Author Archives: Geoff Shearer

Council serves up renewed tennis courts in Thorneside


June 15, 2021

The ball is back in play with the reopening of tennis court facilities at William Taylor Memorial Sports field, Thorneside.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council had completed a full renewal of the four courts at the sports field which included laying a premium sports surface, installing new lighting fixtures, fencing, access gates, and nets and net posts. The existing tennis court shelters were spruced up with new lighting, roof repairs and repainting.

An aerial view of the four refurbished tennis courts at William Taylor Memorial Sports field, Thorneside.

“This work was part of a budgeted program of approximately $13.8 million to improve our parks and sports fields across Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.

“As part of this project, the sports field’s two public cricket nets were renewed in a new location in order to better manage concerns between the soccer players and people using the practice nets.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams and Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop at the renewed tennis courts at William Taylor Memorial Sports field, Thorneside.

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said it was great to see the facilities, including the cricket nets and all four tennis courts, returned to a “like new” state.

The relocated and renewed public cricket nets at William Taylor Memorial Sports field, Thorneside.

“Youth cricket has been growing again recently with higher numbers of girls playing the sport. These nets are great for family fun and practice sessions,” Cr Bishop said.

“The tennis courts have been a much-loved facility for many decades under the management of Thorneside Community Tennis Association.

“These courts were built and cared for by community members and now that Council has taken over the lease holding, the Thorneside Community Tennis club and committee will continue to ensure they are looked after by locals, while the courts remain accessible for all users for many, many years to come.”

Redlands Coast closer to hosting Olympics events as Brisbane 2032 proposal firms


June 11, 2021

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams is pleased the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive has recommended Brisbane’s proposal be advanced to a full committee session vote expected ahead of the opening of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo on July 23.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced early this morning that it would progress Brisbane’s proposal to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to a full vote and that Redlands Coast was set to be the location for the canoe (slalom) events if it was endorsed.

“A purpose-built Olympic-standard Redland Whitewater Centre is part of the integrated Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct for which Birkdale Community Precinct on Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, is the preferred site,” Cr Williams said.

“The Olympic venue will be funded by both the Federal and State governments and would help support other attractions at the site, including Willards Farm and the WWII radio receiver station, both financially and through attraction of visitors.

“In April 2021, the Federal Government committed to a 50/50 funding arrangement with the Queensland Government for all venues and critical infrastructure associated with the potential 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“What is so very exciting about this venue is that it will be a legacy facility for generations to come.

“It will also bring forward significant infrastructure, in particular, road, rail and bus projects for Redlands Coast.

“Our community is particularly keen to see the much-needed duplication of the Cleveland railway line and the completion of the Eastern Busway to Capalaba.

“Similar Olympic facilities elsewhere demonstrate substantial local economic benefits, including during construction and for ongoing operation.

“It is anticipated that about 150 jobs could be sustained through the building and delivery of the adventure sports precinct, with an annual contribution of $52 million to the local economy.

“It also has significant opportunities as a swift-water rescue training facility for emergency services.

“The whitewater centre will be part of a larger adventure sports precinct proposed to be integrated into Birkdale Community Precinct with its overall legacy opportunities being compelling.

“A whitewater facility featured strongly in the community’s list of preferred ideas for the Birkdale precinct during Council’s recent extensive community engagement campaign.

“At 62 hectares, Birkdale Community Precinct provides more than enough space to accommodate the Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct and a variety of other uses in an integrated way.

“As well as strong support for the whitewater facility, the community told us they wanted picnic facilities, cycling and walking paths and circuits, access to Tingalpa Creek and natural areas, café and dining areas, community markets, camping and overnight stays, an amphitheatre and performance spaces, education and training facilities, paddock to plate, wildlife tourism and night walks.”

Cr Williams said the Council of Mayors (SEQ), which has been instrumental in the Brisbane 2032 proposal, is honoured the IOC Executive has recommended the proposal go to a full session vote.

“While we acknowledge this exciting milestone, there is still a lot of work to be done and all partners look forward to a final decision by the IOC and stand ready to assist in providing any further information,” Cr Williams said.

“The potential benefits of a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are massive – some $8.1 billion in economic and social benefits for Queensland, and $17.6 billion nationally.”

NAIDOC events celebrate culture and the concept of Country


June 10, 2021

The Yulu-Burri-Ba Dancers will perform at the NAIDOC Cultural Celebration Event at Raby Bay Harbour Park.

