Redlands Coast’s Inspiring Seniors have been unveiled for 2018 at part of this year’s Seniors Week celebrations.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she was proud to be able to recognise the inspirational locals as part of the annual Blue Care community initiative, now in its tenth year.

“The Inspiring Seniors initiative shines a light on some exceptional residents whose contributions enrich the Redlands Coast community immeasurably,” Cr Williams said.

“It is indeed a difficult task to select a worthy individual to nominate each year – with such a talent pool from which to choose!

“Many of our seniors contribute significantly to the Redlands community on a regular basis – compassionately giving their time, skills and ideas for the benefit of others.

“With a higher than average population of retirees, the Redlands Coast is blessed with many dedicated volunteers, community champions and philanthropists.  Redland City Council is a proud supporter of this Blue Care initiative, which recognises these generous seniors.”

The 2018 Redlands Inspiring Seniors Honour Roll is:

Blue Care – Mavis Rainey

Mayor- Jan Kempers

Division 1- Doug Reynolds

Division 2- Kobus Kruger

Division 3- Albert Lindsay Boyd

Division 4- Denise Foley

Division 5- Vonnie Vayanos

Division 6- Robert Uhr

Division 7- Shirley Edwards

Division 8- Pamela Boyle

Division 9- Elsie Coulam

Division 10- Carmen Jackson

Awarded recipients were acknowledged by the Redland City Mayor and Councillors and Blue Care representatives at special morning tea at Nandeebee Aged Care and Retirement Village in Alexandra Hills.

You can close the book on any notions of Redland Libraries being stuffy, dark, book depositories, thanks to their increasing range of engaging programs and events that provide a variety of learning opportunities for people of all ages.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said on 3 September, Redland Libraries would launch its new and exciting Adult Literacy Program, to provide free mentoring for adults needing help with reading, writing and basic number skills.

“The program is based on a learner-driven model used successfully in libraries and community organisations across the world,” Cr Williams said.

“The Redland Libraries Adult Literacy Program is an excellent community service that will support lifelong learning and see Redlanders better communicate and participate in society.

“Volunteers received specialist training by Redland Libraries and accredited trainers so they could best help learners achieve their unique literacy goals.

“Education enables people to better participate in life and improve their school and work opportunities, and Redland Libraries strive to run a range of programs to facilitate continued learning.

“Literacy is a fundamental life skill but nearly half the Australian adult population struggles with everyday reading and writing – from reading a newspaper to reading to their children or even following medication instructions.”

Redland Libraries Manager Jo Jones said the libraries received a wonderful response from people in the community eager to volunteer their time to be mentors in the program.

She said the Adult Literacy Program complemented other library initiatives such as the First5Forever (0-5 years) program and author events.

“Author events and the libraries’ First5Forever Program are all about developing literacy in multiple ways – through listening, viewing and reading so children can learn to use language effectively and confidently,” Ms Jones said.

“On 6 September, Redland Libraries and Redlands Performing Arts Centre will be hosting An evening with Morris Gleitzman, in which the Australian Children’s Laureate and award-winning author will share his insights into the importance of stories for both young and old.

“Studies have shown that children who are read to more frequently from an early age enter school with larger vocabularies and more advanced comprehension skills.

“Redland Libraries not only want to provide the books and resources to help children and families but also provide innovative channels to stimulate learning for both the child and parent.”

Key event dates:

Adult Literacy Program Launch (with Mayor Karen Williams and guest speakers)

Monday 3 September, 10am – 11am

Cleveland Library, corner Bloomfield and Middle streets

Book online on the Redland City Council website.

An evening with Morris Gleitzman

Thursday 6 September, 6.30pm

Redlands Performing Arts Centre

Tickets $10 – $20

Book online on the RPAC website.

Redlands Coast is one step closer to having an Age-Friendly City Strategy following the completion of a survey of seniors that sought to understand their experience of ageing in the Redlands.

