Monthly Archives: January 2015

Correcting ALP error regarding One Mile responsibilities


January 30, 2015

A statement by Deputy Opposition Leader Tim Mulherin that Redland City Council was responsible for infrastructure on State Government land at One Mile on North Stradbroke Island was an error, Mayor Karen Williams said today.

Cr Williams this afternoon advised Mr Mulherin of his error that appeared in his letter to Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) dated 28 January 2015.

“Unfortunately Mr Mulherin’s letter shows a lack of understanding about the One Mile area.

“One Mile is State Government land and has been for many, many years. It is part of the 2011 Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) that the former ALP state government signed with the Quandamooka people – a very important agreement.

“To write a letter only days from an election advising that the residents of Redland City would bear the cost of this infrastructure, which could cost hundreds of millions of dollars, is unacceptable.

“Our Council simply could not afford to pay that and nor has it ever been expected to – it is State Government land and this responsibility should not be passed to local ratepayers.”

“I spoke to Mr Mulherin and I look forward to him correcting this on the record.”

A number of Quandamooka families reside at One Mile on State Government land that does not have basic public infrastructure including running water, sewage, roads, stormwater or electricity.

It is an issue Cr Williams has been lobbying the State Government about since becoming Mayor in 2012.

Art exhibition highlights Minjerribah connections


January 30, 2015

The latest exhibition at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland Connections to the waters of Minjerribah draws strong inspirations from a much-loved part of Redland City.

North Stradbroke Island is known to Traditional Owners the Quandamooka People as Minjerribah and has inspired a collection of textile designs from Indigenous contemporary visual arts and craft centre Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Inc.

Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Inc. artists, Belinda Close, Elisa Jane Carmichael, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Sandra Delaney and Sonja Carmichael have collaborated to create Connections to Waters of Minjerribah, which runs from Sunday 8 February until Sunday 22 March 2015 at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland.

Redland City Council’s Cultural spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett said the exhibition would allow people to view deeply personal representations of the island.

 “Minjerribah holds a special place in the hearts of many and we are honoured to be partnering with Salt Water Murris to give people a glimpse into the Quandamooka People’s connection to the land and seas around them.

“Connections to the waters of Minjerribah presents a new way of looking at the North Stradbroke Island environment through the artists’ textile designs,” Cr Hewlett said.

“Lino tiling and silk screen printing techniques have been used to tell stories and share local symbols and images relating to water.”

Redland Art Gallery Curatorial Officer, Freja Carmichael, herself is a Traditional Owner, said the Quandamooka People identify themselves as the people of the sand and seas and this deep connection is expressed in this exhibition.

“The series of designs express a contemporary approach, informed by traditional culture and a deep relationship with salt water, and fresh water country,” Freja said.

“This connection with the sand and seas is translated into textile designs based on the unique natural water environments of Quandamooka Country.”

The exhibition will be formally opened at 6pm on Friday 6 February. To attend, please RSVP by Wednesday 4 February to (07) 3030 4163 or email gallery@redland.qld.gov.au.

There will also be exhibiting artist floor talks and a morning tea from 11.30am on Sunday 8 February.

Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland is located at Cnr of Bloomfield and Middle Streets, Cleveland. For more information on this and other Redland Art Gallery exhibitions visit http://artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au/

Page 7. Minjerribah sunrise sunset_small

Image: Elisa Jane Carmichael, Minjerribah sunrise sunset on the sea (detail) 2014, lino print on cotton. Courtesy of the artist.

 

Council calls for people to get grant applications in


January 29, 2015

Redland City Council is offering community projects and organisations the chance to access funding through the latest round of Community Grants and Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), which opened recently.

Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program offer assistance in two rounds each year and has previously helped hundreds of individuals and groups successfully complete community-driven projects.

Redland City Council’s community and cultural spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett said applications will be accepted in the current round until Friday 27 February.

“This is a great way for Council to support initiatives that will benefit the broader community and make Redlands an even better place to live,” Cr Hewlett said.

“If you have an idea, let us know about it.  The diversity of previous successful applicants shows there are a number of ways we are able to help.

“From reef checks in Moreton Bay, to supporting sports programs or investigating the viability of commercial food production on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, if a project benefits the community it is worth checking our application criteria to see if it’s eligible for assistance.”

