SUE PORRETT
When Sue Porrett launched The Pink Flamingo in popular Gold Coast visitor hub Broadbeach, there could not have been more buzz.
It promised to set a new benchmark in classy adult entertainment not just on the Gold Coast but in Australia.
But before you could say ‘stage left’ the Covid pandemic hit and crippling lockdowns and entertainment restrictions were brought in. Somehow, the girl who says she literally followed her dreams to run away and join the circus as a youngster, kept the venue dream alive too at the toughest of times. Ms Porrett and business partner and veteran Gold Coast hospitality venue operator Tony Rigas endured and today employ dozens of dancers and staff, putting on different shows every night of the week.
The venue survival is no surprise. Her nomination alone sums her up, with: “Sue has enjoyed a career that most can only dream of. From travelling the world as a sought-after aerial cirque acrobat to creating and producing hundreds of lavish largescale events and international stage productions, Sue’s knowledge of the industry is second to none. Sue is a respected leader and entrepreneur in her field and is always looking for her next creative challenge.”
In addition, it adds that she has “time for everyone”. “Her experience in the entertainment industry equips all that come near her to be successful. Sue is kind and caring, produces multiple shows per year at The Pink Flamingo to a world-class standard. She has changed the way the Gold Coast looks at entertainment.”
Asked how she believes women view The Pink Flamingo shows which include impressive acrobatics, sultry dance routines and cheeky banter, she says: “Women make up more than half our audience. They leave happy, proud to be women. The bodies are beautiful and nudity is not an issue. Women don’t necessarily have to be dancers performing on our stage to be touched by the show, it gives them confidence, they feel in some way empowered. It’s as if they are transported to another level. The Pink Flamingo is expert at performances that exalt femininity and transcend reality, our shows are an expression of aesthetics and of art. Women always sense this, whether they’re on stage or in the audience.” Asked how she would define a woman in 2022, she replies: "A mix of all the iconic figures from Sex And The City plus the power of Beyonce and the glamour of Dita Von Teese: a strong woman in control, not of men, but of her own life. A working woman, enjoying motherhood – if that’s her choice – who’s not perfect but at ease with herself. Modern women don’t burn their bra, they use it for their own purposes. First and foremost to please themselves.”
LIZ CANTOR
This household Gold Coast face - beamed into living rooms on Seven and via Powerball – is also in demand as an event host. “I am driven to share stories and information. I love that my career has made me a familiar face within the community, but on a scale where people aren’t afraid to approach me for a chat about the run of rain we’ve had, or my recent trip to Bowen. I give back where I can as an event emcee, and ambassador for charities and foundations. I will be 37 weeks pregnant on awards night and to be a part of this group and see first-hand with eyes wide open their achievements has made me very emotional about the gift of bringing a daughter into the world.”
MICHAELA COOK
A singer-songwriter, model and charity ambassador who in 2014 started building her own “positive online community” where the focus is on celebrating diversity and providing a feeling of instant acceptance to everyone who engages. A musician who uses her platform to provide a kind, safe and entertaining online space for 1.5 million members of her #Teammicks. Tourism and Events Queensland commissioned her to promote the reopening of the Whitsundays post tropical cyclone Debbie. The person who nominated her wrote: “In a world where self-promotion comes first for most, it should be noted when an entertainer consistently provides their platform to benefit others.”
Our shows are an expression of aesthetics and of art. Women always sense this