Official Guide

Welcome

Since 1930 Commonwealth nations and territories have been In the 1940s these seaside towns became a ‘R&R’ haven for coming together to spread the spirit of friendship and shared thousands of Australian and Allied armed forces during World values and participate in the Commonwealth Games. The Gold War II. In the late 1940s, journalists called the coast, Coast is honoured to host the XXI Games in 2018, a sporting south of Brisbane, “the Gold Coast” – it was the place to buy and cultural event that will leave a lasting legacy and will be a and sell land in the post-war real estate boom and it also key moment in the transformation of our city. represented the golden sand, sunshine and the healthy living for which the area was famous. The local council thought that The Commonwealth Walkway is one of those legacies. it was a good promotional name, and the State Bronze markers indicate 37 points of significance along a Government proclaimed the Local Authority of the City of the 10-kilometre route, offering an insight into the history and Gold Coast on 16 May 1959. heritage of the Gold Coast. In the late 1950s and 60s, the development of the city’s beach The Gold Coast has a unique and diverse cultural heritage, strip was rapid. From Southport to Coolangatta, holiday , shaped by Indigenous ownership, European settlement, serviced holiday , motels and shopping arcades two World Wars and new arrivals from all parts of the world. were built to secure the Gold Coast’s place as a major holiday destination, becoming known for its relaxed, fun and glamorous The Yugambeh people have lived in and around the coast, lifestyle. By 1959, it boasted its first high rise block. rivers and hinterland for more than 23,000 years. The first Europeans to the area were timber cutters, looking for valuable The Coast’s permanent population grew swiftly throughout cedar and large cattle stations were established in the river the 1970s and 1980s, bolstered by retirees and increasingly, valleys. Eventually these properties were divided into smaller service workers catering to the and tourist sugar and cotton farms, later dairy farms. industries or working in the retail sector. In recent times the Gold Coast’s population has reached over half a million By the end of the 19th Century Brisbane people wanted people, and the economy has grown and diversified with to escape the summer heat, travel down the waterways of education, health and knowledge and marine industries Moreton Bay by boat and spend time at the seaside. In 1885 joining tourism and construction as major employers. the Governor of Queensland, Governor Musgrave, built a seaside home near Southport, setting a trend for the coast to Now welcoming more than 13 million visitors each year the become a fashionable resort for the wealthy and influential. In Gold Coast boasts a robust economy, and offers an enviable 1889, a train line was extended from Brisbane to Southport, lifestyle. With the added catalyst of the 2018 Commonwealth later extending down to Coolangatta. A number of guesthouses Games the city has a future full of promise. and hotels were built at scenic spots along the beach.

The railway had brought many visitors to the region either to live permanently or as visitors, but motor cars and road access would change the pace of life here forever. A new coastal road, linking Brisbane to the beaches of the coast, was completed in 1925. For more information P 1300 GOLDCOAST (1300 465 326) W cityofgoldcoast.com.au/walkway All details in this guide were believed correct at the time of printing. First Edition, August 2017. Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 1 Message from the Mayor N 6 With being a leading member of the Commonwealth, 7 W E 5 and the Gold Coast proudly hosting the XXI Commonwealth 8 1. Southport Chambers 7 Games in 2018, the Commonwealth Walkway will be another 4 S 9 2. Captain James Cook Memorial 7 wonderful addition to our city, to be enjoyed by both locals 2 3. Bert Pepper Memorial 7 3 and visitors alike. 1 4. Yugambeh People 8 10 5. Pier Pavilion 8 The Walkway takes walkers on a fascinating tour of our 6. Gold Coast Aquatic Centre 8 beautiful city, beginning and ending at two of our important civic Main Beach 7. Southport Pier 11 11 locations, and in between visiting both historic and scenic sites. 8. Q150 Survey Marker 11 The tour takes you past points of interest while enjoying some 9. The Great Lawn 11 Main Beach Parade of our most spectacular scenery and waterside locations. Southport 10. Washington Waters 12 11. ANZAC Park 12 This project is a legacy of GC2018, so join in with thousands of 12. Crossing 12 12 people around the world who are walking their own city’s unique

Southport – Burleigh Road 13. Main Beach 14 Commonwealth Walkway. For many years to come people of all 13 14. Macintosh Island Park 17 15. Les Rogers Memorial Sanctuary 17 ages will enjoy the Commonwealth Walkway at their own pace, 16. Macintosh Island Bridge 17 whilst experiencing some of the great sites, and iconic locations, 15 17. Street motor racing circuit 20 throughout our coastal city. Enjoy! 14 18. Narrowneck 20 17 19. David Evans Reserve 20 Macintosh 16 20. Surfers Paradise foreshore 23 18 Island 21. The Stafford bikini sign 23 22. 23 23. Peter Lacey statue 26 Tom Tate, Mayor

