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Scotland Island - Western Shores - Mackeral Beach
- February 2009 -
Newsletter for Offshore Residents of Pittwater, Australia - Volume 10, Issue 362
February 2009

Editorial:

Thank you to all those who keep the information flowing. We've had a busy month with a lot of housekeeping tasks been successfully completed. First we have fixed the issue with our online calendar's "current day" displaying the wrong date, plus given it a slight facelift by changing the colour scheme to be similar to the Newsletter.  And, the online Offshore Photo Gallery has also progressed very well and I am please to say the first few albums have been setup and already have some photos added to them. You can see the link below in the next section.

We also have a writer from the(Sydney)magazine, Sydney Morning Herald, speaking with locals about island life, in preparation to doing an article on Scotland Island. The article should be out around March or April - so keep an eye out for that.

Enjoy.

Contents:

  • Cartoon of the Month
  • Energy Matters
  • Offshore Photo Gallery
  • Fire Brigade looking for equipment
  • Offshore Directory (POD) taking bookings 
  • Note from the Kindy
  • Next Installment of Island Blues
  • The Fourth Way meetings
  • WOW Celebrates International Womens' Day
  • Creative Workshop
  • The month of February
  • Cooking Classes starting again
  • Sting Ray Sting - First Aid
  • Youth Choir on Island ?
  • You Asked...
  • For Sale
  • The Local Guide
  • Join SIRA
  • Archived Newsletters
  • Your subscription Information



  • Cartoon of the Month

    Gwyn Perkins

    Download a full version of this months calendar, ready for printing - click the calendar image to the right →


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    Energy Matters
    Feed in tariff petition - amazing results!
    Excerpt taken from Energy Matters Newsletter

    ....From Late last week we made a special announcement about the solar power feed in tariff petition we had just launched. The response so far has been incredible, with over 3,000 people signing the petition - even with the long weekend in the way! Thank you all!

    We're aiming for at least 10,000 signatures, so if you haven't signed it as yet and you'd like to see a national uniform gross feed in tariff established in Australia, show your support here - it only takes a minute to do!

    We've only just begun in getting the word out about the petition. Do you know of friends, family or colleagues that may be interested? Do you have contacts in the media? Let them all know! Perhaps you have a web site, blog or social network profile? Please consider posting an item about the petition!

    Together we can shift the focus away from coal and onto clean, renewable energy options for Australia's future! .......

    .......Wow, what a week it's been! Over 4,000 signatures in just under 7 days... and we've only just begun!
    Here's how the numbers stack up so far, state by state:

    ACT: 89
    New South Wales: 1029
    Northern Territory: 41
    Queensland: 812
    South Australia: 286
    Tasmania: 127
    Victoria: 1377
    Western Australia: 465

    Thank you so much for showing your support of a national, uniform solar power gross feed in tariff by signing the petition................

    It is very appropriate to our offshore promotion of Solar PV electrical systems to be helping to push governments to establish generous GROSS feed-in tariffs. Therefore if you are interested in getting this newsletter and signing the petition just go to the link above, fill out the petition, and subscribe.
    Energy Matters Newsletter

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    online Offshore Photo Gallery
    Now up and running !  
    The whole idea of the online gallery is to provide a facility where readers can browse through everyday photographs which depict this amazing place we live in. The environment and lifestyle the offshore community has is so unusual, so beautiful, so unique, and envied by so many, that there needs to be a place where we can showcase what we have. And, at the same time things never stay still - the island is changing, our habitat is changing, our community is changing and to have a record of what was; and to have an accessible visual record of that, is very important.

    There are many of you who have spent years photographing and capturing life as offshore dwellers -  documenting all sort of things; every day life, special events, people, etc. But few outside your immediate friends have the opportunity to see these photos. So now here is the opportunity to contribute those gems to the online photo gallery, and permit others to see what it is that we love so dearly. 
    Just email me your photos (1000 pixels max - longest side) with captions and date on each photo - your preferred Album (if there is one) and I will do the rest. Of particular interest are old photos of the area, events and characters that we so often hear stories about.  
    Offshore Photo Gallery

    Click the picture to go to the Gallery

    And now some conditions; I do not promise to put all photos into the Gallery. It is assumed that photos of individuals have the consent of the owners to have their images displayed online. Your email containing photos will be deleted once photos have been submitted to the Gallery. Please be aware that online photos can be copied without authorisation.

    Finally I would like to thank June, Fran and Katrina for being the first to submit images to the Offshore Gallery. I look forward to your contributions (maybe someone has some photos of the Australia Day Picnic Day ?) and, I would also be happy to talk with anyone interested in assisting with this project. 

