Publisher 's Letter by KATE BENNETT

Welcome to our second issue. I really hope you enjoy what we are creating for you. A magazine that is fresh, bright, and colourful - filled with a unique mix of articles, socials and advice that is a reflection of the Gold Coast. Judging by the reaction and feedback I have received from so many people since we re-launched Gold Coast Panache Magazine back in August, you are loving it as much as I am. The party at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa was spectacular and everything I hoped it would be when I set out to make this the premiere lifestyle magazine in Australia.

A lot has happened since that initial launch. My husband Simon and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary in October. Ours was a very Gold Coast first meeting. At the time I was working for SEA FM and they had a big promotional party at Billy’s Beach House. He was then studying law at Bond University and we ended up chatting over a few drinks. Something clicked and after many dates, a lot of laughs and far too many parties we were married in the TSS chapel in 2000. He has been my rock solid partner throughout that time, very calm and considerate and always there with sage advice on all manner of things. We have been blessed with two wonderful children – Bailey and Zoe – who are the delight of our lives. Time certainly does get away because this year Bailey finished his schooling at TSS and is looking forward to studying law next year. Where does the time go?

To celebrate our anniversary we decided to do what many of us are doing at the moment by rediscovering the delights of our own state. Our choice was to get away to qualia on Hamilton Island. The thing about qualia is it could be anywhere in the world. For years many of us have been jumping on a long flight to go to Thailand, Maldives or Bali for that tropical holiday experience. The alternative in this case was a 90 minute flight which makes it almost right on our doorstep. So easy to get to and I can attest that it really is paradise. Everything about the resort is 6 star. The views, food, staff and service are amazing and right outside our villa was a plunge pool which added to the sense of being a world away. In these times with so many of our tourist destinations coming out of what has been an extremely tough 18 months, I urge you to look around and find somewhere unique to visit. It will benefit all of us if we holiday at home in the next few months. In this issue, based around all that is good and great about summer, we have again tried to keep things topical and fun. Our own Gold Coast gal Sophie Monk graciously gave us an interview talking about her life after Bardot, career and Love Island. We have pages of social life, top real estate with Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty, celebrity selfies and passionate locals. It is a magazine designed for you so please enjoy.

Kate x

COVER: Sophie Monk hosting Love Island Australia, Season 3 on Channel 9 and 9Now photo credit Yianni Aspradakis PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kate Bennett

GRAPHIC DESIGN Panache Design Co CONTRIBUTORS Peter Flowers • Ruth Tate • Belinda Dawes • Kirsty Mehrtens • Amanda Abate • Bianca Phillis • Cindy Butler • Liz Kinchin • Bianca Dye • Bella Frizza • Michelle Massey • Nicola Buchanan • Bronwen Hemmings • Kimberley White • Liz Clift • Felicity Cohen • Nellie McKinley • Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty • JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa • Emily Tate • Princess Yachts • Gold Coast Jaguar • Paul Arthur • Daniella Winter• Louise Agnew • Simon Bennett • Sonia Stradiotto • Theresa Allery • Selina Macdonald • Damien Anthony Rossi • Sophie Monk • Toni Ferguson • Rachel Hancock • Peta-Jayne Habner • Bridget Daley • Karen Phillips • Lou McGregor • Flaunter • Cindy Butler SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Damien Anthony Rossi Regina King and Peter Flowers photography Leah Desborough Michelle Flint (Vethaak Media) Annie Noon Fotoforce Photography Richard Smith

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Phone: 0419 909 925 kate@goldcoastpanache.com.au EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES kate@goldcoastpanache.com.au. MEDIA REQUESTS kate@goldcoastpanache.com.au. ACCOUNTS Cara Briggs: cbriggs@omb.com.au BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Elizabeth Austin

IT AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT Bailey Bennett and Zoe Bennett DISTRIBUTORS Dr Peter Widdowson • Dr Drew Cronin • Hairart Boutique • Gold Coast Private Hospital • Currumbin Clinic • 5th Avenue Jewellers• OMB Solicitors • Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty • JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa • Sonia Stradiotto • Liz Clift • Pacific Fair • Finlife Advice • Element Business & Accounting Solutions HEAD OFFICE PO Box 8875, Gold Coast Mail Centre Q 9726 Phone: 0419 909 925 Email: info@goldcoastpanache.com.au www.goldcoastpanache.com.au

ABN 87 650 371 232

Gold Coast Panache Magazine is published four times a year by SLIM Magazine Pty Ltd. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission from Gold Coast Panache Magazine. Copyright belongs to Gold Coast Panache Magazine. Liability howsoever as a result of use or reliance upon advice, representation, statement, opinion, or conclusion expressed in Gold Coast Panache Magazine is expressly disclaimed by the publisher and all persons involved in the preparation of this publication. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Any dispute or complaint regarding advertisements must be made within seven days of publication. Inclusion of any copy must not be taken as any endorsement by the Publisher. Views expressed by contributors are personal views and they are not necessarily endorsed by the Publisher.