Redcliffe events Archives - Redcliffe Today

Handmade Art and Community Spirit Take Centre Stage at Redcliffe Library

Families, artists and local makers are set to pack into Redcliffe Library as Craftival returns to Moreton Bay with ceramic artist Bonnie Hislop leading a day of workshops, live demonstrations and handmade markets aimed at connecting the community through creativity.

Craftival 2026 will run on Saturday, 30 May, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Redcliffe Library in partnership with the City of Moreton Bay. Entry to the event is free.

The festival brings together artists, crafters, community groups and young entrepreneurs from across the region, turning the library into a hub for hands-on activities and local talent.

Visitors will be able to join sewing, sculpture and metalsmithing workshops, browse stalls selling handmade goods and take part in activities including jewellery-making, creature drawing and face painting.

Award-winning ceramic artist Bonnie Hislop is expected to be one of the major drawcards. Known for her bright ceramic works and satirical style, Hislop will appear alongside wire sculptor Russell Solomon, Ministry of Handmade creative director Julie Hillier, youth market founder Chloe Alley and The Nest Community chief executive Roz Holt on the event’s main stage.

Brisbane-based artist Sunday Jemmott will also lead jewellery-making sessions focused on self-expression and accessible craft techniques for beginners and younger visitors.

Handmade Markets Spotlight Local Talent

Beyond the workshops, organisers are placing a strong focus on supporting small creative businesses across Moreton Bay. The pop-up marketplace will feature local artists and makers selling handmade jewellery, fashion, art, gifts and homewares.

Part of the market space will also be dedicated to stallholders from the GATHAA First Nations Markets and youth-run businesses supported through Youngpreneur Markets, founded by Chloe Alley.

The event reflects a broader shift in how local libraries are being used, with Redcliffe Library hosting more community-based programs that bring together learning, creativity and local business.

Mayor Peter Flannery said Craftival highlights the growing creative community across the region while giving residents a place to learn new skills and support local artisans.

Libraries Expanding Beyond Books

Craftival is also part of a growing push to turn public libraries into active community spaces rather than traditional reading centres alone. Over recent years, libraries across Queensland have increased their focus on workshops, public events and creative programs aimed at bringing different age groups together.

For many local artists and small makers, events such as Craftival provide rare opportunities to meet customers face-to-face without the high costs attached to larger commercial expos.

Redcliffe Library’s central location is expected to help attract residents from across the Moreton Bay region, particularly families looking for free weekend activities during the autumn season.

More information about the event is available through the official Craftival event page.

Published 26-May-2026

Pink Campaign Continues At Cactus Jack’s Redcliffe This October

Photo Credit: Cactus Jack's Redcliffe/Facebook

Cactus Jack’s in Redcliffe will again host a month-long breast cancer fundraiser this October, marking its fifth year supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Background Of The Initiative

Cactus Jack’s Redcliffe is preparing for its annual breast cancer awareness campaign. Owners Rob and Kate Griffiths began the event in 2020, and since then the restaurant has raised close to $100,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The initiative was partly inspired by Rob Griffiths’ mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago and has since recovered.

breast cancer fundraiser — *Photo Credit: Cactus Jack’s Redcliffe/Instagram*

Awareness And Community Impact

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women, with one in seven women and one in 500 men expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime. Each day, 58 Australians are diagnosed and nine lose their lives to the disease.

The Griffiths family says the fundraiser is aimed at not only raising funds but also building community awareness and offering visible support for those affected.

Events In October

The fundraising month begins with a trivia night on 1 October at 6:30 p.m., followed by “Balls Out Bingo” on 20 October at 7 p.m. with cabaret and drag performer Candy Surprise.

The campaign concludes with the Pink Party on Sunday, 26 October. The finale will include a raffle draw, live music, and a market stall from 10:30 a.m., with community activities continuing from 2 p.m. The Redcliffe Markets will also take part, with prizes for best dressed customers and decorated stalls.

*Photo Credit: Cactus Jack’s Redcliffe/Instagram*

Raffle Details

A key feature of the campaign is the annual raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses. Sources indicate a prize pool of more than $25,000, while one promotional listing places the value at $20,000. The raffle will be drawn during the Pink Party on 26 October, although one notice lists the closing date as 27 October at 5 p.m.

Prizes include a cash prize, an inflatable boat with a mercury engine, a weekend getaway, and a dental care voucher. Tickets are $10 each, with bundle options available for online purchases.

Community Involvement

This year’s campaign again invites locals to wear pink and purchase fundraising merchandise, including handmade earrings. Several community members will also shave their hair to raise funds, including Leah Adam, who is doing so in support of her friend Angie, who is undergoing treatment.

At the finale, Rob Griffiths will also shave his mullet, which he will colour pink on 1 October, as a personal contribution to the cause.

Continuing The Effort

With nearly $100,000 already raised over the past four years, the Griffiths family and their team aim to continue making the fundraiser a fixture on the Redcliffe calendar. The combination of events, raffles, and community involvement reflects the area’s collective support for breast cancer awareness and research.

