🥷Surging car thefts | Apple ditches EV pursuit | Kia gets a ute | Screen time hitting toddlers hard | Tackling domestic violence in the hinterland | Commbank to shut every Bankwest branch and more!
🥷Surging car thefts | Apple ditches EV pursuit | Kia gets a ute | Screen time hitting toddlers hard | Tackling domestic violence in the hinterland | Commbank to shut every Bankwest branch and more!
Volume 53 - Today’s newsletter is 1,242 words, a 5.5 minute read.
Welcome to Thursday, March 7.
Check it out: The Australian Boardriders Battle, not your average surfing event, is on at Burleigh Heads March 9-10, presented by Hyundai.
In today’s email
Surging car thefts hit: The northern Gold Coast
Australia unfriended: By Facebook
A new task force tackling domestic violence: In the Gold Coast hinterland
Trending: Tram strikes (with minimal disruption)
Around The Web (Snippets): A local robotics training centre, Kia’s getting a ute (ad), screen time robbing toddlers of critical language development, Apple ditches EVs and more!
Councillor’s Corner PLUS a Mayoral Candidate for 2024
Upcoming Events
Weekend Weather and Surf
Live Gold Coast Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Surge in Car Thefts Hits Northern Gold Coast
What’s Happening
The northern suburbs of the Gold Coast have seen an 11% rise in car thefts, with most culprits hailing from outside the city, sparking concern amongst residents and officials alike.
Why It Matters
The increase in car thefts not only affects the immediate victims but also raises broader concerns about safety and security in the community, pressing for more robust responses from local and state authorities.
By the Numbers
Car thefts in the northern Gold Coast suburbs have increased by 11%.
52% of offenders are not local, indicating a pattern of hit-and-run crimes.
The Gold Coast Council currently operates 872 CCTV cameras, with plans to possibly expand this network in the 2024 budget.
Local Impact
This spike in car thefts is a part of a more significant concern for residents' safety, compounded by a substantial rise in domestic violence reports, highlighting a pressing need for increased police presence and community vigilance.
A Call for Reinforcements
The alarming trend has led Deputy Mayor Donna Gates to advocate for greater police resources and judicial measures to protect the northern Gold Coast, underscoring the community's demand for action and reassurance.
2. Australia unfriended by Facebook
What’s Happening
Meta plans to halt payments for news content to Australian publishers, challenging the News Media Bargaining Code and sparking a standoff with the Australian government.
Why It Matters
This decision jeopardises the financial viability of news organisations and poses a significant threat to the accessibility of quality journalism, crucial for democratic discourse.
By the Numbers
Meta's deals with Australian media are valued at A$70 million per year.
The 2021 law contributed an estimated $250 million a year to Australian journalism.
Local Impact
Meta's withdrawal could diminish the diversity and quality of news accessible to Australians, impacting informed public debate and awareness.
The Digital Dilemma
Facing Meta's defiance, Australia must navigate the tension between safeguarding public interest journalism and accommodating the realities of digital content distribution.
What The People Say
"That's not the Australian way," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticises Meta's profit strategy.
"News is a public good," suggests Peter Greste, advocating for innovative funding models for journalism.
What To Look For Next
Anticipate governmental strategies to counter Meta's move, potential legal battles, and some pretty heated discussions on sustaining journalism in the digital era.
The City of Gold Coast wants you to nominate some local legends:
that are changing our community for the better.
whose challenges and triumphs are manifested in their life achievements.
who go above and beyond in their career.
who are simply champions in one way or another and have an impact on those around them.
Nominate someone doing something good for the City here.
3. Helping to end domestic violence in the hinterland community
What’s Happening
The country is currently confronted with a harrowing statistic: 10 women have been murdered in just the first 10 weeks of the year in domestic violence instances, highlighting a starkly disturbing trend of violence.
Why It Matters
This stark figure highlights the critical need for community-driven initiatives to prevent violence against women, showcasing a pressing societal issue that demands immediate action.
By the Numbers
64 women were victims of lethal violence in 2023.
In 2024, 10 women have already been murdered (one a week).
The Gold Coast Hinterland sees the launch of a pioneering task force aimed at cultural change, utilising MATE Bystander training.
Local Impact
The Gold Coast and hinterland community’s proactive stance, led by the 'Creating a Safe and Respectful Hinterland' task force, symbolises a beacon of hope, empowering community members to participate actively in violence prevention.
What To Look For Next
Read the full article by Courtney Mulder at the Gold Coast Minute here.
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Gold Coast airport opens: An Uber pick-up zone
CommBank to close all 45 Bankwest branches: Converting the brand to entirely digital
Dr. Laetitia De Villiers from NeuTex is: Helping the Gold Coast become a global robotics and surgical training hub
After a decade-long pursuit, Apple winds down: Its electric car effort
Tallai local and Gold Coast producer Phil Bathols: Talks entertainment and business Courtney Mulder
Screen time found to rob toddlers of: Key language-building interactions with parents
Sesame Street signs a deal with: The Burleigh Heads-based Mindful & Co
A 160-foot air raid: Shelter was found in a woman’s back garden in England
The Doyles Art Award entries: Are now open
The complete list of Gold Coast local election candidates has been released: And you can see them all here
Kia’s getting a: Ute 👇
6. Councillors’ Corner
Div 3 | Coomera, Wongawallan, Willowvale +2 | Cr Donna Gates (Deputy Mayor)
Div 4 | Biggera Waters, Coombabah, Sovereign Island, South Straddie +3 I Cr Shelley Curtis
Local Elections CANDIDATES’ Corner
Introducing Rosie Foster for Mayor
8. Upcoming Events
🌷 Experience Gold Coast: International Women's Day: March 8 from noon onwards; celebrating the extraordinary contribution of women in tourism, events, arts & culture, education and other key industry sectors at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
🏆 SWELL Smalls Art Prize: March 8 to March 17; free event at the gallery and new exhibition at the Broadbeach Community Space
🖼️ Kingdom of Kindness: March 9 onwards; paintings by Abdul Abdullah at the HOTA Children’s Gallery
🏉 Footy’s Back: With the Gold Coast Titans playing the Dragons right here at home
🌸 Women Expo: March 9 at 11 am onwards; family-friendly and alcohol-free event at Robina Community Centre
🎭 Stunt Double: March 9 from 7:30 pm onwards; jaw-dropping immersive theatre experience bringing audiences inside the filming of a 1970s Aussie action flick at HOTA
🏃🏽 Walk to Defeat MND: March 10 from 9 am onwards; fundraising and awareness event for Motor Neurone Disease at Hollindale Park
🍴 Sovereign Islands & Surrounds Monthly Community Luncheon: March 13 from 11:45 am onwards; proceeds raised from the raffle and auction will be donated to Gold Coast Hospital Foundation
🇧🇷 The View from Madeleine's Couch: March 14 from 6 pm onwards; a night with the elegant, hypnotic sounds of the finest Brazilian jazz and bossa nova ensemble in Australia at Hope Island Jazz and Cabaret
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