Monthly Archives: November 2017

Redlands celebrates volunteers


November 30, 2017

More than 150 community members will be thanked at Redland City Council’s annual volunteers’ brunch on Saturday 2 December.

Volunteers from a range of community programs including the arts, sports, cultural and environmental groups, as well as emergency services, will be acknowledged at the event at the Myhorizon Function Centre, Runnymede Road, Capalaba.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the event was a small way of showing volunteers that their efforts were much appreciated.

“Our volunteers make an extraordinary contribution to our society, often filling areas of need not met by other agencies. We simply cannot do without them,’’ Cr Williams said.

“As we enter the festive season, Council would like to thank our volunteers, on behalf of residents, for their selfless dedication and let them know that their vital work for our community does not go unnoticed.

“I am proud to be Mayor of such a community-minded city with so many residents prepared to give of their time to help others.

“Whether it’s coaching our kids or supporting youngsters, helping the elderly or those less fortunate or assisting injured wildlife and caring for our environment, they love what they do and ask for no reward. The annual volunteer brunch is one way we can publicly acknowledge their efforts and say thank you on behalf of all Redlanders.”

Survey helps shape Redlands’ identity


November 29, 2017

Redlanders still have an opportunity to help shape the new destination brand for the city through an online survey.

The Redland City Council survey, which is open to Saturday 9 December, seeks feedback on community-inspired suggestions for the new brand name and logo for the Redlands.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the destination brand was different to the Council’s logo and slogan and was designed to drive tourism and business opportunities in the city as well as bolster city pride.

“We want to create a distinctive identity which can be used to tell the world how great it feels to be in the Redlands,’’ Cr Williams said.

“Throughout 2017, Council has been talking with locals, businesses and visitors to the city about what they would like to see as our brand and the ideas you will see in this survey have been inspired by those suggestions and feedback.

“Do you prefer ‘Naturally Wonderful’ or ‘Wonder Full’ as catch phrases which capture the essence of our city? And would you prefer us to be known as  ‘Redland’,  ‘Redland Coast’ or ‘Redlands Coast’?

“Redlands Coast’ and ‘Redland Coast’ were surprise names put forward in our focus groups and reflect the 220km of coastline we have in the Redlands, including our mainland and island shorelines.

“Why not tell us what you think and help us refine those ideas by spending 10 minutes or so doing the survey.

“Once the survey closes, the feedback will be used to shape the final destination brand for Redland City, which will be used to promote our city as a wonderful place to visit and do business.’’

You will find the survey at redlnd.cc/redlandssurvey.

School holiday fun in the Redlands


November 28, 2017

Kids across the Redlands are spoilt for choice these school holidays with Christmas craft, robotics, portrait art, nature treasure hunts, and writing and illustration workshops headlining a jam-packed program of events on offer.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was again offering an extensive program of free events and activities over the Christmas break designed to engage and inspire young people of all ages.

“Redland Libraries, Redland Art Gallery and IndigiScapes have plenty of activities on offer for bookworms, tech buffs, aspiring artists, environmental enthusiasts and more,” Cr Williams said.

“At the libraries, kids can create their own Christmas decorations, code Ozobots to outrun villains and team up to race and battle Sphero robots.  There are also plenty of shows and workshops designed to educate and entertain kids of all ages.

“Redland Libraries also runs a Summer Reading Club which offers incentives through competitions, prizes and fun activities to encourage reading over the extended summer school holiday period so kids don’t fall behind.”

Mayor Karen Williams said the Redland Art Gallery and IndigiScapes will also host a great range of activities throughout January 2018.

“In the New Year at the Redland Art Gallery you can attend Me, Myselfie and I, an interactive workshop that invites children to consider different ways of creating their own portraits,” Cr Williams said.

“At IndigiScapes kids can go wild with a range of nature-inspired activities – from nature treasure hunts to worm farming and weaving workshops, there is something for everyone,” she said.

