Woody Point resident Paul “Ray” Ebert has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for his lifelong commitment to shaping the future of competitive rowing and local faith-based education.
The announcement came as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours List, marking a major milestone for a man who has spent more than fifty years involved in the sport of rowing. Mr Ebert first started his journey with the Pine Rivers Rowing Club back in 1968. Over the decades, he took on almost every role possible, serving as the club’s secretary, captain, and eventually its president.
His passion for the water eventually led him to the highest levels of the sport, where he served as the President of Rowing Queensland and worked within the executive team of Rowing Australia.
The Voice of the Sport
While many know him for his leadership behind the scenes, others recognise him as the definitive voice of the sport. Mr Ebert spent years behind the microphone as a commentator, bringing the excitement of rowing to life for audiences at state and national events.
His expertise even took him to the global stage when he commentated during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Beyond his broadcasting work, he also acted as a team manager, helping Australian athletes navigate the pressures of international competition at various overseas regattas.
Away from the rowing sheds, Mr Ebert has been equally active in building local community institutions through the Lutheran Church of Australia. He was a driving force behind the creation of the Living Faith Lutheran Primary School in Murrumba Downs, helping to establish the school’s governance and leadership.
His efforts in this area focused on creating a strong educational environment and providing administrative support to the church network. This work ensured that local families had access to a school grounded in community values and spiritual guidance.
His contributions have also reached into the area of sporting fairness and integrity. He has shared his expertise with the Queensland Olympic Council and served on the Queensland Rugby League Anti-Doping Tribunal. Because of his vast impact, he holds a very rare distinction in the sporting world.
He is a Life Member of three separate major organisations, including his home club at Pine Rivers, the state body of Rowing Queensland, and the national organisation, Rowing Australia. This recognition highlights his deep roots in the Moreton Bay region and his influence across the entire country.
For more than four decades, Dr Bronwyn Eunice Herbert has dedicated her life to supporting vulnerable children, young people and families across Brisbane’s bayside. While her work has influenced policy, research and community services across Queensland, it is her deep and enduring connection to Woody Point and the surrounding peninsula that shaped the heart of her life’s mission.
The Woody Point community has long been known for its close-knit spirit, and for Dr Herbert, that sense of collective responsibility is more than a community value — it is a family tradition stretching back generations.
A Legacy Rooted in Community
Dr Herbert’s connection to Woody Point can be traced back to her childhood, shaped by stories of compassion during the hardships of the Great Depression. Her family, who operated a local store in the peninsula area, became known for quietly supporting struggling families, often extending credit or providing essentials to those in need.
That early exposure to community kindness left a lasting impression. It planted the seeds for a lifelong commitment to ensuring children and families never felt isolated during times of hardship.
Over the years, Woody Point and the wider Redcliffe Peninsula became both a home and a professional inspiration for Dr Herbert. The community’s challenges, particularly surrounding youth housing and family instability, became central to her work as a social worker and later as a researcher and advocate.
Supporting Young People Through Changing Times
Dr Herbert’s career in youth social welfare began in the 1980s, when support services for vulnerable young people were still developing. Through her work with organisations including Silky Oaks Children’s Haven and various family support networks, she became a strong advocate for early intervention and holistic family care.
Many of the young people she worked with came from unstable housing situations or faced complex family trauma. Dr Herbert recognised that addressing youth homelessness required more than short-term accommodation solutions. Instead, she championed programs that supported entire families, focusing on emotional well-being, education and long-term stability.
Her commitment extended beyond her professional roles. Dr Herbert volunteered across multiple community organisations, contributing to management committees, mentoring young parents and strengthening interagency collaboration across the bayside region.
A Passion for Education and Research
Even after decades of frontline service, Dr Herbert’s determination to better understand social disadvantage never faded. Stepping back from full-time practice later in life, she turned her focus to research, examining the causes of intergenerational homelessness and family vulnerability.
In 2023, at the age of 90, Dr Herbert completed a Doctor of Philosophy, demonstrating her unwavering belief that learning and service go hand in hand. Her research reinforced the critical importance of education as a protective factor against homelessness and highlighted the lasting impacts of unresolved family trauma.
Her findings have helped shape family support approaches across Queensland, particularly through programs that provide emotional support for parents and children together, rather than treating issues in isolation.
Dr Herbert’s influence has extended across numerous community organisations throughout the bayside. She has contributed to youth housing services, family day care initiatives, church-based community outreach programs and hospital family support units.
Her work coordinating parent support services at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane provided essential guidance to families navigating medical and emotional challenges during crises.
She also maintained strong ties with educational institutions, supporting governance roles and advocating for student well-being.
