Contents
Original cemetery records reveal region's history
Celebrating a decade of success at Saskia
Upgrades to Gin Gin Recreation Reserve now complete
What's On Bundaberg
Matchbox collage impresses judges in art award
Endeavour Foundation Battle of the Bands
Winter school holiday fun in the region
Garden: Rustic garden of colour to float your boat
Recipe: Easy chocolate and traditional lemonade cupcakes
Fred Brophy returns ‘home' to Burnett Heads
Original cemetery records reveal region's history
Maria McMahon
Original cemetery records now more than 140 years old have been uncovered, naming Wilhelmina Hermann as the first person buried in the Takalvan Street cemetery.
Bundaberg Regional Council records staff made the surprise find recently while digitising cemetery records.
Regional Supervisor of Cemeteries Nicholas Burfield said unlike other types of records, those held at the cemetery were permanent and could never be destroyed.
“While going through the boxes we came across three bound burial record books dating back to 22 May 1879,” Nicholas said.
“We knew we had photocopies of these records but didn’t realise we still had the original books which are now quite fragile.”
Viewing the books is a delicate process and staff are minimising the handling as much as possible.
The records show that on 22 May 1879 Wilhelmina Herman, aged 40 years was the first person buried at Bundaberg’s Takalvan Street cemetery when the original site on land opposite the old Blockbuster building was closed after approximately six years.
The plot number and type of burial reveals that she was buried in a public grave which, during those times, was quite common and meant the graves had no headstone.
Nicholas said due to their age, the books would be sent to State Records to be archived and stored in conditions appropriate for such fragile records.
The team has been diligently working to digitise local cemetery records to ensure the information is preserved and to allow for increased accessibility to the information stored within.
“Having all cemetery records digitised is a significant achievement and the last piece to undergo this process are the cemetery maps,” Nicholas said.
“I’m concerned about the valuable history in those maps which also date back to the 1800s and give us a good overview of who is buried at our cemeteries, and in which plot.
“For this reason, I’ll be sending the maps to State Records for preserving and in turn, they will provide us with the digital copies.
“Viewing the maps in a digital format will make it a whole lot easier when searching for information on behalf of the families of loved ones.”
Celebrating a decade of success at Saskia
Georgia Neville
Just like the saying from little things big things grow, over the past decade Saskia De Paoli has grown her once small store to something bigger than even she had imagined.
When she stepped into the vacant premises at Millaquin Markets in 2011, she believed the space would be something special and 10 years later she now knows she was right.
The store offers gifts, homewares and various stylish selections.
“I have been wanting to do this probably forever, since I can remember,” Saskia said.
“From 2011 we have grown bit by bit and now it has become something massive that I really didn’t expect.
“My dad, who is now 90, helped me paint the boards for the store and even he said, ‘oh, we’ll see how we go here'.
“He thought, I don’t know about this.”
Saskia said that looking for new opportunities to keep the offering fresh had helped grow the business, as well as having worked in the local community for years prior to opening.
“Nobody expected it to go this crazy, but I think because I have been around for so long in shops, we have a strong client base who have known me for years.
“We are always seeking out new things and I think that over the past ten years we have figured out what works and what doesn’t.”
“Everything you see in the store I have picked myself to make sure that there is something available for everyone.”
The store boasts a laid back atmosphere which Saskia believes has been one of the keys to success over the past decade.
“The community feeling is what makes it,” she said.
“Knowing that you can come in here and buy something or you can just wander, there is no pressure to feel like you have to buy, it makes people feel comfortable with coming in store.
Having built a fantastic team who work alongside her, Saskia said the teamwork is what keeps the store going day in, day out.
“Each of the girls in the shop have their own little followings,” she said.
“People come in just to see Nina, Tessa or Karen and I love it – it is what teamwork is.”
To mark the occasion, Saskia will be hosting a celebration on Thursday, 1 July for all who visit the store.
There will be cake, champagne, canapes and lucky door prizes donated by suppliers of the store and the once popular coffee machine will be turned on for the occasion.
Find out more about the event and Saskia here.
Upgrades to Gin Gin Recreation Reserve now complete
Ashley Schipper
The Gin Gin Recreation Reserve has officially opened to the community following four months of construction to the popular rest area.
