MAFS star Mike Gunner reveals online abuse from trolls
Married At First Sight star Mike Gunner expected his view would be polarising. But he never thought he would receive this much abuse online.
Gold Coast
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TROLLS – nameless, shameless, shape shifters who take pleasure in causing hurt to others. It is a problem unique to modern society so we asked Mike Gunner from Married at First Sight for his take on dealing with this contemporary scourge.
“I knew my opinions would be polarising on the show but I was truly shocked by the level of online abuse I received,” he said.
“Before MAFS I was oblivious to the sheer number of people sending angry language. I now know trolling will never go away because for whatever reason these people get satisfaction from spewing forth abuse. From my experience there is only one method that works in dealing with them. Ignoring them.”
DOWN AND POUT
WHO was the grand dame spotted weaving her way through Main Beach after a filled-to-overflowing day where she slurped waaay too many glasses of shriek juice?
Then the evening took a turn for the worst when she lost her balance and plopped down on the footpath. Thankfully, no injury except to her pride because try as she might, she couldn’t hoist herself back to her feet. Like Bambi on ice, she was slipping and sliding trying to right the ship until a passing young man came to her rescue.
Drink responsibly kiddies.
LOCKDOWN LUCK IN SHERATON GIG
FROM Griffith University student to master (of the house), such has been the journey for Keith Massey as the new general manager at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort in Main Beach.
“I graduated from uni with a degree in business majoring in club and resorts management in 1997 and while I was studying I worked pulling beers at GCI (now QT Resort) during the Indy and also at Royal Pines Resort (now an RACV property),” said Keith.
“Of all the hotels on the Gold Coast the one I always admired the most was the Sheraton — iconic property and a stunning location. My first major job was at Grand Hyatt Singapore and over the years I have worked across the globe – France, Japan, India, China, Thailand, Singapore and Melbourne.”
Married with three sons, the youthful looking Keith admits it was chance that led him to his dream gig. “We were here during the lockdown and the job was advertised. I knew it would be highly sought after but I decided to throw my hat into the ring. There couldn’t be a tougher time to start a new position in hospitality but the team is all working together to get us through this. I see an incredibly bright future for this property and the Gold Coast in general.”
BEST BARRE NONE
A WONDERFUL reward for a lifetime of dedication to dance has just been received by our own Joy Ransley.
The Royal Academy of Dance in London has just announced that Joy has been appointed as a fellow to the prestigious group in recognition of her 54 years of examining and teaching around the world.
From the early days of the Gold Coast City Ballet, Joy and others have worked tirelessly to promote and foster young local talent – many of them going on to have illustrious careers in some of the best ballet companies in the world after training at the Ransley Ballet and Dance Centre.
Having danced with the Royal Ballet and Dutch National Ballet, Joy has certainly lived a life before the barre.
ART DONATION A STUNNING WIN
MANY will remember the late Win Schubert AO for her extraordinary philanthropy. During her lifetime she donated to many causes anonymously helping people and animal welfare whenever she could.
Her real passion was art and her gifts to the Gold Coast City Art Gallery will go on in perpetuity. After her death in 2017 her stated desire was that the bulk of her estate would go to the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art to benefit all Queenslanders and this week that wish was finalised.
A staggering sum of $35 million, one of the largest in Australian history, will form a trust that will be used to enhance the collections and provide an artistic experience for Queenslanders for generations to come.
One amazing lady who we were proud to call a friend.
A TALL TALE
GOOD to see Eddie Everywhere aka Eddie Maguire living up to his name by getting out and about in Surfers Paradise.
He was especially hard to miss when he dined at Costa D’Oro because he was with US-born Collingwood AFL key forward Mason Cox.
Mine hosts Michael and Nuccia Fusco said they had great fun with Eddie but our favourite moment was when Mason, who stands 211cm, posed happily with Nuccia who is not 211cm.
FLASHBACK: WHEN RACE ACE NIGEL WENT TO GC INDY BALL
THE year is 1993 and Nigel Mansell CBE is with his wife Roseanne at the GC Indy Ball. (I think they got their wires crossed — she went to kiss him and he was looking distractedly at something else.)
This was his first race in Indy cars due to a disagreement with the Williams team after he had won the F1 championship in 1992. His defection to CART Racing for the Neman/Haas team was a massive coup and his appearance here caused a huge stir. He went on to set history by becoming the first “rookie” to take pole position and win his first race.
Mansell was noticeable among the other drivers because he was close to six feet (183cm) tall, a veritable giant among the driving fraternity. You will be pleased to know that after 45 years he is still happily married to Roseanne.
Originally published as MAFS star Mike Gunner reveals online abuse from trolls