The Year that Was!
Thank you for your continued support of tilligerry.com. We are always on the lookout for stories to share with our community. Enjoy our selection of 2024.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy 2025!!
Ploughing it Back
Both clubs in Tilligerry are not for profit and plough their surpluses back into the community.
Did you ever wonder where the lollies Santa gave out came from? For years now, the RSL and Bowlo have supplied them.
The RSL / Golf Club runs our Motorama and Xmas and New Year celebrations with fireworks galore and the Golf Club is given over to charity golf days.
Both clubs have clubs within clubs such as fishing, darts, trivia, cards and cater for all age groups.
Our Bowlo (now Club Lemon Tree) supports the RFS and Marine Rescue with gala days which are major fund raisers. Indeed the Scouts would probably not survive without regular financial assistance.
Current President Kevin Colman OAM puts it this way:
“Each year we give back some $40 000 to numerous worthy local groups. We had to shut up shop during the Covid pandemic but still donated to the community but not as much as we wanted to.”
“When the bushfires threatened the Holiday Park we turned the club into a safe haven for the night. We'
ve also supported drought, fire and flood relief acting as a collection hub.”
“We're very much moving with the times, covering our roof with solar panels and our electric car recharge outlets are available 24/7/365 for anybody to use.
Members have been known to bequeath part or their entire estates to the clubs. A certain Roy Lacey left over $200 000 to the then Bowling Club which used it to resurface their synthetic green . There was even enough left over to buy a new courtesy bus. The green was renamed in his honour.
In the case of the Golf Club (now absorbed by the RSL) Long time veteran golfer Tom Mc Bride left some $40 000 to the club. This they used to buy a new fairway mower and attached a plaque to it bearing is name.
Currently a new plaque and garden is to be built honouring the memory of Bernie Henderson who died whilst clearing the first nine holes. Another plaque will recognize the Herculean efforts of the late course superintendent, Ken Doolan who oversaw the construction of the course.
Pictures: Marine Rescue LTP, beneficiary of donations....Tilligerry RSL, hosts major events.....Electric car charging bays at Club Lemon Tree.....and Kevin Colman OAM, “Putting back into the community is what it's all about.”
Modest Maestro
Some stories are hard to come by but others just fall into one's lap!
Such was the case when we went to have a haircut at Karen's barber shop in LTP. There, on the wall was a massive fishing trophy of a Murray cod.
Local identity Ross Fitzgerald had donated it. Since the shop shut, it now takes pride of place on the bedroom wall of its owner home in Tanilba Bay. The full head and huge gaping mouth are a very impressive sight.
But dear reader, that was just the tip of the iceberg. Ross has had a very interesting life after he left the family farm at Canowindra to join the navy at the tender age of just 15. Six years at sea and he was back on the farm where he got into shearing. These were the days before back supports which accounts for his spinal problems today.
He has shorn the lot! Cranky horned rams, ewes, lambs, crossbreds, black sheep, white sheep, merinos, come-back lines and more. He's also crutched and wigged them.
With a record tally of 160 for one day he was well on the way to becoming a local gun shearer but a job at a power station beckoned.
His monster cod was something of a record, tipping the scales at 56 pounds and caught at Wilcannia on the Darling River.
When he and his wife Julie bought the Tanilba Newsagency, Ross started racing greyhounds. The most successful of these was 'Paper Man' which won a coveted gold cup at 'The Gardens' in Newcastle.
The 'Greyhound Recorder' responded with a front page splash: 'Paper Man Hits the Headlines!'
Health issues have sidelined him lately but Julie still runs the newsagency in the Kooindah centre.
Photo: Ross, proud owner of 'Paper Man' the champion greyhound.
Firefighters
Remembered
Behind the scenes of children wildly excited about Santa dispensing lollies from the back of the firetruck, there was a tinge of sadness amongst the local brigade.
You see, several prominent firies from yesteryear hung up their hats during the year and will never again face the flames.
They won't be forgotten however and their names will be preserved on a rock of rem
embrance next to the flagpole at the new Tilligerry station.
