Category Archives: Youth

Redland City salutes Young Legends

April 16, 2021

Dedication, selflessness, passion and leadership are the hallmarks of six exceptional young Redlanders who have been recognised by Redland City Council at its inaugural Young Legends Awards.

The event, coinciding with Queensland Youth Week, was organised to salute the outstanding contributions of local young people.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the calibre of the award’s 39 finalists had made selecting the winners of the inaugural awards a tough but heart-warming task.

“As young people are our future, I have great confidence in what that future holds for our Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said. “The dedication, drive and passion of our finalists shows just how fortunate we are as a community.”

Cr Williams said that many young people had been hard hit by COVID-19 and too often were unfairly criticised because of the actions of small minority

“There are so many talented, dedicated and inspiring young people who are quietly doing great things in our community,” Cr Williams said.

“During the pandemic, more than 120 local young people signed up to the Volunteering Queensland Care Army or registered to become emergency volunteers. They are among the many young people volunteering, they are our unsung young legends of Redlands Coast.

“Redland City Council wanted to acknowledge these dedicated young people and give them the recognition they deserve.”

The winners:

Young Legend of the Year (under 18) – Harry Taske

“Harry is a very community-minded young man indeed. In addition to his sporting achievements, he has shown a passion for helping others in need as a volunteer since he was just 8 years old, working with organisations that support those who are less fortunate, especially the homeless and those affected by domestic and family violence, and rallying the community to provide desperately needed support,” Cr Williams said.

Young Legend of the Year (over 18) – Jacob Nicholls

“Jacob is such a positive, kind and caring young man. He has been an outstanding role model, from his volunteer work at local community radio station BayFM to his ongoing support in the fight against mental health issues in our community. He also volunteers at Mission to Seafarers Brisbane and with our SES,” Cr Williams said.

Community Commitment – Zoe Bodle

“Zoe is a high achiever who has shown a tireless commitment to organisations such as Scouts and Capalaba Venturers, and is a very proud volunteer at Agoonoree, a camp run by Scouts Queensland to provide children with special needs the opportunity to experience a Scout camp,” Cr Williams said.

Environment and Sustainability – Layne Utz

“Layne began picking up litter in 2018 by himself, giving up countless hours to keep our environment rubbish free. He also created his Litter Legends group on Facebook to inspire other volunteers to help save our environment. The dedication and selflessness of this young man is amazing and we are lucky to have him keeping Redlands Coast naturally wonderful,” Cr Williams said.

Sports Leadership and Achievement (under 18) – Delonte Lavender

“Delonte has had huge impact on his peers, school and greater community and is an inspiration to all through his sporting and school achievements, as well as his leadership qualities. He leads by example, fostering culture, respect and reverence in the local basketball community and Capalaba State College, as well as the greater Redlands Coast community,” Cr Williams said.

Sports Leadership and Achievement (over 18) – Ben Cooper

“Ben has been an active member of Cleveland Air Magic, Australia’s premier rope skipping club, since 2011, competing at an elite level both in Australia and around the world. He has shown true leadership qualities to become a valuable coach as well as one of the highest qualified judges in Australia. Ben freely gives of his time and experience and always goes the extra mile to help young athletes reach their goals,” Cr Williams said.

Digital stories about local youth organisations, which were created by Council’s Redlands Coast Young Leaders group, in partnership with SplashZone Media, were also presented at the event.

“These youth organisations work with young people to help them achieve goals, seek opportunities and learn new skills. These are inspiring stories and well worth seeing,” Cr Williams said.

The presentations – from Running Wild, Headspace, YMCA, the Cage Youth Foundation and Redlands PCYC – can be seen by linking from Council’s website at redland.qld.gov.au.

“We are fortunate as a community to have groups such as these who are dedicated to helping young people be the best they can be and making Redlands Coast such a great place to be,” Cr Williams said.

Packed program to keep children entertained during school holidays

March 23, 2021

Redland City Council is offering a packed program of activities for children during the Easter school holidays (2-18 April 2021).

Mayor Karen Williams said the events were designed to engage and entertain children of all ages and interests.

“From craft, weaving and crochet to bush trail adventures, puppets and circus skills, there is sure to be something for everyone,” she said.

“At Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, visitors can take a self-guided bush scavenger hunt and find local flora and fauna using the iNaturalist App.

“They can also go on a guided Earth Explorer adventure through bush trails, learn how to propagate native plants or get creative with nature art, crochet and making a beeswax wrap.”

The mainland libraries at Cleveland, Victoria Point and Capalaba have programmed activities to suit children aged from 5 to 15 years.

“This includes craft sessions in chicken threading, pom pom chickens and making dreamcatchers, an accredited course in basic first aid, and Minecraft craft,” Cr Williams said.

