Gold Coast Insider

Hosted by RDA Gold Coast

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Oct 2026

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Welcome to Gold Coast Insider, where we bring you business insights, stories, opportunities and forecasts from movers and shakers across the Gold Coast.

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58 recent

October 26, 202652 min

Brad Cooper, Volunteering Gold Coast — The power of volunteering: Building a more connected Gold Coast

“I don’t think there has ever been a period of time in our country where this idea of connecting, listening, understanding and inclusion has been so important.” $72 billion . That’s what volunteers contribute to Queensland’s economy each year, just $2 billion short of the entire tourism sector. But here’s the catch: on the Gold Coast, regular volunteer numbers have plunged 20% in four years, from 60,000 to 48,000. Brad Cooper is on the frontline. His team recruits volunteers for around 100 local not-for-profits and delivers 62,000 community transport trips every year. In this episode: What really motivates people to give their time How to build a thriving culture of giving Volunteering as a pathway to paid work The rise of corporate volunteering The surprising range of roles on offer Volunteering delivers far more than dollars. Brad makes a powerful case for more flexibility, stronger support for the sector, and a renewed focus on connection and belonging, so our communities can thrive. About Brad Brad Cooper is the CEO of Volunteering Gold Coast. He's an avid campaigner for the value of volunteering, in particular place-based solutions that match capabilities with local needs. Volunteering is a powerful pathway for people to move between the development of skills, gaining confidence to be in workplaces, and a pathway towards employment. Links Volunteering Gold Coast Brad Cooper LinkedIn Volunteering Gold Coast LinkedIn Volunteering Gold Coast Facebook Volunteering Gold Coast Instagram Volunteering Gold Coast YouTube

August 24, 202645 min

Peta Fielding, Burleigh Brewing — The Gold Coast craft brewery that changed the game — and has stood the test of time

Twenty years ago, Peta Fielding and her husband Brennan took an extraordinary leap of faith: they left secure careers, backed an idea that barely existed in Australia and set out to change the way the Gold Coast thought about beer. Back then, beer was dominated by the big brewers, and choosing a beer was a bit like choosing your football team — if Dad drank Fosters, chances were you did too. There was little appetite for independent beer, and no established playbook for what Peta and Brennan were trying to build. Two decades, more than 30 world gold medals and a much bigger brewery later, the Burleigh Brewing Company has become far more than a successful business. From its early community Brewhouse Bashes to its commitment to local people and partnerships, the company has embedded itself in the life of the city, and the hearts of its residents. In this episode, Peta shares the risks and rewards, the twists and turns, and, most importantly, the deep sense of community belonging behind one of our truly iconic and beloved Gold Coast businesses. About Peta Peta Fielding is the CEO and Director of Burleigh Brewing Company, which she co-founded with her master brewer husband, Brennan Fielding, in 2006. Since then Peta has successfully steered Burleigh Brewing Company’s fortunes through a variety of economic cycles and significant market challenges and evolution, building the business from a two-person start-up to an iconic Gold Coast business that has awarded ‘one year on board’ surfboards, recognising one year of service, to 101 Burleigh Brewing team members. In 2013 Burleigh Brewing Company was named the Queensland Telstra Business of the Year and in 2014 the company earned the title of Gold Coast Business of the Year. Links Burleigh Brewing Company Peta Fielding, LinkedIn Burleigh Brewing LinkedIn Burleigh Brewing Instagram Burleigh Brewing Facebook Burleigh Brewing YouTube

June 30, 202638 min

Sandra Barber — Dream it, build it, export it: The DockPro story

What does it take to turn a clever idea into a product used around the world? For Sandra Barber and the team at DockPro, it started with solving a problem: finding a better way to protect boats from barnacles without relying on toxic antifoul paints. Today, the Gold Coast company exports its SeaPen dry-docking system to more than 20 countries, helping cement the Gold Coast's reputation as a global innovation hub. In this episode, Sandra shares the long and winding path from a prototype built in her engineer father-in-law Allan Barber's garage, to one of the Gold Coast's standout manufacturing and export success stories. Together with her husband Mark, she transformed Allan's idea into a globally recognised product that is helping boat owners reduce maintenance costs and protect marine environments. Discover what it takes to grow a successful export business, why the region's marine industry is a powerful economic driver, and why Sandra believes every aspiring entrepreneur — especially young women — should find a mentor and back their ideas. About Sandra Sandra Barber is a co-founder and Sales Manager at DockPro, where she has played a key role in building the Queensland-based marine dry-docking business since its early days. Based in Nerang, she has helped grow DockPro into a specialist provider of dry-docking solutions for recreational and commercial vessels, including the SeaPen system. In 2025, she was named Gold Coast Woman in Business of the Year, recognizing her leadership and contribution to the marine industry. Links DockPro Sandra Barber, LinkedIn DockPro Facebook DockPro Instagram DockPro YouTube