24. Gold Coast Meter Maid sign 26 Gold Coast Hwy Coast Gold The Esplanade 19 25. Gold Coast Light Rail 26 26. Matey the dog statue 29 27. Lionel Perry Park 29 28. Tiki statue 29 Chevron 29. Appel Park 30 20 33 32 Island 30. Bridge 30 30 31. Chevron Island 30 21 32. Korman Family Park 33 35 34 36 31 29 33. Arts and Cultural Gateway 33 Surfers 22 34. Surfers Paradise Rowing Club 33 28 Paradise Bundall 35. Saint Margaret’s Chapel 36 27 23 36. The Arts Centre Gold Coast 36 37 26 37. Evandale Council Chambers 36 25 24

2 Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 3 Access the walk

outdoortrust.com

Keep an eye out for these plaques along the walk, positioned near each of the locations.

Facebook: facebook.com/outdoortrust Instagram: #outdoortrust Twitter: twitter.com/outdoortrust

Share your journey with us

Make sure you capture the moments and share your stories with us along the way by using #ourgoldcoast when tagging your photos on social media. Keep an eye out online as your photo may be shared with the various social media channels. Public transport Visit translink.com.au to access Gold Coast’s public transport options. Use the journey planner to help you plan your trip and access fare and timetable information for the city’s bus routes, G:link light rail system and regional rail. All details in this guide were believed correct at the time of printing. First Edition, August 2017.

4 Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 1

1 2 3 Southport Chambers Captain James Cook Memorial Bert Pepper Memorial

The art deco former Southport Town The Captain James Cook (1728–1779) The memorial at the western end of Hall is the city’s oldest continuously memorial stone was installed by the Southport Mall commemorates local used municipal building. It was built Rotary Club as part of Australia’s businessman and former president of by Southport Town Council in 1935, bicentenary in 1988, celebrating the Southport Chamber of Commerce and replacing a 19th century timber building. arrival of the First Fleet in in Industry, Bert Pepper (1922–1990). Billeted The Council became South Coast Town 1788 which established the British colony. in Southport at the beginning of World Council in 1949, Gold Coast Town Council The stone commemorates Cook’s journey War II, Pepper permanently relocated to in 1958, and then Gold Coast City Council of discovery along the east coast of Southport from his home in 1959. The building is still used by City of Australia in 1770. state of New South Wales with his wife Gold Coast as an office for the Mayor and and baby son in 1942. its Southport Customer Service Centre. Captain Cook was the first recorded European to see the Gold Coast when Pepper was instrumental in forming The building was designed by Brisbane he sailed HMS Endeavour north between the Gold Coast Combined Chamber of architects Hall and Phillips, who also Point Danger and Stradbroke Island’s Point Commerce and Industry, which brought designed the Main Beach and Southport Lookout on 16 May 1770. Diary excerpts together all nine Chambers on the Bathing Pavilions and Southport Surf Life from Cook and his botanist Joseph Banks Gold Coast. In 1980, he lobbied State Saving Club. The Latin phrase ‘Pro Bono describe the inland peaks and hills of the Government to bring forward construction Publico’, meaning ‘for the public good’, hinterland, along with coastal lagoons of the new District Court in Southport, is inscribed above the entrance. surrounded by fires believed to be created and began negotiating for the pedestrianised by local Indigenous people gathering to Southport Mall. Opened in 1988, the memorial Next to the Chambers is Southport’s celebrate the annual oyster harvest. plaque permanently commemorates his original ambulance station, built in 1922 involvement in its creation as the ‘Father as the region’s first. After numerous Diagonally opposite the memorial at the of the Southport Mall.’ alterations, the building was restored corner of Nerang and Scarborough Streets in 2002. is the Hotel Cecil, one of many art deco Next to the Bert Pepper memorial is a style buildings constructed in the 1930s time capsule installed by local Councillor in Southport. Dawn Crichlow OAM in 2000, to be 2 3 opened by 2050.

