đ˛ Nine new emojis for 2026
Volume 173: GC eBikes crackdown | Australian spider named worldâs fastest | SEQ Digital Rail upgrade | OpenAI launches $230 Codex control keypad and heaps more!
Gâday GC, and welcome back to another big weekly edition. Itâs July 16.
In today's newsletter
One Big Thing: Gold Coast riders face fines in e-mobility crackdown
Bodi Hugin wins: Junior Bodyboarding 2026 at Duranbah
Gold Coast Defence Manufacturing: Gets big funding win
Around The Web: Gold Coast Waterways safer after Operation Clearwater, Nine new emojis for 2026, GC Mates complete risky whale rescue and more
Trending: Yesterday sunset over the Goldy..
Upcoming Events
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1. Gold Coast riders face e-mobility crackdown
Whatâs Happening: Gold Coast police are fining riders and seizing illegal e-bikes and e-scooters under Operation Yankee Surety, Queenslandâs year-long crackdown on unsafe riding and non-compliant devices.
Why It Matters: E-mobility use is rising across Queensland, but police are also recording dangerous speeds, drink riding, helmet offences and illegal devices. Queensland recorded 12 e-mobility deaths in 2025 and another four in 2026.
The operation began on 1 July 2026, giving officers wider powers to conduct breath tests, detect speeding and seize devices that breach state laws.
By the Numbers:
More than 420 infringement notices were issued across Queensland during the first fortnight of Operation Yankee Surety.
More than 100 illegal devices were seized by police during the same period.
More than 120 roadside breath tests were conducted on e-mobility riders, resulting in seven drink-driving charges.
Local Impact: Recent Gold Coast enforcement efforts resulted in three devices being seized with police issuing infringement notices to a 27-year-old rider, a 14-year-old Robina boy and a 57-year-old Tugun man over separate non-compliant devices.
Officers are also using mobile speed-detection equipment on shared pathways while speaking with riders and parents about helmet rules, speed limits, and legal device requirements.
New Rules on the Path: Devices must not provide motor assistance above 25km/h, while a 12km/h limit applies on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths.
Riders are also subject to a 0.05 blood alcohol limit, and parents can be fined when children under 16 use illegal devices.
Police issued more than 2,800 notices during the earlier Operation X-Ray Surety, with a further 2,600 notices being issued between 1 January and 19 June 2026, including 1,824 for failing to wear a helmet.
What the People Say
âOperation Yankee Surety is about detecting, intercepting and deterring dangerous riding behaviours, and making it clear to Queenslanders that unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated,â Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.
âEnforcement alone cannot save lives. Road safety is everyoneâs responsibility, and that responsibility extends to every rider to adhere to the rules, wear an approved helmet, ride at safe speeds and ensure their device complies with Queensland legislation.â
What To Look For Next: Further age and licensing rules begin on 31 August 2026, including a general minimum riding age of 16, subject to approved exemptions and parental supervision provisions.
Mandatory compliance labelling for e-bikes begins on 28 February 2027, and Operation Yankee Surety results will continue across Queensland until 30 June 2027.
2.
Bodi Hugin wins Junior Bodyboarding 2026 at Duranbah
Bodi Hugin claimed the 2026 Future Pro's title at Duranbah after defeating Chase Thompson in a tight junior final.
3. Gold Coast Defence Manufacturing gets funding
Whatâs Happening: Two local companies will receive a portion of a total of $1.77 million from the Queensland Government to expand defence manufacturing at Ormeau and Molendinar.
Firstly, Arkeus will establish an Australian manufacturing hub for its optical radar systems.
In addition, Rhino Linings will begin producing BattleJacket protective fuel tank coatings locally for the first time.
Why It Matters: The projects supported by the funding will reduce reliance on overseas suppliers while adding manufacturing, repair and support capacity to Australiaâs domestic defence supply chain.
The funding will also create skilled jobs and new opportunities for Gold Coast suppliers and employees.
By the Numbers:
$285,000 will help Rhino Linings install defence-grade production equipment in Molendinar.
$1.48 million will support Arkeus as it expands manufacturing and repair services at Ormeau.
59 jobs are linked to the Arkeus project, including 46 ongoing positions.
Local Impact: Arkeus plans to increase its manufacturing capacity twentyfold, with its Ormeau facility producing AI-powered optical sensors for Australian and United States defence agencies.
At Molendinar, Rhino Linings will produce BattleJacket coatings that protect military vehicle fuel tanks from ballistic penetration and blast damage. The product previously had to be sourced from the United States.
Made on the Gold Coast: The funding will add optical sensor production, equipment repairs and military vehicle protection products to the regionâs manufacturing sector.
Arkeus has already appointed four senior Queensland employees, while Rhino Linings sees possible export opportunities across Asia once local BattleJacket production is established.
What The People Say
Arkeus Chief Executive Officer Simon Olsen said the Ormeau facility would allow the company to increase production and respond to growing defence demand.
âOur new Ormeau facility will allow us to significantly scale manufacturing, meet growing demand from Australian and U.S. defence agencies, and support the next stage of Arkeusâ growth,â Mr Olsen said.
Rhino Linings Australasia General Manager Peter Morgan said the funding would allow BattleJacket to be made locally.