Long time FCO Allan Hepplewhite heads the list along with former captains Johnny Williams and Lennie Rooke. Foundation member and former LTP captain Ian Hicks has been taken into care after a long illness and an outpouring of emotion followed the departure of former deputy captain Judy Camm.
Pictures: Judy Camm, Lennie Rooke and Ian Hicks (far left in book cover) and Johnny Williams (centre). Allan Hepplewhite's photo is in the book which is out of print and available via the Library Service.
Real Estate Report
According to Rodney Ke
ers, real estate has shown a small increase in prices at the lower end of the market with fewer sales over the $1 000 000 range being realized during the busy Spring Season.
“There was a softening of the market last year after the incredible boom of the 'covid' years,” he said. “It is now a more stable situation.” he added.
“Our books show us that in the Spring quarter we sold 36 properties with them averaging 67 days on the market.
The median price was $710, 000 with the highest sale achieved being $1, 250, 000. The lowest was $520, 000. Rents averaged out at $570 pw. with a vacancy rate of less than 1%”, he said.
Tilligerry remains a popular place to live. It has water on three sides. Many blocks are very large because the subdivisions date back to the 1930s when land was pentiful and cheap. That's why the roads and nature strips are wide. On top of this it is a very peaceful place which is free of the stresses and tensions of life in the cities.
Photos: Portside's David and Rodney Keers....Visionary developer Henry Halloran ….and the very wide Avenue of the Allies at Tanilba Bay which he designed.
More fun for Xmas
As usual, the Tilligerry Lions Club will be on the prowl in the weeks before Xmas judging the best lights show. Prizes will be awarded for the most impressive displays in Tanilba Bay, Mallabula and LTP. Certificates and Xmas cakes will be the prizes.
Meanwhile, on the Saturday before the big day, Santa will be on the back of the fire truck tossing out bags of lollies to the good boys and girls.
There is a tracker for his route on their facebook page and children are asked to gather on the street corners as Santa hasn't the time to go down every side street. He also asks the boys and girls not to run on the road or to follow the truck. You will know when he's close when you hear some 'whoops' on the siren or by the playing of Xmas carols over the loud speaker.
We have been notified that there will be a combined traditional Christian Service for all denominations at the Uniting Church at 5.30 pm on Sunday 15th December.
Photos: Santa on the fire truck and a prize winning Xmas lights display.
Christmas in Tilligerry
Most of the writings about the birth of Jesus come from one of his disciples. In Luke 2: 15 – 16 he states:
'And it came to pass as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: 'Let us go now ever into Bethlhem and see this thing which , the Lord hath made known to us.....and they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger'.
Tilligerry celebrates Christmas in many ways. This year, the Uniting and Baptist churches will combine to put on a free slap-up dinner at the the Baptist Church for those left alone on the day. Nobody will be turned away but notification of attendance will assist with catering.
On top of this, a Christmas Eve service will be held and you can participate by vi
deo link. Their facebook site will give you details.
The Tilligerry Arts Group (TAG) will have their Christmas Markets this Sunday 1st December at their gallery on Meredith Avenue, Lemon Tree Passage.
Our RSL will have its annual Carols by Candlelight on the lawns on 7th December and many homes will be festooned with Christmas lights.
Do YOU want to help the less fortunate at this time of year?
Donations of non perishable foods can be made at the Church for Life shop in the Kooindah Centre and at the Baptist Church in Beatty Blvd. These will be made up into hampers and given to the needy in the true spirit of Christmas.
Photos: Rev. Anthony Gentle....Video link for Christmas Eve service at Baptist Church..... The Uniting Church....Combining with Baptist Church for Christmas dinner for those left alone on the day....TAG Gallery Markets Sunday 1 December ....and....Anthony and Tanya ….'Christmas Carols at the RSL on 7th December.
Happy Wanderers
The pristine foreshore walkways and the many nature trails in Tilligerry have been increasingly targeted by those wanting a break from the pressure cooker life of the cities.
