70th anniversary in 1999

In 1999, the Bribie Island Bowls Club celebrated its 70th anniversary. The following article was written by Melissa Boyle and published in the Island and Mainland News 15 September 1999.

Bribie's oldest Club celebrates 70th Anniversary [in 1999]

by Melissa Boyle

Island & Mainland News 15.9.1999 p. 1, 3.

Bribie Island's oldest club, the Bribie Island Bowls Club, celebrates its 70th anniversary this month, with a week full of activities planned for both bowlers and other members of the community.

In 1999, the Bribie Island Bowls Club celebrated its 70th anniversary
Photo: Bribie Island Bowls Club collection, BIBC_007

The Bribie Island Bowls Club was originally founded in 1929, by a committee of members of the Windsor Bowls Club. The original clubhouse was floated from Moreton Island to Bribie Island on 44 gallon drums and placed at its prime location on the waterfront.* The first green was built of sand and ashes obtained by the Koopa on one of its many trips to Bribie. Obtaining top dressing in those days was quite a job, and the soil was brought in from Goodwin Beach. It was sieved and bagged and sent to Bribie on a cattle barge.

The clubhouse - in those days - consisted of three rooms: the kitchen and dining room, the bar, and a ladies room, all lit by oil lamps. In 1947, the school teachers' cottage and school was bought by the club and converted into a double-storey bowlers hostel. Housing up to eight people, it was the only one of its kind in Australia.

The Bribie Island Bowls Club as it was in the mid 1950's.
source: Island & Mainland News 15.9.1999 p.1

The club progressed slowly during the fifties and sixties. With the building of the Bribie bridge came water and electricity connections, which improved both the Island and the club, and made a more modern approach to the game of bowls at the Bribie Island Bowls Club, and at Bongaree.

During the early years, the Bribie Island Bowls Club was the main source of fund-raising for the Ambulance. Raffles, sing-a-longs and dances featured prominently, and over the year the club has supplied several Ambulance vehicles.

The club also supported the local Fire Brigade, which was started at the Bowls Club's Hostel, where practise was carried out two nights a week.

The Ladies Bowling Club came into being in 1957, with 19 ladies turning up at the first meeting. The foundation Lady President was Rene Stanley when the Ladies Club was established formally on the 18th September 1958, with the opening performed by I. Grafton from the Queensland Ladies Bowls Association.

The Bribie Island Bowls Club was incorporated in October 1990, when the membership was about 400 men and 200 ladies, with a Board of Management charged with running of the club affairs, while the bowls and other activities managed by elected committees.

Achieving many distinctions both inside and outside the bowls arena, the Bribie Island Bowls Club and its members boast a proud tradition and record, not only on the greens, but also supporting the local community.

The Bribie Island Bowls Club as it stands [in 1999],
overlooking the picturesque Pumicestone Passage.
source: Island & Mainland News 15.9.1999 p.1

From its humble beginnings in 1929, the Bribie Island Bowls Club has evolved and is continuing to evolve, into one of Bribie Island's leading sporting clubs.

Help them celebrate their milestone this month by joining in on their 70th birthday celebrations, running from 21st to 28th September, organised by a group of tireless members including Carol Rogers, Ann Baird, Joan Rimmington, Jesse Neil and Rob Lister. The normal bowls competitions for each day will take place as sponsored days, costing only $4 per player and a 1pm start each day.

The week-long celebrations will culminate on Tuesday 28th September, with a special fancy dress game of bowls, starting from 12 noon. Costing $10 per player, the afternoon's events will include games of self-selected tripples, high tea, a special evening dinner, and entertainment from one of Bribie Island's lading country bands, 4 Grumpy Old Men & A Lady. For non-bowlers, tickets for the evening dinner and entertainment are available for only $8 each. Admission to this special event is available by ticket only, which are on sale now at the Bribie Island Bowls Club's office until the 23rd September.

- Melissa Boyle

REFERENCE

Bribie's oldest Club celebrates 70th Anniversary by Melissa Boyle
Island & Mainland News 15.9.1999 pages 1 and 3.

* the history of the placement of the building that became the clubhouse is more involved than this sentence indicates.

Enchanted Isle 1936 article

A wonderful online resource for researching local history is Trove, provided by the National Library of Australia, particularly Trove's access to digitised copies of Australian newspapers. Many a happy hour can be spent looking through articles and advertisements from a bygone era and occasionally, photos sprinkled through the article delight and entertain the reader!

Such a series of articles appeared in The Telegraph in the latter part of 1936 when journalist A.E. Simmons covered the emerging tourism industry of south-east Queensland.  The final article in the series, published in December 1936, was on Bribie Island, and though it was written to entice "new tourists" in 1936, it gives today's reader a glimpse of Bribie Island as it was 80 years ago.

