10 July 2025
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP EVENT UNITES EDUCATION AND TOURISM SECTORS
Recently, we proudly hosted our Mid-Year Industry Partner Update & Networking Event at The Star Gold Coast, welcoming over 250 industry partners from across the education and tourism sectors.
The event featured key updates from John Warn, CEO of Experience Gold Coast, and Brant Hirst, Head of Marketing, followed by an engaging conversation with Craig Davidson, newly appointed CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland.
Our Education Team also proudly launched the new Employer Guide on Hiring International Students; a practical resource designed to support and strengthen international student employability.
It was a fantastic afternoon of connection, reflection, and shared vision for the Gold Coast’s future.
We’re now working on a dedicated education event for our education partners, planned for early August—so stay tuned for details.
SAVE THE DATE: STUDENT JOBS RECRUITMENT EVENT
The Student Jobs Recruitment Event is back for its fourth year—and it’s shaping up to be bigger than ever!
Held on Tuesday, 16 September, this free event connects students with local employers offering seasonal, part-time, and casual job opportunities across hospitality, tourism, and more.
Students will have the chance to engage in one-on-one speed interviews, gaining direct access to hiring managers and real job openings. It’s the perfect opportunity to build confidence, sharpen interview skills, and secure meaningful employment.
- Students – Save the date and get ready to meet employers face-to-face!
- Employers – Have vacancies to fill? Register your interest now – spots fill fast.
Let’s work together to support international and domestic students in building their future on the Gold Coast.
NOW LIVE: EMPLOYER GUIDE ON HIRING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
We’re excited to announce that the new Employer Guide on Hiring International Students is now available online!
This practical resource was developed to give Gold Coast businesses the confidence to hire international students by clearly outlining visa types, work conditions and benefits.
This guide supports our shared goal of enhancing student employability while strengthening local workforce engagement across the region.
Access the guide here: Employer Guide – Hiring International Students
We encourage you to read and share the guide across your networks to build stronger connections between students and industry on the Gold Coast.
INTERNATIONAL WEBINAR SUCCESS WITH SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY
Experience Gold Coast recently joined Southern Cross University for a webinar connecting with over 400 education agents from South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The session showcased the Gold Coast’s high-quality education institutions, exceptional lifestyle, and the strong support services available to international students, including the Gold Coast Student Hub.
Attendees also heard directly from Mayor’s Student Ambassadors, Anup Adhikari (Nepal) and Lizzeth Neira (Colombia), who shared their real-life experiences studying, working, and living on the Gold Coast—highlighting academic opportunities, student life, and career pathways.
This successful collaboration strengthened relationships with global education agents and reinforced the Gold Coast’s appeal as a premier international study destination.
Thank you to Southern Cross University for the partnership and to all agents who joined us to discover more about the Gold Coast student experience.
SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION: KICKSTART SITE VISIT TO NEUMANN STEEL
As part of our Kickstart session on Sustainability in Practice, participants had the opportunity to visit Neumann Steel - a true example of innovation and environmental responsibility on the Gold Coast.
Often considered a quiet achiever, Neumann Steel is paving the way with its global competitiveness, sustainable product innovation (like Nupods), and its commitment to embedding sustainability across operations.
Our Kickstarters gained firsthand insights into the Neumann family’s legacy, the company’s strong community values, and clever environmental touches - including a working worm farm that supports waste reduction.
A special thank you to Filipe, Neumann Steel’s Sustainability Manager, for his insightful presentation and for helping bring the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life in a practical and inspiring way.
CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH AT THE GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB
June was a month of colour, connection, and celebration as the Gold Coast Student Hub proudly honoured Pride Month with two vibrant events for our LGBTQIA+ student community.
We kicked things off with a joyful Pride Party, where students gathered for a morning of creativity and self-expression. From rainbow-themed crafts and morning tea to a visit from Headspace, the event offered a warm, inclusive space to connect and access mental health support.
The celebrations continued with a Pride-themed Social Lunch, featuring delicious food by Prestidge, a glam station, fun games, and an unforgettable performance by the fabulous Ivvy Monroe.
At the Gold Coast Student Hub, everyone is welcome, always. Pride Month is a shining reminder of the strength in diversity and community.
INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
NEW STUDENT EXCURSIONS PROGRAM IS LAUNCHING
Exciting news! The Gold Coast Student Hub is launching a brand-new Student Excursions Program, designed to help students experience the very best of the Gold Coast, at an affordable price.
These excursions are especially ideal for international students who may have limited transport options and want to explore local attractions with ease and confidence.
Upcoming activities include:
- Whale Watching Tours
- Jet Boating Adventures
- Arts and Cultural Events at HOTA
The goal is to foster social connection, cultural discovery, and unforgettable local experiences while keeping things fun and budget-friendly.
Stay tuned for more details on dates, ticket prices, and how to register. These spots will fill quickly—so make sure to check the ‘What’s On’ calendar on the Gold Coast Student Hub page via the Experience Gold Coast website for updates and announcements!
NEW EDUCATION RESOURCES COMING SOON
The Experience Gold Coast Education Team is excited to announce that we’re in the process of updating key resources to support and engage our education partners. Over the next quarter, we’ll be rolling out updated tools designed to better connect students, providers, and industry.
Here’s what to expect:
- Education Partnership Website and Tool Kits
- Updated Employer Guide on Hiring International Students
- Refreshed Gold Coast Study Guide
- 2025 Insider Guides
- Education Partners Event – Early August (details coming soon!)
- EGC Training Webinars for education providers and student agencies
Once finalised, we’ll share the full resource pack with you directly.
For updates, inspiration, and a closer look at the student experience on the Gold Coast, make sure to follow us on Instagram: @studentexperience.gc
If you have questions or want to connect, reach out to our teams in Industry Partnerships.
gus.cominese@experiencegoldcoast.com.au
VIEW THE 26 JUNE 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.