Grant categories in this round are:

  • Organisation Support Grant – for projects associated with becoming more sustainable and improving capacity to deliver services.
  • Project Support Grant – for projects that deliver short to medium term positive outcomes for the community.
  • Conservation Grants – for conservation projects for the benefit of the environment and wildlife.
  • RADF Grants – for arts projects in Redlands and for emerging artists to further develop skills and profile in Redlands. Funding is in partnership with Arts Queensland.

Council will also be accepting Sponsorship applications from 16 February until 27 March 2015.

The Sponsorship Program is designed to support community-based activities and events which provide measurable benefits to Council.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply for grants or sponsorship, visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/Grants or call 3829 8912.

State Government election commitments


January 29, 2015

We all love living in the Redlands and want to make sure the future of the city is secure.  So with a State Government election fast approaching the Mayor Karen Williams wrote to all state candidates wanting to know where they stand on the issues that matter to our community.

State Government decisions can have a large bearing on Councils.  State legislation impacts water prices, sets the overall planning direction for the city and decides our local laws.

Below is a list of topics and questions that matter to the Redlands’ community.  Click on the candidates names to find their responses.  All responses are the opinions of the candidates and do not reflect the opinions of Council.  Note the names are grouped by electorate and listed as they appear on the ballot paper.

Not all candidates responded, while the Greens chose to provide a combined response.

Questions

Cost of living

  • Please outline what you/your party would do to contain cost of living increases, particularly your view on electricity and water pricing?

Transport and roads infrastructure

  • Do you/your party support a significant Government investment in transport and roads infrastructure?
  • What are your/your party’s funding/program priorities and what commitment do you/your party give to delivering the projects?

Economic development

  • Do you/your party support initiatives that will grow the Redlands economy and create jobs?
  • What would be your/your party’s priorities to help grow the Redlands economy?
  • Please state your position on the City’s PDAs.
  • Do you support other developments that will strengthen the economy and create local jobs?
  • Do you support a university for the Redlands? If yes, what role should the government play?

Government services

  • What do you consider to be the priorities for delivery of Government services in the Redlands?
  • What can you/your party do to improve services?

Candidate responses (click on the names to read)

Capalaba

Erin Payne, The Greens

Steve Davies, LNP

Don Brown, ALP – No response provided

Redlands

Matt McEachan, LNP

Sheena Hewlett, IND – No response provided

Carolyn Ferrando, Family First Party – No response provided

Deborah Kellie, ALP

Susan Bylett, Palmer United Party – No response provided

David Keogh, The Greens

Cleveland

Tracey Hughes, ALP – No response provided

Amanda White, The Greens

Mark Robinson, LNP

More feedback sought on Redland Local Laws


January 28, 2015

Redlanders will get another say on the City’s new local laws, with proposed amendments to go out for a second round of community consultation.

Redland City Council on Wednesday (28 January) agreed to proceed to the next stage of adopting the laws by taking the proposed changes back to residents for comment for 21 days from 4 February.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council wanted to be sure that the community fully understood the changes.

“Council has already responded to residents’ feedback during the first round of consultation and amended some of the original recommendations to reflect community wishes,’’ Cr Williams said.

“For instance, in response to more than 120 submissions, a proposed increase in parking fines has been reduced while a law relating to the confining of dogs at night on acreages has been added back into the draft laws.’’

Among the key changes to again go to public consultation are:

• Parking infringement penalties – a smaller increase is proposed, with the fines to rise as a percentage of the current Queensland penalty unit of $113.85, meaning the existing $50 fine in the Redlands for overstaying the parking limit will rise to $79.70.

• Koala protection – koala management areas are proposed to be reinstated to the Local Law and Subordinate Local Law, requiring dog owners, if their property is 2000m2 or more, to tether or confine their dog between sunset and sunrise.

• Roadside memorials – It is proposed that Council develop a guideline to outline the issues which need to be considered when installing roadside memorials, such as safety, amenity and community consultation.

• Keeping of pigs – the previous draft law allowed the keeping of one desexed miniature pig on land greater than 4000m2. The new draft proposes to allow any type and number of pigs on land greater than 4000m2, provided relevant conditions are met, except in the Ridgewood Downs prohibition area.

