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 Social outing to Bribie

The following description of a social outing for members of two Brisbane timber associations is illustrated with the programme from the day which was printed on "Stanply" wooden tablets. This memento of the day, kept by Mr James Schroder Campbell, was recently donated to BIHS. 

Timber Trade. Annual outing to Bribie. 1925  

The annual outing of the members of the Brisbane Timber Merchants' Association and Brisbane and District Joinery Association and their wives and guests took place to Bribie Island on Wednesday.  

Doomba at the Bongaree Jetty (1924)
Photo: Caboolture Shire Council
Repository: Moreton Bay Libraries 

Luncheon was served on the Doomba, presided over by the respective presidents of the Brisbane Timber Merchants' Association (Mr. Wm. Patterson), and the Brisbane and District Joinery Association (Mr. W. Blackband). 

Programme of Social Outing to Bribie Island 25 November 1925
printed on "Stanply"wooden tablets 
Courtesy James Schroder Campbell collection

In proposing the toast of “The Day We Celebrate,” Mr Patterson said that they would like to see the association taking a more practical interest, in matters pertaining to afforestation, by an effort to promote a scheme for growing softwoods within a reasonable distance of the cities, so that future generations would be able to draw their supplied from areas handy to railways, in proximity to good roads. They had come through a strenuous and eventful period. During the early part of the year trade was slack, causing very keen competition, and on the other hand, they had increased costs to contend with, which made it very difficult to carry on their business successfully. As the year advanced there was a slight improvement in the volume of business but the extra overhead costs and shortage of pine supplies had added to their difficulties. 

The question of pine supplies was a very urgent one, as the industry was dependent upon the Forestry Department to a great extent. The shortage might be relieved by opening up more timber areas either by tramlines, or by making good, serviceable roads. ... During the year they were faced with the proposed Child Endowment Scheme, which would not have come into force before the middle of next year. Members were favourably inclined towards the principle of this form of assistance to workers, provided that the added cost could be recovered. Unfortunately, owing to force of circumstances, the Government had to abandon this Bill, and, instead, granted an increase of the basic wage at a moment’s notice, which did not give members any chance of providing against the added burden. 

Menu and Toast List
printed on "Stanply"wooden tablets 
Courtesy James Schroder Campbell collection

Responses made by Mr George Brown and Mr C.H. Bromily (country sawmillers), Mr W. Blackband, the vice-chairman, proposed the toast of "Our Guests," coupling with his toast the names of Mr F.J. Morrgan (National Bank of Australia, Ltd.), F.H.F. Swain (chairman, Provision Forestry Board), J.V.D. Coutts (Queensland Institute of Architects), M. Doggett (Queensland Master Builders’ Association), and Mr J. Hood (Suburban Master Builders’ Association), Mr F.J. Morgan, of the National Banks of Australasia, Ltd., responded.  

Mr E.H.F. Swain responded on behalf of the Provisional Forestry Board. The representatives of the Queensland Master Builders’ Association (Mr Doggett) and Suburban Master Builders’ (Mr Hood)... .

The toast of the ladies, proposed by Mr J.F. Brett, was acknowledged by Mrs J. Henry Hancock, on behalf of the ladies present.

In proposing the toast of the "newly-elected presidents of the respective associations," Mr. C.W. Campbell paid a tribute to Mr. Wm. Patterson and Mr. W. Blackband, two gentlemen who were held in very high esteem, both for their personal worth and for their devotion to the welfare of the timber industry in general, and the members of the association in particular.  

The toast of the Press was proposed by Mr F.O. Nixon, and acknowledged by Mr J.V.D. Coutts and Mr McCorquodale, on behalf of their respective journals.

On the return of the Doomba to Circular Quay, about 8 p.m., expressions on all sides testified to a very pleasant day's outing having been spent. 

REFERENCES

Timber Trade. Annual outing to Bribie.
The Brisbane Courier 28.11.1925 p. 9  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20981480

Photo - Doomba at the Bongaree Jetty (1924) 
Moreton Bay Our Story, accessed 20/10/2024, https://ourstory.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/nodes/view/30551

Programme of Social Outing to Bribie Island 25 November 1925.
four leaves printed on "Stanply" wooden tablets.
Courtesy of James Schroder Campbell collection, BIHS. 

