GROWING up on Stradbroke Island, Olivia Cole’s life has been intertwined with real estate right from the start.
Her grandparents first made the island their home in the post-war era, where they ran Samarinda Guest House above Main Beach.
Their love for the island was passed down through the generations, creating a close-knit community that now includes over 40 family members living and working on Straddie.
“My grandparents came to the island when they were teenagers, and they quickly fell in love with it,” Ms Cole said.
“That connection to Straddie runs deep in our family, and it’s something that still drives me every day.”
As the Principal and Director of Dolphin Property Sales, Ms Cole’s journey into real estate began at 14 when she started working at Dolphin Property Sales under her stepfather, Alan Richards, who owned the business for over 26 years.
Her love for the industry grew from there.
“I’ve always had a passion for real estate,” Ms Cole said.
“It’s in my blood, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Over the years, Ms Cole has witnessed a major shift in the island’s real estate market.
Property prices are at an all-time high, with record sales taking place year after year.
Last year, the business set six sales records, including one for a luxury house overlooking Deadman’s Beach that sold for $5.55 million.
“Straddie has always been a special place, and now people are realising just how much it has to offer,” she said.
Despite the island’s rapid growth, Ms Cole remains committed to maintaining the strong sense of community that Stradbroke Island is known for.
She hopes to balance the island’s development with the preservation of its unique charm.
“My hope for the island is that it continues to prosper without losing that special community spirit it has always had,” she said.
For Ms Cole, finding time to unwind and connect with her family is essential, especially in the fast-paced world of real estate.
She and her partner, along with their two daughters, often find peace and relaxation at Deadman’s Beach, a spot Ms Cole holds dear from her childhood.
“There’s something about the clear water and the view from the sand dune that just makes everything feel right,” she said.
