Welcome back to a much calmer GC Minute Thursday, this time March 13.
Thank goodness that week is over, and we hope everyone managed to get through unscathed as much as possible or at least get through to the cleanup or the support they needed.
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One Big Thing: Financial relief rolls in for cyclone-hit Gold Coasters
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City beaches receive a makeover and: Remain closed until further notice
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A hidden gem in the GCâs: 4217 postcode
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Trending: 8mm footage of the Gold Coast underwater decades ago
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Around the web (Cyclone Snippets): US gambling giant eyes Star Casino, McDonalds loses largest global fast-food crown, Titans ready to go, Skype goes to internet heaven and more
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Upcoming Events
Whatâs Happening: Gold Coast residents impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred can now access disaster relief, with government grants covering emergency essentials, household repairs, and structural damage.
Why It Matters: With tens of thousands facing property damage and service disruptions, these funds provide immediate financial support and help fast-track recovery efforts which are needed quickly.
By the Numbers
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$180 per individual or up to $900 per family for emergency essentials.
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Up to $1,765 for individuals and $5,300 for families to replace essential household items.
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$150 per person, up to $750 per family, for households without essential services for five or more days.
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Up to $80,000 for uninsured homeowners to repair disaster-damaged properties.
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Up to $5,000 to restore power, gas, water, and sewerage.
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A $15 million Community Relief Fund to assist councils with clean-up and infrastructure repairs.
Local Impact: Gold Coasters can apply for support to rebuild their lives, while councils receive funding for emergency road repairs and other reconstruction efforts like beaches and waterway infrastructure.
Picking Up the Pieces: More financial aid may be on the way as the full extent of the damage is assessed.
What To Look For Next: With more recovery measures yet to be announced, you can apply now for whatâs available via qld.gov.au/disasterhelp and read more below.
Whatâs Happening: Tucked away in the seaside suburb of Main Beach, the multi-award-winning Main Beach Travel is a local business gem that is hosting its first Champagne & CanapĂ©s event of the yearâa special evening to celebrate and welcome both new and long-time locals into our vibrant community of like-minded travellers.
Why It Matters:Â Partnering with Viking Cruises and Adventure World, the evening will showcase the latest trends in luxury and adventure travel and prove that global adventures are finally back at full strength, with the definition of luxury has shifted.
By the Numbers
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27% of cruisers are new to cruising, up from 12% the previous year (2023 vs. 2024).
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75% of travellers want to travel more sustainably in the future (Global Sustainable Tourism Council).
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There was 71% growth in expedition cruising (CLIA 2019-2023), making it the fastest-growing cruise sector.
Local Impact: For decades, Main Beach Travel has been helping Gold Coasters embrace mindful, bespoke travel experiences, and these events bring like-minded people together to learn more and take the leap into their next adventure.
What The People Say
âWeâre seeing a surge in demand for authentic, uncrowded experiencesâwhether itâs trekking in Patagonia or a cultural encounter in the Maasai Mara,â says Mandy Dwyer, Managing Director of Main Beach Travel.
What To Look For Next: Come sip, socialise, and set your sights on your next unforgettable journey with Main Beach Travelâs event on March 18, the perfect launchpad for your next adventure.
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Date: Tuesday, March 18
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Time: 4:30 pm â 6:30 pm
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Location: The Venue, 25 Tedder Ave, Main Beach 4217
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US gambling giant eyes Star
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McDonaldâs loses its crown as the world’s biggest: Fast-food chain to global giant Mixue Bingcheng
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GC Excellence Awardsâ winners learn cityâs future
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This map lets you plug in your address to see how itâs: Changed over the past 750 million years
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Blood donors urgently needed across QLD post-Alfred
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US to spend money researching heavily debunked link between: Vaccines And Autism
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A new model of sporting competition across four: Catholic colleges has been launched for six colleges across the Gold Coast.
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Skype, once the go-to video-calling service, is going to internet: Heaven in May, with parent company Microsoft shutting it down to focus on âTeamsâ
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Gold Coast Titans ready to begin 2025 season despite: First-week cyclone setback
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Google DeepMind unveils new: AI models for controlling robots
đšđł Shen Yun: from March 12 to March 16; breathtaking choreography, live orchestral music, and stunning visuals, bringing 5,000 years of Chinese culture to life at HOTA
đ Music Speak: March 13 from 5 pm onwards; an entertaining live talk show with local music industry creatives sharing their knowledge, experiences and connections at Espresso Bonsai
đš Gold Coast Colour Festival Holi: March 15 from 9 am to 3 pm; the most colourful day of the year, where people from multicultural communities unite to celebrate love, friendship, and the arrival of spring at The Great Lawn
đQueenslandâs Jewel Raceday: March 15 from 11 am to 8 pm; a day of glamour, style and thrilling racing and AUD2 million in prize money up for grabs at the Gold Coast Turf Club
đ©đ»âđš Open Art Studio: March 18 from 10:30 am onwards; a special event featuring artists Kirsty Bruce, Kelly Hogan and Sunny Luwe at Ormeau Community Centre
đ Ocean Film Festival Tour: March 18 from 7 pm to 10 pm; a three-hour celebration of our oceans comprised of sublime footage taken above and below the waterâs surface at HOTA Theatre
đ€žđŒ La Clique: March 19 to April 19 from 7:30 pm onwards; a spellbinding production combining daring acrobatics, eye-popping stunts and scandalous burlesque at HOTA