The Gold Coast, never shy of a bit of sparkle, has added another jewel to its crown. Eight-time ARIA award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Shark has been unveiled as the official entertainment ambassador for The Star Gold Coast, marking the start of a partnership that promises to electrify the city’s cultural stage.
Two local icons, one a chart-topping artist with international cred, the other a landmark resort preparing to toast its 40th anniversary this November, have joined forces. The result? A high-voltage collaboration that promises to fuse coastal cool with big-stage glamour.
A homecoming with heart
For Amy, the announcement feels less like a corporate gig and more like a heartfelt return.
“The Gold Coast has always been such a special place for me. It’s where I grew up, where I’ve written many of my songs, and where so many artists, including myself, got their start,” Shark said.
“Partnering with The Star Gold Coast feels like a homecoming. It’s a place where people come to celebrate, connect and make memories. I can’t wait to help shape some unforgettable moments in my hometown.”
Her words aren’t just well-rehearsed lines for the cameras. Born and raised in the surf-kissed streets of the Gold Coast, Shark has long been an advocate for the city’s creative talent. The new ambassadorship ensures fans will experience her as a performer and a driving force behind the region’s entertainment evolution.
A mixtape night to remember
To mark the announcement, 50 of Queensland’s top tastemakers were ushered into a secret backstage-style soirée titled For the Record. The Darlings’ ultra-luxe Penthouse Deluxe Media Suite morphed into Shark’s creative playground.
A giant Italian cheese wheel (a quirky nod to her latest album cover), retro sweets, karaoke corners, Polaroid snaps, and even a Guitar Hero throwback made the room equal parts music video set and childhood scrapbook.
The night hit its crescendo when Amy treated guests to an intimate acoustic set, effortlessly sliding between “Adore,” “Can I Shower at Yours,” and “I Said Hi.” The Gold Coast skyline twinkled in approval from the window beyond.
Among the guests were familiar faces: socialite David Subritzky, television host Lynn Gilmartin, the Sheppard siblings, and Gold Coast Titans stars Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and AJ Brimson.
Star power meets Shark power.
Dr Jennifer Cronin, The Star Gold Coast’s Interim CEO, was keen to emphasise the natural fit between Shark and the resort.
“Amy Shark is an extraordinary and proud Gold Coast musician who embodies the spirit and creativity of the city,” Dr Cronin said.
“Like Amy, we believe in backing local talent and giving artists a platform to grow and celebrate on home soil. We’re incredibly proud to welcome her as our official ambassador and we’re looking forward to creating a series of live music moments, special events and unforgettable experiences together.”
In other words, the partnership isn’t just about slapping a famous face on a billboard. It’s about building a stage for Gold Coast talent, with Shark leading the chorus.
Cocktails, creativity, and a celebration on the horizon
The launch wasn’t just about music. Three bespoke cocktails were unveiled in Shark’s honour, each inspired by her biggest hits. The headliner, the Love Monster, a riot of strawberry and passionfruit, has already made its way to Cherry Bar, where it will be available for a limited time until 28 August.
This partnership arrives just as The Star prepares to celebrate four glittering decades. Plans for a blockbuster 40th anniversary party in November are already underway, with more details promised in the coming months.
Why it matters
On the surface, this is a story of a resort and a pop star. But dig deeper, and it’s a snapshot of the Gold Coast itself: bold, creative, and unafraid of the spotlight. The city that once played second fiddle to Sydney and Melbourne is now unapologetically front and centre in Australia’s cultural calendar.
With Amy Shark steering the soundtrack, The Star Gold Coast ensures its next chapter hits all the right notes.
For more information, visit The Star Gold Coast.
By Sandra Jones