Most of these groups comprise seniors. Some are walkers, others ride bikes. Motor home owners and caravaners camp out in groups.
'Hunter Coastal Wanderers' is one such group which set up shop in the Scouts' compound at Tanilba Bay.
Kevin Richards explains:
“We limit the distance we travel. About a two hour drive from Newcastle suits us and Tanilba is a favourite destination,” he said.
The secure Scouts' compound with its recreation shed and amenities is just perfect. We kick the can for the scouts and eat out at the nearby RSL and takeaways. On top of this we make sure that the area is neat and tidy when we leave.” he added.
Interested? Visit their facebook page for more details.
Photos: Hunter Coastal Wanderers and other seniors visiting our town.
Phil Does it Again
Local writer and author Phil Murray has taken out three prizes in the Port Stephens 2024 Literature Awards.
He has been prominent in the short story competition over the years and wrote a successful book about his father 'Gelignite Jack'.
This name was given to him because he cleared obstacles with the explosive on a round Australia car reliability trial in the 1950s. Some say he threw sticks of it behind him to slow down the opposition.
Phil himself has also led an adventurous life and in later years has turned to writing.
Full results are listed on this page in a separate article. TACE ran the competition for close on 20 years and Tilligerry Lions Club now does it, receiving entries from most Australian states.
File photo : Phil receiving a previous award from Cr. Steve Tucker and judge Lloyd Hogg.
Port Stephens Literature Awards - Results
We are pleased to announce that judging has been completed for this year's Annual Port Stephens Literature Award organised by the Lions Club of Tilligerry Peninsula.
We thank you for your support of our award and for your interest in writing and literature.
66 entries were received from nationwide ..5 states.
Judging is a lengthy process...batches of 10 stories are sent to the voluntary readers.....who come from all walks of life......each of the stories is read by three different readers. Their rankings determine the final 20 stories for judging. The 20 finalists are in turn sent to each of the final three judges and their rankings are averaged to determine the results. It is a lengthy, but fair process...
All readers and judges were impressed with the overall quality and readability of this year's entries. I thank them on your behalf for giving their time and consideration to your work. And I thank our sponsors Port Stephens Council, Club Lemon Tree, News of the Area Publications, Lions Club of Tilligerry Peninsula.
We look forward to your support and entries again in 2025.
Here are the results:
Port Stephens Council Award $500: Ray Keipert of Tea Gardens NSW "Surf Break"
Club Lemon Tree Award $300: Phil Murray of Nelson Bay NSW "What Happened to Harry"
Lions Club of Tilligerry Peninsula Award $100: Megan Wallers Warburton Victoria "The True Stroy of Ping and the Swans"
News of the Area Publications Award $100: Anne Davy Redhead NSW "Pedestrian"
Most Highly Commended $50: Phil Murray Nelson Bay NSW "Singapore Sting"
Most Highly Commended $50: "Caravan"
Commended
Liam Kenny
Gary Burnett
Glen Chandler
Jan Johnson Furness
Renee Ritchie
Ray Keipert
Barbara Watt
Doug Pender
Dee Taylor
Kath Gridland
Diana Soulter
Glynis Quinlan
Phil Murray
Seniors Village Approved!!!
The proposed seniors village at Tanilba Bay has been approved by PSSC.
It has been on hold since groundwater pollution was identified near the service station which has been closed.
Stage one will proceed and will not include the area which has unresolved issues.
Photo: Stage one of the village to proceed on the old Plaza site.
Watery Graves
The Lemon Tree Passage Marina has seen more than its fair share of interesting boats an colourful characters come and go over the years. David Lewis, the famous Antarctic navigator was one but others came to grief after sailing away.
We featured the MV Banks recently in a story about the need to dredge the channel into the Passage.
This vessel started its life as HMAS Banks in 1959.She and her sister ship HMAS Bass were built in Maryborough, Queensland and were general purpose ships doing survey work and supply drop offs around the northern coastline and the Pacific Islands. Sold to private interests, she finally ended her life after being driven onto rocks in Queensland by a cyclone. You can find RAN film footage of her maiden voyage send off on You Tube.