BRIBIE - ENCHANTED ISLE

by A.E. Simmons, December 1936.

The Telegraph, Mon 7 Dec 1936, p. 20

"It is almost unbelievable that Bribie Island, with all that it has to offer the holiday-maker, has remained, until recent years, almost unknown to the citizens of Brisbane.  Situated on beautiful Moreton Bay, and only 36 miles by sea from the Custom House wharf, the commodious steamship Koopa, belonging to the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co. Ltd., in command of Captain J.S. Johnson, reaches it in about 3 hours.  . . .

   The journey down the Brisbane River and across Bramble and Deception Bays is a most enjoyable one.  Each wind of the river presents a picture of fresh charm, many steamers (overseas and coastal) and sailing and motor boats adding their quota to the life of the river and bay.  The many beautiful homes with their well-kept gardens in New Farm, East Brisbane, Bulimba and Hamilton complete a picture of rare charm, some of these homes being amongst the finest to be found in Brisbane.
   After passing Lytton, with its fort and quarantine station, we see St. Helena and the white sand hills of Moreton Island on the right.  The steamer turns north almost opposite Fisherman Island, with Bishop's or Wreck Island on the east, and proceeds through the Old Channel and past the Old Pile Light.
   On the left we pass Cribb Island, Nudgee Beach and Sandgate nestling in Bramble Bay, and in the distance, to the north-west, we see the Hornibrook Highway with its high pylons, connecting Sandgate with Clontarf on the Redcliffe Peninsula.  We next pass Woody Point and Scott's Point with their charming beaches, the steamer calling at Redcliffe jetty to embark passengers for Bribie Island.
   Leaving Redcliffe, the steamer proceeds past Scarborough and across Deception Bay, reaching Bribie jetty, in the Pumice Stone Channel, about 50 minutes after leaving Redcliffe.

BEAUTY OF THE BAY

"A Charming Spot near Bongaree, Bribie Island."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   The beauty and charm of Moreton Bay have been described on numerous occasions.  Suffice it to say that in few parts of the world can such charming and varied scenery being found - the background of hills adding a charm beyond description.
   Bribie Island is approximately 26 miles long and three miles wide.  . . .   At the southern end (Boat Jetty) is Bongaree, and on the ocean beach side (surfing beach), about three miles distant and connected by a good metaled road is Woorim.  . . . 
   The island is a most pleasant spot in which to spend a restful holiday.  Unlike most holiday resorts, it has somehow managed to retain its natural charms, and the proclaiming of the island as a sanctuary has certainly helped to preserve the bird and animal life which would otherwise have been completely wiped out.

"Enjoying the cool breezes on Bribie Island,
away from the heat of the city."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   Bribie Island boasts that it has something to attract all types of holidaymakers - the fisherman, the swimmer, the surfer and the lover of nature.
   The western coast of Bribie Island, at the southern end of which is Bongaree, is one of the oldest fishing resorts in Moreton Bay.  Here, in the far-famed Pumice Stone Channel, squire, whiting, flathead and bream are to be found in season, which oysters and crabs abound.  This place is the Mecca of the fisherman, and those who have once tasted of its charm return again and again to the old haunts.
   Safe swimming and paddling for children can be enjoyed in this district, the youngsters delighting in the clean sand to be found here.
   There are several old residents in the district who have resided here practically all their lives.  One of the oldest is Mr. E.H. Freeman who now lives on the mainland side of Pumice Stone Channel, a short way up Ninghi Creek.  I understand this gentleman has spent about 68 years in and around Bribie. . . . 


ACCOMMODATION AND SPORT
   There are many good camping reserves at Bongaree, and furnished and unfurnished houses and flats are available for those preferring same.  The family man could choose no more pleasant spot in which to spend a holiday with his family at a reasonable cost.  The fare is the cheapest in Queensland, and all supplies may be obtained at prices that compare favourably with those in the capital cities.

"Bribie Bowling Club - set amid delightful surroundings."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   There are several tennis courts and bowling green set in delightful surroundings, and visitors are always welcome to enjoy their favourite sports.  There is also a fine cricket pitch, and dances are held several times a week during the holidayseason.  For those fond of riding, horses may be hired for the purpose, and many beautiful spots may be visited by this means.  The hiker will find himself in a veritable paradise, fresh pastures with most delightful surroundings beckoning him in all directions. 

"Australian Coat of Arms, Davies' Ornamental Garden."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   A place of interest that should on no account be missed by visitors to Bribie Island, is Davies' ornamental gardens, situated a few hundred yards from the jetty at Bongaree.  These gardens, which were founded by the late Mr R.J. Davies, are now carried on by his family and show the artistic temperament of the founder.  Here are many specimens of statuary in cypress pine, the only tools of trade of the artist being an ordinary pair of garden clippers and pieces of string.  To see these gardens flourishing in the pure sand, is simply a revelation.  The most striking design is one depicting the Australian coat of arms, the kangaroo, emu and shield being perfectly executed.