The Koopa Estate - 1920 - Toorbul Point - Ningi Creek

Over a century ago, in 1920, 18 lots of land were offered for sale in "The Koopa Estate" which was described as "situated on Toorbul Point, frontage to Ningi Creek". The following advertisements give details about these 'seaside farms'. 

The items below refer to accompanying lithographs - if you have a copy of a lithograph of the Koopa Estate from 1920 please send us an email at bribiehistoricalsociety@gmail.com 

The Koopa Estate. For Sale.  [Large advertisement] 18 Beautiful Farms, 30 to 85 acres each. Situated on Toorbul Point, frontage to Ningi Creek, within half an hour’s trip by motor boat from Bribie Island.  Ideal citrus, pineapple, and banana land, splendid dairying country.  All subtropical products grow to perfection.  This is an exceptional opportunity to secure a Seaside Farm, in the beautiful locality, easy terms, only 1/10th deposit, 9 years for balance.

The Koopa Estate. For Sale.
18 Beautiful Farms, 30 to 85 Acres Each
The Telegraph 23 December 1920 p. 10

The numerous products of the adjoining lands are well known to the large crowds of Bribie visitors. Buyers can inspect this fine Estate by motor boat, leaving Bribie Jetty at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 29th and 30th December, or by application to the agents from Caboolture. Lithographs, further information and prices obtainable from Morton & Davis, Property Salesmen, 298 Adelaide Street (opp. Howard Motor Coy.), Brisbane and Caboolture or from the Office of the Brisbane Tug Company, and from J. Campbell, Bribie

Source: The Telegraph 23.12.1920 p. 10 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article179641560

KOOPA ESTATE, TOORBUL POINT.

Koopa Estate, 18 beautiful mixed Orchard and Dairy Farms, situated on Toorbul Point, handy to Bribie Island, or by road to Caboolture; £4 to £8 per acre. 9 years’ terms. Morton & Davis, Property Salesmen, Caboolture.

Source: The Daily Mail, 28.12.1920 p. 8 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article212821088

The Koopa Estate.
Choice farms, 30 to 85 acres,
each situated on Toorbul Point,
30 minutes by motor boat from Bribie.
Splendid fishing and boating.
The Telegraph Sat 29 Jan 1921 p. 16

REFERENCES

The Koopa Estate. For Sale. [Large advertisement] 18 Beautiful Farms, 30 to 85 acres each. Situated on Toorbul Point, frontage to Ningi Creek, within half an hour’s trip by motor boat from Bribie Island. 
The Telegraph Thu 23 Dec 1920, p. 10 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article179641560 

The Koopa Estate. [Large advertisement] Choice farms, 30 to 85 acres, each situated on Toorbul Point, 30 minutes by motor boat from Bribie. Splendid fishing and boating.
The Telegraph Sat 29 Jan 1921 p. 16 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article180542027

Koopa Estate.
The Telegraph Thu 23 Dec 1920, p. 10 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article179641560

Koopa Estate, Toorbul Point.
The Daily Mail Tue 28 Dec 1920, p. 8 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article212821088

Related article:
Bribie Passage Estate, Toorbul Point - in 1962

Happenings on Bribie in 1922

 Happenings on Bribie in 1922

January 1922
* Boomerang Pastime Club donated their takings to fund a piano for Bribie patrons and campers
* Bribie Island Progress Association 1st annual meeting
* Miss Vera Huet found a message in a bottle in the first lagoon on the ocean beach side of Bribie

September 1922
* Public telephone official opening

November 1922
* Water supplies available at Bongaree

December 1922
* Tennis Club formed on Bribie 

Boomerang Pastime Club donated their takings to fund a piano for Bribie patrons and campers

Bribie, the popular campers’ resort, has suffered severely from soaking rains, which have been the cause of many packing up their troabnes and departing. Those who have braved the hardships, though dampened in every way, still have a good spirit.

