Few people may realise that one of Redcliffe’s most influential civic leaders began life in Ekibin. Keitha Drake would go on to quietly reshape life on the Redcliffe Peninsula, becoming its first female alderman and one of its most tireless community workers, long before women were a common sight in council chambers.
Born in 1906 as Keitha Mary Cousley Scurr, she was educated at Junction Park State School in Annerley and Brisbane State High School in South Brisbane.
Her early life in Ekibin would ground her in community values that later defined her public service, according to historical accounts compiled by local historians and media outlets. In her younger years, she was an accomplished hockey player and, in 1939, was considered for selection in Brisbane’s A-Grade competition.
A Newcomer Who Stepped Forward
She married George Drake in 1940. They had a son named Henry in 1947. She married George Drake in 1940. They had a son named Henry in 1947.
After arriving on the Redcliffe Peninsula in 1950, Ms Drake quickly became involved in local organisations and welfare work. Within two years, she stood for election to the Town of Redcliffe council and was elected in February 1952.
At the time, council meetings were small affairs with just six aldermen, modest pay and heavy workloads. She served continuously until she died in 1966, a period that saw Redcliffe transition from a town to a city in 1959.
Historical reporting shows voters repeatedly returned her to office and, in later elections, that she attracted more votes than any other candidate, reflecting strong community trust.
Focused on Practical Needs
Ms Drake focused on everyday issues affecting local families rather than ideology. She worked to improve health services for the peninsula and represented Redcliffe on hospital boards at a time when access to medical care required travel to Brisbane. The opening of the first Redcliffe Hospital in 1961 aligned with the period of her advocacy.
At the time of her death, she chaired the council’s Building and Health Committee. She represented the council on both the Redcliffe Hospitals Board and the Redcliffe Municipal Library Committee.
A Life Beyond Council Chambers
Ms Drake’s influence extended well beyond local government. Over more than a decade, she led the Redcliffe Peninsula branch of the Queensland Spastic League, now known as the Cerebral Palsy League, and played a key role in establishing the local committee. She also served as secretary of the Red Cross for 10 years and chaired the Humpybong Welfare Committee.
Her involvement spanned sporting clubs, arts groups and educational support bodies. Records show she supported cricket, hockey, horticulture, writing groups and youth organisations, while also serving as the first president of Redcliffe State High School’s Ladies’ Auxiliary.
Lasting Recognition
Drake died at Brisbane General Hospital on 12 February 1966. Over a decade later, her contribution was formally recognised when an 18-unit pensioner housing complex at Woody Point was named Keitha Drake Lodge.
Drake Street at Woody Point also bears her name, a reminder of a woman born in Ekibin whose impact reached far beyond her Brisbane beginnings.
Published 7-Jan-2026
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