Why I Stand With Cr Brooke Patterson: A Southport Local’s Perspective
Why I Stand With Brooke Patterson: A Southport Local’s Perspective
A fourth-generation Gold Coaster on democracy, community, and council accountability
I’m a fourth-generation Gold Coaster, and my roots in Southport run deep. Southport was first surveyed in 1874 and officially named in 1875. The Pacific Hotel—one of the area’s early landmarks—was built in 1878, and my family purchased it in 1945 under the name W.H. Reynolds. Ever since, the Reynolds family has been part of the fabric of Southport, involved in the community through thick and thin.
We’ve watched this place grow from a quiet coastal town into the vibrant heart of the Gold Coast. Through all the changes, one thing has always mattered to us: having local representatives who genuinely care about the people who call this place home.
I first met Brooke at the local church in Southport at the monthly cake stall, where she made herself available to meet with her constituents face-to-face. More recently, I saw her at a charity event, where she was supporting local charities that give back to our community. It’s clear that she is very present, approachable, and genuinely invested in the people she represents.
That’s why I feel compelled to speak up about what’s happening to our councillor, Brooke Patterson.
Brooke: A Voice for the Community
I’ve watched Brooke Patterson in action—in the community, in the media, and on her Facebook page. She’s not perfect (who is?), but she’s one of the few councillors I’ve seen who actually listens to residents, asks the hard questions, and isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers if it means standing up for Southport.
The recent headlines about her “conduct breaches” have left a lot of us scratching our heads. Yes, she’s been officially reprimanded for three incidents—mostly around how she handled a heated town hall on the ‘View Tax’ and some tense moments with council staff. But if you look closer, it’s clear she was trying to do her job: represent us, the ratepayers, and make sure our voices are heard.
Too Many Complaints, Not Enough Common Sense
What really gets me is the sheer number of complaints that have been thrown at Brooke—20 in the past year alone! Most of them were dismissed, but not before costing the community over $140,000 in legal and investigation fees. That’s money that could have gone to fixing roads, improving parks, or helping local families.
Some of the complaints are almost laughable: raising safety concerns in a park, defending the right to pay cash at the pool, or questioning a new flag design for citizenship ceremonies. Isn’t that what we want our councillors to do—ask questions, challenge the status quo, and make sure bureaucracy doesn’t run roughshod over the people?
A Chilling Effect on Democracy
I worry that what’s happening to Brooke will scare off good people from ever putting their hand up to serve. If every time a councillor speaks out, they risk being dragged through months of investigations, who’s going to bother? We’ll be left with a council full of people too scared to say anything that might upset the bureaucracy.
Brooke said it best herself:Do we value having elected representatives who stand up… or would we prefer a clean and polished elected rep who’s effectively reciting what bureaucracy creates for them?
Community Support Matters
I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. Just look at the comments on Brooke’s Facebook page—people from all walks of life, backing her up, thanking her for her honesty and grit. Sure, there are critics too, and that’s fair enough. But the overwhelming feeling in Southport is that we want councillors who fight for us, not just toe the line.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about Brooke Patterson. It’s about what kind of community we want to be. My family has been here since the 1940s, and we’ve always believed in the value of speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable. We need councillors who aren’t afraid to do the same.
So, from one lifelong Southport local to another: thank you, Brooke, for standing up for us. I hope the council—and the people in charge of these investigations—remember who they’re really supposed to be serving.
Faith, Community, and a Prayer for Brooke
As someone who grew up in Southport and whose family has always valued faith and service, I can’t help but see the parallels between what’s happening now and the challenges faced by leaders in biblical times. In Scripture, those who stood up for their people—who spoke truth to power and defended the vulnerable—often faced criticism, misunderstanding, and even persecution. Yet, they pressed on, trusting that their work was for a greater good.
Our city is blessed not only with a great mayor, but also with our very own spiritual advisor to the mayor, Sue Baynes. I truly believe God has his hand on Brooke. My prayer is that she remains humble, doesn’t worry about what others think, and continues to do the good work she’s called to do. Sometimes, staying out of the media is wise too—so let’s hope for smoother sailing from here on.
A Prayer for Cr Brooke Patterson:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for leaders who serve with courage and conviction. We lift up Brooke to you—grant her wisdom, humility, and strength. May she feel your presence, know your guidance, and continue to act with integrity for the good of our community. Protect her from discouragement and help her to trust in your plan. Amen.
Amen
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