Gold Coast Insider

In one industry on the Gold Coast, there are a wealth of jobs which you can start straight out of high school, become highly skilled and highly paid in a relatively short amount of time, and which can take you around the world (in style). Sounds enticing? Then the $1.2 billion Gold Coast marine industry is waiting for you. We talk to Gold-Coast-based Maritime Industry Skills Advisor Adam Chanter, to explore the smorgasbord of career paths on offer, and why local demand for workers is outstripping supply. (Adam jokes that he is in an “arms race to attract talent”, with almost every industry struggling to fill vacancies.) Get a rare insight into this high-prestige, knowledge-intensive local industry, as we talk superyachts, workforce development, global demand, pathways for young people, the upcoming Gold Coast Marine Careers Open Day (7 Sept) and more. About Adam Adam Chanter is the Maritime Industry Skills Advisor for the marine industry, a position that is co-funded by three peak national marine industry associations - AIMEX, Superyacht Australia and ACMG - and the Queensland Department of State Development and Infrastructure. Adam is heavily focussed on raising the profile of marine industry jobs and careers for the whole sector across Queensland’s four superyacht hubs of Gold Coast, Brisbane, Mackay / Whitsundays and Cairns, plus other national marine hotspots including Fremantle and Henderson, where Australia’s only superyacht builders and manufacturers are located. Links Adam Chanter LinkedIn Marinejobs.org.au Marine Jobs Facebook

This week’s podcast guest, Rebecca Hyssett, is the Gold Coast's own ‘Pied Piper’ for the building and construction industry. As Industry Engagement Officer for Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), she is absolutely passionate about encouraging and supporting the next generation of people into a trade. And with 61 cranes currently towering over the Gold Coast, plus major projects underway like the Coomera Connector, SkyRidge at Worongary, Coomera Hospital and the Light Rail extension to Burleigh, the Gold Coast is crying out for more building and construction workers – we actually need 2.5 times the current workforce just to complete the program of works in the pipeline over the next 10 years. In this episode you’ll hear about CSQ's vital role in the industry, the 70 different career paths on offer, why CSQ is actively encouraging a more diverse workforce, including women, the mature-aged, and those from a multicultural background, and how to get your foot in the door of this booming Gold Coast sector.   About Rebecca Rebecca Hyssett is an Industry Engagement Manager with Construction Skills Queensland, focusing on the Gold Coast region. Rebecca excels in helping businesses understand workforce capabilities and designing plans to maximize their team potential. She takes pride in witnessing individuals of all ages discover their passion and evolve from new entrants to leaders in their respective fields. She believes that building personal connections through face-to-face interactions allows individuals to feel comfortable asking questions and gathering necessary information within the industry. Links Rebecca Hyssett, LinkedIn csq.org.au  CSQ LinkedIn CSQ Facebook CSQ YouTube CSQ Instagram

Operating for an incredible 76 years, the 45-hectare Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (originally the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary) is one of the Gold Coast’s most beloved community assets, and is also a significant regional employer and training centre, with 1000+ workers, volunteers and trainees. Today’s guest Michael Kelly, who until recently was the Sanctuary’s General Manager, gives us an insight their world-class conservation projects around the region, the newly launched ‘Homestead’ fine dining and event facility (a game changer for the Southern Gold Coast), and a mind-boggling 33 other projects in the works. We also talk about Michael’s new role overseeing all strategic and major projects for the National Trust of Queensland, which includes the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. About Michael Michael commenced his career in operational management within the theme park, hotel and casino industries before joining Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in 2013. During his tenure with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Michael has overseen unprecedented growth in visitation and revenue with his strengths in connecting strategy, visitor experience and business outcomes. This has allowed the commercial revenue arm of the business to almost double during his tenure. After leading the Sanctuary for seven years, Michael is now the General Manager of Strategic Projects for the National Trust of Queensland, which is headquarted at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Links Michael Kelly LinkedIn Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary National Trust of Queensland

