✍🏼 PWR trumps rivals for a $13.5 million mystery US contract
Volume 148: Drones track sharks off GC beaches | Apple urges iPhone restarts | Joyriders escape police | US suspends immigrant visas from 75 countries and heaps more
G’day GC and welcome back to another newsletter, it’s January 15.
In today's newsletter
One Big Thing: PWR trumps rivals for mystery US contract
Drones track: Sharks off GC beaches
Joyriders escape: Police net
Trending: Beautiful Gold Coast
Around the web: Mo’s Desert Clubhouse kicks off 2026 gigs, Apple urges iPhone restarts, US suspends visas for 75 nations and more
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1. One Big Thing: PWR trumps rivals for mystery US contract
By Marshall Hall
What’s Happening: Gold Coast-headquartered cooling technology company PWR Holdings has won a $13.5 million extension for a mystery project with the US Government.
Local Impact: Founded in 1998 by Kees Weel and his son Paul Weel, PWR now employs more than 120 people and started life manufacturing performance radiators for racing cars.
Its products are now used across V8 Supercars, Indy Cars and Nascar, and in 2024 PWR supplied cooling solutions to every Formula One team in the world.
In 2020, the company expanded into the Aerospace and Defence sector.
Zoom In: In its annual report, PWR said its new “MMX” micromatrix heat exchangers could have multiple applications.
“An MMX core is constructed from an array of hollow microtubes, similar to hypodermic needles.’’ the company said.
“These microtubes are as small as 300 microns in diameter and provide exceptional surface area in a compact package to maximise heat transfer.
“Due to their ability to reduce mass, volume, and thermal signature, our MMX cores can substantially increase surface area and payload, thereby increasing flight time for aircraft.”
What To Look For Next: The full article below.
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4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Mo’s Desert Clubhouse: Kicks off 2026 with stacked gigs
US to suspend: Immigrant visa processing from 75 countries
Police are investigating a hit-and-run traffic crash in: Coolangatta which left two teenage girls seriously injured
YouTube now has a way for parents to: Block kids from watching Shorts
A young international tourist has been found dead after: He was swept out while swimming on the Gold Coast
Archaeologists say they’ve unearthed a massive: Medieval cargo ship that’s the largest vessel of its kind ever found
The new 1.8-hectare Kerkin Adventure Park is taking shape: Featuring nature trails and pathways, a BMX pump track and skatepark, shaded adventure play areas and more
Amazon has started automatically: Upgrading Prime members to Alexa Plus
Check out Gold Coast’s 32 live beach cameras: To see the surf, sunshine and the vibe before you head out
Apple warning: Hundreds of millions of iPhones must now restart
Weekly Dream Gig
This week - Austinvilla Estate is looking for a Wedding & Events Coordinator + Stylist to manage and style weddings, retreats, and private events, overseeing client relationships, supplier coordination, and on-the-day execution while bringing a creative eye to event design.
This full-time role offers $70,000-$85,000 per year, core Tuesday-Saturday hours with weekend flexibility, and the opportunity to work in the Gold Coast hinterland as part of a close-knit, creative team delivering elevated, nature-aligned experiences.
6. Upcoming Events
🎪 Circus Fun House: January 17, Pink Flamingo; cheeky circus, aerials and family-friendly wow moments
🍴 2026 TAB 2YO Calcutta Dinner: January 15 at Aquis Park, Gold Coast Turf Club; kick off the Magic Millions buzz with a high-energy Calcutta night - food, banter and racing chat all wrapped in one
🏖 Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets: January 16-17, The Esplanade; artisan stalls, street eats and that salty sea breeze soundtrack
🏇🏼 TAB Magic Millions Raceday: January 17, Gold Coast Turf Club; wall-to-wall racing, fashion and summer party energy