Activities in the Redland City Council school holiday program are free of charge. Visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/SchoolHolidayActivities for event details and booking arrangements.

Council acts on North Stradbroke Island erosion and safety


November 24, 2017

Redland City Council will be undertaking emergency work over coming days to try to slow or halt a second outbreak of shoreline erosion on North Stradbroke Island and make the area safe for the coming holidays.

General Manager, Infrastructure and Operations, Peter Best said that since last weekend’s high tides, erosion has been occurring on Council owned land used to provide track and beach access.

“The incident occurred at the Amity Point end of Flinders Beach near Toompany Street.

“Council has acted quickly to fence off the area; inform an adjacent property owner and seek State Government approval for the priority work to begin so that the area can be made safe.

“The area of erosion over the past few days has increased and now reaches what was once an informal car parking area and has impacted on earlier work undertaken by Council in September when the area first started to erode.

“There is no magic bullet for dealing with the highly complex and powerful natural coastal dynamics at work at Amity Point, which is recognized as one of Queensland’s highest areas of coastal erosion risk.

“Fortunately over the past three years, Council has established a high level working group with State and private sector experts and a local community reference group to develop plans to mitigate future impacts of local erosion, Mr Best said.

After consulting with engineers, Council has agreed to purchase rock for the foreshore area and construct a structure known as a flow slide barrier. This work is underway.

The work of these coastal erosion groups is available for information on Councils website.

Quandamooka Festival brings live mural to Cleveland Library


November 24, 2017

As part of the 2017 Quandamooka Festival, a nine-metre tall mural entitled dabilbahnba – meaning place of saltwater – will soon adorn the Cleveland Library building in Middle Street.

Prominent Quandamooka artists, mother and daughter team Sandra and Shara Delaney have been working to bring the mural from conception to completion in collaboration with mentoring artists Matthew Newkirk and Deb Mostert and project curator Craig Flood, from CREATIVEMOVE.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that the joint project between Redland City Council and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) celebrated another successful Quandamooka Festival while providing Redland residents with a visual connection to the our local Aboriginal heritage.

“It is wonderful to have Sandra and Shara Delaney share some of the earliest Quandamooka stories while beautifying and providing a focal point in the heart of Cleveland,” Cr Williams said.

Sandra, who created the initial concept design, said that it depicted Kabul and Warrajamba, ancestral beings who represent the spirituality and energy associated with saltwater, fresh water and land.

Quandamooka artist Sandra Delaney

Quandamooka artist Sandra Delaney

“Their inclusion in the design highlights the significance of the land and sea to the Quandamooka people,” Sandra said.

“The three large circles represent our three clan groups, being connected by Kabul (the carpet snake) on his journey through Quandamooka Country. These circles also portray the spiritual and cultural connection between Minjerribah, Mulgumpin, the bay islands and the mainland.

“The red circles depict the story of Warrajamba, the mermaid whose blood was spilt on country to create a red sand hill and whose spirit inhabits the landscape. The blue elements represent the mangroves because we are saltwater gooris.

Mural design with interpretation

Mural design with interpretation

From the concept design, Shara took over to create a canvas artwork, which will form the basis of the mural, to be painted in situ on the library wall from 4 to 8 December (weather permitting).

Consultant curator Craig Flood said that Matthew Newkirk and Deb Mostert, both large scale mural specialists, provided advice on up scaling the artwork and the use of techniques specific to this media.

“Matt will work with Shara in painting the mural on the library wall using a range of spray painting, stencilling and patterning techniques – all from a scissor lift crane,” Craig said.

Local Councillor of Division 2 Peter Mitchell said that he was looking forward to the artwork taking shape and encouraged locals to come by to see Shara and Matt in action throughout the week.

“Shara and Matt will be working in the earlier and cooler part of the day, most likely from 8am to 2pm,” Cr Mitchell said.

