Gold Coast Insider – Details, episodes & analysis

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

“What do you stand for and why should I care?” According to veteran brand strategist Melissa Donnelly, this is the most fundamental consumer question, and one which should inform every single business communication. But how do we cut through the noise and build consumer trust when we are living in a new ‘VUCA’ world – awash with volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity? Melissa, Director of Affinity Communications and Chair of the newly formed Brand Gold Coast, has a wealth of insightful answers and 'nuts and bolts' examples for us, including a deep dive into AI applications, why they are vital for businesses in 2024, and exactly how they can be used to enhance your relationship with customers. Melissa firmly believes that we have now reached the 'AI inflection point' – ignoring it is simply no longer an option. Expect actionable takeaways for your business as well as a healthy dose of brand inspiration!
About Melissa
When CEOs and founders are ready to accelerate change and dominate their markets, they turn to Melissa Donnelly – an ambitious brand strategist with over 30 years of experience launching and reigniting global brands. From MTV to Telstra, Melissa has built a reputation for transforming businesses into market leaders, driving growth, and delivering unmatched brand equity. As a LinkedIn Top Voice, keynote speaker, and Chair of the Gold Coast’s Domestic Violence Prevention Centre, Melissa’s influence extends beyond the boardroom, making her a trusted force for innovation and impact.
Links
Melissa Donnelly LinkedIn
Affinity Communications
Affinity Communications LinkedIn
Brand Gold Coast

Before you put another product on your face, this is a podcast you won't want to miss! Skincare and cosmetics is a $100 billion global mega-industry, but a revolution is underway - one which will upend everything (we think) we know about what is good for our skin. This week we chat with Shaun Roux, the Director of Gold Coast-based biotech company BiomeCentric, which is leading the charge to empower skincare and beauty manufacturers with a new science-based approach to their product ingredients and manufacturing processes. The key - made possible by advances in DNA sequencing over the last two decades - is understanding the diverse microbiome of the skin and scalp, and how products can either destroy or support this critical ecosystem of microflora. And with BiomeCentric now positioned to be a global juggernaut, supplying bioactive ingredients and products to beauty brands worldwide, this is a true Gold Coast success story. About Shaun Shaun Roux is the Director of BiomeCentric, leveraging over a decade of experience as the former Head of Production at BJP Laboratories. He excels in leading cross-functional teams, driving innovation, and fostering a strong business culture. Shaun's expertise includes technical leadership, managing complex projects and international collaborations. As the General Manager for Probiotics Australia, he played a key role in shaping the probiotic industry in Australia through the transfer of biotechnologies. Shaun is known for his strategic vision and commitment to excellence, consistently delivering results and driving growth in the companies he leads. Links

Shaun Roux LinkedIn

BiomeCentric

BiomeCentric LinkedIn

Imagine if there was a dazzlingly futuristic surgical training facility that could use medical imaging equipment and 3D printing to build a precise model of a patient's aneurysm or stroke - and then enable clinicians to practice robotics-assisted surgical procedures on the models, under near identical conditions to real life. Actually, there is no need to imagine - the Gold Coast already has this, and in today's episode we chat with Dr Laetitia De Villiers, co-founder of the NeuTex Image-guided Therapy, Surgical and Robotics Training Center, to find out how it all came about.

Laetitia, the 2023 Gold Coast Woman in Business of the Year, is a globally-renowned  interventional neuro-radiologist who pioneers cutting-edge treatments for patients with complex conditions of the brain and spine. This episode provides eye-opening insights into how new technologies are revolutionising the way we treat aneurysms and strokes, why collaboration is so vital, and what medical specialities will be benefitting from these incredible advances next. 

About Laetitia Dr Laetitia de Villiers (MBChB, FRANZCR) is a specialist in interventional and diagnostic neuro-radiology at the Gold Coast University Hospital. Letitia is one of the co-founders of Qscan Radiology Clinics and was the first female partner, contributing to its growth to over 85 clinics across Australia, with 1200+ employees and 1.5 million patients annually. She is also co-founder of the NeuTex Image-guided Therapy Surgical and Robotics Training Centre in the Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct, and an Associate Professor at Griffith University Medical School and Bond University School of Medicine. In 2023 Laetitia was awarded Gold Coast Woman in Business of the Year.

Links

Dr Laetitia De Villiers LinkedIn

NeuTex

Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct

Qscan Radiology Clinics

After selling her successful beverage company to Coca-Cola many years ago, Maryann Thexton could have easily just put her feet up or travelled the world, but her innate curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit set her on a different path - and our Gold Coast biotech industry is stronger for it. She had switched careers to become a top-flight thoroughbred racehorse trainer (mentored by Gai Waterhouse), when a chance meeting with a microbiologist at a wedding led her into a new venture making products to support the animal gut microbiome. 