1. Southport Chambers 2. Captain James Cook Memorial 3. Bert Pepper Memorial

Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 7 4 5

4 5 6 Yugambeh People Pier Pavilion Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

Broadwater Parklands links Southport The Pier Pavilion at the Broadwater This area has always been a popular to the Broadwater, an aquatic environment Parklands was opened in 2009 as part place for swimming, fishing and recreation. of international importance, covering a of the first stage of the sustainable Aboriginal people have appreciated its catchment area of 64 square kilometres. redevelopment of Southport’s urban mild climate and coastal resources since waterfront. The 33.5 hectare parklands ancient times. In 1934 the early European The Broadwater and its wetlands are provide a range of recreation and settlers built the nearby Southport Bathing the ancestral home of the Yugambeh entertainment spaces, as well as hosting Pavilion, a private area for beachgoers to ‘saltwater people’, part of the traditional some of the city’s flagship events. change into their swimming costumes. Yugambeh Language Region. As the parklands’ highest point, The Southport Swimming Pool 6 The saltwater people took care of their the Pavilion’s rooftop terraces and was built in 1969 on reclaimed land, estuarine environment and depended on footbridge offer commanding views effectively burying and conserving its once abundant food sources including across the Broadwater and to the evidence of thousands of years of kinyingarra (oyster), eugari (mussel), Surfers Paradise skyline. The building Aboriginal occupation. Archaeological pingin (turtle), jubei (crab), yungunn (dugong), is home to a café and community excavations during construction of the and a variety of jalumm (fish) species, facilities, while the rooftop is a popular existing state-of-the-art Gold Coast bush foods, water fowl and marsupials. venue for private and corporate events. Aquatic Centre led to the discovery of The colour and materials used in the Aboriginal artefacts, including tools and As Southport grew as a resort town, building were designed to reflect the pigments used for ceremonial purposes. many Indigenous families were displaced white hulls and sails of the boats which Further details of these discoveries can by European settlement. In November moor in the adjacent Broadwater. be found inside the Aquatic Centre. 1928, the site of the current parklands was first declared an official public space. The footbridge links the rooftop to the The swimming and diving centre for the nearby rock pools water playground. Gold Coast , Today the Broadwater is an international The coastal-themed rock pools offer the Aquatic Centre has many pools, Ramsar site recognised for its biodiversity. water fountains, marine-themed play a dry land training facility, fitness centre, equipment, a creek bed and tidal pools cafe and multi-function meeting rooms. for children to explore.

4. Yugambeh People 5. Pier Pavilion

6. Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

8 Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 7

7 8 9 Southport Pier Q150 survey marker The Great Lawn

The first jetties at this location were The Q150 survey marker is located near The Great Lawn at the centre of the private structures used by hotel guests the entrance to the Southport Pier and Broadwater Parklands hosts live music, during Southport’s boom time as a commemorates the 150th anniversary public speaking, corporate events and holiday destination. In 1883 a 243 metre of the 1859 separation of Queensland open air screenings. (800 feet) public jetty was constructed from New South Wales, when it became with a tramway on one side. In 1913 the the Colony of Queensland. The Colony The Porch outdoor stage carries on the Council began developing a concrete pier became the State of Queensland in 1901, legacy of the old Southport Pier Theatre as part of a new public recreation area, as part of the Federation of Australia. which was once the area’s entertainment including enclosed public baths at the focal point. It has a full stage, with nearby pier’s end which were equipped with The marker, providing latitude and changing rooms and a green room. lights for night swimming. longitude coordinates, is one of more than 60 created by the Surveying and Spatial South of the Great Lawn, on the edge of A cinema was built on the pier in 1926. Sciences Institute, placed at significant the Broadwater, wooden shelters in the Patrons would promenade along the historical survey points in Queensland style of bathing boxes provide shaded foreshore before settling into canvas to honour our early explorers who were seating. In the 19th and early 20th century seats in the waterfront pavilion to watch often also surveyors. bathing boxes were dotted along the ‘the pictures’. After fire destroyed the foreshore and were the forerunners of theatre, a new one was built in 1932 to It honours Oxford scholar Henry Shezelder the 1930s beach pavilions. Bathing box seat 1500 people. By 1959 the pier was who arrived in Queensland in 1866 and era-etiquette required neck-to-knee in need of rebuilding, leading to a decision was one of the many surveyors who coverage in woollen costumes and were to demolish it in 1969. mapped the Gold Coast region. In 1883, heavy, especially when wet. By the 1920s, he undertook the first survey of this part of like the dresses of the era, costumes had The current pier was constructed as part of the Broadwater. He was a magistrate for crept above the knee. Parasols protected the Broadwater Parklands redevelopment the Colony, a member of the Royal Society, the female complexion and made a fashion which began in 2008. and an early member of the Queensland statement on the beach. Institute of Surveyors, forerunner to today’s Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute. 8 9