A far more interesting vessel was the Bintang Siang.
During WW2 it was imperative to know the movements of the Japanese Navy and coast watchers were secretly put ashore (usually by submarine) with radios to report any sightings.
One such coast watcher spotted an invasion fleet and the USAF and the RAAF intercepted it with devastating results.
To infiltrate the Indonesian Archipe
lago, an imitation Macassan Prau was built to blend in with the hundreds of fishing vessels in the area.
This was named the Bintang Siang. It as built in 1942 in Brisbane and had an Indonesian speaking captain, a couple of native crew and several highly trained Z force commandos. They carried a radio, a large supply of fuel, water and food and automatic weapons, a mortar and explosives.
Twice she was stopped by the Japanese but they suspected nothing. To be caught meant torture and execution as spies.
Even today, much of what the Bintang Siang did during the war is unknown as details are still classified 'secret' and the documentation sealed.
The vessel was sold after the war into private hands and ended up at our marina to be towed north. The line broke during a southerly gale and she ended up as a wreck on the beach at South West Rocks.
The most tragic ending was that of a yacht which was slipped at Lemon Tree. The 'Winston Churchill' a veteran Sydney / Hobart racer foundered during the fateful 1998 race. Three of the crew drowned and a total of six lives were lost and five yachts were abandoned.
Race organizers warned of a developing East Coast Low but it turned into something much worse.
The lesson in all of this dear reader is that it is important to check weather reports and Marine Rescue advice before heading out through the Heads.
Pictures: Before and after: HMAS Banks in her heyday and as a rusting hulk in Queensland.
Why Wemyss Way
Remembrance Day used to be called Armistice Day as the cessation of hostilities occurred on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
The architect of the 'surrender' of German forces was a certain Admiral Rosslyn Wemyss. He brought forward the planned time by three and a half hours, thus saving hundreds of lives. At this precise time our nation pauses each year for a minute's silence to reflect on the memory of all those Australians who died to preserve our freedom.
The impact of this war with 60 000 Australian dead and numerous soldiers wounded or gassed had a social outcome whereby the years following were known as 'The Era of the Maiden Aunt'. It meant that there were fewer suitable men left for women to marry. Our population at the time was about 4 000 000.
There's a short street in Tanilba Bay named after Wemyss. Do you know where it is? Few people do.
Picture: Rosslyn Wemyss....Architect of Rembrance Day.
Snapper Men Back
Psssst! If you check out the snapper men post by scrolling down, there is more good news.
They have returned to bag a dozen more to 1kg in weight, Same place, same bait!
Photo: from previous story.
Garage Sale Trail
Port Stephens Council has tried several ways of getting rid of unwanted domestic rubbish and household junk.
With public tips being closed, they opened a large recycling centre and had kerbside collection weeks a couple of times each year.
This had problems in as much as neighbourhoods looked dreadful with piles of stuff outside every house. On top of this, kids would smash glass and take pushbikes away and dump them all over the place.
The next step was to give every ratepayer two free 'pick ups' each year and PSSC posted out stickers to be put on the rubbish. That system still operates and supplements special days for tyres, paints and toxic waste at our old LTP tip (now a transfer station).
But there's more! Here is what the council has to say:
'Get involved in this year's Garage Sale trail.
Make a buck or find a bargain and contribute to saving items from landfill! Get involved in the nation's biggest second hand treasure hunt. No garage? No worries. Join a group sale near you, host from your unit block, car boot, local school or make it a pop-up street party! The best part is, participation is free. Get involved and keep an eye on your local Garage Sae Trail at: pscouncil.info/garage-sale-trail'
What a great idea! You can get to know good people, have a few drinks , perhaps a BBQ, and give quality gear away to the needy or make a modest buck or two. There will be notifications of where you're at and swarms of people following the trail. It's win, win, win all 'round.
Sadly, we still have a few dumpers who cost the charity stores money in getting rid of the rubbish they leave outside their stores. That's why Vinnies now have a fence and inspect any donations before they can be put in the collection bin.
