1 May 2025
GOLD COAST CAREERS FESTIVAL PRESENTS AFTER DARK: A NEW CHAPTER IN CAREER EXPLORATION
Gold Coast Careers Festival presents AFTER DARK - a brand-new evening event designed specifically for adults exploring career changes, returning to study, or expanding their professional networks.
Held on the final evening of the Gold Coast Careers Festival, AFTER DARK reflects the festival’s evolution and our growing focus on lifelong career development. This dedicated session creates space for mature learners and career changers to gain insights, make meaningful connections, and take the next step in their professional journey.
Attendees can look forward to an engaging evening featuring inspiring speakers, a relaxed networking environment, appetisers and a bar, plus the chance to have a free professional headshot taken - perfect for updating your LinkedIn profile or personal brand.
Whether you're rethinking your future or ready to take the next step, AFTER DARK is an empowering space to explore what’s next.
OUR FIRST GOLD COAST NEW STUDENT GRANT RECIPIENTS HAVE ARRIVED!
We are thrilled to announce that our international students have started arriving, and the Gold Coast New Student Grants are already making a difference!
So far, nine students have collected their $1,000 grants, and we’ve successfully approved 80 more grants that are on their way! This milestone is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our Experience Gold Coast (EGC) team, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this journey with all of you.
Early last month, we welcomed our first recipient, Rock Wan from China, who is preparing to begin his Master of Construction Practice at Bond University this May. Rock was ecstatic to receive his grant, which will help him settle into life on the Gold Coast — whether it’s purchasing textbooks, setting up his study space, or covering essential living costs. Miho Higashikawa from Tokyo was thrilled when she received her grant and could not stop smiling!
These $1,000 grants are part of EGC’s ongoing commitment to offering a warm, supportive welcome to our new international students. But they are more than just financial assistance — they reflect our dedication to making the Gold Coast an inclusive and welcoming place for students from around the world.
We can’t wait to share more stories like Rock’s and Miho’s as we continue to support new arrivals and celebrate the journeys of international students making the Gold Coast their home away from home.
CAREERS ALLIANCE CONNECTS: INSPIRING START WITH EDWIN TREVOR-ROBERTS
We set the bar high for our first Careers Alliance session of 2025, welcoming the brilliant Edwin Trevor-Roberts to lead an engaging, informative, and interactive session focused on contemporary career practice and the future of work.
Edwin brought dynamic energy and deep expertise to the session, sparking meaningful conversations around evolving workforce trends and how we can best support students in navigating their career pathways. The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the session as a valuable opportunity to learn, share, and reconnect.
This event also served as a powerful platform for bringing together school-based practitioners, industry leaders, and education providers, strengthening the collaborative spirit that drives the Careers Alliance forward.
We’re already looking ahead to our next session scheduled for June - planning is underway, and we can’t wait to share more details soon. Watch this space!
ICEF ANZA AGENTS EXPERIENCE THE GOLD COAST
Rain, surf and smiles when Experience Gold Coast welcomed 35 ICEF ANZA delegates from 12 countries for a full-day familiarisation tour across the city.
From cuddling koalas at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to catching a live surf competition at Burleigh, soaking in views at Q1, shopping at Harbour Town, meeting the team at the Gold Coast Student Hub, and cruising into sunset aboard HOPO - agents got a real taste of the lifestyle that sets the Gold Coast apart.
The tour spotlighted the region’s natural beauty, vibrant city infrastructure, world-class education, and transport perks like QLD’s 50-cent fares.
A huge thank you to our hosts and enthusiastic delegates for embracing the experience, rain or shine. We’re proud to continue building global connections and sharing what makes our city such a powerful destination to live, learn and thrive.
SOUTH ASIAN SCHOOL LEADERS EXPERIENCE THE GOLD COAST ADVANTAGE
The Gold Coast Student Hub recently welcomed 12 senior school leaders from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as part of a South Asia famil led by Austrade and supported by Study Queensland.
The group explored the strength of the Gold Coast’s international education sector and were genuinely impressed by the diversity, value, and quality international students experience in our city.
From world-class education and vibrant city lifestyle to the wraparound support of the Gold Coast Student Hub, the visit highlighted everything that makes the city a standout destination.
This experience will now be amplified across South Asia - positioning the Gold Coast as a place where international students live well, learn well and thrive.
Thanks to Austrade, Study Queensland and all who made it possible.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM A BIG MONTH AT THE GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB
April kicked off with energy at the Gold Coast Student Hub, with a month of connection, student leadership and standout participation across the city.
On 3 April, the Hub team joined Griffith University Well Fest and connected with over 760 students - sharing info on our events, services, and how we support international students throughout their Gold Coast journey.
The following week, nine of our incredible Mayor’s Student Ambassadors represented the city at the ICEF ANZA Conference. Their professionalism and warmth earned glowing praise from organisers and delegates, reflecting the strength of our student leaders.
To close out the week, 34 students joined us at the Hub for a games and pizza party - an afternoon of fun, friendship and great food.
We’re proud to keep creating spaces where students thrive - on campus, in the community and beyond.
VIEW THE 17 APRIL 2025 EDUCATION UPDATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.