For decades, Mr. Goldstein was a household name on the Gold Coast, renowned not just for building a baking dynasty of 18 stores and over 120 staff, but for his profound community legacy.
Over the years, his businesses employed thousands of school leavers in their very first jobs. As a founder and trustee of the Gold Coast Hebrew Congregation and a dedicated Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, his philanthropic efforts left a lasting impact on the region - most notably through his pivotal role in establishing the Gold Coast Marathon.
Now, following John’s transition into aged care at the age of 87, the family has made the emotional decision to auction his beloved sanctuary.
John’s children, Simone and Michael Goldstein, said while the impending auction is “deeply emotional” for the family, it is also a celebration of her father's extraordinary achievements.
“His parents fled Nazi Germany, and dad was born in the middle of the Red Sea and arrived in Sydney facing immense hardship,” Simone said.
“Losing his father at 18 put the family’s future squarely on his shoulders,” Simone shared. “He stepped up to raise his younger brothers, helping Robbie become an accountant and guiding Frank through an apprenticeship to become his business partner.”
“Together, they built a Gold Coast institution that is still run by the family’s next generation today.”
“This home was the absolute pinnacle of everything dad worked so hard for,” Simone said.
“He was a notorious workaholic who gave so much to the Gold Coast community, and this property was his true sanctuary.
“His bedroom looked straight out to Stradbroke Island, and he would constantly take photos of the sunrises.
“His favourite place is Stradbroke Island, and the house points in that direction.
“Dad would look out to that view from his bedroom.”
It was a place of pure peace where he and mum could finally sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labour, Simone said.
“We had our last big family celebration there for Father’s Day, and while it's incredibly emotional to let it go, dad is looking forward to being there at the auction to see the keys pass to the next custodian,” she said.
