Gold Coast city skyline Gold Coast Industry News

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”.

Is Your Name Protected?

Business name, company name and domain name registrations do not give the exclusive right to the use of a name or brand in any market place, real or virtual. Only the registration of your name or brand on the Australian Trade Mark Register gives you a legal monopoly on its use and prevents others from using your marks or marks which are deceptively similar.

We can carry out searches to tell you if your mark can be registered and can file an application to obtain registration for you. Registration not only prevents others from using or registering marks similar to yours but provides assurance that you are not infringing any other trader’s registered marks.

Please call 1300 737 739 and mention the Gold Coast Directory to receive a free, no obligation consultation with one of our experienced Trade Mark Attorneys.

Kylie Mills | BBSc (Hons)

Varsity IP – Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys
6/18 Lake Street, Varsity Lakes, QLD 4227
PO Box 391, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Tel 1300 737 739 | Fax +61 7 3319 6086
Website: www.varsityip.com

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Australian Mineral Makeup & Cosmetics Company, Alexami, Launches in Slovenia

Gold Coast, Australia, 30 November 2010 ~ Just weeks after announcing their launch into Korea, Australian professional-grade cosmetics company Alexami have added Slovenia to their international expansion. Their premium range of mineral makeup and natural cosmetics with ecologically sound packaging is stocked exclusively through spa and beauty industry outlets in Australia, but will expand on this to include other stores in Slovenia.

After carefully researching pure ingredients, Alexami founder Alenka Dirnbek developed the Alexami mineral makeup range to share Australia’s natural beauty secrets with women all over the world.

According to recent research by Euromonitor, natural and organic cosmetics are becoming increasingly popular in emerging markets with consumers becoming more sophisticated and willing to spend on non-essential items.

Slovenia has experienced a decade of healthy growth in the beauty and personal care market and although the economic downturn has negatively impacted household disposable incomes, increased exposure to Western fashion and beauty combined with a genuine concern for protecting the environment is anticipated to see the trend toward natural mineral cosmetics gain momentum.

Originally hailing from Slovenia herself, Dirnbek was eager to share Alexami products with women in her homeland. Knowing the language and having an existing network was a big advantage and made finding the right distributor easier. In Slovenia, a family-owned company that runs two modern, natural cosmetic pharmacies will represent Alexami. “Their family background is in medicine, chemistry and business management so there’s a mixture of educational background, understanding about business, health and knowledge about ingredients,” says Dirnbek. “They would like to expand their store concept within the next few years as the sales in natural cosmetic is increasing. They will also be placing Alexami in quite a few other similar stores owned by other companies sharing a similar philosophy.”

In December, all Slovenian retailers and sales assistants who stock Alexami will receive special product training, which Dirnbek hopes to conduct personally next year.

For Media & Stockist Enquiries:

Suite 271/51; Locked Bag 1
Robina Town Centre; QLD 4230 AUSTRALIA
T: +61 7 5593 7452
F: +61 7 5593 7780
M: +61 407 711 673 (sales)
[email protected]
www.alexami.com
www.facebook.com/mineral.cosmetics

About Alexami ~ Launched in 2009, Alexami is a fresh Australian natural cosmetics company that aims to deliver professional-grade products exclusively available through select spas, salons, beauticians, professional makeup artists and dermatologists. Using only the safest and purest natural ingredients, Alexami cosmetics have been inspired by Australia’s wild beauty, and contain vivid natural mineral pigments and recyclable packaging featuring artwork depicting native Australian flora. For more information on Alexami products visit http://www.alexami.com

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Local Knowledge: Gold & Tweed Coast Family Christmas Gift Ideas

Gold Coast November 29, 2010 ~ With Christmas just around the corner, shopping is the word on everyone’s lips. But before you race off to the mall or send your requests off to the North Pole, here’s a few fabulous gift ideas from some local businesses to suit every member of the family. So give Santa’s workshop a rest this season – buying gifts created by local businesses and sold by local businesses goes a long way towards supporting your local community, ensuring the giving season gives back!

