Ex-Gatto Corp debt collector Anthony Swords buys in Couran Cove

A former successful debt collector for a company using the surname of alleged Melbourne underworld identity Mick Gatto has moved into an embattled resort saying he’ll advocate for residents “if they need it”.

A successful debt collector who once worked for a company bearing the name of alleged Melbourne underworld identity Mick Gatto has bought into a troubled Gold Coast island.

Former Gatto Corporate Solutions managing director Anthony Swords has snapped up an eco cabin in South Stradbroke’s Couran Cove Island Resort, the Bulletin can confirm.

The Bulletin visited the island last week, approaching Mr Swords – who settled his family into an eco cabin in December.

He said many residents aware of his work experience had come forward with alleged “horror stories” about their treatment from the island’s Community Body Corporate (CBC).

They included allegations an elderly couple had their electricity cut off and another elderly couple who had their golf buggy revoked.

Anthony Swords has bought an eco cabin at Couran Cove despite all the financial and legal problems plaguing the island. Picture Mike Batterham

During the past several months, the Bulletin has revealed shocking conditions Couran Cove residents have faced, including being without hot water and gas for cooking for two months.

Recognised as “Australia’s most successful debt collector”, Mr Swords previously ran a company specialising in collecting money, mediations and pre litigation.

“It seems like they’re trying to run people off the island - but they won’t be running me off the island,” Mr Swords said.

He said he would help any residents who asked him.

“Did I plan to come here and advocate? Absolutely not. But will I? If they need it,” he said.

“I don’t like the elderly and disabled being stood over by corporate giants.

“But this was supposed to be my hideaway peaceful place - I’d rather avoid the drama if I can.”

Mr Swords said he had seen dogs running around the island and wallabies with their ears chewed off.

This is despite dogs being prohibited on South Stradbroke, which is protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Units on South Stradbroke Island. Picture Mike Batterham

A CBC spokesman rejected claims by Mr Swords that an elderly couple had their electricity cut off and another had golf buggy access revoked. The whole island had lost power recently for two hours when a generator was replaced, the spokesman added.

Dogs were allowed on private property such as Couran Cove and there was no evidence that dogs were on other parts of the island, the CBC spokesman said.

“We’re looking for people on the island who go there because they do realise it is a special place with plenty of potential. He may not be a perfect fit for Couran Cove.”

Anthony Swords at Couran Cove. Picture Mike Batterham

Mr Swords said he was initially cautious of buying on the island due to its complex body corporate structure and legal dramas, but decided to move ahead with the purchase anyway.

“I even contacted one agent and he told me not to buy here,” he said. “It obviously rang alarm bells.”

Mr Swords said he had been enchanted by the island’s natural beauty for the past 20 years after he first visited for a smoking ceremony.

“I have got Aboriginal heritage. When I first started coming to this island, there was a great Aboriginal heritage education program - it’s all gone.

“They have just turned their back on it.”

The CBC spokesman said Mr Swords was welcome to fund the program himself.

An indigenous trail on South Stradbroke Island. Picture Mike Batterham

Mr Swords said he wanted to see the island back to its former glory as an eco resort with incredible facilities that paid respect to past inhabitants.

“I came here because it is a beautiful place and it is culturally significant for us as a family”, he said.

“We’re on the traditional land of the Quandamooka people.

“I have loved this place for 20 years. I just hope they can lift their game.”

He planned to split his time between Melbourne and his new Couran Cove home.

Boats at the marina on South Stradbroke Island. Picture Mike Batterham

Mr Swords later emailed the Bulletin to say it appeared the Bulletin’s questions to the body corporate had encouraged it to reach out to him in the hope of “mediation”.

“Would you please hold off on the story you interviewed me about the other day. Whatever you wrote to the owners has encouraged them to ask for a mediation with myself,” Mr Swords’ email read. “I believe this is in the best interest of the resort and its elderly residents if we can come to an amicable solution. As I told your reporter I was not intending to do any advocating work here. Also it would be appreciated if Mick’s name was left out of this as it has nothing to do with him.”

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