Precinct Magazine Summer Edition 2015 by Precinct Magazine

SUMMER EDITION

SURFERS PARADISE / EVENT GUIDE / ARTS & CULTURE / MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT / FOOD & LIFESTYLE

CHARLI ROBINSON CELEBRATES

A SUMMER CHRISTMAS

IN SURFERS PARADISE

DREAMING OF SANDSCAPES 24 DAYS OF ART, SAND & FUN

ANOTHER YEAR ANEW WHAT’S ON NYE

OPEN LATE

SHOP DINE PLAY

paradisecentre.net.au Timezone • Woolworths • 120 Specialty Shops Cnr Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

PAGE

contents

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Cover Stories

FASHION, ARTS & CULTURE

06 A Summer Christmas in Surfers Paradise

13 A Boomerang Spirit

10 Dreaming of Sandscapes

15 History Painted

14 What’s On Arts & Culture

16 Another Year Anew PAGE

Food & Lifestyle SPORTS 20 Frock Up, Giddy Up 21 What’s On Sports

24 The City Built on Summer 27 It’s the Thought That Counts 28 Pyramids, Rugs & Shishas 30 Second Summer

PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

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WELCOME NOTE

SURFERS PARADISE / EVENT GUIDE / ARTS & CULTURE / MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT / FOOD & LIFESTYLE

Precinct Magazine, an initiative of Surfers Paradise Alliance Limited Official marketing and management authority for Surfers Paradise. spa@surfersparadise.com www.surfersparadise.com Published by Nude Publishing, a division of Nude Creative Pty Ltd www.nudepublishing.com.au Art Direction, Editorial & Production Nude Creative hello@nudecreative.com.au www.nudecreative.com.au National Advertising Manager Peter Wastie peter@nudepublishing.com.au Printed in Australia by Webstar www.bluestargroup.com.au Disclaimer. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form by any means without prior written permission from the Publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Surfers Paradise Alliance Limited or Nude Publishing. Every issue of Precinct Magazine is prepared with careful attention to accuracy. Please use this magazine as a general guide. Precinct Magazine expresses the views of the authors and is based on the information available at the time of publication and it is not to be taken as advice. All prices quoted in this publication are correct at time of printing. All editorial material is accepted in good faith. We welcome editorial and photographic contributions.

PRECINCT READERS, WE WANT TO BE HONEST WITH YOU.

e could tell you how much we miss the cool nights and cosy beds of winter. We could babble on about winds strewn with pollen and the budding flowers of spring, when we start shedding the wool and playing more outdoors.

WELCOME

But since we’re being honest, we’ll tell you. We couldn’t have waited any longer for summer to arrive. Surfers Paradise is the city of summer, built on a culture of kicking back beachside and letting sunny mornings roll into balmy twilights. Like all years, summer captures celebration, activity and entertainment in our dynamic community.

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PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

It’s time to paint the town red and white as Christmas arrives. While decorations start emerging, we’ll be getting all the live music and entertainment ready for Santa’s visits on his surf sled, which he’ll ride right into Cavill Mall to greet the kids (page 6). While we’re preparing, you can decide where to have Christmas lunch with the family (page 8).

competitions and exhibitions that will take place around Surfers Paradise (page 10).

Fireworks and dance music will liven up the precinct for New Year’s Eve, where the best venues will be hosting an array of stylish dinner and party events for you to enjoy the countdown (page 16). Then we’ll whack on the green and gold tattoos for Australia Day, another day of outdoor fun (page 19).

If you’re enjoying the beach right now, you’ll love learning the recent history of Surfers Paradise’s beach culture (page 24), and discovering your options for a Middle Eastern meal nearby; let our food blogger Lizzy Keen guide you (page 28).

Summer is an arty season in Surfers Paradise, where sand will come to life in the fifth annual Sand Safari, with the sand sculpting event themed around DreamWorks Animations. Due to its incredible popularity in previous years, we are thrilled to announce that Sand Safari 2016 will be bigger and better than ever with new Sand Safari sideshows, art

There’s also action on the beach, with the Jeep Magic Millions Barrier Draw taking place in January 2016. This edition, we’re also checking out the style of the MYER Fashions on the Field event (page 20).

Whether you’re choosing what activity to do next in our ‘What’s On’ calendars (pages 14 and 21), or selecting a gift for someone special in our local retail spread (page 27), let the summer vibes inspire you. Spring time, make way for summer – we’ve all been waiting! Until next time... The team at Precinct Magazine

SUMMER EDITION / 2015

BLAZE’S

Christmas Quiz

To celebrate the festive season, Blaze is giving you the chance to score some cool Surfers Paradise getaways.

TO ENTER

MAJOR PRIZE 1 night at Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa

MINOR PRIZE

Wyndham Cruises Family Lunch Cruise

Visit surferskidsclub.com

Complete the questionnaire on the WIN page.

Competition open 10am AEST Tuesday 1 December, 2015 to 5pm AEST Thursday 31 December, 2015. NSW TPL #LTPS/15/08319. Competition terms and conditions at surferskidsclub.com/win Surfers Kids Club is for children aged between 3 and 12.

A Summer Christmas IN SURFERS PARADISE

Another year, another stocking. Christmas has crept up yet again and it’s back to turn the precinct into an epicentre of summer joy, with help from our presenting partner G:link!

hristmas cheer swells in Surfers Paradise, where for the 12 days leading up to Christmas Day there will be regular appearances from Santa and his elves, arriving by surfboat pulled by kangaroos, as well as Carols on the Beach.

CAROLS ON THE BEACH All you need for this year’s Carols on the Beach is a picnic blanket, some nibbles and your singing voice to join in the carols show performed by some local music favourites, with Sea FM’s bubbly Charli Robinson as the host. There will be awesome music performances by local artists including Peter Murphy, Tom Gillinder, Rachael Steel, Graham and Vanessa Moore, Vanessa Krummenacher, Georgie Gillings, the nine-piece band Oz Hornz, Joe De Goldi and Mitchell Steele from The Voice Australia. Also taking to the stage will be dancers, acrobatic Christmas elves and the couple of the hour, Santa Claus and Mrs Claus. Plus, an appearance by Australia’s favourite koala, Blinky Bill. Sunday 20 December 2015 6.30pm – 8.00pm Surfers Paradise Beach

SANTA TIMES COVER STORY

Santa and his cheerful helper elves are taking some time off gift-wrapping and delivering to hang out with Surfers Paradise kids. Step straight up from the beach – boardies and all – to meet Santa in Cavill Mall. This will be a great FREE photo

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PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

opportunity for families, and for kids to tell Santa what they’re hoping for. Saturday 13 to Thursday 24 December 2015 12.00pm – 3.00pm and 4.00pm – 7.00pm Cavill Mall Santa will only be appearing 12.00pm – 3.00pm on Sunday 20 December.

ROVING ENTERTAINMENT When you’re not watching Acro Elves launch through the sky, laughing at the Prezents Duo or trying to dodge Roller Bauble and Roller Bell – the Christmas decorations on wheels – you’ll be listening to the melodic voices of the Gold Coast Choir; the local children’s choir conducted by experienced opera singer and music teacher, Anthony Phillips, plus other local carollers.

Timetable December 2015 Sunday 13 Monday 14 Tuesday 15 Wednesday 16 Thursday 17 Friday 18 Saturday 19 Monday 21 Tuesday 22 Wednesday 23

Acro Elves Prezents Duo Carollers Roller Bauble and Roller Bell Carollers Acro Elves Carollers Prezents Duo Carollers Roller Bauble and Roller Bell

SUMMER EDITION / 2015

CHARMING CHARLI The charismatic Charli Robinson talks to Precinct about her upcoming role as host of this year’s Carols on the Beach, and all the things she loves about Surfers Paradise!

