Welcome to July

Hi folks,

What a fantastic few weeks it’s been across Division 12!

One of the things I love most about our community is seeing people come together, and this month has been full of moments that remind me why our beachside neighbourhood is such a special place to live.

A real highlight was Just Roll With It at Pizzey Park. It was incredible to see people of all ages and abilities stepping onto a skateboard, building confidence, learning new skills and, most importantly, having fun together. Events like this show just how powerful sport and recreation can be in bringing people together.

We also enjoyed two wonderful Sunset Sounds concerts - at Don MacSween Park and Ken Mansbridge Park. Watching families spread out picnic rugs, children playing, neighbours catching up and local musicians creating such a great atmosphere was a perfect reminder of why our parks are some of the best places to spend an afternoon.

And we’re not slowing down!

Our next inclusive community event is Trec for Rec, held as part of the 6 Years to Go celebrations at Pizzey Park on Thursday, 23 July. Whether you’d like to try Olympic and Paralympic sports, challenge yourself to something new, or simply soak up the atmosphere, I’d love to see you there. You’ll find all the event details further down in this newsletter.

Creating a community where everyone feels welcome and included continues to be one of my highest priorities.

One commitment I’ve been passionate about is improving access to our beautiful beaches. That’s why I’m so pleased to announce that Miami Beach now has its own Beach Wheelchair Lockbox, joining Burleigh Beach, Paradise Point and Labrador.

Each lockbox contains a free-to-borrow beach wheelchair, life vest and simple instructions, making it easier for more people to experience the sand and surf independently. Access is as easy as scanning the QR code on the side of the box.

These facilities are part of the City’s Beach Access Program, delivered in partnership with our local surf clubs and community organisations, and they’re helping remove barriers so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy our incredible coastline. Click here to find out more.

Finally, thank you to everyone who continues to stop me for a chat, send me an email, or share your ideas and feedback. Your input genuinely helps shape the future of Division 12.

Together, we’re building a community that is connected, welcoming, accessible and inclusive - a place where people love to live, work, play and belong.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing many of you around the community soon.

Nick

A new lockbox has been installed at Miami – just 40 metres north of Miami Beach Surf Life Saving Club, near the corner of Hythe Street and Marine Parade. 

Just Roll With It at Pizzey Park on Saturday 4 July. Head to my Facebook page to see more images from the day. 

A day for the kids!

Kids Day Out is back! We’ve dialled up the fun this year with giant roaming dinosaurs, heaps of family-friendly activities, games and entertainment for all ages. Grab the kids and come along for a wild day of fun! 🦕☀️🎈

Lake Hugh Muntz update

A proactive Phoslock treatment will be carried out at Lake Hugh Muntz from 20–24 July (weather permitting) to help reduce nutrients that contribute to blue-green algae. This work is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to reducing the frequency and duration of blue green algal blooms within the lake.

• Lake closure: The lake will be temporarily closed from 20-24 July to recreation during the application for safety.
• Bel Air Park: The car park will be closed during works for deliveries and equipment storage. Park facilities (playground and basketball court) will remain open.
• Why now? Algae levels are currently low, so this early treatment helps minimise the risk of future blooms.

Routine water quality monitoring will continue leading up to the works.

👉Learn more here.

Beach maintenance underway

The City is carrying out beach maintenance works along the coastline from Wharf Road, Surfers Paradise to Arthur Street, Mermaid Beach, continuing through to Friday, 28 August.

Works will generally take place between 6am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. While there may be some temporary access changes, every effort is being made to keep disruptions to a minimum so everyone can still enjoy the beach.

What’s happening?

🏖️You may notice machinery such as dozers and bobcats on the sand. These are being used to move sand that has shifted into the water back up onto the beach and around the dune area.

🌊Normally, nature does this on its own over time - waves push sand shoreward and wind helps build up the dunes - but this can take months or even years. By lending a helping hand with equipment, we can restore the beach profile more quickly and help protect the coastline.

Shared pathway Dolphin and Wave Avenue

The shared pathway project on Dolphin Avenue and Wave Street in Mermaid Beach is now complete, improving accessibility for pedestrians and bicycle riders travelling in the growth area. 🚴

Scope of works:
✔️ A new 2-metre-wide, 350-metre-long shared pathway on the eastern side of Dolphin Avenue, between Surf Street and Gold Coast Highway.
✔️ A new 2-metre-wide, 65-metre-long shared pathway on the northern side of Wave Street, between Dolphin Avenue and Gold Coast Highway.

Video of new mural at Bermuda Street

Commissioned by the City of Gold Coast through the ArtWalk program, this mural is part of a city-wide effort to reduce graffiti, build community pride and create safer, more welcoming public spaces.

Public art plays an important role in shaping vibrant communities. It contributes to our city's identity, supports community wellbeing, enhances liveability and helps drive economic growth.

You’ll find this mural in the pedestrian underpass beneath Bermuda Street, connecting Varsity Lakes and Burleigh Waters, near Lake Orr Drive.

🎥 Meet the artist behind the mural, George Rose. 

Division 12 Hero Awards – Nominations open!

🌟I’m proud to launch the inaugural Division 12 Hero Awards, celebrating the incredible locals who go above and beyond for our community.

🌟 Nominations are now open across four categories, and I encourage you to put forward someone who deserves recognition.
Nominees must either live in, or make a meaningful contribution to, Division 12 – including Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Waters, Miami, Nobby Beach and Burleigh Waters.

Finalists in each category will be invited to a special awards night this November.

Thank you for helping us shine a light on our local heroes – I look forward to reading your nominations!

👉 Click here to nominate someone.

Active & Healthy Program

The 2026–2027 Active & Healthy Program is here!

With 338 weekly activities available across the city, there are plenty of opportunities for Gold Coast residents to get active, improve their wellbeing and connect with their community.

🧘‍♀️In Division 12 the program offers a variety of weekly classes for different demographics including, Acute Rehab, Restorative Rehab, Seniors, Sit and Stretch, Stroller Group, Dance (including Zumba), Exercise for Chronic Pain, Yoga, Heart Foundation Walk, Toddler Sports, Pilates, Manapause Yoga (NEW).

View the Active & Healthy Online Calendar or explore activities available in Division 12 👉 here!

FLEXiSKiP update

Monthly booking caps have now been removed for the FLEXiSKiP service. From 1 July, a $50 service fee will apply for each FLEXiSKiP booking, with one FLEXiSKiP available per eligible household each financial year.

The service fee has been introduced in response to the significant rise in service uptake as well as the requirement for the City to accommodate rising landfill waste management and State Waste Levy costs, while also helping ensure users makes a small contribution to the payment of the service.

🗑️ You may prefer to take advantage of the City’s Waste and Recycling Centres where the disposal of recyclables and green organics is free of charge.

👉 Click here to learn more about the service.

Historical corner

Founded in the mid-1940s by former servicemen, Mermaid Beach SLSC began life in a simple fibro clubhouse at the end of Ocean Street. As membership grew, the club opened its second clubhouse on Hedges Avenue in 1952.

Pictured here in 1953, the building became a focal point for surf lifesaving and community life before the club's current clubhouse was officially opened in 1973.

📸City of Gold Coast Libraries Local Studies Collection, photographer unidentified.

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3-GCLR3

Keep up to date with works and notifications for GCLR3.

Freecall: 1800 312 600-select option 1

Email: contact@gclr.com.au

Visit: http://www.gclr3.com.au