Meet Professor Alan Patching: Project director of the Sydney Olympic Stadium, passionate mentor and educator, director of industry engagement at Bond University, and panelist for Growing the Gold Coast – a 3 Minute Thesis.

Dr Alan Patching is regarded as ‘the Australian project and business leadership guru’. He is a Professor of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, a Professor of Project Management, and Director of Industry Engagement at Bond University.

Professor Patching topped a stellar career in construction and property with his leadership role as Stadium Project Director in the development of the Sydney Olympic Stadium, as Project Director on the $280m redevelopment of Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and as a lucrative business negotiator – known for bringing luxury Jewellery brand Tiffany & Co.® to Australia. A man of many hats, Alan is also a UK registered psychotherapist, an Australian registered Clinical Hypnotherapist, and a US Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. Alan brings these parallel fields of expertise together to offer a unique perspective, set of skills, and knowledge to modern organisations. Professor Patching’s PhD combined these two passions, publishing a research paper in 2022 titled ‘Attitudes to Psychological Stress Among Construction Professionals’ with an objective to investigate attitudes to stress, its avoidance, and its management in construction project management professionals.

Professor Patching’s corporate experience spans consultancy, funds management, hotel operations, aged health care, aviation, photography, retail, and now tertiary education. In 2019, Alan became a program lead and launched an innovative suite of postgraduate programs at Bond University, encompassing a new software model for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. The Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) programs at Bond University are the first of their kind in Queensland, and pioneers digital transformation within the built asset industry – referred to as “digital engineering” by his students. It was also the first program to successfully achieve endorsement and accreditation from building SMART Australasia, the worldwide industry body for BIM.

Alan is truly looking forward to sharing his wealth of experience with you, the Young Professionals of the Gold Coast! 

Less than 4 days to go until YP Gold Coast hosts: Growing the Gold Coast: 3 minute thesis. This first-of-its-kind event will see our panel of industry experts discuss the infrastructure and growth on the Gold Coast – what’s important, and how we do it right.

We are proud to announce that joining us on the panel will be Director & Founder of GG Enviro, Larissa Rose. Larissa is a multi-award winning, independent, and career-driven entrepreneur. Not only does she strive for success in her field as a highly recognised environmental consultant, she is also passionately involved in mentoring, lecturing and public speaking on all aspects of sustainability, waste management, climate change and renewable fuels.

In a career so far, which has seen Larissa at a grassroots engagement level right through to high- level political negotiations for environmental regulations, which has provided her with a definitive understanding of policy leadership and sustainable development in not only Australia, but more prominently on an international scale.

Internationally, Larissa is a Board of Director for the World Bioenergy Association which has given her the great privilege to represent Australia whilst speaking at global conferences in the USA, Canada, Korea, and Germany, and even at the prestigious COP United Nations level whilst addressing the delegates on how Queensland is leading the way in biofuels and renewable energies. Larissa recently launched in Mackay with the Queensland State Government and Scania Australia the first bioethanol bus project in Queensland.

Leading Gold Coast advocacy group YP Gold Coast have announced their first charity partnership with one of the City’s most impactful not-for-profit organisations, Gold Coast Community Fund.

The partnership comes as YP Gold Coast was looking to harness the impact of their loyal following in an effort to better support the local community.

President of YP Gold Coast, Matthew Dodds, said that when exploring opportunities to use their audience to make a difference the Gold Coast Community Fund (GCCF) was one of the first organisations they considered.

“Gold Coast Community Fund have a rich history of giving back in the community and this new partnership with YP Gold Coast aims to take their impact to a whole new level, for a more meaningful benefit to Gold Coasters in need than ever before,” said YP Gold Coast President Matthew Dodds.

“We have become known for consistently delivering high-quality events that connect driven professionals, which is why we felt it was time to strategically align with a charity that directly supports Gold Coast families and individuals that need it most.

The Gold Coast Community Fund aims to relieve financial hardship which is determined on a case-by-case assessment of a beneficiary’s or charities genuine financial need.

Established in early 2000 by some of the city’s leading business figures, GCCF are proud to have given over $4.5 million to worthy causes across the City since its inception.

The alignment will see the Fund feature as the charity partner for the bulk of YP Gold Coast’s packed calendar of events, including the highly renowned City Leaders Forum and Entrepreneurs Forum.

GCCF Chairperson and Harvey Norman Proprietor, Rutland Smith, expressed his excitement for the additional support that the Fund would receive as a result of YP Gold Coast’s active event schedule and engaged audience.

“Given the Fund seeks to raise money through regular events and donations, the additional support of a trusted not-for-profit organisation such as YP Gold Coast is a strategic alignment of which we feel Gold Coasters in need will benefit significantly from,” said Rutland Smith.

YP Gold Coast is additionally partnered with Bond University, Morgans, Cronin Miller Litigation, Gold Coast Suns, PKF, Hot Tomato, myGC.com.au, Gold Coast Suns and more.

Media Contact: Jacqueline Bojanowski, YP Gold Coast, 0424 360 986

Author: Matthew Dodds

The extension for Light Rail is a hotly contested conversation. Politicians continue to advocate for it whilst many in the community raise their concerns of the impact it will have on their neighbourhood, and the environment.

