🦟 An AI laser mozzie zapper
Volume 124: New medical cannabis rules | Gen X women drive daytime clubbing in Surfers | GCCC's big green buy | Three locals make Screen QLD Board and heaps more
Welcome back to another beautiful Gold Coast Minute Thursday afternoon, it’s July 17.
In today's newsletter
One Big Thing: City beefs up green credentials with big purchase
20 years strong as: Kokoda Challenge returns to the Gold Coast
Sanctuary Cove to host: Women’s WPGA Championship
Trending: Resting instead of buying property..
Around The Web (Snippets): An actual AI laser mozzie zapper, new medical cannabis rules, Gen X women drive daytime clubbing in Surfers and heaps more
Upcoming Events
Enjoy the weekly GC Minute? We are fully reader-supported and can only do all of this with your help.
Please sign up or gift a subscription today 🙌
Weekend Weather and Surf
🍕 Hey there, pizza lovers: If you think your latest midweek pizza takeaway splurge was a bit much, spare a thought for programmer Laszlo Hanyecz, who, in 2010, spent 10,000 Bitcoin on two large pizzas.
At the time, that was around $41.
But today, that amount of Bitcoins is worth well over $1,000,000,000.00 (that’s $1b+!).
Arguably the most expensive toppings in history and undeniably the tastiest financial mistake..
Live Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: City beefs up green credentials
By Marshall Hall
What’s Happening: The City of Gold Coast has bought over 100 hectares of ecologically significant land in Mount Nathan, adding to its long-term conservation estate under the Natural Areas Acquisition Program.
Why It Matters: Adding to the existing 14,000+ hectares of conservation estate they have already acquired, the latest purchase forms a vital wildlife corridor between Nerang National Park and Lower Beechmont, strengthening the city’s environmental resilience and biodiversity protections.
By the Numbers
143 hectares in total were snapped up for close to $4 million
It is the eighth purchase Council has made since 2021, with these eight alone comprising 322.7 hectares
There are no 800+ protected reserves across the city
Local Impact: Koalas and the Glossy Black Cockatoo just scored a bigger backyard—and the rest of us benefit from stronger biodiversity and climate buffers.
What The People Say
Mayor Tom Tate said “This area is incredibly important habitat for threatened native species including the Glossy Black Cockatoo and koalas.
“It also provides the City with an opportunity to enhance the habitat through restoration and the use of potential offsets.”
What To Look For Next: Expect more buys under the Natural Areas Acquisition Program as Council continues linking reserves and buffering biodiversity hotspots across the hinterland.
In the meantime, check out the fully interactive map below of conversation areas.
2.
20 years strong as Kokoda Challenge returns to Gold Coast
What’s happening? The Kokoda Challenge returns to the Gold Coast from 19–20 July 2025, marking its 20th year of testing endurance, mateship and resilience. Known as Australia's toughest team endurance event, it winds through the Gold Coast Hinterland across three..
Weekly Dream Gig
This week: Princess Polly is calling all trendsetters for an Assistant Creative Director role in Burleigh Heads to dust off your mood board and help co-pilot the brand’s global visual style, lead the graphics team, and craft campaigns seen by millions.
Must have 5+ years design experience, 2+ years leading teams, and Adobe skills sharper than Polly’s cheekbones..
Paying $120,000.00+ (according to Seek filters), it’s fast, fun, and fashion-fuelled — with perks like flexible work, big discounts, and a glam new office.
3. Women’s WPGA swings back into Sanctuary Cove
By Marshall Hall
What’s Happening: After being washed out by Cyclone Alfred earlier this year, the Australian WPGA Championship will make its comeback from 19–22 March in 2026, this time as a standalone tournament, complete with the Festival of Golf.
Why It Matters: It’s a massive win for the Gold Coast sporting calendar and women’s sport nationally, coming hot on the heels of Grace Kim and Minjee Lee’s recent back-to-back major wins on the world stage, the first time two different Australians have won consecutive women’s majors.
By the Numbers
The 4-day tournament will run from 19–22 March next year
General admission is free; with Champions Lounge tickets from $250 via Ticketek
Gold Coast, on par: Next March, Sanctuary Cove will become the epicentre of elite women’s golf, drawing fans, media, and big dollars back to the region after this year’s cancellation.
What the People Say
WPGA Tour of Australasia CEO Karen Lunn said she is looking forward to the return of the event, especially after this year’s cancellation.
“The Gold Coast is the perfect stage for the Australian WPGA Championship to showcase some of the best female golfers in the world,”.
Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club CEO Paul Sanders said they were thrilled to be involved in the Australian WPGA Championship in 2026.
"As one of the best-integrated resorts in Australia, our world-class facilities, including the recently renovated The Palms golf course, will provide an unparalleled experience for players, spectators, and the community.
4. Trending
🕰️ Newsletters you may have missed
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Gold Coasters appointed to Screen Queensland Board
·
Three Gold Coasters have been appointed to new roles on the board of Screen Queensland.
Eight decades after a violin made in 1709, known as the: “Small Mendelssohn” disappeared in WWII, experts think they’ve located it in Japan
Just when you thought it couldn’t get weirder..: Elon Musk’s AI chatbot just added lingerie-wearing goth anime girl with “Companions,” including a red panda and “Ani,” a sultry anime goth with a NSFW mode; think ChatGPT meets OnlyFans, but with less shame and more code 🙄
Chimps are sticking grass in their ears and: Rears as they embrace a weird but ‘pointless’ fad
Call of Duty cheaters are complaining after: Activision launched a new wave of mass-bans
Gen X women are driving a surge in daytime: Clubbing on the Gold Coast
Laser tag for mozzies: An actual AI-laser-mozzie-zapper now exists, the Iron Dome of pest defence👇
6. Upcoming Events
🏉 TRL State of Origin & World Cup: July 17 to July 20 from 8 am to 2 pm; events will house games across men's, women's, mixed and men's 30s at Alabaster Sports Complex
🏃🏼♀️ Gold Coast 6-hr Adventure Race: July 19 from 7 am to 3 pm: a 2-person team race to navigate a 15 to 30km course using a map and compass, hitting checkpoints and finishing within 6 hours
👯 Inspire Debut: July 20 from 4 pm onwards; competitive cheerleading with Inspire Athletics’ opener at Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium
🎡 Kidchella: July 19 to July 20 from 10 am to 4 pm; live DJ sets and silent discos, ride the Ferris wheel, add some sparkle at the glam bar and more at the Surfers Paradise Sign, 2 Esplanade
🎭 Mamma Mia! Musical Theatre: July 17 from 7:30 pm onwards; a fundraiser in support of Journey 2 Learn at the Spotlight Theatre
