News
18 May, 2025
Woodford parks saddle up names
MORETON Bay Council is looking for public feedback in relation to the suggested naming of parkland in Windsor Street, Woodford, with the proposed naming being ‘Johnstone Park’. Public submissions and feedback regarding the name will be accepted until Wednesday, June 11.
This comes as submissions now closed regarding the renaming of Kauri Court Park at 46-76 Ironbark Drive, to ‘Eva Draper Park’. The purpose of renaming Kauri Court Park is to memorialise posthumously Woodford-born and local Eva Draper, Queensland’s first female jockey. Eva made history on 26 December 1915, becoming the first woman to ride on a registered racecourse in Australia. Not only did she ride but she claimed victory on her father’s horse, Mown Hay, breaking barriers for female jockeys in a male dominated sport and earning her place among the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame.
Mayor Peter Flannery said Eva Draper was a true Queensland hero that many people didn’t know about. “Eva Draper was a pioneer for women’s sport in Queensland and paved the way for young girls to take up horse racing by challenging conventions. She jumped barriers in more ways than one,” he said. “Born and raised in Woodford, Eva developed a passion for horses early by being introduced to riding before she could walk and training her father’s horses by age eight. The Woodford community nurtured Eva’s talents, supporting her journey to becoming Queensland’s first female jockey and race winner. Eva made history, and she is an important part of ours, so naming this park in her memory is a fitting tribute to her impact on the community.”
Councillor Tony Latter (Div 12) also acknowledged Draper’s influence on both the equestrian world and Woodford’s history. “Eva Draper was a remarkable horse person, excelling in various equestrian disciplines, including show jumping and trackwork riding,” he said. “Beyond her sporting achievements, Eva was a respected and active member of the Woodford community where her legacy extends far beyond the track, promoting equestrian sports at local events and mentoring the next generation of young riders.”
Public feedback period for the renaming of Kauri Court Park to ‘Eva Draper Park’ have now closed. To provide feedback about ‘Johnstone Park’ naming email council@moretonbay.qld.gov.au or send a written submission to PO Box 159, Caboolture Q 4510 before June 11.
