Soheil Abedian: Sunland boss to received Gold Coast keys to the city

He’s one of the Gold Coast’s leading developers and a prolific philantropist. But a humble Soheil Abedian admits doesn’t feel worthy of receiving the city’s top honour.

SOHEIL Abedian says he does not feel worthy of receiving the Gold Coast’s highest honour.

The leading developer and founder of Sunland Group was left stunned after the Gold Coast City Council yesterday voted to award him the Keys to the City in recognition of his charitable works.

The man who built Q1 and Palazzo Versace said he was “quite emotional” when he was notified.

Soheil Abedian. Photo by Richard Gosling

“I don’t feel worthy of it, there are so many people who have helped make this city flourish to be what we love so much,” he said.

“This has made me really grateful that I have chosen this city which I love so much.

“The Gold Coast has been so good to me and my family and I have always tried to give something back because it deserves the best.

“To be part of such a group of people is heartwarming and amazing for me and I thank everyone who has given me support.”

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Soheil and Anne Abedian. Picture: Regina King

The proposal was put before council yesterday afternoon by Mayor Tom Tate.

The motion was backed by a majority of councillors, with several speaking in its favour, praising Mr Abedian for his work in development as well as his charitable works.

The keys will be given to Mr Abedian in a ceremony later this year.

Cr Tate said Mr Abedian had a significant legacy on the Coast marked by “his unquestionable charitable and positive social change efforts”.

Soheil Abedian says he is honoured. Photo by Richard Gosling

“To date he has embraced and empowered philanthropy, providing significant funds to contribute to the infrastructure, technology and scholarship support at Griffith and Bond Universities,” he said.

“His contributions have also enabled over 200 students to gain access to higher education, transforming their lives by making tertiary study possible for those with talent but that are a little less fortunate. His support outside of the education sphere is also impressive.”

Cr Tate paid tribute to Mr Abedian’s charitable works.

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“His personal mentoring of dozens of students at our local universities as well as his guest lecturing appearances shows his contributions to bettering our society is more than mere monetary contributions but the generosity of his time and personal effort as well,” the Mayor said.

“I feel he exemplifies what we want all Gold Coasters to be, enriching our society as he does.”