Category Archives: Awards

Redland City SES Unit honoured in regional and state awards

October 22, 2021

Top Redland City State Emergency Service Unit volunteers have been recognised with six regional awards, six service medals and one state award at ceremonies held recently during SES Week.

The week is held to acknowledge the outstanding service SES volunteers provide to their own and other communities during times of crisis.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said all 154 Redland SES volunteers were highly respected for their tireless efforts in helping to keep people safe.

“We are very fortunate here on Redlands Coast to have such a dedicated, hardworking group of people who are not only willing to put the safety of others ahead of their own, but as volunteers they do so freely,” Cr Williams said.

“Over the past 12 months, the Redland SES Unit attended 490 jobs.

“This included land searches for missing people, responding to storm damage, supporting police with COVID-19 border security at the airport, assisting Queensland Health with COVID-19 vaccination and testing hubs, community support, and public education.

“The commitment of these volunteers to community safety is greatly appreciated.

“I’m sure the Redlands Coast community would join me in thanking all our Redland SES volunteers for the vital role they play in our community, and congratulating those who were recently recognised with awards.”

The 2021 Brisbane Region SES award recipients from the Redland City SES Unit were:

State Award

Queensland Volunteer of the Year

Alex Johnson, Redland Bay SES Group

Redland Bay SES Group volunteer Alex Johnson was awarded Queensland SES Volunteer of the Year.

Regional Awards

Brisbane Regional Operation of the Year (missing person search) – Highly Commended:

Redland City SES Unit

Brisbane Region Volunteer of the Year:

Alex Johnson, Redland Bay SES Group, for distinguished service to the SES through leadership, dedicated service to the community and continually developing the knowledge and skill level of fellow members, providing the service with longevity.

SES Week Certificate Award for individual significant contribution:

David Frarricciardi, Cleveland SES Group, for distinguished service to the SES through outstanding leadership, commitment, and dedication to training delivery, planning and member development. For excellent professionalism within SES and commitment displayed to the community.
Enrica Brazzelli, Cleveland SES Group, for distinguished service to the SES through outstanding commitment and dedication to Group, Unit and community.
Heather Davis, Cleveland SES Group, for distinguished service to the SES through outstanding commitment and dedication to Group, Unit and community.
Di Vandermeer, Cleveland SES Group, for significant contribution to the SES through outstanding commitment and service; and for strategic support for operations and training.

SES National Emergency Service Medal:

Anthony Daniels, Redland Bay SES Group, recognising 45 years of service.
Rex Wigney, Cleveland SES Group, recognising 45 years of service.
Alex Johnson, Redland Bay SES Group, recognising 15 years of service.
Jason Atherinos, North Stradbroke Island SES Group, recognising 15 years of service.

SES Meritorious Service Medal

Anthony Daniels, Redland Bay SES Group, recognising 45 years of service.
Jason Atherinos, North Stradbroke Island SES Group, recognising 15 years of service.

Nominations open for 2022 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards

October 19, 2021

It’s time to recognise inspirational Redlands Coast residents who generously give their time to make our community a better place to live.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said nominations were now open for the 2022 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards, which recognise the contributions made by people of all ages to our city.

“Every year we are amazed at the efforts of those who make the lives of others in our community better,” she said.

“These awards aim to recognise those high-achieving residents who have given freely of their time, knowledge and enthusiasm to make an outstanding contribution to our community.

“It could be someone who gives their time and heart to others, who pushes themselves to achieve at elite levels or who shows great innovation in their social, environmental and cultural projects.

“Whether they’re a tireless community advocate or long-serving volunteer, their dedication and sense of civic pride deserves to be recognised.

“I encourage anyone who knows someone who is deserving of recognition through an Australia Day award to nominate them so we can celebrate their contribution.”

Online nominations are open for these nine award categories:

Citizen of the Year
Senior Citizen of the Year (60 years and over)
Young Citizen of the Year (30 years and under)
Local Hero Award
Community Organisation Award
Cultural Award
Sports Award
Environment and Sustainability Award
Reconciliation Award

To make a nomination, visit redland.qld.gov.au/awards

Nominations close on Monday 29 November and the Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards presentation for finalists will be held in January 2022.

Residents make pledge at Citizenship Day ceremony

September 20, 2021

This year’s Australian Citizenship Day proved extra special on Redlands Coast when 140 residents from 33 countries made a pledge to become citizens.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams welcomed the new citizens at a ceremony on Friday night at Redland Performing Arts Centre.

“Already this year we have welcomed 612 new Aussie citizens who have made their home on Redlands Coast,” she said.

Cr Williams said the ceremony was especially significant as it fell on Australian Citizenship Day.

“This is a day when we can all reflect on the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship and our shared identity, which unites us all while respecting our diversity,” she said.

“Whether we are citizens through birth or by choice, this day is an opportunity to celebrate our democratic values and take pride in our citizenship.

