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The Gold Coast Directory introduced this blog to provide a platform for Gold Coast businesses to update the local business community with recent industry developments, networking events, company achievements and the latest about doing business on the Gold Coast.

If you have any news, press releases or business events on the Gold Coast that you want to tell the community about,
we'd love to help! Please email your article or news to [email protected] with the subject line “Attn: Gold Coast Industry News”.

2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

Posted on December 20, 2011 by admin

Exhibitor Applications Open

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2012

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2012


Exhibitors, the wait is over! From today, Tuesday November 1, the 2012 Exhibitor Prospectus and Online Application Form are available on the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show website www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

For a limited time, previous exhibitors can book space with first option on securing their locations of choice. After that, space preferences will be allocated in order of the date applications are received.

“Since the day after the 2011 boat show, exhibitors, current and new, were contacting us to reserve space for 2012,” reports General Manager Events and Marketing at Sanctuary Cove, Sue Thomson.

“We are pleased to advise, online applications are now open and we encourage exhibitors in the marine industry, and the boating and lifestyle sectors to get in early to avoid disappointment.”

The boat show team has been working since June on the new format, program enhancements and innovations for the 2012 show – the 24th edition of this world-class event.

Acknowledging the realities of the present climate, organisers have made a number of changes to assist exhibitors:

  • Display rates have been reduced by 5% across all exhibition areas. Exhibitors who are eligible can also claim the 10% marine industry discount.
  • The initial deposit has been reduced from 30% (which has applied over the entire 23-year history of the event) to 10% for 2012.
  • Payments can be made in full or in three instalments – 10% with application, 40% by February 29th and the balance by March 30th.
  • The boat show will again provide each exhibitor with $10 million public liability cover for the 2012 boat show.

Several exhibition site changes are new for 2012, to further optimise opportunities for exhibitors.

Exhibition site plans available on the website indicate two adjacent pavilions in The Marine Village car park area – Marinebusinessworld.com Pavilion (50 x 80m) and SCIBS Pavilion (30 x 40m). Each pavilion features a glass façade facing the re-configured open display area. The new SCIBS Pavilion also offers a range of smaller booths measuring 3 x 2m.

The Superyacht Australia Pavilion (30 x45m) remains unchanged at its location in The Marine Village. The marina layout shows other slight modifications which will assist with visitor traffic flow and the overall show experience.

The 2011 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracted more than 36,500 visitors. Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show attracts exhibitors, buyers and marine executives from around the world, many staging world or Australasian launches during the four-day show that has become renowned as an internationally significant event.

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is a member of the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) and Marine Queensland. Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2012 is proudly sponsored by Club Marine.

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is a member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO), the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) and Marine Queensland.

All information, prospectus and booking forms for the 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show are available at www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

The $A2 billion Sanctuary Cove, located on the northern Gold Coast, is Australia’s leading and most successful master-planned community. Sanctuary Cove was acquired by current owners Mulpha Sanctuary Cove (Developments) Pty Limited in 2002. MSCD, an arm of Mulpha Australia Limited, which is a subsidiary of Malaysian listed Mulpha International BHD, has invested significantly in Sanctuary Cove over recent years, resulting in a major transformation designed to ensure the pre-eminent community remains at the forefront of master-planned living in Australia.

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show Event Details

Date: Thursday 24 May to Sunday 27 May, 2012
Time: 9am to 5pm daily
Location: Sanctuary Cove, Queensland – view a map here

For all inquiries about exhibiting at the 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show please contact the Boat Show office:

Jabiru House, Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove Qld 4212
Phone: (07) 55 776 011 (or +61 7 55 776011)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Posted in Boating, Events, Tourism | Tagged | Leave a comment

Gold Coast Airport Marathon makes major global strides

Posted on December 20, 2011 by admin

The success of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is continuing with the Queensland Government today announcing the annual event has secured partnerships with six major overseas marathons and a potential global television audience of 265 million people in more than 100 countries.

Taking the promotion of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon to a new international level, partnerships have been established with major city marathons in Kobe and Senshu (Japan), Auckland (New Zealand),Singapore, Penang (Malaysia) and Shanghai (China).

These partnerships have been complemented by the screening of a one hour highlights program of this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon on more than 20 television networks around the world and today’s release of the same program for free global viewing on YouTube.