Long-term Redlands resident Karen Griffith hands her completed survey to RDCOTA’s Fay Dougall.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said it was timely that the survey – executed by Redland District Committee on the Ageing (RDCOTA) on behalf of Council – was wrapped up just before Seniors Week celebrations in the Redlands.

“Along with the rest of south-east Queensland, Redlands Coast has an ageing population and the area continues to attract an increasing number of seniors looking towards a more relaxed lifestyle in their retirement years,” Cr Williams said.

“It is important that people of all ages are valued, respected and can actively participate in the community – and our seniors are no exception.

“Long acknowledged for their enormous contribution as volunteers, seniors are also great economic and social assets to our community and we are keen to harness their experiences, skills, needs and wisdom.

“I thank RDCOTA for administering our survey of 100 seniors as well as the groups and networks they worked with to identify suitable participants.

“It has been a true partnership.”

Long term Victoria Point resident Karen Griffith said she was happy to complete the survey.

“As a resident of 35 years, I think it’s important to find out people’s feelings and concerns and see us move forward together as a community,” Ms Griffith said.

“As we get older, we need to consider infrastructure and how we get around.”

Cr Williams said the surveys would help shape Council’s Age-Friendly City Strategy, which was expected to be completed in 2019, and based on principles from the global age-friendly cities program developed by the World Health Organisation.

Redlands Coast seniors are in for a treat with a full and diverse program of activities and events on offer again for Seniors Week, this year set for 18 to 26 August.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that Seniors Week was an opportunity to acknowledge the enormous contribution seniors made to our community.

“I am hugely impressed by the quality of the program put together to celebrate Seniors Week, the result of a truly collaborative community effort that Redland City Council was proud to support.

“I particularly thank Redlands District Committee on the Ageing’s (RDCOTA) Paul Barnes, for his dedication as Chairman of the Seniors Week Committee.

“From Latin dancing and musical theatre to information sessions and the popular Seniors Week Walk, there is something for everyone so I urge everyone to check out the program of events and start planning their week.

“This year’s free Seniors Week Variety Concert at Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) is sure to be a crowd pleaser with talent of all ages, including Here’s to Life, the Donald Simpson Centre Theatrical Group and Dunwich State School prep kids performing songs in language with Aunty Maree Goebel.

“Council is proud to supply this wonderful venue, RPAC – as well as our production staff – free of charge for this event,” Cr Williams said.

The variety concert will start at 10.30am, Tuesday 21 August. Although entry is free, due to high demand tickets must be pre-purchased through the RPAC box office in person or by phoning 3829 8131.

Redland Libraries are offering the following free events:

Grandparents Story time

• 10am, Tuesday 14 August @ Victoria Point Library
• 10am, Friday 17 August @ Capalaba Library
• 9.30am, Wednesday 22 August @ Redland Museum

No bookings needed.

Tea and Trivia

10am, Tuesday 21 August @ Victoria Point Library

Bookings essential: 3884 4000

Chit Chat Special Event

9.30am, Friday 24 August @ Victoria Point Library. No bookings needed.

Visit the What’s on at your Library page on our website for details of library events.

Visit the RD COTA website for a full Seniors Week program.

Redland City Council’s Parks and Conservation Crews are intending to undertake a hazard reduction burn within the Tramican Street Conservation Area on Tuesday 14 August 2018, if weather conditions remain suitable at the time.

The location of the burn area is George Nothling Drive (rear of Donahue Street, Point Lookout- highlighted in yellow on the map. The purpose of the burn will be for hazard reduction as well as for ecological outcomes.

Preparation of the site was undertaken in the days leading up to the date of the burn, including  clearing around significant logs and habitat trees. It is appreciated that this burn may cause some inconvenience, however all attempts will be made to limit any smoke hazards from the work.

The planned burn is necessary to reduce the volume of forest litter fuel, which will assist with hazard reduction. Planned burns assist to reduce the fire danger and provide conditions essential for native regeneration.

If you require details of the planned burn, please visit www.redland.qld.gov.au or contact Council on 3829 8999.