| Having trouble reading this newsletter? Visit https://ymlp.com/archive_gesgjgm.php | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 3, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Newsletter
for
Offshore Residents
of Pittwater, Australia - Volume 12, Issue 576
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Editorial Finally here is the May PON, a little late and apologies to all those expecting to have their notices out by the 1st. Enjoy Contents
 New on Scotland Island Website! The website now displays Upcoming Events on Scotland Island. Check it out to learn what’s happening on the island: http://www.scotlandisland.org.au Anyone holding an event is invited to contact us – see the Upcoming Events section and click on ‘contact us’. Coming soon to the website: A listing of services and trades; SIRA page. SIRFB News The Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade (SIRFB) is involved with numerous activities, from responding to smoke sightings and boat fires around Pittwater and beyond to attending fire calls, storm damage and assisting with medical evacuations on the Island. Each month we plan to highlight something of interest to the community and now it’s cooling down we thought we’d start with Winter Fire Safety. Winter is when many fires occur in the home. Here are a few tips to keep your home safe:
Also, the fire boat is having a major upgrade and a new motor installed and will be returning to the Island soon. For further information, call us on 9999 4404, check the website www.sirfb.org.au or www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or pop into the Station. 23rd ANZAC Day Address - Church Point 2011 by Peter Hemery
Good morning. As a former resident of the Western shores of Pittwater, I am privileged to be invited to give the 2011 Church Point Anzac Day address. In 2010 Ian Leslie OAM, gave us a moving account of his family’s experiences in a prisoner of war camp in Java for the duration of WW II and extraordinary insights into his outstanding career in broadcast journalism in peace time and in war time around the world Following on from Ian’s address, I wish to acknowledge the work of Australian War Correspondents and their involvement in reporting on conflicts, and sadly often sacrificing their lives in war torn countries. As recently as last Thursday we learnt of the loss of two senior War correspondents in Misrata,Libya. Over 300 Australian War Correspondents served during WW2 and I understand only 150 returned, a 50% fatality rate. Reporting on conflicts began as early as 500 BC. We know the story about the messenger running from Marathon to Athens with news of the Athenian victory in the Greco/Persian war. Now we have ‘on the spot reporting’. We hear and see daily reports from Afghanistan, Libya and the African continent. War correspondents with great courage, bravery and passion put their lives at risk to bring us news from the battlefields around the world For a small nation AUSTRALIA has produced a significant number of distinguished war correspondents, commonly known as ‘Warcos’. Amongst them were Allan Moorehead and Chester Willmot two of the best known reporters of the Second World War.
My father, Peter Hemery, was also a well known ‘Warco’ in WW II. He began his career in broadcasting after he joined the ABC in Melbourne in 1939. In 1942 he was appointed war correspondent with the army for the ABC and BBC. En route to Malaysia, he landed in Darwin just 5 days before the first bombing raid began on 19th Feb 1942. For the next 6 months he covered all campaigns from the Northern Territory and Northern Australia. Darwin suffered 64 air raids over 18 months from the 19th February 1942 to the 12th November 1943, The government reported that the official death toll during this time was 243, however the private secretary to the Administrator of the NT estimated the death toll to be as high as 1000; a figure, now recognised, to be a more accurate estimate of the loss of life. For years war correspondents from many allied countries had been struggling with how best to work with government laws relating to censorship My father was incensed by the Australian government’s cover up of the extent of damage and loss of life during the Japanese bombing of Darwin. In frustration, he returned to Sydney, to expose the sanitising of his reports, which he believed prevented the Australian public, it’s right to know the full story of the devastation he had witnessed. This led to threats of imprisonment for challenging the governments censoring of his reports. With the threat of imprisonment hanging over his head, father hitched a ride with an American Air Force cargo plane to New Guinea where he covered all major campaigns in the Pacific for the ABC, BBC and International News Service of America. He took part in every landing during the South West Pacific Campaign working with the front line troops. The noise of the guns and the aircraft engines, the extreme heat and the dust, were a constant challenge to produce recordings fit to air. In 1944 he returned to Australia, enlisted in the RAAF and was appointed Public Relations Officer. His war service encompassed every major campaign in the Pacific. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Service Ribbon, by General Douglas Macarthur, for his long and meritorious service in the South Pacific arena with U S troops. During his reporting of the South Pacific Campaign with the American Air force he used a portable wire recorder to record his interviews. The wire recorder was the forerunner to the I Pod’s of today. After the war Father ‘borrowed’ this recorder from his US mates and brought it home. With this new technology he established the Macquarie Newsreel on Sydney radio 2GB in 1946. His wire recorder now resides in the Australian War Memorial in Canberra along with his war time films, reports and records. Widely reported in the newspapers was his mission over Tokyo, on the 10th August 1945. At 8.15 am on the 6th August 1945, the Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. This was followed by the bombing of Nagasaki on the 9th August which led to the surrender of Japan on 15th August, 1945 My father along, with fellow Australian Bill Meredith, was on board an American Boeing B29 Super Fortress, on a massed U S bombing raid of the main army arsenal in Tokyo; one of the most heavily defended areas on the Japanese main land. He gave a graphic description of the scenes of absolute destruction of Hiroshima in the aftermath of the atomic explosion. Whilst returning to base, the B29 crew witnessed a US Submarine surfacing in Tokyo Harbour to pick up an American pilot who had been shot down by anti aircraft fire. While the submarine waited for the pilot to bring his life raft alongside, they casually shelled shore installations asking the B29 pilots to describe the fall of their shells. He relayed his experience as the only RAAF Officer to fly in a B29 air raid over Tokyo.