Sure, it is easy for politicians to say they understand the growing pains and the impact it has on communities. There are many factors that need exploring and questions answered. But the reality is that the road system is failing us, and Australia’s fastest growing city needs a solution.

And let’s continue with the frankness – the extension to the airport is long overdue in both planning and delivery. The new international airport terminal is a great thing for the city and opens later in the year. It connects us to new markets, new tourists, and new opportunities.

Being ‘A Connected City’ is an advocacy pillar that is important to Young Professionals Gold Coast, but to think we’re going to have to muddle through the next decade whilst the Light Rail route reaches the airport is unfathomable. This really is ‘cart before the horse’ stuff.

But it is easy to sit behind a keyboard and criticise. What we need to do is support the Light Rail and open the opportunity to be an international city with open arms. The halcyon days are long behind us. We’re struggling beneath the weight of growth and the Light Rail is surely part of the solution to a better-connected city. The supposed envy to the rest of Australia. When it is completed, of course.

Recent statistics produced by the Urbis Economics and Property team indicate that the Gold Coast anticipates the rise in population to increase to 1 million people by 2041. It raises important questions of where will they live? How will our infrastructure accommodate them? You don’t need us to tell you that our roads and public transport systems are already outdated and in need of an upgrade.

This growth is inevitable, we can’t push back on that. It’s simply not up for debate. And as the Gold Coast continues to become ones of the premier places to live, not just in Queensland, but in Australia, Light Rail isn’t just an option, but a necessity. Especially if we are aiming to reduce our dependency on private car travel.

And whilst this all comes to fruition, let’s have a strong plan for the east to west infrastructure. We’re a linear city but we’re not all living on the beach front in Hedges Av. We’re being pushed further with house prices skyrocketing and without a more holistic plan, we’re just simply shifting the issue.

Written on behalf of Young Professionals Gold Coast by Grant Brisland and Josh Daley”

YP Gold Coast is excited to announce that Bond University will be joining its team as a Platinum Partner for 2022.

This partnership is a unique and valuable opportunity for the University to support local advocacy efforts and further contribute to the ever-changing fabric of our city, with the partnership set to be celebrated at YP Gold Coast’s marquee event – Entrepreneurs Forum, presented by Bond University.

Bond University is a private, not-for-profit university located in the heart of the Gold Coast. A core part of Bond’s ethos is enhancing employability, which is why they’ve held the top spot in the country for employer satisfaction for the last three years.

Bond has a strong focus on building work-ready graduates that begins the minute you enroll, supported by an extensive employer network, industry-leading academics, and the professional skill building embedded in their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The Career Development Centre is also an invaluable resource that all Bond students have access to throughout their studies and after graduation.

As the City’s leading advocacy group that represents young professionals, YP Gold Coast aims to motivate, inspire and connect future city leaders. Leveraging events and advocacy work through key city leaders, the partnership with Bond University seems a natural alignment.

A recent report by The Australian newspaper showed that Bond has produced the most successful entrepreneurs per 100,000 graduates over the past 10 years. These companies are broad and varied, in industries including automation, EdTech, finance, and hospitality.

Through programs like their Australian-first start-up incubator, Transformer, Bond nurtures big ideas at an individual level and provides unparalleled support to students looking to excel in the entrepreneurship space.

Of course, they’re about more than just preparing students to transform and take on the industry of their choice. At Bond, students are at the heart of the University, which is why they’ve been ranked #1 in Australia for student experience for the last 16 years. Bond’s student experience is founded on providing every ‘Bondy’ who passes through their doors with the resources and connections they need to succeed, enjoy their time at university, and make lasting friendships and professional networks.

Matthew Dodds, President of YP Gold Coast, said he looked forward to further developing Bond’s relationship with YPGC through their platinum partnership and upcoming involvement with major YPGC events.

“Bond University fosters expertise right here on the Gold Coast through their globally recognised programs and the contributions of knowledgeable, industry-leading academic staff. We are excited to see how the efforts of YPGC’s partnership with Bond University will build up our local Gold Coast community going forward,” he said.

Thinking about embarking on further study? Bond University could be your next learning destination; the place where you take your career to the next level, whatever that looks like! Learn more about study options at Bond University by visiting their website.

Author: Matthew Dodds

YP Gold Coast calls for a plan to be put in place.
Last month, the Gold Coast Bulletin published an article that highlighted concerns from Chevron Island residents who, along with Councilor Darren Taylor, are desperately calling for an infrastructure plan to be put in place.

When it comes to planning the future growth of the Gold Coast, Young Professionals Gold Coast (YP Gold Coast) have advocated for density done well through our Great Ideas For Gold Coast Advocacy Report, and through facilitation of conversation at topical events over the past few years.

Over the past 7 years, more than 20 towers have been proposed on Chevron Island, with more than $500 million worth of projects now under construction. These figures represent the idea that development is going to happen, and is happening, whether the community agrees with it or not. This reinforces the importance of our city having a plan in place to manage the expectations of residents and businesses alike.

