Jane Harding
Near to what and north of where: the naming of the Sunshine Coast
Historian in Residence 2026
Jane Harding is an accredited professional historian with over 20 years’ experience in historical research and writing.
Jane Harding’s report explores how the Sunshine Coast got its name. Before 1967, the region was widely known as the North Coast or Near North Coast. As tourism grew after World War II and the area became a popular holiday destination, local leaders and businesses began searching for a name that better reflected the region’s identity and appeal.
Drawing on newspapers, council records and historical sources, the report traces the decades-long debate that led to the official adoption of the name Sunshine Coast in 1967. It reveals the many alternative names that were proposed, the people and organisations who championed or opposed the change, and how community attitudes shaped the outcome. More than a story about a name, the report offers a fascinating insight into the region’s growth, tourism boom, local politics and evolving identity.
Read the outcomes of Near to what and north of where: the naming of the Sunshine Coast
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