Sandra and Shara Delaney will also host an artists’ talk at the Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland on 11.30am, Sunday 3 December ahead of installation starting across the road the very next day. Everyone is welcome to come along.

Dabilbahnba is a 2017 Quandamooka Festival project partnered by QYAC and the Creative Arts Redlands’ Public Art Program of Redland City Council.

Exceptional line-up for Redlands’ Christmas by Starlight


November 23, 2017

A stellar line-up of performers is set to dazzle at the Redlands’ premier free family carols event, Christmas by Starlight, on Saturday 16 December.

X Factor’s Isaiah Firebrace, Australian Idol’s Damien Leith and winner of The Voice Kids 2014 Alexa Curtis headline a cast of more than 60 local and national artists under the baton of the acclaimed musical director John Foreman OAM.

The Redlands’ biggest free family Christmas event returns to Norm Price Park – Redland Showgrounds with an expanded program for children.

Redland City Mayor said the event, which will be co-hosted by Channel 7 personalities Luke Kennedy and Jessica Skarratt, had developed a reputation as among the best free community Christmas concerts in Queensland.

“We are expecting more than 10,000 people to set up their chairs and blankets at the showgrounds for a top-shelf show featuring internationally acclaimed singers and some incredible local talent,’’ Cr Williams said.

“There will be more kids’ activities this year with the introduction of the Starlight Express, a trackless train that will shuttle guests around the event. The much-loved animal farm will return, along with Starlight’s usual face painting, jumping castles and rock climbing wall.

All rides are free and will run from 3pm to 8pm.

“The Redland Museum will also be open with a display of vintage toys in ‘Santa’s workshop’, so head over to see what your grandparents found under their Christmas trees.’’

The event will also boast plenty of food stalls and, from 5pm, a special children’s Christmas show. The main event and its dazzling lighting effects will beam across the showgrounds from 6pm, with a spectacular fireworks finale to light up the sky from about 8pm.

Free shuttle buses will head to the event from stops throughout the City, with return services from 8.20pm (details at www.redland.qld.gov.au/cbs).

Cr Williams said that while entry was free, people would have the opportunity to make a gold coin donation to support programs combatting domestic and family violence in the Redlands if they wished.

“During the evening you will see our very special band of volunteers in their blue shirts collecting for a most worthy cause – to assist Redlanders affected by domestic and family violence. If you can, a gold coin donation would be much appreciated by those in real need of some support and cheer.”

The show will also feature:

Singer-songwriter couple and X Factor

  • Singer-songwriter couple and X Factor finalists Jess Dunbar and Matt Price;
  • Jazz, soul and blues singer Angela Fabian;
  • Internationally acclaimed Polo, a former member of the phenomenal US a capella beat-boxing group, Naturally 7;
  • The Voice Australia finalist Ellen Reed;
  • Folk/indie/rock/pop band The Fergies; and
  • Acclaimed Redlands singer-songwriter Dakota Striplin, who recently returned from the US where he wowed audiences in the semi-finals of America’s Got Talent this year.

The exceptional home-grown talent also includes dancers from Rockit Productions, vocalists from Vocal Manoeuvres Academy, as well as outstanding local artists including Scott Muller, Craig Martin, Leah Lever, Jeremy Saywell, Shannon Robinson and  Jacqueline Duckworth.

Check www.redland.qld.gov.au/cbs for more information and updates.

Council meets with state hopefuls


November 20, 2017

Candidates in the upcoming state election had the opportunity to meet with Redland City Mayor Karen Williams and councillors last week to outline where they stand on key priorities for the city.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said while only five of the 15 candidates took up the invitation to meet with councillors, the meetings had yielded positive discussions.

The candidates who took the opportunity to meet with the Mayor and councillors were: David Keogh (Greens candidate for the seat of Redlands), Julie Talty (LNP candidate for the seat of Springwood), Matt McEachan (LNP candidate for the seat of Redlands), Jason Lavender (Independent for the seat of Capalaba), John Taylor (civil liberties party candidate for Springwood).