The YP Gold Coast Committee meets every three weeks to discuss the Gold Coast business community on Chevron Island, where we are hosted by Thomas Drive local business, Prmpt R&D Consulting, and as such are acutely aware of the changes taking place over the last few years and their effect on the business community and residents.

Managing Director of Prmpt and Treasurer of YP Gold Coast, Joshua Lumley, is concerned that the Island’s facilities and infrastructure are not keeping up with development in the area.

“Since establishing our office on Thomas Drive 18 months ago, we have seen a substantial increase in foot traffic and local activity on Chevron Island. The recent completion of the pedestrian bridge to HOTA has no doubt fueled a return of visitors to the Island. It has been instrumental in linking the many corporate professionals just across in the Bundall precinct,” Mr Lumley said.

The Chevron Island business owner adds that while things are on the right track, the remainder of Chevron Island looks tired and is in desperate need of a facelift.

“Examples would include a refreshed entrance on both the East and West bridges, upgrades to commercial nature strips, and trials of attractions such as a Friday closed street dinner for local restaurants on Thomas Drive. We need to encourage more high-quality restaurants, bars, and a relaxed nightlife environment that most Gold Coast professionals and residents would be eager to visit after the working week, Mr. Lumley said.

Mr. Lumley concludes that Chevron Island has so much potential with its close proximity to HOTA and Surfers Paradise.

“With a properly executed masterplan, the Island could easily become one of the coast’s signature precincts,” Mr Lumley said.

YP Gold Coast is invested in the sustainable and well-planned development of the Chevron Island precinct and will be reaching out to Cr Darren Taylor to offer consultation in the planning process. We encourage our supporters to reach out to us at [email protected] if they would like to highlight any key issues or ideas that we could assist in drawing a conversation around.”

Author: Matthew Dodds & Joshua Lumley

YP Gold Coast is proud to present our new committee that will be leading the organisation forward in 2022.

Matthew Dodds of PKF has been elected to the position of President. Matthew will be joined on the executive team by Lauren Thompson, Marketing Executive at The Star Entertainment Group, who will continue to service the role of Co-Vice President. In this role, she will be joined by the elected Co-Vice President Jacqueline Bojanowski, Account Director at Sabio (previously Ruby Communications).

Joshua Lumley, Managing Director of Prmpt R&D Consultants, will be taking over the role of treasurer. The final member of the valued executive team is Cleopatra Jackson, Solicitor at Cronin Miller Litigation, who will continue in the role of Secretary.

Matthew is joined by the following members of the management committee of YP Gold Coast:

• James Fulton-Kennedy CFP: Financial Planner – Morgans Gold Coast
• Karleigh Pearson: Marketing & Communications Manager – Hilton Surfers Paradise
• Grant Brisland: Director – Business Growth & Development – HOTA, Home of the Arts
• Nicholas Rossi: Associate – Marino Law
• Gabrielle Armes: Marketing Manager – Five by Five

President Matthew Dodds said the Gold Coast is at a turning point following a really challenging couple of years as a result of the pandemic. Businesses and individuals have survived these tough times, needing to be agile as they adjust their business and working practices to become more efficient. Following these challenges we’re seeing more resilient businesses and professionals spearheading their professions and industries to drive the City forward.

“These community circumstances coupled with opportunities presented to the Gold Coast in the lead up to major events such as the 2032 Brisbane Olympics have the City perfect positioned for success and we are thrilled to act as the voice for both emerging and established professionals”, “I couldn’t be more excited to be at the helm of a group that can actively advocate for young professionals during this time, I know that with our highly skilled committee we will be able to offer a true and powerful voice for the Gold Coast over the coming years”.

The YP Gold Coast committee would like to recognise the efforts of the outgoing president, Martin Garred. Martin has contributed greatly to the fabric of YP over his years of service and as an organisation, we would like to congratulate him on the success of his business, Civity, over the past few years and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

2022 Reconnect Event
With just two weeks to go until the 2022 Reconnect Event hosted by YP Gold Coast on February 11 at The Aviary Rooftop Bar, we invite you to come along and meet the refreshed Committee, catch up with familiar faces and make new connections.

Final release tickets are on sale now.

Author: Matthew Dodds

“YP Gold Coast is excited to announce a new committee ahead of the seventh annual City Leaders Forum, consisting of a group of accomplished and driven young professionals, dedicated to ensuring the future success of the city.

With a strong focus on growing the city’s professional culture, the new committee will be responsible for delivering a calendar of networking events that connect, inspire, and motivate future city leaders, and provide opportunities for mentorship and business development.

The new committee will continute to promote projects that develop the smart growth of the city, on behalf of its highly engaged, thousands-strong membership base.

Former YP Vice President, town planner and Director of Civity Martin Garred has assumed the role of president, following the departure of long-serving president, lawyer and Director of McTaggart Grant Lawyers, Mary Grant who led the group’s success for almost four years.

From a young age, Becky had a passion for design but decided to pursue a Law & Business Degree.

After graduation, she secured a job with a high-profile law firm & although her life-long love affair with the ocean brought Peony Swimwear to life.

Peony is now recognised as a global leader in sustainable luxury swimwear, championing sustainability as an eco-pioneer in the swimwear category.