🦪 Oyster invasion | Spaceport launch | Local legal questions answered | Seniors' month grants | The Matrix 5 | Teens charged with assault | Elon announces a Robotaxi and more!
Volume 58: Today’s newsletter is 1,078 words, a 4.5 minute read.
Welcome to April 11, Thursday.
In today’s email
Oyster Invasion: Unwanted species found north of the GC
Gold Coast Brothers: Launch spaceport
Seniors’ Month: Grants closing soon
Trending: Seller disclosure laws needed
Around The Web (Snippets): Elon Musk’s Robotaxi announcement, Local legal questions to be answered in Southport, The Matrix #5, a world record $10m filly, the Sneeky Midweeky and more!
Councillor’s Corner
Upcoming Events
Weekend Weather and Surf
Live Gold Coast Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Suminoe Oyster's Unwanted Debut in Australia, Just North Of The GC
What’s Happening
Australia has unfortunately encountered its first detection of the Suminoe oyster, a high-risk aquatic animal, on Bribie Island and in areas around Brisbane (Boggy Creek, Pinkenba, and Kedron Brook), posing a threat to native marine life and infrastructure.
Why It Matters
Known as the ‘Chinese River Oyster’, this invasive species could disrupt local ecosystems by competing with native oysters, spreading diseases, and damaging marine infrastructure, highlighting a strict need for biosecurity measures and the watchful eyes of water-loving residents.
By the Numbers
The pest grows up to 24 cm, out-sizing native species.
Reaches sexual maturity in 2-3 months, facilitating rapid spread.
Spawns at 22-26°C, ideal for Australian waters.
Local Impact
Southeast Queensland’s marine biodiversity and aquaculture face significant risks from the Suminoe oyster, given its potential for spreading exotic diseases and parasites.
What To Look For Next
Check out the full Suminoe oyster fact sheet here, and remember to look, report, and protect them by calling 13 25 23 or reporting a suspicious case here.
2. Gold Coast Brothers Launch Spaceport
Full article by Marshall Hall
What’s Happening
The Helensvale-headquartered Gilmour Space Technologies has officially opened the doors of a spaceport in Bowen.
Why It Matters
This strategic move amplifies Australia's capabilities in deploying low-earth orbit satellites, which are essential for communication, disaster management, and defence, and it showcases the nation's growing space sector prowess.
By the Numbers
A 23-metre, 30-tonne rocket has been developed.
A partnership with NASA since 2018 underlines the company's global standing.
Skyward Bound
Gearing up for its first launch within weeks, this milestone is one giant leap forward for the company, which is the brainchild of brothers Adam and James Gilmour.
What The People Say
Adam Gilmour says: the new spaceport would be a launch pad “for our global customers to deploy their satellite technologies.”
What To Look For Next
The full article, here.
3. Seniors’ Month Grants - Application Deadline April 15
Full article by Courtney Mulder
What’s Happening
In preparation for Seniors’ Month this October, grants are available to not-for-profits, charities, community organisations, schools, local government, and libraries to apply for up to $2000
Why It Matters
Australia’s ageing population brings challenges and opportunities.
Seniors Month focuses on integrating elders into the community, highlighting their roles and enhancing their well-being.
Zoom In
Celebrations kick off on October 1 (United Nations International Day of Older Persons)
Grants of up to $2,000 support senior-centric events are available but close April 15 (be quick)
October’s celebration concludes with the National Grandparents Day on October 27.
Local Impact
Examples of events that you can hold with the grant include morning teas, gentle fitness classes such as yoga and water aerobics, local music concerts, and others, which you can see a list of in this article.
Bridging Generations
This initiative looks to foster intergenerational connections, enriching the Gold Coast community by celebrating its elders and showing older people that they are valued and loved.
It celebrates their contributions, whether it be as volunteers, in the workforce, as community leaders, carers, grandparents, or advocates.
What To Look For Next
For more information and to apply for the grant, head to the link in the full article here, before it closes on April 15.
4. Trending
📝 Like your local area and writing about it?
We’re looking for some legendary locals to help cover the:
Coolangatta/Kirra/Elanora/Tallebdugera/Currumbin area
Main Beach/Surfers/Burleigh area
Parkwood/Labrador/Southport area
Or, submit a story here 👇
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Elon Musk announced a new: Robotaxi, which will be unveiled on August 8
GC residents with questions about legal matters are: Being urged to attend a morning tea in Southport next month.
Warner Bros. announced a new: Matrix movie, the fifth instalment in the sci-fi franchise
Three teens attacked a 16-year-old girl in: Surfers Paradise and have now been charged
A $10 million filly: Was sold this week, breaking world records, for champion race mare Winx's first foal
QLD reveals light rail budget may blow: Out to three times more than current projections
Sneeky Mid-Weeky is a new: Campaign targeting holidaymakers who have more flexibility to travel mid-week to the Gold Coast 👇
6. Councillor’s Corner
Div 1 | Ormeau, Pimpama, Yatala | Cr Mark Hammel
Div 14 | Kirra, Coolangatta, Currumbin, Elanora, Tugun +6 | Cr Gail O'Neill
7. Upcoming Events
🖼️ Italian Renaissance Alive: April 11 - August 4; digital multi-sensory gallery, accompanied by a powerful operatic musical score at HOTA
🎭 Ready or Not: April 11 from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm; a debut solo work of Gold Coast theatre maker Ainslee Palmer at HOTA
🎶 Ultra Beach: April 12 from 3 pm onwards; a day of sun, sand, and unforgettable music at Broadwater Parklands
🎭 Burn: April 12 - April 27 from 7:30 pm onwards; a psychological drama that dissects the dynamic between two polar-opposite brothers at Spotlight Theatre Basement
🏉 Gold Coast SUNS v Hawthorn: April 13 from 5:30 pm onwards; Round 5 at People First Stadium, Carrara, QLD
😎 Cyr & German Wheel Club Fun Day: April 13 from 10 am onwards; open training session for members, friends and anyone interested in trying wheel gymnastics at Runaway Bay Indoor Stadium
🎼 Hope Island Jazz and Cabaret presents Sweet Thunder: April 14 from 3 pm onwards; a local 13-piece jazz orchestra performing at Blue Water Bar and Grill
🏉 Gold Coast Titans vs. Canberra Raiders: Ap6:15 pm from 6:15 pm at GIO Stadium in Canberra
📣 Voice, Stagecraft & Show Readiness Workshop: April 14 from 9:30 pm to 12:30 pm; learn techniques of how to use your voice in different venues at Tom Atkin Hall