The dancing hall on Monday night was the scene of a fancy and plain dress ball, which was successfully managed under the auspices of the Boomerang Pastime Club. The takings, which amounted to £13 odd after expenses had been deducted, were divided between the Ambulance’s fund and the piano fund. The piano, which is now the property of Bribie patrons, is a pleasant addition to the pleasure of the campers.

The Q.A.T.B. and St John’s Ambulance bearers have done excellent work, which is appreciated by all.

Dances were held every evening, and the fancy dress ball for New Year’s night was eagerly looked forward to.

The thanks of the community are extended to Miss Elsie Ackworth and Eric Butler for their untiring efforts at the piano and to various others who have contributed to the evenings’ entertainments.

source: The Daily Mail (Brisbane) Tue 3 Jan 1922 p. 10 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220532580 

Bribie Island Progress Association 1st annual meeting

The first annual meeting of the Bribie Island Progress Association was held in Mr. G.P. Campbell’s office, Creek-street, last evening.  The chairman (Mr. C.E. Wise), in his report, outlined the formation of the association on March 15, 1921.  A general meeting had been held at Bribie on March 26, 1921, the late Mr. Page, M.H.R., being among those present.  Mr. Page had been fully seized with the need for leading lights being placed so as to enable vessels to make the passage to the island in safety at night time, also with the need of telephone communication with the mainland, and had promised to assist the association in these matters.  Unfortunately for the association, Mr. Page had been called to join the great majority, and his loss was mourned.  

The association’s present secretary (Mr. A. Hall) had interested Senator M. Reid in their needs, and he and Mr. G.P. Campbell had promised to interview the Deputy Postmaster-General regarding the telephone.  Mr. Campbell had not lost sight of the need for the proper lighting of the passage and the island.  A general meeting had been called for December 26, 1921, at Bribie, but unfortunately there had been too few in attendance for a meeting to be held.  The meeting had been adjourned until the following Saturday, but the weather had proved so inclement that no meeting had been held.  The thanks of the association was tendered to Mr. G.P. Campbell for his courtesy in allowing the committee meetings to be held in his office, and for his ready help in all matters relating to the welfare of Bribie.  Thanks were also tendered to Mr. H.H. Hamley, who, at the association’s last committee meeting, kindly offered to take certain levels in part of the township to enable the association to have correct data to work upon when further draining or leveling-up was done.  

Members of the committee were also thanked for their assistance in furthering the interests of the little seaside resort known as Bribie.  The following officers were re-elected:- Patron, Mr. G.P. Campbell; president Mr. C.E. Wise; vice-presidents, Messrs. T.W. Cary and C.B. Fox; secretary Mr A.T. Hall; treasurer Mr. F. Bell; committee Messrs. B. Winston, W. Reid, C.W. Campbell, F. Bell, H.H. Hamley, N. Coungeau, Robins, R.J. Davies, T.W. Cary, M. Robinson and Hill.  

source: The Brisbane Courier, Tue 21 Jan 1922, p. 8 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20555469

A Message in a Bottle  

On Friday last Miss Vera Huet found a bottle in the first lagoon on the main beach at Bribie.  It contained a piece of paper on which was written: "Easter, 1919.  Ensign.  Anzac Memorial Day. Skipper R. Kenyon: crew, J.D. MacDonald, J. MacDonald, R. Burcher, A. Mannion, V. Mannion.  Thrown overboard Bramble Bay, 23rd April, 1919." 

source:  The Brisbane Courier, Tue 7 Feb 1922, p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20540690

Hello Bribie! Scene at Bribie at the recent inauguration
of telephonic communication to the island.
The Daily Mail (Brisbane) 11.10.1922 p.11

Bribie Island Telephone Installed

Bribie Island was made gay yesterday with flags and streamers of red, white, and blue. Smart motor boats cruised about on the placid waters of the beautiful channel. The excursion steamer Koopa, bedecked with flags of many colours, was snugly berthed at the jetty, while hundreds of folks ashore wore joyfully celebrating the opening of telephonic communication between this historic island and the mainland. 