Parliamentary Secretary assisting the Premier on the Gold Coast and Commonwealth Games, Peta-Kaye Croft, said the overseas marathon partnerships and global television and online coverage would take the marketing of the Gold Coast event to a new level.

“This event is getting bigger and better every year and establishing these partnerships with major marathon events will generate even greater awareness and interest in key markets around the world,” said Ms Croft.

“Events Queensland Gold Coast, Tourism Queensland and Gold Coast Tourism have been working hard behind the scenes to focus the event’s marketing efforts in Japan, South East Asia, New Zealand, China, Taiwan and Korea to increase the event visitation from these countries.

“The largest television coverage of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon in the event’s history will only support these efforts, showcasing the Gold Coast as a beautiful holiday destination and the Gold Coast Airport Marathon as the marathon of choice for visitors to Australia.”

One of the largest networks to telecast the event is Multi Channels Asia which will screen the highlights program on Outdoor Channel HD this month throughout Asia and the Pacific.

“Outdoor Channel is firmly focused on broadcasting the best of Asia-Pacific’s outdoor related sports and events, and the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is undoubtedly one such event,” said Gregg Creevey, the managing director of Multi Channels Asia.

“Held against the backdrop of Gold Coast’s iconic beaches and Broadwater, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon provides the best of outdoor sports action and an ideal picturesque setting.”

The program has already been telecast in Japan on Fuji TV and J Sports. Setanta Sports Africa, African Broadcasting Network, SuperSport and Zuku Sports have featured the program in Africa and parts of the Middle East.

Other stations featuring the program include Setanta Sports Ireland and Premier Sports (UK and Ireland); SportKlub, Sport TV, SPTV, Ring.bg and Nova Sport (Europe); SCCN and Bandsports (South America); Guangdong Sports Channel (China) and Astro Super Sport (Malaysia).

These stations are in addition to Channel Nine, NBN and Fox Sports which telecast the program around Australia in August.

Events Queensland CEO John O’Sullivan said today’s release of the documentary on YouTube would only add to the global audience of the event.

“For all those people who missed the documentary on television, they now have free access to the program on our YouTube channel,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“Coverage through the internet is now as big as television and our documentary will add to the audience generated by the event’s live webcast back in July.”

This year’s television and online documentary of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon was produced by one80 Digital Post.

Today’s announcement by the Queensland Government continues a great period for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon which started with induction into the Queensland Tourism Awards Hall of Fame last month for winning the award’s Major Events & Festivals
category for three consecutive years.

The event is now a finalist in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Cairns in March.

The 34th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on the weekend of 30 June-1 July 2012.

Visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au and www.youtube.com/gcmarathon

More information: www.eventsqld.com.au

Posted in Community, Events, Sport, Tourism | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A World Of Music This Christmas

Posted on December 2, 2011 by admin

This year’s Coolangatta Christmas Carols will have a distinct World Music
flavour with the addition of the very first, Ethno Australia Concert.

December 2011 will be the first time Ethno comes to Australia, making its public debut at the Coolangatta Christmas Carols concert.  Drawing participants from around the globe, Ethno is an open space for intercultural learning, friendship, and exchange. Folk musicians meet to teach each other, by ear, traditional folk songs from their cultures. Starting in Europe, Ethno has erupted in Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, England, Estonia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Sweden and Uganda. Ethno Australia is being co-ordinated by the Southern Gold Coast Music Hub, a project based at Southern Cross University’s Centre for Tourism, Leisure and Work.

“This year’s Coolangatta Christmas Carols will definitely be a unique event to not only spread yule-tide cheer but to also preview the various ethnic musical flavours that Southern Gold Coast Music Hub’s Ethno Australia program will be performing at Woodford Folk Festival” said Louise Bezzina, Connecting Southern Gold Coast’s Creative Producer of Events & Festivals.

Ms Bezzina has programmed the event to stand out from the normal flurry of local Carol’s events.

Ms Gail O’Neill, President of SGCCC, said “We are thrilled that the 2011 Coolangatta Christmas Carols is truly going to be a unique event, unlike any other Carols concert we have seen before. We encourage families to make an entire day of the event and experience the amazing talents of the Ethno artists, as well as the traditional Christmas Carols celebration.”

As always, all the family’s favourite carols will be performed and with song sheets for all who attend, this years Carols will be the best Christmas sing-along to be had anywhere on the Gold Coast. Coolangatta Surf Club will be selling refreshments on the day, while the local Coolangatta restaurants and food outlets feed the masses.