Planned works included a new toilet block, car park facilities and pathways to provide visitors to the site updated facilities to enjoy.
Divisional representative Cr Wayne Honor said a new entryway into the reserve created easy accessibility for visitors.
“This improved vehicle access to the car park, which is now located in a cul-de-sac with formalised angle parking,” he said.
“Features of the upgrade include two cubicle disability compliant toilets and a pedestrian pathway for connectivity to the barbecue area and playground area.
“There is a viewing platform with seating at the skate bowl to watch the action under the comfort of existing shade sails.”
Cr Honor said the upgrade was part of Council's commitment to ensuring community access to physical activity opportunities and plenty of parks and open spaces to enjoy.
“Spending time outdoors is linked to positive health outcomes for communities and parks play a major role in providing a space of enjoyment for people of all ages and abilities,” he said.
“I am thrilled residents are now able to access Gin Gin Recreation Reserve and all of its great new features.”
The upgrade is a joint initiative of Bundaberg Regional Council and the Queensland Government.
Matchbox collage impresses judges in art award
Adele More
Marlies Oakley's matchbox collage has impressed the judges in a prestigious art award, with the local resident receiving the runner up prize for her tiny creations.
Marlies was so sure she wouldn’t be accepted as a finalist in the 2021 Lethbridge 20000 Small Scale Art Award that she sold the collage she had originally entered.
“Normally when I apply for competitions, I never get accepted and know I have no chance, especially the ones in big cities like Brisbane,” she said.
“After I was accepted, I told the Lethbridge that unfortunately this one has sold, but I’d be happy to swap it for another in the same series.”
Marlies got to work and just 12 hours later she had whipped up another stunning artwork made up of 100 matchboxes filled with individual collages.
Each matchbox sized collage tells its own unique story and reflects ‘Thinking Inside the Box'.
“Were all living in our own little worlds, in each matchbox there’s some stereotype,” she said.
“But if you look closely there’s quirky little elements and that's the fun bit, I giggle at myself when I make them.”
This was the first time Marlies had entered the Lethbridge Art Award, where first prize is a staggering $20,000.
“One thing stood out that they were looking for – originality. I’ve definitely got that!” she said.
“I think it’s great that a collage got appreciated and recognised, my aim is to let the world know that collage is an art form as well.
“It’s not just cutting and gluing. I’m using old books and magazines, cutting images from them and telling new stories with them.”
Marlies took home the $1,000 cash prize for her runner-up position and her matchbox collage piece has now sold for $1,450 while on display at the Lethbridge Gallery.
“Now I’m working on the third one in the series, and a new collage idea that no one has seen before,” she said.
“I’m thinking now that I’ve won once I can do it again!:
The 250 finalist artworks in the Lethbridge 20000 Small Scale Art Award exhibition are on show until June 26 in Brisbane and an additional 500 are available to view online.
For local artist interested in entering their work to competitions, Marlies said to try the Bundaberg Art Prize.
“Entries are still open for the Bundaberg Art Prize, the website is up and running and artists can fill out the entry online and make something amazing to put on show,” she said.
Endeavour Foundation Battle of the Bands
Local musician Jessamine March has taken part in the Endeavour Foundation's annual Battle of the Bands in an effort to boost her confidence.
Playing the Tamborine and singing One More Time, Jessamine has been working on building up her confidence with the battle of the bands the perfect opportunity for her to shine.
The Endeavour Foundation also recently held its 70th anniversary celebrations in Bundaberg.
Winter school holiday fun in the region
Georgia Neville
A range of Council facilities are ensuring there is no lack of activities across the Bundaberg Region to keep the kids occupied these school holidays.
From arts to nature walks at Baldwin Swamp, there is something for everyone.
Find a full list of activities here:
TUESDAY, 29 JUNE
Brass Monkeys
Time: 10 am and 2 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Brass Monkeys celebrates kids who march to the beat of their own drum.
Bursting with high calibre acrobatics, a ton of comedy, live music and high flying tricks, this show is perfect for little kids and grownups who like a big brass belly laugh.
Performed by powerhouse trio of artists famous for combining circus skills of epic proportion and comedy for all ages.
Tickets: Adult: $35.00; Pensioner: $28.00; Student: $28.00; 20yrs & under: $20.00; Group 6+: $26.00; Group 10+: $24.00; Family of 4: $60.00
Purchase tickets here.