“The regular STEAM Saturday sessions will allow participants to personalise a robot bunny and program it to follow a path and, for young teens, there’s a Dungeons and Dragons session which explores world building, running a session and planning encounters.”

Redland Art Gallery is offering workshops at its Cleveland gallery including sessions where young children can create a concertina artist book and teens can learn the basics of basket weaving and create a small vessel.

The Cleveland gallery’s regular monthly Parents and Prams activity will also be held in the first week.

Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) is presenting performances of Escape from Trash Mountain, a fun and engaging puppet show with a sustainability message at its heart, in the first week of the holidays.

“These will be accompanied by workshops where children can make their own trash puppet or learn about the importance of recycling and ongoing sustainability with Recycleman,” Cr Williams said.

“Flipside Circus workshops will be held in the second week, where children from 4-16 years can learn circus and acrobatic skills.”

Bookings are essential for most sessions as numbers are limited. Visit Council’s website for more information.

Promote your business and services at Redlands Coast Careers Expo

March 22, 2021

Businesses and organisations will have the chance to impress and inspire at Redland City Council’s inaugural Redlands Coast Careers Expo.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was looking for businesses to be part of the free expo to be held on Friday 4 June, 9am-6pm, at Alexandra Hills Hotel Conference Centre.

“Residents of all ages, from school students to those looking for a career pivot or study options, will be able to discover new opportunities at the expo,” Cr Williams said.

“The event is intended to be a one-stop-shop for those pondering their career options, so having the right exhibitors and sponsors is crucial.”

Cr Williams said becoming an event sponsor or exhibitor was a perfect way for education and career specialists and other organisations to bolster brand awareness and target key audiences directly.

“I encourage organisations to take up this excellent opportunity to promote their products and services in a meaningful and engaging way.”

Cr Williams said organisers were expecting a high level of participation at the expo, with digital technology, entrepreneurship and future creative industries among the key focuses.

“Information about these fields will be especially helpful for senior school students who are exploring further study or career and work opportunities,” she said.

“Council has been collaborating with local schools to make sure the expo targets information and career paths that are relevant to them.

“We also want to offer inspiration to tradespeople looking for up-skill opportunities as well as ideas and incentives for those people who are returning to the workforce after an absence.

“It is also a chance for the wider community to find out about new and popular pathways that are available in the working world.”

Exhibitors and sponsors can find more information about the expo at the Redlands Coast website.

Council grants help local groups hold Youth Week activities

March 10, 2021

Redland City Council will provide funding to help seven local not-for-profit youth organisations run events during Queensland Youth Week (10-18 April 2021).

Mayor Karen Williams said Council was happy to support the organisations with up to $1500 through the Redlands Coast Youth Week Grants.

“Redlands Coast organisations do a fantastic job supporting our local youth and providing them with safe spaces to meet, share experiences and to have fun,” she said.

“Unfortunately Council’s Youth Week program was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 so this year the focus has been on building organisational capacity for youth organisations to deliver youth activities.

“We are pleased at the response to the Youth Week Grants and the range of activities to be funded.”

Mayor Karen Williams with La’a Uitime, Clinical Centre Manager of Headspace Capalaba, which has received a Redlands Coast Youth Week Grant.

The successful grant recipients and their funded activities are:

Redland Community Centre – screen printing workshops
Headspace Capalaba in partnership with Community Connections Redlands Coast – movie in the park
The Cage Youth Foundation – obstacle course
Redlands PCYC – rock climbing
Joii Community in partnership with Celebrate Learning – an escape room
YMCA Victoria Point – movie night
Running Wild Youth Conservation Inc – parkour on Russell and Macleay islands

Cr Williams this year’s Youth Week activities would also include the announcement of the Redlands Coast Young Legends Awards winners on Wednesday, April 15.

Awards will be presented in four categories – Young Legend of the Year, Community Commitment, Environment and Sustainability, and Sports Leadership and Achievement.

Winners will receive a $200 voucher.

Nominations close this Friday, 12 March. Visit Council’s Redlands Coast Youth – support and activities webpage for more information.

Council grants support Queensland Youth Week activities

March 2, 2021

Redland City Council has launched a grants program to help local not-for-profit youth organisations run events during Queensland Youth Week (10-18 April 2021).

Mayor Karen Williams said the Redlands Coast Youth Week Grants had been established to recognise and support the great work done by youth community organisations across the city.

“These grants, which offer funding of up to $1500, will empower Redlands Coast not-for-profit groups to run local programs during Queensland Youth Week,” she said.

“Youth Week is Australia’s largest celebration of young people aged 12 to 25 and highlights the positive contributions they make in our communities.