The Koopa had brought down from Brisbane Mr. G. P. Campbell (managing director of the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co., Ltd.) and Mrs. Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Fox, Mr. and Mrs. A. Johnson, Councillor J. W. Carseldine (chairman), Councillor Zanow, and Mr. R. McPherson (clerk), of the Caboolture Shire Council, Mr. L. Thomas (manager of the Caboolture branch of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney), Mr. C. E. Wise (chairman of the Bribie Progress Association), Mr. Winston (a member of the Progress Association), Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Bell, Mrs. Colin Clark, Mr. and Mrs. McDougall (Sydney), Captain J. Johnston (master of the Koopa) and Mrs. Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Campbell, Mr. A. E. Hall (secretary of the Bribie Progress Association), and others, who heartily joined with the residents in publicly thanking those who had worked in the interests of the seaside resort.

Mr. G. P. Campbell entertained his guests at luncheon in the fine saloon of the Koopa. The party then landed, and for the first time officially the ''tinkle-tinkle'' of a telephone bell was heard on the island. It was the signal that Mr. McConachie (Deputy Postmaster-General of Queensland) wished to speak to Mr. G. P. Campbell. ''Hello! Is that Mr. McConachie?'' said Mr. Campbell. A silence fell over people present. A minute later Mr. Campbell walked out of the telephone cabinet, and announced that Mr. McConachie had asked him to convey to the people of Bribie Island his congratulations on the successful consummation of their efforts to have the island linked up with the mainland by means of a telephone line.

Mr. G. P. Campbell called upon Councillor Carseldine to declare the telephone open to the public. Councillor Carseldine referred to the occasion as a red-letter day for Bribie Island, and pointed out the great convenience the installation would mean to the community. The Brisbane Tug and Steamship Company, he stated, had been mainly responsible for the improvement. The company had expended a good deal of money in making other improvements on Bribie Island, such as building a jetty and erecting houses, etc., and he had been assured that the money spent in such work had not returned 2 per cent in interest. The company, however, did not look at the financial side of the matter, their only idea being to make that seaside resort a very pleasant place for people to visit. As far as Bribie was concerned since the present Caboolture Shire Council had been formed, it had expended all money received from the island in the way of rates, etc., in improving the place. No local authority could do more than that for any locality.

Councillor Zanow (the representative of No. 1 Division of the Caboolture Shire Council, in which area Bribie Island is included) spoke of the fine work done by the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Company in improving Bribie Island.

Mr. C. E. Wise (chairman of the Bribie Progress Association) and Mr. C. B. Fox spoke in laudatory terms of Mr. G. P. Campbell's efforts on behalf of the residents and visitors to Bribie Island.

Mr. G. P. Campbell said that whatever he had done for that seaside resort was a labour of love, and he did not want any credit for it. Another improvement contemplated was the lighting of the channel. This would enable the Koopa to be navigated to Bribie jetty at night time. Next week his company intended considering the questions of building a tramline across the island to the main beach, a distance of three miles. He hoped that within six months or eight months this tramline would be constructed.

source: The Daily Mail (Brisbane) 29 Sep 1922 p. 2 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article213218012 

Water supplies available at Bongaree

Bribie's Water Supply - The hon. secretary of the Bribie Progress Association (Mr. A.T. Hall) writes:- I would like to point out that the articles appearing in this (Tuesday) morning's "Courier" might suggest that no water is available at Bribie Island, except that supplied by the Brisbane Tug Co.  This is not so.  For the benefit of those who intend visiting the island during the coming Christmas holidays I wish to point out that there is a very plentiful supply of water not only from the tanks which have been so generously supplied by the Brisbane Tug Co. free of cost, but from several wells on the island, which have pumps attached, giving always a bountiful quantity of water, which is not only free from any discolouration or disagreeable smell, but quite good for either drinking or cooking purposes, and compares most favourably with the tap water supplied in Brisbane.  

