Future Gold Coast 2025: Joanne Sheehy on how the city has changed in 20 years

Since returning to the Gold Coast from London 22 years ago, Joanne Sheehy says the city has dramatically transformed and is now rich with knowledge and opportunity.

A.B. Paterson College principal Joanne Sheehy. Picture: Annette Dew

Twenty-two years ago, my husband and I returned to the Gold Coast after several years immersed in the dynamic pulse of London.

The contrast was stark.

London had gifted us a lifestyle that extended well beyond our professional lives - a cultural feast of theatre, live music, art galleries, late-night cafés, and spontaneous weekend escapes to Rome, Paris and Barcelona.

It was a city that never slept, rich with history, diversity, and creative energy.

Landing back on the Gold Coast, we encountered a different rhythm.

I still recall sitting in Paradise Point one evening around 6pm, only to find most places already closed.

Having grown accustomed to the endless options of European living, it felt like the city was shutting down before the night had even begun.

Cranes on the Q1 above the skyline of Surfers Paradise in 2004. Picture: Grahame Long

At that time, quality restaurants, galleries, or even a decent cup of coffee often meant a trip to Brisbane or Sydney.

The city, while beautiful, felt limited in its cultural and intellectual offering.

Fast forward two decades, and the transformation is extraordinary.

Today’s Gold Coast is almost unrecognisable from the one I returned to.

It has evolved from a tourist destination into a cosmopolitan hub - alive with innovation, creativity, education, and enterprise.

This didn’t happen by chance.

It’s the result of thoughtful strategy, bold vision, and unwavering commitment by city leaders, particularly the Gold Coast City Council.

I’ve grown alongside this city.

With time, I’ve gained insight into the workings of local and state government, and with that, an appreciation for the upcoming strategic plan being developed by the Council.

It reflects a city maturing with purpose - committed to sustainable growth, cultural depth, and economic diversification.

The plan envisions a Gold Coast that fosters world-class healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and the arts.

These are not just aspirational goals; they are the building blocks of a vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready city.

As Principal of A.B. Paterson College, I see daily how these changes impact our students.

The Gold Coast is now a knowledge city rich with opportunity.

Our students can aspire to careers in biotechnology, digital tech, space innovation, creative arts, advanced manufacturing, or medicine - without leaving their hometown.

Institutions like Griffith University, Bond University, and Southern Cross University, alongside innovation precincts like the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, are redefining what’s possible for young people here.

This transformation matters. It inspires ambition. It keeps talent here.

The Gold Coast has transformed dramatically in the past two decades, says Joanne Sheehy. Picture: Glenn Hampson

And it allows us, as educators, to bridge classroom learning with real-world pathways.

Through partnerships with local industries and researchers, our students experience hands-on learning, mentorship, and entrepreneurial development - right here on the Coast.

The cultural shift is equally profound.

With investments in arts infrastructure like HOTA, international festivals, and a growing creative sector, our city now offers a cultural richness once unimaginable.

It’s no longer a case of looking to capital cities for world-class experiences - they’re now part of our everyday lives.

What excites me most is that we’re only just beginning.

The next strategic phase for the Gold Coast will consolidate these achievements and propel us even further.

With continued investment in liveability, sustainability, and global connectivity, the city is positioning itself as a beacon for talent and innovation.

We’re not just building a better Gold Coast - we’re shaping a global city with heart.

And personally? After a recent trip through London, Paris, and Rome, I realised something unexpected: the things I once missed in London are no longer missing.

The Gold Coast has grown into a place that rivals global cities - not just with its natural beauty, but with its soul, its vision, and its promise.

And yes - now you’ll find some of the best coffee in the country just around the corner.

JOANNE SHEEHY IS THE PRINCIPAL OF A.B. PATERSON COLLEGE, A FUTURE GOLD COAST SPONSOR.

Originally published as Future Gold Coast 2025: Joanne Sheehy on how the city has changed in 20 years