Recognition for a Lifetime of Care
In 2025, Dr Herbert was named Queensland Senior Australian of the Year, recognising her decades of service and ongoing advocacy for children and families. The following year, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her contribution to youth social welfare.
While these honours highlight her extraordinary achievements, those who know Dr Herbert often describe her legacy in simpler terms — as a compassionate listener, a determined advocate and a steadfast supporter of families facing adversity.
Each year, the shores of Moreton Bay become a landing place for some of the world’s most extraordinary travellers. From Banksia Beach through to Woody Point, around 40,000 migratory shorebirds arrive after journeys that stretch thousands of kilometres across continents and oceans.
Flying along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, one of nine major migratory bird routes in the world, these birds connect Queensland’s coastline with distant regions such as Siberia, northern China, and Alaska. Their seasonal arrival highlights that Moreton Bay’s tidal flats, wetlands, and foreshores are part of a global network of habitats.
Among the most impressive visitors is the Bar-tailed godwit, capable of flying 11,000 kilometres non-stop from Alaska — one of the longest migratory flights known in the animal kingdom.
The Eastern curlew, the largest migratory shorebird in the world, makes its way from northern China, while the Curlew sandpiper travels 13,000 kilometres from Siberia. Over its lifetime, this small bird can cover a distance equal to flying from Earth to the Moon. The Grey-tailed tattler, another Siberian traveller, is a familiar sight as well.
These international guests join about 1,500 resident shorebirds from 11 species that live in the Pumicestone Passage year-round, including the Pied oystercatcher and Beach stone-curlew. Together, the migratory and resident birds rely on Moreton Bay’s sandy beaches, mudflats, rocky foreshores, and freshwater wetlands for feeding, roosting, and recovering strength.
The City of Moreton Bay, working alongside the Queensland Wader Study Group, monitors and manages these bird populations with monthly surveys and ongoing habitat care. Sites like Kakadu Beach at Banksia Beach and Ned Bishop Park in Toorbul are maintained to provide safe high-tide roosts, with protective bollards, weed control, and shoreline management helping to keep disturbance to a minimum. Education initiatives such as the Agents of Discovery app also encourage younger residents to learn about the importance of protecting shorebirds.
How to Help Protect Migratory Shorebirds
Photo credit: Veronika_Andrews/Pixabay
While local governments and conservation groups play their part, residents and visitors are also crucial in keeping Moreton Bay safe for shorebirds. Small actions can help ensure these birds recover enough energy for their long return flights north.
Keep your distance. Approaching roosting or feeding birds can cause them to take flight, wasting valuable energy needed for migration.
Leash your dogs. Dogs should be kept on a leash unless in a designated off-leash area to prevent them disturbing shorebirds.
Avoid disturbing habitats. Activities like swimming, boating, kayaking, or fishing too close to roosting sites — especially within 100 metres — can force birds to move and lose energy.
Keep natural areas clean. Dispose of rubbish properly, remove fishing gear, and reduce single-use plastics to help protect both the birds and their environment.
View from a distance. Use binoculars, cameras, or bird hides to enjoy watching the birds without causing them stress.
These birds travel from places such as Siberia to local tidal flats around Bribie Island and Redcliffe, demonstrating the international links of our local ecosystems. By caring for the foreshores at Banksia Beach, Toorbul, Godwin Beach, and Woody Point, residents play an important role in protecting these long-distance travellers. With continued management and community care, Moreton Bay can remain an important refuge for shorebirds into the future.
A new seawall is planned for Crockatt Park in Woody Point to replace the ageing structure and strengthen coastal protection against erosion and storm impacts.
The existing seawall at Crockatt Park stretches from Woody Point Jetty to the nearby boat ramp but has deteriorated over time. A reference concept design was first completed in 2020, followed by detailed design works planned for completion in mid-2024. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025 and continue into 2026, providing an updated structure designed to meet modern engineering standards.
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay
New Seawall Design
The project involves replacing the current wall with a stepped concrete seawall designed for a 100-year lifespan. The new structure considers projected sea level rise and features steps that improve access to the foreshore while maintaining structural integrity during severe weather conditions.
Additional Measures
Further works are also proposed north of the Crockatt Park Boat Ramp. Sand nourishment will extend and widen the beach for recreation, while large buried sandbags will provide reinforcement during severe erosion events, protecting footpaths, car parks, and adjacent open spaces.
Testing and Validation
The proposed seawall design has undergone physical model testing at the Queensland Government Hydraulics Laboratory in Deagon. Engineers used controlled wave simulations to measure performance during extreme storm conditions, improving confidence that the structure will remain functional under future climate challenges.
