💸 Local rugby star loses $7m fight with corporate referee
Volume 162: Nerang smoke alert update | Bullfighter's rectum gored | Sydney Sweeney swans into the GC | Burleigh Oceanview track closed and heaps more
G’day GC and welcome back to another weekly newsletter.
It’s April 23, and two days before one of our most special days, ANZAC Day.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
In today's newsletter
One Big Thing: Rugby star loses $7 million fight with corporate referee
Gamifying local disaster resilience: A new augmented reality mission for kids
Sydney Sweeney has: Swanned into the GC
Around The Web: Mud crab sale lands big fines, Spain’s #1 matador gored right in the rectum, 10 local startups welcomed, Anthropic’s most dangerous AI model falls into the wrong hands and heaps more
Trending: Gold Coast flood maps!
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1. One Big Thing: Local rugby star loses $7 million fight with corporate referee
By Marshall Hall
What’s Happening: Gold Coast-dwelling rugby union star turned financial industry figure Mark Swanepoel has lost his long-running battle with the corporate referee.
Why It Matters: The Southern African-born former Brumbies player and his lending network, Cigno Australia, and their business associates have been ordered to pay a whopping multi-million-dollar penalty after the Federal Court ruled they operated high-fee payday loan schemes without a licence.
Zoom In: The penalty orders follow the findings of the Federal Court on 24 May 2024 of breaches of the Credit Act by Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions through their use of the No Upfront Charge Loan Model and involvement in those breaches by Mr Swanepoel and Brenton Harrison, fellow director.
The judgment ends the case launched in 2023 by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission against Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions, along with Mr Swanepoel and Mr Harrison.
By the Numbers
More than $90 million in fees were charged to consumers between July 2022 and May 2024
The fines dished out included:
$3 million to Cigno Australia
$3 million to BSF Solutions
$500,000 to Mr Swanpoel
$500,000 to Mr Harrison
What The People Say: ASIC chairman Joe Longo said ASIC had taken regulatory and enforcement action over many years to respond to various business models used by entities connected to Cigno Australia, BSF Solutions, Mr Swanepoel and Mr Harrison.
“ASIC believes their No Upfront Charge Loan Model was designed to sidestep consumer protection laws and put consumers at risk,’’ Mr Longo said.
“From July 2022 to May 2024, Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions charged consumers more than $90 million in fees.
“Today’s outcome demonstrates ASIC’s commitment to protecting Australians from predatory lending practices and holding individuals and companies accountable for their actions.”
What To Look For Next: The full article below.
Last week’s poll results👇
2.
3. Sydney Sweeney swans into the GC
By Marshall Hall
What’s Happening: Look out GC, Blonde bombshell and Hollywood “It Girl” Sydney Sweeney is swanning around the city to film the sci-fi franchise movie Gundam.
Why It Matters: For those not in the know, Gundam has long been a leading franchise in the mechanical warrior genre; the original giant robot anime show that inspired a global multimedia movement.
Now, it’s being filmed by Legendary Pictures as a live-action adventure set in an era of war between Earth and its former space colonies, right here on the Gold Coast.
By the Numbers:
$110 million is expected to be injected into Queensland’s economy from this production alone
350+ local cast and crew are estimated to be employed during production
Over $328 million has been contributed by past Legendary projects in Queensland over the last decade
Zoom In: The cast also includes 👇
Jason Isaacs (The White Lotus, Harry Potter, The Death of Stalin)
Shioli Kutsuna (Deadpool & Wolverine)
Michael Mando (Better Call Saul)
Jackson White (Tell Me Lies)
Nonso Anozie (Sweet Tooth)
Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton (Under the Bridge)
Oleksandr Rudynskyi (The Agency)
Ida Brooke (Dune: Part Three), and
Gemma Chua-Tran (Heartbreak High)
What The People Say: Herb Gains, EVP Physical Production at Legendary, said Queensland had become an important production centre for Legendary for the past 10 years.
“The crews, facilities, as well as the government support have proven to be great partners and problem solvers for our Monsterverse films,’’ he said.
