Its all about the journey

Happy Friday friends. Its hard to believe we have already entered the second half of the year, and with so much on offer across the beautiful Gold Coast, there is no excuse for hiding under the covers this winter!

This weekend marks one of our City’s biggest tourism draw cards of the year with the 45th ASICS Gold Coast Marathon winding its way through our local area, across two action-packed race days.

This year I will be among the record 39,000 participants, and because I’m a sucker for punishment, I’ll be taking on the full distance. It’s been a pleasure getting to train alongside many of our local runners and social run clubs. These community groups are boasting record membership and when you spend some time listening to their many and diverse stories on how they turned to running, you are sure to come away inspired.   

The opportunity and excuse to traverse more of our beautiful division on foot rather than by car certainly provides a different perspective on how and where the City can improve its services to you. As they say, the gold is in the journey, not the destination.

For all the locals out there challenging themselves this weekend, have a great race. And to those lining the streets to cheer them on, or to volunteer, thank you! You truly are what makes this event, and our City, so bloody great.

See you out there…

Active and Healthy winter school holiday program

Is school holiday boredom sending your household stir-crazy?  Then don't forget the City's Active and Healthy school holiday program offering a large variety of free and low-cost school holiday activities in your area.

Take advantage of self-defence classes, drama workshops, lawn-bowls and more to get the kids moving and having fun whilst being active.

Visit the City's online Active and Healthy calendar to find out more.

2025-2026 Community Project Program

The 2025-2026 Community Projects Program is now open from 1 July 2025 until 1 June 2026.

Eligible organisations are invited to apply for projects across the four categories below:

• Community services and development
• Community activations
• Equipment and resources
• Capital works

Visit the community grants website to find out more.  I'd love to discuss your organisation's project with you so please don't hesitate to reach out if you think this funding could assist you.

Lions Clubs giving back to the community

Have you thought about how you can give back to your local community? Becoming a member of one of the local Lions Clubs might be your answer.

There are over 49,000 Lions Clubs worldwide with a combined membership of 1.4 million located in over 200 countries, making the Lions the world’s largest service club organisation.

These clubs engage in a variety of community projects ranging from health initiatives, environmental efforts, supporting local youth programs and much more.  For example, Runaway Bay Lions Club recently co-oprdinated the donation of over 460 bedding items to help keep the homeless and at-risk kids warm this winter.

Joining a Lions Club is a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in the community.  To make enquiries about the local club for Division 4, contact Runaway Bay Lions via email run-awaybay@lions201q1.org.au.

Our Waterways Future

If you appreciate the waterways that make Division 4 so naturally beautiful and unique, then don't miss your chance to contribute to a long-term vision that is being created to shape the future of this beautiful Gold Coast asset.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority is seeking your feedback from creeks to canals, and lakes to beaches - help them to protect, improve and plan for what matters most to you.

Visit https://gcwa.qld.gov.au/owf/ by 22 July 2025.

Kidchella returns to the City!

Kidchella, the iconic festival of fun for kids is returning to Surfers Paradise, details below:

Date: 19 and 20 July 2025

Time: 10am to 4pm, both days

Location: Surfers Paradise Sign, 2 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

There's a huge line-up of freebies sure to thrill your little festival goer, including a dance party, ferris wheel, glam bar, art studio, skate workshops, a silent disco and more!!

Ride the G:link to Cavill Avenue or make your journey active and walk, ride, scoot or skate to the event.

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