Monthly Archives: May 2019

Redlands Centre for Women receive historic home base


May 30, 2019

Cleveland’s historic Station Master’s Cottage will become the new home for Redlands Centre for Women (RCW), allowing the group to expand its services and support to Redlands Coast women.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council would offer a five-year lease to RCW, which had been without permanent tenancy for almost three years.

“The lack of a permanent home in recent years has limited the suite of programs and services that can be offered by the organisation,” Cr Williams said.

“The Centre proposes to use the Station Master’s Cottage to extend its service delivery by providing a welcoming women’s hub to enhance social connectedness.

“This lease will enable the delivery of 11 programs, including Redlands Active Women’s Program, counselling to support women through challenges, a back-to-work program for unemployed women, support to teenage girls in developing and achieving life goals and support for young mothers.

“The building will be available for use by RCW in mid-year, following the completion of renovations.

“This cottage is a Cleveland icon and of historic significance to Redlands Coast so I am pleased it will benefit the community to which it belongs.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said Councillors voted unanimously last year to make the building available for community groups.

“It was agreed to upgrade the building to make it suitable for the recommended future use and to invite local community groups to submit proposals to use the building,” he said.

“Four expressions of interest were received, with RCW being successful.

“The EOI process was considered the best method to ensure transparency and maximise the community benefit from use of the Station Master’s Cottage.

“It provided the opportunity for Council to consider community needs and service gaps.

“RCW has provided wonderful support and services for Redlands Coast women for many years and Council is happy to have played a role in enabling RCW to provide even more support to women by expanding services from its new hub.”

BACKGROUND
The historic Station Master’s Cottage was gifted to Redland City Council by Redlands RSL and was relocated to the nearby heritage precinct in Linear Park in July 2017.

The cottage sits adjacent to other historical and ‘recreated’ buildings in what has evolved into a historical character precinct.

The building was identified by Council as being suitable for community groups, not for profit organisations and/or social enterprise providers to conduct and deliver community service activities for the benefit of the Redlands Coast community, while conserving and showcasing cultural heritage for the benefit of the community.

Planned burn underway at Emu Street Conservation Area


May 30, 2019

Please be aware that a planned burn is in progress at Hillcrest Road, Sheldon.

An area of about 9 hectares will be burned for hazard reduction and ecological purposes.

The burn is likely to take about three hours but Council’s parks and conservation crews will remain onsite for most of the day to ensure the fire is entirely extinguished.

Smoke may affect areas to the north-east of the burn site throughout the day. Stay safe in smoky conditions by following these tips from Queensland Health. 

Council provides lifeline to community mental health service


May 22, 2019

Redland City Council has provided a lifeline for a local mental health community organisation by opening the door for it to move into a new operating base.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Bayside Initiatives Group (BIG) would move from an industrial shed to a vacant community facility at Winter Memorial Park, on Mount Cotton Road, Capalaba.

“BIG has been operating under a cloud as a result of funding changes in the community services sector, putting a unique local service supporting upwards of 800 residents a year at imminent risk of service closure,” Cr Williams said.

“Today’s decision by Council to hand the keys under a one-year lease to BIG will help greatly in its continuing role to deliver mental health support services to Redlands Coast residents.”

Cr Williams said she had met with representatives of BIG after learning of their need for a new home.

“I met with BIG and Council officers to discuss how we could help after BIG reached out looking for help and I am pleased Council has been able to step in and assist,” she said.

Division 9 Councillor Paul Gleeson said BIG had played an integral role in the mental health and wellbeing of Redlands Coast residents for more than 20 years.

“They are the last and only service of this kind on Redlands Coast and the first fully consumer-run organisation in Queensland,” he said.

“BIG offers a critical link in the local service sector, addressing service gaps between clinical services and case management.

“Council agreeing to embed social services in the vacant community facility in Winter Memorial Park will help to address service gaps, expand generalist counselling services and provide seamless referral pathways into the funded service sector.”

