A New Chapter in Southport: Serving Division 6 (City of Gold Coast)

See that kid in the yellow Biggera Waters shirt?

He grew up in a Southport that looked a little different than it does today, but the heart of the place hasn't changed.

Southport was first surveyed in 1874 and officially named in 1875. A few years later, the Pacific Hotel was built—one of the area’s first true landmarks. For me, this isn’t just local trivia; it’s family history. In 1945, my family (the Reynolds) purchased the Pacific Hotel, and we have been part of the fabric of this suburb ever since.

As a fourth-generation Gold Coaster, born and living in Division 6, this place is the backdrop to my life. I went to school here—starting in that yellow shirt at Biggera Waters, then on to St Francis Xavier and Aquinas College. Every corner of this suburb holds a memory.

That is why I am incredibly proud to share that I have taken on a new role as Councillor Advisor to Cr Brooke Patterson for the City of Gold Coast.

My path to this role hasn't been a straight line, but every step has been about people, community, and equipping myself to serve better.

I’ve always believed in lifelong learning. I’ve spent years writing (publishing a dozen books along the way) and studying—from business to theology. I even spent a summer studying Christian leadership at Oxford, which was a long way from the classrooms of Biggera Waters, but an incredible experience to bring back home.

All of this has been preparation for the job at hand.

While I will continue to complete my law degree part-time at Griffith University, my full-time focus is now dedicated to serving the residents of Division 6.

My community work has always been hands-on. I had the privilege of planting a local church that started at the Southport Community Centre, moved to the historic St Margaret’s at HOTA, and is now part of the Southport Uniting Church.

This drive to serve is something I inherited. My grandfather, Stanley, loved Southport deeply. He served as President of the local Lions Club, and I have so many fond memories of him serving the city—usually while trying to sell you a Lions Christmas cake or a packet of mints!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I want to thank everyone who has supported me on the path to this role. Most importantly, I’ve watched Cr Patterson in action in our community. She is one of the few councillors I’ve seen who truly listens to residents and isn't afraid to ask the hard questions. She stands up for Southport, and I am proud to join her team.

I am ready to hit the ground running.

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