Move over Mayor: Why Gold Coast wants ‘Queen Donna’

People have been lining up to urge Cr Donna Gates to run for mayor. There are good reasons why, writes Ann Wason Moore.

In the heart of the city’s cultural crown jewel, a new royal of the region has been proclaimed.

At the gallery opening of HOTA’s world-premiere Writers Revealed exhibition, featuring literary giants like Shakespeare, Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters, I expected at least passing mention of English monarchs.

Instead, it was the night that new nobility was discovered …

Arise Lady Donna, the people’s princess.

That’s right, Division Three councillor and former Deputy mayor Donna Gates is apparently queen of hearts when it comes to Gold Coast residents.

With a crowd gathered for the HOTA opening, the audience was not only lining up to snap photos of the priceless handwritten manuscripts, letters and illustrations on display, but also selfies with their civic hero.

It was almost like a piece of performance art to see this mature, highbrow crowd being complete fanboys and girls for a local pollie.

Multiple attendees asked Cr Gates for a selfie and wanted to shake her hand to thank her for her incredible service not just during Cyclone Alfred but for the duration of her 13-year tenure as deputy mayor.

And every single one begged her to consider a tilt at the mayoralty come 2028.

Cr Donna Gates. Picture: Portia Large.

While Mayor Tom Tate has already confirmed he will run for a record fifth term in office, Cr Gates just laughed off the suggestions.

But the people were serious … because while TC Alfred was less powerful than expected when it hit this city, no one was prepared for the strength of Cyclone Donna.

From her marathon working days, attention to detail and clear yet succinct messaging, there was citywide acclaim for her role as acting mayor in leading the City response to its greatest threat in decades with Mayor Tate caught overseas after heading to Las Vegas for the NRL round extravaganza and a pre-planned private holiday.

In fact, it was the reason there was widespread opposition to Cr Gates being replaced as deputy after both city leaders and the public said she had excelled in co-ordinating the council’s response to the weather emergency in Mayor Tate’s absence.

A Gold Coast Bulletin poll showed 89 per cent of the 424 votes cast by readers were in support of Cr Gates remaining as deputy rather than transitioning the role to Cr Mark Hammel.

Cr Gates fronting the media during Cyclone Alfred.

Not to say anything against the new deputy mayor, planning chair and division one representative, with Cr Hammel himself describing Cr Gates as a “mentor”, she did say that the change was “not my choice” but that she “accepted” the transition vote.

However, as the change of roles was made official, Cr Gates said she was grateful for her time as deputy and “excited” about continuing to represent her division and the city.

“I’m really excited about the future of our city. I really look forward to being actively involved as long as I have community support,” she said. “For me it’s always been about community.”

And given the reaction at HOTA, the community is excited about Donna.

The secret of her success and enduring popularity perhaps comes down to the effort she makes attending what seems like every community event, whether large or small. She doesn’t just represent, she shows up.

Not to draw too long a bow, but it is reminiscent of the original people’s princess Diana, who was known for mixing with the ‘little’ people … although for Cr Gates, there are few she could consider little by comparison.

And while she might be called a pocket rocket, she’s always packed a punch.

“When I first came onto council I was told I was a size six with a size sixteen mouth,” she told the Bulletin back in 2018.

Eighteen years after she first entered council, nothing has changed. And it seems residents appreciate that outspoken authenticity.

We might be years away from the next local election but if the people have their way, a new queen of the Coast just might be crowned.

Originally published as Move over Mayor: Why Gold Coast wants ‘Queen Donna’