Andrew Laming (Bowman, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

[by video link] Last Saturday was the mini RedFest. The Redland Strawberry Festival originated back in 1953. So it is one of oldest community festivals in the state of Queensland. Despite the challenges of COVID and being cancelled last year, it finally happened this year in a pop-up form. So we're referring to it as the 61.5th RedFest, as opposed to the 62nd. It went off without a hitch, finishing with a fire and light show. I have to recognise the incredible committee that made it happen under really tough circumstances: President Peter Goleby; Vice-President Lee Nelson; Treasurer Garry Skene; and Secretary Michael 'China' Walker—who was in charge of entertainment. I also want to acknowledge the members: Rowena Plant, Stuart McQueen, Justina Goleby, Kathy Huff, Kay Howick, Betty Goleby, Sandra Hodder and Adrian Addicott, who was given a life membership on Saturday. They all worked against the odds with all three levels of government, generous sponsorship and support.

It was a fabulous event to recognise Redlands' heritage. In 1851, we tried to become the capital of Queensland. That was short-lived, but hopefully the RedFest will be around far longer. It is a constant reminder of our Indigenous and horticultural heritage, right on the doorstep of Brisbane—so we're now an outer-metropolitan community. We're blessed to have the RedFest and a volunteer committee that makes it happen every year.