“It is a little disappointing that more candidates didn’t take the opportunity to outline their commitments for this week’s state election so our community knows where they stand on these important issues,” Cr Williams said.

“I am concerned the Redlands is being left behind in this election and this was an opportunity to ask all candidates to commit to advocating for the Redlands if they are elected this Saturday.”

Cr Williams said discussion during the meetings focused on the priorities outlined in Council’s state advocacy document, including upgrading state roads and public transport and increased funding for the transition of North Stradbroke Island.

“Our message to all candidates is simple – if you are elected by your community we would hope you will stand up for the priorities our city needs now and in the future, regardless of what party you are or aren’t in,” Cr Williams said.

“In other words we want local members to represent the community not just their party.

“Our state advocacy document outlines six priority areas and asks all candidates to advocate for these projects and initiatives if they are elected.

“Councillors voted in favour of these priorities on behalf of the community and we are calling on candidates to take them to George Street if they are elected.

“I know I speak for all councillors when I say we are committed to working with all local members and all political parties who are elected, to provide for the city and I am asking candidates to make the same commitment.”

Cr Williams said a key theme during the meetings was the need for the unique nature of the Redlands to be recognised and funded accordingly.

“The Redlands may be geographically close to Brisbane, but we have our own unique character, our own challenges and our own opportunities and we deserve local members who recognise, celebrate and advocate for our uniqueness,” she said.

“I would like to thank those candidates who took the time to meet with use, I realise it is a very busy time for them and I wish all candidates the best.

“I have also written to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Tim Nicholls and Steve Dickson and asked them to visit the Redlands during the election to see for themselves where state funding is needed and I await a response to this invitation.”

The responses from candidates to the priorities outlined by Council can be found on Council’s website.

Beachfront closed at Amity Point due to erosion


November 18, 2017

Council today closed off an area of beachfront land at the Amity Point end of Flinders Beach near Toompany Street due to erosion.

The affected area remains closed to the public and continues to be monitored by council officers.

The erosion site is approx 30 metres long and caused 3 metre high banks.

Three to four metres of land has fallen into the sea.

The nearest dwelling is approximately 30 metres away from the erosion site.

Amity Point is known to have natural erosion.

Try water sports and activities at free family fun day


November 17, 2017

To welcome summer, Redland City Council is hosting a free family fun day where you can come and try a variety of water sports and activities – and some land based ones too.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, Embrace the Bay will be held from 8am to midday on Saturday 2 December at Raby Bay Foreshore, Masthead Drive.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that Redlanders loved their bay, beaches and waterways, with a recent Healthy Land and Water survey showing that 77 per cent of residents used them for recreation – 42 per cent at least weekly.

“There is something special about being near water whether a creek, estuary or the bay.  We are so lucky to have beautiful waterways on our door step,” Cr Williams said.

“Passive water recreation is one of the best ways to feel the restorative effects of our waterways and to see our wonderful wildlife up close.

“Bring the family along to try canoeing, kayaking, dragon boating, stand up paddle boarding and windsurfing.”

There will also be free yoga and fun for the kids with face painting, Storycloth art, an Ocean Life Marine Education touch pool and nature and water play with Sparky Do Dah.

Redland City Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said that while many people actively enjoy these special places, we also need to look after them.

“You’ll be able to chat to Council’s environmental education officers and stallholders from Reef Check Australia, Dolphin Research Australia and Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland about our natural assets and how we can all do our bit to preserve them,” he said.

EMBRACE THE BAY – Family Fun Day

When: 8am-12pm, Saturday 2 December 2017

Where: Raby Bay Foreshore, Masthead Drive, Cleveland

Register your interest for the clinics and activities: indigiscapes@redland.qld.com.au 3824 8611. Fees may apply for some activities provided by commercial operators. Food available for purchase.

