Council

30 July, 2023

Proposed new park name in honour of pioneering local

A WELL-LOVED volunteer from the Moreton Bay community is proposed to be remembered this year by naming a park at Petrie in her honour.

Joan Stephensen, born into the pioneering Ebert family of Lawnton in 1927, spent her entire life in the Pine Rivers area. She was a volunteer with many community organisations and earned the Pine Rivers Shire Citizen of the Year award in 2000.

Councillor Peter Flannery said Council was proud to support a community application to name the park in the late Joan Stephensen’s honour.

“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.”

“Mrs Stephensen 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.

“She also sold lamingtons to fundraise for the Handihome to be built at Strathpine and knitted booties and hats to help clothe premature babies.

“She was a shining example of everything that makes us proud to live in Moreton Bay.”

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

Councillor Mick Gillam (Div 8) says the park naming is a wonderful way to celebrate the lifetime achievements of a much-loved community volunteer.

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

“She knitted thousands of trauma bears for local doctor surgeries and hospitals, volunteered to sell ANZAC and Remembrance Day badges and sold butterfly badges for Hear and Say each year.

“Her tireless volunteering efforts also included Craft on Wheels, Mothers’ Union and hospital visits with her church.

“Joan even kept in touch with all baptised babies for five years after their service, giving them teddies as gifts.

“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.”

The proposal to name this parkland will now go out for public advertising and feedback over a 28- day period. Non-supportive submissions through this consultation period will see the proposed action brought back to Council for re-consideration.

Public feedback can be made by emailing: mbrc@moretonbay.qld.gov.au or via written submission to: PO Box 159, Caboolture Q 4510.

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