Keep Southport Sacred
Keep Southport Sacred
Preserving Our Churches. Protecting Our Heritage. Keeping Southport Sacred.
Welcome to Keep Southport Sacred — a dedicated community on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, committed to preserving the cherished churches of Southport. These sacred spaces are the cornerstones of our town, embodying centuries of history, culture, and spiritual life.
Hi, I am Shane. 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.
My family has an enduring connection to churches. At St. Peter’s in Southport, my family (W.H Reynolds) donated the stained glass windows behind the altar. My father Frank Reynolds was warden at St Peters, and on the Property Council at Southport Uniting Church, where I preached as an assistant to the minister. My good friend Robyn Short’s late father built that church.
I have witnessed what is happening in Australia — churches are being developed. It started already in NSW and Victoria, and you can expect it will make its way north. It’s time to stand now. I have advocated for other churches in both states, particularly St. Paul’s in Bankstown, and the fight has just begun. If we eradicate what is sacred, what is left? We need to protect our churches and history for the future.
We believe that our churches are invaluable assets, not just properties to be sold or redeveloped. They represent the soul of Southport, offering solace, community, and a tangible link to our past. Our mission is to stand united against the commercialization and loss of these vital landmarks.
Join us in our efforts to advocate for stronger heritage protections, raise awareness about the threats facing our churches, and ensure that Southport’s unique character and spiritual legacy endure for future generations.
Your voice matters. Let's keep Southport sacred, together.
Want to be part of this movement?
Email us at [email protected]
