Gold Coast socialites: Yvette Hardy, Billy and Jackie Cross, Jessika Power plus more
A new wave of women and men are making their mark on the Gold Coast’s enviable social scene and have thrown out the rulebook. Meet 20 of our next-gen socialites.
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A massive transformation is occurring among those on the VIP list for the Glitter Strip’s hottest parties, longest lunches and classiest charity events.
A new wave of socialites are making their mark on the Gold Coast’s enviable social scene and have thrown out the rulebook, according to the Bulletin’s gossip columnist Regina Flowers.
SEE BELOW FOR OUR MOST PROMINENT, AND BLOSSOMING SOCIALITES >>
While the term “socialites” once described rich women who attended social events to pass the time, the label has evolved alongside changing social norms, Ms King said.
The queen of the Coast’s social scene said the next generation of socialites attended events for a purpose.
“Most women work now and they have children, or if not children, they’re running their own business,” Ms King said.
“If they go to a breakfast, it is for networking. If they go to a function, it is for a charitable reason.
“They all network with each other and multi-task more.
“Most of them don’t have time to be lounging about because they have to pick the kids up from school or go to work.”
The gossip queen argued the term “socialisers” was a better way to describe this next-generation of socialites to reflect how times and attitudes have changed.
“I would call them socialisers – they are people who like to see and be seen and use it for the benefit of themselves, whether that’s a charity or networking for business,” Ms King said.
Yvette Hardy
The founder of Ancient Candle Co is the wife of figurative bronze artist and founding director of Sculpt Studios, Liam Hardy whose work as featured in blockbuster movies including The Hobbit. He also designed the Batmobile at MovieWorld.
Socialite Yvette Hardy also runs a successful fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog on Instagram @fashionevolve.
This fashionista is often snapped by social photographers at the city’s glitziest events including the Magic Millions racing and yearling sales festival, HOTA gallery openings and soirees at Pacific Fair.
Fiona Edwards Bassingthwaighte
This fashion blogger and mum-of-three is considered a darling of the Gold Coast social scene, regularly featuring on best dressed lists and spotted at restaurant openings and fashion events.
With cattle-farming husband Andrew, she purchased a crisp white mansion in Carrara last year for $6.2m.
Billy and Jackie Cross
Being at the centre of Gold Coast’s buzzing nightlife scene is just part of the job for power couple and entertainment entrepreneurs Billy and Jackie Cross.
Billy, 57, was a founding member in the 1980s of male stage show Manpower, later ran Surfers Paradise nightclubs.
Manpower is also known as the Thunder Down Under and has become an international juggernaut which became a hit in Las Vegas, with a sold-out residency there at the Excalibur hotel. They also have a separate touring troupe.
As the director of Cross Promotions International, Jackie has been dominating the event realm for 20 years, from owning nightclubs and festivals to aligning with high-end corporate brands. Since its opening, super-connected Jackie and Billy have helped turn Nineteen at the Star into one of the Gold Coast’s must-see venues.
Jessika Power
This Gold Coast-based reality TV star is often photographed at the biggest events and parties on the Glitter Strip.
As a former contestant on Married at First Sight, she capitalised on her reality TV fame with appearances on Celebrity Big Brother and Celebs Go Dating.
Outspoken and refreshingly honest, she is often seen out and about at popular venues in Surfers Paradise including Sin City and White Rhino as well as Burleigh’s hotspots including Pink Monkey. She has more recently taking her chutzpah to the UK where her reality TV momentum continues.
Courtney Hancock
Gold Coast’s very own sporting royalty Courtney Hancock is regularly spotted out and about at social events.
Last year, Ms Hancock cemented herself as the first woman to win four Coolangatta Gold titles and also announced her long-awaited engagement to Australian cricketer Nick Buchanan.
The striking couple have a combined 25,000-plus Instagram followers.
Dale Olsson
This socialite is a race day “fashions on the field” personality known for her bright, bold and daring outfits.
She is a fixture at race day events and on the social scene, including last month’s 50 Years of Gold Coast Fashion event and ladies lunches.
