Simone Patterson named Gold Coast OAM recipient in Australia Day honours
Another Gold Coaster has joined the ranks of esteemed locals after being named in the 2022 Australia Day honours list. Here’s what she plans to do next.
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Gold Coast Order of Australia Medal recipient Simone Patterson has used her platform to call for mandatory sentencing for perpetrators of domestic violence.
The founder and CEO of The Sanctuary Women Children and Pets Refuge was named in the 2022 Australia Day honours list for her outstanding service in the protection of domestic violence survivors.
Ms Patterson said it was time the country treated DV as “the horrific crime that it is”.
“The Gold Coast and Australia is in the grip of an epidemic of domestic violence against women,” she said.
“On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner in this country.
“Through the Sanctuary and my social work, I have seen first hand just how catastrophic domestic violence is for victims immediately and then for generations after.”
The Sanctuary was established in 2016 after Ms Patterson purchased the property and transformed it into seven family units and six rooms which are consistently at capacity.
The privately funded charitable venture provides safe housing, counselling and support services for hundreds of women and their families.
It relies heavily on generous donations and community support.
Where to celebrate Australia Day on the Coast
Throw a shrimp on the barbie and bust out your pluggas for a traditional game of thong toss – Australia’s national holiday is just days away.
You can pay tribute all things that make ‘Straya great with our full guide to Gold Coast Australia Day community events and parties.
Note: Citizenship ceremonies are invite-only and therefore, have not been included in the list.
Australia Day Free Family Fun Day
When: Jan 26 11am to 3pm
Where: Schuster Park, 506 Schuster Road, Tallebudgera
Details: Hosted by the Rotary Club of Burleigh Heads and sponsored by the National Australia Day Council, there will be a range of fun activities and food for everyone to enjoy. Free event.
2022 Australia Day Celebrations
When: Jan 26 4pm to 7.30pm
Where: Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport
Details: This alcohol-free, family friendly free event kicks off at 4pm. Spend the day relaxing then head to the Broadwater Parklands from 4pm and fill up from the all-nations food truck feast then grab a spot on the lawn for the spectacular 15-minute fireworks finale at approximately 7.15pm.
Aus Day at The Cavill Hotel
When: Jan 26 from 11am
Where: The Cavill Hotel
Details: The bogans will be out in full force as they line up to impress the crowd and take gold representing our great country in style at the Bogan Olympics at The Cavill Hotel. Mullets and beer bellies encouraged. With $500 cash up for grabs, round up your mates, get your batons ready and prepare for the Bogan Olympics kicking off from 3pm. If you’re no athlete, and more an academic, there’s Bogan Bingo from 7pm for you to flex those muscles instead.
12th Annual Burleigh Swim Run Australia Day Challenge
When: Jan 26 from 6am
Where: Justins Park Burleigh
Details: A fun community fitness event held in front of the Burleigh Lifeguard Headquarters that is open to everybody from kids as young as 5 years to adults 60yrs+. The morning consists of three events (the Challenge, the Taste Tester & the Young Guns) with all events involving an ocean swim (wade for the young guns) and beach running, with distances that can be achieved by all ages and abilities.
Australia Day Beach Clean Up
When: Jan 26 from 9am to noon
Where: Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Details: Let’s continue our commitment to environment and sustainability with our annual Australia Day Clean Up Day. Please meet at Mermaid Beach Surf Club at 9am for a mega beach clean up to celebrate how blessed we are followed by brunch after the clean.
Aus Day Eve at Finn McCool’s
When: Jan 25 from 6pm
Where: Finn McCool’s Surfers Paradise
Details: Ring in the public holiday in true Irish style, cause it ain’t over till’ its clover and there’s no dimming the Irish spirit at Finn McCool’s. They’ve got The Gathering on the entertainment from 6 to 9pm and your favourite Irish craic, traditional Irish fare and all the Guinness you could need.
Bondi Rescue Aus Day Eve Party
When: Jan 25 from 9pm
Where: Retro’s Cocktail Lounge Surfers Paradise
Details: The venue will be crawling with lifeguards for the Bondi Rescue themed party this Australia Day Eve.