    To go to the gallery either click the image above or click the link http://picasaweb.google.com/PONeditor/ 

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    West-Pittwater Rural Fire Brigade

    West-Pittwater Rural Fire Brigade are in search of 2 or 3 aluminium frame backpacks to fit out as single person quick response units. This will allow brigade members to grab the backpack (with hoses and fittings enclosed) and a portable pump for quick response. Over the past month we have trialled one unit and would now like to have this as standard on both Lovett and Elvina tankers.
     
    If you have an old backpack laying around that you could donate please contact me.
     
    For more information about West-Pittwater RFS go the to the following link:
     
    http://www.westpittwater.rfsa.org.au/
     
    Glenn Andrews
    Equipment Officer
    West-Pittwater RFS.
    Mob 0412022477
    Email: glenn.andrews@optus.com.au

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    Advertise in the Pittwater Offshore Directory 2009

    We are now accepting bookings for advertisements in the Pittwater Offshore Directory 2009. The POD 2009 will be issued free to all offshore households on Scotland Island, the Western Foreshores, Mackerel Beach and Coasters Retreat and be available to new members of community as they move in. As in the past, the directory has proved to be the essential point of reference and information for all the offshore communities.

    In addition to placing your advertisement we would be interested in your suggestions and ideas. These along with requests for ad placements can be emailed to Shar or Deryn at POD2009@live.com. Refer to the attached booking form for details of costs. The deadline for placing the ads is 28th Feb with a printing date in March.

    So don’t miss out on this once in a four year chance to advertise your business in the Pittwater Offshore Directory.

    Click here or the image above to download the form.

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    Note from the Kindy
    Happy New Year and Welcome from Scotland Island Children’s Centre for 2009
    We are now into our second week of opening this year and would like to thank all those parents/carers and volunteers who helped us out prior to opening with some heavy duty maintenance and cleaning of the Centre.  We achieved most of the things on our priority list and couldn’t have done it without their help!

    This year we see our Centre opening for longer hours from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Thursday to provide more flexible arrangements for our parents.  Along with this expansion we are also welcoming some new members of staff to our Centre, Marama Kake, Annabelle Wolfenden and Marion van den Driesschen.  They join our current team Mena Johnson, our acting supervisor, and Tamie Moodie.  Like our existing staff, our new staff members are from the local community and each will be bringing their own talents and experience in education and child care to our Centre.  

    In light of previous media issues in regard to the worry of families in ABC Centres, we can appreciate how important to us that our centre is an entirely not for profit service run by a committee of dedicated parents and staff with the support of our community.

    We encourage all of our community to become involved in our Centre.   Should you have something you wish to share with us please do not hesitate to talk to any of our staff or committee members.

    SIOCS Committee
    siocs@comcen.com.au  or 9979 7856 Tuesday to Thursday
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    The next exciting Island Blues installment:-
    "An Evening with THE BLUES BROTHERS"


    Click to download

    At the Community Hall

    Friday & Saturday Feb 20 & 21 at 7:30 pm    
    Friday & Saturday Feb 27 & 28 at 7:30 pm

    $15 per head


    DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS !
     
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    The Fourth Way (Gurdjieff)
    Reminder
    The Fourth Way (Gurdjieff Group) meetings have resumed.

    At Anne Palmer’s House
    7.45 pm to 9.00 pm
    Every Tuesday from Tues 20th January onwards.

    For information:   99795584

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    Women on Water (WOW)
    International Women's Day Celebration
    Women on Water (WOW) are organising a breakfast to celebrate International Women’s Day and the achievements of women.
     
    Date:         Friday 6th March 2009
    Venue:      Bayview Kiosk
                    1714 Pittwater Road, Bayview - (near Gibson’s Marina and the Green Pearl)

    Guest Speaker: Dr Robyn Iredale, Adjunct Associate Professor, Australian Demographic and Social Research Institute, ANU, will speak about the consequences of the Sex Discrimination Act, 25 years on.
    Robyn worked at the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in the late 1980s with Quentin Bryce, the then Sex Discrimination Commissioner.

    Time:       7.30am – 9.00am
    Cost:        Adults $20 (to be collected at the door)
                    Children $9

    Profits will go to the United Nations Fund for Women 

    Bookings essential:
          Joy.Purvis@gmail.com (numbers are limited)
    Enquires:                     Phone Joy on 0431 660 416
          
    Limited boat parking will be available. Car parking is also available.        
     
