2023: You're gonna be a banger

We go into the heart of Surfers Paradise for New Year’s Eve - where revellers plan, in no particular order, to get married, beat cancer and kiss being single goodbye. Read the NYE reflections

A sea of phones lights the shoreline of Surfers Paradise beach as fire pours from the sky.

Exhilaration trickles through the swams of people capturing the moment the fireworks erupt with their minds and their cameras as they collectively usher in the start of the New Year and say goodbye to the last.

So long 2022, we needed you.

The last year saw the return of normalcy somewhat, the bridging year we were all holding on for.

The year between the pre and post pandemic world.

Two embracing it are New Zealand tourists Linda Hart and Joanne Fazakerley back in the country and celebrating their first international trip since the Covid pandemic.

Joanne Fazakerley and Linda Hart of NZ celebrating New Years Eve in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Mike Batterham

“I haven’t used my passport in three years,” Linda said. “It feels good to have dusted it off. We’re here - and it’s beautiful. We love Australia.”

The duo chose the Gold Coast for New Years for the fun, but mainly famed Dracula’s cabaret theatre.

“Everyone in New Zealand knows about Dracula’s,” Linda said.

Excited to see in the New Year at the popular institution, the pair have big plans for 2023.

“Get married... find a man. That’s just my plan,” Linda laughed

Recently divorced Joanne said she was excited to see where 2023 takes her.

“I have my amazing best friend with me and right now we’re living our best lives on the GC,” she said.

“2023 is going to be a fresh start in many ways - Covid’s gone, our exes are gone - it’s gonna be great.

“We had it hard, with lockdown it was all Covid, Covid, Covid. We had four months of lockdown in Auckland - we couldn’t even get Uber Eats - it was horrible,” Linda said making light of a dark period.

“Now we’re ready to see in the New Year in this beautiful country.”

Mr Twister the balloon man in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Mike Batterham

If you’ve been down Cavill Mall before, you’re likely to have come across Mr Twister.

Having served 23 years on the Glitter Strip - Mr Twister aka Pete Claude Gauthier - a balloon twister - has seen it all.

“This is the busiest it’s been for a few years now - it used to be packed, you wouldn’t be able to move,”

“Last year was really weird, Starbucks was closed at this time (7pm) and a lot of the surrounding shops. The last three years was really funny, but this is the best it’s been in sometime.

“No more lockdown, none of that crap.”

Lorretta Blewitt and partner Richard Everding celebrating New Years Eve in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Mike Batterham

As the New Year dawns closer on the famed silver arches of Surfers Paradise, so too does a new chapter for Redland Bay resident Lorretta Blewitt.

Making the most of the celebrations surrounded by family and friends, Lorretta has just started chemo.

Diagnosed with terminal stage four uterine cancer just two weeks ago at the age of 51, Loretta has a purpose and a strong message she wants to convey going into the New Year.

“Uterine cancer is rising higher in Australia and all around the world - it’s hard to detect.

“Any changes you need to have it checked straight away.

“I saw seven doctors and all of them told me to “change my life” and that wasn’t the issue - it was cancer.

“It wasn’t until I requested a referral to my endocrinologist the story came to light.

“51 and terminal... I’m going to fight this and spread the message loud and clear.

“Don’t get f***ed around by doctors. Get a referral and take it to a specialist,”

“I’ll see you next New Year.”

This is 2023, and by God we welcome you.