🛫 New GC Airport Route | Storyfest Returns | Tate and Gates win big | James Bond actor announced | An Antarctic post office is hiring | Coomera Connector Interactive Map and more!
Volume 55 - Today’s newsletter is 1,012 words, a 4 minute read.
Welcome to Thursday, March 21.
In today’s email
Tate and Gates: In dates with destiny
The Somerset Storyfest: Returns to Mudgeeraba
Trending: Kirra in its absolute perfect form this week
Around The Web (Snippets): An Antarctic Post Office is hiring, Fire saving frogs just west of the GC, $50,000 whisky, robotic endometriosis treatment for Gold Coast women, the new James Bond actor announced, a Coomera Connector interactive map and more!
Councillor’s Corner: The 2024 Local Election Results
Upcoming Events
Weekend Weather and Surf
Live Gold Coast Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Tom Tate and Donna Gates win as vote count continues
What’s Happening
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has clinched a historic fourth term, while Deputy Mayor Donna Gates won decisively, signalling that a majority of the community preferred existing leadership at the election.
Why It Matters
The vote counts (that aren’t still being counted..) point to the electorate's desire for continuity and experience in navigating the city's future challenges and opportunities.
But there are still Councillors to be decided, and the race is still tight in these local areas.
By the Numbers
Tom Tate secured over 50% of the mayoral vote (Eddy Saroff second at 20.6%).
Donna Gates received a massive 68% of the Division 3 vote.
Local Impact
Mr. Tate declared victory shortly before 9 pm on Saturday, less than four hours after the polls had closed.
The results affirm a clear mandate for the current leadership to continue their development and community service agendas.
What To Look For Next
The full article by Marshall Hall that goes into detail on the key Division results and those still hotly contested.
Or, the live vote count on the Queensland Electoral Commission website, where counting in some areas is still taking place.
2. The Somerset Storyfest Returns to Mudgeeraba
What’s Happening
From March 25 to 27, over 30 acclaimed authors and storytellers will converge at Somerset College, Mudgeeraba, for Queensland’s beloved literary event.
Why It Matters
The festival champions literacy and creativity, offering an enriching experience for children and adults alike amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Gold Coast.
By the Numbers
30+ authors and illustrators attending.
Events span all school ages to adults.
The event will feature the Prologue Party, Literary Lunch, and Long Table events.
Local Impact
Storyfest not only bolsters the Gold Coast’s cultural scene but also reignites the community's love for reading.
A Nostalgic and Inspiring Affair
Recalling childhood memories of book signings and school excursions, the festival promises new joyful experiences for the current generation.
What To Look For Next
With a rich program and diverse attendance, the Storyfest is a must-visit for families seeking to instil a passion for reading and storytelling.
For more insights and the full program, visitors are encouraged to explore the official Somerset Storyfest and Storyfest Festival Guide 2024.
Full article here by Courtney Mulder.
Nominate someone by March 24 here.
3. Trending
Kirra, this week 🔥
4. Around The Web (Snippets)
A $50,000 whisky just released by: The Macallan x Bentley
Women across the Gold Coast and Northern NSW are set to: Benefit from cutting-edge, robotic-assisted surgery for the treatment of endometriosis
The ‘Penguin Post Office’ (The world’s southernmost post office in Antarctica) is: Hiring three seasonal workers
A new route from the Gold Coast airport has been: Announced by Bonza
The potentially new James Bond actor: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, has officially been offered the job
Fire is being used in the ranges west of the Gold Coast to: Protect Mount Ballow Mountain Frogs
For the first time in 17 years, Japan has: Raised its interest rates this week
The Australian Medical Association announced: It is coming back for its annual conference
GC detectives have: Charged a second man with murder at Hope Island
An interactive map for the Coomera Connector: Is now live 👇
5. 2024 Local Election Results
Here is a list of councillors who are currently at the top of the election results.
Division 1 HAMMEL, Mark 76.48%
Division 2 FOWLER, Naomi 74.25%
Division 3 GATES, Donna 58.90%
Division 4 uncontested - CURTIS, Shelley Anne
Division 5 YOUNG, Peter 62.66%
Division 6 PATTERSON, Brooke 52.26%
Division 7 WILKINSON, Joe 25.15%
Division 8 LA CASTRA, Bob 66.63%
Division 9 TOZER, Glenn 65.63%
Division 10 TAYLOR, Darren A 58.92%
Division 11 DORAN, Dan 59.60%
Division 12 MARSHALL, Nick 40.88%
Division 13 MARTIN, Josh 56.58%
Division 14 O'NEILL, Gail 46.13%
See live counting here.
6. Upcoming Events
🏄🏽 Kirra Teams Challenge: March 22 - March 24 from 8 am to 4 pm; shortboard surfing event with over 288 of the best surfers in Australia at Queen Elizabeth Park
😀 The Stevenson Experience: March 22 from 7 pm onwards; musical comedy duo with an Encore of their critically acclaimed show – Stranger Twins at the HOTA
💎 Mudgeeraba Gem Show: March 23 from 8 am onwards; gems available to purchase in a market atmosphere and with many prices below retail at Mudgeeraba Showgrounds
⛰️ The Wildfire Raid: March 23 from 6:30 am onwards; Raid Adventure’s premier “sprint-length” adventure race with three or 6-hour course options at Wyaralong Dam Access
👩🏼🎨 Easter Cookie Art Workshop for Kids: March 24 from 3:30 pm onwards; hands-on workshop perfect for kids of all ages and skill levels at Greendays Restaurant
🎙️ Gladys Knight: The Farewell Tour: March 24 from 7:30 pm; seven-time Grammy award winner, singer, actress and true Empress of Soul performing at The Star Gold Coast
✍🏼 Storyfest Writers' Festival: March 25 to March 27; 31st annual Somerset Storyfest Writers' Festival at Somerset College
🕺🏼 A Taste of Ireland―The Irish Music & Dance Sensation: March 27 from 7:30 pm onwards; an energetic blend of melodic folk music mash-ups, live jaw-dropping acapella tap battles at Boonah Cultural Centre
📱 Digital Disruptor Virtual Expo: March 27-28, opening doors to global markets.
🙌