Robotics engineer and entrepreneur Luis De Jesus firmly believes that the Gold Coast will be Australia's next major tech hub. His Arundel-based company Mexx Engineering - a manufacturer of robotics, autonomous vehicles and automated systems - is already one of the driving forces in a Gold Coast-led ‘Industry 4.0’ revolution, which is transforming industry processes and workplaces nationwide. Robotics and automation are often feared to be taking jobs, but in this episode we discover that it’s really about solving real-world problems, freeing up workers from repetitive, boring or dangerous tasks, and increasing business sustainability. Tune in to hear from a passionate advocate of this ‘beautiful field’, with the potential to change the way your business (big or small) operates, or for students, spark an interest in a career pathway with exhilarating local opportunities.   About Luis Luis De Jesus, the founder and Director of Mexx Engineering Pty Ltd, has over 26 years of experience in engineering design, senior management and project management. With over a decade of experience in designing automatic machines in Australia and Canada, Luis possesses in-depth knowledge of automation systems across many industries. He holds qualifications in electro-mechanical engineering (mechatronics) and is proficient in pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems, as well as manufacturing methods and rapid prototyping. Links Luis De Jesus LinkedIn Mexx Engineering Mexx Engineering LinkedIn

Concerned about business sustainability? This week’s episode is a refreshingly optimistic conversation with Professor Chris Fleming and Professor Nick Barter, co-authors of the new book, Future Normal: 8 Questions to Create Businesses Your Children Will be Proud Of. Four years ago, Chris and Nick, both lecturers in Griffith University’s MBA program, realised a new paradigm had emerged around core business values - one which they wanted to develop further, and get into the hands of a wider audience. (As Chris points out, not everyone wants to spend a few years of their life and $50,000 on an MBA...) The outcome of their collaboration is a book which explores the idea that businesses are the really the tools we use to shape our world, so it follows that they also need to lead the charge in changing our world. This is not about businesses sacrificing profitability for future generations, but rather, how long-term business value is actually optimised when society thrives. Find out what a 'future normal' business looks like, and how small steps now can set you on the right path for both the planet and your bottom line. About Chris Chris Fleming is Professor of Economics at the Griffith Business School in Brisbane. Completing his doctorate at the University of Queensland, his career has spanned the public sector, academia (leading the Griffith MBA), and industry, providing advice on economic frameworks that align with our lived reality. About Nick Nick is Professor of Strategy and Sustainability at Griffith Business School in Brisbane. Completing his doctorate at the University of St Andrews, his career has included strategy consulting with Ernst & Young, leading the Griffith MBA and advising organisations on moving past myopic approaches. Links Professor Chris Fleming LinkedIn Professor Nick Barter LinkedIn Future Normal: 8 Questions to Create Businesses Your Children Will be Proud of

Before you put another product on your face, this is a podcast you won't want to miss! Skincare and cosmetics is a $100 billion global mega-industry, but a revolution is underway - one which will upend everything (we think) we know about what is good for our skin. This week we chat with Shaun Roux, the Director of Gold Coast-based biotech company BiomeCentric, which is leading the charge to empower skincare and beauty manufacturers with a new science-based approach to their product ingredients and manufacturing processes. The key - made possible by advances in DNA sequencing over the last two decades - is understanding the diverse microbiome of the skin and scalp, and how products can either destroy or support this critical ecosystem of microflora. And with BiomeCentric now positioned to be a global juggernaut, supplying bioactive ingredients and products to beauty brands worldwide, this is a true Gold Coast success story. About Shaun Shaun Roux is the Director of BiomeCentric, leveraging over a decade of experience as the former Head of Production at BJP Laboratories. He excels in leading cross-functional teams, driving innovation, and fostering a strong business culture. Shaun's expertise includes technical leadership, managing complex projects and international collaborations. As the General Manager for Probiotics Australia, he played a key role in shaping the probiotic industry in Australia through the transfer of biotechnologies. Shaun is known for his strategic vision and commitment to excellence, consistently delivering results and driving growth in the companies he leads. Links Shaun Roux LinkedIn BiomeCentric BiomeCentric LinkedIn

