✈️ Pacific Airshow's biggest line-up lands in town
Volume 177: 18,900 GC homes funding support | Google launches its AirTag rival | Global cycling films roll into Gold Coast | See the 2026 total solar eclipse and heaps more
G’day GC, and welcome back to another big weekly edition. It’s August 13.
In today's newsletter
One Big Thing: Pacific Airshow returns with biggest Gold Coast line-up
Australian astronaut brings: Moon rover to Surfers Paradise
Funding supports: 18,900 Gold Coast homes
Around the web: Gold Coasters asked to shape the Oceanway, Divers plan to taste 162-year-old Guinness, Griffith begins work on new medical research centre and more
Trending: Our new tram line getting belted with patronage on day 1!
Upcoming events: A South African wine tasting and more
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1. One Big Thing: Pacific Airshow returns with biggest Gold Coast line-up
What’s Happening: Pacific Airshow Gold Coast returns to Surfers Paradise Beach from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August, with performer aircraft now based at Gold Coast Airport and final preparations underway along the beachfront.
Why It Matters: Beyond the aerial displays, the airshow is expected to increase visitor spending, support local jobs and bring more customers to hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
By the Numbers
More than 300,000 people are expected at Surfers Paradise Beach across the three days.
24 months have passed since the airshow last appeared on the Gold Coast.
Six hours of flying are scheduled each day, with displays running from about 10am until 4pm after gates open at 9am.
Local Impact: Gold Coast Airport will serve as a base for several performer aircraft throughout the event, while Surfers Paradise will host the main flying program and beachfront attractions.
Ready for Take-off: The RAAF F-35 Lightning II will lead a program featuring the Roulettes, C-130 Hercules, No. 100 Squadron heritage warbirds and Red Berets parachute team. United States aircraft include the Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, Navy P-8 Poseidon and Air Force C-17 Globemaster III.
The program also includes Matt Hall, the Yak-110, Gravity Industries Jet Suits, Australia’s first BO-105 helicopter aerobatic display, wingsuit and skydiving teams, emergency service demonstrations and several historic aircraft. Bluey and Bingo will perform daily, while signing sessions and premium hospitality areas will add to the activity on the ground.
What The People Say
“This is the biggest line-up we’ve ever brought to the Gold Coast and it’s all taking place over the water in front of hundreds of thousands of people,” Pacific Airshow chief executive and director Kevin Elliott said.
“Hosting this three-day event showcases our city’s skyline, beaches and blue ocean to the world,” Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said.
What To Look For Next: Gates open at 9am on Friday 14 August, with flying expected to begin at approximately 10am and finish around 4pm each day. The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast continues at Surfers Paradise Beach until Sunday 16 August, with tickets available online
2. Australian astronaut brings moon rover to Surfers Paradise
What’s Happening: Surfers Paradise will host a major National Science Week event during Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, giving students the chance to meet Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg and test-drive Roo-ver, a model of Australia’s first locally built moon rover.
Why It Matters: The program connects the airshow’s flying displays with practical science education. By combining an astronaut appearance, Australian space technology and hands-on activities, it shows students how engineering supports flight both within Earth’s atmosphere and beyond it.
By the Numbers
National Science Week reaches more than 3 million people through activities held across Australia.
More than 2,500 events are included in this year’s national festival program.
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast runs for three days, from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2026.
Local Impact: Queensland schools can attend the airshow free on Friday through the Students with Altitude program, providing classes with a dedicated day of aviation and STEM activities.
From Surfers Paradise to Space: Roo-ver gives students a close look at the technology being developed for Australia’s future lunar work.
What To Look For Next: Pacific Airshow Gold Coast begins tomorrow, 14 August, while National Science Week continues until Sunday 23 August.
3. Funding supports 18,900 Gold Coast homes
What’s Happening: Queensland will invest $146 million through the Residential Activation Fund to support infrastructure for 18,900 planned homes across Pimpama, Robina and Parkwood.
The funding covers water, sewerage, stormwater, roads and electricity needed before housing construction can begin.
Why It Matters: Housing projects cannot proceed without essential services, even when land is available. Funding these early works could bring more residential sites closer to construction and increase housing supply across the Gold Coast.
By the Numbers
The fund’s second round has doubled to $1 billion, while funded works have supported more than 140,000 homes statewide.
Varsity Lakes will gain 270 homes, including 57 affordable apartments from BlueCHP and about 213 apartments and townhouses from Red & Co.
Queensland aims to deliver one million homes by 2044. Eligible first-home buyers can also access a $30,000 grant, stamp duty relief on new builds and the Boost to Buy scheme.
Local Impact: The investment could help housing sites progress across three major Gold Coast growth areas. At Varsity Lakes, the separate Land Activation Program will turn underused government land into affordable and general housing.
Pipes Before Properties: The funding focuses on the roads, drainage, water and power connections needed before homes can be built. At Varsity Lakes, affordable apartments will also sit within a larger residential development rather than on a separate site.
What To Look For Next: The full article below 👇🏼
5. Around the web
Google is taking on Apple's AirTag with: The Pixel Tag, a new Android tracker that can map, ring and precisely locate lost belongings.
Gold Coasters can help shape the remaining sections of the city's 36km Oceanway by: Sharing feedback on safety, access, shade and amenities before 24 August.
The 2026 total solar eclipse swept across the Northern Hemisphere on 12 August: See photos from the event and where it was visible.
Shipwreck divers who found a sealed 162-year-old Guinness bottle want to: Take a swig and use its yeast DNA to recreate the Victorian-era stout.
Griffith University has started work on a Gold Coast research centre opening in May 2028 that will: Manufacture spinal injury cell therapies, develop malaria vaccines and test medical devices.
World Elephant Day is being marked with: 20 memorable photos showing elephants at their most playful and powerful while highlighting the threats they face.
