Determined to continue
FOR GC’S TOP 10 FAVOURITE INDIAN RESTAURANTS
The family behind one of the Gold Coast’s best Indian restaurants has revealed the heartache behind its most recent accolade.
Named runner-up in the Gold Coast Bulletin readervoted poll, it’s been a tough couple of months for Carrara’s Randhawa Indian Cuisine after one of its founders died.
Nina Randhawa and her husband Harry opened their first restaurant in Hope Island in 2017, following up with eateries in Carrara and Waterford.
Sadly, Mr Randhawa died from a heart attack on February 18.
The family said the loss “left a void not only within our family but within our business as well”.
“Despite this immense loss, we are determined to continue his remarkable legacy,” Ms Randhawa said.
“Our family business was always a significant part of Harry’s life.”
Ms Randhawa said coming second in this year’s Best Indian competition was testament to their dedicated staff.
“Their commitment and passion for delivering authentic Indian flavours and exceptional service are what sets us apart,” she said.
Randhawa Indian Cuisine is famous for its butter chicken, which won Menulog’s Tasty Choice Award in 2021. Ms Randhawa said she and her husband had been working on plans to open another restaurant in Brisbane before he died last month.
“We’ve had many customers make the journey from Brisbane to dine with us,” she said. “Realising this dream would not only honour his memory but allow us to share our love for Indian cuisine with even more people.”
Naomi Fowler says she is excited and ready to step into the role held by experienced councillor William Owen-Jones, as she waits for the vote to be declared.
Ms Fowler, who ran in Division 2, which covers Helensvale, Oxenford and Hope Island, is among three new candidates who are guaranteed they will be councillors after the 2024 poll.
“I’m excited. But I think the main feeling is of relief, that it’s over,” she said.
Dan Doran in Division 11, which covers Robina and Varsity Lakes, and Josh Martin in Division 13, which includes Palm Beach-Burleigh, will join her in the new council.
Kath Down is in a nail biter of a fight with sitting councillor Gail O’Neill in Division 14, which includes Coolangatta and Kirra. Fewer than 100 votes will possibly decide this contest.
Division 7 candidate Joe Wilkinson, in a similar tight race, is fewer than 100 votes ahead of incumbent councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden.
The Bulletin understands city officials are waiting for divisions to be declared so they can prepare training sessions for councillors after they are sworn in.
Ms Fowler said her hope was the poll in her division for the March 16 election could be declared in the next few days.
Counting in the closer contests could continue into next week. Recounting began on Wednesday.
The city will want to swear in all councillors at the same time, meaning the delay could be beyond next week.
Ms Fowler’s opponent, Ben Findlay, congratulated Ms Fowler in a post. She will replace Mr Owen-Jones who decided last year not to recontest.
“You ran one hell of a campaign over the last 300 days. I wish you all the best for this next chapter,” Mr Findlay wrote.
“For all those who have helped out, supported financially, and offered words of encouragement over the last six months, I am forever grateful.
“Without your support, this would not have been possible. In fact, I guarantee you that I would have been curled up in the foetal position within the first few weeks of the campaign and again by day two of early voting.”
Ms Fowler congratulated Mr Findlay for his campaign and “having the courage to put himself out there”.
She thanked her supporters after a “massive team effort across the last 300 days”.
“It was a massive team effort with family, friends, community groups, sporting groups, local residents and volunteers. It absolutely blows my mind how much you all sacrificed to help us achieve this incredible result. I will be forever grateful. Words cannot express how thankful I truly am,” she said.