Waterfront and Heritage Trail Viewing Seats

‘Paulies Place’

Macleay Islander Paul Markham’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 23 in 2005. As a teenager, Paul was the President of the Iron Stem Canoe Club, an organisation that conducted events for teenagers and children on the island. He was much loved by all who knew him.
The Macleay Island Lions Club was approached with the idea of installing a seat dedicated to Paul at Dalpura Beach, a place he had enjoyed for much of his life.
After fund raising by the Lions and support from Redland City Council the seat was unveiled at a very moving ceremony. This became the first seat installed by the community on the waterfront and Heritage Trail.

In 2012, members of the public embarked on an ambitious project to install seating on the waterfront and the Heritage Trail to provide idyllic locations to enjoy the view, serenity, birdlife and cooling sea breezes of Macleay Island.
A proposal was submitted to Council and some funding provided to the now defunct Cheeks on Seats group. This covered the cost of creating the initial six seats built by local sculptor Ted Upton.
The Renegades Senior Men’s Volunteer Group took this concept further to include seats for Clubs, groups, the Macleay Island State School and individual sponsors. In the process, they created a further thirteen places for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. This project was conducted in partnership with Redland City Council, who provide the site approval and the cement for the installation of seats. Kayak launch sites were also identified and wherever possible, a seat will be planned for these locations.
It would not have been possible for the Renegades to complete the seats without the support of Council, ceramic artist Jan de Rooy who made many inlaid plaques, and Jude Fernandez who engraved many of the dedication messages. Nor would it have occurred without the financial support of the clubs and individuals. Michele Newton’s Hi T Gals deserve special recognition for ongoing financial and uplifting assistance. The Renegades are also grateful to the Friendly Bay Islander for their ongoing support

Seats are listed in alphabetical order

The Anzacs dedication seat, with a plaque reminiscent of the rising sun and the dawn landing at Gallipoli, contains the ‘Lest We Forget’ inscription in the seat back. Sponsored by Gerard and Glenda Thompson and The Friendly Bay Islander, this seat is located in Koonwarra Parades Foreshore Park on the corner of Koonwarra Parade and Morwong Street.It is an excellent location to enjoy the view and the peace we enjoy due to the sacrifice of our servicemen and servicewomen. Built by The Renegades

Bus Stop seat.
This seat enjoyed much community support including sponsorship by the Macleay Island Lions Club. An old seat was provided by Council and restored by the Renegades who also built a directional sign including considerable engraved humour.
The seat was then painted by grades 3-4 children of Macleay Island State School with handprints by senior students included in the legs. This project showcased the skills of our island children and highlighted a partnership between the older and younger residents that can only have a profound impact on all who visit it. It is located at Alan’s Ramp on Mel Street near the corner of Pecan Street. Built by The Renegades

The ‘Calm Waters’ seat was sponsored by Suzanne Pike in memory of her brother Paul who was killed in a hang-gliding accident. His glider known as “Watermelon” is well depicted on the inlaid plaque. The routing is typical of how Paul would sign-off his written correspondence, showing his absolute passion for flying with the eagles. This seat which sits high up overlooking the beautiful views of Karragarra Passage & Lamb Island, where many an eagle can be seen, is located on the corner of Cowes Street and Scarborough Terrace. Built by The Renegades

Desmond & Elizabeth Kelly Seat This seat was sponsored by Desmond and Elizabeth and is located at the entrance to the Macleay Island Progress Association hall in Russell Terrace. They have been members of the Association for many years and contributed much with their vision for the future of the island. Built by island wood sculptor Ted Upton.

The ‘Evita Sarmonikas seat’ is dedicated to a wonderful young lady who lived for many years on Perulpa Island. This seat is located at Anglers Place in Blue Bay Crescent, just a short distance from her home. It enjoys views up the Bay towards North Stradbroke and Peel Islands. Built by The Renegades

The Fable seat is dedicated to Fable Price, son of Paul and Skye ad brother of Banjo, Ryder, Lyric and Cedar. It was built by Ted Upton and is located in the park and future camping ground at Coast Road, a delightful, peaceful location, south of Tingira Boat Club.