Imagine if there was a dazzlingly futuristic surgical training facility that could use medical imaging equipment and 3D printing to build a precise model of a patient's aneurysm or stroke - and then enable clinicians to practice robotics-assisted surgical procedures on the models, under near identical conditions to real life. Actually, there is no need to imagine - the Gold Coast already has this, and in today's episode we chat with Dr Laetitia De Villiers, co-founder of the NeuTex Image-guided Therapy, Surgical and Robotics Training Center, to find out how it all came about. Laetitia, the 2023 Gold Coast Woman in Business of the Year, is a globally-renowned  interventional neuro-radiologist who pioneers cutting-edge treatments for patients with complex conditions of the brain and spine. This episode provides eye-opening insights into how new technologies are revolutionising the way we treat aneurysms and strokes, why collaboration is so vital, and what medical specialities will be benefitting from these incredible advances next.  About Laetitia Dr Laetitia de Villiers (MBChB, FRANZCR) is a specialist in interventional and diagnostic neuro-radiology at the Gold Coast University Hospital. Letitia is one of the co-founders of Qscan Radiology Clinics and was the first female partner, contributing to its growth to over 85 clinics across Australia, with 1200+ employees and 1.5 million patients annually. She is also co-founder of the NeuTex Image-guided Therapy Surgical and Robotics Training Centre in the Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct, and an Associate Professor at Griffith University Medical School and Bond University School of Medicine. In 2023 Laetitia was awarded Gold Coast Woman in Business of the Year. Links Dr Laetitia De Villiers LinkedIn NeuTex Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct Qscan Radiology Clinics

After selling her successful beverage company to Coca-Cola many years ago, Maryann Thexton could have easily just put her feet up or travelled the world, but her innate curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit set her on a different path - and our Gold Coast biotech industry is stronger for it. She had switched careers to become a top-flight thoroughbred racehorse trainer (mentored by Gai Waterhouse), when a chance meeting with a microbiologist at a wedding led her into a new venture making products to support the animal gut microbiome.  Now after many years of research and development, Maryann, the same microbiologist and a team of other founders (all over 60!) have launched Bio-az, a Gold Coast-based nutraceutical company with a suite of world-first, game-changing functional ingredients that can enhance both human and animal health. Their proprietary 'synbiotic' formulas - a blend of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics - are unusually shelf-stable and bioavailable, and can be added to a host of different products including foods, beverages, cosmetics, oral and personal care items, supplements and animal medicines. Hear about the ground-breaking new production technologies that have made this possible, and how Bio-Az are collaborating with other manufacturers around Australia and the globe to share their science and value add for consumer benefit. About Maryann Maryann Thexton is the CEO and Co-founder of Bio-Az and is a seasoned executive with over two decades of leadership experience in the Australian equine and FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) beverage industry. Known for driving profitability and efficiency, she excels in innovative strategies to achieve challenging targets and maintain competitive advantages. Recognized as an industry expert in animal health, particularly in the equine sector, Maryann has a successful background as a thoroughbred racehorse trainer. Notable achievements include transforming start-ups into profitable ventures, advancing sales and marketing efforts, and fostering consistent business development.  Links Maryann Thexton LinkedIn Bio-az

In this week's podcast we delve into the exciting realm of personalised healthcare, and no, we're not talking about your doctor's bedside manner! We chat with Monica Russell from global company Materialise, headquartered at Griffith University on the Gold Coast in Australia. Materialise is spearheading a healthcare revolution by leveraging software to devise personalised surgery plans, 3D print surgical implants and devices tailored precisely to each patient's requirements, and even craft custom surgical instruments. Monica is also the Founder and CEO of Ontic Ortho Solutions, specialising in designing and 3D printing lifelike bone models for individualised orthopedic surgical training, leading to significant enhancements in patient outcomes. The future of medicine is unfolding before our eyes, converging disciplines such as engineering, AI, software, biotechnology, and materials science - and it's all happening right here on the vibrant Gold Coast. About Monica Monica is an expert lead at Materialise Australia, specialising in the integration of the company's Medical Software Solutions within the Australian and New Zealand markets. In addition to her role at Materialise, Monica served as a valued member of the ADaPT 1.0 Advisory Board at Griffith University, where she contributes her industry expertise and strategic insights. Monica is also the visionary founder of Ontic Ortho Solutions, a company dedicated to perfecting medical device placements through the development of precise 3D anatomical bone models for surgical training purposes.  Links Monica Russell LinkedIn Materialise Ontic Ortho Solutions