The connection between Country and culture will be the theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations across Redlands Coast.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said NAIDOC Week – starting Sunday 4 July – celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“It is a great opportunity to learn more about these communities,” Cr Williams said.

“This year NAIDOC invites us all to embrace First Nations’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national heritage.

“Country is much more than a place or a piece of land, for Traditional Owners it is inherent to their identity. It has meaning in every aspect, from spiritual to social, from cultural to emotional.

“This year’s theme – Heal Country – is about working to protect lands, waters, sacred sites and cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration and destruction.”

Cr Williams said NAIDOC Week would be celebrated across Redlands Coast with a number of events at various locations. The official launch will be held on Sunday, 4 July, at Raby Bay Harbour Park and will feature music and art from the Quandamooka People and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

“The Quandamooka People have been Traditional Owners of much of the area we now call Redlands Coast for more than 21,000 years,” Cr Williams said.

“The official launch will run from 9am to 1pm and there will be a traditional smoking ceremony and interactive dance workshops, as well as traditional arts and crafts activities, including weaving workshops.

“For those interested in furthering the cultural experience, Quandamooka man Matt Burns will provide cultural demonstrations and interactive family workshops. Matt’s workshops have proven very popular in the past.

“There also will be artwork by Quandamooka artists on display and for sale, along with a stunning sand art display.

“On stage will be performers such as Quandamooka song-man Josh Walker and the Yulu-Burri-Ba Dancers; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musician Joe Geia and his band; Torres Strait Islander singer and songwriter Chris Tamwoy with special guest Tania-Rose Gibuma; and Australian South Sea Islander and Aboriginal singer/songwriter Georgia Corowa.”

The Yulu-Burri-Ba Dancers will perform at the NAIDOC Cultural Celebration Event on Sunday 4 July.

Cr Williams said several Redlands Coast cultural and environmental facilities would showcase Traditional Owner culture as part of NAIDOC Week.

“On the Friday before the week gets underway, proud Quandamooka woman Elisha Kissick will lead a cultural flora walk through Council’s IndigiScapes Centre at Capalaba,” she said.

“Elisha is passionate about sharing her Aboriginal culture and is actively on a mission to change the narrative around the perception of First Nations people.

“That passion is shared by artists Carol McGregor and Tamika Grant-Iramu who both have thought-provoking exhibitions currently showing at Redland Art Gallery as part of NAIDOC Week.

“While at Cleveland Library on the morning of 6 July, Bundjalung South Sea Islander musician and author Lucas Proudfoot will be entertaining younger audiences as he shares the positive aspects of music, story and culture.

“On 7 July at the library, Uncle Norm Enoch from Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council will host a talk on Heal Country and the work his group is doing at the Terra Bulla Leumeah Conservation Reserve at Myora on North Stradbroke Island. Uncle Norm will also be giving a talk prior to this at IndigiScapes on the morning of Saturday 3 July.

“The play Rovers takes to the Redland Performing Arts Centre stage on 8 July. Performed by two female actors, it is a lively and fun production.

“So I encourage everyone to come along to these events, to listen and learn and to take away an understanding of the cultural significance of Country.

“Until we really understand Country we won’t understand why and how it needs to be healed.”

Yulu-Burri-Ba Dancers in the Redlands Coast on Quandamooka Country award-winning tourism video. They will perform at the NAIDOC Cultural Celebration Event at Raby Bay Harbour Park on Sunday 4 July.

REDLANDS COAST NAIDOC WEEK EVENTS

Cultural flora walk with Elisha Kissick of Yura Tours

Friday 2 July, 10am–12.30pm, IndigiScapes Botanic Gardens and Café, Capalaba

The cultural “walk talk” will cover how Quandamooka People used the varieties of flora that can be found in the gardens throughout IndigiScapes. $20 per person, ages 12+ indigiscapes.redland.qld.gov.au/

 

Native flora talk with Uncle Norm Enoch plus native bush food starter packs

Saturday 3 July, 9am–noon, IndigiScapes Botanic Gardens and Café, Capalaba

Come along and meet Uncle Norm from Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council as he talks about the cultural significance of native flora. IndigiScapes also will celebrate NAIDOC week with native bush food flora starter packs available in limited quantities. indigiscapes.redland.qld.gov.au/

 

NAIDOC Cultural Celebration Event

Sunday 4 July, 9am-1pm, Raby Bay Harbour Park

Performers include: Josh Walker and the Yulu-Burri-Ba Dancers, Joe Geia and band, Chris Tamwoy with special guest Tania-Rose Gibuma and Georgia Corowa. Activities include: traditional smoking ceremony and interactive dance workshops, arts and crafts activities, a sand art display, and cultural demonstrations by Matthew Burns. redland.qld.gov.au/NAIDOC

Torres Strait Islander singer and songwriter Chris Tamwoy and Tania-Rose Gibuma will perform at the NAIDOC Cultural Celebration Event on Sunday 4 July.

