About

Who We Are

The Gold Coast Community Fund has been at the heart of local giving since 2000, founded by some of the city’s most respected business leaders. We’ve proudly contributed more than $5 million to causes that matter, supporting local charities, community organisations, and individuals in urgent need.

We bring people together to make a real difference, raising funds through impactful events and initiatives. By creating a central pool of resources, we ensure help reaches where it’s needed most, quickly and effectively. Our approach provides a trusted, streamlined fundraising solution for not-for-profit organisations of every size, making generosity go further for our Gold Coast community.

What We Do

The Gold Coast Community Fund exists to provide practical help to those experiencing genuine financial hardship. Every application is assessed individually, ensuring support reaches people and organisations who truly need it.

We assist residents of the Gold Coast who are facing challenges such as homelessness, illness, or disability, where financial need is also present. This can include help with essential living costs, access to treatment, or other urgent needs.

Our support is available exclusively to those living within the official Gold Coast Statistical Area, as defined by the Queensland Government. Each request is carefully considered by our committee, which has the discretion to approve assistance on a case-by-case basis even in situations that may not fit the full criteria. Where needed, support can be offered more than once, following reassessment and approval.

All assistance is granted entirely at the discretion of the committee, whose decisions are final.

More than 25 Years of Community Impact

For more than 25 years, the Gold Coast Community Fund has stood beside our community in times of need. What began in 2000 as a vision shared by local leaders has grown into a trusted source of support for individuals, families and community organisations across the Gold Coast. Over that time, we’ve seen thousands of moments where a helping hand has made a meaningful difference – from providing urgent assistance during times of crisis to funding services and programs that strengthen our community.

The real story of more than 25 years of giving isn’t just in the millions of dollars we’ve distributed, but in the people and partnerships that have made it possible. Local businesses that step up without hesitation. Volunteers who generously give their time. Supporters who attend our events, donate and contribute knowing their support will directly help people in their own community.

More than a quarter of a century on, that commitment remains as strong as ever. The need across our city continues to grow, but so too does the power of our community when we come together to help. We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved and excited to build on this strong foundation for the years ahead – continuing the spirit of locals helping locals that has been at the heart of the Gold Coast Community Fund since 2000.

The Gold Coast Community Fund has been supporting community members since 2000.

Our Board

All Gold Coast Community Fund Board Members act in a voluntary capacity. Secretarial support and promotion of the Fund are achieved by the generosity of our major supporters. All donated and monies raised stay on the Gold Coast for distribution to Gold Coast charities and individuals.

Martin Hall – Chairman
General Manager – Kinetic Buses

William Owen-Jones – Vice Chair
Former City of Gold Coast Councillor

Leschen Smaller
Treasurer
Founding Director – Element Business

Amanda Pulford
Secretary
High Performance Coach – No Niche

Sepehr Abedian
Board Director

Kate Bennett
Publisher, SLIM and Gold Coast Panache Magazines

Jason Sintome
Managing Director – Mad Panda Media

Greg Yong
CEO – Coast Entertainment Holdings

Dylan Hunt
General Manager – Skypoint Observation Deck

Belinda Dawes
General Manager, Gold Coast Bulletin

Simon Bennett
Managing Partner – OMB Solicitors

Simon Detsikas
Proprietor, Harvey Norman

Friends of the Fund

Nick Scott
CEO – TGM and non-Executive director

Steve Cavalier
Director – Harvey Norman Commercial QLD

Troy Niebling
Principal – TJN Accountants

Karen Phillips
Karen Phillips Corporate Communications

Rutland Smith
Director – Harvey Norman

Corey Bell
General Manager Partnerships and Commercial – Sports Marketing Australia

Robert Borbidge AO

Patron

The Honourable Robert Borbidge AO

Rob Borbidge retired from the Queensland Parliament in 2001 after serving over 20 years as MP for Surfers Paradise. The 35th Premier of Queensland, he led a minority National Liberal Coalition Government from 1996 to 1998. During his two decades in politics he served in a number of senior Cabinet posts and as Deputy Leader and Leader of the Opposition. In 2001 he was awarded a Centenary Medal, in 2004 he was made an Honorary Doctor of Griffith University and in 2006 appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). He is married to Jennifer and they have two children, James and Megan.