• Animal noise nuisance – The time an animal may make noise before the noise is considered a nuisance is proposed to be changed to 3 minutes in any 30 minute period, at any time of day or night.  This is the same as the current requirements between 10pm to 7am; but is a change for the current day-time (7am to 10pm) requirement, which is a maximum of 6 minutes in any 60 minute period.

• Unsightly objects and materials – proposes that Council can enforce the clean-up of unsightly properties including boating related material in line with the city’s coastal location

• Defining urban area – amendments which stem from changes to the Fire and Emergency Service Act 1990 relating to where community safety hazards such as barbed wire and electric fencing can be installed.

• Lighting of fires – additional criteria is proposed to be added allowing fires on land of 6000m2 or more, while still allowing fires in the rural (non-urban) zone.

Council has also decided to propose two additional issues for public consideration:

• Horses in parks and reserves- Council seeks feedback on whether horses should be allowed in all Council parks and reserves on and off designated trail systems, unless specifically signed otherwise?

• Election signage – Council seeks feedback on whether the criteria regarding election signage “affecting the visual amenity of an area” is too subjective and therefore potentially ambiguous and difficult to enforce?

Cr Williams said the overwhelming majority of the City’s local laws would remain unchanged or undergo simple administrative amendments to correct legislative references and minor drafting errors.

“This next step in the process is to make sure everyone fully understands what is being changed as a result of feedback from the community and has an opportunity to comment on those changes before the laws are finalised,’’ Cr Williams said.

 

Science, dogs to the rescue of Redlands koalas


January 28, 2015

Redland City Council has backed a plan to vaccinate Redlands koalas against the deadly Chlamydia virus and to use specially-trained rescue dogs to track koala colonies.

Mayor Karen Williams today received unanimous support to protect koalas, including extending a Chlamydia vaccination trial to the City and using rescue dogs to detect koala scats.

“We have needed a more scientific and targeted approach to koala protection and this is an important first step in that direction,” Cr Williams said.

“I have met with Professor Peter Timms from the University of Sunshine Coast to discuss what role Council can play in working with him and his team to make use of the Chlamydia vaccine in protecting the koala.

“Prof Timms tells me trials of the vaccine are delivering very encouraging results, so it makes good sense to extend the trial to the Redlands.

“I have also spoken to Dr Romane Cristescu who is keen to use rescue dogs to track koalas and use their scats to further assist researchers.

“Council has spent millions of dollars over the years to protect koalas, with limited success.

“Scientists involved in the vaccine trial and further research are convinced we now have a real opportunity to make a difference, and Council is keen to support this new approach, using funds from the Environmental Reserve.

“Koala populations are declining across Australia, including in the Redlands. The major causes of death are Chlamydia, car strike, dog attack and habitat loss.

“There is no quick fix but vaccination and research provide new hope.

“The experts tell us Chlamydia is responsible for up to 50 per cent of koala deaths. If we can vaccinate and protect them we will go some way to arresting the decline in numbers. 

“These are only initial steps and much more needs to be done – by the Government, by the community and by Council.”

Cr Williams today presented a Mayoral Minute to the first General Meeting of 2015:

1. That Council resolves to contribute up to $30,000 from the environmental reserve to support a more scientific and targeted approach to koala protection within Redland City.

2. That Council support extension of a trial of a Chlamydia vaccine to koalas from the Redlands taken into care, treated and returned to the wild.

3. That Council seek to partner with the Queensland Government in a wider vaccination of defined koala populations within the Redlands.

4. That Council support scientific evaluation of research examining the use of scats for assessing Chlamydia infections in wild koalas in the Redlands.

“The next step is for Council to again meet with scientists so we can start this vital work as soon as possible,” Cr Williams said.

“We will need the support of Government and the community if we are to make a real difference.”

Council investigates strategic community land acquisition


January 28, 2015

Redland City Council today unanimously agreed to ensure that the strategic land holding at Birkdale currently owned by Federal Government agencies for community use remain for the benefit of the public.

Redland City Deputy Mayor Cr Alan Beard presented a Notice of Motion to today’s General Meeting asking Council instigate negotiations with the Commonwealth to acquire the 50-80 hectare site.

“Today’s decision provides strong direction for Council to commence negotiations, including obtaining valuations and detail of the Federal Government land disposal process,” Cr Beard said.

