A Word From Watto - May 2014

Local Police and Shire Rangers

Preston Beach has, over the past several years seen a vast increase of transient visitors/holiday makers and I think over the recent Easter/ANZAC long weekend this increase was massive to say the least. With this mass increase of visitors to our small coastal community, 99% do the right thing but sadly it’s the 1% of boofheads who stuff it up for the rest. Because this influx is people business, local Police and Rangers work in unison which formulates dual authorities. This also includes our local volunteer Rangers who put in a lot of their own time and effort to provide advice, guidance and assistance to people travelling along the beach and car park access. They also attend to other tasks around our town site and are on hand in case of emergencies. Recently the Rangers were involved with handing out educational flyers on the “Do’s and Don’ts” on the beach and around the beach car park area. On Easter Saturday between 0700 hours and 1200 hours, 187 vehicles were handed flyers, a head count of all occupants in vehicles revealed in excess of 600 adults and children travelling onto the beach area. Prior to last Christmas our local Rangers were called out to assist the Rescue Helicopter “Chopper 65” in landing at Preston Beach for a “CASVAC” (Casualty Evacuation). To enable the chopper to land as near as practical to the scene, the local Rangers had to block off Mitchell and Styles Road, St John’s Ambulance also attended. This is an invaluable service our Rangers provide to this community which has also been acknowledged by the Shire of Waroona. If you’re interested in being a part of this Ranger service contact Noel Dew of Preston Beach.

Photo courtesy of Lovell Anstee-Brooke

ANZAC DAY – Preston Beach 2014

Some 140 people attended this year’s ANZAC Service at the Preston Beach community centre.

Our main topic for this year’s service was “The Forgotten Force” aka the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces and Pte. Harry C. Bamkin who served for two years post war in Japan presented by Preston Beach Progress Association Vice President Judy Carroll. 

Since 1947, Australia’s armed forces have contributed to major UN peacekeeping operations across the world. While the objective of these missions is to restore stability and peace, they are also fraught with danger at times and a number of our peacekeepers have been killed. Australians and their Contribution in all Wars, conflicts and Peacekeeping Operations does go beyond the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915,  and diversifies to another level with the same human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice which continues to have the same meaning and relevance to the ANZAC tradition. Our thoughts are with all men and women who have served or are currently serving with the Australian Defence Forces.

Keynote speaker Judy Carroll 

Wreath laying by Peter and Carmel Bamkin for Preston Beach Progress Assoc.

Harry Bamkins family proudly stand in front of his service plaque

Mitchell and Amber Smith - Mitchell handed out rosemary and Amber read a poem during the service

Preston Beach Book Sale

Over the Easter long weekend Preston Beach Ladies held a book sale which was well supported by local community members and holiday makers. A lot of hard work collecting and sorting out an array of books which was a great effort by the girls who made $1,204.60 in the process. As our Treasurer Danny Mac Scrooge Norton quoted “A great result from an excellent community money earner. The Committee’s gratitude continues to go out to those old and new members who have demonstrated their financial support for their Association and the work it does” – If Danny Mac Scrooge is happy, then so are we.

Preston Beach Vehicle Movement Count – Easter/ANZAC 2014 long weekend

Following is a snapshot of vehicle movements relating to Preston Beach!

April 9th to April 30th (includes Easter and Anzac)

Total vehicle movements ........14596

Average........695 per day

Maximum speed recorded .......134.8 km//h

85% vehicles .........85.9 km/h  Av.

Preston Beach North Rd.

Total vehicle movements........1582

Average......75 per day

Maximum speed recorded .....106 km/h

85% vehicles..........58.3 km/h

Xmas:

Average vehicle movements per day.......945

Previous year the average for the same period was 822

Highest speed recorded was .......160 km/h

 It must be noted that the placement of the vehicle counter/movement equipment was some 500 metres from the Highway turn off. If the placement was further towards Preston the maximum speed recorded would have been a lot higher- like Christmas 160 km/h 

St Patrick’s Day - 2014

Some members of Preston Beach enjoyed a quiet get together for St Patrick’s Day down at the Beach car park. BBQ’s and light refreshments were enjoyed by all whilst soaking up the morning sun and listening to some local ethnic music.

...and now just for fun 

“No wonder Watto and the people here drink wine, this water tastes like crap”

In closing and on a sad note, the community of Preston Beach, family and friends extend their sincere condolences to Susie Ellis on the recent sad loss of her husband Dougie.

VALE

  Dougie ELLIS

    29-07-1944 to 25-04-2014

RIP

        Condolences to Sue and Family