💊 Pill testing for Schoolies | Trump's win and what it means for AI regulation | $39m NDIS affiliated cash betting scandal | Gilmour's first orbital launch permit and more!
Volume 88: Today's newsletter is 1,122 words, a 5.5-minute read.
Welcome back to Thursday; it’s a hot and windy November 7.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Federal Court seizes control of GC firms after $39M NDIS affiliated money betting scandal
Pill testing approved: For Schoolies party
Australia and Gold Coast’s space breakthrough with: Gilmour’s first orbital launch permit
Trending: Aircon cleaning burglars..
Around The Web (Snippets): What Trump’s win means for AI regulation, Hydralink sponsors jerseys for Palm Beach Currumbin students, historic shipwreck artifact auction (including the Titanic) and more!
Upcoming Events
🚨 Heatwave Alert: Queensland's Heatwave Situation for 3 days starting today
Weekend Weather and Surf
The Weekly Dream Gig
This week - Embark on a travel career with ANZCRO! 🌍 As a Travel Reservations Consultant in Southport, Gold Coast, from flights to tours, you’ll handle bookings with ease and expertise! ✈️
If you’re customer-focused, tech-savvy, and passionate about travel, this full-time role offers a competitive $55,000 – $65,000 salary plus travel perks.
Want to advertise a job here?
Contact us👇
Live Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Federal Court seizes control of GC firms after $39M NDIS affiliated money betting scandal
By Marshall Hall
What’s Happening
The Federal Court has appointed receivers to 13 Gold Coast companies following concerns about how tens of millions of dollars worth of investors’ funds are being used after one of its directors placed more than $39 million in bets at Star casinos.
Why It Matters
Having traced at least some of the funds provided by investors, ASIC concluded that the $39 million used for gambling appeared to have been from those funds.
ALAMMC, which marketed NDIS-compatible property investments, is now under investigation.
By the Numbers
$69.47 million: Is this amount of investor funds deposited since 2021
$39.5 million: The amount gambled by director David McWilliams
$3.87 million: Net loss from gambling
Account History
ASIC started investigating the companies and its directors, David McWilliams and his wife Laura Fullarton, in February this year after the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation informed it that between October 1 2022 and February 29 2024, Mr McWilliams made bets across all gambling streams at Star Casinos totalling $39,535,728.73, with a total net loss of $3,874,319.56.
What to Look for Next
The receivers’ report, due in 28 days, and, the full article, below 👇
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4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Hydraulink sponsors jerseys for Palm Beach Currumbin: Students’ self-funded Fiji tour, supporting rugby and cultural exchange
Coal recovered from the Titanic and: Thousands of other historic shipwreck artifacts are going to auction
Pimpama boy, 13, is missing, and police are: Urgently seeking help
What Trump’s victory means for AI given he has: Repeatedly said he plans to dismantle Biden’s AI policy framework and has aligned himself with kingmakers who sharply criticise all but the lightest-touch regulations
Regional Development Australia Gold Coast biomed industry has: Received a Special Commendation at the RDA National Forum in WA
The ABC apologised following: An independent review which found they doctored fake gunshots into a story about Australian Commandos
The World’s best celebrity: Tribute show is coming to the Gold Coast
Top Australian athletes return to Little Athletics: Centres nationwide for Coles Community Round, inspiring young athletes with tips, games, and new equipment donations
The 2023 Child Care subsidy changes have been found to: Be no longer as effective (likely because of Child Care Centre fee hikes..)
The Japanese Government is building a three-lane corridor from Osaka to Tokyo for: A conveyor belt road due to its shortage of truck drivers and shrinking labor force
6. Upcoming Events
🏅 Pan Pacific Masters Games 2024: November 7 to November 10; one of the world’s largest masters multi-sport events with 40+ sports to compete in at various Gold Coast venues
🏇 Gold Coast Titans Raceday: November 9 from 10 am to 5:30 pm; special appearances by Gold Coast Titans players, live entertainment, and plenty of excitement at the Gold Coast Turf Club.
🎤 Emma Holland - Here Comes Mr Forehead: November 9 from 5:30 pm onwards; a comedy special full of unique humour and laughs at HOTA
🎶 Undertone Festival: November 10 from 12 pm to 9 pm; live performances, art installations, and food stalls at Miami Marketta
🎭 Thamos, King of Egypt & Broadway Musical Faves: November 10 from 2:30 pm onwards; a fusion of classical and Broadway music brought to life with songs from Broadway favourites at Burleigh Village Uniting Church
🌺 Remembrance Day: November 11 from 10:30 am onwards; honouring veterans and remembering those who served with a commemorative service at ANZAC Park
🎸 Pearl Jam – Dark Matter World Tour: November 13 from 6 pm to 11 pm; rock out to Pearl Jam as they perform hits and tracks from their latest album, Dark Matter, at People's First Stadium