“One of the wonderful elements in all our citizenship ceremonies is the opportunity for guests to recite a pledge re-affirming their loyalty to Australia.

“Even those who are not yet Australian citizens, but who consider Australia their home, are able to affirm their support for the values we all hold dear.”

Cr Williams said Australia was one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world, with residents whose heritage extended to almost 200 countries.

“I encourage all our new citizens to remember and honour their history as it adds to the richness of their new lives and the lives of their fellow Australians,” she said.

“I also encourage our residents to be active citizens, by getting involved in your community and displaying the values of respect, inclusion and helping others.”

For photos from the event, go to Redland City Council’s Facebook page.

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.

Vote to help make Redlands Coast Queensland’s Top Tourism Town

April 14, 2021

Redlands Coast needs your vote to become Queensland’s Top Tourism Town.

Mayor Karen Williams said she was thrilled the city had been named a finalist in the 2021 Queensland Tourism Industry Council Tourism Award Program, which is aimed at recognising the state’s outstanding destinations.

“Now we need the community to show how proud they are of Redlands Coast and get behind our city so we can win the Queensland Top Tourism Town award and help our tourism and hospitality businesses,” Cr Williams said.

“Votes help determine the winner, with a total of 70 per cent to be decided by the public, so your vote is vital.

“To be inspired by our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast you need only look at the world-class experiences on your doorstep, and so close to the Brisbane CBD.

“We are home to the world’s second largest sand island, Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island, that is teeming with marine life, where you can swim with manta rays, watch whales from one of the best land-based whale watching site in the southern hemisphere and spot turtles, dugongs and dolphins.

With 335km of coastline, it is no wonder the Redlands Coast is such a popular playground.

“Redlands Coast is also home to one of the world’s oldest living cultures, with the Quandamooka people delivering immersive cultural tours and experiences for visitors and locals alike.

“With 335km of coastline, it is no wonder the city is a playground for those who love coastal, island and water adventures including sailing, boating, snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, making the King Island walk at Wellington Point and visiting our other unique islands.

“Ride the ferry to Coochiemudlo Island or our Southern Moreton Bay Islands, get afloat in Moreton Bay Marine Park, or stretch out on our many hinterland trails and bayside walks.

“Or visit our national parks and rainforest, go mountain bike or horse riding, shop at our unique villages, and enjoy the food and view at the oldest licensed pub in Queensland, the Grand View Hotel, and Queensland’s largest, award-winning winery, Sirromet.

“Our region’s world-class natural and eco-cultural treasures, hidden gems and a friendly, welcoming vibe are the perfect mix for a thriving visitor economy that will also help tourism and businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Cr Williams congratulated the tourism industry that works together to develop packages and promotions to encourage visitors to Redlands Coast.

Each year more than 1.2 million visitors come to Redlands Coast, injecting $228 million into the economy and supporting more than 2000 jobs.

In March this year, Redland City Council’s latest tourism video, Redlands Coast on Quandamooka Country, won an international gong and catapulted the region on to the world stage.

The video won the Best Cultural Tourism award in Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival and was developed as part of Council’s Reconnect on Redlands Coast campaign to help the tourism industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign was viewed more than 2.57 million times and tourism operators reported an increase in both out-of-region visitors and Redlands Coast residents booking holidays and staycations on Redlands Coast.

To cast your vote for Redlands Coast, visit Council’s website or head straight to the QTIC website.

Voters will be in the draw to win a $2000 Apollo Motorhome travel package.

Voting closes 26 April 2021. Winners will be announced in May. The state winners will represent Queensland at the national awards and have the opportunity to be named Australia’s Top Tourism Town!

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.

Redlands Coast tourism destination video wins international award

March 8, 2021

Redland City Council’s latest tourism video has won an international gong and catapulted the region onto the world stage.

The Redlands Coast on Quandamooka Country video won the Best Cultural Tourism award in the Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the accolade was a great endorsement for the naturally wonderful Redlands Coast during Queensland’s Year of Indigenous Tourism.

“The cinematic destination video is beautifully narrated by renowned artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, a proud Nunukul, Ngugi and Goenpul woman of Quandamooka Country, and illustrates her connection to the magical places across Redlands Coast.

“The video was developed as part of Council’s Reconnect on Redlands Coast campaign to help the tourism industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Importantly, we wanted to acknowledge Quandamooka culture and how integral it is to the identity of our city.

Filming of the Redlands Coast on Quandamooka Country tourism video on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island with narrator Delvene Cockatoo-Collins.

“The campaign was viewed more than 2.57 million times and tourism operators reported an increase in both out-of-region visitors and local residents holidaying in other parts of the city.

“Tourism is an integral part of the Redlands Coast economy. In the 2019/20 financial year, the region attracted more than 1.2 million visitors who contributed $228 million to the local economy.

“With tourism offerings as wonderful as we have, a committed tourism industry on Redlands Coast and support from Council delivering products like this award-winning tourism film, we look forward to continuing to grow the tourism dollar in our city.”