âOur main target market is defence force use here in Australia but thereâs also the potential for export, particularly to Asia,â Mr Morgan said.
What To Look For Next: Check out the full article đ
5. Around the web
The worldâs fastest spider is Australian: Reaching speeds of about 0.5 meters per second, outrunning 257 rival species in a new study
Nine new emojis are coming to your keyboard in 2026: Including a pickle, meteor (âď¸), cracked smile and these six others..
A humanoid robot is heading into New York classrooms: Helping STEM students during lessons and offering homework support around the clock.
Gold Coast stars have denied wrongdoing over a toilet video: The Suns say both players rejected any suggestion of misconduct after footage circulated online.
Two Gold Coast mates turned a risky whale rescue: into an incredible save after finding a humpback tangled in ropeâŚ
OpenAIâs first physical device is not the AI companion many expected: It is a $230 keypad built to control its Codex coding assistant.
OpenAI Developers@OpenAIDevsMeet kbd-1.0-codex-micro, built with @work_louder. Map the buttons and joystick to your workflow, and keep your pinned chats in view. Get yours before stock returns 410.4:12 PM ¡ Jul 15, 2026 ¡ 2.75M Views775 Replies ¡ 617 Reposts ¡ 7.41K Likes
6. Trending
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Last weekâs top-clicked link was đđź
Weekly dream gig
This week - The Solar Group is hiring a full-time Solar Sales Consultant for Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Ipswich, with hybrid arrangements based in Bundall. The role offers expected annual earnings of $150,000 to $225,000 or more.
Qualified leads and solar training are provided, but applicants must have direct sales experience, strong closing skills, a mobile phone and a reliable vehicle. The package includes a $1,000 weekly retainer, $200 per kilowatt commission and battery commissions.
Apply with a resume and cover letter.
7. Upcoming events
đ¨ Flora Natureâs Gift National Botanical Art Exhibition: Friday 17 to Thursday 23 July 2026, 9 am to 3 pm daily; more than 70 botanical paintings will be shown through the RQAS Gallery exhibition at 25 Broadbeach Boulevard, Broadbeach.
đŹ Very Short Film Festival - Gold Coast: Friday 17 July 2026, 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm; HOTA will screen a selection of Australian films under five minutes, covering comedy, drama, documentary and experimental work.
đŁ Inspire Debut: Friday 17 July 2026, from 6 pm; Inspire Athletics will present its new competitive cheerleading routines during a season-opening showcase in Carrara.
đ Dreamworld Night Market: Friday 17 and Saturday 18 July 2026, 5 pm to 9 pm; the evening market at Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera, will have street food, live music, entertainment and family activities.
đ¸ Sundown: Saturday 18 July 2026, 3.30 pm to 8 pm; the free Southport street party will bring live bands, DJs and street art to Nerang Street.
đŁ Wave Break Island Challenge: Saturday 18 July 2026, 10 am to 2 pm; paddlers using surf skis, stand-up paddleboards, canoes and kayaks will take on a 12-kilometre Broadwater course from Muriel Henchman Park, Main Beach.
𼞠The Kokoda Challenge: Saturday 18 July 2026, 7 am, to Sunday 19 July 2026, 11 am; teams will complete 30-kilometre, 48-kilometre or 96-kilometre courses during the hinterland fundraiser, supporting the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
đ The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever: Sunday 19 July 2026, from 9 am; red-dressed participants will gather in Southport for a global Kate Bush dance event based on the Wuthering Heights music video.
đ§ Go Gold Coast Fitness Festival: Sunday 19 July 2026, from 7 am; the Coolangatta fitness program will include Pilates, yoga, circuit training, aerobics, breathwork, line dancing, markets and a childrenâs zone.
đ Gold Coastâs Annual Wedding Expo: Sunday 19 July 2026, from 10 am; more than 100 wedding and bridal suppliers will gather at the Gold Coast Turf Club in Bundall.
đ NRL Telstra Premiership GC Titans v Sea Eagles + NRLW v Eels: Sunday 19 July 2026, 11.50 am to 4.30 pm; Cbus Super Stadium will host an NRL and NRLW double-header, with the Titans facing Manly and the womenâs side playing Parramatta.
đď¸ Gold Coast SUNS v Western Bulldogs: Sunday 19 July 2026, from 3.15 pm; the SUNS will host the Bulldogs in an AFL Premiership match at People First Stadium, Carrara.
đ Kirra Longboard Klassic: Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 July 2026, 6 am to 6 pm daily; longboard surfers will compete throughout the day during the Kirra Beach program at 15 Marine Parade, Coolangatta.
đ¤ Gold Coast Business Growth Circle for Women in Business: Wednesday 22 July 2026, 10.30 am to 12.30 pm; the business networking session will be held at Greendays Restaurant and Cafe in Bundall.
đť Queensland Leaders Gold Coast Open House: Thursday 23 July 2026, 1 pm arrival, 1.15 pm to 5 pm; Bond University will host an AI and business workshop covering where to start with AI and how to build a business that attracts buyers.
đ¤ NIRVANNA [USA] - Tribute to Nirvana: Thursday 23 July 2026, doors open at 7 pm; Moâs Desert Clubhouse in Burleigh Heads will present an 18-plus theatre-style Nirvana tribute.