Rising Hero – Kids Workshop
Time: 12 pm – 1 pm or 2 pm – 3 pm
Where: Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery Park
Rising Heroes invites children to recognise the heroic qualities we all possess and the positive change we can create in our community.
Local Superheroes projects the logos of our local heroes across the Bundaberg skyline – you can add your own logo to the artwork!
Explore Secret Hideout, a place where superheroes don’t need a mask and can be themselves.
WEDNESDAY, 30 JUNE
Winter Snowflakes
Time: 10 am
Where: Gin Gin Library
Glittery snowflake craft for age six years and over. Children are invited to the Gin Gin Library to weave some glittering snowflakes using string.
Among Us
Time: 10 am
Where: Childers Library
Join the team at the Childers Library for free among us game session.
Complete tasks and work out who the impostors are! iPads are supplied and no previous gaming experience required.
Guided Nature Walk
Time: 9 am – 10 am
Where: Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park
The guided nature walk tour will be led by Natural Areas Ranger Sally with children to take part in a scavenger hunt and learn about the different types of leaves in the Park.
Children will be able to look at a range of natural items such as seed pods.
Each child needs to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. For ages 5 to 10 years.
Bookings are essential as places are limited. To book phone Council on 1300 883 699.
Snakes Alive
Time: 10.30 am – 11.15 am
Where: Lawn area in front of Hinkler Hall of Aviation, Bundaberg Botanic Garden
Children are invited to learn about snakes with a zookeeper from Alexandra Park Zoo and a live coastal carpet python.
They will find out why snakes are important, what snakes live in the Botanic Gardens and how to be safe around snakes.
There will be an opportunity to get up close and personal after the talk, use of hand sanitiser will be required before and after touching.
Children will then take home a colouring sheet and a packet of pencils.
This is a free activity. Bookings are not required.
Please wear sun smart clothing as this is an outdoor activity.
For enquiries, please contact Bundaberg Regional Council Parks Administration team on 1300 883 699.
THURSDAY, 1 JULY
Flourish Family Fun Day
Time: 9 am – 1 pm
Where: Boreham Park, Avenell Street Bundaberg
The 2021 Flourish Family Fun Day provides an opportunity to connect with a wide range of community organisations, government and business stall holders, who are ready to share their information, handouts and activities for your and the children.
Boreham Park will be filled with a wide range of stalls and activities for the whole family.
• Camel rides
• Climbing wall
• Jumping castle
• No depth water play
• Information stalls (groups, community organisations and businesses)
Dress up as your favourite ocean themed creature or character or simply enjoy the welcome baby celebration.
No bookings required.
Childers Outdoor Art Room
Time:10 am – 1 pm
where: Childers Art Space – ChArts
Messy Myrtle has planned a stack of fun-filled activities for the whole family with this year's theme, ‘Heal Country' at the Childers Art Space.
No bookings required
Sally Obst will host guided nature walks at Baldwin Swamp.
Sally Obst will host guided nature walks at Baldwin Swamp.
Walkervale State Primary School students Elissa Bury, Tara Cattell, Savannah Sinclair and Maddy Rumballe enjoy the new playground at Boreham Park.
Walkervale State Primary School students Elissa Bury, Tara Cattell, Savannah Sinclair and Maddy Rumballe enjoy the new playground at Boreham Park.
Zia Kennedy enjoys some craft last holidays.
Zia Kennedy enjoys some craft last holidays.
TUESDAY, 6 JULY
Snakes Alive
Time: 10.30 am – 11.15 am
Where: Lawn area in front of Hinkler Hall of Aviation, Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
Learn about snakes with a zookeeper from Alexandra Park Zoo and a live coastal carpet python.
Find out why snakes are important, what snakes live in the Botanic Gardens and how to be safe around snakes.
There will be an opportunity to get up close and personal after the talk, use of hand sanitiser will be required before and after touching.
Then take home a colouring sheet and a packet of pencils.
Please wear sun smart clothing as this is an outdoor activity.
This is a free activity. Bookings are not required.
For enquiries, please contact Bundaberg Regional Council Parks Administration team on 1300 883 699.