Cr Williams said BIG was an award-winning organisation, being a two-time winner of the Earl Dues Award – the highest national award bestowed during Australian Mental Health Week.

“Larger funded organisations use BIG’s services and facilities on a day-to-day basis, so many people will benefit from it continuing to deliver its unique services, support and outreach programs,” she said.

“This will ensure that BIG is provided with a secure operating base to recalibrate their services to respond to community needs in the face of an uncertain social service funding environment from government.”

BACKGROUND
The Winter Memorial Park facility has been vacant since July 2018, when YourTown, which had used it as a base for more than a decade, vacated it.

The centre – then located in Cleveland – had been gifted to Council by Redlands RSL.

It had previously been used as a support venue for Vietnam veterans and later as a learning centre for youth by BoysTown after the building was relocated to Capalaba.

Council to continue support for Macleay Island library


May 22, 2019

Redland City Council will extend funding for the Macleay Island Community Library for a further three years.

Mayor Karen Williams said today’s decision to continue the funding agreement with Macleay Island Progress Association, which runs the library, confirmed Council’s commitment to the community.

“Council has been providing support to the Association for more than 30 years, and the decision to fund the Association for a further three years will certainly help with the operation of the community-owned library on Macleay Island,” she said.

“Today’s resolution provides $13,225 funding in 2019-20, with provision for CPI increases in the following two years.

“The funding will assist in the library not only continuing to offer a broad range of books for loan and reading programs, but also serve as a safe and pleasant place to visit, as well as provide information on community events and support local culture and arts.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said statistics indicated there was a particular need for early literacy support on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

“Early literacy is a key priority for Redland Libraries and ongoing support for the Macleay library will enable the existing partnership work with the community to develop, delivering programs such as the early childhood literacy program First 5 Forever,” he said.

“The Australian Early Development Census community profile, published in 2018, highlights that Macleay Island has scope for improvement in children’s communication skills and general knowledge.

“The partnership between Council and the Macleay Island Community Library, particularly through early childhood literacy programming, seeks to improve early literacy skills for island families, and therefore social benefits for the community.

“The library is important to the island community and I’m happy that Council is able to continue its support for this wonderful community asset.”

Council adopts policy to reduce Redlands Coast homelessness


May 22, 2019

Redland City Council today adopted a policy aimed at supporting and reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness on Redlands Coast.

Mayor Karen Williams said homelessness was an issue that impacted all communities.

“The causes of homelessness are varied and complex; and homelessness is often accompanied by other factors such as poverty, drug and alcohol addiction, mental health issues and disabilities and a lack of social support,” she said.

“It is an issue that cannot be resolved quickly but one that needs government and community collaboration.

“Council’s role in responding to homelessness is not well understood and it requires a clear policy position.

“The position adopted by Council is intended to provide a compassionate response to those who are most vulnerable, while at the same time considering the needs of the general community.

“Redlands Coast is a compassionate community that cares for those less fortunate and Council is already working with community groups and government agencies to identify areas for improvement and to help coordinate responses to help those impacted.”

Cr Williams said the policy clearly articulated Council’s commitment towards improving services to those who were homeless and its role and approach in responding to homelessness.

“The policy recognises the complexity of homelessness and the vulnerability of those who are experiencing it while balancing the rights of the public to access and enjoy the use of public space and feel safe” she said.

“The number of homeless people on Redlands Coast is difficult to estimate but 247 people were homeless at the last Census (2016).

“In recent times, there have been instances of homeless people camping in various Council-controlled reserves across the city.”

She said funding for homeless services was the responsibility of the Federal and State governments, which fund specialist services for those combating homelessness and associated social issues.

“The State Government also provides funding for Outreach Access Services to people who are homeless in public spaces and other locations but no service is located or available within Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.

“I have written to Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni and have met with him to discuss homelessness across the city.

“I have also separately met with local service providers regarding homelessness.

“In the absence of a funded outreach service, Council officers have been – and will continue – working with community groups and government agencies to build capacity in the service system through a coordinated multi-agency response to homelessness.

