Cr Donna Gates - Gold Coast

15/01/2026

Applications are open for the Mayor’s Student Ambassador program.

Gold Coast tertiary and high school students in Year 11 or 12, enrolled for 2026 at a registered University, TAFE College or school can make application. Applications close Monday 9 March at 9am, so don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the program and help showcase our city as the ultimate place to live while studying.

To apply visit https://experiencegoldcoast.com/study/student-experiences/mayors-student-ambassadors-program

12/01/2026

Pleasing to advise that as part of the Coomera Sports Park AFL Field 2 project, Field 1 lights are being renewed to LED. Subject to weather conditions, the new lighting will be operational next week.

11/01/2026

Kerkin Adventure Park update -

08/01/2026

The Free Tree Program is back for 2026!
Helping residents grow greener homes with Council’s Free Tree Program - January to June 2026. Gold Coast households can collect up to 3 free trees*, with a mix of native trees and shrubs from tubes to 20cm pots available throughout the year.

January and February collection dates (8am–2pm):

- 29 January - Damian Leeding Memorial Park | Michael Shelley Way Oxenford
- 5 February - Coomera Indoor Sports Centre | 35 Beattie Road Coomera
- 12 February - Parklake Park | Greenway Boulevard Maudsland

Find further dates, locations and program details visit https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Environment-sustainability/Sustainable-living/Greening-our-city/Green-your-backyard/Free-trees

*Subject to availability. Once trees are gone, the truck will leave.

07/01/2026

Coomera Indoor Sports Centre – Floor Maintenance Closure

The Coomera Indoor Sports Centre will be closed from 12 - 18 January 2026 (inclusive) for repairs to the flooring. Surface repairs and protective sealing will be undertaken and the Centre will reopen on Monday 19 January.
Gold Coast Gymnastics will continue to operate during this period as the work relates only to the wooden floor areas.

If you require further information please call my office 5581 6598 or email division3@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

05/01/2026

The Gold Coast E-Bike Academy is holding a free introductory e-bike safety course aimed at children and teens.

Details
• Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
• Time: 10:00 am
• Location: Stunt Academy (at Stunt Park)
• Cost: Free

The free session covers crucial safety information to help riders be safer and smarter:
• Road rules & legal riding
• Bike control & balance
• Hazard awareness
• Emergency braking & accident avoidance

Limited spots are available, and registration is required. You can register for the free course at https://stuntacademy.myshopify.com/products/ebike-academy

Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes.

05/01/2026

Help for the Payne Family, Upper Coomera

The Payne family lost their home and all their belongings to a devastating fire at this week. Now, in urgent need of support to rebuild their lives. If you can assist in any way in their recovery from this unimaginable loss, please contact my office via division3@goldcoast.qld.gov.au or phone 5581 6598. Thank you.

05/01/2026

Construction of the Old Coach Road shared path is now complete. The project completes the missing section of path on the western side of Old Coach Road between Reserve Road and south of Gannon Way to support walking and cycling to public transport, key services, and destinations. New kerb ramps and reconstruction of existing non-compliant kerb ramps, installation of a new pedestrian refuge approximately 60m south of Gannon Way and modification to the bike lane/traffic lane adjacent to the pedestrian refuge south of Gannon Way complete the project.

31/12/2025

Happy New Year! It's been a busy 2025, but frustrating in some way due to supply chain issues and a shortage of contractors to deliver the new projects and maintenance necessary to keep the city shining. It's also been a huge adjustment working our way through the largest organisational structure experienced in my time as your representative.

We'll do our best again, but as we head into 2026, let's remember to look out for each other - and be kind and tolerant. I've made kindness and tolerance my "every day" resolution for 2026. I can hear Kristy and Jason laughing already and sometimes New Year's resolutions are made to be broken - but I'm going to do my very best this year not to break my resolve. I hope that you all celebrate safely and have the best possible year in 2026.

31/12/2025

Thanks for your patience during the repair of the second Riverstone Crossing bridge. Work including demolition and removal of the stone cladding will soon commence with traffic control measures in place throughout. Sections beneath the bridge will be cordoned off and modifications to handrails and barriers undertaken to ensure compliance.

30/12/2025

Farewell 2025 with an evening of music, food trucks and fireworks -
New Year's Eve in Coomera.

Farewell 2025 with an evening of music, food trucks and fireworks.

21/12/2025

Community Christmas Lunch - a free event held on Christmas Day at Labrador School Hall.