WEDNESDAY, 7 JULY
Make your own Wooden Peg Biplane
Time: 9:30 am
Where: Hinkler Hall of Aviation
Kids can create their very own Biplane just like Bert Hinkler's Avro Baby!
They will make their own wooden peg biplane with two wings, a rudder and propeller with added flair through personalised colours.
This activity which requires minimal adult assistance.
Board Games and Lego fun
Time: 10 am – 1 pm
Where: Bundaberg Library
Drop into Bundaberg library and join a game or create something with Lego.
There will be board games for a variety of ages and preferences.
No bookings required.
Outdoor Art Room
Time: 10 am – 1 pm
Where: Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery Park
The activities at the outdoor art room at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery Park include:
Making reed necklaces, traditionally these are shared between groups for friendship
Designing and casting your own symbol in honour of the Burnett River Rocks
Collaborating on our ‘Heal Country’ painting
No bookings required.
THURSDAY, 8 JULY
Water Bugs
Time: 9 am – 10 am
Where: Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park
Join Sally, Natural Areas Ranger at Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park to learn about what water bugs are living under the lakes.
Children will be invited to dip in their nets to see what they can find.
All participants need to wear closed in shoes, hat, sunscreen, bring a water bottle and insect repellent.
Each child needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For ages 5 – 10 years.
Bookings are essential as places are limited.
To book, phone Council on 1300 883 699.
FRIDAY, 9 JULY
Splash Test Dummies
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Rub-a-dub-dub, The Dummies are back with some splish splashing circus set to drown you in tears of laughter.
From the makers of the hit show, Trash Test Dummies comes a new production of oceanic proportions!
Splash Test Dummies are here, ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into a brand new hour of circus filled hilarity for the whole family.
See a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, acrobatics, juggling and the side-splitting, slapstick comedy for which the dummies are famous.
Tickets: Adult: $35.00; Pensioner: $28.00; Student: $28.00; 20yrs and under: $20.00; Group 6+: $26.00; Group 10+: $24.00; Family of 4: $60.00
Purchase tickets here.
Outdoor Art Room
Time: 10am – 1pm
Where: Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery Park
The activities at the outdoor art room at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery Park include:
Making reed necklaces, traditionally these are shared between groups for friendship
Designing and casting your own symbol in honour of the Burnett River Rocks
Collaborating on our ‘Heal Country’ painting
No bookings required.
Learn about snakes with a zookeeper from Alexandra Park Zoo and a live coastal carpet python.
Learn about snakes with a zookeeper from Alexandra Park Zoo and a live coastal carpet python.
The Splash Test Dummies will dive on to the Moncrieff stage for the school holidays.
The Splash Test Dummies will dive on to the Moncrieff stage for the school holidays.
Emilee Gray enjjoying some craft activities.
Emilee Gray enjjoying some craft activities.
Explore nature at Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park.
Explore nature at Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park.
Youth Services Librarian Jaala Beauchamp at the Bundaberg Library.
Youth Services Librarian Jaala Beauchamp at the Bundaberg Library.
There is plenty to explore at the Botanic Gardens.
There is plenty to explore at the Botanic Gardens.
ALL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
These activities are available to enjoy throughout the entire holiday period.
Creative Corner
Time: Monday to Friday 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm.
Where: Childers Library
Children aged 5 years and above are invited to come and create their own designs at the Childers Library walk-in craft table.
This is a wonderful chance for them to unleash their imagination and get crafty at their own pace.
No bookings required.
Free Botanic Gardens Kids Activities
Time: 9am – 3pm
Where: Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
Have you completed the two kids’ activity trails at the Botanic Gardens?
Pick up the free activity booklets from the brochure stand at the Botanic Gardens Café 1928 and head off on a garden adventure!
Activities are suitable for 3 – 7 year olds and 8 – 13 year olds.
Take your pick of four free activity sheets: learn how to make magical blooming flowers with paper, pens and water, play Garden Bingo, discover how to make a plant press and do an I Spy activity in the gardens or at home.
For enquiries, please contact Bundaberg Regional Council Parks Administration team on 1300 883 699.
Celebrate The Star Festival
Time: 9am – 3pm
Where: Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
Tanabata or The Star Festival is celebrated every year in Japan by making wishes.