For Mum:


Alexami Natural Cosmetics

Sheer mineral makeup, vegan lip gloss and herbal mineral mascara are just a few of the luxurious yet natural products that Alexami makes that every mum will adore.  Gold Coast based Alexami Cosmetics is found in premium salons and spas, and is now shipping its professional grade cosmetics around the world. Check out their special Christmas packs for that perfect gift, or buy a voucher so mum can select her own Alexami beauty essentials.

Local Stockists:

Teya May at Vanity Hair Salon, Mermaid Beach, (07) 5575 2021
Serene Beauty and Medispa, Tugun, (07) 5521 0688
Online: http://www.alexami.com

    For Dad:


    Happy Days Surf-Art-Eco Diary

    Don’t have money to send Dad on an exotic surf trip?  Let the world’s best surf photographers and emerging artists take him on a journey in the Happy Days Diary 2011. It features 200+ pages of street and surf art alongside surf spot descriptions, shots by locally-based international photographers including Hilton Dawe and Ted Grambeau, feature stories on the marine environment, and plenty of space for notes and drawings, with weekly to do lists and holiday dates. The diary is a limited-edition run of 2000 copies, and was printed locally on Ecostar 100% recycled FSC certified paper with soy based inks. RRP: $29.95

    Local stockists:

    Sean Scott Galleries, Burleigh and Coolangatta, (07) 5599 1150
    Online: http://ww.happydaysdiary.com

      For the Kids:


      Monster Baby Clothing

      Monster Baby is a Gold Coast-based business run by two mums that design hip & fashionable threads for little people. Try their EVEL T for your little Evel Knievel– 100% cotton t-shirts available in Sizes 00-5years: RRP $35 in assorted colours & styles. Or how about their ROCKABILLY DRESS – gorgeous 100% cotton dress with print: RRP$49.95 – Available in sizes 0-5 years. For bubs, Monster Baby’s online store also stocks the Elodie Details STROLLER PALS – cute & quirky gifts perfect for newborn babies this Christmas! Assorted colours and designs from RRP $19.95

      Local Stockists:

      Substance, Coolangatta (07) 5599 5773
      That Shop, Burleigh Heads (07) 5520 7511
      Online: http://www.monsterbaby.com.au

        For the Whole Family:


        Family Fishing Picnic Packages  – Drift Takeaway & Tackle

        Try Drift Takeaway and Tackle is located on Kennedy Drive Tweed Heads, just across from the beautiful Tweed River and main boat ramp. Take the whole family out fishing for the day with a no fuss family fishing pack. You don’t even need to pack your rods! Each picnic pack contains 4 x handreels with line, hooks, sinkers and bait, plus a packed lunch including two of their famous burgers, two toasted ham and cheese sangas for the kids, and four cans of drink– basically all you’ll need for a fantastic low cost day out on the water for just $50. Or pop by and try their fantastic local coffee while you browse their range of fishing essentials – Christmas presents galore!

        Drift Takeaway and Tackle, (07) 55995520
        45 Kennedy Drv, Tweed Heads
        Online: http://www.fishingtweedriver.com

        Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Shopping & Retail | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

        Google Places Optimisation – DIY or we’ll help you

        Recently Google made some changes to how it presents Google Places listings (previously called Google Local) making it much easier for a local business to get a 1st page search result on Google. This change was actually made in the US some months ago but now we’re seeing it here in Australia. This change has also given some, let’s call them sneaky, website companies a nice little gold prospect to mine and the pick axes and shovels are out and they are filling up their wheel barrows as quickly as they can.

        Google Places are those businesses (with or without a website) that have a pushpin in the Google map when you search for a local business on Google. The map and listing used to appear within the search results with a link to that businesses Google Place listing. Now Google has combined the listing with a result for the businesse’s website. What this does is make it much easier to get a link on the first page of Google.

        There are companies out there offering Google Places optimisation anywhere from $120 to $330 so before you sign on the dotted line you should know:

        • Getting a Google Places listing is FREE and you can optimise it yourself. Find out how at the Google Place help for business owners.
        • There are only seven Google Places results on the first page of Google so in a competitive market you will only see the top results.
        • You can enter up to 5 categories that your business falls into and therefore you will technically only appear for those terms. Google also recommends only choosing two “representative” categories is best.