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay
Funding and Broader Context
The Crockatt Park project is part of a wider $15 million investment in Moreton Bay coastal defence initiatives. Funding support has been shared through the Disaster Ready Fund and Moreton Bay City Council.
Construction at Woody Point is expected to start in late 2025, with completion forecast in 2026. Once finished, the seawall will provide long-term coastal protection and improve public access to the shoreline.
Locals across Moreton Bay and beyond can look forward to a flavour-packed weekend as the Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival makes its much-anticipated return from August 22 to 24.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Woody Point foreshore, the 2025 edition promises a vibrant celebration of local produce, culinary creativity, and lively entertainment.
Stretching over one kilometre along the waterfront, the festival will bring together the region’s best food, wine, and hospitality offerings. From gourmet bites and bubbling beverages to cooking demos and live music, the event is shaping up to be a standout on the local calendar.
A feast of flavour and fun
Photo credit: Moreton Bay Food + Wine/Facebook
General admission ticket holders can expect access to a smorgasbord of food stalls, pop-up bars, and live entertainment. There’ll be interactive cooking demonstrations, family-friendly activities, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere perfect for a weekend out with friends or family. The festival has grown into a much-loved community event, drawing thousands of locals and visitors alike to savour the best of what Moreton Bay has to offer.
A touch of luxury at the Oasis Club
Photo credit: Moreton Bay Food + Wine/Facebook
For those after a more indulgent experience, the Oasis Club VIP zone is making a luxurious return. Festivalgoers can sip in style at exclusive lounges, enjoy salon-style pampering, and take front-row seats at celebrity chef showcases.
This year, top Queensland restaurants — Donna Chang, Byblos, Tempest Restaurant, and Sidonie Newport — will operate pop-up dining venues within the VIP area, offering curated menus and a more intimate dining atmosphere.
VIP guests will also have access to the Piper-Heidsieck Lounge and the Mio Cappello beach club, adding a beachside glam to their weekend escape.
Don’t miss out
Photo credit: Moreton Bay Food + Wine/Facebook
With last year’s tickets selling out quickly, locals are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, wine connoisseur, or simply looking for a great day out by the bay, the 2025 Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival is serving up something for everyone.
An inclusive wheelchair-accessible swing has been installed at Crockatt Park in Woody Point, marking the first public We-Go-Swing of its kind in Queensland.
A new inclusive swing has been added to Crockatt Park in Woody Point, allowing individuals who use wheelchairs to swing alongside other users. The installation is the first publicly accessible We-Go-Swing in Queensland.
The new swing is located near the Woody Point Jetty, within reach of nearby cafes and public spaces. It joins a series of accessibility-focused projects across the region. Other developments include the expansion of the all-abilities park at Arana Hills with features for users with low vision and the addition of a Changing Places facility at Woorim Beach for visitors requiring high-support amenities.
Public Response Highlights Broader Accessibility Discussion
Online responses were largely positive, with many welcoming the inclusive design and expressing hope for similar installations elsewhere. However, some users raised questions over the “first in Queensland” claim, noting the existence of accessible swings in locations such as Pine Rivers Park, Biloela, and Cairns Esplanade. Others expressed concern about previously removed equipment not being replaced.
Despite the mixed feedback, a number of community members shared their appreciation for the swing and described its value for families and disability support users.
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook
Council Indicates Broader Investment in Accessible Spaces
Council materials describe the We-Go-Swing as part of a broader commitment to accessible, family-friendly public spaces. The installation is included within a program of upgrades aimed at improving recreational infrastructure across the city. Recent park developments reflect an approach focused on shared use and inclusion, though no specific next steps regarding additional We-Go-Swings have been confirmed.
Anglers in Woody Point are reporting productive catches this July, with diver whiting, mac tuna, and flathead proving active in the surrounding Moreton Bay waters.
Diver whiting continue to be a reliable catch in Moreton Bay’s western areas, with Cockle Banks near Scarborough and waters off the Redcliffe Peninsula yielding steady numbers. Commonly referred to as winter whiting, these fish are caught year-round but appear in greater numbers during winter. Bloodworms and squid strips remain effective bait, with drifting techniques used to locate active schools. A possession limit of 50 per person applies, with no minimum size.
Snapper are still present on inshore reefs around Redcliffe following rainfall from previous months. Clear water conditions make nighttime fishing preferable, although soft plastics are also effective during the day. A seasonal closure for snapper and pearl perch applies from 15 July to 15 August across Queensland tidal waters.
