🍩 GC welcomes Australia's largest doughnut store
Volume 150: Boat fire put out by jet skis.. | Tesla discontinues Model S and Model X | Coomera welcomes Australia’s largest doughnut store and heaps more
G’day GC and welcome back, it’s January 29.
In today's newsletter
One Big Thing: Festival of Golf set for big Gold Coast return
Gold Coast Australian of the Year: Nominations now open
BPS Financial cops: A $14,000,000.00 fine
Trending: A GC boat fire being put out by.. jetskis?
Around the web: Coomera welcomes Australia’s largest doughnut store | Rare twin mountain gorillas born | Beaudesert man caught drink driving 3x legal limit | Tesla discontinues Model S and Model X and heaps more
Upcoming events: NFL LA Rams cheerleader workshop at GC Rec Centre and more
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1. One Big Thing: Festival of Golf set for Gold Coast return
By Marshall Hall
What’s Happening: Sanctuary Cove is bringing the swing back this March with the return of the Festival of Golf, a four-day blend of sport, style and sips.
Why It Matters: Running 19–22 March, the event wraps the 2026 Australian WPGA Championship within a larger lifestyle event featuring entertainment, pop-up bars and restaurants, and a lifestyle expo.
With over half a million dollars in prize money and a chance to lift the Karrie Webb Cup, the four-day event is a magnet for top-tier talent and tourism, and continues to frame the Gold Coast as more than just a sun-and-surf destination.
By the Numbers
$600,000 prize pool for the 2026 Australian WPGA Championship
20+ food and beverage vendors at the Festival precinct
4 packed days full of golf, entertainment and lifestyle events
Local Golf, But Make It Gourmet: The Festival of Golf pulls in national and international crowds, filling local hotels and fuelling the economy, while pairing world‑class play with craft beers and an expanded food and wine line‑up that’s just as inviting for casual fans as it is for golf tragics.
What The People Say: Corey Rattray-Wood, Head of Events at Mulpha, the Sanctuary Cove development company hosting the event, said, “What makes the Festival of Golf unique is that you’re going to find innovations, products and experiences you won’t find elsewhere.”
“If you’re an avid golf lover, the Festival of Golf is an absolute must visit. If you’re a casual golf fan, and interested in getting into golf and learning more, Festival of Golf provides a friendly, approachable environment for you to explore the sport.
Come have a day out at the Festival, and enjoy the food and wine precinct, with 20 plus vendors, from craft breweries, distilleries, wineries and food trucks, set on beautiful Sanctuary Cove.”
What To Look For Next: Big swings, sips and a whole lotta’ fun come March 19.
Get your tickets here.
🕹️ That’s Fun: Catch this 30-second fully free shred session game where you dodge sharks, ride barrels, and go full surf without leaving your chair.
2.
3. BPS Financial cops $14m fine
By Marshall Hall
What’s Happening: BPS Financial, which had been part of the Gold Coast-headquartered Bartercard Group, has copped a massive financial penalty over its Qoin cryptocurrency products.
Why It Matters: With a rise in crypto-fuelled issues and scams over the last few years as the industry expands, including millions lost to dodgy cryptocurrency ATMs just last year, this ruling delivers a clear warning to the local digital asset sector: operate without the right licence, and expect painful penalties, especially for locally based players.
By the Numbers
A $14,000,000 fine was the total penalty ordered by the Federal Court
BPS is to be restrained for 10 years from carrying on a financial services business without holding an Australian financial services licence.
$12 million from the total fine was for misleading and deceptive conduct
For nearly 3 years, BPS Financial engaged in unlicensed conduct
Crypto Promises, Courtroom Reality: The judgment tightens the screws on how digital payment products are marketed, curbing hype-driven claims and pushing transparency to the fore.
What The People Say: ASIC Chair Joe Longo said the outcome sent a strong message to the crypto industry.
“The size of these penalties underscores the seriousness of BPS Financial’s misconduct and is intended to send a strong message of deterrence to the digital asset industry,’’ Mr Longo said.
“The digital asset industry is well on notice that its products will continue to be a focus for ASIC.
We want to encourage innovation and new services for consumers, but not at their expense.”
What To Look For Next: The complete list of court orders at the full article below👇
4. Trending
A GC boat fire being put out by.. jetskis?
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Meet the new humanoid that can bring you a: Beer. Sprout, the eyebrow-wiggling bot that walks, dances, delivers, and delights, has been launched and sells for $50k. Built by Fauna Robotics and cute enough for Disney parks to deploy as helpers.
In the Congo, rare: Twin mountain gorillas have been born
Almost 100 local residents have been: Evacuated after a fire overnight in an apartment
A 51-year-old Beaudesert man has been allegedly caught drink driving more than: Three times over the legal limit
With TikTok’s change of ownership, users are freaking out about the new privacy policy which says: TikTok could collect sensitive information about its users, including their “sexual life or sexual orientation, status as transgender or nonbinary, citizenship or immigration status.”
A baby is in a critical condition after a car hit a: Woman and a pram on the Gold Coast
Tesla has confirmed it will: Discontinue the Model S and Model X to make way for more robots
16,000 jobs have been axed by: Amazon in its push to bring in more AI and efficiency
Recent newsletters
Weekly Dream Gig
This week - Freedom Energy Solutions is hiring Solar Roofers / Trade Assistants to deliver install-only residential and light commercial solar projects across regional NSW.
This contract role offers high kW install rates with earning potential of $80,000-$120,000 a week on / week off roster, immediate start, consistent high-volume work, and opportunities to upskill in batteries and larger systems, with no sales, quoting, or customer chasing involved.
6. Upcoming Events
🎙 The ABBA Tribute Experience: January 31 at the Mermaid Waters Hotel; an unforgettable night of pure musical magic
🎞 2026 AACTA Festival: February 4-8 at HOTA; celebrate Australia’s unique stories and the people who make them through connection, creativity, and community
🤸🏼 AASCF x NFL LA RAMS Cheerleaders Dance Workshops: February 1 at the Gold Coast Recreation Precinct; an elite dance pathway for Australian dancers to achieve their professional dreams
🎤 Dan King, The Live Soulgasm Tour: February 5 at Panezski Artisan Distillery; expect laughter, tears, breakthroughs, and undeniable connection in a uniquely up-close setting that will stay with you long after the night ends
🎢 Dreamworld Night Market: February 5-6 at Dreamworld Parkway; epic food truck eats, delicious drinks, live music, entertainment and more
