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.

WIN A STRADBROKE ISLAND HOLIDAY

INTRODUCING REDLANDS COMMUNITY NEWS

HEARTBREAKING MOMENT THAT CHANGED MAYOR’S LIFE

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 honour leaders in business and development.

TERRY MORRIS

A short drive from Brisbane, Mount Cotton’s Sirromet has become a local landmark and a tourist destination.

Created by entrepreneur and businessman Terry Morris – after friends told him there was no such thing as a great wine from Queensland – Sirromet is recognised internationally for producing “exquisite quality wines”.

Sirromet has now collected more than 900 national and international wine awards.

Last year, Victorian-born Mr Morris was inducted into the Gold Coast Business Hall of Fame.

Sirromet has grown to combine production with a cellar door and a 5 star restaurant.

The winery now hosts weddings, functions and one of the region’s most successful events – A Day on the Green – drawing international stars including Elton John, Kylie Minogue and Bryan Ferry to the Redlands Coast.

HEATHER TRUMAN

More than 50 years ago, the small marine company Stradbroke Ferries set out to connect Moreton Bay’s islands to the mainland.

Now the business, which has became part of the Sealink Travel Group, is the largest marine operator in the bay with vehicle ferries and water taxis servicing the islands.

Guiding the company, Ms Truman has ensured that not only have island residents benefited from greater access, but also in economic and employment terms.

Her passion to grow tourism in the region also continues to be realised as visitor numbers increase.

Passionately supporting the islands, the company has also regularly given to a number of integral community organisations, including Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving Club, providing free travel for Nippers on Saturday mornings. And, if not for Stradbroke Ferries, the Straddie Sharks Rugby League Club would not exist.

The ferry business has a longstanding relationship with Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders, providing transport and care for Elders making their final voyage home to their island resting place.

Led by Ms Truman, the company continues to extended a helping hand to local schools, aged care and respite facilities, disadvantaged residents and the Yulu Burri-ba Medical Centre.

DARYL PATTEMORE

Employing more than a 100 locals over the years, Pattemore’s Meats is a local institution.

Not only has Daryl Pattemore guided his family business to win some of the industry’s top awards, Pattemore’s Meats is known for being “revolutationaries” in quality and innovation.

Based in Alexandra Hills, Pattemore’s Meats was also officially the maker of the nation’s best ham last year, winning the annual Australian PorkMark Ham Awards for the best traditional bone-in ham made from 100 per cent Australian pork.

Mr Pattemore said he had watched families grow up and shared with them some of their dinner-table and barbecue discussions – including the good, the bad and the ugly.

LYNNE STURGESS

Creating growing and thriving businesses is the heart and soul of what Redland City Chamber of Commerce president Lynne Sturgess does – and it’s a mission that has kept her involved for more than a decade.

The finance broking business owner has held various roles with the Chamber since 2002, creating a model and a vision that has inspired others as the region has evolved through population growth.

Ms Sturgess strongly believes in enjoying what you do and says this impacts on our ability to “grow and thrive”.

By collaborating and fostering strong community connections, and talking to the region’s leaders, she looks to increasing employment opportunities for local workers.

MATTHEW BELL

With more than two decades of experience in the housing and construction industry, Matthew Bell and his two business partners have paved the way for the creation of more than 8000 homes across Greater Brisbane during the past 30 years.

Mr Bell, one of three joint managing directors and the son of Ausbuild co-founder Graham Bell, grew up in the Redlands and has lived in the region for three decades.

“I’ve seen first-hand the region blossom into a thriving community, where people enjoy the lifestyle benefits of being on the doorstep to Moreton Island and Stradbroke Island,” he said.

“I’ve always been passionate about building, and as one of Ausbuild’s owners I get to explore this passion every day.”

When not on site to walk through a new project, Mr Bell can be found deeply involved in the development of new Ausbuild home designs.

“The market is constantly changing and demanding more innovative products, and it’s important that we keep meeting this demand and growing with it,” he said.

Among Ausbuild’s significant achievements, the Capalaba-based business has delivered 63 developments and provided homes to more than 22,500 people – the majority of them living in the Redlands.