A love of life in the Redlands has been captured in verse, prose, film and photographs by the winners of the Our Redlands Story Competition announced today.
The competition, part of Redland City Council’s development of a brand which best defines the city, encouraged Redlanders to share stories about their home and what it meant to them.
In congratulating the winners and runners-up, Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the entries showed a strong sense that the Redlands, its lifestyle and natural beauty was indeed special.
“There’s a beautifully illustrated message in a bottle, love stories, reflections on good times and wonderful experiences but, above all, a sense that our city is a really great place to be,’’ Cr Williams said.
“A lot of passion for the Redlands was shown through the entries, with a common thread that we are indeed fortunate to call the Redlands home.’’
Cr Williams said the competition had provided an excellent expression of how locals felt about their city which would be invaluable in developing a brand which captured the essence of the Redlands.
“Our entries told of a relaxed life by the bay surrounded by a wonderful environment, wildlife and community … and with so many opportunities to get outdoors and get active,’’ Cr Williams said.
“These stories, photographs, videos, pictures, poems and even a song help define what’s unique about our city, how it makes us feel, what it gives us back and what we love about it.
“Our major prize winners were quite outstanding, with Veronica Mahoney-Hodges’ great take on just how wonderful it is to get home to the Redlands, Jo Dickson’s ‘Dancing Mangroves’, a captivating story in a bottle, Jennifer Parker’s inspiring imagery in ‘My Redlands. My Home. My Heritage’, Lexy and Leah Lever’s musical tribute and Mike Selvage’s lovely verse all top class.
“But every entry has been very much appreciated, so thank you to everyone who took the time to tell us about their Redlands.’’
Cr Williams said Council also had received valuable community input through focus groups with residents and visitors, online surveys, workshops, surveys and pop-up displays around the city.
“There is no other city like the Redlands, we have so much to offer – we are a bit of a secret in many respects but have so much to explore around every corner, whether it is our islands, our coastline, our bushland, our rich Quandamooka culture that can be increasingly seen in events like Quandamooka festival and our heritage,’’ she said.
“We need to get the message out and our brand will help do that – it will be much more than a logo or marketing tool, it will be a long-term strategic business asset for the city.”
The winners, who will each get an Apple IPad 9.7inch retina 32GB Wi-Fi
- Veronica Mahoney-Hodges, Raby Bay
- Jo Dickson, Russell Island
- Mike Selvage, Thornlands
- Jennifer Parker, Victoria Point
- Lexy and Leah Lever, Victoria Point
The runners-up, who will get Go Pro Hero4 Session
- Emily Brown, Redland Bay
- Hazel Porteous, Victoria Point
- Amy Damant, Victoria Point
- Eliza Shepherd, Victoria Point
- Barbara Bradford, Sheldon.
Special mentions
- Jacob McDermott, 11, Wellington Point
- Zara Shepherd, 11, Victoria Point
Winning and runner-up entries can be viewed on the Your Say Redland City website.