ISLANDS AND THE FRIENDLY BAY ISLANDER HAVE COME A LONG WAY IN 12 YEARS
This edition of your Friendly Bay Islander is Volume 13 No 1, the 12th anniversary of when we first were delivered to the people of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
We produced 24 pages in that first edition, and we surprised many with the quality of our production and the amazing glossy colour.
The magazine quickly took off with a positive outlook and working towards common goals that would bring about a better recognition of our islands.
None of it would have been possible, however, were it not for the amazing support of the businesses and advertisers of the island group that have seen the magazine grow into the 80 plus page publication that it is today.
Many refer to The Friendly Bay Islander as ‘the island Bible’.
The philosophy of the magazine has always been about supporting our islands, our businesses and our readers.
Along the way we expanded in more ways than one, delivering to homes and businesses on all six islands linked to the Redlands Coast incorporating both Coochiemudlo and North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) early in proceedings.
We have endeavoured to be a ‘collective voice’ for our islands supporting issues and needs for our islands above all else, and calling to account when necessary.
There have been issues and outcomes that have been front and centre to the future prosperity of our islands, particularly inter-island communication and free inter-island travel.
We joined with Cr Mark Edwards, Steve Morgan and Bob Turner to introduce the annual island Australia Day Awards and island celebrations which are still awarded each January 25.
Another major early initiative was our Zero Tolerance program and posters that tackled poor island behaviour, and domestic violence issues. This program is still running.
We saw one of the biggest issues involving the then real estate industry; renting out to some people, with inadequate research, and rental history, which saw a rise in island crime, and issues in relation to behaviour in public areas.
Along with Cr Mark Edwards, we encouraged the majority of our island real estate firms to sign an agreement for better outcomes in this important area of rental accommodation.
There has always been strong support for our arts community since our inception.
Infrastructure, or lack of it for our islands, has always been an issue.
Whilst the Redlands on the mainland was prospering, the islands were not.
The island road sealing program, moves for an island Botanical Garden, and a better recognition of the islands to the Redland City Council economy (thanks to work by Cr Mark Edwards), have been vital.
Relations with Federal, State and Local Government are currently the best they have ever been, thanks to supportive representatives who are now working harder than ever before on behalf of our islands.
Again we reiterate that the last 10 years of The Friendly Bay Islander could not have been achieved without the support of our many advertisers and island businesses.
The monthly format of the magazine means their message is ‘current’ for an entire month, giving them effective and affordable reach of their message.
We also thank our many readers who tell us time and again how much they enjoy the FBI and look forward to it each month.
We will continue to strive for the excellence that has been paramount to our longevity. It has been a positive outcome for all concerned, whilst bringing to the attention of islanders all the issues important to them.
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