Exhibition Fragments: A Printed Environment: Tamika Grant-Iramu

until Sunday 18 July, Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland

Grant-Iramu’s work brings into focus aspects of the natural environment that often go unnoticed and yet are an important part of the identity and culture of place. artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/exhibitions-2021/fragments-a-printed-environment-tamika-grant-iramu/

 

Exhibition Response: Carol McGregor

until Sunday 18 July, Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland

In Response, Carol McGregor, an artist of Wathaurung and Scottish descent, reflects on what was here, looked after and used as a resource before colonisation. artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/exhibitions-2021/response-carol-mcgregor/

Clay installation silent sounds (wurrgarrabil) (detail), 2021, by Carol McGregor part of the artists’s Response exhibition at Redland Art Gallery. Image courtesy of the artist.

Musical Stories! with Lucas Proudfoot

Tuesday 6 July, 9.30-10am, Cleveland Library

Author Lucas Proudfoot presents a dynamic musical storytelling experience through song, dance and expert instrument demonstration. redland.qld.gov.au/info/20157/libraries/308/whats_on_at_your_library?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D153143126

 

Your Words! Your Story! with Lucas Proudfoot

Tuesday 6 July, 10.30-11.30am, Cleveland Library

Lucas Proudfoot showcases dance, cultural diversity and his creative process. redland.qld.gov.au/info/20157/libraries/308/whats_on_at_your_library?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D153143143

 

Heal Country with Uncle Norm and Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council

Wednesday 7 July, noon-1pm, Cleveland Library

Come along and meet Uncle Norm from Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council as he talks passionately about the award winning work they are doing at the Terra Bulla Leumeah Conservation Reserve. hbit.ly/3bWMwB4

Rovers

Thursday 8 July, 7.30-8.30pm, Concert Hall, Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland

Rovers at RPAC on 8 July.

Rovers is a delightful and modern comedy-drama that celebrates the imagination and heart of Australia’s trailblazing women. It stars Barbara Lowing and Roxanne McDonald who is descended from the Mandandanjii and Darambal tribes of Central Queensland. rpac.com.au/what-s-on/all-events/rovers/

 

Community feedback to inform vision for Birkdale Community Precinct


May 27, 2021

Redland City Council today voted to develop a vision for Birkdale Community Precinct, based on a huge response from the community.

Mayor Karen Williams thanked the community for having its say on ideas for the 62ha site, including younger residents who Council heard from in greater proportion than it usually does for Council engagements.

“We heard from all age groups, saw some 3,000 people visit the site for open days; had more than 25,000 interactions online; 1600 surveys completed; about 700 people attending pop-ups across the city; and held a series of ideas forums involving school students, youth groups and interested stakeholders, community groups and organisations,” Cr Williams said.

“The community engagement has provided a clear, well-rounded picture of what the community wants and expects for the transformation of the site, which will be a project spanning 25 years.”

The vision will incorporate five core themes into a future community-use precinct: environment/ecology; adventure/recreation; heritage/history; education/discovery; and agriculture/rural tradition.

Cr Williams said the core themes would be the building blocks for a world-class precinct that would serve Redlands Coast for generations to come.

“We received a strong response to our call for people to tell us what they wanted to see as part of what is one of the most exciting projects ever proposed on Redlands Coast,” she said.

“The community told us they wanted picnic facilities, cycling and walking paths and circuits, access to Tingalpa Creek and natural areas, café and dining areas, community markets, camping and overnight stays, an amphitheatre and performance spaces, education and training facilities, paddock to plate, wildlife tourism and night walks.

“They supported the concept of a Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct – including an Olympic-standard pool, Olympic-standard canoe slalom whitewater facility that could serve as a venue should Brisbane be selected as host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, water play and adventure sports facilities.

