CONSTANCE RIVERA | Grievances | CONTACT
With summer fast approaching, the boats of Betoota Heights have emerged from hibernation, transforming driveways into makeshift marinas for the annual hose down. It’s a time-honoured tradition that signals the start of the warmer months, even if most of these vessels won’t see a drop of water until Christmas.
Local boat owner and self-proclaimed “fishing expert” Ben Griffiths was spotted giving his 6.5-meter tinnie a rather lackluster scrub. “Yeah mate, gotta get her ready for a big fishing season,” he declared, despite having only ever cast a line off the local jetty.
“Betoota River’s got some monsters in there. If I can just get her running…” he trailed off, fiddling with an outboard motor that hasn’t seen a spark since 2018.
Across the street, Karen Murphy is having none of it. Her husband Dave has dedicated the last three weekends to polishing their untouched jet ski, despite being utterly clueless about how to ride it.
“Honestly, it’s just a glorified garden ornament at this point,” Karen sighed, watching him apply yet another coat of wax.
“He’s terrified of going faster than 10km/h, but he insists he’s ‘ready for a rip’ every summer.”
Like many of their neighbours, Dave’s version of adventure involves sipping mid-strength beers in the driveway while loudly claiming he’s “just waiting for the right weather.”
As the excitement of “fishing season” kicks off, it’s clear that for many in Betoota Heights, the real catch lies in the chance to show off to the neighbours.