Beach Party
When: Jan 25
Where: The Lost Kingdom nightclub
Details: You don’t want to miss this epic beach party to kick off your Australia Day Eve celebrations.
Australia Day 2022, Reflect, Respect, Celebrate
When: Jan 26 from 5pm
Where: Harley Park, Labrador
Details: This family event for all ages includes entertainment, a fireworks show and food trucks.
Australia Day Celebration
When: Jan 26 from 11am to 3pm
Where: 370 Marine Parade, Labrador
Details: The free event will comply with COVID-19 safety rules. You will be required to provide proof of vaccination upon entry.
Australia Day Eve with Rave Radio
When: Jan 25 from 9pm
Where: Cocktails Nightclub
Details: Party with Cocktails and RAVE RADIO while we celebrate all things Aussie.
Australia Day at Hinterland Hotel
When: Jan 26 from noon
Where: Hinterland Hotel
Details: Lawn bar open at 12pm, free barbecue at 2pm and Aussie themed games on the grass.
Aussie Day Party at Nightjar
When: Jan 26 from 6pm
Where: Nightjar Burleigh
Details: Yung Mang Mang on the deck. Come dressed in green and gold or anything Aussie.
ACWF Australia Day Celebration
When: Jan 26 from 9.30am to 11.30am
Where: 196 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Details: All welcome to celebrate Australia Day together at this free event.
Heart of Australia Awards
When: Jan 26
Where: The Glasshouse - The Island Surfers Paradise
Details: Gold Coast Rotary in association with the National Australia Day Council (NADC) are staging an event ‘Heart of Australia’ Awards Ceremony in recognition of individuals and organisations who contribute and make an impact helping others in our community. Tickets are $20, book here.
Aussie Day Bash
When: January 26 from 3pm to 6pm
Where: Anglers Arms Hotel
Details: Best dressed competition, barbecue from 2pm, Aussie tunes all day!
Australia Day at the Cooly Hotel
When: January 26 from noon
Where: The Coolangatta Hotel
Details: Experience an Australia Day celebration like no other! On Wednesday 26 January, you’ll be able to quench that thirst and bust that huge appetite with a number of Aussie inspired bites and drinks specials. Then later on in the afternoon, we’ll be celebrating with live entertainment from No Right Turn from 6pm. Entry is free
Australia Day in Nerang
When: Jan 26 from 10am to 5pm
Where: Nerang RSL & Memorial Club
Details: Come and join in our Thong Throwing and Food Eating Comps with a chance to WIN some great cash and prizes!
- Thong Throwing 12pm
- Prawn Peeling 1.45pm
- Can Opening Comp 2.30pm
- Pie Eating Comp 3.15pm
Nightcap Aussie Day Party
When: January 26 from 6pm
Where: Nightcap Nobbys
Details: Doors open at 6pm with Billy the Kid on decks until late.
Hottest 100 Party
When: Jan 22 from 5pm
Where: Nightcap Nobbys
Details: Join us for the final hours of the Triple J Countdown
Precinct Hottest 100 Countdown
When: Jan 22 from 11am
Where: Precinct Brewing
Details: Come join us for the 2 Hottest 100 Countdowns of the year.
Aus Day at Surfers Pavilion
Triple J’s Hottest 100 Countdown at Surfers Pav from 11am till late – Saturday 22nd January 2022
Pre-Australia Day Celebrations – DJ’s from 11am featuring Tiny, James Todman & Jake W – Tuesday 25th January 2022
Australia Day – DJ’s from 12pm featuring GNGE, Aaska, Shannon Hodges & Tiny – Wednesday 26th January 2022
Aus Day at Cali Beach
When: Jan 26
Where: Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise
Details: The Gold Coast biggest Australia Day party featuring DJ’s Stace Cadet & Little Fritter. Free entry, limited booths, daybeds and VIP cabanas available.
White Rhino
Pre-Australia Day Celebrations – Open from 5pm till 3am. Live music by Mackenzie Band - Tuesday 25th January 2022Australia Day –– Open from 5pm - Wednesday 26th January 2022
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