   A favourite design, especially with juveniles, is "The Bribie Limited," which is a model of a train, with an engine and six coaches attached.  As the visitor moves from tree to tree he cannot but marvel at the amazing patience that must have been required for the successful carrying out of the work.  There are dozens of models, including Phar Lap, Cleopatra's Needle and many others too numerous to mention, but all well worth seeing.  Visitors are always welcome, and the Davies family are proud of the many letters of appreciate they have received from distinguished visitors.

"Congeau House, formerly the beautiful home of the late Mr and Mrs Congeau, which was given to the Church of England for use as a Home of Rest for members of the Clergy and their wives. The beautiful gardens and quiet surroundings are very much appreciated by those who come here for a holiday."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   There are many charming homes on the island, and one of the most beautiful is that of the late Mr and Mrs Congeau, which was handed over to the Church of England, together with its contents, for use as a rest home for members of the clergy and their wives.  This home was opened on November 3 last by Archbishop Ward, and with its glorious gardens is much appreciated by those who avail themselves of same. 
   At Bongaree is the home of the Amateur Fishermen's Association, and here they have a fine club house which is always well patronised by its members.
   On the east coast of Bribie Island, about 3 miles from Bongaree, is Woorim, which is easily reached by motor bus along a good metalled road, built by the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co. Ltd., as a cost of over £8,000.  Here is the finest stretch of surfing beach in Queensland, if not in Australia.  For a distance of about 26 miles, this beach stretches from Tripcony's Beach, about 2 miles from Bongaree, to the northern end of the island opposite Caloundra.  It is a safe,  . . . beach, free from sharks and above all, . . .  The breakers are just ideal for surfing, not too boisterous, but gentle . . . and surfing can be enjoyed here at all seasons of the year, even during the winter months.  The entire stretch of beach is of the hard sandy variety, and a walk or drive along here is most enjoyable.  When the tide recedes the beach is strewn here and there with thousands of small shells which will delight . . . the youngsters. 

BEAUTY SPOTS

"The Pine Forest - Stirling Creek."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   The island abounds in beauty spots, lagoons, creeks, and plains covered with wildflowers, especially boronia and Christmas bells, the latter growing to a huge size, the white heath completing a glorious picture.  At every period of the year wildflowers of one kind or another are in bloom, and the plains on which they grow are easily accessible from either Bongaree or Woorim.  Bush orchids grow here in all their glory, and a feature of the fauna is the bridal bush which grows to a height of 12 feet and is a mass of white and yellow.  Wild hops grow on several parts of the island, and pines, dark cypress, and banksia are some of the principal trees which flourish here.
   Along the beach there are many fine specimens of casuarinas or horse-tailed oak trees, and these trees grow practically along the entire length of the beach.
   The lagoons, of which there are four on the island, are of outstanding charm, and the photographer will here find scenes to depict which could not be equaled in any other part.  The calm, placid water, with the trees on the banks perfectly mirrored, is a picture that lingers long in the memory of those who visit here.  The lagoons are full of fish, and crabs can easily being caught here, owing to the shallowness of the water.
   The bird life on the island consists of several varieties of gulls, magpies, butcher birds, blue mountain and green parrots, wrens, difference species of pigeons, doves, brolgahs, leatherheads, black cockatoos, Australian black swans and ducks.  Emus are also found here, these birds having waded across from near Caloundra.  Kangaroos and wallabies have also found their way to the island in this manner and besides these, there are dingoes and several species of iguanas.

"Ocean Beach - Woorim, Bribie Island."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   The surfing beach at Woorim is patrolled by the Bribie Surf Life Saving Club in a most efficient manner, and here they have a shelter-shed and reel.  Persons who intend camping or residing at Woorim should note that orders for all goods are taken at the kiosk, including meat and milk.
   The charms of Bribie Island are inexhaustible.  The visitor fond of boating can hire a boat at all times, and I would certainly recommend a trip through the Pumice Stone Passage as far as Caloundra.  The journey through the passage thrills one with the beauty of the scenery, the narrow channel threading its tortuous course for miles and miles between Bribie Island and the mainland emptying itself into the sea, at Caloundra.  It is indeed a most pleasing trip, with its myriads of small islands and bays, and the majestic Glasshouse Mountains and Taylor Range, stand out as a fitting background.
   The sunsets in this region are beyond description, and to see the glories of a dying day in this locality is ample recompense for the time spent in coming here.  As before mentioned, the Pumice Stone Passage is an angler's paradise, and for years has been known to the numerous habitués of the bay.
   A holiday spent on Bribie Island, away from the turmoil and hustle of city life, is a holiday well spent, and the visitor can rest assured that no dull moment need be spent here, and that the scenic charm of the Island and Bay, together with the exhilarating surf, will fit him afresh for the battle of life."

