Turning curiosity into community action

Carmel has lived in Woongoolba since 2004 and brings a diverse professional background spanning education, government, property and the fuel industry to the Community Reference Group.

Her involvement with ARRC began close to home, a presentation at the Woongoolba State School P&C sparked an interest that quickly grew into a desire to be part of the project.

Carmel joined the group to stay informed, ask the questions her community was asking, and contribute to something she believes the Gold Coast genuinely needs. Practical, grounded and quietly passionate, she brings a real-world perspective and a conviction that the time to act on waste is now.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m Carmel Flor, 47, and I’ve lived in Woongoolba since 2004. I work as an Executive Support Officer at Griffith University, and over the years I’ve also worked in the fuel industry, property valuation, government and education. That broad background has given me a strong interest in projects like ARRC and how they can benefit local communities.

What made you nominate to be a member of the Community Reference Group?

My interest in ARRC began when Grant visited the Woongoolba State School P&C and gave a detailed presentation on the project. It really sparked my interest and made me want to be involved. Joining the Community Reference Group felt like a good way to stay informed, ask questions and contribute to an important project for the future of the Gold Coast.

Do you think Australians, in general, think much about how and where their rubbish goes once their bins are emptied each week?

I think awareness is improving with each generation, and education in schools and through the media is definitely helping. But in general, I still think many people do not give much thought to where their rubbish goes before or after it is collected. For a lot of households, it is simply part of the weekly routine rather than something they stop to think about.

What do you see as the biggest opportunity ARRC will provide the Gold Coast?

For me, one of the biggest opportunities ARRC offers is jobs, along with the chance to do something real and tangible with rubbish from the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. It is an opportunity to turn a growing challenge into something practical and positive for the community.

Has being a member of the Community Reference Group encouraged you to make any changes at home around managing waste?

Yes, definitely. We recycle more at home now and have even created a compost bin out of plastic pallets. Being part of the project has made me much more conscious of what we put in our rubbish bin, and it has been a real learning experience for me.

Given the Gold Coast’s well‑known can‑do attitude, how would you rate ARRC’s chances of success?

I would rate ARRC’s chances of success very highly. I really believe this project deserves to get underway, and once it does, I think Gold Coast ratepayers will see how valuable the precinct can be. There will always be people with concerns, but we need to do something with our rubbish, and we need to do it now for our future and for our children’s future.