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The Redcliffe Dolphins are leaving other southeast Queensland clubs in their wake, signing an international agreement that will see New Zealand’s up-and-coming talent playing in Moreton Bay.

Moreton Bay Region Mayor Peter Flannery said the trans-Tasman allegiance was a logical fit, and he hopes it will add international muscle to the Dolphins’ bid to become the next Brisbane-based NRL franchise

“Moreton Bay is already home to more than 21,000 passionate New Zealand-born residents, not including their extended family members who also live locally,” he said.

“This trailblazing affiliation between the Dolphins and the Warriors will strengthen our Kiwi ties and bring an influx of international visitors for training and competitions.

“The Warriors have already begun talking about playing games at our state-of-the-art stadium which, is currently undergoing further upgrades to host 10,000 fans.

“I’ll be meeting with the Warriors at Dolphin Stadium on Wednesday, to talk about getting their support behind our NRL licence bid.

“Everyone knows that Redcliffe is rugby league heartland with more than 5,200 locals playing the game across Moreton Bay.

“Not only are we the Intrust Super Cup’s most successful team, the Dolphins business acumen and financial position is the envy of all other clubs.

“I’m sure every town in Queensland will want this licence, but this decision must be made with the head not the heart.

“On every business and fiscal measure Redcliffe runs rings around all our rivals. Only Redcliffe will offer the financial and commercial opportunities that a team needs to stand on its own two feet, we can guarantee the NRL of that.

“No organisation can last 72 years without a proven track record of prudent financial management and stability as well as community backing – the Redcliffe Dolphins have got a range of revenue streams and many long-term business deals that set them apart from everyone else.

“Unlike many other teams in the NRL who have significant rental costs at their home stadiums, Dolphin Stadium is actually owned by the club.

“The Redcliffe Leagues Club also has a loyal membership base of more than 40,000 people, which is far more than some existing NRL clubs.

“Today’s announcement is further proof of the Dolphins’ ability to identify opportunities beyond the horizon and seize them, even at this difficult time.

“I can’t wait to see supporters on the day flying the Warriors colours here in Moreton Bay Region.”

Majority Clearout At MBRC As New Council Takes Office

On Wednesday 22^nd April our new Mayor and 12 Local Councillors officially took office with seven of the thirteen Council positions having new representation.    

The newly elected Mayor and Councillors could not meet as a group due to social distancing requirements.

Councillors took the Declaration of Office in front of CEO Greg Chemello, on a rotation spaced 15 minutes apart.

The new Moreton Bay Regional Council is:

(Newly elected representatives highlighted)

Mayor: Peter Flannery

Division 1: Brooke Savige

Division 2: Mark Booth

Division 3: Adam Hain

Division 4: Jodie Shipway

Division 5: Sandra Ruck

Division 6: Karl Winchester

Division 7: Denise Sims

Division 8: Mick Gillam

Division 9: Cath Tonks

Division 10: Matt Constance

Division 11: Darren Grimwade

Division 12: Tony Latter

“This is an important day for our region and I congratulate the councillors on being elected to lead our community at a time when leadership is needed most,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Having met with all our councillors to discuss their priorities and ideas for our region, I’m pleased that they are collectively focussed on the immediate need for financial support and economic recovery, as our region fights to come back from coronavirus.

“I’m very pleased to have six returning councillors bringing their experience back to the chamber, and six new councillors bringing fresh ideas with them.

“I’d particularly like to welcome our three new female Councillors – Jodie Shipway (Div 4), Sandra Ruck (Div 5) and Cath Tonks (Div 9) – increasing female representation in our team of 12 up to five alongside Brooke Savige (Div 1) and Denise Sims (Div 7).

“I also want to thank the community for putting their faith in me to lead through this uncertain time.

“When we started this campaign, we didn’t know we’d be hit with the global pandemic that is COVID-19. So, locals have certainly made the right choice in electing an experienced councillor and a safe set of hands. That’s critically important at an uncertain time like this.

“I promise locals that my door and the door of every councillor you have elected will always be open to people who have their hearts in this community and have ideas on how we can get through this challenging time together.”

“We may be living in uncertain times and no one knows what the world will look like on the other side, but between the experience of our returning councillors and the fresh ideas of our new councillors, I think we already have the foundations for success.

“My door will always be open to anyone who has ideas on how we can do things differently here in Moreton Bay Region.”

Mayor Flannery said that the community had to be at the heart of every economic, strategic, and stimulus decision they make in the Chamber and he has committed to leading an open and accountable Council that’s united in its focus on economic recovery.

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