Elected to Division 11 in 2016, 30-year-old Hermann Vorster is The City of Gold Coast’s youngest ever Councillor – bringing a fresh new perspective to the fast-growing central Gold Coast community.

As Chair of the Economic Development and Major Projects Committee and serving on the City Planning and City Infrastructure committees, Councillor Vorster has input into city-wide strategies.

InsideR chatted to the long-time Robina local about his work and why the heart of the Gold Coast is the perfect place to represent, live work and play.

Why did you decide to get into this field of work?

My wife and I are raising our young family in the area – and we want to do everything in our power to ensure Robina remains a wonderful place to live and work.

I saw an opportunity to accelerate long overdue projects and take meaningful steps to make our area safe for everyone, and knew the best place to have impact was in the Council Chamber.

What do you believe is your biggest accomplishment in your role so far?

In the last year we’ve kicked some real goals: major road upgrades; over a million dollars spent on park upgrades; and ten new CCTV cameras to keep our streets safe.

But I’m proudest of the little projects that have given back Robina its sense of identity and pride. Entry statements, neighbourhood signposts, etc. ensure we won’t blend into suburbia!

How long have you lived in Robina and what is your favourite part of the community?

We’ve lived in the division since 2003 and purchased our present family home (off Cheltenham Drive) about four years ago when we started our family.

It probably says a lot about our stage of life, but we think the best part of the area is the great playgrounds and picnic spots.

It is amazing to have schools, shops and work on your door step, and to be a few minutes’ walk from a tranquil spot where you can enjoy quality time with the family.

You support many community groups; can you highlight a few and why you support them?

My philosophy is simple: hard work ought to be rewarded; so I am keenest to support those volunteers who work hardest to make an impact.

These groups do not go chasing the limelight – but we would be lost without them working tirelessly in the background to step in when times are tough here or across the Gold Coast.

I am extremely fond of the Robina Lions who are true servants of our community, along with the long established Neighbourhood Watch groups that help keep us safe.

And then there are groups like the Robina City Soccer Club, whose Management Committee has the drive, vision and wherewithal that would be welcomed in a corporate setting. Those kids are so lucky!

If you want to make our community better, and are prepared to roll up your own sleeves, I’ll do everything in my power to help make it happen.

How do you like to spend a day off from work?

If I can find a moment, I’m in the backyard with the kids in our vegetable patch. I’m known for my pretty brutal habanero sauce and am enjoying cultivating the crop.

What is your favourite place to dine in Robina?

Agnee Indian at 137 Scottsdale Drive is the best – hands down! Although tucked away, this gem of a restaurant has great atmosphere and incredible service.

We’ve been going there for years and have never been let down by the team. If you’re keen for an exotic Indian holiday without leaving Robina, check it out!

What are your plans for the future of the Robina community?

While we look like an established area, Robina is still relatively young and has the opportunity to become an even better place to live and work.

I want to make sure that we enhance the lifestyle that brought people here in the first place – and make it amongst the most family-friendly and prestigious places to call home.

That means impeccable maintenance of public places, infrastructure that keeps up with growth, and projects that make the most of our open and recreation spaces.

In coming years this means major intersection works (around Robina Town Centre), up to 50,000 new trees in our parklands, major new playgrounds, and more.

I hope to reveal some exciting announcements when the City Budget is handed down next month.

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Get in touch with Councillor Vorster for any local issues on 07 5581 7282, 0405 414 931 or email division11@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

You can also catch him at regular listening posts across the division; visit his Facebook page for more details.