The charges of 1d. per kerosene tin, which has been recently made, is not owing to any shortage, but to stop people from deliberately wasting the water the company has taken the trouble to supply.  At 1d. per keosene tin, to equal my water rates in Brisbane I would have to consume 5376 gallons per annum, which I do not.  

source: The Brisbane Courier, Thu 23 Nov 1922, p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20585470  

Bribie Island Tennis Club

A tennis club has been formed here with the following officers:- Patron, Mr. G.P. Campbell; committee of management, Messrs. R.J. Davies, jnr. (chairman), W. Freeman, T. Mitchell, R.J. Davies, senr., and R. Patterson ; hon. secretary, Mr. W. Forde.  The committee has the laying down of a court well in hand, and expects to have the official opening performed on Boxing Day.  The Brisbane Tug Co. Ltd., generously placed the land for the court at the disposal of the club.  A fancy dress ball will be held at an early date to help the club financially.

Campers. - Given fine weather present indications point to a record number of campers to this popular island holiday resort.  The boarding establishments report full bookings for Christmas. 

source: The Brisbane Courier, Mon 18 Dec 1922, p. 10 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20590789

REFERENCES

News from the Country. Bribie. The Daily Mail (Brisbane) Tue 3 Jan 1922 p. 10 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220532580  

Bribie Island Progress Association 1st annual meeting. The Brisbane Courier, Tue 21 Jan 1922, p. 8 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20555469

A Message in a Bottle. The Brisbane Courier, Tues 7 Feb 1922, p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20540690

Bribie Island Telephone Installed. The Daily Mail (Brisbane) 29 Sep 1922 p. 2 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article213218012 

Hello Bribie. [PHOTO] Scene at Bribie at the recent inauguration of telephonic communication to the island. The Daily Mail (Brisbane) Wed 11 Oct 1922 p.11 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article213211122

Bribie's Water Supply. The Brisbane Courier, Thu 23 Nov 1922, p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20585470

Bribie Island. Tennis Club. The Brisbane Courier, Mon 18 Dec 1922, p. 10 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20590789

Surf Life Saving Competition Summer 1929-30

This year the Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club is celebrating 100 years 1923-2023. The following items relate to the 1929-1930 Surf Life Saving Competition which was held at Bribie Island's ocean or main beach (now known as Woorim beach).

Lifesaving Cup - The Silver Cup

Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co. Ltd.

source: The Telegraph 10.12.1929 p. 4

The Silver Cup which is offered by the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co. Ltd. For Life Saving Competitions at Bribie Main Beach.  The first competition will be held on Sunday next.

Advertistment for Excursion

to Bribie Main Beach

source: The Brisbane Courier 14.12.1929 p. 2

The final surf life-saving competition for the silver cup donated by the Bribane Tug Company was decided at the Bribie ocean beach yesterday. The teams were judged on equipment and ceremonial work. The march past was followed by a demonstration of land and release drills and the resuscitation of the apparently drowned. ... Mr M.J. Kirwan, M.L.A. (president of the Royal Life Saving Society), presented the cup to Mr W.J. Smith, instructor to the Metropolitan A team.

The Metropolitan A Life-saving Team,
winners of the Brisbane Tug Company's Silver Cup at Bribie.
source: Daily Standard (Brisbane) 31.3.1930 p. 10 

REFERENCES:

Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club - 100 Years 1923-2023
https://www.bribieislandsurfclub.com.au/

Lifesaving Cup - The Silver Cup (photograph)
The Telegraph, Tue 10 Dec 1929, p. 4 Via National Library of Australia, TROVE online database http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article181317350

Advertistment for Excursion to Bribie Main Beach
The Brisbane Courier 14 Dec.1929 p. 2 Via National Library of Australia, TROVE online database http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article21470439

Life Saving Competition. The Metropolitan A Life-saving Team, winners of the Brisbane Tug Company's Cup at Bribie. (photograph)
The Week (Brisbane) 4 Apr1930 p. 21 Via National Library of Australia, TROVE online database http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article182584176

1926 Trip to Ocean Beach

 Trip to Ocean Beach

1926

by Edward Harvey Gibbon

The following "Letter to the Editor" was written by Edward Harvey Gibbon (1849-1928) during his latter years when he lived at Ocean Beach (Woorim).