The music direction for the Carols will be led by the very talented Southern Gold Coast artist Nadia Sunde and feature local band The Lamplights and Kacey Patrick of Stringmansassy, alongside Michael Fix and Paul Burton.

Coolangatta Christmas Carols is a free event in Queen Elizabeth Park on the 18th December from 3pm and is presented by Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce, Connecting Southern Gold Coast, Southern Cross University, Southern Gold Coast Music Hub and Gold Coast City Council.

Location:             Queen Elizabeth Park, Marine Pde Coolangatta
Event Date:         18th December 2011
Event Time:        3pm-4.30pm Ethno Australia Concert
5.30pm-7pm Christmas Carols Concert

Posted in Events, Music, Tourism | Leave a comment

Gold Coast Set To Shine With 2018 Commonwealth Games

Posted on November 17, 2011 by admin

THE Gold Coast has taken its place among the great Australian Cities after winning the 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid in St Kitts & Nevis said Premier Bligh today.

Ms Bligh said the Games could generate up to $2 billion in economic benefit with up to 30,000 full time-equivalent jobs created between 2015 and 2020.

Over $500 million will now be invested on sport and transport infrastructure as a direct result of the successful bid.

“Congratulations to the Gold Coast, to Queensland and Australia – we did it!” said Ms Bligh.

“Our united community welcomes these games.

“In 2018 we will be ready to host a unique world- class and friendly event that builds on the Commonwealth brand and enhances our city’s reputation.

“This city will be transformed with new infrastructure and a buzz that only a big international event like this can bring.”

The Premier said the successful bid to host the games would mean infrastructure upgrades including:
• Increasing the capacity of Metricon stadium from 25,000 to 40,000 seats
• New badminton and mountain bike facilities
• A world class squash complex
• Development of the Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre.
• Upgrades to the Broadbeach Bowls Club, Gold Coast Hockey Centre and the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

“Ever since I picked up the phone to the President of the Commonwealth Games Association Mr Sam Coffa during the Beijing Olympics to suggest our games bid I knew the Gold Coast was in with a chance,” said the Premier.

“Today we hit the bullseye – 2018 is the Gold Coast’s time to shine!”

Ms Bligh paid tribute to Sri Lanka’s bid city Hambantota.

“Make no mistake this was a tough contest and all Queenslanders should be thrilled with the result,” she said.

“These games will bring superb tourism opportunities for the Gold Coast and for Queensland.

“The Games will also act as a catalyst to fast track infrastructure development.

“We will see new sporting facilities, improved transport and a new Health and Knowledge precinct adjacent to the $1.76 billion Gold Coast University Hospital.

“We have made a promise to the Commonwealth Games Federation and will deliver on this promise.”

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid Chairman, Mark Stockwell said the whole Bid team is overjoyed with the result.

“Thank you to everyone that contributed to the Bid and this outstanding result, it was a collective effort and one that Gold Coasters, Queenslanders and all Australians should be very proud of,” Mr Stockwell said.

“The Games will put the spotlight on the Gold Coast, and whilst we don’t want to lose our ‘famous for fun’ character, we do need to reinforce our capabilities as a serious business community with strengths across a number of diverse industries.

“A lot of very hard work went into the Bid but it doesn’t stop there – we need to put the same amount of energy and passion in to prepare and deliver the very best event the Commonwealth has ever known.”

“Congratulations Gold Coast – let the Games preparations begin,” Mr Stockwell said.

Posted in Commonwealth Games, Community, Events, Sport, Sustainability & Going Green, Tourism, Transport & Infrastructure | 2 Comments

SCU Vice Chancellor Peter Lee at the Combined Southern Chambers Breakfast

Posted on November 17, 2011 by admin

On Tuesday 15 November, The Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce (SGCCC) and the Creek to Creek Chamber of Commerce (CTCC) hosted a breakfast at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, which was addressed by Professor Peter Lee, Vice Chancellor of Southern Cross University (SCU). Connecting Southern Gold Coast (CSGC) sponsored the event by virtue of its Memorandum of Understanding with SCU.

Professor Lee’s topic was “New Ways of Thinking for the Southern Gold Coast”, reflecting SCU’s new campus at the Gold Coast Airport, Bilinga on the Southern Gold Coast (SGC).