Pelagic species, particularly mac tuna and longtail tuna, are visible across the bay, especially where bait fish are present. These species are being caught by anglers casting metal slugs into surface feeding schools, with caution advised to prevent spooking. Mac tuna have been regularly landed from land-based locations, including Woody Point Jetty and Shorncliffe Pier, marking a strong season so far.
Land-Based Fishing Options Expand
Flathead, tailor and bream remain key targets for estuary and shoreline anglers. The Pine River, Hays Inlet, and the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge fishing platform are reliable locations. Flathead are responding to both live bait and artificial lures, while bream are active during evening high tides. Tailor activity has increased around Redcliffe, with yellowtail pike caught near jetties being used as effective bait.
Tiger squid are also in season, with land-based night fishers advised to carry squid jigs. Redcliffe is noted as one of the best locations to target squid during July, with the species’ colour-changing ability attributed to skin chromatophores.
On Moreton Island’s surf beaches, bream, tarwhine and swallowtail dart are common, particularly in deeper gutters with active whitewash. Dart respond well to yabbies, eugaries, prawns and worms. Sinkers should be adjusted based on surf conditions to improve bait presentation.
Tailor are appearing in higher numbers along the surf, driven by their northern spawning migration. Bonito and garfish baits used at night yield larger specimens. Pilchards and metal lures are also effective during daylight. Offshore fishing must shift away from snapper and pearl perch due to the month-long closure. Other available reef species include teraglin, venus tuskfish and silver trevally.
Fishing conditions in and around Woody Point remain favourable this July, with various species available across inshore, estuary and surf areas. Anglers are reminded of seasonal closures and encouraged to adjust techniques based on water clarity, bait movement and time of day.
The Belvedere, a beloved 124-year-old landmark in Woody Point, has undergone a major upgrade, now attracting locals and visitors alike with its exciting new look and a vibrant, month-long Mexican Fiesta.
The Belvedere, first established as a hotel in 1901, has recently completed significant renovations, turning it into a dynamic destination for the community.
The updated venue offers stunning views of Bramble Bay from its dining decks and aims to provide a modern, exciting experience for all who visit. Its relaxed and friendly atmosphere makes it suitable for special events, family meals, and casual gatherings.
Throughout the entire month of June, The Belvedere is hosting a lively Mexican Fiesta. This event is packed with activities and food, promising a fun experience for everyone.
For those looking for a bargain, a Mexican Happy Hour is held every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free tacos are available on Tuesday, 10 June, with the purchase of a jug of margarita, while Wednesday, 11 June, features $15 enchiladas.
Special events include a tequila masterclass on Thursday, June 12, offering a chance to learn more about the popular spirit. A vibrant Day of the Dead Party will kick off from 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, 14 June, and live mariachi bands will perform from 2:00 p.m. on both Saturday, 14 June, and Sunday, 15 June, adding to the festive atmosphere.
For those seeking a larger experience, bottomless sessions are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. For $110, guests can enjoy two hours of unlimited margaritas, wines, tap beers, soft drinks, and cocktails, alongside as many tacos, hot chips, corn chips and guacamole, and churros as they desire.
Beyond the special events, The Belvedere continues to be a central part of the Woody Point community, offering a diverse menu that includes dishes like lobster, seafood platters, and steaks.
Al’s Pizzeria, located within the hotel, serves delicious Italian wood-fired pizzas. The venue also features outdoor seating, live music, and dog-friendly areas, ensuring there’s something for everyone. It provides free parking, is wheelchair accessible, and is noted as a good place for groups and for watching sports.
Numerous patrons have shared positive experiences, describing the hotel as a place with gorgeous views and an awesome atmosphere. Many have praised the food, noting it is always flavourful and perfectly cooked, with drinks consistently superb and fresh. Staff are frequently commended for being friendly and ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
Visitors have commented that the place gets better with age, highlighting the success of the recent upgrades in providing quality entertainment, great food, and a wide selection of beverages for all tastes, including those with special dietary needs. One guest even chose The Belvedere for their wedding reception because it welcomed their dog, finding the food delicious and the staff lovely and helpful.
A two-vehicle crash on Oxley Avenue at Georgina Street intersection disrupted ANZAC Day preparations in Woody Point yesterday evening when Labour MP Chris Whiting was involved in a serious crash.
The incident occurred around 7pm Thursday in the heart of Woody Point, a significant location along the Redcliffe Peninsula. Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene where paramedics assessed both drivers involved.
Whiting’s vehicle, prominently displaying “Chris Whiting MP” signage, sustained extensive damage. According to reports, the MP was transporting Anzac Day wreaths through Woody Point at the time of the collision—materials intended for today’s commemorative services in the area.