P: As breakfast weekday host of 90.9 Sea FM, you and your fellow co-hosts Galey and Ross get to regularly connect with the community. What do you think are some of Gold Coasters best traits? C: The Gold Coast community is friendly! You can be sitting on your own and someone will smile or say good morning, it might be the salt air or happy vibe of living on the Gold Coast, but I always tell people from out of state how people are just ‘nicer’ here! P: This will be your first time hosting Carols on the Beach (and we are very excited to have you!) What can the crowds expect? C: Christmas is such a magical time of year I’m so excited to be hosting Carols on the Beach in my own backyard of the Gold Coast! And Surfers Paradise is world renowned as one of the most beautiful areas, combine that with Christmas songs and it’s the only place I’d want to be! P: There are some great acts lined up this year, who are you most looking forward to seeing perform live? C: Mitchell Steele from The Voice was great on the TV show so I’m looking forward to hearing him live! Who I’m most looking forward to seeing though is Santa!

www.surfersparadise.com

P: You are quite the singer yourself, will we hear any songs from you? C: Yes, I love performing Christmas carols, I’ll sing a couple of my favourites! Hopefully the kids will come up the front and dance with me! P: What’s your favourite Christmas carol? C: My very favourite is Shine, a Hi5 carol, it really captures what Christmas time means to me - all about family and peace. I also love Santa Claus is Coming to Town! P: How do you enjoy spending Christmas time in Surfers Paradise? C: The beach! We’re so lucky to have the most beautiful beaches, whether I’m swimming, or having a BBQ with family, it’s the ‘time’ together that’s important. We all work so much, always so busy… Christmas is the perfect excuse to relax and enjoy each other’s company. P: Do you have any special traditions you will be upholding this Christmas? C: My sister and I still take turns in putting the star on the Christmas tree at my parent’s house, we still fight over who’s turn it is he he … P: What’s on your list to Santa this year? C: Time! I have so many plans and exciting things to do but with breakfast radio I’m always busy or tired! If only Santa could gift all of us adults one day of pampering and relaxation without emails! (A girl can dream!) P: Any New Year’s resolutions you can share? C: To my own self be true! To stop worrying about pleasing everyone else and make more time for me! Feels selfish to say but if you keep yourself happy, you’re a better person to everyone you love.

charli’s top 5 1. Favourite Store: The stores in Circle on Cavill, I love strolling around there! 2. Favourite Attraction: Surfers Paradise Beachfront (night) Markets. 3. Favourite Restaurant: Salt grill, Hilton Surfers Paradise. 4. Favourite Watering Hole: The new Howl At The Moon. 5. Favourite Outdoor Activity: Body boarding at the beach!

To see the beautiful Charli Robinson in person, visit Carols on the Beach on Sunday 20 December from 6.30pm. You can also catch Charli with co-hosts Galey and Ross 5-9am weekdays on 90.9 Sea FM.

PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

COVER STORY

P: Charli, you spent many years living in Sydney. How does Surfers Paradise compare? C: During the 10 years I was living in Sydney I was touring with Hi5 for nine months every year! We travelled all across the world and without a lie Surfers Paradise is one of the most beautiful places on earth! Our Gold Coast beaches are breathtaking and having shopping and restaurants right at the edge of the beach is just awesome!

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DINING Leave the cooking to the experts and dine in style on Christmas Day! Enjoy the following events on Friday, 25 December 2015. SALT GRILL BY LUKE MANGAN Luke Mangan knows a thing or two about Christmas feasting. The Hilton’s Salt grill menu reflects the chef’s Australian-born passion fused with stints in some of the world’s best food cities, resulting in refined classics like steamed salmon with confit cabbage and Hiramasa kingfish with Persian feta. Luke’s team invites you to a four-course Christmas Day luncheon at Salt grill, where the flavours will be enough reason to celebrate. Four courses $169 per person 12.00pm 6 Orchid Avenue hiltonsurfersparadise.com.au

CROWNE PLAZA BALLROOM Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise does Christmas in a very big way. For three hours, diners will taste their way through a huge seafood buffet of prawns, shucked oysters, fish, fresh salads and meats, complimentary wines, local beers and desserts while feasting their ears on live music. And keep it a surprise – Santa will be visiting for hugs and photo opportunities!

COVER STORY

$179 per adult $119 per teenager $89 per child 12.00pm 2807 Gold Coast Highway crowneplazasurfersparadise.com.au

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PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

HANLAN’S BAR & RESTAURANT Christmas favourites abound at Hanlan’s Bar & Restaurant inside the Hotel Grand Chancellor. Christmas Day dinner kicks off with artisan breads, marinated octopus and chilled Italian meats, and then moves on to ocean delights like prawns, green mussels, smoked salmon, half-shell crabs and traditional dishes like bourbon maple glazed ham, pistachio stuffed turkey and salmon medallions with lemon beurre blanc. Oh, and dessert’s to come, too. $90 per adult $40 per child $10 per infant 6.00pm Cnr Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Hanlan Street grandchancellorhotels.com

CITRIQUE RESTAURANT The Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa’s Citrique Restaurant Christmas lunch has become something of an icon on the Gold Coast, inspired by its overflowing seafood buffet of ocean-to-plate fresh oysters, prawns and bugs. This year, alongside the traditional Christmas and Modern Australian favourites, Citrique is stepping up the indulgence with lobster. Wash this all down with some Laurent-Perrier French Champagne, craft beer or eggnog and you’ve got yourself a very iconic lunch.

$319 per adult $199 per teenager $50 - $150 per child 12.00pm 158 Ferny Avenue surfersparadisemarriott.com.au

MANTRA LEGENDS In the choice of either Mantra Legends’ Grand Ballroom or the hotel’s Fables Restaurant, diners will enjoy the atmosphere and flavours of an extravagant Christmas buffet lunch with no short supply of cheer! While ocean prawns, shucked oysters and refreshing salads set the tone for a summer soirèe, an array of classic Christmas dishes, live entertainment, three hours of ice-cold drinks and a visit from Santa will take this year’s Christmas from memorable to legendary. $159 per adult $105 per teenager $50 per child 12.00pm 25 Laycock Street mantra.com.au

SUMMER EDITION / 2015

www.surfersparadise.com

PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

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*15270

DREAMING OF

SANDSCAPES 24 Days of Art, Sand & Fun

mbrace sandy feet, make room for ice cream and sharpen your karate moves.

These are the most essential tips we’re giving for this summer’s Sand Safari in Surfers Paradise, presented by Streets Ice Cream and featuring DreamWorks Animations characters from Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, Madagascar – and more! – coming to life on the Foreshore.

FEATURE STORY

But to enhance the traditional schedule, which has set Sand Safari as one of the precinct’s most popular events, we are thrilled to announce new Sand Safari sideshows, art competitions and exhibitions that will take place around Surfers Paradise all inspired by sand and sea. Add to that beautiful aquatic-inspired art installations in the form of large scale sculptures, which will be located for your viewing-pleasure around the precinct. Bow, take your fighting stance and prepare for the most action packed Sand Safari yet.

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PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

Kai Shi! Imagine seeing Kung Fu Panda’s Po covered in sand, sitting at the end of Cavill Mall. Imagine walking down the Surfers Paradise Foreshore to find Po’s lightning-fast friend Viper in mid-manoeuvre, or the tiny Master Shifu composed beside the Life Savers tower. DreamWorks imagination comes to life in the heart of Surfers Paradise as we welcome Sand Safari to the precinct just as the new Kung Fu Panda 3 movie is released to cinemas. Held between Friday 5 February and Sunday 28 February throughout Surfers Paradise, this summer arts festival will not only inspire visitors in a world of fantasy and craftsmanship, but will deliver a schedule that celebrates local artistic talent, from seasoned professionals to school age kids. There will also be, like previous years, a number of workshops and activities for kids, including sand art sessions, sand bottles and sculpting lessons. Now, get karate chopping!

SUMMER EDITION / 2015

5 February – 28 February 2016

downlo Sand Tr ad your ail surfer sparad map

Across various high-profile locations around the Gold Coast, 15 fourtonne sand sculptures of your favourite DreamWorks friends will give locals a taste of summertime creativity and what’s to come along the Surfers Paradise Foreshore for the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships.

ise.com

LARGE SCALE ART INSTALLATIONS 5 February – 28 February 2016 Entwined among everyday objects on the streets of Surfers Paradise, a series of large scale oceanesque sculptures will turn the precinct into an aquatic wonderland for public viewing by day and by night. Created by world renowned international artists, the installation pieces will captivate the imagination of every visitor and leave truly lasting memories of this amazing activation.

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION & POP-UP GALLERY 5 February – 28 February 2016 New to Sand Safari 2016, a pop-up gallery will showcase the coast’s best sand & sea photographs as taken by you. Capture your sand & sea moment and submit it online at surfersparadise.com to be in the running to be displayed. Cash prizes for the winning photographs.

