Last word –Simon Bennett

Simon BENNETT

ARE YOU A BORN AND BRED GOLD COASTER? I was born in Sydney and moved to the Gold Coast in 1980. It’s the best move we ever made.

WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU GO TO? The Southport School and my son Bailey has just finished there last year after 13 years.

WHERE DO YOU WORK? I am a partner in OMB solicitors in Southport, a business of which I am so proud and a Law Firm that people love.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PARTNER AT OMB SOLICITORS? Since 1999.

YOU ARE A BOARD MEMBER FOR THE GOLD COAST SUNS? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS AND WHAT DOES THIS ENTAIL? Yes I have been on the board for about six years now and absolutely love it. The board and the entire organisation from staff to players are passionate about delivering a great men's and women's football programme in the AFL. Honestly it is so much more than that for the Gold Coast Community - it has been about growing the game in Queensland and being an integral part of our wonderful and fast growing city. DO YOU TRAVEL WITH THE PLAYERS, TEAM AND STAFF? BEST GAME YOU HAVE BEEN TO WATCH? Covid protocols permitting, I love to travel with the team to some away games as you can really get a feel of the closeness of this playing group and the determination they have to succeed. Best game for me was a couple of years ago when we beat Carlton at home and Jack Bowes snapped a left foot goal in the last 30 seconds to steal the game. The jubilation and joy was amazing.

THE PEOPLE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU ARE? My immediate and extended family who I am lucky to have all living on the Gold Coast.

THE KEY TO HAPPINESS? Good health and the ability to look positively at life.

PEOPLE THAT KNOW YOU, KNOW YOU LOVE? Keeping active. I love being being involved in physical activities be it surfing, going to the gym, running, swimming or anything else and what better place to do it than on the Gold Coast.

THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? Don’t worry about what other people think of you. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? My family and building the best law firm on the Gold Coast.

THOUGHTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Highly overrated and quite frankly dangerous. Too many people believe everything they see on social media and it is not a true reflection of a person’s life nor can you judge success on the number of likes you get.

THE MEANING OF LIFE IS…. Enjoy your time, because it is the one thing that you can't get back. You can’t borrow it or buy it - you are given a set amount so use it well.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING AND WORKING ON THE GOLD COAST? Everything. I love the climate, attitude of the people, the beach and the laid back lifestyle. What's not to love?