Black Hops brewing liquidation | Corporate policeman ping GC’s Qoin owner | Last week's EV poll results | 3G network shutdown | HECS debt relief | Met Gala ticket prices and more!
Volume 62: Today’s newsletter is 1,210 words, a 5.5-minute read.
Welcome to May 9; it’s Thursday again!
In ttoday'semail
One Big Thing: Corporate policeman ping GC's crypto Qoin owner
The Mudgeeraba: Street Party and Parade is back!
HECS yes: The 2024 budget plan for ditching a bit of debt
Trending: Leaving your shipping trolley next to someone else's car..
Around The Web (Snippets): G8's great report card, the price of a Met Gala ticket, Black Hops liquidation, the 3G network to close and more!
Councillor's Corner
Upcoming Events
Weekend Weather and Surf
Live Gold Coast Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Corporate policeman ping GGC'sQoin owner
By Marshall Hall
WWhat'sHappening
The corporate policeman has had a big win against the Gold Coast-based owner of Bartercard and cryptocurrency Qoin, ruling against Gold CCoast'sBPS Financial for unlicensed operations with its Qoin Wallet.
Why It Matters
This ruling underscores the tightening grip on cryptocurrency regulations in Australia, emphasising the need for licences and transparency.
By the Numbers
January 2020: Start of BBPS's unlicensed activities.
10 months: Out of years of trading, was the only period without violations.
One: Exchange handled Qoin, BTX Exchange
Local Impact
This judgement thrusts the wwatchdog'simportance into the spotlight, giving the public more confidence in its capabilities.
What The People Say
ASIC Chairman Joe Longo: "It’s a crucial reminder of the need for proper licensing."
What To Look For Next
The full article here, by Marshall Hall.
2. The Mudgeeraba Street Party and Parade is back!
By Courtney Mulder
WWhat'sHappening
On 19 May, the Mudgeeraba Street Party and Parade is set to return, bringing well over 4,000 people to the Village Green for a vibrant celebration of community and fun.
Why It Matters
This event underscores Mudgeeraba'sunique country charm and historic roots, serving as a key platform for community engagement and local pride.
By the Numbers
4,000+ attendees: Expected to attend the celebration
10am-2pm: Will be the time that the festival runs
Multiple community groups: Including Neighbourhood Watch and Rural Fire Brigade will be there
Local Impact
The festival boosts local business exposure and strengthens community ties in one of Gold CCoast'shistoric suburbs.
A Day to Remember
Activities will range from rock climbing to arts and crafts, topped with a special Community Healing Day set of services, promising memorable experiences for all ages.
What To Look For Next
There aaren'tmany towns that have an annual street parade, and the atmosphere at the event really kicks this up a notch, so iit'sabsolutely worth checking out.
3. HECS Yes: A $3 Billion relief plan for student debt
WWhat'sHappening
The Australian government is proposing a major reform to the HECS indexation process, aiming to alleviate the financial strain on millions by adjusting how student debts are calculated and reducing the average HECS-HELP debt by roughly $1,200 from students’ total debt.
Why It Matters
This reform is considered somewhat significant as it directly affects the financial futures of countless Australian students, potentially easing the debt burden that impacts their broader economic pursuits and life choices.
By the Numbers
$3 billion: Total amount to be wiped from student debts.
The average HECS debt was $26,494: in the 2022–2023 fiscal year.
$1,200: Will be the average amount to be reduced from each student's debt.
7.1% to 3.2%: Reduction in last yyear'sindexation rate to align with the Wage Price Index.
Local Impact
This policy could lessen the financial load on students across Australia, promoting higher education accessibility and supporting post-graduation financial health.
A Step Towards Fairness
The planned changes could make higher education more accessible and financially sustainable, promoting a more educated workforce prepared for modern challenges.
What The People Say
Dr Monique Ryan, MP: "It's only the first step... there's a whole lot that's left to do on HECS."
The Honourable Anthony Albanese, MP Prime Minister of Australia: “Next week's budget will wipe around $3 billion from student HECS debt. This will make a real difference for around 3 million Australians.”
What To Look For Next
The budget preview to be delivered by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Tuesday, 14 May 2024, at 7.30 pm AEST.
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Gold Coast-headquartered food franchisor Retail Food Group is: Set to settle big cake case
Telstra and Optus are shutting down: Their 3G networks, in June and September, respectively
99 days to go until: The GC Pacific Air Show
Things are looking great at Gold Coast's G8, with a positive picture painted at the company's recent annual general meeting
Black Hops Brewing liquidation: Sale is looking to take place imminently after failing to secure rescue proposal
$113,000AUD was this year's price for a: Met Gala ticket, up 50% from last year.
Community engagement starts this week for: A proposed recycling and energy precinct in the Gold CCoast'snorthern city area, which will divert up to 97% of waste from landfill
Gold CCoast'sJames Bond: House is going up for auction
Jump Ahead, is YYouTube'snew: AI-powered function allowing viewers to skip directly to the most engaging parts of a video
Gold Coast Health appoints a: New Chair of Research, Professor Scott Bell
Last week's Poll results 👇
6. Councillors’ Corner
Div 5 | Gaven, Highland Park, Mount Nathan, Pacific Pines + 5 | Cr Peter Young
Div 10 | Broadbeach, Isle of Capri, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, The Spit +4 | Cr Darren Taylor
7. Upcoming Events
🌊 Flotsam Film & Photography Festival: from May 1 to May 12; pop-up film nights, photo exhibitions, live music, projection art, workshops, and immersive photo walks at Various locations across the southern GC
May 10 | Feel Something, Ella Tubman - Exhibition Closing Party | 5:30 pm at 4Pines, Coolangatta
May 11 | Flotsam Homegrown | 5 pm at Kirra Hill Cultural and Community Centre
May 12 | Flotsam Foamo x Burleigh Boardmakers | 3 pm at Burleigh Boardmakers
🧺 Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets: May 10 to May 11 from 4 pm to 9 pm; outdoor shopping by the beachside every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, The Esplanade
🎭 Dogfight the Musical: May 10 from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm; a musical based on the movie starring River Phoenix at The Spotlight Theatrical Company
⛵ Birds of the Broadwater (Boat Tour): May 11 from 7:00 am to 08:30 am; cruise down the Broadwater in search of local and migratory bird species at Main Beach
🌱 Tarrabora Bushcare Group Tree Planting: May 11 from 08:00 am to 10:00 am; Join the City of Gold Coast and Tarrabora Bushcare group in helping to restore Toolona Park in Tugun
👩🏻 Songs & Soirée for Mum: May 11 from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm; the return of Songs & Soirée! at Runaway Bay Community Centre
🎗 Mother's Day Classic: May 12 from 6:30 am to 12:00 pm; a day to support and honour women diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer at Fisherman's Lawn, Broadwater Parklands
🚲Training Wheels to Two Wheels: May 12 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am; how to advance from training wheels to two wheels with confidence and ease at Runaway Bay Indoor Sports Centre