Jane Swann Seat
Located in Golden Sands Boulevard, offering beautiful views across the bay to North Stradbroke Island. Lovingly created by local sculptor Ted Upton using Mahogany Gum, Paper Bark and Bloodwood, this seat was erected in memory of Jane Swann, a delightful and intelligent young woman who lived nearby. Built by island wood Sculptor Ted Upton.

This seat was badly damaged by white ants and has been rebuilt by the Renegades Men’s Shed in 2019 under a Councillors Small Grant from Redland City Council (photographed below)

Jenny’s Seat

Kerry Gray Seat (photo by Gerard Thomson of Friendly Bay Islander)
This seat is dedicated to Kerry Gray, husband of Eleesa Zlatic and father of Ayla and Isaac. Kerry is remembered as an incredible man who gave much for his island home. The seat, located adjacent to the boat ramp, is where Kerry loved to watch the passing boats. Built by island wood sculptor Ted Upton.

The Mariners Seat
This seat is located alongside the boat ramp at Dalpura Bay beach and is dedicated to all mariners. Beautiful sunsets and aquatic activity are visible from here. Unfortunately, the seat was badly damaged by termites but the 2021 renovation by the Renegades (above) managed to retain the original artwork by island sculptor Ted Upton. The photograph below shows the original seat.

The ‘Marzie’ seaside seat‘ is located at Thomas Street and is dedicated to Michele Newton’s mother who paddled kayaks until very elderly. The kayak shape of the seat back reflects the pleasure she gained from the activity. Michele sponsored the seat and also through her Hi T Gals group has provided financial support and encouragement to The Renegades for a number of years. Built by The Renegades.

The Passage Views seat is yet again a joint Redland City Council and Community project. Council provided a used timber seat which the Renegades refurbished and had engraved by Jude Fernandez. Cement for the footings was supplied by Council and the works sponsored by the Bay Islands Golf Club. The seat is located at Waterside Drive adjacent to the toilets and provides a pleasant shaded location for those walking the Trail to enjoy a rest and for those living locally to enjoy the view. Built by The Renegades

This bench is located at the Paul Carter Wetlands in Charles Terrace.The simple bench uses the sign to create a back rest and is a quiet rest spot on the Heritage Trail with a view out over the wetlands reserve.’ Built by The Renegades

Quandamooka Seat
Dedicated to the waters of Moreton Bay and includes something of the shape of a whale. The inserted plaque includes aquatic life of the bay.The view from here is across the water to ‘Goompi’ (Dunwich) on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island.) It is located in Timothy Street. Built by The Renegades

Railway Seat
The Railway Seat sponsored by Club Macleay is a heritage styled seat with a touch of humour indicating that a rail line exists between Cleveland and Jumpinpin. It is located in Benowa Street just before the corner leading to the club. This seat provides ever-changing view of the bay between the island and the mainland. Built by The Renegades

The Rebecca Campbell seat is dedicated to the child of Debbie and Rodney Campbell. This seat was installed by Redland City Council and was decorated by the family. It is located at Thompsons Point at the end of Wharf Street, a location where eagles can be seen soaring.

Regina’s Seat
This seat is dedicated to Regina, wife of island resident Danny Watchel. It is located at the ferry terminal where all the movement of people and vessels can be observed. The seat was built by Ted Upton from local timber and the calligraphy was designed by Ruth Venner.

Serenity seat
Built by island furniture maker George Ferrell for The Renegades and thus the community and located in Orion Street.

Sunset Seat
This seat was sponsored by Max and Cathy Keily and is dedicated to their son Nicholas Maxwell Keily who passed when only six and a half weeks old. It is located at Orana Street and built by island furniture maker George Ferrell for the family and Renegades. It provides idyllic sunset views. Built by The Renegades.

Terri Lambert Seat
This seat is dedicated to Terri Lambert an island resident of many years. It is located at Thompson’s Point at the end of Wharf Street, with beautiful views to Coochimudlo Island. Built by island wood sculptor Ted Upton

Tim Shea Waterhole Seat
This simple bench is located at Tim Shea’s waterhole where residents sourced water before reticulation.

Access is off High Central Road and then via Derwent Street. This is a significant Heritage site. Built by The Renegades