Bid to honour pioneering local

By Ella Bradford

Photo courtesy of City of Moreton Bay, reference number P2516/2

Moreton Bay City Council is proposing to honour much-loved community volunteer Joan Stephenson by naming a Petrie park after her.

Mrs Stephenson was born into the pioneering Ebert family of Lawnton in 1927 and earned the Pine Rivers Shire Citizen of the Year award in 2000.

Community contribution

She spent her entire life in the Pine Rivers area and was a volunteer with numerous community organisations.

Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Peter Flannery says Council is proud to support the community application to name the park after the late Joan Stephenson.

“Mrs Stephenson was one of the pioneering residents here in Petrie, fundraising to build the ambulance station, working with Meals on Wheels for 30 years, and helping at the respite centre in Petrie,” Mayor Flannery says.

“Naming a space is a beautiful way to remember someone who has given so much to others, and in this case a very well-known member of the Pine Rivers area for her passion and selflessness for her community,” Mayor Flannery said.

Councillor Mick Gillam (Div 8) says naming the park after Mrs Stephenson is a wonderful way to celebrate her lifetime of achievement.

“A wealth of knowledge on all things Pine Rivers, Joan also worked on the Historical Village Committee at the Museum at the North Pine Country Park and was a genuine and passionate advocate for the community and the area,” Cr Gillam says.

Tireless effort

Mrs Stephenson’s volunteering included knitting thousands of trauma bears for local doctors’ surgeries and hospitals, selling ANZAC and Remembrance Day badges and selling butterfly badges for Hear and Say each year.

She also volunteered at Craft on Wheels, Mothers’ Union and made hospital visits with her church.

“Joan loved nothing more than to give back,” Cr Gillam says.

Have your say

The specific area to be named, ‘Joan Stephenson Park’ is at 29 Augustins Crescent, Petrie.

The proposal to name this parkland is out for public feedback until Tuesday, August 22.

It will only return to Council for consideration if there are non-supportive submissions during the consultation period.

To have your say, email [email protected] or post a written submission to PO Box 159, Caboolture QLD 4510.