7. Southport Pier 8. Q150 survey marker 9. The Great Lawn

Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 11 10 11

10 11 12 Washington Waters Park ANZAC Park Nerang River Crossing

Washington Waters (1856 –1948) was ANZAC Park is a memorial to the Australians Records indicate the river was named Mayor of Southport from 1919 to 1921 and New Zealanders who served and died, by Europeans after the local dialect and 1924 to 1927. He was an Alderman or otherwise contributed to wars, conflicts, word “neerang” meaning little or shovel of the town council, and continued his and peacekeeping operations. nosed shark. involvement in local government as Chairman of Finance for Southport The statue near the water’s edge specifically From the 1840s European settlers began Town Council until he was 80. commemorates those who served in World to clear and settle its fertile plains for Wars I and II. Built of Helidon freestone, it farming. In 1925 the Jubilee Bridge was Waters came from England to Queensland is 5.5 metres high and inscribed with the built linking Southport to Main Beach at on the ship Clara, arriving in Brisbane names of men who enlisted from Southport a point a little further downstream from in February 1875. He was first elected and surrounding districts. the current crossing. The bridge played to Nerang Shire Council in 1899 and in an integral part in the Gold Coast’s future addition to his career in local government, When the statue was originally unveiled as the access it provided soon shifted the Waters also worked for pioneering coach at the Broadwater end of Nerang Street focus from Southport to Surfers Paradise owners Cobb and Co, was licensee for the on 26 April 1922, the event was reportedly as the region’s premier tourist destination. first hotel in Burleigh Heads, and farmed at attended by the largest gathering ever held Tallebudgera Creek. to that date in Southport. The cenotaph The Jubilee Bridge was demolished was installed at its current location as part following the opening of the current Gold Washington Waters Park has a children’s of the Southport Broadwater Parklands Coast Bridge (also known as Sundale playground with a variety of play redevelopment in 2010. Bridge) in December 1966. The cycle and equipment,as well as barbecues and pedestrian ‘green bridge’ was added in picnic tables that overlook the Broadwater June 2014 as light rail services began. swimming enclosure and diving pontoon. The enclosure is patrolled by Surf Life Saving Queensland daily during the summer months.

12

10. Washington Waters Park 11. ANZAC Park 12. Nerang River Crossing

12 Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 13

13 Main Beach

Tedder Avenue is the commercial heart of Main Beach, the suburb’s name originating from its role as the primary surf beach accessible from Southport. Before the construction of the Jubilee Bridge in 1925, visitors were ferried to Main Beach across the Nerang River.

Following the bridge opening, visitors to Surfers Paradise increased and ultimately spilled over into Main Beach, leading to the opening of the Main Beach bathing pavilions, located near the current day Southport Surf Life Saving Club. The pavilions were designed by architects Hall and Phillips in the Spanish Mission style and opened together with similar style pavilions at Southport on 22 December 1934.

Tedder Avenue is wholly located on what was once a swamp, reclaimed by William Fox, also known as ‘Lucky Bill Rankin, the Casket King’, by pumping silt from the Nerang River onto the land. Today the area is home to a mixture of high rise accommodation buildings, residences, restaurants and shops.

13. Main Beach

14 Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 14

14 15 16 Macintosh Island Park Les Rogers Memorial Sanctuary Macintosh Island Bridge

This park was named after Hugh Macintosh Les Rogers was a dedicated Council Constructed in 2007 Macintosh Island (1857–1932) who was a chief draftsman employee for 22 years, starting as a sign Bridge is a 110-metre cycle and pedestrian with the Queensland Lands Department in writer but finding his true calling as a link across a branch of the Nerang River, the early 1900s. Born in Sutherlandshire, landscape designer in the Council’s connecting the park to the surfing beach Scotland, he migrated to Brisbane in 1865. Health Department. at Narrowneck. In his Land’s Department role, Macintosh was involved in surveying the Gold Coast Rogers designed and supervised many North from the bridge is a landmark in and naming many of its places. of the Gold Coast’s most well-known Australia’s telecommunication history. and loved and gardens including Cable Street and Cable Park, established The name of the park is also linked to Cascade Gardens, Macintosh Island Park, in 1888, mark the landfall in Australia of Robert McIntosh. According to family Mick Schamburg Park and Waterfall, the Pacific Telegraph Cable, part of the records, in 1860 Robert’s father-in-law, ANZAC Park and Evandale Parklands. All Red Line of electrical telegraphs George Alexander Hope selected this piece He also designed floral floats, which for that linked much of the British Empire. of land and named it after his son-in-law. many years were built by Council staff in The cable route was Australia’s main their own time and exhibited throughout communication link with the world linking Coincidently, both men who claim heritage Australia at festivals including Moomba Southport (Australia), New Zealand, to the island had a common love of sailing. in Melbourne, Blue Gum in Hobart, Norfolk Island, Fiji, Fanning Island and Hugh was known to enjoy recreational Waratah in Sydney and at Newcastle, Canada. In Canada the cable met overland sailing on the Gold Coast and Robert Grafton, Brisbane and Toowoomba. telegraph cables. Messages then travelled ran a boat service between the island across Canada before reaching the and Brisbane. Rogers was also instrumental in the submarine cable crossing to Britain, introduction of various species of birds operating from 1902 until its closure Descendants of both men still visit the which now make their home around the in 1962, when it was superseded by park to enjoy its hidden oasis of creeks, Macintosh Island Lake including peacocks, modern technology. waterfalls, remnant rainforest and ducks and other water fowl, many of which play areas. he hatched from eggs at his home. From 1902 to 1923 Southport was the terminal for all telegraph calls from overseas, 15 16 from where they were transmitted onwards throughout Australia.

