Redcliffe Fire Station: A Look Back at Its Storied Past

Redcliffe Fire Station
The Redcliffe Fire Station, ca 1960 (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay reference number RLPC-002\002125)

The old Redcliffe Fire Station, now a vibrant community hub, once stood as a key centre for firefighting services in the region. Its story is one of transformation, reflecting the growth and changing needs of the Redcliffe Peninsula over decades.


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A Modern Marvel in 1949

When the Redcliffe Fire Station opened on 1 November 1949, it was heralded as the “most modern and fully equipped of any Queensland country fire station.” 

Fire fighters in full uniform with their two trucks stand outside the newly completed Redcliffe Fire Station situated on the corner of Mary Street and Oxley Avenue Redcliffe, ca 1949 (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay reference number RLPC-002\002130)

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Designed by architect J.R. Hughes and constructed by renowned local builder Alex Smith, the two-storey building on 1.2 acres of land at the corner of Oxley Avenue and Mary Street represented a significant leap forward for the region. Its construction followed a period of rapid development on the Peninsula, spurred by the opening of the Hornibrook Bridge, which connected Redcliffe to Brisbane.

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Humble Beginnings

Hal Buchanan (far right) turns the first sod for the new Redcliffe Fire Station. Builder Alex Smith holds the plans for the new building, ca 1948 (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay reference number RLPC-002\002292)

Before the station’s construction, the Redcliffe Fire Brigade operated in modest circumstances. Established in November 1941, the Brigade’s first Chief Officer, Frank Mayer, worked with limited resources: a single permanent firefighter, nine auxiliaries, and one volunteer. Their equipment was initially stored at Mayer’s home.

Garage at the home of Frank Mayer who served as the first Chief Officer of the Redcliffe Fire Brigade, ca 1940s (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay reference number RLPC-002\002128)

By 1947, recognising the need for a dedicated fire station, the Australian Loan Council provided a loan of £8800, paving the way for the new facility. The land was resumed in 1948, and construction soon began, culminating in the grand opening in late 1949.

Leadership and Innovation

Fire truck and Chief’s car at the station, Chief Wallace third from left, ca 1966 (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay reference number RLPC-002\002148)

The station’s first official Chief Officer, Brian Wallace, served for an impressive 28 years, overseeing a period of substantial growth and modernisation. Under his leadership, Redcliffe became a trailblazer in firefighting technology, being the first in Queensland to introduce fiberglass helmets, steel-clad safety boots, aluminum fire engines, and water tenders with hose reels.

Redcliffe Fire Station
Chief Office Brian Wallace and the Redcliffe Fire Brigade team pose in front of their truck, ca 1970 ((Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay reference number RLPC-002\002153)

The team expanded significantly during Wallace’s tenure, growing from three to nearly 20 firefighters. The station’s reputation for innovation and professionalism was firmly established, serving the community with distinction for decades.

Heritage and Transformation

Redcliffe Fire Station
Photo credit: Vlady Peters/Google Maps

After 59 years of service, the Redcliffe Fire Station closed in 2008, with operations moving to a new facility in Kippa-Ring. Its significance, however, was cemented when it was listed on the Queensland State Heritage Register in 2005.

Redcliffe Fire Station
Photo credit: Frank Jones/Google Maps

In January 2015, following a $2 million restoration, the building reopened as The Redcliffe Volunteer Hub. Today, it’s home to the Redcliffe Art Society, Redcliffe Pottery Group, and Moreton Bay Arts Council.


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A Lasting Legacy

From its humble beginnings in a family home to its role as a state-of-the-art emergency services hub, the station’s story reflects the growth and resilience of the Redcliffe community. Now repurposed, it continues to play an essential role, inspiring new generations while preserving the memory of its storied past.

Published 3-January-2025