Val Smith’s gesture changes life of Nicholine from the island of Pentecost

A Gold Coaster’s heartwarming gesture has transformed the life of a little girl from Vanuatu. INSIDE WORD >>>

The term life changing is applied to many things – coffee, clothes and Champagne or is that just Moi? This, however, is a real instance of one person making a huge difference.

In November 2018 Val Smith, then a resident of Vanuatu, was made aware of Nicholine, a little girl from the island of Pentecost.

Nicholine in Vanuatu.

She, like many others from the island, was born with a cleft palate.

There is little in the way of help to aid these children and many do not survive for very long as they are unable to feed properly.

Val heard about a New Zealand group called Friends of Kokorisa, who arrange for the children in Vila who need help to be seen by overseas specialists who give their time voluntarily, or fly them to New Zealand.

Nicholine in Vanuatu and Cleft Palate.

“I couldn’t leave this little girl as she was so I flew the parents and Nicholine to get treatment in Vila and paid for whatever else was needed while they were there,” said Val.

“There will be ongoing surgery, but what was done then was truly lifesaving. This week I received a photo which brought me to tears and showed the dramatic change in Nicholine since then. Just seeing how Nicholine has responded has prompted me to help any others that I can.” As we said, lifesaving and changing.

REMEMBER WHEN: THE IGGLE AND GOSSIP CLUB

Leila Floyd and Ken Ball - Remember When. Picture: Regina King.

One of the great characters of Surfers Paradise in the 1970s and 1980s as it emerged from a sleepy seaside village into a tourist hot spot was Leila Floyd (pictured with journalist Ken Ball).

She ran a jewellery store which stocked an eclectic range of items but her real presence was felt as one of the grand dames of the social scene.

Her main theatre of operation was the Giggle and Gossip Club, of which she was the president, which met often in the Parisienne Room at the Chateau and used the regular lunches to raise money for many worthwhile charities.

With her hair swept up and an array of pearls and gold necklaces around her neck, she was one of the many formidable women who made Surfers Paradise the thriving hub of the city.

STEVE A FASHION SUCCESS STORY

Steve Lines and Robyn Cameron at Pink Ribbon Race Day at Aquis GCTC, Bundall. Picture: Regina King

There was a fresh take on a three cornered political contest at the Pink Ribbon Race Day last Saturday at GCTC.

One of the auction items up for grabs was a Tastes of the Gold Coast local restaurant auction item valued at $1,100. (It was a selection of dining vouchers donated by many of our top restaurants.)

Very quickly it became a bidding war between representatives of the three tiers of government. Angie Bell, Federal Member for Moncrieff, Rob Molhoek, State Member for Southport and GCCC Councillor Pauline Young were all waving their arms like inflatable air dancers as they sought to outbid the other.

In the end it was a victory for the electorate in the generous form of Chris Morris, a non-politician, who paid a whopping $3,000.

Also don’t be surprised if there is a novel fundraiser at next year’s event.

GCTC CEO Steve Lines, pictured with Robyn Cameron, was a highly sort after selfie partner on the day.

His themed outfit of pink suit with zebra print lapels, diamante tie and shoes that defy description, was, like chairman Brett Cook’s ensemble, a huge hit.

An Insta star was born. So popular was he that a donation to NBCF at next year’s race day is now being discussed. A crime against fashion for a cause.

CALI BEACH CLUB, WHY? GOOD QUESTION

Jessica Pickering and Matthew Keegan at the opening of Cali Beach Club, Surfers Paradise. Picture: Regina King

The question simply had to be asked of Artesian Hospitality Managing Partner Matthew Keegan at the opening of Cali Beach Club on Thursday night.

“Why?”

“Good question,” he laughed.

“The opportunity and the space was there and we had a dream to create something that you see in places like Miami, Florida or top European beach resorts.

“It is been over a year in the planning and creating and has cost around $10 million with 150 staff employed so it is a big investment.

“It is 5,000 square meters with four pools and an array of things to do in what we think is an unbeatable location.

“Surfers Paradise is the brand, a destination that is known throughout Australia and while it has its issues, I firmly believe that it has a bright future.

“There are talks being held with all of the stakeholders about revitalising the area and Cali Beach Club is a big part of that future.

“The private sector will solve any problem if government can assist and more importantly help get rid of the mountains of red tape that are stifling investment in tourism.”

Someone who is putting his money on the line to create a fantastic destination such as this needs to be listened to by those in power.

PENNY SAVED IS A PENNY MADE

Yet more evidence of the wacky ways of the super-rich.

One among us, with enough money to wallpaper his mega-mansion in $100 bills, has a unique way of saving a few cents.

Every night between 7pm and 8pm he ensures that every light and appliance in the house is turned off. The reason?

Somewhere he has read that power costs are at a premium in that magical hour so insists that everyone spends that time in darkness and with no TV, music or radio.

Ebenezer is alive and well.

Originally published as Val Smith’s gesture changes life of Nicholine from the island of Pentecost