Australian Sand Sculpting ChampionshipS 12 February – 14 February 2016 Watch Australia’s best sculptors in action as they carve 10 tonnes of sand into huge DreamWorks characters in a contest that will decide Australia’s 2016 sand sculpting champion. The sculptures, which will be carved in just three days, will be on display until 28 February along the Foreshore, as well as a 50 tonne feature interactive display.

www.surfersparadise.com

Robyn Archer AO is a master of theatre. She sings, writes, and happens to be the Gold Coast’s Arts and Culture Strategic Advisor, but she admittedly doesn’t have too much experience in sand sculpting. “I haven’t been involved in a sand art event as such, but I do hang around beaches a lot, including my own beach down in South Australia,” where Robyn is from. “I construct images in the sand with shells and other washed up stuff to photograph, especially at sunset.” Sand Safari 2016 may be the perfect opportunity for Robyn to warm up her sand sculpture know-how. Given her experience in directing festivals, including the Adelaide Festival and Melbourne’s The Light in Winter, she already knows the importance of connecting an event with its location. “Sand sculpture is clearly related to beaches and beaches are intrinsic to the Gold Coast lifestyle. But while there are hundreds of other cities around the world where this is also the case, the challenge is how to make Sand Safari unique.” This summer, Sand Safari does exactly that. Adding into the program unique art installations, competitions and pop-up galleries throughout the precinct, the 2016 event seeks to strengthen Surfers Paradise’s reputation for arts and culture alongside its fame for natural beauty. As well as this, the DreamWorks Animation theme will certainly help the event stand out on the national calendar. In the heart of the city’s tourist hub, Sand Safari will also offer the popular workshops of previous years but with a greater ‘edutainment’ focus designed to engage visitors and locals in the Gold Coast’s biggest sand storm. Robyn commends Sand Safari’s integration of modern art techniques into a classic Gold Coast setting. “I see a lot of interesting techniques at work here. Sand Safari is certainly contributing to the menu of entertainment in Surfers Paradise,” Archer says. And if she was to create her own sand sculpture? “It would depend on the mood of the day but it would almost certainly not be realistic in any way. I would make something abstract.”

PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

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COVER STORY

GOLD COAST Sand Trail

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast

WRITTEN IN OUR SANDS

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PRECINCT MAGAZINE

SUMMER COMPETITION

X RAIGHT TO YOUR INBO ST E N ZI A AG M CT IN PREC SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WIN $500 CASH! TO AW R D E TH IN BE AND

$500 CASH

VISIT SURFERSPARADISE.COM/PRECINCTMAGAZINE 2 CLICK ON THIS AD ON PAGE 12 3 COMPLETE THE SIGN UP FORM AND ENTER THE CODEWORD: SUMMER 1

Competition open 10am AEST Friday 30 October, 2015 to 5pm AEST Sunday 31 January, 2016. NSW TPL #LTPS/15/08318. Competition terms and conditions at surfersparadise.com/precinctsummercomp

A BOOMERANG SPIRIT SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA GALLERY

Authentic Aboriginal painting by Paul Walker

The gallery – a bright, high-ceilinged space with a simple glass shopfront on Surfers Paradise Boulevard – combines the intimacy of a regional exhibition with the artistic scope of a national gallery.

current resident artist, John Turnbull. A ‘Dreamtime’ painter from Inverell, NSW, John moved up to the Gold Coast in 2006 and began painting almost every day at Spirit of Australia, sometimes on the footpath.

Admittedly, it took Greek gallery owner and indigenous art dealer Kostas Stathopoulos a while to get used to his artists’ spontaneous departures, which would be matched by an equally spontaneous return.

Over the years, it has exhibited nationally celebrated artists like Gold Coast Indigenous Art and Design Award winner Anthony Walker, Betty Mbitjana, Jeannie Petyarre, Dorothy Napangardi, Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, Kudditji Kngwarreye and Minnie Pwerle.

“John likes to set up a table just outside the gallery and paint in front of people. Tourists love this because they can interact with John and ask him questions about the colours and symbols,” Kostas says.

“I heard stories of walkabout when I first started working with indigenous artists, but I didn’t experience one myself until owning Spirit of Australia,” Kostas says of his artists’ time away from the gallery. “My artists come and go, but that’s so normal.” Kostas and his wife Mitra have operated Spirit of Australia, the only Aboriginal art gallery in Surfers Paradise, since 2005 when they relocated from Sydney. An indigenous art enthusiast and painter, Kostas spent many years working with indigenous artists of Sydney, forming friendships on their common love of landscapes. When they first took over Spirit of Australia, Kostas called on his friends to come and exhibit in the Gold Coast. Among them was internationally renowned artist Colin Wightman, “a vibrant spirit of remarkable health,” who sadly passed away earlier this year. “I called Colin when I first arrived to Surfers Paradise and from then he began creating work for our gallery. He was an amazing guy, we worked side by side for years,” Kostas says. Quite literally, side by side. Kostas would help Colin mix colours, contribute to artworks and provide inspiration for new pieces, as well as promote his work and personal culture inside the gallery. “Because of my passion for art, I am always involved with my artists,” he says. www.surfersparadise.com

One foot inside Spirit of Australia and it’s like stepping into a painted dream. A spectrum of multi-coloured dots and dashes – from rust red to fluorescent pink – leap out from the walls with almost tangible energy, as if the brushstrokes were breathing. Each canvas depicts an individual story and style, intrinsically linked to the geography of its painter. As well as indigenous paintings, Spirit of Australia houses the Gold Coast’s largest collection of authentic didgeridoos, traditional oilskin leather hats and jackets, sheepskin footwear and a range of souvenirs, such as hand painted boomerangs and accessories. But these weren’t always part of the mix. “At the end of 2005, we were still the only indigenous art gallery in the precinct but we were struggling to sell works of art,” explains Kostas, likely because the international tourist market found it difficult to send pieces home.

“It often takes him four hours to paint one piece – three of those are chatting!” At the time of writing, John had taken a month away from the gallery. “He’s gone walkabout,” Kostas says, with the hint of a smile. Although pleased with the gallery’s ability to educate locals and tourists on the significance of indigenous art, Kostas would love to see more funding and public engagement with the cultural practice. “Local artists would benefit from more indigenous art exhibitions, tours or festivals in Surfers Paradise because this is where the majority of tourists are. It’s clear that they love Aboriginal art, but they need more outlets,” Kostas says. “It’s also important to keep tourists informed about the cultural value of indigenous artefacts, such as boomerangs and didgeridoos. It’s cheaper to buy an imitation at a large souvenir shop, but the meaning will be lost.”

“The restructure of the gallery to incorporate leather goods and souvenirs has helped us stay in Surfers Paradise, as well as providing small, authentic gifts for visitors.”

With Kostas and Mitra’s dedication to one of the world’s oldest and most complex art forms, we can expect that Spirit of Australia Gallery will continue to enrich Surfers Paradise’s cultural offering.

A favourite among tourists and an important contribution to the gallery is the work of

And hey, if you put the energy out there, it should only come right back. PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

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ARTS & CULTURE

ot unlike the boomerang, when the resident indigenous artists of Spirit of Australia Gallery in Surfers Paradise leave to go on walkabout, they always end up coming back.

ARTS & CULTURE

A ROCKIN’ CHRISTMAS For another year of rockin’ Christmas cheer, The Flashbacks! are back to perform the greatest hits of the 50s and 60s, Motown style. Held over the weekend before Christmas Day, this rock and roll extravaganza features the sounds of Elvis, Buddy Holly, Dusty and many more, performed by a six-piece band and hosted by Dick Clark from American Bandstand.

ARTS & CULTURE

When Friday 18 and Saturday 19 December 2015, 6.00pm Where Paradise Showroom, Arts Centre Gold Coast, 135 Bundall Road Cost $95 per adult $900 per table of 10 Info theartscentregc.com.au

BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL Pom poms at the ready, because Bring It On The Musical is back-flipping into the Arts Centre Gold Coast this January. Based on the hit film Bring It On: All or Nothing, with Hayden Panettiere, the musical explores the complexities of high school friendship, competition and betrayal set to the music and energy of American cheerleading.

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PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

AUSTRALIA DAY 2016 On the sand or in the park – get outside this Australia Day to celebrate why you love this country. Grab a barbeque, some fresh fruit, When Friday 8 – Sunday 17 January 2016, cold drinks and loved ones for a memorable various times day in Surfers Paradise, where people Where Arts Theatre, Arts Centre Gold Coast, visiting from all over the world will be joining 135 Bundall Road in the celebrations. For more ideas on how Cost $69 per adult to spend Australia Day in Surfers Paradise, $63 per pensioner see page 19. $57 per student/child Info theartscentregc.com.au When Tuesday 26 January 2016 Where Anywhere in Surfers Paradise! Featuring Tony Award winning lyrics, music and script, Bring It On The Musical delivers equal parts theatre, song and sass!

