He’s all class

Pioneering, visionary, bold and a bit of sass all the qualities we love about the GC

It was like the essence of the Gold Coast - or how you would want it to be - all together on a beautiful lawn overlooking the river that winds its way through the canal estates.

An interesting mix of Gold Coast identities came together on Tuesday to mark the launch of an incredible slice of history, chronicling the life and times and achievements of former Gold Coast Mayor Sir Bruce Small, credited with being instrumental in the formation of the modern city it has become: one with enviable canal estate living, world-class beaches, a place full of chutzpah and zeal but hanging onto its family appeal.

On the lawn under a marquee at his coveted Isle of Capri waterfront home, complete with bean-shaped swimming pool, were politicians past and present, members of his family who’ve gone onto achieve great things themselves, new-age models wearing historic swimwear from Sir Bruce’s heyday, half a dozen Meter Maids of yesteryear - the all-class originals who he took on tour to put the Gold Coast’s tourism credentials up in lights and the author of the book about his life and times Rachel Syers.

Former Premier Rob Borbidge called it a missing chapter of history committed to paper, a tomb that will forever help remind the Gold Coast from where it has come and help inform the city about where it should go.

Back when the Gold Coast was “a swamp”, Sir Bruce saw a tourism giant and the lifestyle capital of the world. Do yourself a faour and get a copy of ‘Sir Bruce Small: From Malvern Star to Mr Gold Coast’.