THE INSIDE WORD

REMINDER TO MIND YOUR LANGUAGE

WHAT is in a name? Well, for this sweet young thing it all depends on the translation.

Out at a function she was spotted wearing a handmade necklace, with a word from a foreign language forged in gold, resting on her chest.

One of the guests smiled, came over and asked her about the word. “It’s love and peace written in Cambodian that I bought on my trip there about two years ago,” she said.

The guest then explained that she was the victim of a practical joke because in reality it indicated that she was ready, willing and very, very available.

The chain was quickly removed and the mortified sweet young thing now knows the meaning of lost in translation.

FLICK OF THE BABY SWITCH

THE first time we met Felicity “Flick” Egginton was at a photo shoot when she was a Gold Coast Meter Maid.

She is the quintessential Gold Coast gal – tall, blonde, beautiful and blessed with a sunny disposition and “have a go attitude”.

From gold lame she graduated to hospitality where she helped to run O’Malley’s Irish Pub. Where Flick really shot to national prominence was her two stints on Australian Survivor.

“I loved being on that show. Yes, I played the game but I tried to be strategic not vindictive. There were a lot of lessons learned about myself but it was really great fun.

“That exposure led to my being asked to help various charities and a long association with Cupid’s Undie

Run, helping to raise awareness about Neurofibromatosis (or NF).

“I then worked in the travel industry but Covid intervened so I switched my focus to becoming a peer support worker, helping people with a range of issues. I am setting up my own business, The Positivity Movement, where I aim to spread positivity for those living with a disability or mental health issues.”

Those plans have been put on hold due to the pending arrival of a baby.

“My boyfriend JJ Henry and I were supposed to be married last year in his home state of Colorado but Covid stopped that. I have suffered with endometritis for years and had a procedure done last year and, long story short, I fell pregnant.

“Everything was turned upside down so we decided to have an ‘elopement’ wedding (pictured left) and are preparing for the birth in January.”

The cycle of life continues.

HOLY DOOLIE! WHAT A LINE-UP

THE Gold Coast Music Awards are on today at HOTA and one of the talented performers nominated is singer/songwriter Doo- lie (right).

Her path to a musical career was in some ways determined by an unusual missing element in her early years.

“I grew up without a TV in the house,” she laughed. “I was

surrounded by music and I never saw any option but music.” She cites an eclectic mix as her major influences – Kim Petras, Kito, Aluna George and Kylie Minogue. Coping with the various lockdowns and cancellations over the past 18 months has been tough. “I really miss performing and touring but the main thing is figuring out where to put my energy. Luckily, I’ve been able to do a lot of writing with so many talented artists online and locally.

“I’m working on my next single and I really want to do a national tour soon. A big shout out to the Gold Coast Music Awards too. It’s such an honour to be nominated for Breakout Artist and Release of the Year. I feel so fortunate to be part of our community of amazing artists.”

Another super-talented local.

ORGANISERS LOOKING FOR SHOW STEALER

THE Gold Coast Show has finished to rave reviews and record numbers.

For Josephine Tobias, president of the society, it was three days of long hours and constant problem-solving.

“We had 120,000 visitors and I am so proud that collectively we produced a safe and enjoyable show for the community to enjoy,” said Josephine, pictured above with Anna Tooma.

“Our big concern going forward is that because we don’t charge admission to enter we really need a major sponsor to help us secure the future of the show.”

Any highlights?

“On Sunday night our ambassador James Blundell, who was brilliant for us, sang a moving rendition of The Carnival is Over. It was just beautiful.

“There was also a surprise hit of the show. We had reduced entries for the woodchopping due to the border closure so we turned the arena over to a pair of female whip crackers from Paradise Country.

“They wore cowboy boots and hats, with shorts and performed one routine to the Shania Twain song, Man! I Feel Like A Woman.

“It brought the house down and someone said to me, ‘Only on the Gold Coast’.”

Ain’t that the truth!