“Council is pleased to be able to support our local youth organisations by helping to fund events which will give young people the opportunity to come together and make new connections.”

Redlands Coast Youth Week Grant applications close on Friday 5 March 2021.

Cr Williams said Council would also formally acknowledge the achievements of young Redlands Coast residents through the Young Legends Awards, with winners to be announced during Queensland Youth Week.

Award nominations close at 4pm on 12 March 2021.

For more information on the Youth Week Grants and the Young Legends Awards, visit Redland City Council’s Youth support and activities webpage.

Council celebrates Young Legends through inaugural awards

February 22, 2021

Redland City Council has launched the Redlands Coast Young Legends Awards to celebrate the outstanding contributions of young people in the community.

Mayor Karen Williams said the inaugural awards would recognise the achievements of Redland City residents aged 13 to 25.

“There are a lot of young people in our community who are doing amazing things but they are often overlooked,” she said.

“I know our youth will be our future leaders and it’s more important than ever for us to recognize the great contributions young people make in our community.

“When we were in the middle of the pandemic last year we noticed young people were helping others and volunteering with organisations within Redland City.

“Now we’re calling on people to nominate the Young Legends they know in our community so we can formally acknowledge their contributions.”

Online nominations are now open in four award categories:

Young Legend of the Year
Community Commitment
Environment and Sustainability
Sports Leadership and Achievement

Nominations close at 4pm on 12 March 2021 and all finalists will be invited to an awards night on 15 April 2021, during National Youth Week.

For more information on the awards and how to apply, visit Council’s Redlands Coast Youth Support and Activities web page.

Jandai Literacy bags introduce our 0-5s to Quandamooka storytelling

December 9, 2020

A partnership between Redland Libraries and the State Library of Queensland will provide local youngsters with an insight into Quandamooka storytelling by distributing 700 First 5 Forever (F5F) Jandai Literacy Bags.

The initiative was launched by Redland City Mayor Karen Williams at an event with local Aboriginal author, artist and language advocate Dr Sandra Delaney at Cleveland Library on 5 December.

Mayor Karen Williams said the bags featured an image by Quandamooka artist Shara Delaney and contained a copy of Dr Sandra Delaney’s dual-language picture book Whale Dreaming: Bibunla Yalingbila accompanied by an English-Jandai translation of the F5F key words talk, play, read and sing.

“The bags have been funded by a grant from the State Library and support the F5F’s primary goal of supporting children’s language and literacy development,” Cr Williams said.

“We thank the State Library of Queensland for recognising the value of connecting our youngest residents with wonderful stories like Dr Delaney’s tale of whale migration past North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah),” she said.

“Whale Dreaming: Bibunla Yalingbila is a gentle and engaging story of friendship that reflects the Quandamooka people’s connection with sea and country while promoting their Aboriginal language of Jandai.

“Seeing our youngest community members become acquainted with the language, listening to the story and trying out the Jandai words for themselves is delightful.

“The artwork on the bag is from another of Dr Delaney’s stories – The Story of the Rainbow – which is also included inside.

“These bags will activate a program of awareness about Jandai that will stretch more broadly across families, and reinforce our city’s commitment to inclusiveness and recognition of our Quandamooka connection.”

The Jandai Literacy Bags will be distributed by Redland Libraries to children aged 0-5 years who have previously attended an F5F activity or become new library members.

This project has received financial assistance from the Queensland Government through State Library of Queensland.

School holiday fun on Redlands Coast

December 7, 2020

There’s no excuse for boredom during the summer school holidays, with Redland City Council offering plenty of activities to engage, educate and entertain our city’s younger residents.

Mayor Karen Williams said there would be something to suit children of all ages with events being held at IndigiScapes Environmental Education Centre, Redland Libraries, Redland Art Gallery and Redland Performing Arts Centre.

“There are activities on offer for bookworms, crafty kids, environmental enthusiasts, aspiring artists and budding circus performers,” she said.

“With the continued easing of COVID-19 restrictions we are pleased to be able to resume school holiday activities for our younger residents, but we do have measures in place to ensure everyone remains safe.

“Bookings are essential for most sessions as numbers are limited to allow for physical distancing.

“I encourage everyone to go online for more information and to ensure their children don’t miss out on a spot.

“The majority of events are free, but there are a few which incur a small cost.”

IndigiScapes is offering hands-on environmental workshops and events throughout December and January.

Become a citizen scientist and experience a self-guided iNaturalist scavenger hunt, or join yoga sessions, a fairy nature walk with storytelling, and a botanical dye and printing workshop.