Dr Stephanie Chaousis - Chief Customer Officer of Datarwe, General Manager of intelliHQ and Director of the Qld AI Hub - has had quite a wild career trajectory in science. She started out as a marine biologist ('chasing turtles in a boat'), then moved up to molecular biology (studying the nature of jellyfish and tarantula venom), but eventually landed in the emerging field of data science for healthcare, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to build predictive models which will allow clinicians to diagnose and treat patients much more effectively. The potential of AI to advance society - but also threaten it - has steeped into the public consciousness like never before. This podcast is a great antidote to fear, providing valuable insights into why AI and Big Data are essential tools for transforming the nature of healthcare for the greater good, and how it's happening right here on the Gold Coast with world-leading innovator Datarwe. About Stephanie Dr Stephanie Chaousis currently heads up AI for Healthcare not-for-profit intelliHQ as General Manager. She is also recently appointed on the board of directors of the Queensland AI Hub and is the Chief Customer Officer at Datarwe, a clinical data company developing tools to support secure adoption of AI for healthcare in Australia. Having rich experience at the intersection of public health, technology, research, and innovation, Stephanie has extensive knowledge on the current AI in healthcare ecosystem as well as the practicalities, benefits, and risks of AI adoption in health. Stephanie is also a mentor for HealthTech innovators through Gold Coast HealthTech accelerator Lumina X. Links Dr Stephanie Chaousis LinkedIn Datarwe intelliHQ Qld AI Hub Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct

In this special podcast episode, host Estella Rodighiero dives deep into the origins, drivers and incredible potential of our booming biomedical industry, interviewing Dr Chris Davis, General Manager of Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics, and Dan Barr, Director of the Better Cities Group. Both have played a key role in the development of our new Gold Coast Emerging Biomedical Industry Study, released this week, which lays out a ten-year growth strategy for the sector. Twenty years ago, the Gold Coast had exactly zero biomed companies or institutions. Now now it’s a thriving innovation ecosystem anchored by the Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct and the world-leading Institute for Glycomics, with forward-thinking startups and a top-10 global pharmaceutical company. You'll hear how this growth has not just happened by accident - it has required vision, investment in infrastructure, the right government policy settings, and most importantly, the Gold Coast’s highly collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit. The challenge for the next decade, addressed by the study, is strategic: how to support and enable a sector that's expected to grow at twice the rate of any other local industry, and attract the right investment to position the Gold Coast as one of the world's pre-eminent biomed and medtech cities. About Chris Dr Chris Davis obtained a PhD in synthetic medicinal chemistry from the Institute for Glycomics on the Gold Coast before launching his career in the private biotech sector, negotiating technology deals with pharmaceutical and biotech companies globally. In 2009 he returned to the Institute as General Manager, where he leads a group of professionals dedicated to the strategic and operational development of the Institute, covering domestic and international business strategy, technology commercialisation and general Institute operations. The primary focus of the Institute is developing and translating its drug, vaccine and diagnostic inventions into health, social and economic benefit, locally and globally. About Dan Dan Barr leads the multi-disciplinary consultancy, Better Cities Group – a collaboration of leading city shaping consultants that work throughout Australia to drive economic revitalisation and create great places. In this role Dan is commonly sought after to lead a response to complex projects for both the public and private sector. Dan has lived on the Gold Coast for nearly twenty years and prior to founding Better Cities Group he held leadership roles in the delivery of the Gold Coast Light Rail project, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and Community Renewal program. He holds formal qualifications in urban design, public health, and project management. Links Dr Chris Davis LinkedIn Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct Dan Barr LinkedIn  Better Cities Group 

From working in war-torn Zimbabwe to lecturer at Bond University, corporate sustainability expert Dr Clare Burns has had a unique career trajectory. In our most in-depth conversation about sustainability to date, Dr Burns provides insights into topics such as greenwashing, supply chains, psycho-social hazards, the 2032 Olympics, modern slavery in Australia, eco-anxiety, how SMEs can get started with sustainability, microcredentialing, the SDG Compass and much more.  About Clare Dr Clare Burns is a passionate corporate sustainability/business ethics and organisational culture researcher. For the past seven years, Clare has been teaching undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA students in business management at Bond University. Before re-entering academia, Clare worked for 18 years in corporate communications, media, marketing, management and organisational development in Australia and overseas. During this time she wrote speeches, releases and strategic plans for ministers and premiers, worked at Telstra in investor relations, and lived in an African war zone. Outside of work, Clare is a volunteer and non-executive director of Rosies Friends on the Street. Links Dr Clare Burns LinkedIn Bond University Environmental and Social Government Microcredentials Sustainable Development Goals Compass Calculate your Carbon Footprint