“The friendships that have developed with the community have made Queensland a second home and we look forward to expanding the relationship with Gundam.”
Jacqui Feeney, Screen Queensland CEO said the screen agency recognised the importance of strong partnerships with industry heavyweights like Legendary Pictures.
“Legendary’s continued trust in Queensland to create exceptional world-building environments is a testament to our experienced crews, first-class studios, versatile locations and competitive incentives supported by all levels of government,’’ she said.
Minister for the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek, said the Crisafulli Government’s investment in Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy continued to reap rewards for the state.
“We know that our production incentive ensures that Queensland remains globally competitive, with a strong pipeline of major projects delivering ongoing employment and expenditure for local communities,’’ said Mr Langbroek, who is also the State Member for Surfers Paradise.
What To Look For Next: More support by the Australian Government through the Location Offset, the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, and Local Government through the City of Gold Coast’s Screen Attraction Program.
4. Around the web
Mythos, Anthropic’s most dangerous AI model it refused to release to the public because of: Extreme cybersecurity risks, just fell into the wrong hands (great 🥲)
It has been 30 years since the Spice Girls changed: Pop forever, from which their iconic outfits are now on display at a new exhibition in London
Apple announced that Steve Jobs’ successor, Tom Cook, is: Standing down, making way for John Ternus to become CEO
Spain’s greatest matador was gored by a bull that: Left the entertainer with a 10cm gash in his rectum after the horror accident
After years of declining use, Australians are leading a: cash usage comeback
5. Trending
Recent newsletters
Last week’s top-clicked link was 👇
Weekly dream gig
This week - If you’ve ever wanted a seat at the big table and the beach five minutes away, this is it.
Gold Coast Health is chasing a sharp Communication Manager to steer messaging for a 13,000-strong organisation, think exec-level advising, major projects, crisis comms and shaping the voice of one of the region’s biggest employers.
The package is epic with a massive $140,000.00K–$150,000.00 + 12.75% super, with flexible work, serious career runway and the kind of role where your words actually move the needle.
Big org, big impact, big lifestyle by the beach.
6. Upcoming events
🏉 Gold Coast Suns vs Hawthorn (ANZAC Round) – Fri 25 Apr, 7:25 pm; the Suns take it to Tassie for their ANZAC hit-out against the Hawks.
🏉 Gold Coast Titans vs Dolphins – Fri 25 Apr, 8 pm; the Titans return home for a big ANZAC round clash under lights at Cbus Stadium. Grab tickets.
🏉 Burleigh Bears vs Wynnum Manly Seagulls – Sat 26 Apr, 3 pm; QCup footy with proper local bite down at Pizzey Park. Get tickets.
🏉 Southport Sharks vs Labrador Tigers – Sat 26 Apr, 2 pm; old-school local rivalry footy with a big arvo crowd at Fankhauser Reserve. Match details.
🎬 Gold Coast Film Festival – Thu 23 Apr–Sun 3 May, various times; red carpets, premieres and big-name screenings take over HOTA and beyond for the full festival.
🎤 Carl Barron (Live) – Sat 26 Apr, 7:30 pm; one of Australia’s biggest comics rolls into The Star for a massive night of dry, deadpan laughs. Grab tickets.
🎸 The Angels (Live at Miami Marketta) – Sat 26 Apr, 7 pm; Aussie rock legends bring the classics for a loud, nostalgic singalong. Get tickets.
🎭 Dracula’s: Lucid – Fri 25 Apr & Sat 26 Apr, 7 pm; wild cabaret, acrobatics and dinner collide in one chaotic, hilarious night out. Book tickets.
🏃 Gold Coast Running Festival – Sun 27 Apr, from 6 am; thousands hit the Robina course for everything from a cruisy 5km to a full half marathon. Enter the run.
🎪 Dreamworld Night Market – Fri 25 Apr & Sat 26 Apr, 5–9 pm; street eats, live tunes and rides keep the park buzzing after dark at this lively market.
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