“They also saw preserving the natural environment and our heritage as priorities.

“I thank the thousands of people who participated in the consultation for their invaluable submissions. This feedback has, and will continue to be, of enormous assistance in guiding us during the planning stages.”

Cr Williams said Council would continue to consult the community in the development of the precinct, including significant community engagement on a draft master plan.

An analysis of feedback data from the first round of consultation showed 17 per cent (approximately one in six) Redlands Coast households indicated an interest in the project by visiting the Birkdale Community Precinct Your Say page.

Eighty-eight per cent of respondents to the engagement were Redlands Coast residents, approximately three in four Birkdale households visited Council’s Your Say web page to seek information about the proposed development of the site and, importantly, all suburbs were represented in survey responses and submissions.

Cr Williams said Birkdale Community Precinct provided a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Council to develop a community-use area catering to the diverse tastes of the community and the uses they envisaged for the site.

“It presents the opportunity to create a world-class precinct that could drive employment, boost local and regional economies, become a significant drawcard for tourism and shine an even brighter light on the naturally wonderful Redlands Coast,” she said.

“The site has identified environmental, cultural and historical significance, which will be protected.

“This is a large precinct that has space for many exciting projects that would enhance lifestyle and benefit communities and economies, as well as bring forward important transport infrastructure.”

A dedicated Redlands Coast Your Say page was at the centre of the campaign.

It featured extensive facts about the site along Old Cleveland Road East at Birkdale, as well as videos, detailed commissioned reports, a virtual tour and the survey portal.

“It is evident the five themes that formed the basis of the engagement have all resonated with the community,” Cr Williams said.

“The huge response was staggering.

“It shows that the community really has a sense of ownership over this land and are genuinely interested in what it could become, not only for themselves, but for generations to come.”

For more information on Birkdale Community Precinct, go to: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/imagine

For the agenda from today’s Council meeting, go to: 27 May 2021 Agenda

Redland Art Gallery exhibition part of a broader story


May 13, 2021

Redland Art Gallery’s latest exhibition has connections far beyond Redlands Coast.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said artist Carol McGregor’s Response exhibition was part of a combined regional gallery program celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture.

“Through the rest of May and June, regional art galleries across South East Queensland North (SEQN) will come together for the first time with a series of First Nations exhibitions, experiences and events, under the title Connecting Stories,” Cr Williams said.

Redland Art Gallery director Emma Bain said McGregor’s exhibition Response, which opens Sunday (16 May, 2021), reflects on what was here, looked after and used as a resource before colonisation of the country, drawing on research she conducted with Quandamooka and other Aboriginal communities.

“Response is anchored by a possum skin cloak specific to Quandamooka Country and also includes a new series of sculptural works by McGregor,” she said.

Clay installation silent sounds (wurrgarrabil) (detail), 2021, by Carol McGregor part of the artists’s Response exhibition at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland from 16 May. Image courtesy of the artist.

Aboriginal possum skin cloaks were a significant ancestral item: the inside of the skins were marked and ochred with personal and cultural designs, and maps of Country. Contemporary possum skin cloak making is a recent continuation of this practice. McGregor is of Wathaurung and Scottish descent and she is currently the Program Director, Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.

Response continues at RAG, Cleveland until 18 July.

Connecting Stories is delivered by Creative Arts Alliance (CAA); as part of the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) an initiative of the Queensland Government; in partnership with independent First Nations creative organisation Blaklash and members of the SEQN Galleries Network – Redland Art Gallery, Gympie Regional Gallery, Noosa Regional Gallery, Caloundra Regional Gallery, USC Art Gallery, Moreton Bay Regional Galleries and The Condensery (Somerset Regional Art Gallery).

Keisha Leon, Connecting Stories, 2020.
Image courtesy of the artist.

CAA manager Katie Edmiston encouraged locals and visitors to embrace the opportunity to get back out into the SEQN region and immerse themselves in the First Nations Connecting Stories program.

“As well as boasting stunning and diverse natural landscapes, our region is home to some of the best regional galleries in the state, all within a few hours drive from each other and Brisbane,” she said.

“Through Connecting Stories, audiences can experience exhibitions programs across nine gallery venues, visit public art sites, participate in arts tours, workshops and events as part of the program.”

For more details about Connecting Stories go to: connectingstories.net

For more details about Response at Redland Art Gallery go to: artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au

 

 

Posted in Arts and tagged .

