Vorster blows his own trumpet
ONE-MAN band Hermann Vorster is facing the music to bring live gigs and small festivals to the “forgotten” suburbs.
The Robina councillor says he is tired of coastal venues such as Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach stealing the city’s vibe, so he’s about to spread the gospel and put some soul into his own area.
“In the suburbs we are forgotten,” Cr Vorster said.
“People have to hop in their car and travel to the coast if they want that coastal vibe.”
A majority of the larger music events such as Blues on Broadbeach, the Broadbeach Country Music Festival and Surfers Paradise Live are held on the coastal strip.
Cr Vorster said the frustration was worse for those taking their young children.
The feeling of “missing out” has become so pronounced he is starting a regular live music and food in the park at Varsity Lakes Foreshore Parklands.
A second location in Robina will be determined.
Cr Vorster raised the idea of regular in-park events last week and received an overwhelmingly positive response. The first event, which will include live music, stalls and food trucks, will be held on a Sunday afternoon in September.
Gold Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association president and Robina resident Tom Blier said any new event would be great for Robina.
“It’s up to the current councillor to bring as much to it as possible,” he said.
Mr Blier said many Robina residents travelled to the coast for events closer to the beach.
However, Broadbeach councillor Paul Taylor dismissed Cr Vorster’s claim that suburbs were missing out.
“We are a holiday destination and we need live music for tourists,” he said.
Cr Taylor said he worked with Carrara councillor Bob La Castra to hold events in the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens.
Hinterland councillor Glenn Tozer holds live music events at Mudgeeraba on Friday evenings in the summer to bring more people to the suburb.