Straddie Chamber of Commerce president Col Battersby congratulated Council for the vision to develop a world-class video that was helping drive visitors to Redlands Coast, including Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island.

“The Straddie Chamber and Council worked closely on the Redlands Coast tourism campaign, of which this was a component, and that came out just after COVID-19 restrictions were eased last year,” Mr Battersby said.

“What a well-deserved gong. It is an incredible video that promotes one of the best places on Earth, and the oldest living culture in the world.”

Delvene Cockatoo-Collins said the award was very exciting news for the region.

“It’s a privilege to share the beautiful natural environment and the legacy our people have left here for us,” she said.

“The team behind the video was amazing – that includes everyone in Council’s tourism team, the Yulu Burri Ba Dancers and all the businesses. The team has beautifully captured what’s here.”

Matt Raimondo, who produced and directed the video, said it was fantastic to be recognised with the Best Cultural Tourism award.

“Redlands Coast is a beautiful place that speaks to people’s hearts and I’m honoured I was able to work with Delvene and give her the chance to share the story of her amazing connection to the land and to her culture,” Mr Raimondo said.

“She was just a beautiful person to work with and the video allows her personality to come through.

“Indigenous culture is something I’m quite passionate about and it’s awesome that the video has been well received overseas, particularly in Japan which is so close to Australia.”

Council worked on the Reconnect on Redlands Coast campaign with Straddie Chamber of Commerce; Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation; the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport; Tourism and Events Queensland; Brisbane Economic Development Agency and SeaLink.

The Redlands Coast on Quandamooka Country video can be viewed on Council’s website. It is also expected to screen in Brisbane cinemas this year.

REDLANDS COAST ON QUANDAMOOKA COUNTRY VIDEO DETAILS:

Developed by Redland City Council
Narrated by Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, a Nunukul, Ngugi and Goenpul woman of Quandamooka Country
Director/producer: Matt Raimondo

Featured in the video:

Quandamooka song man Josh Walker and the Yulu Burri Ba Dancers
Quandamooka cultural tour guide Matt Burns
Aunty Evelyn Parkin
Local Yacht company – Aria Cruises
Local tourism operator – Bay Island Water Sports
Redland Coast residents
Supported by the local Redlands Coast Coastguard
Myora Springs, Brown Lake, Gorge Walk, Main Beach, Adder Rock, Home Beach, Don and Christine Burnett Conservation Park, Moreton Bay Marine Park, Moreton Bay Cycleway
Native wildlife – kangaroos, koalas, whales, eugaries

Featured locations:

Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island
Teerk Roo Ra/Peel Island
Cullen Cullen/Wellington Point
Nandeebie/Cleveland
Joonggabbin/Sheldon
Jencoomercha/Macleay Island
Goochie Mudlo/Coochiemudlo Island

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.

Local heroes honoured at Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards

January 22, 2021

A community leader who has been influential within her North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) community for more than 40 years was named Citizen of the Year at the Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards 2021.

Mayor Karen Williams said Aunty Lyn Shipway was a passionate advocate for her community.

“Aunty Lyn is CEO of North Stradbroke Island Aboriginal and Island Housing Co-operative and was active in establishing Minjerribah Day Respite Centre, Myora Caravan Park and Nareeba Moopi Pa Aged Care,” Cr Williams said.

“She is also chair of both Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health and the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health and was formerly on the board of Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in Council.

“She is always humble and approachable and really does epitomise the Redlands Coast community spirit.

“It was a great pleasure to honour her with this year’s Citizen of the Year award.”

Aunty Lyn Shipway – Redlands Coast Citizen of the Year

Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Jenali Collier for her work with young people through her YouTube channel “Miss Collier explains”, leading the Livewire Kids Club at Mount Cotton, and as a youth leader with C4 Youth Fellowship.

Senior Citizen of the Year is Graham Hinson who is a Legacy volunteer, a Military Welfare Advocate for the RSL and Community Link Coordinator for Redlands RSL.

Cr Williams said selecting winners across the nine categories of the awards was always a tough challenge as all nominees were deserving of recognition.

“Every nominee is a winner and it has been a privilege and an honour to meet and acknowledge these dedicated and passionate people who give so generously to help make Redlands Coast such a great place to live.

“I thank all nominees and winners and assure them that what they do matters and Redlands Coast is proud of them all for their outstanding contributions to our community.”

The full list of Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards winners are:

Citizen of the Year Award – Lynette Shipway (Aunty Lyn)
Young Citizen of the Year Award (30 years and under) – Jenali Collier
Senior Citizen of the Year Award (60 years and over) – Graham Hinson
Local Hero Award – Rebecca Young
Local Hero Award – COVID-19 Response – Steve Zyka
Community Organisation Award – Special Olympics Redlands
Cultural Award – Maxwell (Max) Bissett
Environment and Sustainability Award (joint winners) – Kieron Douglass and Layne Utz
Sports Award – Lara Walker
Reconciliation Award – Adam Williams

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