“This coordinated response will improve communication between services and improve referral pathways and access to the homelessness service system.”

Nominate a Redlands Coast Inspiring Senior today


May 21, 2019

Do you know an inspiring senior who has made a significant contribution to our community over the years? Why not nominate someone deserving for a Redlands Coast Inspiring Seniors Award?

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said nominations for Blue Care’s Redlands Coast Inspiring Seniors Awards were open and it was a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of some of our senior citizens in the lead up to Queensland Seniors Week.

“Council is once again proud to support this annual Blue Care initiative, now in its eleventh year of operation,” she said.

“Just like the rest of Queensland, Redlands Coast has an ageing population and that comes with a lot of positives.

“Many of our seniors are opting to stay in the workforce for longer than previous generations and others choose to share their wisdom and experience giving back to the community in other ways.

“Countless unpaid hours of volunteer work are racked up by Redlands Coast seniors every year, often filling the gaps by providing services relied on by many people.”

Blue Care’s Inspiring Seniors Coordinator Breanne Tukavkin said the awards were a way of recognising those who gave selflessly, all year round.

“We time our Inspiring Seniors Awards so that nominations are open to the public in the lead up to Seniors Week,” Ms Tukavkin said.

“The announcement of successful recipients will be made during Seniors Week celebrations, at a special morning tea with Mayor Williams and Redland City Councillors.

“Of course there are so many worthy recipients out there, which is why I am urging members of the public to nominate someone they know by 28 June 2019.

“We hate our heroes to go unsung!”

To nominate someone for a 2019 Blue Care Redlands Coast Inspiring Seniors Award, fill out the online nomination form  or email B.tukavkin@bluecare.org.au for a nomination form.

Terms and conditions, including selection criteria and the judging process are included on the nomination form. Nominations close at 5pm, Friday 28 June 2019. For more information, phone Breeanne Tukavkin on 0411 738 159.

Dîner en Rouge clocks up $330,000 for domestic violence support


May 20, 2019

Mayor Karen Williams has praised the generosity of Redlands Coast’s locals for once again digging deep to help those affected by domestic and family violence.

“I am thrilled and humbled that, this year, an extra $70,000 has been raised through my annual fundraising event Dîner en Rouge,” Cr Williams said.

“This brings the total raised over five Dîner en Rouge events to $330,000, well over my target of $200,000 by 2020.

“I thank all those who have contributed from the bottom of my heart.

“This year, we were all deeply moved by the donation of yet another $50,000 by incredible Redlands Coast resident Dan Holzapfel, who has been a generous benefactor from the outset.

“Thanks to Mr Holzapel, our event partners and sponsors and all those who have supported Dîner en Rouge, we are now well on the way to providing further significant support where our local domestic and family violence services need it most.”

Redland Coast’s Maybanke Accommodation & Crisis Support Service was presented with a cheque for $250,000 at Saturday night’s glittering Dîner en Rouge fundraiser for domestic and family violence services. In 2017, $10,000 was provided to the Maybanke to purchase security systems for their crisis accommodation.

“This year’s event was a red-letter day for everyone who has generously supported Dîner en Rouge and local domestic and family violence support services over the past five years,” Cr Williams said.

“To be able to hand that money to Maybanke so they can furnish the four new crisis accommodation units being provided by the State Government, and provide toys and comfort for the children and women who find safety there, was something very special.”

“It showed that by working together the Redlands Coast community can make a real difference for people whose lives have been torn apart.”

Maybanke Accommodation & Crisis Support Service manager Valda Carrington said her organisation was overwhelmed by the support.

“We cannot express enough how grateful we are. Donations such as this assist us to provide our families with the necessities to make their stay more comfortable,” she said.

“Often a woman escaping domestic violence leaves home with very little, so this money will enable us to make the units more comfortable and provide a little joy for children who have had to leave precious toys behind.

“A donation as significant as this will help to secure the futures of the women and children who come to us for help to escape the cycle of violence and abuse in their lives.”