More information www.indigiscapes.com.au

 

Explore the Redlands’ street-level detail for the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay


November 17, 2017

Redlands’ residents can begin planning their Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) experience with the street-level detail and community celebrations now available to explore at gc2018.com/qbr.

Both North Stradbroke Island and Cleveland will welcome the Queen’s Baton with packed programs of free events organised by Redland City Council.

The Straddie celebration will be from 2pm-4pm on Monday 8 January 2018 at Point Lookout’s Headland Park, where the Queen’s Baton will be carried by Aunty Rose Borey, a Quandamooka Traditional Owner and respected Elder.

You will get to meet local artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins who has designed the coast-inspired Commonwealth Games medals.

The celebration, emceeded by Mark Beretta of Channel 7’s Sunrise, will feature a traditional smoking ceremony, cultural demonstrations, the Yulu-Burra-Ba dancers, sand art, bush tucker experiences, workshops and kids’ activities.

Free shuttle buses will operate to and from the water taxis at Dunwich and at One Mile.

On Easter Saturday 31 March 2018, the Queen’s Baton Relay will start at Cleveland Lighthouse Reserve, making its way along North Street, Shore Street North and Shore Street West before arriving at Raby Bay Harbour Park, where there will be a free community celebration from 8.30am-12.30pm.

Redlander and TV personality Lincoln Lewis and Olympic Gold medallist and beach volleyball star Natalie Cook OAM will emcee the event, which will feature a traditional ceremony, cultural demonstrations and workshops, activities, the Yulu-Burra-Ba dancers and live entertainment.

The Baton will then continue to Waterloo Street before it leaves the Redlands and continues to Brisbane.

You can find out when and where the baton will be in the Redlands at www.redland.qld.gov.au/gc2018 and www.gc2018.com/qbr .

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that to have two Queen’s Baton events in the Redlands was quite a coup.

“It is exciting that the Baton gets to go to Straddie, home of Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, whose wonderful coast-inspired designs have been selected for the Commonwealth Games medal,’’ Cr Williams said.

“It means we have two opportunities to be part of what promises to be a very special event.

“I know Redlanders won’t need much encouragement to celebrate at the free community events, as well as line the route to see the 19 batonbearers carry the Queen’s Baton through Cleveland.

“There will be free shuttle buses from Straddie’s water taxis to get you to Point Lookout, while there will be plenty of designated parking throughout the city for the Cleveland event, which will be right next to the train station.”

After travelling an astonishing 288 days throughout the Commonwealth, the Queen’s Baton will arrive onto Australian soil in Brisbane on 24 December 2017, having shared the dream of Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (C2018) with over one third of the world’s population.

From Christmas Day until 24 January 2018, the Queen’s Baton will be shared with thousands of Australians at popular summertime events, iconic locations and children’s hospitals around the country.

From 25 January 2018, the QBR will shift gears to a more traditional relay, where the Queen’s Baton will celebrate Australia Day, before continuing in the hands of approximately 3800 batonbearers through every state and territory.

As the Queen’s Baton travels the length and breadth of Australia, the QBR will not just pass through, but spend quality time in each community it visits, calling into hundreds of local schools and community celebrations along the way.

The Queen’s Baton will arrive on the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018, where His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will remove Her Majesty’s message from the Baton and read it aloud to declare the Games officially open.

Batonbearers will be informed of their street-specific slotting location in December. Details will be updated at gc2018.com/qbr in the weeks prior to the Baton arriving into a celebration community.

GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC:

“Rather than just pass through, the Relay has been designed to spend quality time in communities across Australia so that as many people as possible can be a part of the Baton’s journey and share in the excitement of GC2018.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a global journey that will soon reach Australia, reminding us all that GC2018, the largest sporting event Australia will see this decade, is just around the corner.”

QBR website: gc2018.com/qbr

QBR Hashtag: #QBR2018

GC2018 Hashtag: #GC2018, #SHARETHEDREAM