COMEDY IN THE BASEMENT Thank God it’s Friday – time to laugh it up at the Arts Centre Gold Coast’s Comedy in the Basement, the region’s best, regular comedy show featuring Australia’s biggest and upcoming comedians. National star Dave Thornton, upcoming young performer Daniel Towns and big guy Mick Meredith have all graced the stage in the last year – who’s next to make you laugh? When Every Friday, 8.00pm Where The Basement, Arts Centre Gold Coast, 135 Bundall Road Cost $25 per adult $22 per group (6+) Info theartscentregc.com.au

SUMMER EDITION / 2015

HISTORY PAINTED THE GOLD COAST ART PRIZE

The Gold Coast Collection visually recounts the post-1960s era of Australia through a series of thought-provoking artworks across multiple media. Having experienced various periods of criticism, growth and maturation, the 4,000 plus pieces are a reflection of resilient local and national identity. While the Collection remains one of the city’s most important assets, it is difficult to discuss its influence without observing its history. Because in fact, this art was born from the Gold Coast’s first ever art competition, the Gold Coast Art Prize. The Prize, which launched in January 1968 as a once-off, has become one of Australia’s most important annual art prizes, acquiring over 450 works since its inception. This year, the Gold Coast Art Prize will be exhibited between December and January and judged by Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia, Nick Mitzevich. The Gold Coast Art Prize was established as a response to civic, commercial and political interest in the city’s development. At a time when art shows were being fostered nationally, it was intended as a cultural push towards other industries in the Gold Coast, which was largely known as a rumbustious beachside playground. Its greatest sponsors were the City Council, the Tourism Association and local business, who were motivated by the idea of an exhibition for local consumption and a new means of promoting the Gold Coast. While it was advertised as acquisitive (whereby the gallery keeps the winning piece), without a structure to house them, the future of the artworks had not been determined. The Prize’s first judge was the Director of the National Gallery of Victoria Eric Westbrook, who chose a controversial painting called www.surfersparadise.com

Overnight Sleeper by Michael Taylor as the winner. For the following year, Westbrook advised for a removal of categories and helped restructure the Prize as a full-scale purchase award, which remains today.

Variations in the Prize’s structure eventually led to the acquisition of sculpture maquettes in 1978 by Inge King and Brisbane artist Kathleen Shilam, and more Gold Coast related works in 1980.

Now with future events planned, the idea of forming a Gold Coast City Gallery was more feasible. Then it was announced that gallery director and critic Laurie Thomas, judge of the 1969 show, was to decide on purchases for the future Civic Centre and Gallery. Though this wasn’t constructed until 17 years later, a city collection was now in the works.

At the same time, women began asserting their rights with the paintbrush, and began to play an integral role in Australian art and its perception. Similarly, regional artists were building confidence in ‘unconventional’ styles; both of these movements are reflected in the Gold Coast Collection.

While there was no theme or policy for the show, the organisers ensured that ‘uncompromising excellence’ was reflected in its artists, judges and prize pool. The eclectic pieces chosen in early years formed the basis and direction of the Gold Coast Collection and today’s local art. Former Gold Coast City Gallery Director Fran Considine explains in Notes on the Collection how those very choices marked the Gold Coast Art Prize as unconventional. “In defence of what may seem the inadequacies of [the] acquisition system, the end result is a collection with depth of representation, sometimes quirky tangents… and sufficient variation in medium and content to draw upon for curatorial expression.” While the Prize’s restructure led to a majority of Queensland entries, the largest acquisition was from NSW artist Jon Molvig. His Tree Of Man X painting was nevertheless to have a profound influence on young Queensland artists. By the late 1970s, the Gallery had exhibited the likes of Stephen Earle, Jan Senbergs, David Rankin and Janet Dawson. By the same period, the Gallery started to mirror an increased interest in the ‘physicality’ and texture of paint, like the chunky and fluid brushstrokes of Elisabeth Cummings, one of the country’s most revered living artists. Her Afternoon Light In The Gorge is a key piece of the Collection.

From the 1980s onwards, the Gold Coast Art Prize started to predominantly feature Queensland artists such as Lawrence Daws, Robert J. Morris and Veda Arrowsmith, a trend that now sees one fourth of the Gold Coast Collection comprised of Queensland artists, half of those from the Gold Coast. While a myriad of theories contribute to the idea of what makes a good art collection, the Gold Coast Collection, in its acquisitions and media, has been acknowledged as a rebel against such conventions, a spirit of true expression and, at all times, a daring gallery in a once unlikely tourist city. The Gold Coast Art Prize is open to all Australian artists working in any media except photography. This year will include $30,000 for acquisitions and will be open for public viewing from Saturday 5 December until Sunday 31 January 2016 at the Arts Centre Gold Coast in Gallery One.

The Arts Centre Gold Coast 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise 07 5588 4000 theartscentregc.com.au Gold Coast Art Prize Saturday 5 December – Sunday 31 January 2016 Top left: Deborah WALKER, ‘The phone’ 2013 Courtesy of the artist. Collection: Gold Coast City Gallery. Acquired Gold Coast Art Prize 2014. Top right: Yao ZHANG, ‘Selfie - In front of a Chinese painting’ 2014 Courtesy of the artist. Collection: Gold Coast City Gallery. Acquired Gold Coast Art Prize 2014. PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

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ARTS & CULTURE

ynamic, controversial, relatable – the Gold Coast’s ever-evolving art scene has long been anchored and influenced by the Gold Coast Collection, the city’s 47-year-old art collection held at the Arts Centre Gold Coast.

ANOTHER YEAR

ANEW B

ack in the 20th century, Bohemian poet Rainer Maria Rilke chimed, “And now we welcome the New Year. Full of things that have never been.”

With equal conviction, country singer Brad Paisley once advised, “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” While we tend to keep the meaning of New Year’s Eve tied up in balloon strings and (tough) resolutions lists, we think it’s important to approach December 31 with equal parts celebration, reflection and vision. In our culture, apart from birthdays and old age, the task of ‘looking back’ only falls on New Year’s Eve, which is so big, bright and covered in confetti we often miss the right moment to reflect. Then, because we’ve spent more time planning a killer outfit than mapping our ambitions, the ‘NYE Resolutions’ list starts looking like a last-minute to-do list. ‘Quit smoking, lose 20 kilos, fix the bad haircut.’

FEATURE STORY

This year, we say toss the pen, ditch the uninspired checklists and dive into 2016 with a vision of who you will be, without the tape measure hang ups. Reflecting Paisley, why write a book that suspends its protagonist in the last book’s setting? Let’s rewrite the plot. It’s easy to refresh your resolutions with simple rewording. The lose-this-fix-that approach won’t generate as much positive energy as, ‘I will achieve my body’s potential’ and ‘I look forward to my best health.’ Think positive, do positive.

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PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

When you do have the chance to review this year, savour the sentimental memories – a laughing fit with the kids or a fiery sunset – and brush what can’t be changed. Learn from mistakes and repeat your triumphs. The past is the past, they say, and the new road lies ahead with no U-turn in sight. It’s all very exciting this end of year stuff, and in Surfers Paradise, we throw our distinct carnival spirit into the mix. Cast like a net over the precinct, the New Year’s Eve vibe draws locals and folk from all over the world into an extended, all-age celebration. In the five days leading up to New Year’s Eve, the Surfers Paradise Foreshore will erupt in lights and carnival rides for visitors from $6 per ride, held between 3.00pm and 9.00pm daily from Sunday, 27 December. And to mark the year’s end, there will be two brilliant fireworks shows at 8.00pm and 12.00am over Surfers Paradise Beach. Winers, diners and dancers will get a taste of that carnival spirit in all corners of the precinct as our best accommodation, restaurant and nightlife venues pull out the streamers. Sit tight – you’ll find your party options over the page. So, what to make of your New Year’s Eve 2015? Check your mirrors, look ahead, pull the throttle and enjoy your celebrations in Surfers Paradise, welcoming a year full of things that have never been. Oh, but don’t forget the pen. You’ve got a book to write.

SUMMER EDITION / 2015

WHAT’S ON

NYE 2015

THERE’S NO WAY YOU’LL FIND A PLACE MORE SUITED TO THE PHRASE, ‘THE MORE THE MERRIER’. SURFERS PARADISE LOVES SHARING THE GOOD TIMES WITH AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. Year round, you’re as likely to see a pink flurry of ‘Ladies Night’ revellers cruising down Cavill Mall as you are families manned with ice cream. It’s a recreation hotspot for all ages, especially on New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re with the kids, best friends, work mates or partner, Surfers Paradise has the place for you to count down.

KIDS Prepare to see light and fire dance across the sky as world-class pyrotechnicians work their magic in an early fireworks performance at 8.00pm for families. Just because this show is earlier doesn’t mean it won’t be huge!

FEATURE STORY

Some families with young children might want to conduct an even earlier count down on the Surfers Paradise Foreshore, where a panorama of leafy picnic areas runs between the city and sand. Plus, carnival rides for the kids will be available daily from Sunday, 27 December between 3.00pm and 9.00pm. Grab a spot in the afternoon with some prawns, cheese, crackers and treats for the kids and welcome the New Year with bedtime.

