FROM humble beginnings as a small collection of local artifacts, a Redland Museum volunteer has watched it grow into a respected hub in the community.
Rick Thomason’s deep-rooted connection to Cleveland and the Redland community began in 1979 when he married Cecily Dean, daughter of Norman Dean, the founding president of the Redland Museum.
Having returned from London in 1972, Mr Thomason quickly became involved in several Brisbane organisations.
He was vice president and a life member of the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship and served as secretary of the Australia Britain Society and a member of the Australia Day Council Committee.
“I was also a member of the Queensland Red Cross Appeals Committee and chairman of the Ascot/Hamilton branch of the Red Cross,” Mr Thomason said.
The Thomasons soon settled in Cleveland, where they became proprietors of a cafe/restaurant.
It wasn’t long before Mr Thomason became involved with the Redland Museum, an institution he helped grow over the years.
“I became very involved in the many aspects of the museum, in those days there were considerably fewer volunteers,” he said.
“I have seen the museum grow from a small repository of local history, and through the perception and perseverance of the early members become a respected hub in the life of the Redland community and beyond.”
Mr Thomason attributes this growth to the foresight, talents, and experience of the museum’s first and subsequent presidents, along with their dedicated volunteers and generous benefactors.
This is reflected in the museum receiving the 2024 Redlands Coast Tourism Business Excellence Award.
Over the years, Mr Thomason has served as museum secretary, been a member of the management committee, and since 2000, has held the role of exhibitions officer, curating at least six changing exhibitions annually, along with concerts and lectures.
His impact on the museum and community has not gone unnoticed – he was awarded Museum Honorary Life Membership in 1998, the Redland Shire Cultural Award in 2002, a Medal of the Order of Australia, and a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship.
Today, the Redland Museum is recognised as an important community hub, dedicated to educating younger generations, honouring Indigenous heritage, and providing a welcoming space for locals.
