In the first eight months they built a number of structures, including a jail and Commandant’s House — but scarcity of food and water forced them to relocate along the river to Brisbane.

Since then many people have played an important role in transforming Redcliffe into the amazing community it is today.

This list was put together with help from members of History Redcliffe. We acknowledge that there are many other people, not included on this list, who have helped make Redcliffe what it is today, this is just a snapshot.

Rex Elson

While the Elson family played an integral part in the Peninsula’s early history Rex Elson has found a way to continue to support the community long after his passing. Rex was the second of three children born to Bert and Ida Elson. The family formed Redcliffe Brisbane Motor Services in 1922 to open the way to the railhead at Petrie, allowing access from Brisbane. The company was fondly called Red Buses. Rex joined his mother as joint owner when his father died in 1956.

Along with his wife Elva they ran the business until retiring in 1979. They had no children and lived on the Peninsula until ill health forced them to move to the Masonic Home at Sandgate. Rex was heavily involved in Rotary and was one of the foundation members. He died on August 18, 2000, aged 91. He bequest the Rex Elson estate to Hand Heart Pocket which in turn was used to provide a site at Margate for Horizons, a care facility for youths with complex needs and disabilities. The Horizons Rex Elson Centre Incorporating Shelly Cottage at Tramore St. The centre opened in 2011. The Estate has also been used to fund upgrades to the site, including airconditioning and an all-weather covered ramp. Horizons has grown from supporting eight clients to more than 50.

Lorraine Fisher

It would be hard to find someone more dedicated to the Peninsula community than Lorraine Fisher. Mrs Fisher was the daughter of Charles Allen Webb. She moved from Monto with her husband Kel to the Peninsula in 1954. She followed in her parents footsteps, taking up multiple volunteer roles within the community, including with the Australian Red Cross. She was president of the Redcliffe Red Cross for almost 30 years and convener of the blood bank for more than 50. She was also a member of the Redcliffe Hospital board since 1976. She was a foundation member of the Redcliffe Show Society, and remained a member for more than 60 years. She was instrumental in establishing the Lucky Envelope stall at the stall as well as the first aid and mother’s room. She was named the Quota Woman of the year in 1965 and received the British Empire Medal for her service to the community in 1981 and was named Redcliffe Citizen of the Year in 1993. In 1971 she received the Red Cross Distinguished Service medal and later a BEM. She died on May 19, 2013. Her legacy of volunteering is now continued by her children, Barbara Mapp and Carmel McGowan who are both still heavily involved in the show.

REDCLIFFE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

Dr Archibald Brit Brockway

He was born in South Africa in 1862. He boarded at a missionary school in England and went on to pursue a career in medicine. He came to Australia after practising in South Africa and the West Indies. He worked at Muttaburra Hospital, had a medical practice at Southport then accepted a position at Brisbane Hospital. He enlisted in the Queensland Royal Australian Navy Reserve in 1900 as a fleet surgeon. in 1915 he was posted as a commanding officer on HMAT Kanowna — he went on to complete eight voyages to and from the front until mid-1918. He retired later that year. He moved from Brisbane to Margate Beach, naming his home Thrums — which was a landmark at one time. He became very involved in the community and was the medical officer for health for the Redcliffe Town Council for 12 years, retiring in 1936. He was one of the judges at the annual sand garden competitions and an active participant in tree planting along the foreshore. He died in Redcliffe on October 14, 1943, aged 80.

Des Webb

The stand at the new Dolphin Stadium is named after Des Webb — a Redcliffe icon. Mr Webb dedicated a great deal of his life to the Redcliffe Leagues Club, both on and off the field. He first joined the club in 1956 as a player. Webb played in some of the club’s famous victories including the 1956 Murrumba League and the ‘59, ‘62 and ‘66 BRL reserve grade premiership sides. After hanging up his boots Webb joined the Dolphin’s board in 1968 and was made president in 1988, a position he held until he died on June 7, 2011.

The Dolphins won 10 club championships, seven first-grade games and a swag of reserve/third and colt grade flags during his involvement with the club. Under his leadership the club’s junior ranks swelled from 200 players to more than 850. He also played a vital part in securing freehold on the club’s land at Redcliffe. Webb also established a grants program which helped 2000 junior players meet the costs of playing. A mural of Webb is painted on the player’s tunnel, looking over the boys every time they run out at Dolphin Stadium. Rugby League would not be what it is in Redcliffe without his involvement.