As always, the Dîner en Rouge venue was kept secret, with the 250 guests ferried from the meeting point at Redland Performing Arts Centre to the Redland Museum and then on to the gala banquet at the Redland Showgrounds Plaza.

Supporters of Dîner en Rouge include:

Event partner: Private Chefs of Brisbane.
Diamond sponsor: Karreman Quarries.
Platinum sponsors: Redland City Bulletin, Renaissance Retirement Living.
Ruby sponsors: Kennards Hire, Walker Group.
Pearl sponsors: Alex Gow Funerals, Gadens, McGuires Alexandra Hills Hotel.
Rose sponsors: Darwalla Group, JJ Richards and Sons, National Concreting Systems, Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ)

Event Supporters: Beautiful Illusions, Brisbane Event Lighting, Capalaba Carnations, Chameleon Touring Systems, CPC Productions, Grand View Hotel, JLX Productions, Koala Graphix, Magic Fencing, Pattemore’s Meats, Redland Museum, Redland City Choir, Rob Maccoll Photography, Scene Change Event Technology, Southern Cross Protective Services, Staging Creations, Transdev, Viking Rentals.

Raffle Prize Supporters: Stephen Dibb Jewellery, Stradbroke Ferries, Whale Watch Ocean Beach Resort.

Planned temporary water shutdowns for Redlands Coast areas in May and June


May 17, 2019

Residents in parts of Mount Cotton and on three Southern Moreton Bay Islands will experience
temporary overnight water supply interruptions over May and June as essential maintenance
work is carried out to improve water security.

From 28-30 May 2019, Seqwater crews will temporarily stop water supply to some properties so
inspections can be carried out on a 50-year-old pipeline between Alexandra Hills Reservoir and
Heinemann Road Reservoir at Mount Cotton.

The inspections will enable Seqwater to prioritise pipe replacement. The first two sections were
successfully completed in early May.

Water supply will be turned off from 9pm with planned restoration at 5am the following morning.
Residents on Karragarra Island, Lamb Island and Macleay Island will also experience temporary
overnight water supply interruptions from Saturday 1 June to Sunday 2 June, while work is
being carried out on pipelines to the island and other water infrastructure.

The project follows pipeline bursts on Karragarra Island which resulted in unplanned water
supply disruptions on those three islands.

The upgrade work will reduce the risk of water supply disruptions in the future.

To complete this essential work, Seqwater must temporarily turn off some pipelines.

Residents on the three islands will have low or no water supply for up to 12 hours from 8pm on
Saturday 1 June.

Water supply is expected to be restored on Sunday morning 2 June.

Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Neil Brennan said Seqwater had been working closely with a
team at Redland City Council to minimise the impact on affected residents.

“We understand having temporary water supply interruptions is not easy and appreciate the
understanding and patience of locals as this vital work is carried out,” Mr Brennan said.

Affected properties will receive a notice in the letterbox ahead of a water supply interruption.
Seqwater will be working closely with Redland City Council, community champions, SES and
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to help ensure all residents on the three islands are prepared for the temporary shutdown.

For more information call 1300 737 928 or visit Seqwater.com.au or Redland.qld.gov.au/WaterOutages

Burst water main at Karragarra Island: latest update 12 May at 11.30am


May 12, 2019

11:30am Sunday 12 May 2019

Water restored to Karragarra, Macleay and Lamb Islands

Water supply is back on at Karragarra, Macleay and Lamb Islands. Water pressure will build as pipes fill.

Seqwater advises the water is safe to drink and does not require boiling.

Residents and visitors at Karragarra, Macleay and Lamb Islands are asked to let their taps run for 2-3 minutes before using water after a main pipe was replaced overnight.

There may be some air in residential pipes or some discoloured water when residents first turn on their tap.

Thank you to Seqwater and Council crews who replaced the burst pipe and island ambassadors, rural fire service, SES, ferry operators and community members who provided invaluable assistance during this emergency incident.

