charge of Mr. C. Jacques at an allowance of £4 per annum. Mails were to be exchanged between Brisbane and Bribie Island twice weekly by S.S. Koopa, leaving Brisbane at 9.30 a.m. on Sundays and Wednesdays, returning the same day at 6 p.m.

Timeline

27.8.1913: The Receiving Office named Bribie Island Receiving Office was opened with Mr. George Jacques in charge.

1.9.1914: As Mr. Alan Layton was appointed caretaker of Bribie Island Wharf by the Brisbane Tug Company late in August, the Receiving Office was transferred to his control from this date (1.9.1914) at same rate - £4 p.a.

1.10.1916: The office was transferred to Mrs. T. Lawrence, sister-in-law to Mr. Alan Layton who enlisted in the armed service. Mrs. Lawrence had taken over possession of the store from Mr. Layton.

14.12.1917: Request for Telecommunication Bribie to Brisbane.

13.10.1921: Mrs T. Lawrence resigned from position of postmistress. Mrs Jessie Freeman took charge on 18th October, 1921, at £15.5.0d p.a.

4.4.1922: Telephone facilities desired at Bribie Island.

8.5.1922: Suggested telephone line to be installed via Beachmere.

1922: Telephone cable laid across Pumicestone Channel by P.M.G.
Photo shows cable piled on the Bribie Jetty with the Koopa alongside. Joe Campbell on right.
Land access across Toorbul Point allowed by Mr J. Clark.
Photo: Vera Campbell Album / Ted Clayton collection, VC8_086

28.9.1922: A Trunk line and Telegraph (by phone) office opened at Bribie Island.

1.1.1923: The Receiving Office and Telephone Office was transferred from Mrs. Freeman to the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co. Ltd. [Mrs. Freeman continued as postmistress to 1942.]

23.6.1924: A report from the District Postal Inspector stated that there were now 50 permanent residents on the Island which increased to 150 during summer. During the holiday period about 1,000 visitors frequented the Island.

17.3.1937: Money Order facilities commenced from this date.

28.11.1939: The telephone exchange operated during the following hours 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. - Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Saturday.

1947: Bribie Island telephone numbers and telephone exchange hours.
Source: P.M.G. Telephone Book, 1947

12.9.1947: Mrs. Charlotte Ivy Flynn appointed temporarily in lieu of Brisbane Tug and Steamship Company. Mrs. Flynn was an Assistant in the office for a number of years before her appointment.

4.4.1948: Mr. David M.L. Sked appointed Postmaster in lieu of Mrs. Flynn.

1.6.1948: Continuous telephone service introduced.

28.10.1954: Temporary transfer of office to Mrs. L.A. Sked, wife of Mr. D.M.L. Sked, who passed away on 24.10.1954.

29.1.1955: Mrs. Sked resigned. Mr. E.R. French appointed as Postmaster. Office conducted in existing rented premises. Non official office conducted on a full time basis.

29.12.1955: Representation for the erection of a Radio Telephone link with the mainland and provision of Automatic Telephone Service.

8.6.1956: Following the installation of a modern carrier-wave telephone system as additional trunk link was provided between Bribie Island and Brisbane.

The telephone "carrier" system wherein telephone conversations are converted to high frequency electrical signals is operated over a radio link and special equipment, including a 50 foot steel tower at the Bribie Island terminal to support the radio transmitting and receiving aerials was installed to make this possible.

30.6.1956: Mr. E.R. French outgoing Postmaster. Mrs. R. Thomson, Non Official Postmistress, Reliever, acted as Postmistress pending Mr. French's successor.

23.7.1956: Mr. T. McG. Fenwick took up duty as Postmaster in existing premises.

The Post Office was conducted in premises owned by Mr. John Goodwin. The building consisted of five rooms and two verandahs situated on the ground floor, the upstairs section was used as a residence for the Postmaster.

11.11.1957: A new building had been constructed by the non-official Postmaster, Mr. T. McG. Fenwick, on Allotment 4, Section 1, Town of Bongaree, Parish of Woorim, County of Canning and Post Office business was conducted in the new premises as from this date. A new 200 line telephone switchboard was brought into operation concurrently with the transfer of the Post Office from Mr. Goodwin's premises to the new premises. It replaced the existing 100 line switchboard.

23.3.1961: Mr. Douglas McLean Cay appointed as Postmaster as Mr. Fenwick resigned from this position.

Just prior to 1.4.1961: A full length public telephone and cabinet was installed at Sylvan Beach.

1963: Newly built equipment room and antennae for "OTC" telecommunications service.
View south from Bongaree water tower
Photo: Mullen family collection DM01_018

Telephone Communication [by Thomas Welsby, 1937]

"Prior to 1922 there were difficulties which could not be overcome, the principal reason was that the Postal Department would not erect the line at Bribie unless the residents paid £360, which was quite impossible. The directors of the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Coy. Ltd., decided on trying another way, and offered the following inducement to the telephone people: The Tug Company to supply all the poles placed on the line; provide pontoon and launch and men to assist in laying the cable across the opening- take to Bribie, cable, wire, all material plant and men by the S.S. Koopa, free of all and any charge, and when the work was completed bring back the labour and plant also free. The offer to remain open for two weeks only. The Department accepted these conditions promptly. Early in September 1922 the construction of the line was commenced, and before the end of September of the same year was completed.