Professor Lee highlighted SCU’s existing building at Bilinga, which was to be supplemented by another two buildings over the next five years, meaning a total capital expenditure on the SGC of in the vicinity of $100 million. In addition to serving the needs of local students at the SGC and Tweed, he also underlined SCU’s intentions of attracting more overseas students to the SGC community and the opportunities and challenges that it offered the SGC in terms of student accommodation, transport and connectivity with local businesses.

Professor Lee expressed the view that SCU would like to see Light Rail connection to the airport as soon as possible.

He also proffered the view that more work needed to be done on whether heavy rail should have a connection into New South Wales, for it to be financially successful.

Gail O’Neil President of SGCCC said, “To have an expanding University in our midst offers businesses in SGC impressive future opportunities and we should all continue to look for ways of working with the University.”

Darren Mackintosh, President of CTCC expressed the view that, “Beneficiaries of the presence of SCU would extend as far north as Burleigh Heads and that these regions, too, need to look for ways of working with SCU.”

Jim Wilson, General Manager of CSGC said, ”CSGC is proud to sponsor the combined initiative of the Chambers, as it shows what power there is in regional cooperation between business groups. The fact that nearly 100 business people attended the breakfast is testament to that.” Mr Wilson then went on the give a summary of the types of projects that CSGC was working on with SCU, from the SGC Music Hub, to Creative Industries Strategy, to Light Rail submissions, to Events and Festivals for the SGC.

Professor Lee was asked many questions by interested attendees, reflecting the fact great interest in the future of the SGC based on its now hosting a prestigious University with a clear Vision to make an enduring contribution to the SGC.

Posted in Community, Government, Industry, Transport & Infrastructure | Leave a comment

CSI: The Experience Hits Surfers Paradise This Summer!

Posted on November 17, 2011 by admin

Get your detective on!

TO BE UNVEILED AT PIAZZA SURFERS PARADISE THIS SUMMER!

Frontier Events and Events Queensland, in association with EMS Exhibits, under a license from CBS Consumer Products, are pleased to announce the internationally acclaimed & award winning exhibition CSI: The Experience will open exclusively at Piazza Surfers Paradise on Friday 2nd December 2011.

In a major coup for Queensland, Surfers Paradise will exclusively host the exhibition’s first ever visit to Australia, following its triumphs in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Premier Anna Bligh welcomed news of the announcement: “This award winning TV series has been watched in homes all over Queensland for years and now the experience is being brought to life right here on the Gold Coast.

“The Queensland Government is investing in major events and exhibitions like this through Events Queensland because they attract visitors and help deliver the Gold Coast tourism industry the boost that it needs.

“The Gold Coast is a perfect destination for this exhibition which is sure to be a hit among locals and tourists alike.”

Michael Gudinski, Director of Frontier Events said, “The success of the CSI television franchise has been phenomenal worldwide. Millions have been enthralled by the science behind solving crimes. I’m delighted that Frontier Events is able to join with Events Queensland to bring CSI: The Experience to Surfers Paradise, where we anticipate locals and tourists alike will discover first hand their inner CSI’s.”

The interactive exhibition is based on the multi award winning and long running hit television crime drama series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. CSI: The Experience exhibition invites visitors to assume the role of a forensic detective to solve cases using scientific principles and techniques currently in use today and as seen on the CSI television programs.

From DNA and firearms analysis to forensic anthropology and toxicology, visitors will have the opportunity to actively engage in a new form of interactive & experiential learning – a hybrid of entertainment and science; or as CSI Executive Producer Jerry Bruckheimer describes it, ‘edu-tainment’ where an engaging multimedia environment meets pop culture appeal, meets enriching educational value.

Designed for visitors 11 years of age and older, the 1,110 square-metre exhibition was developed in consultation with 175 forensic science experts and guides visitors through an intriguing process that closely copies the realities of crime scene investigation.

Upon entering the exhibition, our newly hired ‘detectives’ are inducted into the realm of forensic science through a video introduction by Anthony E. Zuiker, the creator & executive producer of the CSI television series. Real-life forensic scientist Ron Singer then briefly summarises the science to be found in the exhibit before CSI’s lead investigator ‘Gil Grissom’ outlines his role as supervisor for the new ‘recruits’ and as usual recommends they ‘follow the evidence’ to their eventual conclusion.