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dine Salt grill by Luke Mangan Just one dish at Salt grill in the stately Hilton Surfers Paradise has enough innovation to knock diners off their feet, let alone three. In a creative, sophisticated dining setting, enjoy the taste of superb Australian seafood, quality meats and international elements to mix things up. Salt grill invites diners to a three-course NYE dinner, with sparkling wine on arrival to celebrate the countdown. $155 per person 6.00pm onward 6 Orchid Avenue hiltonsurfersparadise.com.au Hard Rock Café Prefer belt buckles to bling, guitar riffs to rillettes? At the Hard Rock Café Surfers Paradise, there’s more rock and roll than fancy dining rules. Here, families and partygoers will find the dinner and/or dance event they’ve been looking for among three packages. One: three-course dinner with unlimited drinks. Two: a party admission after 10.00pm with unlimited drinks, bar snacks and DJ sets. Three: combine the two. How hard will you rock? Package 1: $150 per person, $50 per child Package 2: $100 per person (18+ only) Package 3: $250 per person (18+ only) 6.30pm and 10.00pm Cnr Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Boulevard

elsewhere Bar elsewhere Bar is the city’s home of beatniks – the root of all things cool – where you’ll find a stylishly derelict bar area, street art, a flashing lights disco floor and good music aplenty. Known for its alternative vibe and hosting shows from the likes of What So Not (Flume), Holy Holy and triple j DJ Linda Marigliano, NYE at elsewhere is only bound to be radical. $20 at the door 10.00pm – 5.00am 23 Cavill Avenue elsewherebar.com.au

FIX Bar If you couldn’t get enough at Salt grill by Luke Mangan for dinner, kick on at the Hilton’s FIX Bar for an exclusive cocktail NYE party from 9.00pm onwards where there’ll be live music and a DJ set til late.

Fiddlers Green How green can you get? In the polished timber, Irish-flagged interior of Fiddlers Green, one of Surfers Paradise’s most famous Irish bar and restaurants, you can count down to 2016 with a bevy of Irish ales and an awesome live set from DJ Dezit Storm. Fiddlers Green is Irish owned and operated, so celebrating New Year’s Eve here will be in true shamrock spirit. Previous years have been packed, so get there fast.

$25 per person 9.00pm onwards 6 Orchid Avenue

Free entry 9.00pm onwards 30 Cavill Avenue

hiltonsurfersparadise.com.au

fiddlers.com.au

hardrock.com/cafes/surfers-paradise

PARTY

COCKTAILS Elston Any hole-in-the-wall serving Martinis notstirred can kick up a NYE bash, but none with as much oomph as Elston. The Pirate Old Fashioned (Kracken Rum, pirate syrup) and the Walking Dead Tiki (Amaretto, Cointreau, pineapple) are just the beginning of a playful, punchy list of cocktails made with great international labels. Soul Building, The Esplanade elstonbar.com.au Black Coffee Lyrics Cocktails like the Hello Vera (Cointreau, basil, aloe vera) and Let It Go (sake, orange, sea salt) set the tone for an epic NYE at Black Coffee Lyrics, which is hidden away from the intensity of Orchid Ave but just close enough to feel the energy. Whether you’re down to dine on delicious tapas or just throw back some signature cocktails, toast to 2016 in the rebellious, raw-brick walls of Surfers Paradise’s hidden clubhouse. 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard blackcoffeelyrics.com.au

FIREWORKS And finally, after all the dressing up, feasting and frolicking, it’s time for the main event! The final NYE fireworks show will light up the sky above Surfers Paradise Beach just as the countdown ends at 12.00am.

FEATURE STORY

Three, two, one – Happy New Year to all of our Surfers Paradise locals, visitors and Precinct readers! We hope you have a fantastic 2016 with inspiration, direction and plenty of fun. In this city, that’s what we’re all about.

NYE fireworks shows 8.00pm and 12.00am , Surfers Paradise Beach 18 |

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SUMMER EDITION / 2015

GREEN AND GOLD! AUSTRALIA DAY IN SURFERS PARADISE Just when you’ve finished reeling in the Christmas lights and wiping the champagne marks off the walls, it’s time to celebrate another favourite holiday – Australia Day. For this event, to save ourselves time, money and energy, let’s take things out of the house. Luckily, if there’s one place that can host a great Australia Day outdoors, it’s Surfers Paradise. Grab the tongs, togs and multicultural flags, and prepare for Australia Day 2016 in a city that reflects all we love about Australia.

PARK AND BEACH PICNICS There are various parks in Surfers Paradise that offer spacious and picturesque barbeque and picnic facilities for you to cook up a storm. Eileen Peters Park Named after the Gold Coast’s ‘Mother of the Meter Maids’, safety advocate and community member Eileen Peters, this small, shaded park provides free barbeques, picnic tables, water and bathroom facilities, as well as a peerless view of Surfers Paradise Beach. 2 Trickett Street Surfers Paradise Esplanade To picnic along the Surfers Paradise Foreshore provides the ineffable feeling of having stumbled into a postcard.

Urban coastal architecture erupts to the west, while an aquamarine pane of water stretches to the east. This area provides picnic tables, walking paths and direct access to the beach.

facilities allow you to freshen up before heading home or heading out. 10.00am – 4.00pm Evandale Parklands 135 Bundall Road

The Esplanade Surfers Paradise Beach Umbrella? Check. Towel? Check. Esky full of cold drinks and fresh fruit? You betcha. On the warm stretch of the Surfers Paradise beach, Australia Day is going to look like a local tourism ad, with families, friends and bronzed Aussies rotating between swims, games and kicking back. In front of The Esplanade

GETTING AROUND Keen to travel fuss-free? The G: transports people between Broadbeach and Southport to six different Surfers Paradise stations: Florida Gardens, Northcliffe, Surfers Paradise, Cavill Avenue, Cypress Avenue and Surfers Paradise North. Leaving every seven and a half minutes during the day, the G: is a simple, fast and inexpensive way to reach your beachside destination.

AUSTRALIA DAY EVANDALE PARKLANDS CELEBRATIONS

www.surfersparadise.com

LIFESTYLE

City of Gold Coast is all about putting on a good Australia Day for its multicultural, fun-loving community. Held at the Evandale Parklands next to the Arts Centre Gold Coast, bring your family to celebrate our sunburnt country with live music, games, food and entertainment, including wood chopping, cooking demonstrations and water play! Evandale Parklands is a fantastic location for any day spent outdoors, with barbeques, playgrounds, picnic shelters and tables, scenic viewpoints and a walking track. Its swimming lagoon makes for a safe and peaceful Australia Day outing, while shower PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

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FASHIONS ON THE FIELD 2016 Amidst the action of the racing there’s a group of clutch-carrying fashionistas with their eyes on each other, enjoying the event at a much slower pace.

FROCK UP, GIDDY UP

JEEP MAGIC MILLIONS BARRIER DRAW AND FASHIONS ON THE FIELD 2016

he Magic Millions Barrier Draw, which takes place on Surfers Paradise Beach each year, is often referred to as the most important part of the Jeep Magic Millions Raceday Gold Coast.

Each horse is randomly allocated a barrier for the $2 Million Jeep Magic Millions 2YO Classic race, and then – bang! – together they gallop along the sand to create a dramatic racing scene unique to Surfers Paradise.

As the horses take their marks on the sand for the opening race, the sun will be warming the hundreds of spectators on the Foreshore. And who better to capture the sunshine than Channel Seven’s breakfast program Sunrise, who will be hosting live weather crosses throughout the morning.

As well as the locals and holidaymakers, the big names of racing have consistently attended this event, including Racing Women Ambassador Zara Phillips, Magic Millions spokesperson and racing expert Francesca Cumani, and a number of prominent trainers, owners and jockeys.

As well as Sunrise, a local radio station will be broadcasting the breakfast program to bring the excitement to Gold Coast listeners.

There will also be plenty of activity and a sausage sizzle for everyone to enjoy by the sand.