14. Macintosh Island Park 15. Les Rogers Memorial Sanctuary 16. Macintosh Island Bridge

Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 17

17

17 18 19 Street motor racing circuit Narrowneck David Evans Reserve

Macintosh Island Bridge connects At Narrowneck, you can appreciate how David Evans (1973–1995) was a young with Main Beach Parade, part of the close the river came to breaking through Gold Coaster who loved the city’s many Gold Coast motor racing . to the ocean in the 1920s and the need lifestyle opportunities. His accidental death Roads are transformed annually into a for beach protection measures. at 22 was recognised by the Council race track for one of Australia’s leading following a request from his family and motor racing events. Some 200,000 This narrow strip of land separates a branch friends to name the park in his honour. spectators come to witness what is of the Nerang River from the Pacific Ocean. His family described David as ‘typifying considered one of the toughest street The original Pacific Highway from Brisbane the young Gold Coast man with his love races in the country. to Sydney was constructed at Narrowneck of surfing, sports and the outdoor life, and in the early 1920s and necessitated obvious enjoyment of the lifestyle that our The current Gold Coast 600 event construction of the Gold Coast’s first wonderful piece of Australia provides’. of the V8 ocean beach seawall at the site. continues a motor racing tradition that The reserve is a fitting memorial to the began on Gold Coast streets in 1954 Coastal protection works undertaken young man’s life, providing a gateway to with the , held on at Narrowneck have contributed to the the beach and surf that he loved, and a the roads of Southport. A forerunner of city’s world leading reputation in coastal green open space on Main Beach Parade. the current circuit was first used for the management. These works protect Gold Coast Indy 300 in 1991, with the both the beach and adjacent coastal The city’s 57 kilometres of coastline current layout introduced in 2009. development through a combination of provide a stunning setting for surfing The 4.47 kilometre track has several seawalls hidden under the sand dunes, and watersports, swimming, walking fast sections and four chicanes. widening of beaches through ongoing and keeping fit, and beyond the beaches, sand replenishment and an artificial reef vast sub-tropical rainforests provide For a typical event, seven pedestrian constructed 300 metres off shore in 1999. endless opportunities to explore bridges, 2,500 concrete barriers, breathtaking scenery. 11,500 grandstand seats, 140 corporate The reef, constructed using a large barge suites and 16 kilometres of fencing is to deposit huge sandbags has attracted installed, along with many temporary marine life and is now a popular diving buildings and significant power and and fishing location. 18 19 telecommunications systems.