“We can then make a decision in the best interest of our community.

“There is still a lot to discuss, including a community use appropriate for the site.  We simply cannot afford to not be at the table.

“Any outcome may also include working with the State and Federal governments for a direct transfer and all options will be explored as part of the process, with a report to then come back to Council for a decision.

“Discussions over many decades have included using this site for education/university, recreation, sporting facilities and environmental reserves.

“This land is zoned Community Purpose and Conservation.  It is not zoned for housing and there is not a councillor here who would want to see a housing estate on that land.

“I know we all want to see it become a community asset, used by the community and to benefit the community.

“Today’s decision means we will at least be part of the conversation about the future use of the land, meaning the community has more opportunity to be part of that decision.”

Mayor Karen Williams said there have been numerous strategic discussions documented about the land over many terms of different councils.

“The difference today is that we have finally been advised that this land will be released to the market by the owners ACMA – we should not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity,” she said.

Boost for popular Gorge Boardwalk


January 27, 2015

North Stradbroke Island’s popular Gorge Boardwalk, at Point Lookout, is about to become an even bigger attraction with work on stage three to start soon.

The work will add another viewing platform to the stunning 1.2km cliff-top walk, one of South-East Queensland’s most acclaimed tourist attractions, as well as upgrade sections of path.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council’s funding of the work on the world-class boardwalk, a “must-do” for holidaymaker and day-trippers, showed it was committed to leading the way in sustainable tourism.

“Council is very keen to support and promote sustainable tourism on Straddie – it’s the key to its economic future and features prominently in our plans for the Redlands’ future,’’ Cr Williams said.

 “There are few places anywhere with such amazing views and opportunities for marine wildlife encounters, particularly one so accessible and free. This latest work will make it even safer and easier to enjoy.

“It’s already a huge drawcard for the Redlands, and Straddie in particular, and the new viewing platform and new sections of boardwalk will add enormously to the experience.

“The boardwalk is among the best whale watching platforms in Australia and, outside of the humpback migration, you will see dolphins, rays, sharks, fish, turtles and ospreys.”

Division 2’s Cr Craig Ogilvie (North Stradbroke Island, Cleveland) said the work had been programmed to ensure the entire boardwalk would be open for the busy Easter school holiday period.

“It will be done in three stages to allow limited access to the boardwalk during construction and full access during the Easter break,’’ Cr Ogilvie said.

“Construction will start within the Gorge area, followed by the section north to Norm’s Seat. The final section will be the southern end of the Headland Park entrance.

“As sections are progressively completed, fences installed for public safety will be moved and that part of the boardwalk opened for public use.

“Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to sightseers and locals.

Cr Ogilvie said the latest stage will bring the total cost of the boardwalk’s construction to more than $2 million.

NOTE: Work on Stage 3 of the Gorge Boardwalk is scheduled to start on 28 January 2015, depending on the weather.

Council to slash mowing backlog


January 27, 2015

It is all hands on deck with Redland City Council increasing its mowing schedule to get the grass at local parks under control following recent wet weather.

Redland City Council General Manager Infrastructure and Operations Gary Soutar said Council would take advantage of every fine day available to reduce the grass in local parks and reserves.

“The recent weather means everyone in South East Queensland is battling to keep on top of the mowing and Council is no different, but we are redoubling efforts to ensure residents can enjoy the 650 hectares of wonderful parks and reserves across the city,” Mr Soutar said.

“This will include Council staff and contractors working extended hours, including on their days off and weekends.  We have also put the call out for other qualified Council staff to assist with mowing.

“The current wet weather and high humidity creates perfect growing conditions, meaning we just finish the mowing schedule and we have to start again, so a few days of rain, as we have experienced in recent weeks, disrupts the schedule completely.”

Mr Soutar said it was hoped the extra mowing would see the majority of parks mowed in the coming weeks, dependant on the weather.

“Council acknowledges the current length of grass around the city is not ideal and we appreciate residents’ patience and assure them we are working hard to get on top of things,” he said.

“Even when the rain stops we have to wait for the parks to be dry before mowing to avoid damaging the grounds. 

“Since November we have mowed 1540 hectares of public open space and we will keep working until all parks are under control.”