"The Brisbane Tug Co., although not a philanthropic institution, is to be congratulated on the manner in which it caters for the pleasure of the public. Through its agency has been opened up one of the most glorious marine suburbs of Brisbane. It is at once easier to access than any of the northern or southern watering places, and certainly possesses bathing and fishing facilities unsurpassed by any other coastal resort in Southern Queensland.

To reach this "Mecca," the company has organised an excellent service by means of the S.S. Koopa and Doomba. Bribie is reached about 12.30 p.m., or approximately three hours from town. Three commodious motor buses meet the visitors, who are conveyed across to Ocean Beach, the time occupied about ten minutes over a perfectly straight well-made road.

Doomba and Koopa plied the Brisbane to Bribie journey
Photo: Mountain and seaside resorts of Southern Queensland, 1925, page 94

Arriving at Ocean Beach terminus, one's attention is drawn to the magnificent kiosk built by the company for the convenience of the public. The dining hall alone can conveniently seat from 150 to 200 guests, whilst the dancing hall on the opposite side is of equally generous proportions. At the entrance hall is located the shop, where comestibles of great variety can be obtained at very reasonable prices. 

Kiosk at Ocean Beach with bus and sand on the front doorstep!
Photo: Mountain and seaside resorts of Southern Queensland, 1925, page 96

Leaving the kiosk and walking to the top of the sandhill, about two hundred feet distant, a most glorious vista meets the eye of the visitor. Extending northerly for fifteen or twenty miles and for five or six miles southerly is a simply perfect beach of smooth hard sand with the rollers of the Pacific bursting with resounding crash upon it.

This beach for surf bathing is remarkably safe, there being no under tow and no treacherous double beaches, whilst at low tide, no matter how the waves may roar, they are all broken up and a wide expanse of shallow water is provided for the veriest toddler to paddle in and enjoy itself with the utmost safety. Last year the Government sold about forty leasehold allotments on the beach frontage, and already some comfortable and neat sea-side cottages have been erected, notably by Mr. Hooper, Mr. J. Morgan (Arakoon), Mr. J. Murray, Mr. Dickson and Miss A.M.F. Gibbon (The Bean).

When satiated with the rough and tumble of the sea, the visitor can thoroughly enjoy a ramble in the unspoiled primeval bush, after which he can return to the motor 'bus and by that means and the Koopa or Doomba, be landed again in Brisbane shortly after 6 p.m., having had a most enjoyable trip."

REFERENCE
Ocean Beach by E. Harvey-Gibbon.
Letter to the Editor. The Daily Mail (Brisbane) 9.1.1926 p.11

Mountain and seaside resorts of Southern Queensland : from Noosa to the Tweed.
Compiled by the Queensland Government Tourist Bureau, 5th edition, 10th December 1925.
Repository: State Library of Queensland

Excursion to Bribie via Koopa and Doomba

Travelling to Bribie aboard the steamships Koopa and Doomba are memories  held by many people.

Here is a glimpse of some of the advertisements used in the 1930s and earlier to entice excursionists to see the sights of our picturesque bay! 

The 1919 advertisement is particular relevant to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

December 1936

The Telegraph, 7 Dec 1936, p. 20

The Telegraph, 7 Dec 1936, p. 20

The popular and delightful fishing, camping and holiday resorts of Moreton Bay

Adults 4 shillings, return ; Children 1 shilling, return.

Sundays only: Adults 3 shillings return!

"Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Sunday's time-table allows four hours ashore for surfing, fishing, etc at Bribie. Refreshments obtainable on board steamers."

Accompanying this advertisement is an article entitled "Enchanted Isle"

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July 1930

The Brisbane Courier, 22 Jul 1930, p. 2

Bay trip on the Koopa on Sunday to Bribie

Return fares 3 shillings, children 1 shilling

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January 1924

The Doomba carried her happy cargoes to the cooling breezes at Redcliffe and Bribie.
Photo: W.G. Cummings
The Daily Mail (Brisbane) Sat 19 Jan 1924 p. 13

December 1924

The Brisbane Courier, 6 Dec 1924, p. 3

The Brisbane Courier, 6 Dec 1924, p. 3

Special Sunday afternoon excursion!