Published 30-Sep-2025

Rockin’ 4 The Homeless Returns to Dolphins Leagues Club for Huge Day of Music and Hope

Photo Credit: Rockin' 4 The Homeless 2025/Facebook

Redcliffe’s Dolphins Leagues Club will shake with sound and solidarity this June as Rockin’ 4 The Homeless (R4TH) brings 12 bands, two stages and a powerful message under one roof, all in support of people doing it tough on the streets.

Music with a Message

The free festival runs for seven hours on Sunday, 22 June, with doors opening at 10am. Limited tickets go online from 1 June. Started in 2013 by musician Dan Nebe, Rockin’ 4 The Homeless has become a major Redcliffe event, raising awareness and support for homelessness through The Breakfast Club Redcliffe Inc.

*Photo Credit: Rockin’ 4 The Homeless 2025/Facebook*

This year’s headline act is Australian rock band You Am I, joined by 11 other bands across two stages at Dolphins Leagues Club. An after-party with Jonny Sonic from The Potbelleez will follow. Organisers say the music is loud, but the message is louder, everyone deserves safety and support.

A Community Coming Together

Unlike many large events, this one runs with no government funding and no ticket sales. It’s powered entirely by local sponsors, volunteers and the goodwill of the community.

Signed guitars from artists like Alice Cooper, Blondie, Ian Moss, Xavier Rudd and You Am I will be auctioned to raise funds, alongside all-day raffles and a weekend getaway prize. Donation stations will be available throughout the venue, with organisers focusing more on awareness and support than dollars alone.

More Than a Concert

The Breakfast Club Redcliffe Inc., which has operated for 21 years, provides meals, clothing, and support services for people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in the region. The group has become a key part of the local safety net, especially during tougher times.

By tying the festival directly to this charity, Rockin’ 4 The Homeless becomes more than a concert, it becomes a local effort to look after each other.

An 80s-themed Gala Ball is also planned for the night before, adding another layer of community spirit to the weekend. Details for that event will be released soon.

How to Get Involved

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, grab raffle tickets, and enjoy the full day of entertainment. The venue has capacity for a large crowd, so while tickets are free and limited, there’s room for all who want to be part of something that matters.

Organisers suggest keeping an eye on the Rockin’ 4 The Homeless Facebook page for ticket links and updates as the date gets closer.

Published 8-May-2025

Redcliffe Showgrounds to Host 25th Anniversary Panel Van & Custom Car Show

Car enthusiasts and classic vehicle lovers will have plenty to admire when Redcliffe Showgrounds transforms into a hub of horsepower and nostalgia for the 25th Anniversary Panel Van & Custom Car Show.

Hosted by the Sunstate Panel Van Club, the event will bring together a spectacular display of panel vans, hot rods, street cars, classic vehicles, trucks, utes, and bikes, all celebrating the rich history of Australia’s vanning culture.

The show will take place on Sunday, 4 May 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with gates opening to the public at 8:30 a.m. Attendees can expect to see award-winning custom builds, including national and state title winners, as well as a variety of unique vehicles that have been carefully restored and modified. Trophy presentations and raffle draws will take place at 12:00 p.m., adding to the excitement of the day.

Redcliffe Showgrounds will host the 25th Anniversary Panel Van & Custom Car Show — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

A Club with a Legacy

The Sunstate Panel Van Club, originally formed in the 1970s and 1980s, was re-established in 2000 by a group of mates keen to revive the camaraderie of vanning culture. Initially centred in Gympie, the club quickly gained traction and expanded its membership across Queensland and New South Wales, with members now hailing from as far north as Rockhampton and as far west as Stanthorpe.

Over the past 25 years, the club has participated in numerous car shows, including the prestigious Panel Van Nationals, an annual Easter event that showcases some of the finest custom panel vans in Australia. The upcoming Redcliffe event is expected to draw a strong crowd, uniting enthusiasts who share a passion for the unique style and culture of vanning.

A Day for Car Lovers and Families

This community-focused event is designed to welcome all ages, making it a great outing for families and car lovers alike.

The show will feature a mix of vintage, retro, and custom-built vehicles, giving visitors the chance to see some of Australia’s most impressive automotive restorations up close. Enthusiasts will have the opportunity to chat with vehicle owners, learn about the history of these iconic machines, and relive the golden era of vanning.

Spectators can enter for just $5 per person, with children under 12 admitted free. Vehicle entrants will also pay $5, which includes admission for the driver, and additional passengers can join for $5 each. All vehicles in attendance will be automatically entered into the judging process at no extra cost.

More Than Just a Car Show

Beyond the stunning display of vehicles, the event fosters a sense of community and nostalgia, bringing together people who appreciate the craftsmanship and history of these classic rides. With camping available on-site, visitors traveling from outside the area can enjoy a full weekend immersed in car culture.

The Redcliffe Showgrounds has long been a gathering place for automotive events, and the Sunstate Panel Van Club’s 25th-anniversary show promises to uphold that tradition with a vibrant display of automotive excellence. Whether you’re a longtime vanning enthusiast or simply looking for a great local event to enjoy, this is one not to be missed.

For more details, contact June on 0448 113 425 or Deb on 0419 293 351, or visit www.sunstatepanelvanclub.com.au.

Published 20-March-2025