17. Street motor racing circuit 18. Narrowneck 19. David Evans Reserve

20 Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 20

20 21 22 Surfers Paradise foreshore The Stafford Bikini sign Cavill Avenue

View Avenue is an excellent location to Elkhorn Avenue marks the northern start Cavill Avenue is named after Jim Cavill admire the white sandy beaches and of the shopping and entertainment hub (1862–1952) a Brisbane hotelier who sparkling blue breakers of Surfers Paradise. of Surfers Paradise. acquired 25 acres of land in the area which The foreshore was comprehensively was previously known as Elston – the place redeveloped in 2011 as part of a Heritage photographs at this location we know now as Surfers Paradise. $25 million project, with new seating, commemorate the work of Paula Stafford, viewing platforms and other amenities. a local fashion designer credited with In 1925 Cavill opened one of the first bringing the bikini to Australia in the 1950s. hotels in the area which featured private The heritage photographs on display here Stafford originally trained in dress design gardens and even a zoo. He had a keen reveal the Surfers Paradise of the 1950s at the Melbourne Technical College in the eye for promotion and with the support and 60s. Significant development began 1930s before moving to Surfers Paradise of locals he lobbied hard for Elston to be in the area after World War II, which brought in 1942. renamed Surfers Paradise, in which he many servicemen to our beaches for rest succeeded in 1933. The runner up name and relaxation. The city’s first motel, Stafford’s designs were an instant hit, and was Sea Glint. the El Dorado, was built in 1954 on the her reputation grew quickly after infamous site now occupied by the Crowne Plaza. Sydney model Anne Ferguson received a The eastern end of Cavill Avenue is known Four years later the first high rise building, reprimand from the local beach inspector as Cavill Mall and is the commercial centre was built at Hanlan Street. for her skimpy Stafford bikini. She originally of Surfers Paradise. Near the beach is a From these small beginnings, the Gold sold direct from her own store, the Stafford memorial to Al Baldwin, the ‘suntan man’, Coast is now renowned for its many high Tog Shop in Cavill Avenue, where the a local identity renowned for spraying rise buildings including , one of the bikinis were cut to order on the beach, sunscreen lotion on beachgoers for more world’s tallest residential towers. taken to Cavill Avenue for stitching, than 30 years. It is estimated he sprayed and delivered to customers the next day. about three million bodies over the years. Stafford went on to employ 65 staff at two factories, supplying stores across Australia and worldwide.

21 22

20. Surfers Paradise foreshore 21. The Stafford Bikini sign 22. Cavill Avenue

Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 23

23

23 24 25 Peter Lacey statue Gold Coast Meter Maid sign Gold Coast Light Rail

Peter Lacey (1947–1996) was one of The heritage images at this location tell The intersection of Cavill Avenue and the greatest surf lifesaving competitors the story of the Gold Coast Meter Maids, Surfers Paradise Boulevard marks a tourist of all time. In 22 successive years of introduced to the Gold Coast in the hotspot. It was once home to Jim Cavill’s competition from 1963 to 1984, he 1960s by Bernie Elsey (1906–1986), a original Surfers Paradise Hotel which also won 18 gold, 19 silver and 10 bronze renowned Gold Coast property developer boasted the famous Birdwatcher’s Bar, medals at the Australian Surf Lifesaving and entrepreneur. In response to fears Paradise Room (dining and dance floor), Championships and also won four that recently installed parking meters beergarden, private gardens and a zoo. World Surf Lifesaving Championships. would drive tourists away, the Meter Maids topped up expired parking meters, The bar, with its glass windows overlooking From 1983 to 1985 he was the Australian saving beach visitors from a parking fine. Cavill Avenue, was popular with locals representative team coach of an who would watch people walk by on undefeated Australian Surf Lifesaving In 1967 the Meter Maids became famous their way to the beach. When the Surfers Team. From 1991 to 1994 Lacey competed across Australia and New Zealand as they Paradise Hotel was demolished for internationally in the World Masters Surf spearheaded a campaign to get tourists construction of the Paradise Centre Lifesaving and Games event, winning a back to the Gold Coast after devastating in 1983, part of the bar was retained. further 16 gold and six silver medals. cyclonic weather. They remain one of the Gold Coast’s most well-known and Across the road is Cavill Mall light rail Lacey was also employed as a City of controversial sights. station, part of Queensland’s first light Gold Coast lifeguard from 1975 to 1976, rail system (opened 2014) and the most part of the largest professional lifeguard significant transport infrastructure project service in Australia. The City employs 37 ever undertaken on the Gold Coast. permanent staff and 140 seasonal staff to patrol 26 beaches for 52 weeks per year Fast, frequent trams connect 16 stations and 42 beaches during school holiday along a 13 kilometre route from Broadbeach periods along its 57 kilometre coastline. to Gold Coast University Hospital. Stage two connects to Helensvale. Surf lifesaving began in Queensland in 1908. Surf Life Saving Queensland was 24 25 established as the governing body for surf lifesaving in Queensland in 1930. 23. Peter Lacey statue 24. Gold Coast Meter Maid sign 25. Gold Coast Light Rail