Inquiries: Seqwater 1300 737 928 or visit the Redlands Coast disaster dashboard website (disaster.redland.qld.gov.au)

10:55am Sunday 12 May 2019

Run water before use, but no need to boil – Southern Moreton Bay Islands

Residents and visitors at Karragarra, Macleay and Lamb Islands are asked to let their taps run for 2-3 minutes before using water after a main pipe was replaced overnight.

Seqwater advises the water is safe to drink and does not require boiling.

Water is coming back progressively across the three islands this morning.

There may be some air in residential pipes or some discoloured water when residents first turn on their tap.

Treated water samples have been taken at various points along the network and laboratory tested to ensure there is no concern for public health.

Redland City Council and Seqwater thank residents of the Karragarra, Lamb and Macleay Islands for their patience while these essential repairs were completed. Thank you to community champions, fire and emergency services, SES, community members and ferry operators for helping to get information out to island residents.

The burst water main was on Karragarra Island.

Inquiries: Seqwater 1300 737 928 or visit the Redlands Coast disaster dashboard website (disaster.redland.qld.gov.au)

9:20am Sunday 12 May 2019

Water to be restored to Southern Moreton Bay islands by mid-morning

Seqwater advises water will be progressively restored to Karragarra, Macleay and Lamb islands on Redlands Coast this morning.

A burst water main on Karragarra Island was successfully replaced overnight and drinking water is being progressively restored to island residents. All residents should have water supply back by mid-morning today.

The water is safe to drink. Treated water samples will be taken at various points along the network and laboratory tested to ensure there is no concern for public health.

There may be some air in residential pipes or some discoloured water when residents first turn on their tap.

Residents are advised to let the water run for 2-3 minutes to clear. The tap water will be safe to drink.

Thank you to community champions, Rural Fire Service, SES, ferry operators and community members for helping to get information out to island residents and thanks to Seqwater and Council crews for their work.

For more information, call Seqwater on 1300 737 928 or visit the Redlands Coast Disaster Dashboard website at disaster.redland.qld.gov.au.

 

7:15pm Saturday 11 May 2019

Water shutdown begins for Karragarra Island pipe repair

Water supply to Lamb, Macleay and Karragarra Islands has been temporarily stopped so that a burst water main can be safely repaired.

Some residents have experienced low water pressure since this morning however water supply was maintained during the day.

The water supply remains safe to drink.

Our plan is to complete the repairs overnight. We will provide an update if that cannot be achieved.

Seqwater and Redland City Council will conduct water quality testing and flushing before water supply is restored to island residents.

If during the shutdown emergency bottled water supplies are needed:

  • Karragarra and Lamb Islands residents should contact Qld Fire and Emergency Services on 1800 017 029 from 10pm-6am
  • Macleay Island residents should contact SES from 10pm-6am on 13 25 00 

We will provide updates as information becomes available.

For more information call 1300 737 928 or visit Seqwater.com.au and Redland.qld.gov.au

To keep up-to-date overnight check Council’s disaster dashboard Disaster.redland.qld.gov.au which shares Seqwater’s updates.

We thank residents of the Karragarra, Lamb and Macleay Islands for their patience while these essential repairs are completed.

4:50pm Saturday 11 May 2019

Thank you to residents of Karragarra, Macleay and Lamb Islands who are preparing for a complete water shutdown on those islands after 7pm tonight due to a burst Seqwater main pipe. Crews from Seqwater, assisted by Council crews, will work to fix the problem overnight. Seqwater advises the water is currently safe to drink. If you haven’t already, fill clean containers for drinking and your bath for water to flush the toilet overnight. Thanks to island ambassadors, fire and rescue crews and council staff for spreading the word about the emergency shutdown. Inquiries: Seqwater on 1300 737 928.

2:50pm Saturday 11 May 2019

There may be reduced water pressure or no water on some areas of Karragarra, Lamb and Macleay Islands late this afternoon while Seqwater and Redland City Council crews investigate the cause of a burst Seqwater water main on Karragarra Island.

From 7pm this evening water will be shutdown overnight on the three islands as repairs are undertaken.  

