GC Waterways Authority Spit Master Plan | Big QLD venture capital deal | GC election candidates list | Bitcoin hits $1 trillion | Gamified house cleaning with Apple VR and more!
Volume 50 - Today’s newsletter is 1,396 words, a 5 minute read
Welcome to Thursday, February 15.
In today’s email
Queensland's start-ups get $200M boost: Deals locked in with five major venture capital firms.
The Spit’s Management and Works Program: Priority projects to be announced
Legendary chefs with Michelin-starred backgrounds: Appointed at The Paddock restaurant in Beechmont Estate
Trending: Gamified house cleaning with Apple VR headset
Around The Web (Snippets): Full list of Gold Coast local election candidates, Bitcoin hits $1T, Neighbourhood Business Re-Charge vouchers end soon, Pearl Jam to play on Gold Coast, Paris Olympics medals and more!
Councillor’s Corner PLUS a Mayoral Candidate for 2024
Upcoming Events
Weekend Weather and Surf
Live Gold Coast Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Local start-ups to tap into mega QLD venture capital deal
What’s Happening
The Queensland Government has sealed deals with five major venture capital firms through the Queensland Venture Capital Development Fund (QVCDF), unlocking hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for local startups to access.
Why It Matters
It follows increased demand for the fund, allowing our local startups to continue to build and evolve the state’s emerging hubs in technological and other innovations and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Hopefully, The funding will help address the major early-stage funding gap and continue attracting significant venture capital attention.
By the Numbers
Up to $200 million in matched funding is available for local startups (Matched Funding – Queensland Government’s cornerstone funding to support matched funding into appointed venture capital funds)
Government contributions will total approximately $130 million
Five leading venture capital firms have been engaged (so far)
What The People Say
Antler Australia Partner, Mike Abbott: “The QVCDF will enable Antler to assist Queensland founders in establishing more than 15 companies over the next four years at the forefront of Australian innovation.”
Main Sequence Investment Manager, Alezeia Brown: “Main Sequence has been investing in Queensland deep tech companies since we were founded in 2017 and have partnered with a number of world-leading Queensland companies like Emesent, Gilmour Space, Endua and Plotlogic.
What To Look For Next
The big five names that have the Venture Capital (VC) ball rolling including Antler, Main Sequence Ventures, Five V Capital, Salus Ventures and Mandalay Venture Partners, who will all appoint local staff to kick-start investment activity.
And, hopefully, a stack more investors looking to tap into and encourage what will be an emerging local innovation sector as the country’s population continues to boom.
2. Gold Coast Waterways Management Forward Planning
What’s Happening?
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority is opening up its Waterways Management Program and Spit Programs for the 2024-2028 period so the community can know more about suggested priority projects.
The Big Picture
The overarching ‘Gold Coast Waterways Management Strategy 2021-2030’ sets out the future strategic direction for the management of our waterways.
The ‘Waterways Management Program 2024-2028’ and ‘Spit Works Programs (focusing on Community Infrastructure) 2024-2028’ are outlined annually in terms of operational projects and investment.
Local Impact
All of the programs are supposedly developed through a core business planning process, aligned to GCWA key focus areas of access, connections, and destinations, and assessed against a set of criteria, including community benefit and support.
What To Look For Next
There are two upcoming webinars where you can join GCWA Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema and the team presenting suggested priority projects.
Join the webinars here 👇
Tuesday, February 20 1-2 pm - Join here
Thursday, February 22 at 4-5 pm - Join here
3. Renowned Chefs Chris and Alex Norman to Elevate The Paddock Dining Experience at Beechmont Estate
What’s Happening?
Chris Norman and Alex Norman, celebrated chefs with Michelin-starred backgrounds, have been appointed Executive Chef and Executive Sous & Pastry Chef, respectively, at The Paddock restaurant in Beechmont Estate, Queensland.
The duo brings extensive experience, a new culinary vision, and strong relationships with local producers to the award-winning establishment.
Chris and Alex Norman, known for championing local produce, will lead the two-chef restaurant in the Scenic Rim.
The chefs have previously collaborated with top local producers and expanded their repertoire to highlight the region's diverse offerings.