26 Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 26

26 27 28 Matey the dog statue Lionel Perry Park Tiki statue

Cavill Park is home to a statue of Matey It is currently hard to imagine now but cows The impressive Tiki statue provides a the dog, a homeless kelpie cross which first once grazed on the banks of the Nerang landmark in this popular riverside meeting appeared on Cavill Avenue in 1945 after River where Lionel Perry Park currently place. The statue features a pattern based the end of World War II. He was befriended stands. After European settlement, the on a Pacific Island wood carving that by the locals and soon took up residence riverside and surrounding land was used was found in nearby sand dunes in the outside Jim Cavill’s Surfers Paradise Hotel for dairy farming. Development restrictions early 1970s. where he would greet patrons each day. were lifted in 1954 and brought huge changes to the area. The nearby Tiki Village Resort was built Matey also took it upon himself to by Gold Coast entrepreneur Bernie Elsey. accompany patrons as they walked home As the Gold Coast developed, Elsey was renowned for his notorious after a long night at the hotel. He would one of the key figures who ensured pyjama parties, held at his Beachcomber then return to the hotel ready to get his the preservation of green spaces was Hotels in Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta next charge home safely. Lionel Perry (1913-1988). Perry moved in the 1950s and 60s. to Southport with his family in 1946 and When Matey died in 1957, his statue was became the Council’s chief inspector. Elsey held his first pyjama party in erected by residents and features a plaque He helped to shape the Gold Coast’s March 1957. Revellers turned up in their which declares Matey to be friend to urban landscape and, along with Mick sleepwear but the party would inevitably thousands of tourists of Surfers Paradise Schamburg, the Council’s Parks and end up in the hotel pool. for 12 years. He continues to stand watch Gardens superintendent, is credited for Elsey was also known for bringing famous over Surfers Paradise revellers more than developing many of the Gold Coast’s acts to the Gold Coast including ‘The Wild 50 years after his death. parks and reserves. One’ Johnny O’Keefe, Marlene Dietrich The riverside park which takes his name and the Gibb brothers who later went on to was dedicated to Perry by Councillors in take the world by storm as the Bee Gees. recognition of his role in developing the city’s parks and gardens. 27 28

26. Matey the dog statue 27. Lionel Perry Park 28. Tiki statue

Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 29 29 30

29 30 31 Appel Park Chevron Island Bridge Chevron Island

The Hon. John George Appel MLA Chevron Island Bridge east was opened Once a land-linked sand mass known as (1859–1929) was a former Nerang Shire on 12 March 1960 by then Queensland Goat Island, Chevron Island was reshaped Councillor who went on to become State Premier Frank Nicklin. Mr Nicklin also by sand pumping and developed into Member for Albert in 1908 and retained unveiled the foundation stone for the new a residential estate in the 1950s. At the his seat until his death at the age of 70. Chevron Hotel as part of the ceremony time, it was claimed to be the largest land and remarked that the opening was a reclamation scheme ever undertaken by Appel was a solicitor who moved into ‘notable day in the history of Queensland’. a private developer in Queensland. dairying and pastoral pursuits for a short The bridge was constructed by private time before finally settling on politics. developer Stan Korman and handed to Prior to its transformation into Chevron As the Member for Albert, Appel acted the Gold Coast City Council ‘without any Island, Goat Island was uninhabited and 31 as Secretary for the Ministry of Mines strings’. At the time it was reported as the used mainly for grazing cattle and market and Public Works in 1908 and was then largest bridge of its kind ever constructed garden farmlets. From the late 1880s to appointed Home Secretary in 1909, in Queensland. 1925 the Meyer Ferry provided the only holding both positions until 1915. access for vehicles to Surfers Paradise His most commended work during The bridge, connecting central Surfers and the southern beaches from just south this time was in health legislation and Paradise with Chevron Island, was one of of the island. It was even used by the codifying the Local Authorities Act. the first major infrastructure developments famous Cobb and Co. coaches which of the booming Surfers Paradise and crossed on the ferry and drove along the Appel was a supporter of The Southport catered for the growing need to link new beach at low tide as part of the journey School and prizes for dux of the school estate developments with the beach. from Nerang to Coolangatta. are still given in his honour today. He also built a country home called ‘Sea Glint’ on The bridge opening attracted a colourful The ferry was started by German the southern bank of the Nerang River gathering, with some people travelling up to immigrant Johann Meyer when he opposite the Surfers Paradise Hotel. 4000 miles for the occasion and the chance discovered that transporting tourists to inspect the recently developed island. across the river was more lucrative than his short-lived sugar plantation nearby.

29. Appel Park 30. Chevron Island Bridge 31. Chevron Island

Photo by Dean Johnson @deanjohnson 15th January 2017 30 Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 32

32 33 34 Korman Family Park Arts and Cultural Gateway Surfers Paradise Rowing Club

