History Corner

Cartoon of the Month Need some localised Christmas cards? Gwyn has a wonderful selection for you. Contact him at g.perkins@gwyn.com.au

This Island - Poetry by Geoff Bullock

I I have found a shelter On a rock upon the sea, This precious island Whose songs sang out for me. My secret refuge My spirit's answered call and cry

This island This refuge This shelter This place Her silence Her dancing Her peoples My home. I have seen the sunlight Dancing ‘cross the seas The whisper of the sea breeze That is sighing in the trees Leaves with dewdrops glisten Rainbow stretching high Across the sky

Sheltered from the city Beneath her shades of grey Peace dissolves the chaos That once filled my every day The birds now softly singing As the ferry’s slowly swaying Her way home.. I can see her colours Bathed in khaki green Houselights gently winking blinking through the trees And I'm living with the rising And the falling of the tides I've found my home Here

Poo Pumpout  Mk 2

 

Whilst in no way attempting to break Cabby Vial's 2002 record of 11 collaborators, we were wondering if there is any interest in a joint exercise to freshen up your septic systems before Christmas ?? 

We would seek to complete the exercise at a minimum cost to all concerned, but as a very rough guide the charge in 2002 was $600.00 per household.

 

Give us a ring on 9997 8820 or email at  bacross2@optusnet.com.au  if you would like to "join up"

 

Brian & Audrey Cross - Sentosa, 59 Florence Terrace ( near Pathilda Reserve)

And this from another resident... 'We had a visit from Pittwater Poo man ( alias the council's septic inspector). He informed us that our septic needed a pump out. I was wondering if anyone else would like to get their septics pumped out. Bulk prices are usually available.' Contact Paul Smith 9997 4875

Indian Food Stall at H2O 360 raises enough for a cow and a half!

Congratulations Pittwater. The Indian food stall at last Saturday’s H2O 360 short film festival raised around $900 which will be sent to the Hope Trust in Jarkhand, India to support the Khunti dairy co-operative.

A big thanks to all who enjoyed the very delicious foods, and thanks to those who prepared it; Lisa M, Karl, Ruth, Shona and Boyd, and those who served it up; John T, Rouge and Pete, and everyone else who helped along the way.

If you missed the short film about the Indian village, you can catch it on youtube here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkHCaShrUr4

If you’d like to contribute something to the dairy co-op before I send the funds, drop me a line at boydatt@bigpond.com. Also, for a limited time, I’m donating all proceeds from the sale of the Island Players highlights DVDs; Chronicles of the 1980s, and Chronicles of the 1990s. The 1980s DVD has highlights of all the Island Players shows from 1983 to 1989 with full commentary by Annette Freeland, Dulcie Erdman, Bob Blackwood, and Philip and Trilby Bond. It includes the legendary Can Can routine and lots more. The 1990s DVD has highlights of all the shows of the early 90s including a short film starring a very young and long haired Col Bailey as SuperCol, as well as video footage of Church Point park and shops pre the current proprietors! The DVD has commentary by Beth Jessup, Graeme Richmond, Brian Clarke, Nettie Lodge and Matt Penfold. Cover artwork by Dave Walsh. DVDs are $20 each with all proceeds to the dairy co-op. Send me an email and I’ll pop ‘em in your PO box. Boyd. boydatt@bigpond.com

A note from Greg Judd

I grew up on the place - from 4 yrs to 19yrs old. Three wharves up from Bell Wharf. And the place was the making of me. I've recently moved to Hardy's Bay (Brisbane waters) after years away from the area... and this area is close to the community life that meant so much to me growing up.

Some of the names connected with that special place you might know, that where part of my canvas of SI life then.
Robyn Culley
Philippa Thomas
Keith Nicholson
Bruce Lane and John Rossini
Gwen & Greg Taylor
Brian Clark
and many more.

My mum and dad - Chris & Phil Judd
My uncle, Mike Clay still lives in Elvina Bay that's why I took this shot on a sea plane flight last year.
Drop me a line if you need help with web or design stuff (my living) or if you need to know anything of history on SI from 1974 - 1985. Enjoy your island! Greg Judd

Evaluation of the recent H2O 360 Film Project

We have to evaluate the H2O 360 film project and event for the government.
We have received a bunch of great emails regarding H2O 360 and we'd love heaps of community emails to include with the evaluation . We'd love to hear from you- good and bad please email Claire at myislandhome@hotmail.com

Fridge Buy Back Scheme - forget it!

