Russell Island (Moreton Bay) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Russell Island Moreton Bay, Queensland
Location of Russell Island
Russell Island Location in Queensland
Population	3,698 (2021 census)
• Density	122.45/km2 (317.1/sq mi)
Established	1870
Postcode(s)	4184
Area	30.2 km2 (11.7 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
LGA(s)	Redland City
State electorate(s)	Redlands
Federal Division(s)	Bowman
Localities around Russell Island: Moreton Bay Karragarra Island North Stradbroke Island Moreton Bay Russell Island North Stradbroke Island Southern Moreton Bay Islands Southern Moreton Bay Islands North Stradbroke Island

Russell Island in Moreton Bay

Russell Island is a beautiful island, town, and area located in Redland City, Queensland, Australia. It's also known by its original Aboriginal name, Canaipa. In 2021, about 3,698 people lived on Russell Island.

Exploring Russell Island's Geography

Russell Island is the largest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. It sits between the mainland of Queensland and the bigger North Stradbroke Island. The island is about 8 kilometers long from north to south and nearly 3 kilometers wide.

Waterways around the island include:

• Main Channel, to the west of the island.
• Canaipa Passage, separating it from North Stradbroke Island.
• Krummel Passage, to the north.
• Fishermans Channel, to the south.

The island also has several points of land reaching into the water, called headlands:

• Canaipa Point, on the north-east.
• Kibbinkibbinwa Point, on the north.
• Rocky Point, on the south-east.

A Look at Russell Island's History

How Russell Island Got Its Name

In 1839, an explorer named Robert Dixon surveyed the island. He named it after Lord John Russell, who was an important government official in the 1840s.

Early Settlers and Jacksonville Village

Europeans first settled on the island in 1866. Farmers and oystermen were among the first people to live there full-time. In 1870, land started to be sold. By 1906, the Jackson family helped create a small village called Jacksonville on the western side of the island. This village had a sawmill, a factory for canning pineapples, a jetty (a small pier), and even a movie theater!

Russell Island State School's Journey

Russell Island State School, 2022

The Russell Island State School first opened its doors on January 20, 1916. The first head teacher was 17-year-old Miss Eileen Willes. The school building itself was moved from another location. In its first year, 17 children attended. In 1927, the school moved to its current location in the north of the island. The original building is still used today, though it has been made bigger and repaired. By 1931, a special school boat helped bring children from nearby islands to Russell Island State School.

Community Services and Facilities

Over the years, Russell Island has gained many services to help its residents.

• In 2001, the Russell Island Public Library opened.
• A public swimming pool, 25 meters long, was finished in 2008. It was funded by the local council, the state government, and donations from residents.
• A new police station opened in 2008, bringing the island its first community policeman. The Queensland Police also visit often with a fast barge that can carry police vehicles.

The Canaipa Name Change Idea

In 2015, groups of Russell Island residents and the Redland City Council suggested changing the island's name to its traditional Aboriginal name, Canaipa. The idea is to use both names for a while until Canaipa becomes more widely accepted.

The name Canaipa comes from the Yugambeh people, meaning "place of ironbark spear/digging stick." Both the Quandamooka and Yugambeh people, who are the traditional owners, use this name. The Queensland Government has officially accepted Canaipa as an alternative name for the island.

Who Lives on Russell Island?

The number of people living on Russell Island has grown over the years.

• In 2006, there were 1,779 people.
• By 2011, the population grew to 2,473 people. The average age was 51 years old. Most people (68.8%) were born in Australia. Other countries of birth included New Zealand and England. Most people spoke only English at home.
• In 2016, the population was 2,836 people.
• By 2021, Russell Island had 3,698 residents.

Places of Historical Importance

Russell Island has several sites that are important to its history and are protected as heritage listings:

• Mrs Fischer’s Grave, on Canaipa Ridge Road.
• St Peter’s Anglican Parish Hall, on High Street.
• Jacksonville (Jacksons Oval), at the corner of Jackson Road and Esplanade.
• Corduroy Road, on Weedmore Road.

Education on Russell Island

Russell Island State School is a government primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It is located at 38-64 High Street. In 2017, the school had 176 students. The school also has a special education program. A group of parents and citizens (P&C) actively supports the school.

There are no high schools directly on Russell Island. Students who want to attend secondary school usually go to Victoria Point State High School on the mainland.

What Can You Find on Russell Island?

Russell Island has a small shopping area with many useful services:

• A supermarket (Super IGA).
• A post office.
• A medical practice and chemist.
• A petrol station.
• Hairdressers, a newsagent, and places to get takeaway food.
• Several real estate agencies.

Across the island, you can find even more services, similar to those on the mainland:

• A police station, fire station, and ambulance service.
• A veterinarian and computer repair services.
• A public swimming pool.
• Two licensed clubs, the RSL and the Russell Island Bowling Club, offer entertainment and food.
• The Redland Library service runs the Russell Island Public Library.
• Community centers like the Bay Islands Community Centre and the Kennedy Farm Community Centre offer spaces for community activities.

The island is quite self-supporting, with electricians, builders, and plumbers living there. It has power, phone, internet, water, and garbage collection. Volunteers are very important for services like the Rural Fire Brigade, State Emergency Service, and the Ambulance service. There are also volunteer Justices of the Peace on the island.