Workshops to benefit small businesses on Redlands Coast


May 13, 2021

Redland City Council is encouraging Redlands Coast small businesses to take advantage of a series of workshops and events being held throughout May as part of Queensland Small Business Month (QSBM).

Mayor Karen Williams said QSBM, supported by the State Government, was a celebration of the vital contribution that small businesses made to the economy.

“Locally, it’s also a great opportunity to support our local Redlands Coast businesses with these educational workshops,” Cr Williams said.

“Council, in partnership with TAFE Queensland, will run free workshops at two locations during QSBM to explore online platforms and help businesses enhance their digital capacity.

“During the COVID-19 lock-downs, many small businesses have had to move online or increase their online presence. These workshops are aimed at helping businesses determine what platforms and online campaigns will best reach customers and generate the best result in sales.”

The Demystify the Digital Landscape and Grow Your Business workshops will be held at the Macleay Island Community Centre on 20 May, from 5.30pm-7pm; and at Alexandra Hills Hotel and Conference Centre on 26 May, from 5pm-6.30pm.

Council is also supporting a full-day event at Alexandra Hills Hotel and Conference Centre based around digital solutions and organised by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Brisbane and Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS). It will be held on 19 May from 9am-3.30pm. There is a registration fee for this event.

“You will be able to choose from 10 face-to-face workshops and there will be trade stands and Q&A sessions. All designed to help boost business competitiveness and digital skills,” Cr Williams said.

“Council also supported a very successful Investment Readiness Workshop earlier this month at Redland Bay that was hosted by Trade & Investment Queensland and Deloitte Australia.”

More information about the QSBM Redlands Coast events and links for registering can be found at redland.qld.gov.au

Event details:

CLICK! Digital Solutions (RDA Brisbane & ASBAS)
When: 9am-3.30pm, 19 May, 2021
Where: Alexandra Hills Hotel and Conference Centre
RSVP: Register online at redland.qld.gov.au

Workshop 1: Demystify the Digital Landscape and Grow Your Business
When: 5.30pm-7pm, 20 May, 2021
Where: Macleay Island Community Centre
RSVP: Register online at redland.qld.gov.au

Workshop 2: Demystify the Digital Landscape and Grow Your Business
When: 5pm-6.30pm, 26 May, 2021
Where: Alexandra Hills Hotel and Conference Centre
RSVP: Register online at redland.qld.gov.au

 

Redland Library kits help residents start own book clubs


May 10, 2021

Redland Libraries are so pleased with the success of their first book club that they are making it easy for residents to start one of their own.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Book Club sets were now available through Council’s libraries.

“The sets have been prepared so we can share the literary love and encourage residents to form their own book clubs which they can host in their homes,” Cr Williams said.

“Each set contains 10 copies of a book and a laminated sheet of questions to kickstart the discussion.

“There are already 19 sets ready to go, which can be reserved online and sent to your nearest Redland City Library for collection.”

The launch of the Book Club sets follows the success of the Redland Reads Book Club, which held its first meeting in August last year.

“The book club was formed in response to COVID-19 as a means of bringing our community back to our libraries, to get people talking and sharing experiences while focusing on the core library business – the reading of books,” Cr Williams said.

“It has proved to be a great way for people to meet, with people coming together and having a conversation and then leaving as friends.

“It fulfills a really strong need in our community. We talk about resilience and capacity building all the time and what is that if not helping people to help each other.”

The book club now has about 30 regular members who turn up to one of the monthly meetings at either Cleveland or Victoria Point Library and 99 followers on the club’s Facebook page.

“The online presence is an important aspect of the club as it means you can be part of the monthly book discussion from the comfort of your own home and at a time which suits you,” Cr Williams said.

Club member Diana Penson said she joined the club to keep mentally active and to meet new people who share a common interest in literature.

“As a lover of the classics, the books that have been selected for club members to critique are not ones I would normally have chosen to read,” she said.

“For this very reason I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to broaden my outlook and appreciate a range of young authors and their unique and fresh approaches to writing.

“Combined with the diversity of literary themes and styles, the sharing of individual experiences of, and reactions to, the books is what I value the most about being a member of the Redland Reads Book Club.”

For more information on the Book Club sets or Redland Reads Book Club, go to the Redland Libraries website or follow the club on Facebook.

Posted in Arts and tagged .