Redland City’s 2015 Australia Day Awards


January 26, 2015

On Friday 23 January 2015 the recipients of the Redland City Australia Day 2015 Awards were named. Congratulations to the 43 award nominees, 28 award finalists and all award recipients. Photos from the event are available for download on our Flickr page.

DSC_3739

Citizen of the Year – Mick Bentham

Five years ago Mick Bentham visited Nepal, where underprivileged children and filthy drinking water conditions gave him the passion to help change lives and make a difference. With hard work, dedication, dreams and aspirations, Mick founded The Bentham Foundation in 2012.The Bentham Foundation’s tag line appropriately reads “to create a ripple that affects a nation….starts with a single drop of affection”. Starting with a $10,000 donation, Mick’s dream of building a hostel to house 50 children became reality when the building was completed in March 2014. Mick’s efforts to help others – including Redlanders – haven’t stopped there. Last year Mick also spent time acquiring sponsors – many of them other generous Redlanders – to fund a child for $60 per month to cover housing, clothing, food, education and hostel running costs. To date he has found 36 sponsors and is always looking for more. Once a year Mick visits the hostel and plays soccer, shops for the children and colours with them. He intends to build veggie patches, chicken pens, and purchase goats for milk during his upcoming visit in March. Future plans for Mick and his Foundation are to not only extend the hostel but also build an adjacent Christian-based school. He is currently fundraising to cover the cost of the school land as well as the purchase and installation of bio sand filters to ensure clean drinking water and to prevent skin conditions and water borne diseases. Mick is also an avid support of community groups and charitable causes at home in the Redlands. Through his roofing business, Mick has supported a number of local causes including school chaplaincy, fundraising for domestic and family violence, the homeless and the Redland SES. He is also a driving force behind the Capalaba Business Improvement District.

Young Citizen of the Year – Luke Spalding

In 2014, 17-year-old Luke Spalding juggled Year 12 with doing wonderful things for the community. Luke devotes a considerable amount of his time and energy helping others, specifically sick children in hospital wards. Despite Luke’s own personal battle with cancer, diagnosed two years ago with a rare aggressive form of desmoplastic small round cell tumours, he dedicates much of his time to raising money to provide gifts to children with cancer in between receiving his own cancer treatment. Last year, he successfully put a call out to the community for fundraising support and quickly raised enough funds to buy 17 iPads – one for every child who spent Christmas Day in the oncology ward at Brisbane’s Royal Children’s Hospital. Luke, a keen motorsport racer, was the face of last year’s Redlands’ Relay for Life. With the enormous support from his family, Luke also participates in many other fundraising activities to benefit the community.

Senior Citizen of the Year – Peter Neale

William Peter Neale – known as Peter – is the President of the Cleveland Branch of National Seniors, an organisation that represents Australians aged 50 plus and is a powerful lobby force on issues such as retirement income, employment, health and aged care. Peter has been a member of National Seniors for 26 years, and has served on the Executive Committee for 21 years, 18 of those years as President. As President, Peter arranges weekly coach tours to clubs, theatres and shows at Twin Towns and Jupiter’s Casino, plus BBQs and picnics and sometimes extended trips away. The Cleveland Branch assists in reducing social isolation for Redlands seniors by holding a monthly meeting at the Redlands RSL for more than 100 members. While the Branch does not receive government funding, over the years it has donated in excess of $75,000 raised through fundraising activities including raffles back to the community through organisations that assist seniors. A former Airman, Peter has also been Deputy President of the RAAF Association Redlands Branch since it was formed in 2007.

