‘Boundless creative spirit’: Tributes flow for Dreamworld founder John Longhurst

An Australian business pioneer and founder of Dreamworld has died from natural causes at his Gold Coast home. READ THE TRIBUTES

An Australian business pioneer and tourism legend has died from natural causes at his Gold Coast home.

Dreamworld theme park visionary and founder John Longhurst, 89, was the man behind many successful enterprises including the Pace Motor Mower and Pride Boats companies.

The Longhursts moved to the Glitter Strip in 1974 where John’s family and team built the Dreamworld theme park - which they operated until 1989.

Founder, John Longhurst at Dreamworld, Coomera in 1981. Picture: Bob Barnes

A statement from Gold Coast’s Riveria luxury boat manufacturer - run by one of his sons Rodney Longhurst - described Mr Longhurst as a “man who had big dreams and the unique ability to realise them.”

“For more than five decades, John Longhurst made a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people who worked for and alongside him and he always took joy from seeing the happiness that his ventures helped to create,” the family said.

“The gifted skills of John Clifford Longhurst, to make things just that little bit different and better, will long be remembered and admired.”

His other son and businessman Tony Longhurst remembered him first and foremost as a “great dad”.

“He was a great man and achieved so many things for the Gold Coast,” he said.

“His drive created tens of thousands’ of jobs.”

Tony, who owns the thriving The Boat Works marina, shipyard and superyacht precinct recently reflected on helping construct Dreamworld in his younger days.

“There was a real sense of achievement in it and now, looking back, it really hits home, seeing how it evolved,” Tony said last month, marking its 40th anniversary.

“The opening day was so exciting after all the years of work. People thought we were going to go bankrupt, people didn’t think it was going to happen, but it did happen.”

Mayor Tom Tate described the Dreamworld founder as an “incredible pioneer and visionary” at a time when the city was starting to flourish.

“He shared that stage with others including the late Keith Williams and Soheil Abadien,” Cr Tate said.

“John epitomised that have-a-go-spirit and extended his business interests to support countless charities including wildlife conservation.

“We owe John and his family a great debt and it is so pleasing to see the entrepreneurial spirit alive through his sons, Rodney and Tony and their various business interests.

“As we start to navigate our way out of one of the toughest economic and social challenges in our city’s history, I know John would be proud to see his beloved Gold Coast fighting for its lion’s share of the domestic and international travel market.

“On behalf of all councillors, I extend our condolences.”

John Longhurst was a Sydney businessman before he started Dreamworld

Tourism industry veteran Paul Donovan described the tourism visionary as an “absolute legend”.

“He was at the forefront of the Gold Coast in terms of development and his awareness of what could be achieved,” Mr Donovan said.

“He was a great man. We need to reminisce on how good John was and appreciate that tremendous work and vision that he did put into the city.”

Destination Gold Coast chair Adrienne Readings said John was an “innovator and trailblazer”.

“We thank John for his tremendous contributions to our tourism industry here on the Gold Coast and our sincere condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues,” she said.

“The Gold Coast is what it is today because of people like John who had a vision to see through with a have-a-go spirit.”

John is survived by Annette and their six children, 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

A private ceremony celebrating John’s life will be held.

The Longhurst family have requested privacy at this time.

Dreamworld partners Ken Lord and John Longhurst.

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