The only registered site on Tilligerry is at 41 President Poincaire Pde. It is on Saturday, 9th Nov, between 9am and 2pm. with some 300 items on sale.
Picture: Vinnies with piled up rubbish outside their fence.
He Saved My Life
Some years ago we posted an article about Tanilba plumber Peter Marchant who had undergone surgery for a class 2 brain tumor.
The neurosurgeon who performed the delicate key-hole procedure was none other than Charlie Teo.
He pioneered this procedure in America where he worked for ten years.
Charlie was always controversial, taking on cases that other surgeons dismissed as hopeless. He was not popular with some others in the field and after complaints, was restricted in what he was allowed to do.
He has since operated overseas where he is not under the umbrella of Australian medical authorities and their directives.
Peter, now retired is full of praise for Dr Teo.
“I'm convinced that he saved my life,” he said. “It's been nine years now but a benign tumor has returned and I need more surgery to stop it creating pressure on other areas and causing more problems,” he added.
All those years ago, after suffering seizures, a MRI scan showed a frontal lobe tumor measuring 50mm x 16mm.
“I left the hospital disenchanted. They showed no real interest in my condition and I Iost confidence in them.
“I rang Charlie Teo's office. There was a vacancy the next day and after a three and a half hour operation the job was done. It cost me $36 000 but most of this went in hospital fees and charges.
“What impressed me about Charlie was his enthusiasm and confidence. He treated me like a real person. He also talked to my wife and said that she must accept me the way the 'new me' was going to be. On top of this he advised me on my future diet which I adopted. It has made me feel great.”
“ Initially, I lost my sense of smell and taste which are slowly returning but that's a small price to pay considering the condition would have been terminal. Charlie was surprised that a tumor has developed so long after the first operation. Usually it happens within a couple of years” he said.
It looks like I'll be travelling to China for the procedure if certain dietary changes including the KETO diet and fasting fail to stop the tumor's growth. Charlie does not operate in Australia anymore because of the restrictions placed on him by the medical authorities.
Photos: Dr Charlie Teo and Peter Marchant..... “ Charlie saved my life.”
Quality Meats Closes
By the time you read this
Quality Meats will have shut its doors for the last time.
This brings to the end a family business which dates back decades serving the residents of Tilligerry.
The family bit the bullet and moved from a butcher's shop at The Junction to a small shop in LTP (where the current liquor store is located). It boomed and with the construction of the Kooindah Centre at Tanilba Bay they relocated to a shopfront (where the Thai Restaurant is now situated).
It proved to be too small so they moved a couple of doors to a larger shop where they worked from until this week.
The guiding hand in all of this was master butcher Ron Curry who served his apprenticeship with a smallgoods manufacturer.
He used his skills to hand make a variety of devons, sausages, jefky, bacon, hams and and frankfurts. To add flavour he built smokehouses and used the dry hardwood chips from the Karuah sawmill in them. So popular were his hams that around 300 of them were sold each Xmas.
The business also sold basic vegetables, cheeses and dips and a coffee shop had a few early morning customers.
The whole family of wife Margaret, three sons and a daughter – even grandchildren became part of the enterprise.
Glen was apprenticed at the age of 17 and took over from Ron after he retired. Sadly, medical issues over a long time limited what he could do so the business closed. It will be a great loss to the community for those seeking friendship and quality meats that you just can't get in the supermarkets.
Pictures: Tilligerry Quality Meats family members.
Taking it Easy
Look at the picture. It's of a group of friends from Soldiers Point living the good life whilst moored to the public wharf at Lemon Tree.
Some seafarers would say that they were taking a risk in such a craft on the open waters of the bay. You see, howling westerlies can strike at any time. Of particular danger is the narrow gap between Soldiers' Point and the northern shore as the current roars through here, particularly with the big tides. With a flood tide and a westerly gale, the waves actually fold over and make the crossing very hard to negotiate. The same applies with the black nor' easters and an ebb tide.
The skipper of the moored craft said that he was well aware of the dangers and only ventured out after a detailed study of the BoM site and forecasts.