While one person from the crash was transported to Redcliffe Hospital, Whiting later sought medical attention at Kallangur Satellite Hospital as a precautionary measure.
“Thank you everyone for your kind wishes. I seem to not be injured, but I am off to the Kallangur Satellite Hospital to be checked out,” Whiting stated on social media following the incident. “I think my car is gone, and the wreaths for ANZAC Day are definitely wrecked.”
The Oxley Avenue location in Woody Point where the crash occurred is a central thoroughfare for local residents and visitors to the coastal suburb, situated near local businesses and community facilities.
The impact on local ANZAC Day preparations remains unclear, though the destruction of ceremonial wreaths represents an unfortunate setback for planned observances in the Woody Point community.
Charities in the potential path of Cyclone Alfred are asking to open evacuation centres for rough sleepers, warning that thousands of lives could be at risk as extreme weather intensifies.
Northwest Community Group founder Paul Slater said he made several attempts on Monday, 3 March, to contact Brisbane for advice on evacuation centres but was yet to receive clear information.
Moreton Bay advised residents to check the council’s Disaster Dashboard for up-to-date information on evacuation centres but said crisis accommodation for homeless individuals was a matter for the Department of Housing. However, as of noon on Tuesday, the dashboard still showed no evacuation centres or refuge sites open as Cyclone Alfred nears.
Queensland’s social services body, QCOSS, warned that “a tent or car will not protect [homeless individuals] from the predicted brutality of strong winds and heavy rainfall.”
MPs wrote the Queensland Minister for Housing on Monday, expressing concern for people sleeping rough in the inner city. On Tuesday, Mr Max Chandler-Mather confirmed the Department of Housing had activated Critical Response Teams to visit known areas where homeless people reside and was connecting them with emergency accommodation.
Meanwhile, Nourish Street founder Beau Haywood, who provides outreach services throughout the Moreton Bay region, spent Monday night informing rough sleepers about the risks of Cyclone Alfred.
Moreton Bay Bans Homeless Camping Amid Worsening Crisi
The City of Moreton Bay has officially banned homeless people from camping in public spaces, making it illegal to sleep in parks, streets, or in vehicles across the region.
The crackdown means that as of 12 March 2025, those found camping in public spaces may face removal, with enforcement carried out by eight new council officers alongside Queensland Police Service. Council will operate under a complaint-based system, responding to reports from the community.
The timing of this decision has drawn criticism, with many arguing that banning public camping just as a cyclone threatens the region puts vulnerable people at even greater risk.
“City of Moreton Bay is aware of how complex an issue homelessness is, and we acknowledge that this change will not be welcomed by everyone,” Scott Waters, City of Moreton Bay CEO announced.
“The health and safety of people experiencing homelessness is core to this change and repealing the Framework will enable these individuals to get the critical support they need.”
City of Moreton Bay CEO, Scott Waters
Woody Point’s Gayundah Arboretum Park Shut Down
Gayundah Arboretum Park (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook)
The policy shift has had immediate effects, particularly in Woody Point, where the Gayundah Arboretum Park was closed on February 17 due to worsening public health and safety concerns.
Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said a review of the site found human waste, drug paraphernalia, and active vermin breeding, making the area unsafe for both campers and the general public.
“It’s just not safe for people to be residing in these conditions, nor for the community to continue to use this public space,” Shipway said. The park has been fenced off, and remediation works—expected to take six months—will involve sanitation, ground maintenance, and restoration of vegetation.
Showgrounds as a Possible Alternative?
In response to the looming displacement of homeless people, Mayor Peter Flannery has proposed allowing rough sleepers to stay in state-owned showgrounds. He called on the Queensland Government to lift restrictions preventing their use as emergency housing and to fund necessary amenities such as security, water, and power.
Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook
The council’s tough stance has drawn mixed reactions. While some residents support the measures due to safety concerns, others argue that criminalising homelessness does not address the root causes.
Q Shelter, the peak body for frontline housing and homelessness services in Queensland, called the repeal “disappointing” and expressed concern that it will further disadvantage vulnerable individuals impacted by the worsening housing and homelessness crisis.
“We appreciate that homelessness and rough sleeping are highly complex issues, particularly when also managing public safety considerations. But the challenge remains that these highly vulnerable people are living in public spaces because they have nowhere else to go.”
Meanwhile, the City of Moreton Bay reassured the public that it will keep working with the State Government’s Department of Housing to help individuals find alternative accommodation and access necessary support.
With homeless individuals now facing tighter restrictions, the focus will be on whether alternative solutions, like the use of showgrounds, gain government support—or if more people are left struggling to find shelter.
