Bribie Island Gem & Fossicking Club Inc.

Bribie Island Gem & Fossicking Club
Inc.

Club Details

PO Box 1166 Bongaree 4507

For further details please contact:-

Office Bearers
President: John Collyer              07 3408 1742
Treasurer: Vicky Partridge              34086183
Secretary: Coleen Lett                    3408 0668

About:-

The Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club Inc was formed by a small group of
keen Lapidary enthusiasts in late 1998. The inaugural meeting was held in the
Bongaree Library on the 4th November 1998 with an attendance of 37 persons. To
accommodate the hobbyists, a workshop, with second hand machines, was set up
in a store room at the back of the original Art Centre, Bribie Island. Meetings
continued to be held in the Library.

The Clubs first field trip was to Gympie on 15th November 1998.

With funding from Caboolture Shire Council, work commenced on the Clubs
workshop and club rooms on 1st November 2000 beside the Art Centre. The
building was completed and officially opened in 2001.
A grant from the Gaming Commission allowed the fitting out of the workshop with
some new lapidary machinery and the club was off and running.

In 2004, increased interest from the public and a dramatic increase in membership
saw the erection of a second shed and the expansion of the workshops. This
second shed, "Club Room" now accommodates the clubs library, displays, kitchen,
a large meeting room and a small faceters workshop area. Both sheds are now
separated by a large undercover area. This undercover area is perfect for craft
fairs, social gatherings and meeting during the summer months.

Membership Details:-

Joining Fee: $10 Adults - $5 Juniors.
Yearly subscriptions: $15 Adults - $7.50 Juniors.
Associate members: $7.50
Workshop fees: $2.50 a work session, and some cutting and faceting fees apply.

Workshop Times:-

Monday:          8:30 am - 1:30 pm Silver smithing
Tuesday:         8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Wednesday:    8.30 am - 1:30 pm
Saturday:        8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Workshop Located at the Rear of the Community Arts Centre
Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach, Bribie Island

Club Outings:-

Monthly trips are decided at the General Meetings.

Objective:-

To promote all aspects of lapidary, jewellery, gem and mineral fossicking, through
educational and social activities, field excursions, exhibitions and displays, and the
like.

The Club:-

The Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club is an Incorporated Organisation
established to provide superior facilities for Lapidary hobbyists of gemstones,
rocks, minerals, fossils and associated crafts in Bribie and adjoining communities.

Club Room:-

The club room is well equipped with a full range of quality saws, grinders, polishers
etc. the availability of this comprehensive range of specialist tools allows each
member the opportunity to fully realise the rewards of working with nature’s
precious gifts.

Club Meetings:-

A general meeting is held monthly (with a guest speaker if available) then supper
to finish the evening. In addition various social functions are held throughout the
year.
General meetings are held, in the Club House on the 1st Wednesday of the month
starting at 7:30 am
Committee meetings are held in the Club House the 1st Wednesday of the month
and commence at 6.00 pm.

Variety of Interests:-

If cabochon-cutting, faceting, silver or gold jewellery is something you have always
loved or would just like to know more about, then Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking
Club is the place for you.

Field Trips:-

Does the great outdoors appeal to you and searching for that perfect specimen is
something you know you have to experience for yourself? Then the winter trips to
some of the finest fossicking areas in Australia should definitely not be missed. For
those who prefer field trips closer to home, club members undertake one and two
day expeditions with great enthusiasm as well.

The club now conducts several field trips to known gem fields each year catering
to the interest of members, Opal, specific gem stones, rocks, minerals or fossils.
Fossicking trips are always educational with visits to museums, historical sites and
places of interest.

The occasional find of a good stone and the prospect of finding the big one keeps
it interesting. And most important is the fellowship and the fun we have doing
something we all enjoy doing.

Field Trips 2008:-   Nanango & Yarraman 14th to 18th April
Opalton and the Opal fields departing 12th May approx 6 weeks duration.

Workshop Skills to Learn or Share:-

The Clubs workshops are well equipped with a full range of quality saws, grinders,
polishers, faceting machines and a silver workshop. The availability of this
comprehensive range of specialist tools allows each member the opportunity to
fully realize the rewards of lapidary work and associated hobbies.

Workshops are held regularly. Whether you are a long-term member, newcomer or
an interested, member of the public you are always welcome at our workshops.
The Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club Inc. will have something of interest for
everyone.

Annual Gem Show:-

The Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club Inc. is proud to host an Annual Gem
Show, which boasts interesting displays, and impressive exhibitions. Our Gem
Show is an excellent opportunity to make new friend and renew old acquaintances.

2008 Annual Gem Show 13th and 14th September

The show has been a huge success in recent years with an increasing number of
dealers and tailgaters participating.
All facets of Lapidary will be represented from rough materials rocks, crystals,
minerals and opal, to fine gold and silver findings, jewellery etc.
Watch live demonstrations of lapidary, faceting and working with silver.
Children's fossicking
Raffles
Light refreshments will be available from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm Saturday and Sunday
If you are a tail-gater and want a space, contact any of the above office bearers or
send an email to: marjohns@bigpond.net.au

Craft Fair:-

The workshops are open on the 4th Sunday of the month for demonstrations,
display, children's fossicking items. Jewellery, gem and mineral crafted items are
available for sale.

Visitors Welcome:-

Centre open Tuesday - Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach, Bribie Island 4507 Australia
Phone (07) 3408 9288

Safety In The Workshop

Don't have loose clothing around any moving machine parts and keep
guards on equipment at all times.
Wear safety glasses while grinding and using any pickle or acid
compounds.
Wear a filter face mask if required.
Don't spill water on any electric motors. Electricity and water don't mix.
Keep fingers and hands clear of sharp moving parts.
Wear rubber gloves if handling any acids or pickling solutions.
Use tweezers when handling hot soldered jewelry.
Have a first aid kit near by at all times.

Take every precaution while on field trips like making sure you have the
right gear like gloves, boots, drinking water and basic supplies.
Fill in your holes after digging and beware of overhanging rocks and ledges
that could collapse while digging below.
Don't go into old mine shafts as most are unstable and air quality can never
be guaranteed.
Always where safety glasses when breaking or chiselling on rocks.
Watch out for snakes and spiders because as a rock hound you're more
prone to finding these critters than others.
Always close gates after you and always take your rubbish home with you if
there isn't a proper place to leave it.
Always tell someone where you are before you leave in case something
goes wrong!
Always have a first aid kit close by.
If you haven't been to an area before draw yourself a map or have a map
with you so you don't get lost. Mobile phones don't work everywhere!
Where a good hat and sunscreen so you don't get sunburnt.
Never forget: FOOD, SNACKS, DRINKS & MEDICATION.

Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to ask permission from any private property
owner at any location when searching for gemstones before you enter any such
property. You may also be required to possess a fossicking license as per state
laws.