“In moderate winds, we can always find a bay in the lee and it is only in perfect conditions that we explore the esuaries and backwaters,” he said.
“We've been up past Karuah, navigated the Myall River and the waterways of Tilligerry and Swan Bay as well as other interesting bays and creeks,” he added.
He also told tilligerry.com that the craft – a 'Barletta' American import – was rather rare. It cost $120 000 and is powered by a 150 hp Mercury outboard.
“It suits my partner and me and is great for entertaing guests at our weekender. We still live in Sydney and eventually plan to retire here,” he stated.
Soldiers' Point got its name from a garrison of soldiers stationed there in the early 1800s. You see, escaped convicts from the A A Company's Tahlee property would head for the narrows and swim it at slack water. The soldiers on lookout would capture them and take them back. Not many people know this.
Picture: The 'Barletta' and visitors at the LTP public jetty.
What a Catch Up - Rembukan International
Last Sunday, Rembukan International had their annual catch up at Tanilba Bay Golf Club
Visitors came from Brisbane, Sydney and Newcastle came to spend time with Tanilba Bay Sensei Aubrey Brooks
Over thirty attended, for lunch and drinks. Special THANKS to Tanilba Bay Golf Club for a wonderful day
Photos: Rembukan Members, from 1963 till 2024, Sensei Peter Oberekar Hamilton Dojo Newcastle, Peg and Sensei Aubrey Brooks, Tanilba Bay
Aubrey Brooks. OAM
2014 NSW Gov. Heritage Volunteer Award.
Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee award 1984
BHP Newcastle History Researcher.
Sensei, Cardiff Karate Club, Life Member, Rembuden NZ
Director. Rembukan Karate Dojo’s 1970-1985
Community Service Award. 2KO
Tel. 0407452714
Email aub.brooks@outlook.com
Snapper Men
Snapper fisher folk will tell you that the best time to fish for snapper is after a big southerly bump. This dislodges the crabs and marine creatures from the tidal zone and the snapper come into the white water to feast on them.
Knowing this, two Newcastle blokes launched their boat from LTP and headed for Broughton Island. Here they floated some pilchards down to where the snapper were lurking and they nailed 19.
They are regulars at LTP as the ramp is less crowded than the one in Nelson Bay and they save time getting out to sea.
So dear reader, get your gear together and head for the white water. You can even catch your own bait in close to Tomaree headland if you have the time.
Photo: One of the snapper caught recently off Broughton Island.
Channel needs Dredging
The grounding of the Wangi Queen in the north channel at Lemon Tree Passage highlights the need for dredging according to long time marina manager Mike Colecliffe.
“As things stand, there are no problems with vessels of any size if skippers are aware of the tidal depths,” he said. “If there is any doubt, the southern approach around the back of Bull Island on a high tide is the best option,” he added.
“We have campaigned for years to have the channel dredged but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears,” he said.
“Currently, at low water, the depth of the north channel is just half a metre and even at mid tide we've seen large yachts come to grief at a depth of 1.5 metres,” he remarked.
The pictures show a former naval vessel 'HMAS Banks' which drew eight feet moored in the Passage. It was built in Queensland in 1959 and saw service as a general purpose ship in the northern waters, steaming some 98 000 miles.
A fire during a refit at Pt Macquarie made the estimated cost of repairs too great so it was auctioned off. In private hands it operated as a charter fishing vessel out of Ulladulla on the South Coast. It then headed our way and was open for inspection at the LTP marina. MV Banks then sailed to Queensland.
Sadly, she was driven ashore by Cyclone Debbie and remained a rusted out hulk before being broken up for scrap. The refloating of the ship cost $365 000.
HMAS Banks and her sister ship HMAS Bass were named after Captain Cook's botanist, Sir Joseph Banks and colonial explorer George Bass.
Pictures: MV Banks moored at the LTP marina.... and Mike Colecliffe (centre).. “ Channel needs dredging.”
