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 our environmental advocates.

SIMON BALTAIS

Marine scientist Simon Baltais has been a passionate supporter of Redlands Coast conservation issues for decades.

He has fought for Moreton Bay’s dugong and seat turtle herds and campaigned against koala relocations.

Moreton Bay water quality, mangrove protection and sand mining on North Stradbroke Island have also been on his radar.

Not afraid to put in the hard work, or be part of a vocal protest, Mr Baltais has served in leadership positions for the Wildlife Preservation Society, Wildlife Queensland, Queensland Conservation and Sustainable Population Australia.

AMY GLADE

A tireless volunteer for a number of community groups, Ms Glade has long recognised the importance of sustaining a healthy environment on the Redlands Coast.

A champion for nature, the octogenarian finally retired from volunteering late last year.

Her local battles have included fighting against land clearing, working with bushcare groups and cleaning up polluted creeks.

In 2016, her work was recognised with a bench named in her honour at a park in Capalaba.

And this year she was a joint winner of the Redland City Council Australia Day Award for Environment and Sustainability.

Mayor Karen Williams said Ms Glade had advocated tirelessly for environment protection and the welfare of the local community.

RANGER STACEY

Baysider Stacey Thomson has been fronting children’s wildlife program Totally Wild for more than 25 years.

It’s a long-lasting profile that has influenced many young viewers to seek out careers as veterinarians and scientists.

“It’s amazing, and maybe that’s why I have stuck with the show for so long – just knowing that in some way I may have inspired people’s interest in the environment or their love of animals,” Ranger Stacey previously told The Courier-Mail.

“It fills you with pride when someone says they grew up watching you and wanting to be you and you’re the reason they got into their chosen field.”

Last year Ranger Stacey drew a large crowd to the official opening of a $1.3 million upgrade to Bayview Conservation Area.

The outdoor recreation reserve, located between Redland Bay and Mount Cotton, is almost 1000ha with 60km of bushwalking and mountain bike trails, along with horse riding tracks.

The reserve is home to owls, koalas, goannas, black cockatoos and wallabies.

Ranger Stacey, a favourite with the kids on opening day, described Bayview as a “fantastic new outdoor recreation area”.

NOEL WALKER

An instrumental member of the rural fire brigade, Mr Walker received the Redlands Coast Australia Day 2019 Local Hero Award.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Lamb Island Fire Brigade first officer was a deserving recipient.

“Noel expanded the brigade’s volunteer base from none to 30,” she said.

“He was instrumental in seeing the brigade taken into the folds of the Queensland Ambulance Service and able to provide support to paramedics travelling to the island.”

Cr Williams said the annual awards were a fitting way to thank those community members who continually go “above and beyond” to make Redlands Coast a better place to live, work and play.

“The selflessness, dedication and achievements shown by these community members reflects the community spirit of Redlands Coast,’’ Cr Williams said.

“We are blessed to have so many community members who demonstrate such generosity of spirit and a desire to help others, as well as those who are great role models and excelling in their chosen pursuits.

“These awards are an opportunity for us, as a community, to acknowledge their efforts and give them a collective pat on the back for what they do.”

PETER TUNSTALL

A protector of the local wildlife population, Mr Tunstall recently celebrated his 10th anniversary as a volunteer with the Redlands After-hours Wildlife Ambulance.

It’s a job which can see him receive a call-out in the middle of the night to perform what can sometimes be a delicate rescue.

“To be able to rescue a koala which is stuck halfway up a tree, it can be a bit tricky,” he said.

“They are often very frightened.”

Volunteers with the service are generally on call from 5pm to 8am, one week per month, to help sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.

They also assist Redland City Council wildlife officers with community education programs at schools and local events.

Volunteers must be aged 18 and over and Mr Tunstall said more help was always needed.