You may have noticed that with your rate notice from Pittwater Council recently, there was a flyer from an organisation called 'Fridge Buyback'  - supported and funded by the NSW Government. They are offering to buy your working, 10+ year old refrigerator so as to reduce energy consumption. They offer to come and pick it up and pay you for it.

Very commendable. Clearly supported by Pittwater Council.

BUT: There is a catch. They don't offer this to offshore communities. We must not be serious energy users. You do have to wonder why council bothered to include the flyer with our rates.

Save Sydney Harbour “Pictition”

The Pictition is a major artwork digitally composed of thousands of faces. The original work is the Wynne Prize 2006 winning painting “The Heads” by John Beard. Appropriately it is a timeless image of the entrance to Sydney Harbour, as it was prior to white settlement, and as it remains today.

Why the faces?

The faces represent the more than 85% of Sydneysiders found by our Newspoll survey to oppose
o The permanent loss of public land to commercial development
o The traffic and environmental impact of trucking cargo back to Sydney
o The loss of our working port facilities

Be a part of the artwork! Make you and your family a part of this important work. Simply send us your photos. Snapshots are fine. Group photos are good. Encourage friends to do the same.

The Pictition will be unveiled at the Sydney Town Hall at 6:00pm on 7 February 2007.
It will be shown at other locations and then presented to a major NSW art gallery or museum. The project is being supported, and assisted, by Sydney College of the Arts. Do join us at the Town Hall for the launch.

Send your Digital pictures to art@workingharbour.com.au

Carpooling - is it for you?

David Lewis, of Dee Why, has started a website to encourage carpooling for commuters frustrated by packed buses and clogged roads. It requires motorists to register on a forum where they exchange details of their commutes and allows potential passengers to make arrangements for travel. Mr Lewis said he hoped the website would help allay any apprehension people held in sharing their car with strangers.

``Part of the issue with car-pooling is that it's difficult for people to change established behaviours,'' he said.
``For someone used to driving to work on their own each day it will take time until they feel comfortable allowing two or three people to share that trip. I want to make it a lot easier.''
Mr Lewis said it was up to carpoolers to arrange their own conditions for taking passengers.
He suggested passengers could take turns driving to and from their destination and agree to meet at pre-arranged destinations. Carpoolers could also pay a regular driver to help cover fuel and registration/repair costs. Potential carpoolers can visit Mr Lewis's site at www.dailycommuter.com.au
(thanks to the Manly Daily for permission to reprint)

Chronicles of the Scotland Island Players

A six minute version of highlights from the Scotland Island Players shows and short films since 1983 is now viewable online at this link

If for some reason this link doesn't work, go to http://www.myspace.com/fatandwell and click the videos link. Commentaries for the 1990s highlights include Beth Jessup, Graeme Richmond, Brian Clarke, Nettie Lodge and Matt Penfold. It is hilarious. For copies or info, email Boyd at boydatt@bigpond.com.

A unique opportunity for an independent self-starter, interested in the principles of community childcare without corporate profit…. and a great opportunity to implement your own ideas with the backing of a supportive Scotland Island community.

The job offers an attractive salary and overtime

Scotland Island’s established community-run Childcare Centre seeks a Director / Supervisor to work 3 days a week. Small centre, great children, wonderful staff and a beautiful location.

Director must have a diploma or equivalent plus 12 months experience in a Director’s role.

Free ferry transport to the island

Wanted - More staff for the Scotland Island Kindy

Can you help? Do you know someone who can?

CHILDCARE WORKERS

No formal qualifications required. Able to demonstrate experience with younger children. Willing to be involved and committed to the community. Will assist the Director / Authorised Supervisor with duties
Will need to undergo Working with Children Checks Excellent award rates Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (flexible hours)

VOLUNTEERS

Get involved with the kids and the community. Volunteer a couple hours One day a week / once a fortnight to help staff and have fun with the kids. Will need to undergo Working with Children Checks
For more information contact

Lizzie Hazelwood 02 9997 8731 or Rebecca Latham 0418 244 910

CV’s to Lhazelwood@ozemail.com.au

Better Public Access to Pittwater Council

Pittwater residents now have better access to Councillors at Council meetings, under two new processes to be trialled for three months from December 2006.