Children can also explore the world of insects and make an insect hotel, create clay masterpieces, make a nature wreath or beeswax wraps, discover amazing ocean artefacts or learn about reducing lunch box waste and composting.

For information on any of these activities, visit the IndigiScapes website.

The mainland libraries at Cleveland, Victoria Point and Capalaba are offering free Christmas craft sessions where participants can make a mosaic, stocking, decoration and gift tags.

In January there will be a puppets storytime, activities inspired by 130-Storey Treehouse, Trolls and Minecraft, and sessions where children gain confidence by reading to story dogs.

Bookings are required for all activities. Go to redland.qld.gov.au/library

Redland Performing Arts Centre is encouraging youngsters to run off and join the circus for a couple hours in December with workshops where they can tackle the trapeze, harness the hula-hoop, or master juggling and tumbling.

For information and bookings visit RPAC’s website.

Redland Art Gallery Cleveland will be facilitating free drop-in workshops in January, to coincide with Raquel Ormella’s exhibition Now is the Time at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art.

For information and bookings visit the gallery’s website.

The gallery also offers a range of online activities where participants can make a hanging mobile, paint a portrait, create a cargo ship or a collage, or do some stamping.

Council urges pre-schoolies visitors to behave responsibly and stay COVID-safe

September 18, 2020

Redland City Council is urging young people who may be planning to visit North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) for ‘pre-schoolies’ to stay vigilant and follow Queensland Health COVID-19 restrictions.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council wrote to the chair of the District Disaster Coordination Centre last month to advise of the upcoming event and seek advice regarding the expected influx of school leavers that visit the island during the September school holidays.

“While there are usually no planned events for pre-schoolies, there are generally large gatherings on the island’s beaches and in the townships, so we wrote to Queensland Health to make them aware of the event,” she said.

“The response acknowledged that while there may be increased travellers to the island, there are no formal planned events, so school leavers would need to comply with the relevant Queensland Health restrictions in place at the time.

“We welcome these young adults to Redlands Coast, but with large groups comes heightened risk of virus transmission so it is also vital that they help us prevent local outbreaks by adhering to COVID-19 restrictions.

“This includes keeping to the physical distancing rule of staying at least 1.5m away from others, the gathering rules of no more than 10 people in public and private places – excluding venues with a COVID-safe plan in place – and regularly washing and sanitising hands.”

Division 2 Councillor for North Stradbroke Island Peter Mitchell said young visitors to the island should also follow any directions given by Queensland Police.

“There are vulnerable communities living on Minjerribah, and the last thing we would want to see is an outbreak of COVID-19 there,” Cr Mitchell said.

“The rules are in place for a good reason and fines for breaches are significant.

“While Minjerribah is a beautiful location to celebrate the transition from school to adulthood, I urge all visitors to the island to help keep themselves and others safe by acting responsibly, knowing the rules, and keeping to them.”

For information about COVID-19 restrictions in Queensland, visit qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19

Redlands Coast park improvements opening soon

June 26, 2020

Mayor Karen Williams said there would be exciting new play spaces and equipment at Thornlands Community Park, Apex Park in Wellington Point and Raby Esplanade Park in Ormiston.

“The $2.1 million addition to Thornlands Community Park will open for the first day of school holidays, this Saturday 27 June,” Cr Williams said.

“The $770,000 upgrade to Raby Esplanade Park will follow mid-next week (approximately 1 July), weather permitting.

“Disappointingly, the opening of the $720,000 Apex Park upgrade has been pushed back due to vandalism, but we hope it won’t be too delayed.

“All of these upgrades are part of larger staged park projects that will see improvements to facilities for a cross section of visitors.”

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said he had watched with excitement as Thornlands Community Park, at the corner for Cleveland-Redland Bay Road and Waterline Boulevard, had emerged from what was just a grassy patch in April 2018.

“The new all abilities play space will feature a double flying fox, water auger and mud pit; and incorporate additional picnic settings, barbeques, shade, and seating all within a fully fenced area,” Cr Golle said.

“This coming financial year (2020/21) will see the inclusion of an extra agricultural themed mounded play area for climbing, sliding and tunnelling within the fenced play area and fitness equipment outside.”

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary said she was looking forward to the upcoming openings of the revamped play areas at both Apex Park and Raby Esplanade Park.

“In a first for Redlands Coast parks, Apex Park at Starkey Street, Wellington Point will include an in-ground trampoline,” she said.

“Along with the addition of a climbing unit and fairy play space, the much loved flying fox will be renewed.

“Raby Esplanade Park, Ormiston will reopen with a nautical themed play space, a shipping container stacked play tower and a created creek bed featuring water pumps and sluice gates.

“The exciting new hamster wheel will be another first for the Redlands Coast children to enjoy.”

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