Remarkably, my father survived his wartime experiences and went on to build a successful career in radio broadcasting, and significantly he introduced “On the spot interviews” and created the Macquarie News Reel, using the wire recorder. Some of you may recall this programme; it was the beginning of talk back radio. Ironically, he was killed in the USA whilst flying his light aircraft in preparation for the London to Darwin Air Race in 1968 at the age of 55. In recognition of the sacrifices made by our war correspondents and our service men and women, and the impact their duties have on them and their families; I leave you with this thought on courage and bravery written by Rick Slater in his ‘Voice of Fear’ and I quote, “When soldiers go to war they don’t fight because they hate what’s in front of them, they fight because they love what is behind them’ When they return, the defences they created to protect their loved ones are the same defences they must lower to return TO them. For THIS, we thank THEM! THANK YOU! Peter Hemery 25 April 2011 Peter hemery's Bio can be downloaded here These photos and more by June Lahm can be viewed in our Online Galllery here.... Gone Fishing Gallery Update L. Duck Launch Postponed  Due to the bad weather and high seas we have been having for such a long time, the L. Duck has not as yet flown from the nest. That is, she is still in Brisbane ! As such, we have postponed the launch. we are expecting her sometime next week.  Asparagus Out Weekend The third Asparagus Out Weekend event was held at the Pittwater YHA over the first weekend in April. 30 volunteers took up the offer to be bed and fed at the hostel and joined members of the local Morning Bay Bushcare Group to achieve and amazing result. 65 bags totaling 800 kg of Asparagus cores were taken out by National Parks. Footnote: A Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA) activity in partnership with Pittwater YHA, NP&WS, Pittwater Council & sponsored by the Hawkesbury – Nepean Catchment Authority with funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for Community Programme.
Scotland Island Players `JEALOUSY AND LUST - on the ISLAND' a work of fiction, and a highly comic farce, concerning: An Island couple Michael played by Gordon Floyd and Cindy played by Cheryl Wagner A Bays couple Robert played by Matt Bowden and Juliette played by Lyn Savage A cleaner Heather played by Kez Borthwick A woman from Mona Vale Chantelle played by Jessica Thompson Devised and directed by Bob Bolton The play deals with infidelity, it's consequences, (especially unexpected ones) and the working out of adjustment strategies. Of course, there are misunderstandings, mistaken identities, awkward developments, and lots of fun Last two weekends in May, Friday and Saturday night in the Hall, bookings at Scotland Island Lodge, and PMC Hill Drawing Workshop & Watercolour Painting Workshop  David
Wardman is holding workshops
in both drawing
29th May and watercolour painting 19th JuneBoth workshops are suitable for beginners or those wanting to gain more insight and experience. Each one day workshop is an intensive but highly enjoyable process aimed at raising the skills and confidence of the participant. please refer to www.madparrot.com.au for more information or phone 9999 5944 or email; david@wardman.com.au a more detailed information page will be sent to each participant.  There is a limit of 8 paticipants for each
workshop - places are secured by payment in full $95.00 (each workshop)David is a self taught watercolour artist A design graduate (London) he has worked as an illustrator in architecture for about 30 years, working in watercolour. He has given talks at Sydney College of the Arts, UTS and Sydney University. There is a large collection of his sketches and drawings in the Mitchell Library.
