RD: There is such a wonderful diversity of outdoor activities for families to enjoy on the Gold Coast. With the beaches, the green spaces and the beautiful weather, it is a very social lifestyle and I have formed some wonderful friendships with other mums and families over the years since my kids were very young. These are places to be together and make special memories. NE: Families have access to a great range of engaging cultural events and outdoor festivals nearly every weekend.

What do you love most about raising your families here? RD: After finishing school in Brisbane I moved to the Gold Coast to study when I was 19 and from that time I have been enjoying our wonderful lifestyle ever since. I finished my studies at Palm Beach Currumbin High. NE: My family moved from Melbourne to Currumbin when I was 16, and I stood on Currumbin Beach and knew this is where I wanted to live my life. How long have you been Gold Coast locals? We take five with co-founders Natasha and Ruth to chat about the festival’s growth (it’s expected to attracted 275,000 visitors this year) and the pairs passion for the Coast’s local art scene. It’s one of the Gold Coast’s most loved art and cultural festivals and, as of September 8th, SWELL Sculpture Festival is back on beautiful Currumbin Beach for the fifteenth year running.

City Walks with Kids by Natasha Edwards