Why It Matters
The appointment of Chris and Alex Norman signifies a significant culinary evolution for Beechmont Estate's The Paddock, reinforcing its commitment to farm-to-plate gastronomy.
The chefs' emphasis on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients aligns with the luxury retreat's dedication to providing a genuine farm-to-plate experience.
Zoom In
Drawing on their Michelin-starred backgrounds, Chris and Alex Norman bring a refined and meticulous approach to The Paddock. Key statistics include:
With a career in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels, Chris emphasises classic flavour combinations using modern techniques.
Having honed her skills in Michelin-starred establishments, Alex brings a meticulous touch to pastry and desserts, emphasising innovation.
The Big Picture
In the lush surroundings of the Scenic Rim, Beechmont Estate's The Paddock, under the leadership of Chris and Alex Norman, is poised to elevate its culinary offerings.
The à la carte menu reflects a commitment to locality and seasonality, creating an immersive dining experience.
What the People Say
"The region is incredibly diverse in its offering, and there is an abundance of phenomenal produce to choose from." - Chris Norman.
What To Look For Next
As Chris and Alex take charge, guests can anticipate:
A fresh calendar of events in 2024 featuring guest chef collaborations, winemaker weekends, and high teas.
Introducing a new à la carte menu, emphasising seasonal favourites and local natives.
4. Trending
Gamified real-life cleaning with Apple’s new VR headset
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
The complete list of Gold Coast local election candidates has been released: And you can see them all here
Apple’s new VR headset is a game-changer that is able to: Do these five epic things
Pearl Jam’s coming to the GC: On their Dark Matter world tour in 2024
Bitcoin just hit $1 trillion: Of value invested for the first time since 2001
Water was just found on an asteroid: For the first time ever
Light Rail's $30K: Community Boost applications are open for the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 project’s Community Benefit Fund.
Google Assistant to be phased out for: Gemini, Google’s family of newer GenAI tech
Gilmour Space Technologies largely escaped: Damage from tropical cyclone Kirrily that caused chaos earlier this month, allowing the Eris rocket launch to move forward as planned
Every Paris Olympics medal will contain: A small piece of the Eiffel Tower
Applications for the 5000 x $50 vouchers end on February 18: For the Neighbourhood Business Re-Charge program, so get them here while you can
6. Councillors’ Corner
Div 5 | Gaven, Highland Park, Mount Nathan, Pacific Pines + 5 | Cr Peter Young
Div 9 | Mudgeeraba, Springbrook, Reedy Creek +10 | Cr Glenn Tozer
Local Elections CANDIDATES’ Corner
Introducing Eddy Sarroff for Mayor
8. Upcoming Events
🍿 Travelling Film Festival: February 16-18; don't miss the opening night film, the Cannes Jury Prize Winner, The Eight Mountains at Dendy Cinemas Southport
🎭High School Musical on Stage!: February 16-18; a must-see for audiences of all ages and the perfect family-friendly entertainment at the Broadbeach Cultural Centre
🌱Queensland Vegan Markets: February 17 from 9 am to 2 pm; open to everyone, dog-friendly and free entry at The Great Lawn, Broadwater Parklands
💃🏼Risqué at The Pink Flamingo: February 17 from 7 pm onwards; breath-taking speciality acts from superstars male and female entertainers at The Pink Flamingo
🐉 Lunar New Year Storytime: February 18 from 10 am to 10:30 am; honour our sister city's relationship with Taipei and celebrate the Library Book Exchange Program at the Southport Library
🐢 Dune Planting and TurtleWatch Workshop: February 20 from 9 am to 10 am; free event to learn about the dune ecosystem, planting natives, and weeding at Ronnie Long Park
🎬 The Road to Patagonia – National Q&A Film Tour: February 22 from 6:30 pm onwards; Q&A screening with filmmakers Matty Hannon and Heather Hillier at Event Cinemas, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
🎼 Camerata & Tenzin Choegyal: Yeshi Dolma: February 22 from 7:30 pm onwards; classical music and Tibetan themes unite as Camerata’s strings and Tenzin’s resonant vocals intertwine at HOTA