Not many people in life get the opportunity to establish an institute from the ground up, let alone one which is now a world leader in the discovery and development of drugs and vaccines for globally significant diseases. After leading the team responsible for developing Relenza, the first ‘designer drug for flu’ (one of the most important antiviral advances of the last century), Professor Mark von Itzstein was offered the opportunity to establish and lead Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics, the first (and only) biomedical research hub of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2000 he chose the Gold Coast as the Institute’s home - then a greenfield site for biomed – and his vision has had a profound impact on the Gold Coast economy, its maturity as a city and ability to attract world-class talent ever since. After 23 years at the helm, Professor von Itzstein will soon be stepping down as the Institute's Director. In this podcast we’ll explore the career journey of one of our city’s most significant figures, the story of a flourishing research organisation, and why both are intertwined with the emergence of the Gold Coast’s fastest-growing industry About Mark Professor Mark von Itzstein OA is the Director of Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics, a world leader in the discovery and development of next-generation drugs, vaccines and diagnostics that fight diseases of global impact. He was a joint recipient of the prestigious Australia Prize in 1996, was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (General Division) in 2019, and has won numerous other national and international awards during his career. Professor von Itzstein has international standing in glycol-science and drug discovery, particularly in the area of anti-infective drug discovery, has published over 240 papers and invited reviews, and extensively patented his research. Links Professor Mark von Itzstein LinkedIn Institute for Glycomics Institute for Glycomics Facebook Institute for Glycomics LinkedIn

Marion Charlton is the Chief Operating Officer of Queensland Airports Limited. A described 'aviation nerd' who helped steer Sydney Airport through the 2000 Olympics Games, perhaps her greatest career achievement (and most daunting challenge) to date has been overseeing the redevelopment of the Gold Coast Airport. One our city's biggest ever infrastructure projects (the airport doubled its footprint to 30,000sqm), it happened to coincide with... a worldwide pandemic. Find out how Marion navigated the monumental challenges that COVID dumped on the project (no flights, no passengers, no income, no workers...) and what has been achieved since then. We cover the new aerobridges that are transforming airport operations, wonderful new initiatives for passengers such as the Hidden Disabilities Program and 'pat me' airport dogs, plans for the future, and why the Gold Coast is truly the 'Goldilocks' city. About Marion Marion Charlton has an impressive track record in business and aviation domestically and abroad. Since joining Queensland Airports Limited (QAL), Marion has held a variety of senior roles including her current position of Chief Operating Officer, where she manages the day-to-day operations of QAL group airports. Recently, Marion oversaw the transformational Gold Coast Airport terminal expansion, which doubled Gold Coast Airport’s footprint to 30,000sqm. Marion worked in Atlanta during the 1996 Olympic Games and leveraged this experience to develop Sydney Airport's successful 2000 Olympic Games delivery framework. She also led the exemplary handling of the 2018 Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast Airport. Links Marion Charlton LinkedIn Gold Coast Aiport Queensland Airports Limited

Professor Stefanie Feih is a Cambridge-educated world expert in advanced manufacturing and materials performance. As the Director of the ADaPT Institute at Griffith University, she and her team are ushering in a new era of virtual design, rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) - and working hand in hand with Gold Coast companies to incorporate these new 'Industry 4.0' technologies into their operations. This is a fascinating dive into the future of manufacturing; learn about the process for designing and 3D printing components and devices (or even whole houses) using metals, polymers, ceramics and concrete. There are a myriad of applications including industrial parts, satellite and marine components, medical devices, individualised implants - even building models of aneurysms in the brain for practicing robotic surgery! An episode not to be missed. About Stefanie Professor Stefanie Feih is an engineering professor in advanced manufacturing and 3D printing at Griffith University. She is the Director of the ADaPT institute, which is Southeast Queensland’s leading institute for research and design of medtech devices (surgical guides, implants, artificial hearts), satellites and marine components. Stefanie has a passion for sustainability and recycling of materials. Stefanie received a PhD from Cambridge University and a Masters from Cornell in the US, but is originally from Germany. Stefanie is ranked in the top 2% of scientists worldwide in the field of advanced manufacturing and materials. Links Professor Stefanie Feih LinkedIn ADaPT