Many influential people call Redcliffe and Deception Bay home — including our Moreton Bay Regional Council mayor, state Attorney-General, councillors and federal and state representatives.

Sure our politicians and councillors work hard to secure funding for major projects such as Dolphin Stadium and the Redcliffe Peninsula Line and have the final say on what developments get approved — but what about the community members who dedicated hundreds of hours lobbying the politicians?

Or the community members who just get in and get the job done themselves.

The Redcliffe & Bayside Herald, with the help of some judges, has put together a list of Redcliffe’s 30 most influential people — The Redcliffe Power 30.

The list will shine the spotlight on community members who work hard behind the scenes to shape our great suburbs.

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5. Sergeant Peter Parkes/ Noel Powell

Most Redcliffians have a PCYC memory — whether it is playing for the softball or football teams, learning judo, trampolining, squash or gymnastics or using the gym facilities. The centre is run by branch manager Sergeant Peter Parkes and chairman Noel Powell OAM. The pair have had to lobby hard to receive the necessary funding to ensure the centre can offer the programs the community wants and needs — including the funding for the new extension. But it is the duo’s commitment to bettering the lives of youths that earns them a spot on this list. They have helped ensure programs such as Booyah, for at risk youths, and the Duke of Edinburgh program continue to run. As they have both often said “more kids in sport less kids in court”. Both are also huge supporters of local business, attend many community events and chamber of commerce meetings.

4. Ryan Elson

Ryan Elson is a real estate agent, business owner and president of the Redcliffe Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. Mr Elson is a keen supporter of local community events and is always working on ways to help improve the region. He had a lot of input in the Foreshore Activation plan and helped develop the Moreton Maritime Alliance which aims to improve the use of the Peninsula’s marine capabilities. Mr Elson recently launched a new venture Tribe — Social Belonging which aims to decrease loneliness, suicide and depression by creating opportunity through community connections.

3. Nick Tzimas

Margate would not be what it is today without the efforts of Nick Tzimas. He has been a business owner on the Peninsula for 41 years, moving The Golden Ox to its current location in Margate in 1980. He is the president of Commerce Industry Redcliffe Peninsula, having been involved in various chambers for 35 years. He played a large part in getting council to upgrade the streetscape of Margate — a cause he continues to lobby for. Mr Tzimas also lobbied politicians and councillors to get the Redcliffe Peninsula Train Line up and running. He has supported many ventures with the aim of improving the community and local business such as street Christmas parties.

2. Shane Newcombe

Shane Newcombe has come a long way since graduating from Clontarf Beach State High School. Mr Newcombe has gone from being involved with Commerce Industry Redcliffe Peninsula and helping organise a Christmas party to celebrate the completion of the Margate streetscape upgrade in 2007 to being the chief executive officer Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism. The businessman has also been at the helm of the Our Village Foundation — which helped community and not-for-profit organisations raise money. He is a committee member on the Redcliffe PCYC, a member on various boards including being the committee chair for Moreton Bay RDA. He has played an important role in boosting tourism numbers to not only Redcliffe but the whole Moreton Bay region through events such as the Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival and Scarborough Sounds. Mr Newcombe also played a part in getting the ferry up and running to Moreton Island.

1. Petero Civoniceva

The man who doesn’t know how to say no. Petero Civoniceva, raised in Redcliffe, shot to fame for his rugby league abilities. For many living outside the Redcliffe Peninsula they will just know Petero for his rugby league legacy.

He played his first A-grade game for the Dolphins and went on to play 306 first grade NRL games for the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers. Petero also played 33 games for the Queensland Maroons, 45 Tests for Australia and six international games for Fiji. He has also been inducted into the hall of fame and the Intrust Super Cup’s best and fairest player medal is named in his honour.

But those on the Peninsula know Petero does a lot more than play league. He is the ambassador for numerous campaigns and advocates for many awareness initiatives including White Ribbon, suicide prevention, Food Bank, Deadly Choices, donate life and Multicap. Petero is also a mentor for students at SWELL College at Scarborough. A school for teenagers not suited to mainstream school with an interest in sport and trades.