In a move which will improve the interaction between Pittwater residents and Council, Public Forums will now be held at the commencement of the second Council meeting of the month, replacing Resident Question Time. Up to 30 minutes will be allocated to Public Forums at these meetings.

Residents can book a presentation with Regina Miller on 9970 1112.

House Swap Byron Bay - Scotland Island Waterfront

My name is Tristan Lavery......an x Pittwater resident.
I recently met a Scotland Island resident who suggested I ask you all via this newsletter.
I am looking for someone on the island with a waterfront house on the north or northwest of the island........who would be keen to do a house swap for a week.......with our beach front house in Byron Bay.............preferably February 2007........but open to any time.........

Tristan Lavery Belongil Beach Byron Bay

Radio Northern Beaches Presents

Radio Northern Beaches presents a live broadcast from the BBC

DesertDance Acoustic Soul Band

Sunday 3rd December from 5:00pm
Auditorium/Terrace Belrose Bowling Club
146 Forest Way Belrose Ph: 9451 5803
and broadcast live on Radio Northern Beaches 88.7 & 90.3FM

Woody Point Yacht Club Christmas Party 2006

as always great food and music -Friday December 1st at 7.00pm
All Welcome
Scotland Island Community Hall
$45 member and $55 non members

The Famous Dog Race is on again!

Yes, it's that time again! Christmas Eve, Sunday December 24th is the date and time for one of the most well known island events. Famous throughout the known world, the island to the point dog race attracts interest because of the uniqueness of the occasion.

DETAILS:

Register your dog and yourself at Church Point BEFORE 5.30pm. The race begins from the island at 6pm sharp. Entry fee is a can of dog food and a longneck!

INTRODUCING: The 'Diesel King' Memorial trophy for the best local dog. In memory of one of the finest island dogs in living memory.

SPECIAL HOT NEWS

This years Dog race is being shown in the United States and is being televised on the day. So as to fit in with US TV programming, the race is being held back until 6pm :)

Exciting prizes are awarded at the end of the race and the entry 'fees' are distributed to the winners.

Visitors: By all means gather at the point for a refreshment before the race. Come to the point dogless and return home legless. :)

More information? Ring Russ from Pittwater Offshore Services on 0415-464-733

Are you at a loss as to what to do on Christmas day?

Join us and other lost families in Tennis Park for an afternoon of fun and frivolity. You can try out your new cosies, boogie boards, badminton sets, or play cricket, fling that new frisbie.

Bring a picnic and drinks and a few decorations for the tree. Cruise through the afternoon with community friends. The hall will be open for toilets and wet weather contingency.

For more details contact Tracy 9997 4875.

• Classified ads for Tinny's, Cars Boats and Trucks and all General Merchandise is FREE at Pittwater Trading On-Line.
• Place your ads yourself at this do-it-yourself site
• Subscribe for FREE on site and join over 300 local homes that now receive the monthly newsletter with the bargains.
• see: http://www.pittwatertradingonline.com.au

Did you know?
The RFS recommends that able bodied home-owners who are well prepared and understand the risks, stay with their homes in the event of a bushfire.
Statistically, homes that are prepared and where the home owner stays to defend them have the best chance of survival in a bush fire.
The water that will be used to defend YOUR home is the water in YOUR tank. How much do you have?
Are you prepared this fire season?
Have you cleared ground fuels around the house (long, dry grass, dead leaves and branches, thick undergrowth)?
Are your gutters cleared?
Have you removed flammable items from around the house (woodpile, paper, boxes, crates, hanging baskets, etc)?
Are firebreaks prepared?
Have screens or shutters been installed and underfloor areas enclosed, if possible?
Are vents into the roof space screened with fine wire mesh?
Are LPG tanks pressure relief valves pointing away from the house?
Do you have a 38mm Stortz (fire-hose) fitting connected to your tank? This enables the Fire Brigade to get water quickly - this could save your home. Stortz fittings are available from (among other places) the Water Warehouse in Narrabeen
Have you placed the emergency "000" telephone number near the phone?
For further information contact your nearest Rural Fire Brigade or go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

"Kanyini" is available on DVD now!
A tale of Indigenous wisdom clashing against materialist notions of progress, this is not only a story of one man and his people but the story of the human race.
Hailed by critics and audiences as one of the most important films ever made, no person should miss "Kanyini". Recently winning Best Documentary at The Inside Film Awards you can purchase your private or classroom copy of "Kanyini" at www.kanyini.com NOW!