Borderline Tattoos owner Tim Ebbels announces the parlour will close on August 1
One of the Gold Coast’s oldest tattoo parlours have announced they will be closing after 35 years in Burleigh Heads. Read why
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of the Gold Coast’s oldest tattoo parlours have announced they will be closing after 35 years in Burleigh Heads.
Borderline Tattoos owner Tim Ebbels, 52, reached out to this masthead to share the news of the bittersweet closure, which would see their doors shut for the last time on August 1.
Mr Ebbels said it was a privilege to have taken over the studio from his mentor Paul Brannif, who opened Borderline Tattoos in Kirra in 1985.
In 1990, the studio relocated to his home in Burleigh Heads before Mr Ebbels bought the Gold Coast Highway location in 2002.
“It’s been incredibly hard work but everything I’ve dreamt it to be,” he said.
Mr Ebbels said after more than 30 years of “solid tattooing” he has decided to let the dream go.
“It’s been on the cards for the last two years and I tried to keep it a tattoo studio but the rent was too expensive for any artist to take over,” he said.
“It’s time to step into the next stage of my life, see some more of the world and spend some more time with my dad who is my best mate.”
Mr Ebbels said he fell in love with Burleigh Heads the minute they moved into town in 1990.
“Being only 200m from arguably the best beach in the world has been an amazing lifestyle choice,” he said.
While Mr Ebbels said he had seen a drastic change in the suburb over the past three decades, he will continue to live in Burleigh.
“I miss the old village vibe of Burleigh Heads,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we can’t stop progress.”
Mr Ebbels said the business had experienced a significant downturn in trade due to the Light Rail Stage 3 construction, which was right on their doorstep.
“I am not a fan of the light rail works at all as it’s been disruptive to so many businesses, including mine over a long period of time, though I know once it’s completed it will have its benefits,” he said.
“Since the commencement of light rail works on the highway we have experienced a significant downturn in trade, street visibility, lack of parking and businesses closing all around Burleigh.”
Despite several reports of increased crime at the beachside suburb Mr Ebbels said it had not impacted him.
“I haven’t noticed any increase in crime and it certainly hasn’t influenced my business being a daytime trading shop, but violence at night in Burleigh has occasionally gotten out of hand,” he said.
“People need to be more respectful of one another when out having a good time and be grateful for the beautiful place we all live.”
Mr Ebbels said he thanked “every customer” who had visited them over the years.
“Tattoos are a luxury item, especially in today’s economic climate, and people work hard and save to be able to get tattooed,” he said.
“If it wasn’t for our amazing customers, we wouldn’t have been able to operate for 30 years.
“We’ve hosted so many international guest artists over the years and count many celebrities from Olympians, models, formula one racers, famous musicians and TV personalities among our clientele.
“It’s been an amazing ride looking after and meeting people from all walks of life.
“A piece of history may be finishing, but the legacy lives on in the tens of thousands of people who will forever wear tattoos made here at Borderline.”
It comes as popular Vietnamese restaurant, Jimmy Wah’s, which resides on the same stretch as Borderline Tattoos, will be closing on Mondays for the foreseeable future.
The announcement said the “difficult decision” was due to ongoing roadworks which have been plaguing Burleigh Heads.
“It’s not a choice we made lightly, but it will help us stay strong and focused on creating the magic you love, every other day of the week,” a statement from Jimmy Wah’s said.
They said they will now be trading Tuesday through to Sunday.
“Now more than ever, your visits mean the world to us,” they said.
“Dining with us is an act of community support that helps us keep going through these challenging times.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Borderline Tattoos owner Tim Ebbels announces the parlour will close on August 1
Alleged knife drama in Surfers: Car damaged, cash taken in holdup
A man will face court on the Gold Coast in connection to an alleged knife-wielding holdup in which a victim was forced to hand over cash and had his car tyres slashed. Read what happened
Man dragged from car, bashed in broad daylight
A shocking daylight attack on the Gold Coast has left a 68-year-old man in hospital after he was dragged from his car and beaten. Read the latest