7 August 2025
GOLD COAST SCHEDULE FOR AFC WOMEN'S ASIAN CUP REVEALED
The tournament kicks off on the Gold Coast on 2 March with Korea Republic v Islamic Republic of Iran. A two-game blockbuster on 5 March is set to draw big crowds to Robina. First up, the Philippines take on South Korea in a clash of rising contenders. The evening match will be unmissable as the Matildas take on Iran.
Ranked third in Asia and carrying a proud tournament history - including their unforgettable 2010 title win - the Matildas are fired up to claim their second AFC Women’s Asian Cup crown. With the eyes of the nation upon them and World Cup qualification at stake, this showdown promises to be a defining highlight of the Group Stage.
The final Group Stage match at Robina on 8 March will see Iran take on the Philippines in a clash that could prove pivotal in determining who advances to the knockout rounds. Finally, on 19 March, Gold Coast Stadium will host two thrilling World Cup qualification matches featuring the four defeated Quarterfinalists. The winners will secure their place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™, making this one of the tournament’s most high stakes matchdays.
Monday 2 March 2026
7pm: Korea Republic vs IR Iran
Thursday 5 March 2026
1pm: Philippines vs Korea Republic
7pm: IR Iran vs Australia
Sunday 8 March 2026
1pm: IR Iran vs Philippines
Thursday 19 March 2026:
1pm & 7pm: Play-off Matches
AACTA FESTIVAL SET TO RETURN TO HOTA IN 2026
Now in its third year, AACTA Festival 2026 will showcase the talent, creativity and diversity of the Australian screen industry. Over five days and more than 100 events, the festival will bring together screen fans, creators, industry professionals, and emerging talent from across the country.
The festival kicks off with the AACTA Awards Industry Gala on 4 February, followed by the Industry Conference Day on 5 February and the prestigious AACTA Awards Ceremony on 6 February. The weekend continues with screenings, premieres, masterclasses, outdoor events and more, including the return of the popular AACTA Screen Careers Expo designed to inspire and empower the next generation of screen professionals.
The 2026 AACTA Festival will again draw thousands of visitors from interstate and overseas, reinforcing the Gold Coast’s role as a key hub for Australia’s screen industry.
Expressions of interest are now open, with AACTA inviting submissions for event ideas, ambassador nominations, expo exhibitors, moderators, partners, and more.
SECURE YOUR LAST MINUTE SEAT AT WOMEN IN SPORT SUMMIT
The Women in Sport Summit returns to the Gold Coast from 27–28 August 2025, and this year it’s bigger, bolder and more impactful than ever.
Held at The Star Gold Coast, the ninth edition of the summit expands to three events over two full days, featuring a dedicated High-Performance Day presented in partnership with Griffith University and Vald.
The speaker line-up includes some of the most influential voices in global sport, including Jacqueline Smith-Dubendorfer, founder of GENSPORT and former Global VP at adidas; Jennie Sager, CEO of the Women’s National Basketball League; and Britt Wickes, Head of Event Brand Marketing at Tennis Australia.
With a powerful mix of keynote sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities, this summit is a must-attend for athletes, coaches, administrators and industry professionals.
- Wednesday 27 August – High Performance Day
- Thursday 28 August – Women in Sport Summit
BOOMERS DEFEAT COLORADO IN HIGH-INTENSITY GOLD COAST CLASH
After trailing by one point at halftime, the Boomers surged ahead with a dominant third quarter and held their nerve down the stretch thanks to clutch shooting from Jack McVeigh, who finished with 20 points and seven assists. Jaylin Galloway added 16 points and five rebounds, while Reyne Smith chipped in 11 points.
The Buffaloes embraced the challenge as a valuable part of their development ahead of the next NCAA regular season in November. Colorado’s Isaiah Johnson led all scorers for the visitors with 19 points off the bench, supported by Sebastian Ranick’s 16 points and five rebounds.
With a passionate crowd and high-quality basketball on display, the Gold Coast once again proved its reputation as a premier destination for world-class sporting events. The Boomers now shift their focus to the FIBA Asia Cup, tipping off next week in Saudi Arabia, with their first group-stage match set for Wednesday 6 August against South Korea
VIEW THE 24 JULY 2025 EVENTS 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.