In 2016, she received a mention in a speculative piece reporting that producers of the Real Housewives reality TV franchise were scouting for talent in the sunshine state.
Gina Kim
This Korean-born, Australian-raised fashion designer is the founder of the award-winning women’s fashion label bearing her name.
Her designs are worn by many celebrities including Kylie and Danni Minogue and Natalie Bassingthwaighte - and also known to be a favourite of many on the Gold Coast including mayoress Ruth Tate.
She is frequently spotted at HOTA events including gallery openings and the ballet. Her partner is entrepreneur Matthew Youn.
Sonia Stradiotto
This successful businesswoman is the creative director, CEO and founder of Sonia Stradiotto Couture and has been a regular at Gold Coast fashion events for more than 30 years.
Her fashion shows, events and soirees are attended by the who’s who of Gold Coast and her designs are a favourite among celebrities.
Tammy Hembrow and Matt Poole
Instagram influencer Tammy Hembrow is currently pregnant to fiance and ironman Matt Poole.
In December, she stepped out at the Oh Polly Party at The Star along with her sisters, plus Rosanna Arkle, fitness ambassador Sophie Guidolin and many others.
She was once known for attending the hottest celebrity parties and in 2018 made headlines after collapsing from exhaustion at Kylie Jenner’s 21st birthday bash.
She has amassed a whopping 13 million Instagram followers built off a theme of bouncing back to fitness after pregnancy. She has used her profile to start multiple successful businesses.
Karen Phillips
This community-minded woman has built a career spanning more than 26 years across various sectors including tourism, women in business and not for profit.
Karen Phillips wears many hats, including speaker, journalist, author, activist and business owner.
That’s why it’s no surprise to see Ms Phillips at a range of community events, from business breakfasts to charity lunches.
She was named Gold Coast Citizen of the Year in 2018 in recognition of her dedication to the city, many achievements and service to the community.
Shelby Bilby
Former Love Island Australia contestant Shelby Bilby has been spotted at many Gold Coast social events, including the opening of Cali Beach Club and the reopening of Surfers Paradise’s Beergarden.
As an events management student, Shelby Bilby appeared on the first season of the hit reality TV dating show with the tagline: “People think that I’m a dumb bogan but I’m actually quite smart.”
She also recently did her bit for flood-ravaged northern NSW, pitching in with the volunteer effort and using her social media profile to highlight how to help.
Ellie Gonsalves
This Gold Coast socialite is also an Aussie model, actress and passionate wildlife conservationist.
As the ambassador for Pink Flamingo, Ms Gonsalves is regularly spotted at the Broadbeach cabaret club and has also made an appearance at Cali Beach Club in Surfers Paradise during its opening soirees.
Amanda Abate
Having risen through the ranks of television journalism since starting out in 2009, Amanda Abate landed her dream gig as a Seven Gold Coast News presenter in 2016.
Not only is she a fixture on local television, but as an ambassador for Magic Millions, she is regularly spotted at events for the racehorse auction house as well as the Melbourne Cup.
Clare and Dan Anstey
As a stylist who has put together looks for Erin McNaught, Liz Cantor and Amanda Abate, Clare Anstey is a regular on the Gold Coast social scene.
Her partner is popular radio host and media identity Dan Anstey.
Alli Simpson
This Gold Coast influencer, actor, singer and sister of Cody Simpson first took on the bright lights of Hollywood as a teen.
Since then she has appeared on I’m a Celebrity Australia and has lately been spotted at the Glitter Strip’s hottest events, including the Sake Sister Cali Beach Club launch party and Melbourne Cup celebrations.
Matt Stafford and Brooke Evers
This power couple are used to big nights, entertaining huge crowds and buzzing atmosphere.
Model turned international DJ Brooke Evers married long-term beau Matt Stafford, one half of DJ duo The Stafford Brothers in 2017.
They were among the resident artists at Cali Beach in 2021-22 and were spotted at the club’s launch party last year.
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