RDA Gold Coast

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Southport, QLD
RDA Gold Coast

Local people creating local opportunities
Regional investment, innovation, equity, sustainable growth

The Australian Government has established 55 community-based RDA Committees around Australia, including one at the Gold Coast, each made up of committed local leaders with a strong grass roots understanding of their regions. RDA Committees work with their communities to identify challenges, opportunities and priorities for action. They are local people developing local solutions to local issues.

18/06/2026

“Great productions create more than entertainment; they create jobs, skills and opportunities for local communities”

LATEST PODCAST: Curiosity, courage and a $5 billion legacy: Lynne Benzie’s screen industry journey – Interview with Lynne Benzie, President of Village Roadshow Studios

FULL Episode on our Website➡️ https://rdagoldcoast.org.au/podcast/lynne-benzie-village-roadshow-studios-curiosity-courage-and-a-5-billion-legacy-lynne-benzies-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.

🎬A teaser is coming soon!

📰Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to our e-bulletin for the latest podcast releases: https://app4.vision6.com.au/em/forms/subscribe.php?db=454576&s=175671&a=78063&k=GtPh6c65_Ap1UCt6i2SlqC_71bqW33t3FJjgtSVnu_s&fbclid=IwY2xjawSgGDxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaczM5VGtvUnR2RkhNdVNvc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlzPIM8HaF2jfreDMWGRuyNsuEHDsoCaEbIeGhEuAOGrY3tYo9VA_EgPHuuC_aem_-OZIavFDSYGhjqEo2LF3Aw

16/06/2026

🎉Leadership in Action! 🎉

Congratulations to our CEO, Estella Rodighiero, on being recognised in Clarity Consult's Top 50 Most Influential Leaders on the Gold Coast for 2026!🎊👩‍💼

Compiled by Jonno White from Group Global, the list celebrates individuals making an impact across business, health, education, technology, the arts, sport, community, and government leadership.

This recognition reflects Estella's longstanding commitment to regional and economic development, industry growth, workforce development and creating opportunities that benefit businesses and communities across the Gold Coast and beyond. 🔥🤝

The RDA Gold Coast Committee are incredibly proud to see Estella's leadership and dedication acknowledged alongside so many outstanding leaders helping to shape the future of our region.

👏A huge congratulations to Estella on this well-deserved recognition!

Visit the article here➡️ https://www.consultclarity.org/post/influential-leaders-gold-coast-queensland

12/06/2026

🤝Building Connections, Creating Opportunities🤝

As you may have noticed in our recent Winning Work posts, we teased some behind the scenes interviews with our panellists and Leanne Cohen, President of the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce, and they're finally here!

In this video, RDA Gold Coast CEO, Estella Rodighiero, chats with some of our guest speakers about the exciting opportunities ahead for Southern Gold Coast businesses.

From the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to building connections with other businesses, government representatives and local decision makers, there is plenty of valuable insight for businesses looking to prepare for the future.

A huge thank you to our interviewees for sharing their time and expertise:
🎤 Leon Rebello MP, Federal Member for McPherson
🎤 David Sinclair, Director General, Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business
🎤 Michelle Farquhar, Head of Queensland, Australian Industry Group
🎤 Chris Guymer, Executive Director, Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games

👏A special shout out to Dan Bowers from Bowerbird Media Group for editing this fantastic reel.

10/06/2026

🏗️Shaping the Future of Construction in Queensland🏗️

The TAFE Centre of Excellence Construction Tech invites industry, government, unions, researchers, and education partners to attend the Future of Construction Roundtables, taking place across Queensland.

The sessions will bring participants together to share their insights on key topics, including digital and advanced construction technologies, workforce pathways, and the skills and training required to support modern construction methods.

Roundtable Details:
📆22 June 2026
🕛12.00pm-2.00pm
📍TAFE Queensland Ashmore campus

For more information or to register, visit➡️ https://tafeqld.edu.au/news-and-events/events/2026/june/future-of-construction-roundtables?mkt_tok=MDg5LVBVUi01MzEAAAGiSFSOI3jcjWZEUqcss6ANIaEKKvI8sDEWFMnOvtSK7qltVie3RcQsd9mkUdM2MyGRiaT2rN5gXgeZnqQ3uwxXwgy8C6oIY1lny8mupW30dI__sA

08/06/2026

“Our regions are central to Queensland’s future.”

Last Wednesday, RDA Gold Coast CEO, Estella Rodighiero, and Deputy Chair, Geoff Smith, joined fellow Regional Development Australia (RDA) CEOs, Chairs and Deputy Chairs from across Queensland at the RDA Queensland Strategy Meeting held at Queensland Parliament House.

The meeting provided an important opportunity to collaborate with the Honourable Dale Last - Member for Burdekin, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing, and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, along with Queensland Government representatives, on key issues shaping the future of our regions and other regional development priorities.🛠️⚙️

The day also included valuable engagement with the Premier David Crisafulli MP, Mr Bryson Head MP, Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Resources and Critical Minerals, Ms Bree James - Barron River MP, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Early Learning, Creative Industries and Far North Queensland, Mr Andrew Cripps QLD, Special Commissioner for Regional and Rural Queensland and Mr Wayde Chiesa MP, State Member for Hinchinbrook.

Bringing together representatives from all RDAs across Queensland, the meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration, shared insights and advancing regional priorities. 🤝

👏A special thank you to the Department for supplying the event photos.

04/06/2026

What happens when one of Australia's most established steel manufacturers embraces innovation and sustainability?

