Beachside track renaming leaves proud legacy

Published 16 November 2025

• City of Moreton Bay has renamed a Woorim Beach track in honour of local teen Harrison ‘Harry’ Payne who lost his life in 2021
• The sign bearing Harry’s name will encourage other drivers to learn more about his story and the work of charity, the Harrison Payne Initiative
• The renaming was celebrated with a Community Day at Woorim Beach on 16 November

The memory of a beloved Moreton Bay teen whose life was cut short in a tragic crash has been immortalised after the dedication of a beach track in his honour by City of Moreton Bay.

Harrison ‘Harry’ Payne was 18 when he lost his life in a 4WD crash on Woorim Beach in May 2021, leaving behind devastated friends and family. 

Following a request from Pumicestone MP Ariana Doolan on behalf of the Payne family earlier this year, Council unanimously approved the renaming of Ocean Beach Access Track to Harrison Payne Track in September after public consultation.

The sign is inscribed with the words ‘This track is dedicated to Harrison Payne, remembered for his passion for nature and the joy he brought to those around him’ – and was celebrated by the Payne Family who held a special community day at Woorim Beach on November 16.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said Council was honoured to have supported the renaming of the track, which will now serve as a powerful reminder for drivers to take care on the beach.

“The story of Harry is a story of inspiration. His young life may have been cut short but through this tragedy, but we honour his legacy by reminding people to take care when driving on our beaches,” he said.

“Any loss of life on our roads and beaches is unacceptable, and we as a community must do all we can to encourage safe and responsible driving. Today, we take another step towards doing that.”

Mayor Flannery thanked Pumicestone MP Ariana Doolan and State Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg for making the initial requests to Council on behalf of the Payne family for renaming the access track.

Harry’s mother Kylie described the sign as an “incredibly moving tribute”.

“Having this track renamed in Harry’s honour means his name will live on in a place that held so many special memories for him and for us as a family,” Mrs Payne said.

“It’s a symbol of remembrance, but also of purpose - a reminder that from deep loss can come meaningful change. Every person who travels this track will now carry a small part of Harry’s story with them.”

Following Harry’s death, the Payne family created the Harrison Payne Initiative - a not-for-profit that aims to create change around beach safety, 4WD safety, and road safety while providing support for families who have experienced similar tragedies.

“We hope that by naming this track after Harry, it will spark curiosity — that people will pause, read Harry’s story, and think about how their own choices can have lasting impacts,” Harry’s father Kent said.

“The Harrison Payne Initiative was created to share that message: that safety and awareness can save lives. If this dedication encourages even one person to slow down, take care, and make safer decisions, then it’s a powerful legacy for Harry.”

Underlying the charity is the theme of ‘Strength to Change’, which acknowledges that real courage often comes from vulnerability — from recognising when something needs to change and having the strength to act on it.

Mrs Payne said her son would be thrilled to have a track named after him.

“Harry loved the beach, the outdoors, his mates and the sense of freedom that came with it,” she said.

“We think he’d be absolutely stoked and a little embarrassed with his rosy-red cheeks — and probably have a cheeky grin on his face — knowing there’s a track carrying his name and his story forward.”

Mr Payne said the support the Initiative had received since it first launched was “nothing short of extraordinary”.

“From local families to schools, community groups, and council representatives — everyone has embraced Harry’s story and the Initiative’s message with open hearts,” he said.

“It’s shown us the incredible power of community: people coming together, not only to remember but to make a difference. That collective support has given us strength and has truly kept Harry’s spirit alive.”

Councillor Brooke Savige (Division 1) said the sign would encourage beachgoers to learn more about Harry’s story and the powerful message it offered.

“I know Harry would be incredibly proud of the amazing work being done by his parents Kent and Kylie through the Harrison Payne Initiative,” she said.

“Dedicating this track in his name not only honours Harry’s legacy, but it will save lives. Through the Initiative’s message of Strength to Change, we keep the conversation going around the potential dangers of reckless driving on our beaches and encourage our loved ones to slow down and obey the rules.

“Together, we can stop another needless tragedy from occurring.”

Pumicestone MP Ariana Doolan said the sign would allow Harry’s legacy to resonate with drivers for generations to come.

“We cannot allow Harry’s story to go unheeded. It serves as much as a warning as it does a reminder to our young people to find the strength to change driving behaviours and how we think about safety when it comes to driving on our beaches,” she said.

“The dedication of this track to Harry and the sign that bears his name continues to honour that message.”

Mrs Payne encouraged drivers to take care when enjoying the beauty and freedom of the beach.

“Always remember that the decisions you make behind the wheel don’t just affect you; they affect everyone around you,” she said.

“Slow down, stay alert, and look out for others. Every journey should end safely, and every life is worth protecting and everyone having the knowledge that they will get to return home safe to their loved ones.”