Time

Detail

6.00am Radio Outside Broadcast and Channel Seven Sunrise Live Weather Crosses 7.30am VIP guests arrive 8.15am Magic Millions horses sprint along the beach 8.30am Official Jeep Magic Millions 2YO Classic Barrier Draw commences 9.15am Event concludes

2016 Jeep Magic Millions Barrier Draw presented by Racing Queensland 5 January, horses run at 8.15am Surfers Paradise Foreshore

MYER Fashions on the Field is one of Australia’s most prominent fashion events, taking place in a series of race days across the country. The partnership between MYER and Magic Millions began in 2011, and for the last two years the Jeep Magic Millions Raceday Gold Coast has held the Queensland State Final for Fashions on the Field. Smack-bang in the middle of summer, participants must plan an outfit that not only spotlights January’s trends, but also has enough edge and versatility to harmonise with the Melbourne Cup in spring. With a growing portfolio of prizes on offer, the 2016 Queensland State Finals of Fashions on the Field will include an exclusive list of prizes from MYER, Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa, Calleija Jewellers and Moët & Chandon, topped off with an expenses paid trip to the Melbourne Cup in November. And as a new jewel in the carnival’s crown, Magic Millions is proud to announce their partnership with Jewel, the six-star, threetower luxury hotel and apartment development set for completion in 2018 in Surfers Paradise. Pull out the fascinators Surfers Paradise, the competition is about to heat up. Jeep Magic Millions Raceday Gold Coast Gold Coast Turf Club Saturday 9 January, 9.00am – 5.30pm

SPORTS

magicmillions.com.au

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SUMMER EDITION / 2015

SPORTS

When

Round no. 7: Saturday 5 December 2015. Open: Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 January 2016

Where Surfers Paradise Beach Cost Free Info vq.org.au BEACH VOLLEYBALL GOLD COAST On the same sandy courts, the Beach Volleyball Gold Coast (BVGC) summer rounds will take place from December to February. Showcasing local volleyball talent and passion, the BVGC rounds will feature

www.surfersparadise.com

Mixed 4’s Super Series and ‘King and Queen of the Beach’ games. When

Mixed 4’s: Sunday 6 December 2015 and Saturday 20 February 2016. King and Queen: Sunday 21 February 2016

Where Surfers Paradise Beach Cost Free Info beachvolleyballgoldcoast.com JEEP MAGIC MILLIONS BARRIER DRAW From 2016, the Jeep Magic Millions Raceday will become the country’s most valuable raceday with $10 million in prize money over nine races. The annual event also features MYER Fashions on the Field and the Barrier Draw held in Surfers Paradise. Each draw will be announced on the Surfers Paradise Foreshore while members of the public enjoy a sausage sizzle. When

Tuesday 5 January 2016, from 6.30am

Where Surfers Paradise Foreshore Cost Free Info surfersparadise.com SKYPOINT SEA TO SKY Q1 STAIR CHALLENGE We all love the iconic view from the Q1’s Skypoint Observation Deck – but would you climb 77 levels to reach it? The Skypoint Sea to Sky takes people on an endurance challenge to the top of Australia’s highest building, where their reward will be a glistening view of the entire Gold Coast. Registrations are now open with a range of individual and team categories. A proud sponsor of Rosies – Friends on the Street, a minimum pledge of $35 from each participant will be donated to help the city’s 2,000 plus homeless people. Walk, run or crawl – the view will be worth it! When Sunday 28 February 2016 Where Q1 Resort & Spa, 9 Hamilton Ave Cost Minimum pledge of $35 Info active8change.com.au

PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

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SPORTS

QUEENSLAND BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOUR December and January are hot months for beach volleyball, with a handful of actionpacked events taking place at Surfers Paradise Beach. Find a spot on the sand to watch the last round of the Queensland Beach Volleyball Tour, as well as the Open 2016 match in January.

NOW AT

Blinky Bill & friends now call Currumbin home! Featuring in two shows and making two daily appearances, Blinky and his friends provide plenty of fun and smiles to kids of all ages.

ADULTS @ KIDS PRICES!

Use coupon code BLINKYBILL2015 at www.cws.org.au on General Admission Adult Tickets to receive this discount.

All guests $35, save $14! www.cws.org.au | 1300 886 511 | enquiries@cws.org.au Corner of Gold Coast Highway & Tomewin St, Currumbin Qld 100m from Currumbin Beach - 5 minutes from Gold Coast Airport - 20 minutes from Surfers Paradise Open 7 days 8:00am - 5:00pm. Closed Christmas Day & ANZAC Day. Visit www.cws.org.au for Sanctuary details. Not valid with any other offer. Conditions apply. Valid to 31/03/16. Redeem discount at the gate or purchase online using coupon code BLINKYBILL2015. General Admission day pass only. Excludes TreeTop Challenge high ropes course and Segway Safari. Upgrades available at the gate.

Dining for all tastes in Surfers Paradise

Seafood buffet

Family variety

Buffet assortment

Enjoy the freshest seafood at the buffet or delicious meals from the à la carte menu, right in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

Fast, great value meals made from fresh local ingredients. Koastal Kitchen blends a modern menu with the classics.

Popular in Surfers Paradise for its buffets including wood-fired pizza, fresh salads, tempting desserts and divine seafood.

Located at Mantra Legends Hotel Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd & Laycock Street

Located at Mantra Sun City 3400 Gold Coast Highway

Located at Mantra on View Hotel 22 View Avenue

To book call (07) 5588 7888

To book call (07) 5584 6000

To book call (07) 5579 1087

A gourmet experience Resisting the seductive aromas conjured at Seaduction Restaurant + Bar will prove impossible. Once you’ve tasted the handcrafted cuisine of this multi-award winning restaurant you’re sure to return.

BREAKFAST – 7 days LUNCH – Tuesday to Sunday DINNER – Tuesday to Saturday

Reserve your experience on (07) 5635 5728 or at seaduction.com.au Level 2, Peppers Soul, 8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise.

THE CITY BUILT ON

SUMMER SURFERS PARADISE LOOKS, FEELS AND TASTES HOW IT SOUNDS. FRONTED BY A PANE OF LIQUESCENT TEAL, SWEPT WITH SEA BREEZE AND VEILED IN SUNLIGHT, THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST TOURISM CAPITAL GIVES THE IMPRESSION OF HAVING ERUPTED FROM THE SAND IN A SUMMER DREAM.

nd while it’s now known for its stately skyscrapers and glitzy social scene, from its vibe, to its fashion, to its nightlife, it’s clear Surfers Paradise has a sun-kissed history.

became a cotton-growing region in 1865 before being sold 12 years later to Johann Meyer, a sugarcane grower who operated a ferry service across the Nerang River to the end of Cavill Ave, formerly Ferry Road.

So, how did the city come to be?

Meyer, deterred from his unsuccessful crops, built the Main Beach Hotel, around which a subdivision was formed, called Elston.

Its recent history not only unravels the iconic Surfers Paradise identity, but also proves that with a clear vision – and a little cheek – paradise can emerge on a humble horizon.

As with the rest of Australia, the first inhabitants of the Gold Coast region were Indigenous, and this tribe was known as the Kombumerri – or saltwater – people.

In 1917, entrepreneurial Brisbane real estate agent Arthur Blackwood sold sections of Elston as the ‘Surfers Paradise Estate’. Though sales fell through because of little access, Elston began drawing more tourists when, in 1925, the Jubilee Bridge connected it to Southport – Elston was now hot property.

The first land management activity began in 1840 when a government surveyor charted the region, naming landmarks after senior naval officers, which was customary. Surveyor General Sir Thomas Mitchell later changed these to Aboriginal names.

And when Brisbane hotelier and Gold Coast pioneer Jim Cavill built his Surfers Paradise Hotel in the same year, leveraging off Blackwood’s initial vision, he sparked the beginning of a decades-long development boom and a brand new paradise.

Then an unnamed locality, Surfers Paradise

Following persistent lobbying from Cavill,

LIFESTYLE

EARLY DAYS OF ELSTON

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PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

Elston was finally named Surfers Paradise in 1933, which spurred the region’s rename from the South Coast to the Gold Coast 25 years later. Here we enter Surfers Paradise’s 1950s and 60s ‘Golden Era’, when classic accommodation and palm-fronded party venues began dotting the coastline with a pace and abundance that drew thousands more ‘bronzed Aussies’.

AUSTRALIA’S SANDY PARADISE The alchemy of saltwater, warm weather and an overtly sexy beach culture quickly turned Surfers Paradise into Australia’s prominent coastal getaway. While the 1950s and 60s saw beach culture flourish nationwide, Surfers Paradise, with the help of some forward-thinking characters, exemplified premium beachside tourism, fashion and nightlife. Bernie Elsey, an eccentric salesman turned property developer responsible for the

SUMMER EDITION / 2015

During his time as the Surfers Paradise Chamber of Commerce chairman, his ‘sex sells’ approach to marketing even led to more relaxed liquor laws in the precinct. The Meter Maids are perhaps Elsey’s boldest legacy. First strutting their shiny gold bikinis up Cavill Ave in 1965, Elsey introduced the Meter Maids to keep beachgoers in the precinct by paying their parking meters. As of today, the Meter Maids symbolised Surfers Paradise’s role as an innovative coastal playground. One can’t discuss beachwear, however, without backtracking to the zenith of renowned fashion designer Paula Stafford. After arriving to the Gold Coast from Victoria in the late 1940s, Stafford – inspired by French bikini pioneer Louis Réard – began introducing her bikini design to a slightly more audacious market. Creating her own swimsuits from the age

www.surfersparadise.com

of 10, Stafford’s ‘less is more’ designs were quickly noticed by Surfers Paradise beachgoers, who began requesting custom made bikinis. From 1949, her bikini and fashion making business exploded with a shop front on Cavill Avenue. Stafford had an eye for detail and marketing. Her first publicity stunt took place in 1952 when Sydney model Ann Ferguson was asked to leave Surfers Paradise Beach because her Paula Stafford bikini was too revealing. Stafford responded the next day by sending five bikini-clad girls to the beach – touché! For her contribution to the Gold Coast’s fashion scene, and indeed its beach-centric identity, Stafford has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame and awarded a Gold Coast City Council ‘Legend Award’.

