Some have played an integral role in business or development, while others have built the future through the education of the city’s children.

The rich cultural heritage of the Quandamooka people continues to be embraced and acknowledged across the Coast, thanks to the tireless work and dedication of many elders who generously share their knowledge.

Scientists and environmentalists have also played a role, keeping watch over the koala population, the shore birds, bushland vegetation, coastline, Moreton Bay and its islands.

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Built by dedicated local people, the city is rich in art and culture, with its own performing arts centre, art galleries, winery and entertainment venues at the many pubs and clubs.

At the sports grounds, it’s not just about the players on the fields but, importantly, those behind the scenes – selling meat tray raffle tickets, running the sausage sizzles and coaching the swimmers, the tennis players, hockey teams and footballers, all the while building self-esteem among young people, promoting fitness and giving little kids big dreams for the future.

So as Quest Community News announces our arrival on the Redlands Coast, we think it’s a good opportunity to say thanks to some of the people who have helped shaped the city.

In today’s instalment of the Redlands Coast Power 30 list we look at the people leading the way in arts and entertainment.

MIRUSIA LOUWERSE

The Redlands Coast-based but internationally renowned opera singer, Mirusia Louwerse, is a strong supporter of her hometown region.

Despite performing around the world, and sharing a stage with Andre Rieu, Mirusia feels fortunate to have grown up in the Redlands and always looks forward to returning when she has been on tour.

The former Ormiston College student loves to give back the her home community, often taking the time for charity performances.

Her journey to becoming one of the world’s most-sought-after sopranos happened quickly, seeing her share the stage with Rieu after graduating from the Queensland Conservatorium where she studied opera.

She has performed for world leaders and royalty and, at the age of just 21, was the youngest winner of the Dame Joan Sutherland Opera Award.

Her latest album, A Salute to The Seekers, was her fourth top 50 entry on the ARIA charts – debuting at #27 in January.

Mirusia says a number of “local heroes” offered support and kindness in her fast track to stardom and she believes it’s important to give back to that community, inspiring today’s students in the same way.

Her roles at home include being an ambassador for the Redland Foundation and the Australian Children’s Music Foundation.

EMMA BAIN

The Redlands Coast art world is richer for the involvement of Emma Bain, director of the Redland Art Gallery.

RAG, which last year celebrated its 15th birthday, showcases work across six exhibition spaces between its two galleries at Cleveland and Capalaba, with programs also extending to the bay islands.

Ms Bain oversees the gallery program, which this year will feature more than 75 events and workshops including 20 solo, group and national touring exhibitions.

“This year many artists have drawn inspiration from the Redlands Coast by reflecting on the unique environment, connection to country, everyday life and a strong sense of community,” she said on the gallery web site.

“Others share their stories and personal journeys with us.

“Their exhibitions feature jewellery and small objects, painting, drawing, photography, multimedia, sculpture, textiles, print making, ceramics, and installation.”

Ms Bain said Seeing Country – an exhibition that “celebrates Aboriginal ecological understandings by highlighting resilient relationships with the lands and waters”, curated by Freja Carmichael – would be a highlight.

With an 18 year background in visual arts, Ms Bain’s expertise is also in demand outside Redlands Coast.

She is president of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association Queensland executive committee, and sector director of the Museums and Galleries Queensland Board.

Starting her career at the Queensland Art Gallery, she has also worked at the National Gallery of Australia.

DARREN HARVEY

As director of the Australian School of the Arts (ASTA), based at Sheldon College, Mr Harvey has been responsible for mentoring and kickstarting the artistic careers of hundreds of Redlands Coast students.

Launched under Mr Harvey’s direction 14 years ago, ASTA has now seen more than 1000 students grace its stages.

The program caters for all facets of arts education including performance music, fine art, drama, dance, voice, film, television and new media, musical theatre and fashion and costume design.

Talented students from Years 9 to 12 are invited to audition for the Professionals Arts Excellence program, which offers extensive onsite and industry training and has set national benchmarks in arts education.

Throughout his 21 years of service to the college, Mr Harvey has created numerous programs for children from Prep through to Year 12.

In 2007 he undertook a six-week tour of arts schools and universities across America and Canada, to analyse how they were able to provide the best arts-related experiences for students.

“I always want to remind students that the sky is the limit, by instilling in them my passion for life and the arts,” he said.

“Most children aren’t aware of their potential until they explore it in an art space, whether it be through drama, dance, visual art, film and TV studies, performance music or singing.”

During his leadership of ASTA, Mr Harvey has directly mentored numerous young people who have gone on to forge incredibly successful arts careers.

Former students have worked on Hollywood productions including Thor, Aquaman and Alien; will appear in the current production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Melbourne; performed in Priscilla Queen of the Desert for the Norwegian Cruise Line; gained entry to prestigious overseas institutions such as the Berklee College of Music; have been featured in television commercials for big-name clients such as Woolworths; acted in successful touring LaBoite productions and, are part of an award-winning visual effects and post-production company with offices in Los Angeles.

ANITA TAYLOR

Local singer, songwriter and musician Anita Taylor founded the Redland City Choir in 2013.

Ms Taylor has built the non-auditioned community choir, featuring members aged from 13 to 88, into a local success story.

Her leadership has seen the choir grow from a small vocal ensemble to more than 80 members.

They have recorded two CDs, regularly appear in front of sold-out audiences, and tickets to their Christmas specials are always in high demand.

Active in the community, the high-profile group has performed at Sirromet, Redlands Performing Arts Centre, community centres, aged-care facilities, schools, markets and churches.

Ms Taylor has also ensured the choir has further contributed to the Redlands Coast through its fundraising activities.

Since it’s launch, the choir has raised more than $30,000 to support the region’s domestic violence services.

In 2014, with the help of a grant, they produced a CD with all proceeds going to the Redland Centre for Women.

Profits from their second CD, Mercy Tree, and RPAC concerts, have provided support for the Redland Foundation in its bid to offer extra housing for survivors of domestic and family violence.

Through the public profile of the choir, Ms Taylor’s work has helped create an awareness of domestic violence in the Redlands, shaping cultural change and removing some of the secrecy surrounding the issue.

MAX BISSETT

Redland City Council town crier Max Bissett has a big voice.

A competition veteran, he was named winner of Australia’s loudest cry in 2015.

The following year he was responsible for bringing the National Town Criers Championships to the Redlands Coast.

Entertaining the crowds at RedFest, the participants also visited a school to give students a personal history lesson.

Mr Bissett, who as host of the Redlands contest could not compete that year, said criers were judged for diction and inflection, bearing and confidence, the accuracy and content of their cry, sustained volume and clarity and, their costume and scroll.

He said town criers must be officially appointed by their local Mayor and council.

“What people may not know is that the crier used to have quite sombre duties; it was a rather gruesome job,” he said.

“The crier placed people into stocks, escorted the destitute to the workhouse, administered floggings and officiated at hangings, however, no one was to shoot the messenger.”

These days, town criers tend to promote tourism, making a loud noise for their home towns.