ALL ABOARD THE FUN BUS. The Russell Island RSL’s brand new courtesy bus has officially hit the road! After a few bumps and plenty of “when’s it coming back?” whispers, it’s finally up and running - and the locals are loving it. Whether you’re there to win a meat tray, sing your heart out, join a get together, or just see what everyone’s talking about, the RSL is the place to be. Book your ride now on 3409 1372.
TINY LOCALS CROSSING If you’ve been out on the water lately and thought you spotted something the size of a small saucer doing its best Olympic training swim routine, you’re not imagining it. The baby turtles are in town. And right now, they’re navigating our channels like wide eyed tourists with no road rules and very little life experience. Which brings us to this week’s gentle island whisper: slow down! These little legends pop up without warning. They don’t check for boats. They don’t understand wake. And they definitely don’t have high vis vests. Locals have reported an increase in sightings around the islands, and while we love seeing them, they’re small, dark, and incredibly easy to miss at speed. So consider this your hot tip from the gossip desk; ease off the throttle, especially in shallower channels and around known turtle areas.
WHO’S DRUMMING UP TROUBLE? Who’s Drumming Up Trouble? Canaipa Percussion has been popping up everywhere; multicultural celebrations, seasonal gatherings, weekend markets, Turning Point Gallery; and now it’s becoming a regular thing. And before you ask: no, you don’t need dreadlocks, drum skills, or a spiritual awakening to join in. Drum circles are sneaky like that. One minute you’re just watching, the next you’re drumming, laughing, breathing deeper and wondering why you feel strangely calm. Turns out it’s science; stress drops, brains wake up, bodies sync, and time politely disappears. Very healing. Very now. Catch the beat: Saturdays 9.00 - 11.00am, Russell Island Community Centre - $15 a pop or $10 for concession. Second Sunday of each month 9.00am - 11.00am thru summer, Robert Street market - Free to join. Curious? Questions? Call Jon Francis on 0448 502 924. Jon’s 94 year old mum joined in 2023, proof that you’re never too old to lose yourself in the rhythm.
WHISPERS ON MACLEAY - A NEW FOOTY FEVER IS COMING! Word on the island is that a brand new football club is gearing up to kick off, and it’s not just for the kids. The plan? Start small with Under 7s up to under 11, and one senior mixed team if they get the numbers. Bryn Solly, the island’s very own footy legend with decades of junior football experience, is at the helm. Between roles as Qld Lions Junior President, Brisbane Southern Districts President and Senior VP of QJSC QLD Junior Soccer Council, Bryn knows a thing or two about building a club from the ground up, and he’s looking for locals to get involved. Curious? Eager to get involved? Bryn’s your go to - call 0418 850 965 for a chat.
FOOTPATH DIARIES Dogs may be on leads, but let’s be honest; their brains are often on side quests. One second they’re calm, the next they’ve decided another dog, leaf, shadow or breeze is deeply personal. So if someone gives a little space on a walk, crosses the road, tightens the lead or keeps things moving, it’s not rudeness. It’s experience, training, a bad past interaction. Or simply knowing their dog’s limits better than anyone else. Friendly doesn’t always mean available. Cautious doesn’t mean unfriendly. A bit of grace goes a long way - for owners, for dogs, and for keeping the footpath drama free. Walk on. Wag on. Be kind.
YOU CAN’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ!
Well….here’s a confession. In my last story about the IGA carpark legends, I got a little carried away and mixed up the names. Yep, Shane isn’t Robert, and Robert isn’t Shane. Clearly, I was having too much fun with drag racing stories, and Little Dog supervising the whole scene to pay full attention! So, let’s set the record straight.
Shane’s the one who fell in love with Russell Island instantly when visiting friends of his ex and bought a property the same weekend. He’s the calm chocolate milk drinker who listens to Robert’s drag racing stories and keeps the carpark laughs rolling.
Robert’s the one who’s been coming to the carpark for 51 months since getting sober, grew up in South Tweed, and has lived on Russell Island for over 30 years. He’s the one who volunteered at the RSL, got behind the bar, and turned the IGA carpark into a community hub
And Little Dog? He’s still the cutest, wisest observer, making sure everyone behaves.
Thanks for letting me mix up names in the spirit of fun. It’s impossible not to get a little distracted when there’s that much energy, laughter, and generosity going on. Now that the record’s straight, you can properly celebrate these two legends of the IGA carpark!
