Who’s Who in 22, Media & Influencers: William McInnes

Redcliffe remains a place close to actor and author William McInnes’ heart in 2022, so much so that he recalled his memories of Suttons Beach Pavilion to aid a campaign for its preservation this year.

William, who grew up in Redcliffe and still has close ties to the peninsula, recorded a video to support the cause after learning the future of the iconic structures was uncertain.

They are in a state of disrepair and decay, with Moreton Bay Regional Council ordering invasive testing to determine if they can be saved.

In the video, William said he remembered all the incarnations of the building which was important to the people of Redcliffe.

“That’s because it’s always been there, even though it may have changed,” he said.

“It’s one of the best vestiges along with the showgrounds and one of the best examples of old Redcliffe.

“Even though I don’t live in Redcliffe anymore, I love it. It’s very close to my heart.”

About William McInnes

William McInnes is an accomplished actor on the stage and in film and television, and a renowned author and columnist whose work celebrates life while encompassing the wide emotions and situations being human can bring.

He grew up on the Redcliffe peninsula and is a former pupil of Humpybong State School and Clontarf Beach State High School.

William, who now lives in Melbourne, has fond and hilarious memories of his childhood and remains friends with some of his mates from that time who enter the cooking competition in the Redcliffe Show each year.

They call themselves The Pouch Group and they’ve been waging a battle of the preserves at the Redcliffe Show for the past 12 years.

Incidentally, William is the show’s patron and attends the event when his schedule allows it.

He is a much-loved actor on the stage and in film and television who has taken on dramatic and comedic roles during his career.

William is best-known for television roles on programs including Rake, Total Control, The Newsreader, The Time of Our Lives, My Brother Jack, Blue Heelers, Seachange as well as several mini-series and telemovies.

His work in Australian cinema is also widely acknowledged, by his peers and audiences. The feature film, Look Both Ways, results in a nomination for Best Lead Actor by the Australian Film Institute and receive the Film Critics Circle of Australia Award for Best Actor. William received an AFI Award and a Film Critics Circle of Australia Award for his performance in Unfinished Sky.

His work as an author has also delighted fans, with bestsellers including A Man's Got to Have a Hobby, Cricket Kings, That'd Be Right, The Making of Modern Australia, Holidays, Christmas Tales, Fatherhood, Full bore and The Birdwatcher.