(00:00) Introduction
(01:30) Introduction to Leah Harrison
(02:49) Leah’s role at LifeFlight
(04:56) LifeFlight Overview and Mission
(06:07) First minutes after an incident are so critical
(10:37) First Minutes Matter Program Overview
(21:04) Real life examples of First Minutes Matter making a difference
(22:46) Recap: What is taught in the workshop
(25:07) How to request a workshop
(26:05) Future goals for First Minutes Matter
(30:29) Closing comments

If you came across an accident — or a family member or friend had a medical emergency — would you know what to do before help arrives? (… And how would it feel if you didn’t?)

In this week’s podcast episode, we speak with Leah Harrison, Senior Medical Educator with First Minutes Matter, an emergency trauma training program developed by LifeFlight Australia. Leah explains why the first few minutes after an incident are critical — and how calm, informed bystanders can actually save lives or dramatically improve long-term outcomes. From bleeding and burns, to snake bites, airway obstructions, strokes, seizures and cardiac arrest, there are practical actions anyone can take with the right knowledge and confidence.

Learn how LifeFlight is empowering communities and workplaces throughout Queensland with their completely free, hands-on workshops — and how you, your business or community group can get involved. An unmissable episode with takeaways for everyone.

About Leah
Leah Harrison is a Registered Nurse with more than 20 years’ experience working in Emergency Departments. She is currently a Senior Medical Educator with LifeFlight Australia, based in Sunshine Coast, and serves as the First Minutes Matter Regional Medical Educator covering the Sunshine Coast and South Burnett regions. In her role, Leah works alongside critical care doctors to develop and deliver the First Minutes Matter program, providing free and practical emergency trauma training to communities across Queensland.

Links
First Minutes Matter Program 
LifeFlight Facebook 
LifeFlight LinkedIn 
LifeFlight Instagram 
LifeFlight YouTube

(00:00) Introduction
(02:11) Shane Thomson Introduction
(03:05) Regional Jobs Committee Overview
(03:50) Shane’s Role as Project Manager
(05:16) How the RJC Addresses Local Workforce Challenges
(07:34) GC RJC Webpage & Newsletter Launch
(08:29) Supporting Small Businesses & Workforce Planning
(11:34) Key Workforce Challenges on the Gold Coast
(14:08) Youth Workforce Trends
(16:43) GC Priority Sectors & Workforce Trends
(18:33) Future-Proofing for the Olympics & Beyond
(21:48) Engaging with the GC RJC
(23:18) Available Queensland Government Programs
(25:17) GC RJC Future Goals
(28:51) Closing Remarks

The Gold Coast is on the cusp of a workforce explosion — with a projected 6.2% jump by 2027–28 and more than 22,000 new jobs on the way. For local businesses already battling skills shortages, the pressure is only set to increase.

Enter Shane Thomson, the new Project Manager of the Gold Coast Regional Jobs Committee (RJC), a Queensland Government-backed initiative delivered by RDA Gold Coast. In this episode, Shane reveals how the RJC will cut through the noise, connect businesses with real workforce solutions, and help employers tap into government support, training pipelines and industry partnerships. If finding staff feels harder than ever, this conversation is a much-needed dose of clarity — and a roadmap for navigating the biggest workforce shift the Gold Coast has seen in decades.

About Shane
Shane Thomson is the new Project Manager for the Gold Coast Regional Jobs Committee, bringing extensive experience in workforce development, vocational education and industry engagement. He joins the RJC following a successful career with the Queensland Government, where he worked closely with employers, training providers and community organisations across the Gold Coast, Logan, Redlands and Scenic Rim. His background spans skills development, apprentice and trainee support, and collaborating with businesses and industry to address real workforce challenges.

Links
Gold Coast Regional Jobs Committee 
Gold Coast Regional Jobs Committee Facebook 
Gold Coast Regional Jobs Committee LinkedIn 
Subscribe to GC Jobs & Industry Links

Get in contact with Shane
E: [email protected] 
M: 0492 976 421

(00:00) Introduction
(01:15) What is Cyber Wardens?
(03:19) Cybersecurity Risk for Small Businesses
(05:11) Prevalence of Cybercrime
(06:49) Common Cyber Attacks on Small Businesses
(10:33) Red Flags and Warning Signs
(15:44) Good Cybersecurity Habits
(19:50) Cyber Wardens Training Overview
(25:13) Queensland Government/Cyber Wardens Partnership
27:35) What to do if you clicked on a Phishing Link?
(29:52) Importance of a Cyber Response Plan
(32:59) Cyber Hygiene & Ongoing Tips
(38:33) Closing Remarks