H5N1 Headed Our Way
Australia, being an island, has been immune from foreign diseases which have spread around the world. Not anymore! Indeed it was in Newcastle that the deadly Varroa mite finally showed up. This saw the mandatory destruction of bee hives in suspected areas.
In Victoria in recent times, some 2 000 000 laying hens were euthanized in an attempt to limit the spread of a deadly avian (bird) flu. In turn this led to a shortage and price rises of eggs at the supemarket.
Now an even bigger threat is about to wash up on our shores. The H5N1 virus has devastated populations of birds, wildlife and cattle from Antarctica, to South America and countries in the Pacific rim.
Seen any sharp tailed sandpipers recently? How about Pacific golden plovers? Spotted some eastern curlews or the odd bar-tailed godwit? These and the extremely rare beach stone curlew are just some of the many migrants which are found around the shores of our esturine backwaters. Indeed a ruddy turnstone which was tracked, flew an amazing 27 000 ks from New Zealand and back in eight months, including an 11 200 k leg from Alaska to Australia stopping only once!
These birds breed in Siberia, Alaska and the Arctic and carry this deadly disease with them.
According to experts, it's not a matter of 'if' but more a case of 'when' it arrives an the Federal Government has set aside tens of millions of dollars in preparation to cope with the threat.
If you want to know more, just turn up at the council car park near the toilet block in Peace Pde Tanilba Bay and the sign will tell you all about these avian visitors. They are the prime suspects in bringing in the H5N1. Indeed, the black swans which share the shallows with them could very well become extinct if they get infected.
Photos: A lone migrant wader browses on Mallabula's sandflats.....and the the PSSC sign which tells us all about them.
Fired up Family
After 32 years as Captain, George Brandenberg has stepped down from the role to serve as Senior Deputy of Tilligerry Rural Fire Service.
In total it marks some 35 years in executive roles as well as several as a fireman.
A retiring, modest man, George reflects on his time serving the community: “I've enjoyed myself and have made many friends over the years,” he said.
Indeed, the Brandenbergs can be very well seen as a 'Fired up Family' spanning some three generations. This includes Granddaughter Georgia who has been granted honorary membership and fitted out in a full uniform since the day she could walk!
Currently, son Alan and daughter Sharon are active members and wife Maree served in a back-up role in the early days.
Former Deputy Captain and Life Member Richard Osborne OAM praised George for his commitment over such a long time.
“What people don't realize is that the role of Captain can be a lonely one,” he said. “ They can be at fires for weeks on end both here and at other areas of the state,” he added. “What's more, there is infighting, politics and mountains of rules and regulations to confront. To cope with this over all those years requires great inner strength and George has this,” he stated.
Pictures: Cr. Steve Tucker presenting George with an award at the opening of Tilligerry's new station.......and George and Georgia at LTP with other brigade members. Oh! Can you guess where the little girl's name came from?
Stormy Seas
'Climate Change' is very much in vogue these days and every weather event is attributed to this trendy little theory by those who believe in it.
But, dear reader, there was a time when wild weather was the name of the game before such words existed.
Take local storms: By far, the worst was the Maitland Gale of 1898. This saw the heavily wooded scrub joining Fingal headland to the shore torn away leaving an island where a lighthouse stood. It has never rejoined and is only accessible at low water.
Then there was the Sygna storm which had the Norweigan bulk Carrier aground on Stockton Beach. And don't forget the Pasher Bulker which was left high and dry at Nobby's, having battled winds of 165 kph.
Our local Marine Rescue recently described the towing of a boat from Tamboy to LTP in glassy waters as an 'Epic Rescue'.
Those who believe this, would do well to read the history of the UK's Lifeboat Service and particularly that of an heroic woman who conducted an epic rescue which is still talked about today.
In the early 1800s in the UK, a lighthouse keeper's daughter , Grace Darling, took to the stormy seas in a rowing boat to rescue survivors of a shipwreck. She was hailed a national hero and showered with awards and honours. Also seen as heroes, were the crews of the RNLI, a lifeboat service which has hundreds of stations around the coast and venture out in impossible conditions to save lives.