ITS RECENT HISTORY NOT ONLY UNRAVELS THE ICONIC SURFERS PARADISE IDENTITY, BUT ALSO PROVES THAT WITH A CLEAR VISION – AND A LITTLE CHEEK – PARADISE CAN EMERGE ON A HUMBLE HORIZON.

Top left: The Esplanade and Surfers Paradise Beach circa 1965 Bottom middle: Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club Nippers 1930 Photographer: George Jackman

PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

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LIFESTYLE

Surfers Paradise Beachcomber and Tiki Village, had a profound effect on local tourism and nightlife.

WHERE THEY STAYED & PLAYED Between the 1950s and 1970s, the country’s capacity to pursue leisure was growing, especially for women. Society’s newfound liberty not only moulded Surfers Paradise’s structural landscape, but also shaped its menu for entertainment. The Chevron Hotel, which is now the Chevron Renaissance, was one of the first symbols of progress. Developed by Polish entrepreneur Stanley Korman in 1957, the Chevron Hotel became a global standard for accommodation. The hotel included a bar, restaurant, bowling alley, function rooms and cabaret shows by the end of the 1960s. On a smaller scale, the El Dorado, a 12room American-style motel with a tropical pool and sunbathing area dappled with

Hibiscus flowers, embodied international design trends with a quintessential Queensland holiday charm. Today, visiting the heritage-listed Kinkabool apartment block on Hanlan Street is to behold a fragment of local history. Also developed by Korman in 1959-1960, this ten-story home-unit building was the first high-rise on the Gold Coast – then considered a giant – and provides a glimpse of accommodation styles of that era. As well as the array of pubs, bars and dance clubs, Surfers Paradise was also host to some prominent pageants and fashion events, including boutique owner Peg Kirkwood’s annual ‘Spring in Paradise’ fashion parade and Miss Gold Coast held at the Chevron Hotel.

During the city’s social evolution, Elsey even managed to book a gig for popular Brisbane family band The Gibb Brothers, now known as The Bee Gees, for whom he cancelled a show by The Beatles. From Margot Kelly’s fine dining Hibiscus Room Restaurant, to Elsey’s Meter Maids, to the locals’ beach bonfires, Surfers Paradise thrived in its dining and dancing options. And given the festivity still pulsing through its streets, it’s clear the party never ended. So, next time you’re rocking a bikini or clinking schooners in Surfers Paradise, enjoy the feeling of being part of history, of being part of a summer dream.

Top left: Jim Cavill’s first Surfers Paradise Hotel circa 1927 Bottom left: Surfers Paradise was the home of summer nightlife 1950 LIFESTYLE

All captioned images in this article were sourced from the City of Gold Coast Local Studies Library.

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SUMMER EDITION / 2015

IT’S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS GIFT YOUR LOVED ONE WITH SOMETHING THAT CAPTURES THE HEART AND ENERGY OF SURFERS PARADISE THIS CHRISTMAS – FROM BOOKS TO BIKINIS TO ARTWORK, THIS PRECINCT HAS EVERY SPECIAL GIFT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR.

Roxy Beauty and Beyond halter bikini top and bottom $45.99 RRP $35.00 RRP Roxy Surfers Paradise Take your love for tropical vibes to the sea in the Beauty and Beyond bikini from Roxy in white. While the splashes of saturated colours speak to your playful spirit, the white helps to show off your summer glow. The comfortable tie up halter also makes a great top to match with summer skirts.

Urban Harvest

$50.00 RRP OzHarvest Gold Coast, The 4217 www.ozharvest.org Brought to you by Australia’s first – and brightest – food rescue organisation, OzHarvest, Urban Harvest is a recipe book inspired by the endless possibilities of homegrown produce. With recipes from big names chefs like Neil Perry, Matt Moran and Guillame Brahimi, they’re damn tasty too. All proceeds go to OzHarvest, which has delivered over 30 million meals to disadvantaged Australians in the last decade!

Portside Evening Tea gift box $34.40 Harmoni-T Surfers Paradise

Caffeine free, full of antioxidants and best with dunked biscuits or dessert before bed, Harmoni-T’s Portside Evening Tea delivers a rich blend of high quality leaves and sweet, subtle flavours that will turn your relaxed evening into a twilight dream. Presented in this delicate gold and black tea box, it’s also a beautiful gift idea.

Indigenous painting by John Turnbull, 70cm x 160cm $1690

Not your average art gallery, Spirit of Australia Gallery exhibits some of the country’s bestknown indigenous artists, as well as hand crafted leather products. These once-off acrylic paintings depict ancient Aboriginal symbols and stories, while the leather hats are made from kangaroo, crocodile and buffalo, and some with real crocodile teeth! www.surfersparadise.com

PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

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LIFESTYLE

Spirit of Australia Gallery

PYRAMIDS, RUGS AND SHISHAS FOOD BLOGGER LIZZY KEEN EXPLORES EGYPTIAN, PERSIAN AND TURKISH FOOD IN SURFERS PARADISE

rankly, Middle Eastern and North African food in Surfers Paradise is a blessing and a curse; a blessing in that an exciting mix of restaurants, hailing from far off desert utopias, rests in our very own precinct. It’s a curse there are so few. But do count your blessings, because in this mix of Egyptian, Turkish and Persian eateries there is enough spice and ethnic distinction to turn Surfers Paradise into a foodie’s desert mirage. Well, one that’s fronted by waves and a patchwork of beach towels. Yes, we can definitely call this a blessing.

Three Pyramids Some might say it’s unnerving to walk into a nondescript restaurant that’s clouded in coaly smoke. Some might look around in the hope of greetings from the absent maître d’ or start to slowly back away towards Cavill Avenue’s bustling bars and shiny cutlery.

FOOD & LIFESTYLE

But while some people would stick to the better dressed tables and wine lists of nearby al fresco restaurants, they would sadly miss the authentic, no-nonsense dining of Three Pyramids Egyptian restaurant, tucked away next to the Beachcomber Resort. Smoke from the outdoor grill curls over a wooden counter and glass bar displaying warm six packs of an unfamiliar beer, but buffers at the chiffon curtains separating a semi-private dining room. A young man emerges from the kitchen. “Ahla wa Sahla,” he smiles. “Welcome.” On this night, we dine with an Egyptian friend 28 |

PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

who doubles as translator and menu guide. He says foul, Egypt’s national dish of fava beans, lentils, cumin and lemon, is “solely a breakfast dish, but people new to Egyptian cuisine must try it.” Redefining comfort food, this warm, lumpy stew leaves Australia’s canned baked beans in the rear-view mirror, especially when piled on fresh pita bread. Another dish symbolising Egyptian life is kushari, a dense mixture of rice, macaroni and lentils under a vinegary tomato sauce and sprinkle of fried onions. Back to the source of the smoke, there are a number of grilled meat dishes arriving with saffron rice and tomato-cucumber salad, which are, again, simple in flavour but strongly connected to every day eating in Egypt. On first glance, Three Pyramids doesn’t look like much, but after a homey meal of national favourites, a pot of sweet mint tea, a puff of the shisha and some warm moments with the staff, it’s safe to say that – smoke and all – this place has a lot to give.

In what is a little closer to home for Italian siblings Stefano and Barbara and Barbara’s Turkish partner Sam, La Rustica combines the hospitality of both countries but keeps the cuisines separate. Simply, the Italian menu of pasta, risotto, pizza and a la carte is interspersed with Turkish favourites like kofte, haloumi and moussaka. Turkish and Italian fundamentalists need not fear the possibility of outlandish hybrids like kebap cannelloni or dolmades stuffed with Napolitano sauce. Rather, diners can enjoy the separate tastes of olives and haloumi as starters, while total adventurists can dip their bruschetta in hummus. It’s free reign here at La Rustica. As you know, we don’t do Italian or Turkish without breads and starters. The trio of dips with toasted Turkish strips coupled with marinated olives and kofte, the herby, fried ground lamb balls, sticks a fork in both ends of Europe without confusing their flavoursome characteristics.

La Rustica Italian and Turkish

Expect the biggest crossover in the garlic prawns – flamed in cognac cream sauce for a spicy, caramelish twist on frutti di mare – and the chilli prawns in under-the-Tuscansun style tomato sauce, which are both served with Turkish pilaf. The fluffy, delicately oily rice dish enhances rather than muddles both components.

Call it a Mediterranean family affair, or perhaps it’s neo-Med cuisine. La Rustica Italian and Turkish restaurant has bypassed modern food fusions like Tex-Mex and Asianised Australian to create a simple, and very logical, restaurant mix.