Nearly half of cybercrimes reported in Australia target small businesses and sole traders – and Queensland tops the nation for attacks. The average loss? Around $50,000 per incident. In this essential episode of Gold Coast Insider, Kimberley Roberts-Salee from the government-backed Cyber Wardens program shares practical, jargon-free advice to safeguard your business from scammers and hackers. We explore the most common attack types and how to counter them, key red flags, the #1 cyber habit to slash your risk, how AI is changing the threat landscape, and the free Cyber Wardens training available to all Queensland businesses.

Don't miss our bonus, FREE Cyber Wardens & RDA Gold Coast Webinar on Wed 12 November!

About Kimberley
As one of the Cyber Wardens program educators, Kimberley is passionate about raising awareness around the importance of small business cyber security and empowering small business owners and employees to increase their cyber resilience and learn how to stay safe online. WIth a career spanning 15 years in small businesses across industries including tourism, business events, government consultancy, aviation and professional services, she has a strong appreciation of the vital role small businesses play in their communities and the unique challenges they face.

Links
Cyber Wardens
Cyber Wardens LinkedIn
Cyber Wardens Instagram
Cyber Wardens Facebook
Cyber Wardens X
Kimberley Roberts-Salee LinkedIn

(00:00) Introduction
(01:37) What is the Business Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO)?
(03:36) 2024 Visa Changes Explained
(04:10) National Innovation Visa
(05:05) Skills in Demand Visa
(07:06) Specialist vs Core Skills Streams
(10:24) Resources Available for Business & Migrants
(12:12) Common Business Visa Concerns
(15:06) Construction Industry Visa Updates
(23:21) Health Sector Visa Updates
(28:02) BIRO Speaking Events/Workshops
(29:05) Closing Comments

With unemployment on the Gold Coast at historic lows, many businesses are struggling to find and retain the skilled staff they need — especially in health, construction, digital and hospitality.

This week’s podcast explores how Australia’s Skilled Migration Program is filling critical workforce gaps. Our guests — Yvette Adams, Camm Gibson and Natalie Walsh from the Department of Home Affairs' Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) —  share practical insights into the program, and explain how BIRO equips employers with the guidance they need to navigate the ‘migration maze’ with ease. 

Discover how to get started with the process, which visa types best suit your situation (and why), plus insider tips on how to fast-track processing times to as little as seven days. If your local recruitment efforts are falling short, this episode is packed with essential information to help your business unlock global talent and thrive.

About BIRO
The Department of Home Affairs’ Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) network supports business, industry, government agencies and regional stakeholders to understand and effectively utilise the skilled migration program and workforce visa to fill workforce vacancies where positions cannot be filled by Australian workers. The BIRO network also engages with stakeholders on skilled visa program matters, gathering sentiment and feedback from businesses and peak bodies.

Links
Department of Home Affairs: Employing Overseas Workers
Department of Home Affairs BIRO network
Skilled Occupation List
National Innovation Visa
Skills in Demand Visa
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
Skilled Work Regional Visa
Short Stay Specialist Visa
Department of Home Affairs LinkedIn

(00:00) Introduction(00:55) Inspiration for At the Helm Career Services(02:19) Lived Experience(03:47) Women in the Workforce(07:28) Fears about Returning to the Workforce(08:27) Skills Gained During Career Breaks(10:09) Overview of At the Helm Career Services(15:25) Most Rewarding Moments(18:01) Employer Accreditation & Initiatives(22:45) What Employers Can Do(27:01) First Steps for Women Returning(32:04) Closing Comments

Restarting your career? Not sure where to begin? Start here! This week’s podcast guest Natalie Moloney, Founder of At the Helm Career Services, shares how a chance conversation at her daughter’s school inspired her shift from HR professional to career coach. Hearing another mum’s anxiety about returning to work sparked a lightbulb moment, leading Natalie to a new mission: helping women (and anyone re-entering the workforce) rebuild confidence, market their skills and embrace new opportunities.

In this upbeat conversation, Natalie shares insights on breaking through barriers, and thriving in a changed workplace. We also explore a range of free government resources to support career reboots (including Gold Coast libraries!), and flip perspectives to hear what employers can do to foster a supportive workplace culture and tap into this underutilised talent pool.