    Don’t miss this fabulous event !
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    Creative Workshop  
    Based on the internationally renowned “Artist’s Way”
    by Julia Cameron


    • Feel Inspired
    • Unleash your Imagination
    • Increase your productivity
    • Build confidence
    • Overcome fears
    • Eliminate self-criticism
    • Move past procrastination
    • Eradicate Limiting Beliefs
    This course will be held IN ELVINA BAY!



    Limited Seats Reserve Your Space Now! CALL - 0430 300 964

    click to down load PDF

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    February

    The Roman month Februarius ("of Februa," whence the English February) is named for the Februa/Februatio festival, which occurred on the 15th day of the Roman month. The festival, which is basically one of Spring washing or cleaning (associated also with the raininess of this time of year) is old, and possibly of Sabine origin. According to Ovid, Februare as a Latin word which refers to means of purification (particularly with washing or water) derives from an earlier Etruscan word referring to purging.

    A later Roman god Februus personified both the month and also purification, and is named for them. Thus, the month is named for the festival and not for the god.

    Middle English Februarius
    Latin Februarius "of Februa"
    Latin Februa(s) "Februa" + -arius "ary (pertaining to)"
    Latin Februarius mensis "month of Februa"
    Latin dies februatus "day of purification"

    Februarius had 28 days, until circa 450 BC when it had 23 or 24 days on every second year, until Julius when it had 29 days on every fourth year and 28 days otherwise.

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    Cooking Classes start Next Week..



    Michele and Nathalie's Kitchen cooking classes are starting again!

    After a fabulous festive season and a lot of new recipes prepared, the duo is ready to start again.

    Mixed classes will now be on:           Wednesday night (from 7pm to 9pm)
                                                          Thursday day      (from 11am to 1pm)
    and the "Men only" class will be on:  Thursday night     (from7pm to 9pm)

    Get your taste buds and pencils ready again!!!
    Book now as classes are filling up. Advanced payment of $35.00 per class is appreciated.

    Contact:
    Michele - 0418 533 701
    Nathalie - 9999 4449
    info@mn-kitchen.com

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    First Aid for Sting Ray Stings
     
    My daughter recently was stung on the top of her foot by a sting ray in the shallows at Lovett Bay. She started screaming and crying uncontrollably as the pain is apparently one of the worst you can experience. I, stupidly, had no idea what first aid to administer and all I could think of was "Oh my God, like Steve Irwin she's going to die." I sped to Mona Vale hospital breaking the speed limit etc. The emergency department administered the correct triage asap and the pain almost instantly subsided, although the wound later had to be x-rayed to see if the barb was still in there, anaesthetised, cleaned out and stitched.
     
    For future reference the first aid is:
    Get a basin of boiling water and add small cupfuls of cold water just until you can just bear the heat.
    Soak the affected body part (it is not always the foot) in the water and pain will ease almost instantly.
    Get patient to hospital emergency department asap to have it examined. You will probably have to take antibiotics to prevent infection.

    Thanks to Melinda Ham

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    Youth Choir on the Island !!!
    "If the king loves music there is little wrong in the land" Chinese proverb
    We are wanting to hear from children ten years old, to young adults, to be part of a local choir which will be singing folk and classical songs. If you are interested or know of someone who may be interested, please contact:

    Luisa  (02) 9999.4885
    or
    weasonaus@hotmail.com

    As soon as we get a certain number of committed singers, we will start rehearsals. The conductor is waiting for you. If you have any questions, please contact us.

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    You Asked.. 
    URGENT: We need you to join us pumping out Poo
    Is anyone else in the poo? Our septic tank is literally overflowing and I am trying to gather together a group of islanders who also need their septic pumping out urgently. I will organise the whole procedure - I just need you to sign up so we can spread the cost. Please contact me asap if you want to pump out your poo with us. We're near Eastern.
     
    Melinda Ham
    9979 1321
    0404 028 259
     

    Part-time childcare/nanny
    Family in Lovett Bay needs part-time childcare/nanny for 18 month old. Flexible hours/days during the daytime/weekdays. Parents often work from home. Suit gap year or uni student.
    Call Jennifer at 9999-1003.


    House Swap with the UK
    A family of three will be returning to Oz in the next few years and are keen to experience living on Scotland Island, to see if we'll like it as much as we think!  So a house swap, for a few weeks holiday, would be perfect. Our preference is for around Christmas, but we are open to other times of the year too.

    Details available here to download

    Please email karaegerton@btinternet.com if you'd like to know more.

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    For Sale 
    If you have something for sale that you think locals would like - let us know and we will put a SINGLE line entry in the PON at the beginning of each month...

    1 x 14 foot tinny with a 15hp Yamaha outboard includes nav lights, bilge and life jackets.
     
