John Witheriff’s passion for the Gold Coast, and his desire to effect change for the better, saw him presented with the Key to the City.
Witheriff seems to be the boss of everything these days, with roles on a range of boards including Chair of Minter Ellison Gold Coast, Chair of GoldLinQ, a Director of the Gold Coast Suns (and its foundation Chair), Chair of Nexus Infrastructure, and a Director of GOLDOC delivering the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
With a blatant passion for the city and with no signs of giving up on his mission to continue to change the Gold Coast for the better, Witheriff was granted the Key to the City of Gold Coast – the highest honour that the city can bestow on an individual or group.
“It is a great honour to get this presentation,” says Witheriff, who was born and bred on the Gold Coast.
“I think it is one of those things that really take you by surprise; there are no expectations – I go about doing things just because I love the Gold Coast.
“It has always been home for me, I was born here, the Gold Coast has been very good to me and I think myself, and everyone, has an obligation to give back.
“That has been my attitude over the years and for the community to turn around and recognise that, that is a real bonus. I certainly didn’t expect it but it’s very nice when it occurs.”
Witheriff is one of Australia’s leading corporate, governance and risk practitioners, sought by both industry and government for key strategic advice and counsel.
Along with heading the city’s largest law firm, the businessman was instrumental in the establishment of an AFL team on the Gold Coast – one of his most proud achievements.
While he admits he had never attended an AFL game prior to developing an AFL team in the city, he says he identified education, health and sporting infrastructure as industries to complement tourism and the city’s expected population shift.
“I loved the very first game the SUNS played against Geelong at Metricon Stadium,” says Witheriff, who was also Awarded Gold Coast Citizen of the Year in 2005.
“A lot of hard work went into that, we built the stadium, and to see it absolutely packed out and the great Gary Ablett run on for the Gold Coast was certainly a highlight from a business perspective.”
Over a 10-year period, it is expected the Gold Coast SUNS will inject over $1 billion of economic activity into the city.
“Another highlight was when we started a law firm, a couple of ex-rugby players, and turned it into the largest firm on the Gold Coast, as part of a larger international law firm. People said that could never be done on the Gold Coast so that was fantastic to achieve,” says Witheriff.
“And, the light rail – the first day we had 80,000 people through, that was an amazing day. There have been many, many amazing days.”
While Witheriff has been recognised for his contribution to the Gold Coast, he says his success would not have been possible without the support and contribution of friends, family and colleagues.
“Nothing happens on its own; it requires people to roll their sleeves up and make it happen and I have been lucky enough to work with lots and lots of different people and join in those people’s shared vision to continue to make the city a better place,” says Witheriff.
“The Key to the City is the recognition of the hard work done by all of the people in the organisations that I have had the privilege of leading or participating in.
“It’s a recognition to all of those people for the contribution they have made, and for me, I just so happened to be the baton bearer and I am thankful and honoured, but I really recognise that I represent the efforts of all involved.”
Witheriff says he shows no signs of slowing down, and says his love for the Gold Coast is attributable to its amazing lifestyle and equally amazing people.
“Most of all I love the attitude of people who live here,” says Witheriff.
“The Gold Coast is quite unique and is full of people who don’t really care what others say or think. People are just going to get in, get things done, and achieve a great outcome, and if others don’t like that, that is their problem.
“The Gold Coast just has this great ‘can-do’ attitude.”
Other Gold Coasters to have been presented with the Key to the City include:
• Lionel Rose (1969) – Presented for winning the World Bantamweight Boxing Championship in 1968.
• Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore (2008) – in recognition of outstanding achievement in the sport of surfing
• Judith Ferber and Kerry Watson (2011) – in recognition of their valuable contribution to cultural development and the annual Gold Coast Eisteddfod since its inception in 1982
• Win Schubert AO and Dr Patrick Corrigan AM (2015) – in recognition of her significant long term philanthropic contributions to the arts and cultural sector of the City