Arundel-based Craig International Ballistics will receive more than $500,000 to: Expand local production of military-grade armour plates for soldiers and police officers.
ChatGPT is getting better around the web with: A Chrome side chat that can answer questions about videos, open tabs and highlighted text, plus desktop tools for URLs and browser history. 👇
ChatGPT@ChatGPTGood news for anyone with too many tabs: ChatGPT is getting better around the web. 🧩 Chrome extension: In Side Chat, ask about a YouTube video, reference your open tabs, or highlight text on a page and ask away. 💻 Desktop app: Get URL suggestions as you type, revisit11:25 PM · Jul 30, 2026 · 954K Views266 Replies · 423 Reposts · 6.07K Likes
6. Trending
Recent newsletters
Last week’s top-clicked link was 👇🏼
Weekly dream gig
This week - Open Minds is recruiting a Psychosocial Youth Worker, supporting young people across the Gold Coast through a new integrated mental health program delivered alongside local Hospital and Health Service early psychosis teams.
This full-time role offers $80,000-$85,000 plus super and salary packaging, with funded professional development of up to $2,000 per year, dedicated clinical supervision, Accrued Days Off and the opportunity to help shape an exciting new youth mental health service.
Have a job opening? Promote your vacancy here 👇🏼
7. Upcoming events
✈️ Pacific Airshow Gold Coast – Friday 14 August to Sunday 16 August 2026, gates open 9.00 am daily, airshow approximately 10.00 am – 3.00 pm – Surfers Paradise Beach comes alive with three days of high-speed flyovers, aerobatics, military aircraft, STEM activities, performer signings and family entertainment; check the official event details before heading down. (Pacific Airshow Gold Coast)
🎸 Lies N’ Destruction – Paradise Cities Tour – Friday 14 August 2026, 8.00 pm – Australia’s nationally touring Guns N’ Roses experience brings nearly three hours of iconic hits, fan favourites and deep cuts to Mermaid Waters; grab your tickets for a big night of rock ’n’ roll. (Oztix)
🎭 Truck Driver – Thursday 13 August to Saturday 15 August 2026 – HOTA’s Black Box Theatre presents this intimate live performance as part of its winter program, bringing contemporary theatre and storytelling to the Gold Coast; explore the program for session information. (HOTA)
🎶 Foo Fighters Experience In Your Honour – Saturday 15 August 2026, 6.00 pm – Miami Marketta hosts Australia’s premier Foo Fighters tribute for a night packed with singalongs and classics including The Pretender, Learn to Fly and Everlong; book the show for the full rock experience. (Experience Gold Coast)
🍷 Sunsets Wine Club: Our 1st Gathering – South African Wine Tasting – Saturday 15 August 2026, 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm – Taste a curated selection of South African wines paired with tapas while learning about the country’s wine regions, grape varieties and winemaking traditions at Little Vine Room; reserve your spot for this relaxed afternoon. (Humanitix)
🎻 Gary Levinson & Magdalene Ho – Sunday 16 August 2026, 7.30 pm – 9.15 pm – World-class violinist Gary Levinson joins young piano virtuoso Magdalene Ho for an evening of chamber music at the Robina Auditorium; tickets are available for this special concert. (Humanitix)
🎨 This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art – Wednesday 8 July to Sunday 25 October 2026 – Explore one of Australia’s most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art at HOTA Gallery, with the exhibition continuing throughout your dates; discover the exhibition while you’re on the Coast. (HOTA)
🧵 UNLEASHED+ – Saturday 1 August to Sunday 8 November 2026 – HOTA Gallery showcases the work of emerging Queensland craft and design practitioners in an exhibition celebrating makers, materials and creative experimentation; see what’s on display during the week. (HOTA)
🖼️ 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After The Rain – Saturday 4 July to Sunday 27 September 2026 – HOTA Gallery presents contemporary works exploring resilience, Country and Indigenous perspectives in this major national exhibition; find exhibition information before visiting. (HOTA)
💃 Pacific Pines State High School – Annual Dance Night – Monday 17 August 2026, doors 5.30 pm, show 6.30 pm – Students take over The Star Gold Coast for an energetic showcase of hip-hop, commercial, contemporary and competition routines; tickets are available through Ticketek. (Ticketek)
💻 Being Found Through SEO and AI Search in 2026 – Wednesday 19 August 2026, 12.00 pm – 1.30 pm – Gold Coast small businesses can learn how Google, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and emerging platforms are changing online discovery at Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre; register for this free workshop. (business.gov.au)
🤝 Gold Coast Corporate Rotary – Monthly Members Meeting – Wednesday 19 August 2026, 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm – Local business and community-minded professionals can connect at the Gold Coast Corporate Rotary monthly meeting in Bundall; find the meeting details ahead of the August gathering. (ClubRunner)
📈 Growth Strategy & Investment Forum – Wednesday 19 August 2026, 1.45 pm for 2.00 pm start – 5.15 pm – Queensland business leaders can hear from speakers on AI in SEO, business cash flow and growth strategies before networking over drinks at Parkwood Village; RSVP by 18 August. (Gold Coast Leaders)
🌊 Where the Water Meets the Vine @ SYC 2026 – Thursday 20 August 2026, 5.30 pm – 9.00 pm – Enjoy an evening of Australian wine, paired cuisine and waterfront views at Southport Yacht Club’s Hollywell Bar & Dining, hosted by wine personality Jane Ferrari; book your place for this limited-seat dining experience. (Humanitix)
🌏 The Annual PASA CPO Exchange – Thursday 20 August 2026, 9.00 am – 6.00 pm – Procurement leaders, professionals and industry experts gather at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach for presentations, discussions, innovation and networking across the CPO community; see the event information for details. (Experience Gold Coast)