    Also, sadly for sale is the MV Aldrich.
    The MV Aldrich is Phillip Bond's old boat.
    It is 21 foot and is made of Huon Pine.
    It has a diesel inboard engine.

    Contact Sue on 0417 423 564 for sale details.

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    The Local Guide

    What's On in Pittwater - Self Editing Event Calendar
    Click Here
    Scotland Island Traders - On-line shopping from your computer, through your door on Scotland Island. Contact Graeme on 0419460331 or click here for full details
    Scotland Island Children's Centre, Catherine Park (Long Day Care Service)  8.30am - 4.30pm (Tues, Weds & Thurs)
    Playgroup @ Children's Centre every Monday, 10.00am - 12 midday
    Other services include: School Holiday Programme / Facility & Equipment Hire
    For information please call 02 9979 7856 or email:  siocs@comcen.com.au

    LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENTS
    :
    Century 21 Showcase Pittwater (click for property news) L.J.Hooker Mona Vale
    PMC Hill (subscribe to their newsletter here) Pittwater Real Estate

    GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS:
    Local Pittwater Council, or email them at Pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au  or by clicking here
    Federal: Bronwyn Bishop, Member for Mackellar by clicking here or Bronwyn.Bishop.MP@aph.gov.au
    State: Rob Stokes, Member for Pittwater, at pittwater@parliament.nsw.gov.au or by clicking here

    LOCAL TRANSPORT:
    Scotland Island Community Vehicle: Info: click here. Phone (0404103700)    Church Point Ferries (0408296997) Church Point Ferry Timetable click here  Manly Warringah Cabs (0299725600) Palm Beach Cruises (0299974815) Pink Water Taxi (0428238190)

    LOCAL ACCOMMODATION
    :
    Bed & Breakfast: Scotland Island Lodge: or http://www.scotlandislandlodge.com.au (0299793301)
    Yacht Clubs Woody Point Yacht Club  or http://www.wpyc.com.au 
      Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club or http://www.rpayc.com.au/
    Short Term Holiday Accommodation: ) Wiringulla Retreat (0299718375) or here
      Treetops on Towlers Bay' (0293322611) info@walkabouttours.com.au
    Budget Accommodation:

    On the doorstep of the Ku-ring-gai Chase N P: Pittwater YHA, Ph 0299995748 www.yha.com.au/hostels/details.cfm?hostelid=31 

    Local Pittwater Studies Website: http://www.pittlink.net/ls
    Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade: http://www.sirfb.org.au

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    EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS:     
    ALL EMERGENCIES (Police - Fire - Ambulance) 000
    Police Assistance Line & Information 13 1444 or 9281 0000
    Broken Bay Water Police 9910 7899 or 0412 162 093
    NSW Fire Service General Information 9265 2999 9265 2999
    Rural Fire Service General information 9450 3000
    State Emergency Service, Warringah/Pittwater SES 9486 3399
    National Parks & Wildlife Service: 000, general information 9457 9322
    Dept of Community Services: general information 9977 6011
    Sydney Water 132 090
    Energy Australia 131 388, (ah) 131 909


    Membership of SIRA, Emergency Scotland Island Water Contacts and Application for Water + Guidelines for water, in one document: click here for information (while online) Download the Scotland Island 'Water Agreement' by clicking here (while online)


    AIRLINES, BUSES and RAILWAYS:
    Sydney Airport:
    Arrivals and Departures
    Qantas:
    Information                
     Jetstar:
    Information
    Virgin Blue:
    Information

    Sydney Buses: Information.

    Sydney Ferries:
    Information
    City Rail:
    Timetables & Information.
    Country Link Rail:
    Timetable


    WEATHER:
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    Join SIRA You can now join the Scotland Island Residents Association by clicking here. Please print the page and return the completed form to SIRA at this address: The Treasurer, SIRA, PO Box 70, Church Point 2105. Please NO CASH. Contact SIRA at sirapittwater@hotmail.com
    Join WPCA To join the Western Pittwater Community Association, contact Michael Wiener at m2wiener@bigpond.net.au

    Archived Newsletters:
    A complete set of past electronic newsletters since May 2000 can be found and read at https://www.ymlp.com/pubarchive.php?sira or by clicking here topor by visiting the Mona Vale Library.
    The Island website is at www.scotlandisland.org.au


    Finally:
    If you would like to contribute to this newsletter it's easy!. Send an e-mail to the editor by clicking here. Type your short contribution (100 words 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 to your neighbours, 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.

    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)
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    Newsletter Design:Paul Purvis [0403-442-764]