Our detectives then travel through one of three intricately constructed ‘crime scenes’ to identify and record evidence. State-of-the-art ‘crime labs’ assist them to piece together evidence from the ‘crime scene’ whilst an ‘autopsy’ room explains the process of pathology analysis.

With guidance in the form of video messages from the much loved past and present characters from the television show, our detectives will be invited to present their findings to team supervisor ‘Gil Grissom’ in his ‘office’ in the hopes of solving the case. Successful detectives are rewarded with a personalised crime scene diploma upon cracking the case they have been assigned.  Originally developed by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History with a grant from The National Science Foundation (NSF), CSI: The Experience has been exhibited across the United States, Europe, and Asia with the Surfers Paradise exhibition being the first foray into Oceania.

Events Queensland CEO John O’Sullivan said the exhibition represented a diversification of the investment in the region.

“We know that the Gold Coast has all the right ingredients when it comes to delivering successful major sporting events,” Mr O’ Sullivan said.

“Now we are starting to look at broadening our investment to include other events and this exhibition seems like a good fit which appeals to a wide audience.”

CSI: The Experience received the American Experience Industry’s Thea Award for Excellence in Innovation. The Thea Awards, considered the experience industry’s highest honour, recognise excellence in the creation of outstanding guest experiences.

Get a feel for the exhibition here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lMm8HJrofw

About CBS Consumer Products

CBS Consumer Products manages worldwide licensing and merchandising for a diverse slate of television brands and series from CBS, CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution, as well as from the company’s extensive library of titles, Showtime and CBS Films.  Additionally, the group oversees online sales of programming merchandise. For more information, visit www.cbsconsumerproducts.com.

About EMS Exhibits

EMS Exhibits, a division of Vienna-based Event Marketing Service GmbH, Austria, is the official international and exclusive booking agent & promoter of CSI: The Experience. Since its founding in 1993 by Christoph Rahofer, EMS Exhibits has led successful promotional and marketing campaigns for such world-class exhibits as National Geographic’s Tutankhamun and the World of the Pharaohs, as well as produced shows such as EMS’s own 1000 years of INCAgold, Leonardo Da Vinci: Man – Inventor – Genius, 100 Masterpieces as well as family entertainment interactive exhibits like Dinosaurs – Live!, The Barbie Story, World of Games and Busy Beees!.  EMS Exhibits just recently was awarded the global touring rights to Star Trek: The Exhibition. www.event-marketing.com

About the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Dedicated to life-long learning and anchored by its rich collections, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History engages its diverse community through creative, vibrant programs and exhibits interpreting science and the history of Texas and the Southwest. Since the mid-1980s, the Museum has annually welcomed nearly a million visitors, making it one of the most popular cultural attractions in North Texas.

About Piazza Surfers Paradise

Piazza Surfers Paradise is located in the heart of Queensland’s Surfers Paradise on the vibrant Gold Coast, adjoining the Holiday Inn (formerly the ANA) hotel.  Entry to the new exhibition space is on Elkhorn Avenue, opposite Orchard Avenue.  The Piazza Surfers Paradise has two levels of dedicated undercover parking for patrons, with driveway entrance on View Street.

About Frontier Events

Frontier Events is a division of The Frontier Touring Company, Australia’s leading concert promoter. Frontier Events manages and organises entertainment for government, global corporations and major international sporting events. CSI: The Experience will be the second major exhibition presented by Frontier Events following 2010’s highly successful attendance record-breaking Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition in Melbourne.

CSISURFERSPARADISE.COM

http://www.facebook.com/csisurfersparadise

http://www.twitter.com/csisurfers
WHAT: CSI: The Experience

WHEN: From December 2, 2011

Open 10am-10pm daily (last entry 8.30pm)

Closed Christmas Day

WHERE: PIAZZA SURFERS PARADISE

Entry on Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

TICKETS: Avoid the queue!  Pre-book your tickets

Tickets on sale from Friday 18 November 9am QLD

Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au/csi or 132 849

Posted in Events, Kids & Teens, Tourism | Leave a comment

QLD Lost Pet Register Now Available for Gold Coast Pet Owners

Posted on November 17, 2011 by admin

Local charity Red Collar Rescue Inc launched a new service to assist owners of lost pets – The Queensland Lost Pets Register on Facebook!

The first Queensland region to go live will be Wide Bay with local area lost pet co-ordinators in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Biloela, Inner West, Toowoomba and Gold Coast areas.

