Former Gold Coast mayor celebrated for community work

A mayor and self described conservationist is one of the dozen Gold Coast locals who will receive an Order of Australia Medal this Australia Day. Here’s his take on how the Gold Coast is faring.

A FORMER Gold Coast mayor and self described conservationist is one of the dozen locals who will receive an Order of Australia Medal this Australia Day.

Denis O’Connell served as mayor between 1982 and 1985 after being a councillor since 1970.

He has been awarded an OAM for his service to the community of the Gold Coast.

A fisherman by trade, Mr O’Connell was the founder of a number of Gold Coast conservation and community movements.

He founded the Gold Coast and Hinterland Historical Society in 1972 and the Southport Flying Club and Arundel Park Riding for the Disabled.

Former Mayor Dennis James O'Connell has received an OAM for Australia Day. Photo by Richard Gosling

He was a member of the Gold Coast and Albert Soccer Federation, served in the Queensland Seafood Industry Association, the Gold Coast Water Futures Advisory Committee, Waterways Authority and catchment association, just to name a few.

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Now 84, Mr O’Connell recalls his first term as a councillor with great fondness, as he juggled his job — fishing at night — with his community role.

“My family has had an association with the Gold Coast going way back so I learnt to love my town as a boy and do what you can,” Mr O’Connell said.

Former Mayor Dennis James O'Connell. Photo by Richard Gosling

“I can tell you when I first got into council in 1970 I was on $1000 a year, so I went out commercial fishing at night with Dad and was in the office during the day.

“It was hard yakka but I enjoyed it.

“Gone are the days when an average bloke can become mayor. Now you need at least half a million to get a look in.”

Mr O’Connell, a father of two, still lives in his Biggera Waters home with his wife of 62 years, Lorraine.

He considers his work on the Coombabah reserve and the purchase of Evandale among his greatest achievements.

“I am a conservationist, not a mad greenie, but I was proud of what we did in 1973,” he said.

“It has always been my main policy to protect the quality of life in the city — that was the simple things like parks, footpaths and access to the water — not look after the fancy big developers.”

The Evandale Council Chambers and Gold Coast Arts Centre

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Mr O’Connell said he was concerned about a shift in policy towards more development.

“Development is a great thing but to me it should be of a very high standard. In my day it was much stricter,” he said.

“I feel that is fairly well relaxed now and I am a bit concerned about that, quite frankly.

“It can spread like a cancer into low residential areas.”

His greatest regret was the sale of council land, with profits used to pay for the cultural centre.

“You should never sell council land. I learnt the lesson the hard way and regretted it ever since,” he said. “Once it is gone you can never get it back.”

He plans to celebrate Australia Day surrounded by neighbours and friends flying the Australian flag.

“I consider myself to be very lucky to be born here in a country of people who know what is important,” he said.

“I am not an interesting bloke I did my best, I am pleased I played a small role in the city.”