June 17, 202632 min

Curiosity, courage and a $5 billion legacy: Lynne Benzie’s screen industry journey

How do you go from secretary on a working holiday to the head of a film studio which has attracted more $5 billion in production activity to the Gold Coast? In this week’s episode, Village Roadshow Studios President Lynne Benzie shares the story of a career built on curiosity, resilience and a passion for creating opportunities for others. Lynne offers a rare, behind-the-scenes peek at the surprisingly diverse day-to-day life of a screen industry executive – everything from glamorous twice-yearly trips to LA to secure major productions, to ousting rogue possums and pigeons from sound stages. She also explains how the screen sector has become a major economic powerhouse for the Gold Coast, supporting allied businesses and 5000+ jobs, and driving investment across the region. It’s an inspiring conversation about leadership, vision, the diversity of job opportunities for a new generation, and the growing impact of the Gold Coast’s world-class screen industry. About Lynne Lynne Benzie is President of Village Roadshow Studios, with over 36 years of experience in the film, television and entertainment industry. Originally from the UK, she migrated to Australia in 1979 and built a diverse career across insurance, finance, legal services, information technology, the building industry and entertainment, including five years with EMI Records in sales and marketing. Since joining Village Roadshow in 1990, Lynne has been involved in promoting the industry locally and internationally and has strong client relationships with many studios, as well as producers across multiple platforms. She is on the boards of Ausfilm and Screen Queensland and Chair of the Gold Coast Film Festival. Links Village Roadshow Studios Lynne Benzie LinkedIn Village Roadshow Studios LinkedIn Village Roadshow Studios Facebook Village Roadshow Studios Instagram

April 28, 202640 min

Mark Girard — The Gold Coast growth wave: Big projects, big investment, big opportunities

(00:00) Gold Coast Insider Introduction (00:22) Introducing Mark Girard and Invest Gold Coast (10:24) The Gold Coast: A city of unpretentious ambition (13:57) Confident businesses and a confident economy (16:53) The challenges facing the city (20:11) What infrastructure can't wait (23:35) Olympic Games: Local content and Meet the Buyer (25:15) Expansion of the screen industry on the Gold Coast (31:23) What are the next big investment opportunities? (33:32) Big picture view over the next five years (34:52) The snowball effect (37:42) How can Invest Gold Coast help? The Gold Coast is entering a bold new phase of growth — and opportunity is everywhere. In this episode, inaugural Invest Gold Coast CEO Mark Girard unpacks why the Gold Coast has become a $40 billion economic powerhouse, and the diverse projects shaping the city’s trajectory over the next decade. Discover how the region's transformative developments are unlocking major opportunities for local contractors, suppliers and investors, while generating the high-skilled, high-paid jobs needed to keep young people living, working and thriving locally. Momentum is building here in Australia’s most investable city, and businesses looking for their next opportunity – or new homebase – should be paying close attention. About Mark Mark Girard is the inaugural CEO at Invest Gold Coast Pty Ltd, the investment and economic development arm of the City of Gold Coast. He is a seasoned executive and company director with deep state and local government experience. Mark has held strategic leadership roles across significant Queensland-based infrastructure and investment projects. At Invest Gold Coast, Mark is charged with boosting the economy of Australia’s fastest growing city and cementing the Gold Coast’s position as a premier investment destination. Links Mark Girard LinkedIn Invest Gold Coast Invest Gold Coast LinkedIn

April 13, 202626 min

Duncan Jones — The Myriad effect: Movies to medical breakthroughs & the Gold Coast's $1 billion screen industry