Acknowledgements:
A.E. Simmons, journalist.
The Telegraph (Brisbane newspaper) Monday 7 December 1936, p. 20.
Trove, National Library of Australia: access to digitised copies of Australian newspapers.

Souvenir of Bribie postcards 1947

Souvenir of Bribie Island, 12 views

Postcard folder circa 1947

 

BIHS has recently recorded in our historical database, a folder of 12 postcards entitled Souvenir of Bribie Island.

The folder of black and white pictures was probably produced by Murray Views, Gympie around the year 1947. Some of the same scenes, with colour added, appeared in Camera Views of Bribie Island the following year.

Each postcard has a caption which describes the location of the picture as it was around 1947.  So not only can we see familiar island vistas as they were almost 70 years ago - we can also read what they were called at the time!

1. Pacific Paradise Guest House, Woorim, Bribie Island, Q.

2. Reflections, Third Lagoon, Bribie Island, Q.

 3. Pumicestone Passage, with Glasshouse Mountain in Background, Bribie Island, Q.

4. Ocean Beach Road, Bribie Island, Q. [Later First Avenue]

5. S.S. Koopa departing Bribie Island, Q.

6. At Bribie Island, Q. [Bribie Bowls Club]

7. Hotel Bribie, Bribie Island, Q.

8. Banya Street, Bribie Island, Q.

9. Bribie Foreshore, Bribie Island, Q. [Huts known as The 12 Apostles in background]

10. Ocean Beach Bus, Bribie Island, Q.

 11. Ocean Beach, Bribie Island, Q.

12. Glimpse of Bribie Island, Q. [Bongaree Jetty]

Acknowledgements
Murray Views, Gympie.

If you would like to share your Bribie Island postcards - our email address is bribiehistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Bribie Island in the sun 1980

Cross the Bridge to Bribie Island: Queensland's island in the sun

brochure circa 1980

BIHS has recently recorded in our historical database, a tourist brochure entitled Cross the Bridge to Bribie Island: Queensland's island in the sun.

The brochure was produced by the Bribie Island Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Caboolture Shire Council and Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation around the year 1980.

While some of the scenes depicted in the brochure could have been taken yesterday, other scenes are of attractions from days gone by.

Koolamara Motel 

These scenes are timeless!

Sun, sand and sea!

The Saddlers' Restaurant 

Our Bowls and Golf Clubs are still very popular!

A montage of the Glasshouse Mountains in the background

with the bridge and Pumicestone Passage in the foreground.

Sculpture of Ian Fairweather in a tree trunk

near a replica of his hut.

Acknowledgements

The above brochure was reproduced on this blog with the kind permission of the Bribie Island Chamber of Commerce.

Further reading:

Squatters Restaurant (BIHS Blogspot) with a copy of a 1989 article ... 

http://bribieislandhistory.blogspot.com/2017/06/squatters-homestead.html

.... Squatters Homestead has been a landmark on Bribie for 14 years [in 1989].  It was built by Don Buckley...

If you would like to share your Bribie Island postcards - our email address is bribiehistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Picturesque Bribie about 1952

A Souvenir of Picturesque Bribie Island

circa 1952

BIHS has recently recorded in our historical database, a folder of 12 postcards entitled A Souvenir of Picturesque Bribie Island.

The folder was published by Sydney G. Hughes, 4th Floor, Invicta House, Edward St., Brisbane, in conjunction with Nucolorvue Productions around the year 1952.

Each postcard has a caption which describes the location of the picture as it was around 1952.  So not only can we see familiar island vistas as they were almost 65 years ago - we can also read what they were called at the time!

01 Hotel Bribie, Ocean Beach, Bribie Island

02 Ocean Beach, Bribie Island

03 Lifesavers' Patrol Tower and Clubhouse, Ocean Beach, Bribie Island

04 Ocean Beach Road as seen from the Jetty, Bribie Island

05 View towards the Jetty, from near "Shay Glen", Bribie Island

06 The Barge approaching Bribie Island from Toorbul Point

07 Red Beach, Bribie Island

08 Vacation Centre, Toorbul Street, Bribie Island

09 Looking down on Pumicestone Passage past the Jetties, Bribie Island

10 Bongaree Bowling Club, Bribie Island

11 Glasshouse Mountains as seen from Bribie Island

12 Bribie Bowling Club, Bribie Island

Acknowledgements

Sydney G. Hughes, Brisbane and Nucolorvue Productions.

If you would like to share your Bribie Island postcards - our email address is bribiehistoricalsociety@gmail.com