FRONTLINER

The new owner of The Boat Works shipyard and marina social hub The Galley says the Gold Coast weather and generally upbeat attitude of its residents sure beats his former hometown Auckland

How did you get this gig?

A mate of ours is a personal friend of The Boat Works owner Tony Longhurst. He was saying he wanted good operators in here. We previously owned a Coffee Club in NZ. We met with Tony and he wanted us in there. We were hand-selected by Tony to run the place.

What do you love about the Gold Coast?

The weather, the people and the environment because Auckland, New Zealand, is the total opposite — there is no weather and the people are sad because of the weather.

Best night out on the Gold Coast?

I don’t really know about the evenings. We have been here two months and haven’t experienced too much. We are more family oriented, we have a seven-year-old daughter and 15year-old son. Going out for us means the theme parks, they’re number one — Wet ‘n’ Wild and Movie World.

Future plans?

To develop the business and take it from strength to strength. We want to make The Galley the number one in Coomera and the Gold Coast for people. At the moment we’re only open one night a week, on Fridays, but we’re going to add Saturday.

When not here you find me ... ...

I do a lot of gym and a lot of sporting activities with the kids. I love going to the beach at Surfers Paradise with the family.

Are you on the Gold Coast’s frontline? Email coastweekend@news.com.au