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.”
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.
Humble Beginnings
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
