Riviera Saturday Night Gala Evening
The vast arena of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre at Broadbeach was bathed in azure blue with walls draped in velvet, while five enormous crystal chandeliers, indicated that a very special occasion was about to commence. Blue light filled the room with a gentle ambience as more than 550 enthusiastic Riviera owners entered to take their seats for an historic Riviera Gala evening.
The evening had begun with pre-dinner drinks in the foyer, offering guests an opportunity to mingle, catch up with old friends and meet new friends.
Then the doors of the arena opened, and the celebration began.
Entitled ‘Celebrating the Evolution of Australia’s Riviera’, the evening honoured 42 years of history told through a series of documentary presentations reflecting across the decades. Each decade was introduced by legendary Australian musician Glenn Shorrock performing some of Little River Band’s best-known hits.
The evening began with an introduction by Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst.
“Boating and the water have always been a big part of my own history,” he said. “Our family was always on the water and my connection with it started before I was born.”
“To the very special Riviera family I say a huge thank-you. We couldn’t do this without you. You inspire us to be different and you inspire us to be better.”
West Australians David and Ann Upstone had been delayed in their arrival and walked into the arena to hear Rodney talking.
“His story was incredibly interesting,” said David. “We have seen first-hand the impact he has had. Even in the past two years, the build quality at Riviera has improved. We have a new 4600 Sport Yacht on order and saw it for the first time at the boat show. She is amazing.”
“We come from the UK and know the British brands well. Riviera now stands as a world-class builder equal to, or better than, any international brand.”
