community sport Archives - Redcliffe Today

Redcliffe Club Marks Major Milestone With New Dragon Boat On The Water

Redcliffe paddlers welcomed a rare addition to their community fleet as a new dragon boat touched local waters for the first time, giving the Redcliffe Red Dragons a boost in training power and club pride at their home base in Redcliffe.

Community Effort Behind The New Boat

The celebration took place later, bringing together club members, supporters and local representatives to recognise months of planning and community support behind the arrival of the boat, known as Red Magic. The new dragon boat was secured through a mix of fundraising and sponsorship support from local businesses connected to the Redcliffe area. Club members said the effort showed how grassroots sport relies on strong ties between volunteers, families and small businesses. The boat was built to competition standards and is expected to be used for regular training sessions, races and community events along the Redcliffe waterfront.

Cultural Tradition And First Paddle

Before entering the water, the boat took part in a traditional dragon boat blessing. The ceremony included the symbolic dotting of the dragon’s eyes, a custom linked to safety and good fortune. After the blessing, paddlers took Red Magic onto the water for its maiden paddle, marking its official start as part of the club’s active fleet.

Local Leaders And Supporters Attend

The event drew attendance from local figures and sponsors who helped support the purchase. Their presence reflected the role community sport plays in Redcliffe, both as a fitness activity and a social outlet. Club representatives acknowledged contributions from businesses that assisted with signage and catering, saying each role helped make the day possible.

Building The Future Of Dragon Boating In Redcliffe

The Redcliffe Red Dragons plan to use the new boat to grow participation and introduce new members to the sport. Club organisers encouraged residents to get involved, noting dragon boating offers a team-based activity suited to a wide range of ages and fitness levels. The arrival of Red Magic strengthens the club’s capacity as interest in the sport continues to grow across the region.

Published 8-Jan-2026

Kippa Ring Club Secures New Lease In Major Boost For Local Baseball

Photo Credit: MBCC

A long term home for community baseball in Kippa Ring moved a step forward after the Peninsula Padres received a new lease that locks in the club’s place at Talobilla Park for the years ahead.

Lease Strengthens Stability For The Club

The group secured certainty for its upgrade plans with a new 10 year peppercorn lease at one dollar a year. The agreement formalises the Padres’ long presence in Kippa Ring and gives members stable access to their grounds during major works.

Officials said the arrangement supports clubs with strong community involvement. The Padres have played at Talobilla Park since the early 2000s and now have more than 400 participants.

Temporary Space Helps Day To Day Operations

Council support also includes a demountable building that will hold storage, meeting space, a larger canteen and an umpire room. The structure came from a Council depot and is expected to be in place before the busy summer period. Club leaders said the temporary facilities will support games, training and fundraising while the main clubhouse is built.

The added canteen space is expected to lift food service capacity on game days. The extra storage and meeting room will help volunteers manage equipment and plan activities without relying on makeshift areas around the park.

New Clubhouse Project Progresses

Work on the new district level clubhouse started after the lease approval, with a project value of 4.8 million dollars funded by the federal government and the Council. Plans include change rooms, an umpire room, a first aid space, a kitchen, storage and a clubroom for events.

The goal is to improve comfort and accessibility for players, officials and visitors. Council statements note the strong community use of Talobilla Park and say the Padres’ size and activity levels supported the investment.

Community Impact And Next Steps

The renewed lease, temporary demountable and new clubhouse work together to support stable operations for a long established club in Kippa Ring. Families using Talobilla Park are expected to see smoother scheduling, better amenities and more space for gatherings. Council leaders say the project reflects a citywide focus on supporting grassroots sport.

Construction will roll out in stages while the Padres keep their normal schedule, with long term tenure and upgraded facilities helping the club plan ahead and strengthen participation.

Published 08-December-2025

Talobilla Park to Become Home of $4.8M Clubhouse for Redcliffe Softball Community

Photo Credit: Senator Anthony Chisholm/Facebook

A major upgrade at Talobilla Park in Kippa-Ring will deliver a brand-new $4.8 million clubhouse for the Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association, supporting hundreds of players and volunteers who rely on the local grounds each season.

A Boost for Local Sport

Construction is set to begin in mid-2025 and take around 12 months, with funding shared by the City of Moreton Bay and the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program.

*Photo Credit: Senator Anthony Chisholm/Facebook*

The clubhouse will feature change rooms, a clubroom, a kitchen, and other key facilities, creating a central, accessible space for games, training, and events for over 700 members.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the upgrade reflects the region’s growth and the council’s push to keep local sport facilities up to standard, adding it could attract higher-level competitions and boost local business.

Designed for Inclusion and Growth

More than $2.4 million in federal funding has been committed to the project. Senator Anthony Chisholm said the new clubhouse will give people of all ages more opportunities to stay active and socially connected.

Division 5 Councillor Sandra Ruck said the clubhouse will support local clubs as the region grows and recognises the ongoing efforts of weekend volunteers in grassroots sport.

Meeting Community Needs

The project is part of a broader plan to upgrade sport venues across Moreton Bay, with Talobilla Park set to play a key role in meeting current and future demand for softball and baseball.

The Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association, which has served the community for many years, will gain a much-needed upgrade to continue supporting players, families, and the next generation of athletes.

Published 14-April-2025