        To add some competition to the market, e-CBD are offering Google Places optimisation for the low price of $120. Remember, this is something you can do yourself but if you don’t have the time or aren’t very sure about what you need to do we’d love to help you out.

        Now, if you really want to see your website gathering useful traffic, you should look at a long term SEO strategy. We have SEO packages starting from $225 per month with a minimum 6 month commitment and a guarantee of 1st page rankings on Google for a selection of the keywords we target*. We also include Google Places optimisation as a part of our SEO packages.

        If you would like an SEO quote for your website or want to find out more about how SEO can help your business’ online visibility contact us.

        Contact Information

        e-CBD Pty Ltd
        31 Charlton St, Southport 4215
        Ph: 07 5531 3810
        Website: www.e-cbd.com

        *After 12 months – Our packages are generally 12 months but we want to make quality SEO affordable for all businesses. Conditions also apply and it is at our discretion as to who we offer 6 month packages.

        Posted in Search Engine Optimisation | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

        Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre wins 2010 Queensland Tourism Award

        The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) took the spotlight at the 2010 Queensland Tourism Awards as the winner of the Meetings and Business Tourism category.

        Celebrating success at the ceremony held in Brisbane last Friday night, GCCEC General Manager Adrienne Readings said that the award reaffirms the Centre’s standing as a business destination favorite.

        “As Australia’s largest and most attended regional convention centre, the GCCEC has once again shown that that the leisure and business recipe is a winner – for the Centre, for the Gold Coast and for the Queensland economy,” she said.

        “The GCCEC has catered for dynamic business environments since the venue’s opening in 2004, which, contrasted by the Gold Coast’s relaxed culture of sun and surf creates a professional atmosphere different to that in any of the major Australian cities.”

        That goes without saying that the success of the Centre can be largely attributed to its cutting-edge facilities and leading service, providing the flexibility to accommodate for as little as 10 to as many as 6,000 people.

        “The Centre’s capacity to cater for up to 6,000 conference delegates in the Arena, 500 exhibition booths or a banquet of more than 3,500 guests means that we are hosting every conceivable size, format and type of business event,” said Adrienne.

        “The venue also plays a major part in the leisure tourism sector, hosting 40 major leisure and sporting events attracting thousands of domestic and international participants and spectators.”

        Each year the Queensland Tourism Awards celebrates the success of the Queensland Tourism Industry by acknowledging and awarding businesses within the sector for their innovation and achievements across 29 categories.

        The GCCEC was judged against a tough selection of superior venues to achieve the award for the second year running.

        Adrienne added that the outlook for the Centre continues to be bright, with almost 140 events confirmed into the future as at November 2010 with an estimated attendance of 176, 241.

        Website: www.gccec.com.au
        PO Box 1407  Broadbeach  Queensland  4218,  Australia
        tel: +61 7 5504 4000   fax:  +61 7 5504 4001

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        Exhibitor Interest High for Sanctuary Cove in 2011

        The 2011 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has attracted more than 130 exhibitor applications within two weeks of bookings opening.

        “We are delighted with this positive response from the industry. We expect that the Show will again top well over 400 exhibitors by May next year,” said Sanctuary Cove Events and Operations Manager Phil Shaw.

        The 23rd Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in 2011 will feature a newly-configured space including one of the largest pavilion structures erected in Australia for an annual event.

        Some exciting new displays at the 2011 show include New Zealand exhibitor Diverse Projects showcasing Black Pearl, a 31.5m long range super yacht designed by Craig Loomes of LoMocean Design.

        This vessel has been built to Germanischer Lloyd 100 A5 class survey with no expense spared on equipment. Diverse Project’s Lars Bjorklund said the interior is designed by Chris Connell of Melbourne fame and constructed by Specialist Marine Interiors in Whangarei. The vessel is launched on the world market at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in 2011 with an expected completion date early 2011.

        The company is just one of the 132 exhibitors from around Australia, New Zealand, China and the United States already signed up to be part of the Show.

        Mr Shaw said the keen exhibitor interest which is currently surpassing last year at this time, reflects the strong sales reported by exhibitors during the 2010 event.