Port Stephens Marine Rescue was given one of their vessels. They are unsinkable and even if they are turned turtle, they right themselves. They are powered by two heavy duty deisel motors.Sadly the 52 foot craft has been retired after many years of service.
Lemon Tree Passage Marine Rescue is very much moving with the times and has just extended the mast of its radio station as Commander David Aselford explains:
“We needed to get our mast higher than the surrounding trees so it has been raised to a height of 13 metres. This will eliminate 'black spots' and give us a better range,” he said.
Apart from the new shallow draught barge, PSSC will gift the old amenities block at the boat ramp to Marine Rescue and future plans are to put in a second storey as funds become available.
And the 'Epic Rescues?' There will be plenty of them in the future as the East Coast Lows arrive and our local flotilla will be ready to take them head on as the need arises.
Pictures: The new radio mast.....an 'Arun' class lifeboat.....and LT 30 ready for action.
PS: Want to put something back into your community? Just google 'Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage' and all will be explained.
Junior Sailors Needed
Tanilba Sailing Club welcomes junior sailors now that the 2024 – 25 season is in full swing.
The club is very much family oriented and is a great way to bond for parents and children. It even has its own 'BIC' trainers provided by a government grant.
Sunday is sail day at Tanilba Bay and the club entrance is located directly opposite the school.
The morning session is devoted to hands on instruction for juniors with the afternoon given over to competitive racing.
Over the years, Tanilba sailors have produced state and national champions and regularly compete in regattas around NSW and interstate.
The highlight of their year is the Big Boat Regatta which they host in February for various classes of catamarans.
You can check them out on their facebook page or wander down of a Sunday for more information.
Pictures: Catamarans ready to compete....and sailors jockey for position at the 'Big Boat Regatta.'
Lift for Library
But where is it? This is most asked question by those wanting to borrow books in Tilligerry.
The town public library is situated on the main road opposite the Lemon Tree Passage Motel and when open, has a 'library' flag fluttering from a pole in front of it.
It's been there for decades and is staffed by volunteers and operates from 10am until noon six days per week. (Monday to Saturday).
A big makeover a couple of years back saw new carpet, reader friendly furniture and a slick paint job spruce it up.
What's more, a heavy cull of the least read books and an injection of new stock has something for everyone, including children.
Tilligerry Men's Shed workers have just removed the old overgrown sign and have carved a new one which is much more visible.
Business is more or less back to normal after a year or so of roadwork disruptions and the construction of a new police station two doors away. Council have taken over the computer access and has 2 brand new computers. A new scanner is on order and you will now be able to print A4 colour pages.
The library augments the mobile service which visits the villages of Tanilba Bay, Mallabula and Lemon Tree Passage on a rotational basis.
Both services have now recovered from the Covid lockdown restrictions and are back up to pace.
Photos: The LTP Library after the makeover......and the new sign giving it better visibility.
Book Donations
Tilligerry Community Library ha
s always enjoyed the support of the community donating their books. Whilst we do appreciate them, we can only accept them with prior consultation. Our hours are 10-12 noon Monday to Saturday and our phone number is 4982 3477 if you wanted to call up or pop in and check with us before bringing them in. Please don’t leave them at the door.
More than Just a News Service
You've seen our illuminated sign 'tilligerry.com' beside the main road near the golf club as you drive into town at night.
With news services moving away from the print media, tilligerry.com for over 10 years now has moved with the times and gives local residents the news that they can't get anywhere else. Indeed, those travelling around Australia or internationally can keep up to date with a click on a mouse or a mobile phone.
Before our 'hit meter' broke down we were averaging around 2000 views each month. We have a few businesses supporting us but we really don't want advertisers as we are a not for profit community service.
It gets even better. There are constant requests, usually from residents new to the area, for general information about available services and organizations out this way.
We now have an extensive community directory listing some 80 of these which includes: churches, clubs, social groups, cultural events, schools, tourist information, community support, JPs, medical services, play groups and pre schools.
Photo: tilligerry.com more than just news.
elebrating the re-opening.
