Gold Coast circumcision specialist Dr Michael Read behind huge new Southport projects

This Gold Coast doctor is the biggest name in circumcision, but now he’s turning his hand to a series of Southport erections.

For decades, this Gold Coast doctor has been the biggest name in circumcision, but now he’s turning his hand to a series of Southport erections.

Meet Dr Michael Read, whose specialty is transformations – whether that’s the human body or the Gold Coast skyline.

Raised in Southport and a student in the first ever graduating class at Keebra Park State School, Dr Read said he was determined to bring his hometown suburb back to its former glory with a series of projects set to launch in the coming months.

From his own five-storey medical building set to be equipped with a rooftop bar and restaurant to take advantage of its 270-degree Broadwater views, to an American barbecue and jazz venue on Hick Street, to Fire Baby on Welch Street, a 500-seat venue with dining and live music due to open within weeks.

Dr Michael Read at ÒFire BabyÓ, the new Sopo venue set to open in just weeks. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Dr Read said he believed first-class hospitality was the missing ingredient that would see Southport live up to its potential.

But as busy as he might be building this Sopo dream, he’s not about to quit his day job.

While roughly 80 per cent of Australian males were circumcised 50 years ago, the rate has steadily decreased with now around 20 per cent of Australian newborns circumcised.

Less demand has meant less doctors focusing on this practice, but Dr Read has made it his domain.

“I’m the only doctor on the Gold Coast doing circumcision as a sole pursuit. There are specialists in a hospital environment, but this is all done in the clinic,” said Dr Read.

“It’s a service that’s just not readily available anymore, so I get patients from up and down the east coast, interstate and even overseas.

“People still want it for reasons related to religion, culture, hygiene and cosmetic appearance.

“It’s not just infants but teens and adults as well. I’ve done a few hundred adult circumcisions in the past 12 months.

“The most common feedback I get from parents is that they were scared to say anything in hospital because they thought they would get negative feedback or be judged.

Dr Michael Read. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“Even those who do chance their arm and speak up say they come away feeling pretty bruised.

“It’s pretty unfair when it’s a very personal decision, but circumcision seems to cause an awful lot of disquiet.”

Dr Read said, despite the controversy, circumcision numbers had gone up in recent years.

In fact, he said adult men often attended appointments complete with photos in their pursuit of the ‘perfect penis’.

“Men are utterly preoccupied and it’s always been a fraught area between perception and reality when it comes to the penis,” he said.

“I’ve spent 40 years looking at penises and they’re just like noses — every one is different and no one is perfect, they run the spectrum of shapes and sizes.

“Men show up with pictures of designer penises and I have to explain there is only so much a circumcision can do. I’m good, but there are limits.

“Actually the biggest supporters of circumcision are those who work in nursing homes. Being responsible for the care of old fellows’ old fellas has made them universal supporters.

“Even earlier this year I performed an adult circumcision on a medical professional who will be needing care in the future. He was anxious about hygiene and this is the easiest way.

“It’s a pretty simple operation, it’s all done just under twilight sedation and local anaesthetic.”

Dr Michael Read is the only doctor on the Gold Coast focusing on circumcision. Picture: Glenn Campbell

After growing up in Southport, Dr Read said he graduated from the University of Queensland in 1983 and worked at the Royal Brisbane and Prince Charles Hospitals before running a hospital and private practice in a rural community.

After 20 years in the country providing the complete spectrum of medical services, he returned to the Gold Coast in 2006, where he has focused on vasectomy and circumcision procedures as well as continuing to see general practice patients.

He said he was surprised to see how much Southport had changed upon his return and was now doing his best to revive its vibe.

“There aren’t too many places like Southport – it has the light rail, the Broadwater Parkland, the Broadwater itself, the central business hub and the history that few other suburbs here have.

“It always has its detractors but I believe in it. I built My Cubby House childcare centre and everyone said it wouldn’t work but we have more than 150 children there and it’s been a real success.

Artist impression released in April of Five Baby and The Foundry, an under-construction dining venue in Southport.

“Southport keeps growing and I think it just needs a bit more in the way of entertainment and dining to really get it firing, that’s what I’m hoping to do next.

“I’m a great advocate for the suburb. The opportunities here are extraordinary and there are so many good things going for it.

“I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is and invest in Southport and I think my projects will go some way in increasing confidence in the suburb.”

Dr Read said he believed Fire Baby, due to open in about six weeks, and his other venues scheduled to open early next year, could well be the catalyst for Southport.

Artist impression released in April of Five Baby and The Foundry, an under-construction dining venue in Southport.

Indeed, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate seems to be of a like mind, describing Dr Read’s Fire Baby venue as being what Southport needed.

“This gives me the heart to go ahead with doing a masterplan for Southport,” the Mayor said earlier this year.

Dr Read said it was time to stop judging and start investing in Southport.

He said he was thankful for the Mayor’s support, as well as Southport councillor Brooke Patterson’s actions in helping with the streetscapes near his venues.

“If I get all of this rolling, my ambition and enthusiasm for what I think can happen is boundless. I see Southport as being like the new New Farm or the Valley or West End, it’s urban and diverse.

“It gets pilloried as this cesspool with crime and druggies, but actually it’s full of professionals and proud homeowners. The average income here is $10k higher than the rest of the Gold Coast.”

Just like the humble penis, it’s all about the difference between perception and reality when it comes to Southport.

And Dr Read is an expert in both.

Originally published as Gold Coast circumcision specialist Dr Michael Read behind huge new Southport projects