Max Christmas AM

Max Christmas

Noel Patrick "Max" Christmas AM (26 March 1939 – 18 December 2020) was an Australian real estate agent and developer, tourism advocate, community leader, and local government official, best known for his significant contributions to the economic and civic development of the Gold Coast, Queensland. Over a career spanning five decades, he helped transform the Gold Coast into an internationally recognised tourism and investment destination.

Early life and career

Max Christmas began his professional life as a builder before entering the real estate industry. In 1971, he established his own agency, Max Christmas Real Estate, on Orchid Avenue in Surfers Paradise, where he operated for 33 years until his retirement in 2004. His agency became synonymous with high-profile property transactions and played a pivotal role in marketing the Gold Coast to both domestic and international investors. Christmas was renowned for his dynamic promotional style, often referred to as the "Max Factor," which he employed to attract global interest in Gold Coast real estate.

Real estate and development

Through his agency, Christmas was instrumental in marketing and facilitating landmark developments across the Gold Coast. During the 1980s and 1990s, he promoted high-profile resorts and mixed-use precincts, including:

Sheraton Mirage
Sanctuary Cove
Royal Pines Resort
Hope Island
Sea World
Hamilton Island
Marina Mirage
Bond University
Warner Bros. Movie World

Between 1985 and 1990, Christmas played a pivotal role in attracting Japanese investment to the region, helping broker over $3 billion in property deals. His work during this period was considered critical in elevating the Gold Coast’s international investment profile.

Public service and community involvement

In addition to his business accomplishments, Christmas was actively involved in civic life:

He served as a Gold Coast City Councillor representing the Surfers Paradise division (previously known as Division 7, now known as Division 10).
He was a lifelong surf lifesaver and held the position of President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, where he was also a life member.
In the mid-1990s, he played a key role in introducing outrigger canoeing to Australia.

Honours

In 2016, Christmas was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his service to:

The property development industry,
The tourism sector,
Local government,
Community groups in Queensland.

Personal life and death

Christmas was born in Brisbane and moved to the Gold Coast in his teens where he was based for the remainder of his life. Christmas shared three daughters with the late Maree Grant (1940 - 2020) and two more daughters with his wife, Pamela “Liz” Christmas. Max and Liz were married from 1979 until his passing on 18 December 2020, aged 81. Christmas is survived by his wife, five children, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Legacy

Christmas is remembered as a visionary figure who helped transition the Gold Coast from a beachside town into a globally recognised hub for tourism, lifestyle, and investment. His legacy is visible in the city’s skyline, civic policies, and cultural identity.

References

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