        An exhibitor survey found respondents saw buyers and visitors from more than 20 countries including the US, Korea, India, Japan, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and France to name some nations.

        Past and current 2011 exhibitor Flexiteek Oceania confirms Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is very important to the company’s sales and marketing. Flexiteek’s Paul Enders said that sales and leads from the 2009 event comprised around 58% of total Australian sales during the 2009 calendar year while sales leads from the 2010 Show are currently over 60% of total Australian sales. “We have enjoyed a huge increase in business in the Oceania region with staffing boosted by 300% since late 2009 and a sizeable increase in our factory area,” said Mr Enders.

        In 2011, the four-day Show will be held Thursday, May 19 to Sunday, May 22 at Sanctuary Cove in Queensland, Australia from 9am to 5pm daily.

        For the 2011 show, there are some adjustments to the pavilion display layout to make way for future development planned by Sanctuary Cove’s owners Mulpha Sanctuary Cove (Developments) Pty Limited in the area previously occupied by Pavilion B.

        Pavilion A has been extended by 1400 square metres to a total of 5000 square metres. The Super Yacht Pavilion within Masthead Way will remain the same as 2010.

        On the marina, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will again offer exhibitors the opportunity to conduct Sea Trials during the show while the Prestige Brokerage and Charter Boat Display is available for exhibitors to showcase prestige brokerage boats 50 feet and over and charter boat companies can promote their services.

        In other news, Ms Sue Thomson has been appointed General Manager Events and Marketing for Sanctuary Cove. The role encompasses Sanctuary Cove’s event calendar for the Marine Village. Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is one of those events.

        Ms Thomson has operated her own marketing and communications consultancy and has worked with Gold Coast Tourism and Tourism Australia in executive roles. She also handled marketing and events for the Royal Queensland Show.

        The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show team continues to operate for the 2011 event with Phil Shaw as Sanctuary Cove Events and Operations Manager; Harry Davis as Exhibition Manager and Sally Larkin as Events and Operations Co-ordinator. Barry Jenkins has been engaged as a consultant with government, industry and international relations while Kate Duryea has been engaged as a consultant to again handle public relations and media

        Confirmed sponsors for the 2011 event include Club Marine, BoatPoint.com.au and Channel 7.

        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.

        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 masterplanned living in Australia.

        Event Details

        Date: Thursday, May 19 to Sunday, May 22, 2011
        Time: 9am to 5pm daily
        Location: Sanctuary Cove, Queensland – view a map here

        For all inquiries about exhibiting at the 2011 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

        Confirmed exhibitors can choose to advertise in the Yearbook, for details contact Cathi Meredith on [email protected]

        Posted in Boating, Tourism | Tagged | Leave a comment

        Monster Enterprises Brings Hip European Children’s Brand Elodie Details Down Under

        Gold Coast WAHM duo juggle clothing company, children and their new expansion into the baby fashion accessory world with European brand Elodie Details.

        Gold Coast, Australia, October 28, 2010 – Between chasing after kids, changing nappies & cooking dinner, two Gold Coast work-at-home mums, Jo Wilcox and Megan Stephenson, still manage to find the time to run a burgeoning children’s fashion empire.

        The duo behind children’s clothing company Monster Baby recently announced that they have secured Australia and New Zealand distributor rights for European baby accessory brand Elodie Details. With the new acquisition, the team have also formed a new company – Monster Enterprises – to act as an agency for their blossoming stable of ultra young and hip brands. The partners already run Monster Baby, which has operated since 2006. Starting out as a hobby side-project in a Wilcox’s garage, Monster Baby has blossomed into international success, selling wholesale and direct retail online to US, Canada, UK, Spain, France, New Zealand and Asia.

        Wilcox & Stephenson were ecstatic when they found out they secured distributor rights for Elodie Details. “We loved the brand so much we had to bring it to Australia!”, said Stephenson.