Local Hero Award – Ken Dickson

Ken Dickson is recognised for his outstanding service to the Redland community as a Volunteer in Policing (or V.I.P) with the local District Crime Prevention Coordination Unit of the Queensland Police Service. Based at Cleveland Police Station and working in all Redland suburbs including the Bay Islands, Ken became a volunteer in Policing in 2008 and has modestly performed more 5500 hours of volunteer service. His exceptional ongoing community leadership has previously been recognised with awards to outstanding service to the community including Gold, Silver and Bronze Service Awards for the VIP program. Ken’s expertise and ongoing commitment provides the Redland Community with the highest level of professional crime prevention and community safety support, advice and information. Ken recently arranged local presentations on scams, personal safety, home security and crime prevention at Council libraries and groups such as Rotary, Lions, Donald Simpson Centre and aged care villages. Ken is an admirable ambassador for the Redlands and continues to make his community, family and fellow members of the Queensland Police Service extremely proud.
Community Organisation Award – Redland Community Centre Inc
Established in 1990 and incorporated six years later, the Redland Community Centre is a key community assistance network for the Redlands area including the Bay Islands and some parts of Brisbane. A non-profit community-based organisation with offices in Capalaba and Cleveland, the Centre delivers valuable community services including emergency relief, parenting programs, family and individual support services, crisis counselling and even providing financial support with no interest loan schemes. The Centre’s community capacity primarily aims to alleviate disadvantage within the Redlands community by helping others, relieving hardship, empowering and educating. The Centre has contributed greatly to the community by living up to its motto: “serving this community with care and understanding”

Cultural Award – Alexa Curtis

Last year, at only 10 years old, Alexa Curtis won Channel Nine’s The Voice Kids Australia, without having a single singing lesson before going on the show. She is now signed to Universal Music and has a new single – ‘Playground’ and has toured the country performing with The Voice Kids at local concerts. But she is always proud to be home in the Redlands, where she attends Redlands College. Alexa has not let the fame go to her head and sees herself as no different to any other Redland youngster her age. Alexa loves going to Nippers at the Gold Coast and taking tap, jazz and ballet lessons at Strictly Dance. Last year she wowed the crowd at the 2014 Redlands Christmas by Starlight concert singing with Luke Kennedy and Naomi Price. Alexa also featured in the 2014 NSW Schools Spectacular, performing with her Voice Kids co-stars, and duetting with The Voice winner Anja Nissen. Alexa is a name we will hear a lot of in the future, but will always call Redlands home.

Environment and Sustainability Award – Allan Prestwood

Allan Prestwood has been a resident of Russell Island for 10 years. He voluntarily gives the island community an enormous amount of his time for the betterment of the local community and environment. Allan has been a member of Bushcare on Russell Island for four years and is now convenor. Allan’s Bushcare work covers the whole island but in particular the Whistling Kite wetlands and Cavendish Street Reserve. During his time on the island, Allan has developed an extensive knowledge of local native plants and has taken a particular interest in identifying noxious weeds, shrubs and trees that are harmful to the island. He also lends his knowledge to local residents who want to clean up their own blocks by providing his knowledge and labour free of charge with the aim to revegetate the area with plants that will benefit native wildlife. Allan voluntarily picks up rubbish all over the island and on the bay – and in an environmentally-friendly way. He can often be seen riding his bike or paddling his kayak around the island to pick up rubbish from the mangroves and along the foreshore. Community members say they have never seen anyone dedicate more time to the care for the environment of Russell Island than Allan.

Sports Award – Ian Smits

After arriving in Australia from the UK in 2005, Ian Smits and his son joined a small rugby union club in Redland Bay called the Southern Bay Cyclones. At the time, the club was looking for parents to assist with coaching. Although Ian hadn’t played rugby since he was 15, he put his hand up to help……and eight years later, he is not only coaching the same group of boys, he is also President of the Club. Ian’s passion for the sport is evident. He has volunteered much of his own time coaching at various Redlands schools in the morning and afternoon and was also assistant coach for the Redlands District Team. He has conducted technique training every Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as video training on Sundays. Ian has the utmost respect for young athletes he coaches and this respect is given in return. Many parents have even asked Ian to help them if there has been challenging behaviour at home. He is often heard telling the boys “It’s about respect and discipline both on and off the field”. Since Ian was appointed President of the Club in 2012 he has put all his drive and energy into not only getting kids into the spirit but also improving the club’s facilities. Ian has been working non-stop in raising the awareness of these issues with local and state governments, Brisbane junior rugby union and Queensland Rugby. Recruitment is a major focus for Ian – to get local kids active as well as help increase club numbers. Ian personally delivers over 10,000 flyers to local schools for distribution. He also works with schools in putting the Rookies to Reds program in place and links sports teachers with Development Managers at Reds Rugby. Ian is also working on a program to help under-privileged kids into sport. Ian runs his own manufacturing business in the Redlands and despite being stretched for time, dedicates every spare moment to the rugby club and the Redlands Community.