The Tug Company were greatly indebted to the selectors along the line, who unhesitatingly supplied poles; to the late Mr. Jas. Clark for the use of his launch and pontoon; also to Mr. Joe Campbell and his sons for their generous and valuable help. Had it not been for the kindness of these good people, the construction of the line would have been delayed for years.

It was suggested that this line follow the Caboolture River, and thence along Deception Bay to Toorbul Point . . . the reason being that there were fewer large trees, therefore less risk of breaks or interruptions. This mode of track was adopted and carried out by the Department, and has been a great success."

REFERENCES

Bribie Island Post Office History [1913-1961] by Public Relations Officer, Post-Master General's Department, 7 June 1963. File copy of the document was received by Caboolture Shire Council 12.12.1978.

Telephone Communication [Bribie Island] by Thomas Welsby. Bribie the Basketmaker, 1937, page 85.

Photo: Bongaree from Water tower, 1963. Mullen family collection DM01_018

Photo: Telephone cable laid across Pumicestone Channel by P.M.G., Joe Campbell on right, Koopa alongside. Vera Campbell Album / Ted Clayton collection, VC8_086

Crop of page from 1947 P.M.G. Telephone Book showing telephone numbers and telephone exchange hours on Bribie Island.

1924 Ocean Beach Open

Many Watering Places within easy reach provide rest and recreation. An appreciation by Phoebe Kirwan

Beautiful Bribie - Ocean Beach Open

1924

"Bribie Island is historic as the place where the Southern Queensland aborigines found their last refuge from the ever-encroaching white man on the mainland to the southward of the Wide Bay district.  They were a wild tribe, living chiefly on fish and oysters, which then, as now, swarmed in the surrounding waters. Its southern extremity (Skirmish Point) obtained its name from a stubborn resistance put up by the locals, to the landing of a number of white men, and there are still a number of aboriginal kippar rings, clearly and unmistakably defined, to be found on the island.

To-day Bribie is one of the favourite seaside resorts of the Brisbane residents, and during the summer months, its boarding house and furnished residence accommodations taxed to the utmost. Surrounded as it is by seawater, the climate is healthy and bracing to the invalids, 10 degrees cooler in the summer and 10 degrees warmer in the winter than the mainland. The fishing and bathing facilities – including surfing on its Ocean Beach – are second to nothing in the State, whilst the botanical and shell curio collectors can indulge in their special hobbies to their hearts content.

The Simple Life on Bribie Island
The Telegraph 27.10.1924 p.3

Bribie Island is divided from the mainland by Pumicestone Passage, open to the ocean at both ends and navigable by boats of light draught throughout.  It is some 30 miles in length and from one to three miles in width, with a number of small and picturesque islands in its course.  The trip through in a well-equipped motor boat from Bongaree to Caloundra in smooth and land-locked waters, is picturesque and enjoyable to a degree.  Mr Harry Wright, a well-known Brisbane man, was the first to take up land on the island, some six to seven hundred acres in extent, under the Dutton Act in 1907, and for some time afterwards he, with his family, where (excepting the lighthouse keepers at the Caloundra end) the only permanent residents.  He named his selection Mountain View, from the fact that 13 out of the 18 peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains were visible in clear weather from the veranda of his residence.

Steamer Koopa at the Pier Head, Bribie Island.
The Telegraph 27.10.1924 p.3

This has all changed of late years.  The township of Bongaree, in the centre of which is situated the Tug Company’s wharf, has sprung into existence, and is now a rapidly rising and flourishing place, with a post and telegraph office, a special telephone service, a State school, a State farm, five boarding houses, a dozen or more unfurnished shacks, and innumerable furnished flats and houses for the accommodation of visitors. There are three general stores and a butchering business. On the esplanade frontage there are ladies and gentlemens bathing sheds, a kiosk, restaurant, dancing and concert pavilion, tennis court, etc., for the use and convenience of residents and visitors.

A two-chain wide roadway, cleared from end to end, with a macadamized motor track in the centre, has recently been completed right across the island from the township jetty to the Ocean Beach.  

The new [private] road constructed by the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co., Ltd.,
from Bribie Passage to the Main Ocean Beach.
Brisbane Courier 5.12.1924 p.20

Upon this [private] road the Tug Company are now running motor ‘buses at frequent intervals at a moderate charge for the return journey, which enable day excursionists to leave Brisbane at 9.30 a.m., have a pleasure trip down the River and across the Bay, enjoy a six-mile (there and back) motor drive across the Island, an hour’s surf fishing or bathing, and return to town for their 6 o’clock tea – a programme which probably cannot be equaled on the whole Australian coast line."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Phoebe Kirwan, b. 1896, Queensland. Phoebe was a journalist in the 1920s/1930s in Brisbane. Phoebe was married to cinema photographer Bert Kirwan from 1917 to 1933.