About Natalie

Natalie Moloney is a qualified Career Practitioner with a strong HR background across diverse industries. In 2021, she launched At the Helm Career Services to help individuals — especially women returning from career breaks — navigate their next steps with confidence. With lived experience, practical insight, and formal credentials in Career Development and HR, Natalie is passionate about helping people thrive at work and in life. She is tertiary qualified with a Graduate Certificate of Career Development and a Bachelor of Commerce (HRM) and is a Professional Member of the Career Development Association of Australia.

Links

• At the Helm Career Services
• At the Helm Career Services LinkedIn
• At the Helm Career Services Facebook
• At the Helm Career Services Instagram

Resources

• Career Revive Resources
• Work 180
• Family Friendly Workplaces
• Workplace Gender Equality Agency
• Suited to Success
• Fitted for Work
• FW Jobs Academy
• LinkedIn Learning (free access for anyone a Gold Coast library card)

(00:00) Introduction

(00:38) Gold Coast as a Small Business Capital

(02:04) Post-Covid Business Shifts

(05:38) Current SME Challenges

(09:39) Role of Business Concierge

(14:53) Emerging Trends Impacting SMEs

(16:48) How Concierge Services Bridge the Gap

(20:34) Most Requested Business Support

(22:34) Tips for Small Business Owners

(24:41) Business Success Stories

(32:22) Final Piece of Advice

(33:02) Closing Comments

Running a small or medium-sized business in today’s economy is no easy feat. The rules of the game have shifted, and consumer expectations continue to evolve. The good news? A wealth of free government services and resources are available to help your business adapt, grow and succeed. 

In this week’s episode, we chat with Glenn Ayrton, Business Concierge for the South-East Region, from the Queensland Department of Customer Services, Open Data, and Small and Family Business. With his expertise and insider knowledge, Glenn helps connect SMEs with tailored support — from mentoring and business planning to grants, financial counselling, marketing, website development, social media, workforce planning, and wellbeing programs. 

Tune in to discover how you can access this invaluable help and set your business up for long-term success — all just a phone call away.

About Glenn
Glenn Ayrton is the Business Concierge representative for the South-East Region of Queensland with the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business.  Glenn provides a range of support services to small businesses including grant funding information, access to business mentoring, financial and wellness coaching plus access to a range of free online resources.

Links

Business Concierge Program

Business Queensland — Grant information and business resources for small business

Mentoring for Growth program — Free mentoring

Queensland Small Business Commissioner  — Assistance for tenancies/leased business premises

Glenn Ayrton LinkedIn

Contact Glenn on 0478 405 423 or [email protected]

Interview with Professor James St John, Head of the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research at Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics

Every day, one Australian suffers a spinal cord injury — often with lifelong consequences. But what if the key to healing lies... in your nose?

This week on the Gold Coast Insider Podcast, we dive into revolutionary research that’s turning heads worldwide. Our guest, Professor James St John, is leading a world-first clinical trial at Gold Coast University Hospital that aims to regrow damaged spinal nerves using olfactory cells (yes, the ones that detect smell!) to create neural bridges and spark regeneration.

It’s bold. It’s ground-breaking. And it’s happening right here on the Gold Coast.

From spinal repair to early detection of Alzheimer’s and dementia, this episode is a deep dive into radical science, brilliant minds and hope for millions.

Tune in now – this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

(00:00) Introduction
(01:35) Journey into Neuroscience
(04:20) Olfactory System & Regeneration
(06:54) Breakthrough Spinal Cord Therapy
(09:58) Clinical Trials & Challenges
(16:58) Previous CIinical Trial Attempts
(20:28) Long-term Intensive Rehabilitation to Therapy Success
(22:46) Impact of Spinal Cord Injury
(26:16) Clinical Trial Goals & Designs
(33:01) Power of Philanthropy & Community Support
(37:21) Alzheimer's & Smell Loss Link
(44:59) Building a Legacy of Innovation
(47:39) Closing comments

About Prof St John
Prof James St John is Head of the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research at Griffith University. Prof St John has been lead investigator on more than $38 million of research projects funded by philanthropy, state and federal government. The major project of the Centre is the translation of a cell transplantation therapy to repair spinal cord injury. The community co-designed therapy uses transplantation of olfactory glial cells within three-dimensional nerve bridges to repair the injury site of chronic spinal cord injury, combined with intensive long-term rehabilitation. This therapy is now progressing to a clinical trial that is commencing in late 2025 in Queensland.

