RUSSELL ROUNDUP

FATAL CAR CRASH RUSSELL ISLAND

The Queensland Police Service has stated the Forensic Crash Unit is investigating fatal two-vehicle car crash at Russell Island on Friday, January 19. Initial investigations indicate a Toyota Corolla and a Chevrolet Silverado crashed at the intersection of High Street and Bamboo Road, opposite the Memorial Gardens. around 7.50pm. A 79-year-old female passenger, ??? Oliver, a passenger in the Toyota, died at the scene. Her 81-year-old husband and driver of the Toyota, Ron Oliver, received minor injuries. The three male occupants of the Silverado, aged in their 20’s and 30’s, also received minor injuries. Police also requested anyone with any information or who has dash cam evidence to assist the investigation, should contact police.

CROSS STREET DILEMMA OFF HIGH STREET

Vehicles not stopping adequately off the main Russell Island High Street, are presenting a problem. The fatal crash on FridayJanuary 19 was not the only such incident in High Street in that same week. Days earlier, a white holden ute coming from Jackson Road, drove across High Street and ploughed into a tree on the other side of the road. The damage was substantial. Russell Island Police have urged island car drivers to be aware of the critical situation when approaching a main road from a side road on our islands. They have encouraged island drivers to slow down and stop, look both ways, before attempting to enter High Street or any of the central roads on our islands.

AUSTRALIA DAY FUN AND RECOGNITION

Australia Day on all of our islands was celebrated in various ways; some semi-private and others with some fanfare. on the SMB Islands there was golf games in a blaze of Australia carts and flags at the Bay Islands Golf Club, and the various other clubs (Club Macleay, Russell RSL and Russell Bowls Club) all had big visitations and recognition of Australia Day. The biggest celebration was on Russell Island for the event hosted by the BIMSARA group and co-hosts Running Wild, Bay Islands Auto Club, Bay Islands United Football Club, and Russell Island Fishing Club. One of the highlights of the day was the naming of the Bay Islanders of the Year, sponsored by Cr Mark Edwards and The Friendly Bay Islander. This year the awards were a little unusual. Most years there are Bay Islander of the Year, Senior Bay Islander of the Year and Junior Bay Islander. This year it was a little different. There were joint winners for the Bay Islanders of the Year. The major award went to the Russell Island Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Russell Island Paramedics, for their roles in the fire tragedy and aftermath last August 6. The Senior Bay Islander of the Year was awarded to Wally Crook on Macleay Island for his 20 years of service to the Lions organisation. Congratulations to the three winners, and a great day was had by all!

INTEREST IN THE RUSSELL ISLAND POST OFFICE

Last month we mentioned that Anthony and Katrina Gleeson have put the Russell Island Post Office up for sale. There have been a few inquiries and the inevitable ‘tyre kickers’. Anthony tells us that the Post Office is a unique business that will only keep growing on our islands as our population continues to grow and Post Office services continue to expand. For those reasons, it is a very unique business that is essential to the growth and success of our islands. We will keep you posted if and when the Post Office gets to change hands!

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE CLUBS

New Year’s Eve at the clubs on Russell Island was a hoot! There was music and fun at both the Russell Island Bowls Club and the RSL Club. Mumma Ju Ju and the Jam Tarts started proceedings at the RSL and then Coza Lita took over for an amazing further nearly four hours of song! She made it to the countdown at midnight and was pretty much exhausted!

LOTS COMING TO RUSSELL RSL

Boy, February is going to be a busy month at the Russell Island RSL Club. It starts on Friday, February 9, with a Turkish Spectacular with Turkish Food on the menu accompanied by Belly Dancing! Should definitely be a night with a difference. Then, on Wednesday, February 14, it is Valentine’s Day celebrations with a great menu planned for this very special evening dinner. Then, to top it off, The Leap Year Ball will be held on Saturday, February 24. This will be a night to dress up in style and get to dance the night away.This event is a follow on from the formal dinner in December for Returned Servicemen and Women that was an outstanding success. Book a table or seating now for all these events!.

CASINO NIGHT AT RUSSELL BOWLS CLUB

The popular Casino Night is returning to your Russell Island Bowls Club. the Roulette, Black Jack and the Spinning Wheel will be turning for a night of fun on Saturday the 17th of February. Apparently $40 gets you into the game and a fortune in ‘play money’. The night ends with a Fun Auction and Prizes! And don’t forget there will be special Valentine’s evening Dinner on 14th February. Dinner is served from 5.30 pm. It all adds up to some great entertainment at the popular island bowls club.