The local area co-ordinator is committed to helping people find the best way for the prompt and safe return of their pet.  The local lost pet area co-ordinator will post photos and information both on their own region specific facebook page and The Queensland Lost Pet Register, along with providing details for the local pounds, vets and other social media resources.

If you don’t have Facebook, contact the Queensland Lost Pet Register on 0411 704 714 or [email protected] and you will be given contact details for your local area co-ordinator.

The Gold Coast local area co-ordinator is Vanessa whom is the director of Gold Coast Pet Sitting as well as Founder of the Network of Professional Pet Carers QLD.

This self-funded service is run by dedicated volunteers and is totally free of charge as the mission of Queensland Lost Pet Register is to reunite pet owners with their treasured pet.

To provide a donation, apply to become a local area lost pet co-ordinator for your region or more information please contact 0411 704 714 or post on the wall of the Queensland Lost Pet Register Facebook page.

The Register and it’s team of dedicated lost pet local area co-ordinators are looking forward to serving the Queensland pet owner community and urge you to join The Queensland Lost Pet Register today.

Posted in Pets | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Surf ‘n’ Ink Returns

Posted on November 8, 2011 by admin

The tattoo scene south of the equator is like surfing…

Like little grommets in the water on a flat day, we waited and waited for something big to happen. A few little ripples came and went, but nothing that would take us very far. Then finally, way out there in the distance… we could see it. That big wave that we’ve been waiting for… like a gift from the heavens. SURF n’ Ink emerged into the tattoo scene like an epic wave; unforgettable, passed too quickly, and was one hell of a ride

Each year in Australia’s premier vacation spot when the heat is cranked, the worlds best artists among crowds of excited fans, flock to the Gold Coast to enjoy this world class event.  The Gold Coast is no doubt the centre for tattooing in Australia, so it was only natural to host Australia’s unrivaled tattoo event in this magnificent place.

Throughout SURF n’ Ink you will find; a remarkable blend of the best tattoo talent in the world brought to you by the leading Tattoo Magazine, Custom Tattooz.  And get this – you can get inked by these tattoo superstars too because as usual, they will be tattooing onsite for three full days amongst the excitement and energy of this great festivals atmosphere.

At SURF n Ink, there is something for everyone – so bring the whole family.  Our jam-packed entertainment line-up is sure to impress, whatever your taste. Some of our favorites include the lavish pin-up performances, the magic “right-before-your-eyes” art-fusion displays, the shiny motorbike show and our #1 fav; secret revealing seminars by knock-your-socks-off famous ultra-talented artists. There is never a dull moment at SURF n Ink – that’s a promise.

Not only is the 70km of white pristine sandy beaches, the view of the perfect sunset over the canal and the picture-perfect endless summer weather enough to make your jaw drop, the exoticly decorated attendees are sure to force a double take. Don’t forget to stick around for the “Freak of show” contest; it’s sure to guarantee a jaw drop!

From SURF n’ Ink’s beginning in 2010, the buzz about this show was splashed across the international tattoo scene and created a swell that surged throughout the world.  SURF n Ink’s success and feedback has sent a loud and clear message; we are THE tattooing hub for south pacific… if you want to know about tattoos, get tattooed by the best or see what is really happening on the international tattoo scene, there is only one place to find it; it happens once a year on the second weekend in January in Australia’s premier destination and it goes by the name, SURF N’ INK!

Keep updated on all the many secrets yet to be revealed by visiting the site regularly, so bookmark it! (Ctrl+D)

SURF n’ Ink 2012 is coming soon. Mark your calendar, rally up your mates, get ready for the sickest weekend of the year and get AMPED!

The SURF n’ Ink Australia Crew!

Posted in Art, Events, Tourism | Leave a comment

Bleach* Surfing the Fringe Festival Readies for Debut

Posted on November 8, 2011 by admin

Art, music, surf photography, fashion and film to be showcased at Gold Coast’s premiere surf culture festival

For those who can’t get enough surf, sand and sun, brace yourself – Bleach* Surfing the Fringe is coming.

The Gold Coast’s premiere and inaugural Surf Culture Festival will celebrate artistic expression and creativity inspired by surf and beach culture via an eclectic mix of pop up art installations, photography exhibitions, film screenings music, food, theatre and fashion events all targeted to represent the surf lifestyle. Bleach* will descend on the spectacular beaches, foreshores and major venues unique to the Southern Gold Coast from 11- 26 February, 2012.