(00:00) Gold Coast Insider Introduction (01:12) Myriad's vision for the film industry (01:57) How Myriad's technology is supporting the BioSpine project (03:41) Film and the future of healthcare (04:40) How digital twins are transforming the sports experience (05:36) The future of sports venues and stadiums (08:16) The strength and maturity of the screen industry on the Gold Coast (09:22) Flow on effects for the Gold Coast (10:26) Keep it all local (11:28) How the Gold Coast's film industry is evolving (13:54) The Gold Coast: A unique place to live (15:03) Where are the untapped opportunities? (18:23) What workforce do we need to support the industry? (22:42) Where will GC be positioned in five years' time? (25:37) The GC screen industry: Where innovation and jobs intersect Gold Coast visual effects studio Myriad has built a global reputation for creating cutting-edge “digital twin” technology for film and television, contributing to major productions like Aquaman, The Fall Guy and Godzilla vs Kong. But the real story is what’s happening beyond the screen. In this episode, Myriad CEO Duncan Jones shares how the company is now applying that same advanced technology across new industries — from immersive virtual reality rehabilitation programs for spinal cord patients through Griffith University’s BioSpine project, to reimagining sports performance, fan experiences and even stadium design. The implications extend all the way to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We also explore what this means for the Gold Coast’s future as Australia’s most prolific screen production hub — and why the opportunities for local talent and businesses are becoming broader, more diverse and more exciting than ever. About Duncan Duncan is the founder and CEO of Myriad Studios, a visual effects (VFX) support company specialising in pre-visualisation, digital capture, animation and virtual reality specifically for the film, television and gaming Industries. Based at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast Australia, Myriad’s customers include Disney, Warner Bros. and Netflix. His unique position in the industry has exposed him to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes, unique and unusual places, fascinating and famous people, and some of the most technically advanced film-making tools available. Links Duncan Jones LinkedIn Myriad Studios Myriad Studios Instagram Myriad Studios LinkedIn Myriad Studios YouTube

February 16, 202639 min

Todd Babiak, Brand Gold Coast — The economics of identity: Why the Gold Coast story matters

(00:00) Gold Coast Insider: Introducing Todd Babiak (00:44) Culture, identity and community (04:55) The potential of the Gold Coast (06:29) Case study: The fight to keep Austin weird (10:39) Who are we and what are we selling to the world? (11:45) Brand Gold Coast (13:55) What does it mean to be a Gold Coaster? (21:34) Interviewing Gold Coasters (23:21) Key priorities for Brand Gold Coast (26:55) What is place branding and how does it shape the economy? (32:31) The Gold Coast's overseas markets (34:35) The big question: What is the Gold Coast story (36:31) How can Gold Coasters we part of building our next chapter? In this week’s episode, we meet internationally renowned place-branding expert Todd Babiak , the new CEO of Brand Gold Coast. You might assume his role is all about logos, taglines, ad campaigns… but you’d be wrong. In this compelling conversation, Todd shares Brand Gold Coast’s deeper mission: uncovering and articulating the core story of the Gold Coast — what the city means to its residents, why we build our lives here, and how do you amplify this? According to Todd, the Gold Coast is ‘the city that says yes’ — an unpretentiously ambitious place that welcomes and embraces newcomers, creating a fertile field for positive transformation or reinvention. We explore how a city’s cultural identity shapes investment, entrepreneurship and opportunity — and how the power of a shared story can influence decisions at every level: government, business, community and individual. About Todd Todd Babiak is CEO of Brand Gold Coast and, in his spare time, an author and investor. He co-founded the strategy consultancy firm Story Engine, which ultimately brought him to Australia and — lucky Todd — to the life-changing Gold Coast. Links Todd Babiak LInkedIn Brand Gold Coast (article)

January 11, 202632 min

Leah Harrison — First Minutes Matter: Saving lives before help arrives

(00:00) Introduction (01:30) Introduction to Leah Harrison (02:49) Leah’s role at LifeFlight (04:56) LifeFlight Overview and Mission (06:07) First minutes after an incident are so critical (10:37) First Minutes Matter Program Overview (21:04) Real life examples of First Minutes Matter making a difference (22:46) Recap: What is taught in the workshop (25:07) How to request a workshop (26:05) Future goals for First Minutes Matter (30:29) Closing comments If you came across an accident — or a family member or friend had a medical emergency — would you know what to do before help arrives? (… And how would it feel if you didn’t?) In this week’s podcast episode, we speak with Leah Harrison, Senior Medical Educator with First Minutes Matter, an emergency trauma training program developed by LifeFlight Australia. Leah explains why the first few minutes after an incident are critical — and how calm, informed bystanders can actually save lives or dramatically improve long-term outcomes. From bleeding and burns, to snake bites, airway obstructions, strokes, seizures and cardiac arrest, there are practical actions anyone can take with the right knowledge and confidence. Learn how LifeFlight is empowering communities and workplaces throughout Queensland with their completely free, hands-on workshops — and how you, your business or community group can get involved. An unmissable episode with takeaways for everyone. About Leah Leah Harrison is a Registered Nurse with more than 20 years’ experience working in Emergency Departments. She is currently a Senior Medical Educator with LifeFlight Australia, based in Sunshine Coast, and serves as the First Minutes Matter Regional Medical Educator covering the Sunshine Coast and South Burnett regions. In her role, Leah works alongside critical care doctors to develop and deliver the First Minutes Matter program, providing free and practical emergency trauma training to communities across Queensland. Links First Minutes Matter Program LifeFlight Facebook LifeFlight LinkedIn LifeFlight Instagram LifeFlight YouTube