Return fares 3 shillings, children half price

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March 1919

Koopa Trips to Redcliffe and Bribie

In our advertising columns appear a few statements on the "flu" question as regards bay excursions. 
Pure sea air no doubt goes a long way to keeping one healthy, and the opportunity to partake of it, the Brisbane Tug Co. Points out, is within the reach of all.

source: The Brisbane Courier Wed 5 Mar 1919 p. 3

The Koopa and the Flu
source: The Brisbane Courier Wed 5 Mar 1919 p. 2

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January 1915

The Telegraph, 16 Jan 1915, p. 3

School Children's Excursions with special fares!

School children - sixpence each return. 

Adults - 2 shillings, sixpence return.

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

Source:
The National Library of Australia's online newspaper resource Trove is indeed a wonderful treasure-trove. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/?q=

Story 10 Describing Bribie Island

The following story is one 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: William Main (1860-1946) was born in Glasgow, Scotland and arrived in Queensland in 1887.  In 1911, William was appointed by the Queensland Government to be an Immigration Agent and obtained agricultural emigrants for Queensland. During the 1920s William was associated with the Commercial Travelers’ Club in Elizabeth Street, Brisbane city, and from about this time he contributed verse and other literary articles to The Queenslander, Sydney Mail and other Australian and overseas periodicals.  William spent his retirement years on Bribie Island and according to the Visitors’ Book for Shirley’s Guest House at Ocean Beach, stayed there on 8 December 1939.  Another guest that day was Thomas Welsby.

William Main’s article The Unnamed Lakes was published in The Queenslander, 9 February 1928, page 8 and his photos of The Nameless Lagoons of Bribie on page 31.

---ooo---

The Unnamed Lakes of Bribie by William Main, 1928 (with illustrations)

Unnamed lakes and streams, in these days [1928], belong to the "Never Never"; but they are still to be found on the main beach of Bribie Island, 35 miles from the city of Brisbane.

Historically, Bribie is the most important island in the Bay.  On July 16, 1799, Captain Matthew Flinders landed at Skirmish Point, the first white man to land on Moreton Bay, and this point of Bribie was named by him because of a short and almost harmless engagement he and his boat’s crew had with the natives after landing.  In his sloop Norfolk Flinders made a wonderfully accurate chart of the Bay and islands, but he missed the Brisbane River, which, after an interval of 24 years, was discovered by Oxley.

Map of Bribie Island showing
William Main’s “Unnamed Lakes”.
Source: The Unnamed Lakes of Bribie. The Queenslander, 9 February 1928, p. 8.

   The island was not named.  It simply got to be known as Bribie’s Island, the name of a convict settler who made his home on it for years.

   During recent times the steamers of the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Company have made the island accessible four days a week, and a township has been formed at the jetty, in the passage between the island and the mainland.  This township has been named Bongaree, although the name is unknown to most of the visitors.  The passage itself is a famous fishing ground, and was supposed by the explorers to be the mouth of a river, and consequently was named the Pumicestone River, but is now more commonly known to its frequenters as Bribie Passage.  The scenery and sunsets are beautiful, with fine views of the Glass House Mountains in the background.

   The Tug Company of late years has opened a road across the island to the main beach, and established a motor service.  This is the only road on the island, and as the time between arrival and departure is so short it permits little more than a dip in the surf and lunch at the kiosk before returning to the Passage to join the steamer.

   The main beach, stretching over 20 miles north to Caloundra, is practically undiscovered country.  As far as the eye can reach the beach shows an unbroken fringe of casuarinas.  Behind the casuarinas is thick scrub and timber, which, in the south of the island, stretches from the main beach to the Passage.  The road is through timber all the way.  About three miles north of the road the thick scrub forms but a narrow belt, and beyond, for miles and miles, the island is open country, like a Scottish moor, covered with heath, with occasional clumps of banksia and ti-tree.  Instead of grouse, one starts an odd kangaroo or wallaby, and sometimes an emu.  Dingoes are common, as their tracks prove, right down to the shore; but they are seldom seen in daylight.  In the topmost branches of a dead cypress pine, not far from the open country, is an eagle’s nest of many years’ standing.  There are two young eagles in it as I write, and they are bred by larger eagles than can be found in any other part of the world.