Thanks be given to the vegetarian moussaka, a steaming tapestry of baked eggplant, capsicum and potato marbled with pesto and béchamel, which has this rare ability to transport you to some family home in the Trazbon Highlands you’ve

THREE PYRAMIDS Cnr Hanlan Street and The Esplanade Open 7 days 07 5511 4425

SUMMER EDITION / 2015

One thing we must mention for tradition’s sake: pizza. Though the menu states each pizza size is per person, the abundance of ingredients and flavour per slice makes them aptly shareable after a few entrées (and when anticipating dessert). ‘La Rustica’, which effectively balances the savoury punches of pepperoni, mushrooms and olives, and the classic ‘Capricciosa’, layered with sharp, salty bites of anchovy, are highlights here. They’re also better options than the confusedly patriotic ‘Aussie’ pizza (cheese, bacon, egg). Speaking of tradition – of a time when dining out didn’t entail tangential chef statements, food sourcing maps and such – it’s wonderful to find La Rustica’s history on its website. What the page lacks in graphic food photography and social media links, it makes up for in an honest and interesting family story that ends up in the current owners’ hands. That’s where flavour comes from. Mediterranean splice, Itali-Turk, una buona miscela or whatever you want to call it – La Rustica is doing it well. LA RUSTICA 3118 Surfers Paradise Boulevard Open 7 days 07 5570 1153

Shiraz Forget your appellations and decanters; we’re not talking about red wine. We’re talking about a Middle Eastern gem in the www.surfersparadise.com

Sunshine State, a Persian treasure in a saltswept paradise. Shiraz Authentic Persian Restaurant is a modest family venue well worth the pilgrimage. If you were to emerge from a long trek, you would struggle to miss Shiraz. Brightly lit by the bell-shaped hanging lights, a half-English half-Arabic sign above the entrance beckons street-dwellers inside with a conspicuous image of mixed kabobs, and any bypassing Muslims with a large Halal logo. A series of tables are spread along the sidewalk, filled with international diners whose chatter blends with Persian sitar and the clink of cutlery. This continues inside, where colourful explosions of Persian tapestry and vintage photos adorn the otherwise unmarked walls. After a few moments alone with a surprisingly refreshing doogh, a savoury yoghurt beverage with minty nuances, and a plate of herbed eggplant dip known as kashk-ebadenjan, one begins making big choices on the main menu. Diners looking for on-plate diversity, and a succinct introduction to Persian barbeque, will find delightful meatiness and accompaniments in the Shiraz special mixed plate for two. Like a carnivorous rainbow, the long skewers of joojeh (marinated chicken), koobideh (ground lamb) and chenjeh (lamb chunks) spread along the plate with saffron rice and two chargrilled tomato cheeks, erupting in smoky fragrance. The richness of baghali polo with slow cooked lamb shank is balanced by the

dish’s mixture of rice, broad beans and a healthy sprinkle of dill, a balance repeated in the ghormeh sabzi, whose dense tomato, lamb and kidney bean mixture is sliced by a sprinkle of dried lime. This powerful ingredient is a favourite of celebrated Israeli-British chef and restaurateur Yotam Ottolenghi, so damn you know it’s good. Serving so-so vegetarian dishes wasn’t an option for Shiraz, given Persia (Iran) is so famed for its succulent root vegetable and legume dishes, with plenty of tomato and herbs. On tasting the vegetarian geymeh, it’s hard to believe the whole country ain’t vegetarian; the sautéed mushrooms and split peas, saturated in velvety tomato, soften just so on the tongue, leaving a spectrum of spice to ponder. Shiraz also cooks an impressive vegetarian fesenjan, a popular Persian stew of pomegranate, walnuts and usually lamb. The version sans lamb spotlights the meat-like texture of mushrooms through a lengthy stewing process with pomegranate molasses, ground walnuts, honey and cinnamon, which rounds off each mouthful with piquant sweetness. Tasty, traditional, evocative of Persian travels. Raise a glass of doogh for – no, let’s raise a glass of red for Shiraz. FOOD & LIFESTYLE

never visited. The texture is luscious and warm; the taste is home.

SHIRAZ AUTHENTIC PERSIAN RESTAURANT 3106 Surfers Paradise Boulevard Open 7 days 07 5679 3941 PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

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SECOND SUMMER WATERMARK HOTEL & SPA GOLD COAST LOOKS FORWARD TO ANOTHER SIZZLING SUMMER IN THEIR RECENTLY TRANSFORMED MULTIMILLION DOLLAR ENTERTAINMENT PRECINCT.

he Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast has experienced something of a revolution, which has seen the central 388-room hotel take a lead position in local hospitality. Singular restaurant themes teamed with exceptional cuisine, and contemporary redesign throughout the hotel, so far point to a seriously good-looking summer ahead. To accompany its striking urban-coastal design and salt swept location on Surfers Paradise Boulevard, and to parallel the city’s aesthetic and economic transformation in sight of the Commonwealth Games 2018, Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast introduced a multimillion dollar dining, lounge and gaming precinct in December last year. In the precinct, luckily for local and visiting gourmands, are two Modern Australian restaurants that champion seasonal produce and professional service whilst paying playful homage to a local legend. Clifford’s Grill & Lounge and Walrus Social House have redefined the meaning for food with character. Headed by Executive Chef Daniel Smith, both kitchens centre on mixing Australian ingredients with worldly preparations and flavours. You’re as likely to encounter Spanish black-hoof ham and Italian cheese as you are Tweed River school prawns and watercress from nearby Mt Tamborine – a gastronome’s atlas shines through the menu.

FOOD & LIFESTYLE

That Smith is partial to all things smoky is no surprise to anyone dining at Clifford’s Grill & Lounge, named after local man and worldclass rower Thomas Clifford, where dishes like the smashed veal cutlets with bitter greens, 30-day grass fed charred rib eye with pink peppercorn and charred whole free range chicken channel kitchens of the Deep South in the heart of the Gold Coast. Walrus Social House offers a café and tapas menu for morning through to evening. After pumping it out in the hotel’s gym, healthconscious guests can grab an acai bowl or Super Walrus Smoothie of banana and chia before hitting the sand. The tapas menu is 30 |

PRECINCT MAGAZINE / Surfers Paradise / Gold Coast

exciting yet simple, with similar offerings to Clifford’s, but with the inclusion of pizzettas and one locally famed lobster baguette with lemon mayo and dill pickle. Arguably, the great part about Walrus Social House is the name itself. Gold Coast circa 1850: alcohol was a scarce commodity that entrepreneur James Stewart went about changing. He built a floating distillery aboard an old paddle steamer, named the SS Walrus, on which he distilled the town’s sugarcane into Walrus Rum, and delivered it along the Nerang River. This explains the arsenal of 25 international rum labels at Walrus Social House, along with the 70 high-end spirits from around the world – another great part about Walrus Social House. An all-inclusive entertainment hub, Walrus Social House is complete with a slick bar and cabana lounge, live music and stylish gaming facilities. Internal and outdoor diners enjoy contemporary lounge and furnishings integrated with vogue, recycled timber. A masterwork of Brisbane architectural firm Brand + Slater, the street-level precinct captures the energy of Surfers Paradise, offering open-plan dining areas with soaring ceilings to transfer the sound and energy from the footpath to the space within, providing a comfortable buzz. As well as channelling the suburb’s coastal aesthetic, the design reflects local attitudes towards sustainability through innovation. A raised dining area cools diners with sea breeze, eliminating the need for air conditioning, while its industrial details and structures substitute energy-heavy, excessive fit outs. For the precinct’s thoughtful, cuttingedge design and Walrus Social House’s creative theme, the Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast was nominated for the 2015 Queensland Hospitality Awards’ ‘Best Redeveloped Licensed Premises’ and ‘Best Themed Bar’.

Contemporary, innovative and at all times classically Surfers Paradise, the Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast, with a lobster baguette and rum tumbler waiting at the bar, is ready for summer.

Christmas at the Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast The Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast is hosting Christmas Day in true Australian style across three different events. Enjoy a bountiful Christmas Day buffet lunch of ocean fresh seafood, cuts of meats, gourmet salads, desserts and beverages, backdropped by live music in either the Atlantis Ballroom or Waves Restaurant. If you and the family have Christmas Day planned for the beach, you can return later, sun-kissed and salty, to enjoy a buffet dinner in Waves Restaurant. Lunch – Atlantis Ballroom and Waves Restaurant 12.30pm – 3.00pm $185 per adult $129 per teen $85 per child $10 per infant Dinner – Waves Restaurant 6.30pm – 9.30pm $100 per adult $70 per teen $65 per child $10 per infant Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast 3032 Surfers Paradise Boulevard Surfers Paradise 07 5588 8333 watermarkhotelgoldcoast.com.au

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