Sunland Group

Soheil Abedian, founder of public company Sunland and now private developer, is lauded as exemplifying the Gold Coast’s ‘have-a-go' spirit. He says, “the city’s vibrancy and abundant opportunities empowered me to craft over 40,000 dwellings, many of which have become iconic landmarks.  

“Since my arrival, the diverse community wholeheartedly embraced my vision, extending beyond the realm of construction to encompass education and philanthropy. 

“Without a doubt, the Gold Coast will persist in flourishing as a globally renowned destination, offering even greater opportunities for generations to come.”

Soheil embodies the successful immigrant story where the Gold Coast has truly been the place of opportunity. On holiday to Australia in 1980, the Iranian immigrant took a day trip to the Gold Coast and immediately knew that it was a place he could make a good living. They were the days of the city’s early high rise boom times when he counted 79 cranes in the skyline.  

Soheil soon founded Sunland Group in 1983 starting with luxury homes. Sunland became a development juggernaut and has ridden the waves of the city’s growth, through the cycles of Japanese, Chinese and Korean investment, while also expanding internationally.

Sunland built many of the Gold Coast’s most iconic developments including the iconic Q1 supertower, Circle on Cavill and the world’s first fashion-branded hotel, Palazzo Versace. Soheil looks forward to continuing to develop and contribute to the landscape of the Gold Coast for many years to come. “What this proves is that anyone, no matter where they come from, their origins, religion or nationality can always serve others with dignity and love".