The Manly-Warringah-Pittwater Aboriginal Support Group is holding two events in May in Pittwater. On Monday 9 May from 7.30pm indigenous film-maker Frances Peters-Little will present her film Vote Yes for Aborigines at Mona Vale Memorial Hall. Frances is a historian and musician and made the film in 2007 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of indigenous people being given the vote in 1967. Vote Yes for Aborigines revisits those involved with the 1967 referendum and the social attitudes and influences that led to the event, featuring former Prime Ministers, politicians, historians and campaigners. The campaign culminated in one of the most overwhelmingly positive votes in any referendum in Australia’s history, with 99% of voters saying ‘yes’. The film is approximately one hour long and following the screening, Frances will answer questions from the audience On Sunday 29 May the Aboriginal Support Group will mark one of the most solemn dates in the indigenous calendar – Sorry Day – by a commemorative walk from the Tramshed Community Centre car park at Berry Reserve North Narrabeen to Bilarong Scout Hall at Bilarong Reserve, off Wakehurst Parkway. Following the walk the community are invited to a BBQ with indigenous dance and music to remember the Stolen Generations. For more information about both the events please visit the group’s website at www.asgwp.net Vanessa Walsh, Manly-Warringah-Pittwater Aboriginal Support Group Ph: 9970 5456 Law Week 2011 - Tuesday 17 May  Letters to the Editor To Pittwater Councillors, SIRA & Scotland Island Cyclists, In the quest for secure bike parking at Church Point my attention has been drawn to the presently derelict Bennetts Boatshed at the eastern end of Church Point car park. I note that it was about to be demolished in November but an objection from the Church Point Reserve Association stopped this. I am sure they wouldn't object to it being rejuvenated into a secure bike parking facility on similar lines to the one provided by Manly Council in the Whistler Street car park. This is a large cage within the car park (under cover) with key access for cyclists who pay a deposit for the key plus a quarterly rental charge. Inside the cage are 30+ bike racks so cyclists have double protection if they choose to chain their bikes to the racks. The last I heard there was a waiting list for the Whistler St facility and Council were considering enlarging it. Pittwater Council could recoup the cost of renovating the Bennetts Boatshed from key rentals. We had 26 Scotland island cyclists who indicated their willingness to rent the proposed RTA lockers at $50 per quarter. It appears the present boatshed is 7.5M x 3.6M & I'm not sure how many racks it could hold but probably at least 20. The shed is ideally located adjacent to a bus stop. Many SI cyclists have told me they would use their bikes much more instead of their cars if they had secure bike storage on the mainland. Think of all the greenhouse gas that would save. Some of us might even sell our 2nd car. How about it Pittwater Council? John Thixton President Manly-Warringah/Mosman Bicycle User Group Spokesperson Scotland Island Cyclists (self-appointed!) Funnel web Spiders  I found one of these Funnel-web Spiders in my front yard this afternoon. If you are able to SAFELY put one of these LIVE SPIDERS into a sealed container with some moist cotton wool and a breathing hole in the lid....please deliver to Ant-eater Pest Control, 32 Roger Street, Brookvale. 9939 8208 They will then transport the spider to Gosford Wildlife Reptile Park, who will regularly milk it for it's venom and then send on to the appropriate laboratories to make anti-venom serum for sufferers of this spider's bite. THE LIFE YOU SAVE, COULD BE YOUR OWN .......Phillippa Thomas  Calling All Caterers, Purveyors of Fine Foods and Refreshments Vendors Watermarks is on again this year! September 24th and 25th. Mark it on your calendar… Would you like to get involved?