How No. 1 lagoon meets the sea in a wet season.
Photo and caption: W. Main
Source: The Nameless Lagoons of Bribie. The Queenslander, 9 February 1928, p. 31.

The Lagoons

   Three miles along the beach, north from the road, there is a break in the casuarina fringe, and No. 1 lagoon opens out.  It is the smallest of the saltwater lakes, but a fine sheet of water at times.  It has but one arm running into it, from the south.  This arm is over two miles long, and joins up with fresh water lagoons and swamps in the wet season, when it becomes a rushing river, breaking through the sand barrier to the sea.  This lagoon broke through in April last year, after being closed for three years, and the photographs were taken at that time.  There is also a photograph showing it closed up again.

No. 1 lagoon closed from the sea.
Photo and caption: W. Main
Source: The Nameless Lagoons of Bribie. The Queenslander, 9 February 1928, p. 31.

No. 2 lagoon.  Photo and caption: W. Main
Source: The Nameless Lagoons of Bribie. The Queenslander, 9 February 1928, p. 31.

   Two miles north of No. 1 lagoon there is a second gap in the coastline, and one comes on a beautiful sheet of water, which is No. 2 lagoon, the largest of the four lagoons along the main beach.  This lagoon has two large feeders, one stretching south until it almost joins the waters of No. 1 lagoon, and in wet weather, draining swamps and numerous fresh water lagoons that join up to make a river, carrying the accumulated rubbish of the island to the sea.  At such times the ocean changes colour, and becomes a sea of mud and debris along the coastline.

  Sometimes, while the break remains open to the sea, fish rush in, and, when closed, the lagoons are full of bream, whiting, and mullet.  They have always eels.  At the last break the fish were not available, and there are few in any of the lagoons this year.  One whiting, caught in No. 2 last year, measured 18in., and scaled 1 lb. 11 oz.  The flavour of the lagoon fish is inferior to the fish caught in the sea.

No. 2 lagoon looking north.
Photo and caption: W. Main.
Source: The Nameless Lagoons of Bribie. The Queenslander, 9 February 1928, p. 31.

The north branch of No. 3 lagoon.
Photo and caption: W. Main
Source: The Nameless Lagoons of Bribie. The Queenslander, 9 February 1928, p. 31.

   Then, two good miles north of No. 2 lagoon, one reaches the gem of the main beach, No. 3 lagoon.  The permanent water in No. 1 and No. 2 lagoons is dark, like strong billy tea; but the water of No. 3 lagoon is clear as crystal, and makes the finest swimming pool imaginable.  It is not more than 10ft. deep in any part, and there is a beautiful island that one can reach by the aid of a friendly sandbank.  The banks are covered with scrub and beautiful trees, with here and there a group of dark cypress pines, stretching above the surrounding bush and forming a delightful contrast to the lighter shades of green.  

The waters of No. 3 lagoon come mostly from the heathland, and at times there are whiting to be caught, if they are in a biting mood.

No. 4 lagoon.
Photo and caption: W. Main
Source: The Nameless Lagoons of Bribie. The Queenslander, 9 February 1928, p. 31.

  The No. 3 lagoon, the beauty of the bunch, entails a 10-mile walk along the beach; but, when the tide is suitable, the sands are firm, and with a day before one there is no need to hurry.

   

No. 4 lagoon is much the same as No. 2 lagoon.  It has two feeding areas, and is in the neighbourhood where the wild “Christmas bells” bloom in their season.  Unfortunately, “there ain’t no ‘buses running” and it is a long way to carry Christmas bells seven miles, mostly against a south-easter.

   The main beach itself is a mighty attraction, and a plunge in the surf is available at any stage of the journey.  Sometimes there are rare shells to be found; but often the beach is bare.  And what a beach it is – the finest surfing beach in Queensland!  

REFERENCE:
An Unknown Island. The Unnamed Lakes of Bribie published in The Queenslander, Thursday 9 February 1928, page 8 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22943972  and the photos The Nameless Lagoons of Bribie appear on page 31 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22943811 of the same issue.