Seqwater and Redland City Council crews are currently on Karragarra Island to investigate the cause of the burst water main.

The first step is to drain the lake around the burst water main so crews can inspect the pipeline. This is expected to take most of the day.

Water pressure will need to be further reduced late in the afternoon today to allow inspection of the pipe once lake has been lowered.

For some areas, this may result in very low or no water pressure.

Seqwater will determine the repair work required once the pipe is assessed.

The aim is to undertake the repair work overnight tonight. This will require an overnight shutdown of water supply to Karragarra, Macleay and Lamb Islands from 7pm tonight. Residents are advised to begin preparing for an overnight water shutdown by:

  • filling suitable containers with drinking water and storing them in the fridge
  • store water in the bathtub that can be used for toilet flushing
  • plan to shower or bath early this evening or later tomorrow morning.

More information will be provided as it becomes available. Inquiries: Seqwater 1300 737 928

12:30pm Saturday 11 May 2019

Seqwater and Redland City Council crews are currently on Karragarra Island to investigate the cause of the Seqwater burst water main. The first step is to drain the lake around the burst water main so crews can inspect the pipeline. This is expected to take most of the day.

Water pressure will need to be further reduced late in the afternoon to allow inspection of the pipe once lake has been lowered. For some areas, this may result in very low or no water pressure.

Seqwater will determine the repair work required once the pipe is assessed.

The aim is to undertake the repair work overnight tonight. This will require an overnight shutdown of water supply to Karragarra, Macleay and Lamb Islands from 7pm tonight. Residents are advised to begin preparing for an overnight water shutdown by:

  • filling suitable containers with drinking water and storing them in the fridge
  • store water in the bathtub that can be used for toilet flushing
  • plan to shower or bath early this evening or later tomorrow morning.

More information will be provided as it becomes available. Inquiries: 1300 737 928

8.45am Saturday 11 May 2019

Some areas of Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb Islands are experiencing reduced water pressure due to a burst Seqwater trunk main in East Street at Karragarra Island. Seqwater is aware of the break and is mobilising crew to the island. Redland City Council crew will also be working with Seqwater on site to assist.

More information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.

Redlands Coast joins Red Bench project


May 10, 2019

A bench in the plaza outside Cleveland Library has been painted red in support of domestic and family violence awareness.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was pleased to be part of the Red Rose Foundation’s Red Bench Project during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, to remind everyone of the need to stand up against violence and abuse.

“Getting the message out about the awful toll that domestic and family violence has on our community is no easy task, so Redland City Council was eager to jump on board when the Red Rose Foundation asked us to be part of this project,” Cr Williams said.

“We hope this simple red bench in one of Cleveland’s busiest community areas will come to remind everyone who sees it that domestic and family violence and abuse are not acceptable.

“The truth is that the need to stand up and do something about family and domestic violence – and support those affected by it – has never been greater.

“Domestic and family violence thrives on anonymity and secrecy, which is why a very public reminder such as this bench is so important in ensuring we all remember the victims, and their pain and anguish, are real; and that we all can do something to help.

“As the plaque it will bear will remind us, it is up to all of us to ‘Change the Ending’.”

Cr Williams will launch the red bench on 15 May, just before the annual Dîner en Rouge fundraiser for domestic violence services on Saturday, 18 May.

“Now in its fifth year, Dîner en Rouge has come to symbolise Redlanders’ commitment to standing up and doing something to tackle this problem,” Cr Williams said.

Tickets to Dîner en Rouge, which is held at a secret location and has a red and white theme (red is for Redlands Coast and white is to acknowledge the national campaign to stop violence against women), are now available from the Redland Performing Arts Centre box office at www.rpac.com.au or by calling 3829 8131. Tickets are $175 each or $1700 for 10.

EVENT DETAILS:
Dîner en Rouge
Venue: Guests taken to a secret location
Saturday 18 May 2019
Information: redland.qld.gov.au/dinerenrouge
Tickets: Redland Performing Arts Centre Box Office