        The dynamic duo brought their idea for Monster Enterprises to life amongst a world of lego and play dates. With six kids aged nineteen to one-and-a-half between them, and having already created a successful children’s brand, their solid background in both kids and kids fashion should see Monster Enterprises thrive. “The addition of a high-caliber brand like Elodie Details with their premium fashion baby accessories, and the creation of Monster Enterprises seemed like a natural fit, as the Monster Baby label has already created a reputation for edgy graphics-driven quality clothes for babies, infants and toddlers, and an established rapport with boutique children’s fashion retailers,” said Jo Wilcox.

        Elodie Details is Europe’s top-selling baby accessory brand, with an eye-catching range of pacifiers, pacifier clips, bibs, bottles, toys and more. “Elodie Details has recognisable designs like dummies with trade-marked graphics to gorgeous cushions and snuggles to the best pram accessories you will ever see. Elodie Details is a premium brand and is aimed at mums with an eye for style,” said Wilcox.

        To view the Elodie Details Australia and New Zealand range, visit: www.monsterenterprises.com.au

        For other international territories, visit:  www.elodiedetails.com

        For Australia & New Zealand media or stockist enquiries, please contact:
        Jo Wilcox or Megan Stephenson
        E: [email protected]
        M: 0416135733
        W: www.monsterenterprises.com.au

        About Monster Enterprises:

        Monster Enterprises was formed to represent a select stable of hip children’s brands, including Elodie Details.  Monster Enterprises is also the founding force behind Australian label Monster Baby, which initially launched on the Gold Coast in 2006 with a range of distinctly wild prints on a range of quality infant onsies, T-shirts and singlets. With its punk rock and skate culture inspired designs, Monster Baby quickly grew a following across the country and is now distributed throughout the globe. Not content to simply shake the baby clothes scene on it’s head, Monster Baby now also offers toddlers and preschooler sized rocking little t-shirts, hip skate punk shorts, hats, swimwear, and more.
        For further information visit: www.monsterenterprises.com.au

        About Elodie Details:
        Elodie Details is a Swedish company which creates functional and innovative baby products that live up to their motto of making “big differences for small people”. They elevate mundane baby necessities into stylish accessories which makes everyday life fun! Check out Elodie Details funky line of baby pacifiers, dummy holders, bibs, security blankets, and more.

        For more information visit:  www.elodiedetails.com

        Posted in Fashion, Kids & Teens | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

        Tremewen Art + Design

        Ian Tremewen the artist, 2 works, Pink Lemonade and Fruit Mix Blues will be featured in the December 2010 issue of Queensland Homes.

        Contact Ian by email at [email protected], call 02 6674 4019, or visit www.tremewenart.com.

        Posted in Art | Leave a comment

        Robyn Janetzki wins at the Gold Coast Body Painting Expo

        Robyn Janetzki of Always Wicked Art has been awarded with two 2nd place awards at the Gold Coast Body Painting Expo, one for Body Painting Camoflage, and the other for Face Painting. Having been a full time professional face and body painter for 7 years, Robyn now teaches classes as well as supplies quality paints and products for the industry.

        Check out her website at www.alwayswickedart.com.au for more information and images.

        Posted in Art, Beauty, Kids & Teens | Leave a comment

        The Queensland Theatre of Puppetry turns 40!

        The Queensland Theatre of Puppetry is turning 40 in January 2011. That’s 40 years where our volunteers have provided low-cost puppet shows to the families of the Gold Coast.  We would like to invite your readers to celebrate with us at our January show.

        Our January show is from Tuesday 11 to Friday 14 and Tuesday 18 to Friday 21, at 9:30am and 11:00 am daily.  Pirates’ Secret Treasure is written and directed by Phil Bell.  Colourful and interactive, this show leads the audience on a journey to find the secret treasure.  Children are encouraged to come dressed their your favourite pirate costume.

        As this is a very special occasion, perhaps you would be interested in doing an article on QTOP and the many families who have enjoyed our shows over the years.  We have many patrons who first came as children in the 70’s and are now regular attendees with their children and even grandchildren.

        Please do not hesitate to contact me (Kym Edwards) or our President, Rita Monteith on 0438 526 411, if you require additional information.

        Website: www.qtop.org.au

        Posted in Kids & Teens, Theatre/Film | Tagged , | Leave a comment