Professional Development Workshop May 21

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Lake Eyre Comes To Life

Edited from an article in The Australian - Feb 25, 2009

It began as a monsoonal deluge in distant Queensland, flooding the channel country, isolating towns, and filling rivers and creeks that have not run for years.  Now it's here at Lake Eyre.

This is the moment of magic when the flood empties into Australia's dead centre, bringing life to a parched and pearly expanse of saltpan that is most devoid of it, and hope to communities that have endured more than their share of drought.

The vast, salt-encrusted basin is the end of the line for the floods that have spread devastation across north and central Queensland, and now northern NSW, providing a poignant counterpoint to the misery unleashed on Victoria by the deadly Black Saturday bushfires.

The flood's headwaters have taken nearly a month to wend their way south from Queensland, along the swollen Diamantina and Georgina rivers, through the veined tracts of channel country straddling the state border, before reaching this corner of desert in South Australia, 700km north of Adelaide.

Last week, the waters filled Goyders Lagoon, about an hour's flying time from Lake Eyre.  Then, they reached bone-dry Warburton Creek, pushing forward at a rate of up to 40km a day.

Finally, yesterday, the flood spilled into Lake Eyre, a finger of greenish water shimmering in the heat haze against the vanilla shell of the dry lake bottom.

Pelicans, gulls and terns have followed in prodigious numbers.  Camels, drawn by the scent of open water, have come down from the Simpson Desert.  Soon, Lake Eyre will live up to its name, spawning yellow-bellied fish and fingerlings for the birds to feast on.  The 9690 sq km basin, which at 15m below sea level is the lowest point in Australia, has filled to brimming only three times since it was first sighted by Europeans 160 years ago, and it has been a long time between drinks for locals waiting for this drought to break. 

Already there is talk among the locals of reviving the dormant Lake Eyre Yacht Club, as well as a rowing competition.  At Mungerranie, a stopping point on the Birdsville Track, north of the lake, publican Pam Farrington said the good news about it filling was spreading and she was fielding calls from people wanting to book in once the flood had passed and the road links opened up.

After the lean years of drought, which had hit the local cattle stations particularly hard, it was a relief to have the district jumping again. 

Q Station Famil Tour

FAMILIARISATION

Wednesday 25th March @ 2pm

Q STATION

NORTH HEAD, MANLY

Includes a history tour of the site, a viewing of the new accommodation facility and a light afternoon tea. 

And it's Free!

Meet at the Day Visitors Car Park at Q Station at 1.45pm.

The Manly Ferry operates regular services to Manly from Circular Quay.

The 135 bus operates a service from Manly Wharf to Q Station and North Head. 

Call 131500 or view Transport Info website or take the new Manly Fast Ferry service.

DONT MISS OUT!

This is a brilliant opportunity to learn about what's new and old at the Q Station!

NUMBERS ARE LIMITED, so please call ASAP - Janet Lomax 0404 463 664 or email Janet at lomaxwin@yahoo.com.au

Please provide your phone & IATG membership numbers.

Don't forget to wear your IATG badge on the day!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Volle Jewellery

Members of IATG who attended the event last night, wish to thank the management and staff of Volle Jewellery for their wonderful hospitality.

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Breakaway Travel Club

To all Professional Members of IATG, 

Don't forget that you are eligible to become a member of the Breakaway Travel Club and can benefit from cheaper travel deals and associated products. 

You will need a letter of confirmation from Susie, our IATG Secretary who will send to you upon your request. It quick and easy to join, to find out more go to their website www.travelclub.com.au to down download the application form.

IATG Speed Networking Function

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Millennium's Harbour Drama

On the 12th January 2009,  the cruise ship Millennium was visiting Sydney. It spent the first night at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay and was then moved across to the Athol Buoy outside of Taronga Zoo.

She was due to sail at 6.00pm and her passengers were being tendered over from Pier 2 at Walsh Bay and were due back by 5pm. While in the process of transferring the passengers, the Harbour Master noticed that the Millennium appeared to be drifting into the middle of the harbour. 

After calling the Captain to check if all was well, it was quickly established that she had in fact broken her bow lines to the mooring and was drifting with the help of a strong northerly wind.

The Sydney Ports boats were rushed to her aid and the Captain sent out the orders to start up her engines, while quickly raising her stern anchor, which was also a concern that they may soon cross and tangle.

The returning passengers were quickly 'hurled' aboard including two pesky passengers who were running late and had to be delivered by water taxi. Once aboard, the Millennium made a hasty retreat out to the safety of the Tasman sea. 

Bon Voyage!