This Flashback Friday, we're revisiting Chapter 1 of RDA Gold Coast's special four-part Sustainability Spotlight Eco-Series, where we explored how a proud Gold Coast steel manufacturer is helping shape a more sustainable future for industry.

Check out the first chapter here➡️ https://sustainablegoldcoast.org.au/sustainability-spotlight-neumann-steel/chapter-1

Headquartered in Currumbin, Neumann Steel has been helping shape Australia's infrastructure since 1970, contributing to iconic projects including the Q1 Tower, the Gold Coast Light Rail, and the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing. But beyond construction, the company is building something even greater – a clean, green and sustainable future.

In this chapter, RDA Gold Coast CEO Estella Rodighiero explores Neumann Steel's remarkable sustainability journey and the tangible impacts it is delivering for industry, communities and the environment. 🌱🛠️

As we look back on this first chapter, we're reminded that sustainability isn't just about adapting to change, it's about leading it.

👏 Special thanks to Dan Bowers from Bowerbird Media Group for creating the reel!

03/06/2026

“We know there is a huge opportunity ahead for businesses on the Gold Coast – the challenge now is making sure every business can be part of that growth story”

Yesterday, RDA Gold Coast CEO, Estella Rodighiero was invited to attend the Ahead of the Game event hosted by Business Chamber Queensland.

The event provided valuable insights and practical guidance to help businesses build competitive advantage and prepare for a decade of unprecedented growth, with strategies focused on workforce capability, procurement readiness, branding and visibility, sustainability, and unlocking new market opportunities.

A standout panel featuring:
💼Dominique Lamb – Director of Community Affairs to the President, Brisbane Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
💼Laura Maxwell – Managing Director, Queensland, News Corp Australia
💼John Warn – Chief Executive Officer, Experience Gold Coast
💼Schuyler Weiss – Managing Director, Bazmark
🎤Facilitator: Heidi Cooper – Chief Executive Officer, Business Chamber Queensland

The panel explored how the Gold Coast and broader South East Queensland can leverage rapid economic and population growth, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Australian Made brand, and the region’s strengths in tourism, events, creative industries and culture to drive long-term, inclusive economic development. 🏊‍♀️🌏

28/05/2026

☎️Have Your Say on the Future of Triple Zero ☎️

The Australian Government is seeking feedback on how the Triple Zero legislative and regulatory framework can continue to effectively deliver for Australians, both now and into the future.

The review will assess whether the current framework remains fit-for-purpose in supporting the delivery of Triple Zero services and identify opportunities for improvement across the following areas:

📞Public access to Triple Zero
📞Industry’s delivery of, and access to, Triple Zero
📞The impact of the legislative framework on emergency services
📞Government oversight of Triple Zero

Your feedback will help shape recommendations on how Triple Zero laws and rules could be improved to better fit the modern telecommunications environment.

📝Feedback closes Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Have your say here➡️ https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/triple-zero-legislative-and-regulatory-review

AusGov Infrastructure

25/05/2026

“What is the single biggest opportunity for the Southern Gold Coast economy between now and 2032?”

Last Friday, RDA Gold Coast and the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce hosted the Winning Work Luncheon at The Homestead, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Designed specifically for Southern Gold Coast businesses navigating today’s toughest challenges, the event brought together 100 attendees for an outcomes-focused afternoon of insights and opportunity.

Our CEO, Estella Rodighiero, moderated an expert panel featuring:
🎤Leon Rebello MP – Federal Member for McPherson
🎤David Sinclair – Director-General, Department of Customer Service, Open Data and Small and Family Business
🎤Michelle Farquhar – Head of Queensland, Australian Industry Group
🎤Chris Guymer – Executive Director, Legacy and Policy, Olympic and Paralympic Games Office

The luncheon also featured presentations from Michael Lee, Principal Economic Development Officer, Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, who outlined procurement and tendering opportunities for Southern Gold Coast businesses, and Michelle Farquhar, who provided insights on fuel supply and cost pressures, workforce relations, the federal budget outlook, business improvement, and employment regulations. 💼✍️

👏A special thank you to the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to co-host this impactful luncheon.

Stay tuned for post-event interviews with our panellists and Leanne Cohen, President of the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce, in the coming weeks!

20/05/2026

⏰SURVEY EXTENDED: Gold Coast Businesses — Have Your Say on Energy Challenges⏰

With energy costs continuing to rise and reliability challenges impacting businesses across the region, now is the time to share your feedback.

The Your Business, Your Energy Survey, delivered by RDA Gold Coast in partnership with Energex and Ergon Energy Network has officially been EXTENDED until Friday, 29 May 2026.🚨💡

Your insights will help inform future:
⚡Energy pricing and tariffs
⚡Business support initiatives
⚡Reliability and outage planning
⚡Solar, battery and EV readiness across the region

If your business has experienced challenges relating to energy costs, outages, or future energy planning, we encourage you to participate.

⏱️Takes 10 minutes to complete
📝Closes on Friday 29 May 2026, 5.00pm.

Complete the survey➡️ https://survey.energyq.com.au/jfe/form/SV_6PuTbDshgZlm6Nw?Region=GC

Your feedback will play an important role in supporting the future energy needs of Gold Coast businesses.

Address

Level 9, Seabank Building, 12-14 Marine Parade
Southport, QLD
4215

Telephone

+61411558834

Website

https://industry4.0.rdagoldcoast.org.au/, https://biomed.rdagoldcoast.org.au/, https://goldcoastrjc.org.au/, https://sus

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