Links
Griffith University Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics 
Griffith University Smell Clinic 
Professor James St John LinkedIn

Australia is in the midst of a youth mental health crisis — but there is hope. In this Gold Coast Insider episode, mental health educator Nicole Evans shares how she and Dr. Kylie Armstrong are transforming the way we tackle mental wellbeing through their groundbreaking initiative, ConnectedLE. This award-winning, accredited training company is reshaping best practices in mental health education by empowering everyday people — teachers, coworkers, employers, friends — to become ‘connectors’: those who can recognise the early signs of distress and guide young people (or anyone else) towards support.

Discover how blending personal storytelling with science is also helping to reduce stigma and drive early intervention. Plus, we cover some practical, actionable tips to boost your own mental health and wellbeing. This powerful conversation could help you make a life-changing difference in your family, workplace or community, so don’t miss it!

About Nicole

Nicole Evans is a Co-founder of ConnectedLE. She is a passionate educator, speaker, and connection consultant with over 25 years of experience. She has made it her life’s work to help people feel truly seen, heard, and empowered. During her 19 years at Griffith University’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, she transformed the way future healthcare professionals are trained, pioneering innovative programs that build stronger communication, collaboration and compassion across the health sector.

Links

ConnectedLE Website

ConnectedLE Facebook

ConnectedLE Instagram

ConnectedLE X

ConnectedLE LinkedIn

Nicole Evans LinkedIn

Dr Kylie Armstrong LinkedIn

ConnectLE Evidence-based Helpful Tips (PDF)

Join ConnectedLE for the Science of Connection breakfast sessions with co-founder and medical educator Nicole Evans.  Nicole will explore the neuroscience behind human connection, share stories, and offer practical tools and tips to help you feel more connected to yourself, and build stronger and authentic relationships – both personally and professionally.

For more information contact [email protected]

Dr Craig Patch, CEO & Co-founder of Adepa Lifesciences, has had an extraordinary journey that began on the rugby field and led to groundbreaking innovations in biomedical science. In this episode, Dr Patch shares how his experiences in Nepal inspired a mission to combat a fatal disease affecting premature babies in developing countries. We’ll dive into how this remarkable discovery is poised to revolutionize gut health for people of all ages, not just infants. Dr Patch also offers a candid look at the challenges of bringing a global biomedical product to market. Whether you're a startup founder, a scientist, or simply fascinated by the next big breakthrough in health science, this conversation is not to be missed.
About Craig
Dr Craig Patch, the CEO, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Adepa Lifesciences, is a nutrition innovator with over 30 years of experience improving nutrition, health and wellness. He has extensive experience in value-added supply chains and commercialisation of new products. His research and commercialisation expertise are in  Omega-3 and branched-chain fatty acids, targeting the gut-brain-skin axis, and publishing over 70 articles in these areas. Craig has a PhD in biomedical science, MBA and BAppl Science. He is an Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate and an Accredited Practicing Dietitian.
Links
Dr Craig Patch LinkedIn
Adepa Lifesciences LinkedIn
Adepa

Two decades ago, securing 200 hectares for the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct laid the foundation for one of the city’s most transformative developments. In this episode we speak with Gareth Richardson, Development Manager for Economic Development Queensland, about how the Precinct - home to Griffith University, the Gold Coast University Hospital, and a thriving innovation ecosystem - has redefined the region’s economy and positioned the Gold Coast as a global leader in knowledge-intensive industries.
Gareth shares insights into the bold vision for the city’s future, the need for a 50-year strategic plan, the vital role of collaborative leadership and the opportunities that transformative urban planning can unlock, plus the enduring legacy that town planners can leave in shaping a region’s future. This episode is an invitation to reimagine what’s possible when innovation meets strategic foresight - a testament to the Gold Coast’s ambition to lead on the global stage.
About Gareth
Gareth Richardson, Development Manager at Economic Development Queensland, brings over two decades of urban development and planning expertise to his role. A QUT graduate, Gareth is part of the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct team with his specific focus on curating private sector investment and driving property solutions for the emerging health and knowledge economy within the Precinct. His passion for the Gold Coast and sustainable urban outcomes drives his commitment to creating transformative spaces for Queensland's future.
Links
Gareth Richardon LinkedIn
Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct
Economic Development Queensland