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When browsing this site please be aware that it is and will probably always be a "work in progress" It is under construction and as such the webmaster would welcome sincere criticism and suggestions on ways to improve the acceptance and usability of our site. We have more pages in mind already like tuition and training but we will need your input so we can make it the site that you come back to again and again.

Always go to "News & Info" page to find the latest Club new or click one of the Latest News links on the left side of the page.

In late 1998, a small group of keen Lapidary hobbyists and enthusiasts decided to form the Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club Inc. 37 people attended the inaugural meeting which was held in the Bongaree Library on the 4th November 1998. 

A workshop, with second hand machines, was set up in a store room at the back of the original Art Centre, Bribie Island to accommodate these hobbyists and enthusiasts. Meetings continued for some time to be held in the Library.

Club Profile

Our Club from 1998 to 2008

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.

2004
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.

                              Club Rooms - 2004

2005
In 2005 funding from Jupiter's allowed the Club to upgrade the workshops with state of the art machinery, and further extensions to buildings.

2006
In 2006, the Gem Club had a membership of 97, and the workshops were operating 4 days a week offering members a diverse range of activities, Lapidary, Cabochon, Intaglio, Silver wrapping, Beading and Faceting resulting in a diverse range of handcrafted jewellery and associated lapidary crafts.    Silver wrapping and beading using quality sterling silver, natural stones, glass and beads are handcrafted by club members.

A cabochon workshop in progress

The Workshop

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.

Workshop Skills to Learn or Share

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.
  

Exquisite jewellery creations
               
 Working with silver is very popular with
members of the public


 Working with silver is very popular with members of the public

Club Contacts


Office Bearers 2010/2011


President: 

Greg Hemphill                   

07 3410 7822
0418 835 137

Vice President :                         

Val McKenzie

07 3408 2958

Secretary :

Jenny Cope

07 5316 9287

Assistant Sectretary :

Elizabeth Morrice

Treasurer :

Phil Scutts

07 3408 6048

Assistant Treasurer :

John Spencer

07 3410 7762


BRIBIE ISLAND GEM & FOSSICKING CLUB Inc.
P.O. Box 1166
BONGAREE QUEENSLAND 4507


Information Contact Email: info@bribieisland.lapidaryclub.com.au

Webmaster Email: Send mail to kel@bribieisland.lapidary.com.au with questions or comments about this web site.



  

Field Trips

 An exciting year of fossicking
 

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

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.

In 2007 club members took part in trips to The Central Gem Fields, North Queensland Fields, The Opal Fields, Western Queensland, and the Northern NSW, Inverell, Glen Innes and Torrington districts.

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.

Go to the calendar on our Services page to check for scheduled field trips.

Membership

Joining Fee $15.00 Adults $7.50 Juniors.

Yearly subscriptions $20.00 Adults $10.00 Juniors.

Associate members $10.00

Workshop fees: $3.50 a work session, and some cutting and faceting fees apply.

 Click for Google Map

 
Workshop Hours


Monday 8:30 am – 1:30 pm - Silversmithing
Tuesday 8.30 am – 1:30 pm - General
Wednesday 8.30 am – 1:30 pm - General and Silver Wrapping
Saturday 8:30 am – 1:30 pm - General

Location

The club is located at the left of the

Bribie Island Community Arts Centre
Sunderland Drive
Banksia Beach Bribie Island Qld 4507

Visitors Welcome

This website has been redeveloped and is hosted for free by
the Australian Lapidary Club Directory.