December 14, 202530 min

Shane Thomson — Powering the Coast’s future workforce: The central role of the Gold Coast Regional Jobs Committee

(00:00) Introduction (02:11) Shane Thomson Introduction (03:05) Regional Jobs Committee Overview (03:50) Shane’s Role as Project Manager (05:16) How the RJC Addresses Local Workforce Challenges (07:34) GC RJC Webpage & Newsletter Launch (08:29) Supporting Small Businesses & Workforce Planning (11:34) Key Workforce Challenges on the Gold Coast (14:08) Youth Workforce Trends (16:43) GC Priority Sectors & Workforce Trends (18:33) Future-Proofing for the Olympics & Beyond (21:48) Engaging with the GC RJC (23:18) Available Queensland Government Programs (25:17) GC RJC Future Goals (28:51) Closing Remarks The Gold Coast is on the cusp of a workforce explosion — with a projected 6.2% jump by 2027–28 and more than 22,000 new jobs on the way. For local businesses already battling skills shortages, the pressure is only set to increase. Enter Shane Thomson , the new Project Manager of the Gold Coast Regional Jobs Committee (RJC), a Queensland Government-backed initiative delivered by RDA Gold Coast. In this episode, Shane reveals how the RJC will cut through the noise, connect businesses with real workforce solutions, and help employers tap into government support, training pipelines and industry partnerships. If finding staff feels harder than ever, this conversation is a much-needed dose of clarity — and a roadmap for navigating the biggest workforce shift the Gold Coast has seen in decades. About Shane Shane Thomson is the new Project Manager for the Gold Coast Regional Jobs Committee, bringing extensive experience in workforce development, vocational education and industry engagement. He joins the RJC following a successful career with the Queensland Government, where he worked closely with employers, training providers and community organisations across the Gold Coast, Logan, Redlands and Scenic Rim. His background spans skills development, apprentice and trainee support, and collaborating with businesses and industry to address real workforce challenges. Links Gold Coast Regional Jobs Committee Gold Coast Regional Jobs Committee Facebook Gold Coast Regional Jobs Committee LinkedIn Subscribe to GC Jobs & Industry Links Get in contact with Shane E: projects@goldcoastrjc.org.au M: 0492 976 421

October 20, 202540 min

Kimberley Roberts-Salee — Cybercrime hits Queensland Hard: Here's how to stop hackers before they hit you

(00:00) Introduction (01:15) What is Cyber Wardens? (03:19) Cybersecurity Risk for Small Businesses (05:11) Prevalence of Cybercrime (06:49) Common Cyber Attacks on Small Businesses (10:33) Red Flags and Warning Signs (15:44) Good Cybersecurity Habits (19:50) Cyber Wardens Training Overview (25:13) Queensland Government/Cyber Wardens Partnership 27:35) What to do if you clicked on a Phishing Link? (29:52) Importance of a Cyber Response Plan (32:59) Cyber Hygiene & Ongoing Tips (38:33) Closing Remarks Nearly half of cybercrimes reported in Australia target small businesses and sole traders – and Queensland tops the nation for attacks . The average loss? Around $50,000 per incident. In this essential episode of Gold Coast Insider, Kimberley Roberts-Salee from the government-backed Cyber Wardens program shares practical, jargon-free advice to safeguard your business from scammers and hackers. We explore the most common attack types and how to counter them, key red flags, the #1 cyber habit to slash your risk, how AI is changing the threat landscape, and the free Cyber Wardens training available to all Queensland businesses. Don't miss our bonus, FREE Cyber Wardens & RDA Gold Coast Webinar on Wed 12 November! About Kimberley As one of the Cyber Wardens program educators, Kimberley is passionate about raising awareness around the importance of small business cyber security and empowering small business owners and employees to increase their cyber resilience and learn how to stay safe online. WIth a career spanning 15 years in small businesses across industries including tourism, business events, government consultancy, aviation and professional services, she has a strong appreciation of the vital role small businesses play in their communities and the unique challenges they face. Links Cyber Wardens Cyber Wardens LinkedIn Cyber Wardens Instagram Cyber Wardens Facebook Cyber Wardens X Kimberley Roberts-Salee LinkedIn