An initiative of Connecting Southern Gold Coast, Bleach* will showcase the work of over thirty local and international artists, including celebrated designer, artist and photographer Claudio Kirac, photographers Ted Grambeau, Shelli Bankier, Peter Joli Wilson Trent Mitchell and Sean Scott, and author Tim Baker, with more to be announced.

Louise Bezzina, Artistic Director of Bleach* and Creative Producer Events and Festivals at Connecting Southern Gold Coast, said the festival will incorporate more traditional gallery settings like Surf World Gold Coast as well as a series of beachside pop up events liberally scattered across the coast, including art housed in shipping containers, mobile music truck concerts, children’s theatre performances and workshops, a street party in Currumbin, and outdoor projections and cinematic experiences.

“All the events will be geographically spread out and held over different time-frames, making each event seem small and organic in feel, yet Bleach* will be the largest arts festival in geographic size, scope and duration ever held on the Gold Coast. And despite the Gold Coast being home to many of the world’s most iconic surf breaks, it will also be the first time that the Gold Coast has hosted a festival that explores the creative side of surf culture. So it’s set to be really unique experience, and we’re expecting a great response,” Bezzina said.

Bleach* will also be timely. This two-week celebration will ignite across the Southern Gold Coast’s iconic surf spots and entertainment venues while the world spotlight is upon them. Nestled in timeframe between elite surfing events like the Breaka Burleigh Pro, the Kirra Teams Challenge, and the world tour Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro, Bleach* Surfing The Fringe will showcase Gold Coast’s surf inspired arts and culture to countless thousands of international and domestic visitors.

All exhibits have been hand picked to ensure a standard of workmanship that will impress. Prior to Bleach* Bezzina has held a range of high profile arts positions including Managing Producer for MAPS for Artists for for Metro Arts, Program Manager for the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, Producer at the Brisbane Festival, Director of Mackay Festival of Arts, and directed various works. Familiar with what it takes to operate a successful arts festival, Bezzina is certain Bleach* will astound attendees.

“We’re delighted with the depth of artistic talent we’ve brought together for Bleach* – it’s going to be world class.”

For more information about Bleach* visit www.bleachfestival.com.au

Posted in Art, Events, Fashion, Music, Photography, Theatre/Film, Tourism | Leave a comment

Gold Coast Surfers and Lawyers Unite for Charity Golf Day

Posted on November 8, 2011 by admin

Royal Pines to Host the 3rd Annual Denis Callinan Aloha Golf Day

Over 100 surfers and lawyers are expected to pull out their golf clubs and participate in the third annual Denis Callinan Aloha Golf Day.

While surfers and lawyers are rarely mentioned in the same sentence, the uniting factor for this collaborative event is the late local figure Denis Callinan, a well-known lawyer, fundraiser and surfer, popularly known as ‘The Surfing Saint.’

The Denis Callinan Memorial Golf Day has been scheduled for Thursday, 17 November 2011 at 12 noon at Royal Pines. This particular date was set aside to commemorate Denis’s birthday.

Denis established fundraising machine SAND (Surfers Against Nature’s Destruction) over 25 years ago, which in recent times has primarily supported local charities through its association with surfing. Patrons of SAND include former surfing world champion Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew, and SAND events usually attract a plethora of sporting identities alongside a large cross section of the local legal fraternity.

According to SAND board member Geoff Smith, the Aloha Golf Day is a way for SAND to ensure Denis’s legacy lives on. “We hope the event reflects the late Denis Callinan’s spirit with a special Hawaiian theme, novelty prizes, raffles and a great excuse to catch up with Denis’s wide network of friends and associates ranging from professional surfers, businesses associated with the surf industry, lawyers, etc. All in all it’s a great day and a lot of fun with most of the proceeds to be allocated to a local charity to be named on the day.”

Last year the event raised approximately $8000 for a number of charities including Camp Quality.

All welcome, tickets are $150 p.p. and bookings are essential. Tickets include 18 holes, motorized golf buggies, supper, prizes, raffles and giveaways.

For bookings please call Mike at Meridian World Travel 07) 55356233

For more information about SAND follow them on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/SANDGoldCoast

Posted in Business, Charity, Events | Leave a comment