Korman Family Park was named after Chevron Island’s western bridge is the Next to the Southport-Burleigh Road Stanley Korman (1904–1988) and his gateway to the Evandale precinct, the bridge is the Surfers Paradise Rowing niece Geulah Korman (circa 1919–2015) city’s civic, cultural and artistic heart, Club, formed in 1989. The Gold Coast has to honour their contributions to the and Bundall, one of the city’s major a long history and fascination with rowing. Gold Coast community. business districts. The Southport School began holding regattas on the Nerang River in 1910 Stanley Korman was a visionary and The 16.9 hectare riverside Evandale site and many streets in Surfers Paradise entrepreneur who is credited with putting is home to the Council Chambers and are named after world famous rowers. the Gold Coast on the map in the 1950s The Arts Centre Gold Coast, and is being thanks to his innovative high rise and canal transformed into a striking new Cultural The current club maintains a local estate developments, inspired by his time Precinct. When complete, it will include rowing legacy founded in a boating spent in , Florida. Stanley built the visual and performing arts facilities and shed on nearby Isle of Capri which was first high rise building in Surfers Paradise, a programmed outdoor artscape washed away during the Boxing Day the Kinkabool Hotel as well as developing supporting the city’s thriving cultural floods of 1974. Paradise and Chevron Islands. evolution. A planned pedestrian and cycle bridge and Cultural Corridor will link The club secured the current site in 1993. Geulah Korman opened one of the original Evandale to Chevron Island’s commercial The club’s patron Mick Veivers MLA, boutique dress shops at Surfers Paradise hub and Surfers Paradise in the future. attended the sod-turning ceremony. called Riviera Casuals. Her ensembles won Work on the boatshed was completed the Gold Coast’s Concours d’Elegance To the west of Evandale is the Gold Coast in 1996. competition five times between 1969 and Turf Club, one of the country’s busiest 1972. This upmarket event would marry racecourses, hosting about 60 race The rowing club won its first Rowing the best cars of the day with the most meetings annually. This includes Australia’s Queensland Premiership in 2012. stylish fashions. Geulah Korman was richest equine event, the Magic Millions awarded an Order of Australia Medal in carnival. It is also the home to the Gold 1992 in recognition of her charity work. Coast Show, an annual celebration now more than a century old. 33 34

34. Surfers Paradise Rowing Club 33. Arts and Cultural Gateway 32. Korman Family Park

ARM Architecture, Versatile Outdoor Space (concert mode), Stage 1, Gold Coast Cultural Precinct (concept image). Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide 33

36

35 36 37 Saint Margaret’s Chapel The Arts Centre Gold Coast Evandale Council Chambers

Built in 1877, St Margaret’s Chapel is a Evandale was first identified as a preferred Early historical and archaeological heritage-listed timber chapel nestled location for an arts and cultural centre in records show the existence of a thriving among the spreading fig trees along the the late 1960s. The resulting facility was Indigenous community in the vicinity of banks of the Nerang River. The chapel, a opened more than 20 years later by Evandale. The land was selected in 1860 popular wedding destination, was moved then Governor of Queensland, Sir Walter as farmland for cotton and then sugar from its original home in Nerang in 1992. Campbell on 6 December 1986 and cane, but later converted to dairying and named after previous Gold Coast Mayor other agricultural uses. Its original location was at Nerang Street, Keith Hunt. The building has seen a Nerang on a hill overlooking the river. number of additions including cinema, In the 1960s the Gold Coast City Council The building was funded by donations café, function and administration facilities. purchased the farmland for the development from church members and was of an arts and civic centre. Administration constructed from local pit-sawn timber The Arts Centre Gold Coast is the city’s buildings opened in 1976 and the new and handmade nails. The cedar altar, rails, premier cultural facility, bringing visual Council Chambers was opened in 2004. seats and prayer desk were a gift from and performing arts to the region. friends of the church in England. More than 700,000 people attend The origins of the current local government To make way for a bigger church, 6000 events annually including theatrical can be traced back to the 1870s and by the building was sold to Alan and productions, exhibitions, film screenings, 1948 two Councils ran the area that has Lorraine Slade who donated it to education programs and workshops. become today’s city. South Coast Town the Council in 1993. Council became Gold Coast City Council Part of the Cultural Precinct, the Gold in 1959, amalgamating with Albert Shire As part of the evolution of the Coast City Gallery is one of Australia’s to form the single Gold Coast City Council new Gold Coast Cultural Precinct, most prominent regional public galleries in 1995. St Margaret’s Chapel will be relocated and serves a population of approximately to the precinct’s south-eastern 500,000. Opened in 1986 the gallery Now known as the City of Gold Coast, peninsula, with views across wide houses the renowned City Collection it is the second largest Council in Australia water to the Surfers Paradise and of contemporary and historical artworks administering the nation’s sixth largest city. Broadbeach skyline. documenting the character of the Gold Coast as well as the development 35 37 of Australian art practice. 37. Evandale Council Chambers 36. The Arts Centre Gold Coast 35. Saint Margaret’s Chapel

36 Commonwealth Walkway – Official Guide

CGC12771