REFERENCES

Beautiful Bribie. Ocean Beach open.
The Daily Mail 12.10.1924 p. 14 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219015825

Bribie Island.  ILLUSTRATIONS. Picture 4: Steamer Koopa at the Pier Head, Bribie Island.  Picture 5: The Simple Life.
The Telegraph 27.10.1924 p. 3 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article179598892

Happy Island. Bribie’s Lure.  ILLUSTRATION - The new road constructed by the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co., Ltd., from Bribie Passage to the Main Ocean Beach.
The Brisbane Courier 5.12.1924 p. 20. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22877599  

FURTHER READING

Brisbane Tug & Steamship Company (1912-1952)
https://www.bribiehistoricalsociety.org.au/records/brisbane-tug-%26-steamship-company-inc

1925 Holiday Time

 Visitors have enjoyed the summer holidays on Bribie for over 100 years. Here is a glimpse of the sporting and entertainment activities offered by the local Committee in 1925, all proceeds going towards the Ambulance Fund.

Christmas at Bribie

1925

Campers and residents at popular Bribie Island were well catered for in the way of amusement during the holiday. There were dances afternoon and night. 

Humping camp kit on Bribie Island
Photo: J.P. Millar
The Queenslander 31.1.1925 p. 25

On Boxing Day a big sports programme was carried out, and on New Year's Day the sport committee ran an excursion to the ocean beach in aid of Q.A.T.B. There were 545 people taken across to the main beach. 

The committee worked hard to beat last year's record for the ambulance. They had a fancy dress ball, the prize-winners being W. Tiles and Mrs Wright. The second prizes went to Mr Bert McLean and Miss D Bestmann. 

The old bush store on Bribie Island.
Photo: J.P. Millar
The Queenslander 31.1.1925 p. 25

The committee put on a sand garden competition for the children. Messrs McSweeney and Holmes carried out the judging. Mr McSweeney said it was regrettable to see numerous other pleasure resorts being boomed to a great extent and Bribie being overlooked. 

The ambulance reported no serious accidents, but the bearers were kept busy with minor cases. 

As a result of the activities of the committee Bribie collected the splendid sum of £34 15s for the ambulance during the holidays.

REFERENCES

Christmas at Bribie.
Daily Mail 13.1.1925 p. 5 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218329852

Holiday Time - two photos.
The Queenslander 31.1.1925 p. 25 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25098951

1970s First beach ranger on Bribie

In the late 1980s a stone cairn was erected at Woorim with a plaque commemorating the first beach ranger on Bribie Island, Bill Scarth (1915-1986). The following information is from entry 90636 recorded by Monument Australia.

We are seeking any photos of the monument. If you have a photo of the monument please contact us on bribiehistoricalsociety@gmail.com 

---------------------------------------

Monument Australia - entry 90636

Bill Scarth 

Monument address: Ocean Beach, Bribie Island, 4km N of Woorim

Approximate GPS co-ordinates: Latitude: -27 01 21; Longitude: +153 10 39

Monument Type: Monument

Description:

The monument commemorates Bill Scarth, who was the first Beach ranger on Bribie Island.

In the late 1970s Caboolture Shire Council was concerned about the damage caused to Ocean Beach by four wheel drive vehicles, motor bikes and campers. Bill Scarth was employed by the Council to clean up the beach. The problems he encountered were sometimes hazardous but he stuck to his task earning the reputation of a just and fair man in the difficult balance of preserving the beach and the needs of its users.

In 1980 Peter Scott took over Bill's duties and, both in response to requests from the fishermen and four wheel drive owners who used the beach, and Peter's own appreciation of the man himself, Peter Scott erected a memorial to Bill Scarth. The rock and seashell cairn, approximately 1.25 metres high and .7 metre square is built on a concrete base.

Monument Designer: Peter Scott

Front inscription: 

In Memory of 

WILLIAM (BILL) SCARTH 

13.6.1915 to 12.2.86 

First Beach Ranger Bribie Island

Banner of Monument Australia website
accessed 28.6.2012

Monument Australia Source: NRUM

Memorial cairn for Bill Scarth, Woorim Beach, circa 1989.
Photo: With permission of Loretta Street.

REFERENCES

The Monument Australia website is no longer live in November 2025. The information above was excerpted on 28.6.2012 from http://monumentaustralia.org.au/australian_monument/display/90636

A 2025 screenshot of that page has been archived at https://web.archive.org/web/20250725165645/https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/government---local/display/90636-bill-scarth/

Photo: Displayed with permission of Loretta Street, posted on Bribie Island History Facebook page, 8.2.2021. Loretta recalls "we used to rent off Bill in Nulu Street, Bongaree. He was an awesome man". Thank you Loretta.

We are SEEKING any photos of the monument. If you have a photo of the monument please contact us on bribiehistoricalsociety@gmail.com