Pick up your free wish paper or ‘tanzaku’ and string at Café 1928 in the Botanic Gardens, write a wish and hang it on the bamboo in the Japanese Gardens, or leave in the box and we will hang it up for you.
Read about the Festival on the Gardens whiteboard outside the café.
For enquiries, please contact Bundaberg Regional Council Parks Administration team on 1300 883 699.
Rustic garden of colour to float your boat
Morgan Everett
Jenny and Rick Gills know the meaning of turning trash to treasure, transforming their garden front to back with a mixture of natives, succulents and upcycled pieces.
The journey started four years ago for the gardening duo who said their secret to a thriving garden was to buy cheap and wing it.
“The hubby wanted to have just natives and I thought no, we need to plant some succulents in there!” Jenny said.
“She doesn’t like to see bare earth, mulch or anything,” Rick said.
“If there’s a piece of earth, that’s somewhere to put a plant.”
The green thumbs said it all started when they went to a fair and made some initial purchases.
“I bought a few succulents to make a succulent arrangement and from there I just kept making them, eventually they snuck into my garden,” Jenny said.
“I love it when things start flowering, I love my succulent gardens the most and it is a bit addictive finding new ones to collect.
“The cacti and succulents go hand in hand, but I prefer the succulents now, the cacti are too prickly.
After building the shed Rick said the garden out the front was the first to be developed, which is full of natives, leading into a cottagecore style garden.
“Because of the dry weather we chose to plant natives,” Rick said.
“I like the birds and wildlife natives attract.”
Making your way into the backyard, the first item to catch your eye is a boat full of succulents.
Jenny said they try to upcycle pretty much anything and everything.
“She’s not a traditional gardener, she gardens like she cooks, a bit of this a bit of that,” Rick said.
“I think it's a good way to do it too, because years down the track when you think about how your garden started, you enjoyed the time you spent working on it.”
Fred Brophy returns ‘home' to Burnett Heads
Emma Reid
At 68 years of age there is no slowing down in sight for Fred Brophy and his travelling boxing tent with both returning to the Lighthouse Hotel this weekend.
Fred calls Burnett Heads home having settled in the region to raise a family with his wife Sandi more than 30 years ago.
A fourth-generation showman, he's spent his life on the road, travelling Australia year after year with the Fred Brophy Boxing Tent.
But he said there's something special that attracted him to the Bundaberg Region.
“I’ve been on the road all my life and put in the hard yards,” Fred said.
“I was born during the Perth Show and so I travelled with the shows from day one.
“It was when Sandi and I got together that we thought we had better settle down and raise a family. We raised our three kids, Josephine, Emerald and Fred Junior here, and they went to school at Burnett Heads, and then Shalom.”
Out of the ring Fred said his love for the relaxed lifestyle of fishing, ensured he would settle on the coast.
“I’ve been all around Australia, and I can say for sure Burnett Heads has the best climate, the friendliest people and great fishing,” he said.
“My friends, and my doctor, Brad Murphy, are all here.
“So, I always return to our home here, and I have never looked back.”
After a year off due to COVID-19 regulations Fred said he was eager to stand tall spruiking his show, high on a platform in front of the tent at the Lighthouse Hotel on Friday and Saturday night.
The boom of Fred’s drum will stir the crowd’s anticipation for a boxing showdown as he returns to his hometown with the Fred Brophy Boxing Tent for the eighth time.
“Every show is different, so even if you have been to previous shows, you’ll never know what you’ll see this time” Fred said.
Fred runs the world's last travelling boxing troupe and the two-day event at the Lighthouse Hotel is always highly attended.
“This tent is the last of them. And I want to keep it going as long as I can – once it’s gone, it’s gone. But I have no plans to retire at all.
“If I can still climb up on the podium board with my bell and drum then the show will go on.”
Lighthouse Hotel manager Gavin Hales said Fred was known as a true showman who put on a display of not only muscle, but an electric atmosphere of entertainment that would have the town talking for years to come.
“Come down and have a feed, and when you hear the beating drum head towards the tent to see all the fighters on a platform,” Gavin said.
“It’s a chance for people from the community to take on one of Fred’s fighters.
“All in fun and quite a show – as some community members turn up and beat his fighters!”
Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe is on for two huge nights at the Lighthouse Hotel, Burnett Heads. For more information click here.
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