Mr Q1, Palazzo – and philanthropy
SOHEIL Abedian has created some of the Gold Coast’s most famous buildings, including the iconic Q1.
Yet the leading property developer says the greatest legacy he will leave behind is helping to fund the education of the next generation.
The Sunland Group founder has been named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his “significant service to the community, and to the property development sector”.
Mr Abedian, a big philanthropist, said he was honoured.
“To receive this was a huge surprise but I am particularly happy to be able to use my work and trade as an architect and developer to do what I do for the hundreds of children who wanted to have a higher education,” he said.
“An important concept in the fabric of Australian society is multiculturalism and when you see an immigrant receive such a high honour you can believe that what we stand for is the truth of who we are as a young nation.
“It is an honour not just for me as a person but for all the immigrants who have come to this country and made a small step for the betterment of it.”
Mr Abedian was born in Iran and educated in Austria where he studied architecture.
He arrived on the Gold Coast in the early 1980s and founded Sunland in 1983.
Initially building residential homes, the company went on to create some of the Gold Coast’s most famous projects.
Sunland rapidly became one of the city’s foremost property developers.
Among the highlights are Palazzo Versace at The Spit, The Grand at Labrador, Broadbeach’s Aria, Palm Beach’s Magnoli and the under-construction The Lanes at Mermaid Waters.
Mr Abedian’s crowning achievement as a developer was creating Surfers Paradise’s
not It is an honour just for me as a all person but for the immigrants philanthropist Developer and Soheil Abedian
Q1 which became the world’s tallest residential tower when it was completed in late 2005.
Sunland, under his direction, also built D1 and Palazzo Versace in Dubai as well as Brisbane’s Abian tower.
He has also established, the Abedian Foundation as part of his charitable and philanthropic efforts, which have included supporting the Baha’i Faith community, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and the Gold Coast’s Annual Mayoress Ball. It is the latest in a stream of awards and honours he has received in recent years including two honorary doctorates from Bond and Griffith universities and the keys to the city.
Mr Abedian said his contributions to the development industry were just one of his achievements with his greatest pride reserved for funding university scholarships allowing students to complete their education.
“My wife Anne and I are really keen to continue supporting the scholarships for many people who would not otherwise have the opportunity to make this country a better place to live every day,” he said.
“It is humbling to be among such individuals and I want to give back to the country as much as I can.”
Mr Abedian will receive the award later this year in a ceremony at Government House.