And remember that there are a few well experienced chefs and caterers around the Pittwater who will be most willing to help out with suggestions and advice.  Author Talks at Mona Vale Library  My Heart Wanders By Pia Jane Bijkerk The author takes us on her journey as she leaves a comfortable life in Sydney to follow her dreams, living firstly in Paris, and then on a houseboat in Amsterdam. This is a reflective memoir that speaks to the ‘wandering heart’ in all of us. Pia Jane Bijkerk is an internationally acclaimed stylist, photographer and author specialising in interiors, still life and food. Click Flyer to download PDF version
Date:
Thursday 26 May 2011Time: 6.30pm Venue: Mona Vale Library 1 Park Street, Mona Vale Cost: $7.50 Adults $5.50 Concession - Pensioners and Students (passes must be shown) Phone: 9970 1600 Bookings essential! Payment within 3 days of booking Fireshed Dinner - Curry Night Saturday May 7 from 7pm  Opportunity Knocks - Census Team Recruiting  The next national Census of Population and Housing will be conducted on the night of Tuesday 9 August 2011. The Census aims to accurately measure the number of people in Australia on Census night, their key characteristics, and the dwellings in which they live. To assist in the preparation and operation of the Census, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is recruiting an army of over 29,000 Collectors nationally. Quality Collectors are vital to the success of the Census and the ABS are looking for people from all cultural backgrounds who are passionate about their local community and want to earn some extra money as well. Collectors, particularly those with bilingual skills, help to capture a full and accurate picture of Australia’s diversity. If you are interested in a flexible short-term position, please apply online at www.abs.gov.au/census or call 1800 420 182. Applications open 9 April and close on 5 May 2011. COLLECTORS Collectors undertake the delivery and collection of Census forms from all houses in their allocated area, including helping householders complete their forms where necessary. Most Collectors will be responsible for around 500 households in cities or about 200 households in regional areas. Collectors must work from home, use their own telephone or mobile phone for Census purposes and have use of a car which can be securely locked. Collectors must provide secure storage in their home for up to 6 packs of Census material (less than 1 cubic metre). Collectors need to be available from 1 July to 8 September 2011. During the peak collection and delivery phase, Collectors must work weekdays and weekends, including evenings up to 9 pm. Collectors earn around $18 an hour and could expect to earn a total of between $1,300 and $2,800depending on their area. Travelling, incidental and motor vehicle allowances are also applicable. SELECTION CRITERIA Applications for Collector positions will be assessed against the following criteria:
Wanted Place to Rent Family with two young girls (1 and 4) returning to Sydney from the UK after 6 years abroad. We would like to experience living on Scotland Island before buying and becoming part of the off shore community. Ready to rent from mid June and the only requirement is a preference for 3 bedrooms. Please contact karaegerton@gmail.com or patrick.egerton@ambienceentertainment.com Help Wanted!! Anyone with a few hours to spare on a Tuesday morning to help sort fruit n vege service on the island is desperately wanted! Your time will be rewarded with a standard bag (3-4 persons) of fresh and delicious fruit and veg. Anyone interested should contact Justine 0413 724 113 or 9997 8364. On Site Sewage Pump Out Its time for our on-site sewage to be pumped out and we are looking for fellow islanders who wish to do the same. We hear the costs reduce significantly the more houses they do at one time. Please give us a call if you are interested. The more the merrier....if such a thing exists in regards to poo!! Johnny from 68 Thompson Street MB: 0418 408 894 House & Cat Sitter Wanted I’m looking for someone to house-sit and look after my two cats for four weeks from end May. Suitable for couple or single, no kids or pets. Near Carols Wharf. For more info call Jen 0411405335 or email jabawoc@bigpond.net.au For Sale Free Metal shelving system suitable for workshop, 1,23mt high x 2.4 mtrs long, it does come apart in 3 sections if desired, Free to good home, collect from Morning Bay Also Pine cladding for internal building projects, 5 mtrs long approximately 10 sheets, price negotiable, collect from Morning Bay, Rowena 0404 046 256 or 9979 5466 The Local Guide Community Information
Transport
Real Estate
Services, Clubs & Accommodation
Island Classes (Fitness, Dance, Art etc)
Groups
Government Organisations
Airlines, Buses and Railways
Weather Scotland Island Tides, Moon phases, Sun rise & set Local Weather Forecast Radar weather for Sydney (128k circle) Emergency Contact Numbers
Archived Newsletters A complete set of past electronic newsletters since May 2000 can be found and read at https://ymlp.com/archive_gesgjgm.php or by clicking here or by visiting the Mona Vale Library. The Island website is at www.scotlandisland.org.au To Contribute If you would like to contribute to this newsletter it's easy!. Send an e-mail to the editor (editor@scotlandisland.org.au) or by clicking here. Type your contribution (100 words or so would be fine) and assuming it is of general interest to the community, does not include matter of a political nature and is not offensive, it will appear next month. Subscription Information To get on and off this newsletter, click here or got to: http://www.scotlandisland.org.au/signup . To change your address, click the 'modify' link at the bottom of this newsletter or send an email to the editor@scotlandisland.org.au  The Online Local Contact Guide Click HERE to load The
views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the
Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA), or
the Western
Pittwater Community Association (WPCA)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |
