JOHN PUNCH OAM
John is an original member and founding director of Destination Gold Coast. He has been a continuously serving member of its board since its formation in 1975 and has previously served as deputy chair. He is currently the honorary secretary and a life member. Previously he was a president of the Surfers Paradise Chamber of Commerce. He also served as an appointed director of the Gold Coast Arts Centre for nine years.
John moved to the Gold Coast in 1961 with his family and has resided here since, completing his schooling and University of Queensland study of law and being admitted as a solicitor in Queensland in 1969. He practised law, of which he is a founding partner of Short, Punch and Greatorix, and has retired. His special areas of practice were real estate development, management rights and tourism-based industries.
In 1997, John was awarded an OAM for services to tourism, the real estate industry and assistance to Salvation Army charities. He serves as a director of Sustainable Development Gold Coast Inc; assists the Australian Resident Accommodation Managers Association, of which he is a life member; and assists the Real Estate Institute of Queensland as an advisor.