Now after many years of research and development, Maryann, the same microbiologist and a team of other founders (all over 60!) have launched Bio-az, a Gold Coast-based nutraceutical company with a suite of world-first, game-changing functional ingredients that can enhance both human and animal health. Their proprietary 'synbiotic' formulas - a blend of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics - are unusually shelf-stable and bioavailable, and can be added to a host of different products including foods, beverages, cosmetics, oral and personal care items, supplements and animal medicines. Hear about the ground-breaking new production technologies that have made this possible, and how Bio-Az are collaborating with other manufacturers around Australia and the globe to share their science and value add for consumer benefit.

About Maryann Maryann Thexton is the CEO and Co-founder of Bio-Az and is a seasoned executive with over two decades of leadership experience in the Australian equine and FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) beverage industry. Known for driving profitability and efficiency, she excels in innovative strategies to achieve challenging targets and maintain competitive advantages. Recognized as an industry expert in animal health, particularly in the equine sector, Maryann has a successful background as a thoroughbred racehorse trainer. Notable achievements include transforming start-ups into profitable ventures, advancing sales and marketing efforts, and fostering consistent business development. 

Links

Maryann Thexton LinkedIn

Bio-az

In this week's podcast we delve into the exciting realm of personalised healthcare, and no, we're not talking about your doctor's bedside manner! We chat with Monica Russell from global company Materialise, headquartered at Griffith University on the Gold Coast in Australia. Materialise is spearheading a healthcare revolution by leveraging software to devise personalised surgery plans, 3D print surgical implants and devices tailored precisely to each patient's requirements, and even craft custom surgical instruments. Monica is also the Founder and CEO of Ontic Ortho Solutions, specialising in designing and 3D printing lifelike bone models for individualised orthopedic surgical training, leading to significant enhancements in patient outcomes. The future of medicine is unfolding before our eyes, converging disciplines such as engineering, AI, software, biotechnology, and materials science - and it's all happening right here on the vibrant Gold Coast.

About Monica Monica is an expert lead at Materialise Australia, specialising in the integration of the company's Medical Software Solutions within the Australian and New Zealand markets. In addition to her role at Materialise, Monica served as a valued member of the ADaPT 1.0 Advisory Board at Griffith University, where she contributes her industry expertise and strategic insights. Monica is also the visionary founder of Ontic Ortho Solutions, a company dedicated to perfecting medical device placements through the development of precise 3D anatomical bone models for surgical training purposes. 

Links

Monica Russell LinkedIn

Materialise

Ontic Ortho Solutions

Dr Stephanie Chaousis - Chief Customer Officer of Datarwe, General Manager of intelliHQ and Director of the Qld AI Hub - has had quite a wild career trajectory in science. She started out as a marine biologist ('chasing turtles in a boat'), then moved up to molecular biology (studying the nature of jellyfish and tarantula venom), but eventually landed in the emerging field of data science for healthcare, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to build predictive models which will allow clinicians to diagnose and treat patients much more effectively.

The potential of AI to advance society - but also threaten it - has steeped into the public consciousness like never before. This podcast is a great antidote to fear, providing valuable insights into why AI and Big Data are essential tools for transforming the nature of healthcare for the greater good, and how it's happening right here on the Gold Coast with world-leading innovator Datarwe.

About Stephanie Dr Stephanie Chaousis currently heads up AI for Healthcare not-for-profit intelliHQ as General Manager. She is also recently appointed on the board of directors of the Queensland AI Hub and is the Chief Customer Officer at Datarwe, a clinical data company developing tools to support secure adoption of AI for healthcare in Australia. Having rich experience at the intersection of public health, technology, research, and innovation, Stephanie has extensive knowledge on the current AI in healthcare ecosystem as well as the practicalities, benefits, and risks of AI adoption in health. Stephanie is also a mentor for HealthTech innovators through Gold Coast HealthTech accelerator Lumina X.

Links

Dr Stephanie Chaousis LinkedIn

Datarwe

intelliHQ

Qld AI Hub

Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct

In this special podcast episode, host Estella Rodighiero dives deep into the origins, drivers and incredible potential of our booming biomedical industry, interviewing Dr Chris Davis, General Manager of Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics, and Dan Barr, Director of the Better Cities Group.

Both have played a key role in the development of our new Gold Coast Emerging Biomedical Industry Study, released this week, which lays out a ten-year growth strategy for the sector.

Twenty years ago, the Gold Coast had exactly zero biomed companies or institutions. Now now it’s a thriving innovation ecosystem anchored by the Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct and the world-leading Institute for Glycomics, with forward-thinking startups and a top-10 global pharmaceutical company. You'll hear how this growth has not just happened by accident - it has required vision, investment in infrastructure, the right government policy settings, and most importantly, the Gold Coast’s highly collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit.

The challenge for the next decade, addressed by the study, is strategic: how to support and enable a sector that's expected to grow at twice the rate of any other local industry, and attract the right investment to position the Gold Coast as one of the world's pre-eminent biomed and medtech cities.

About Chris

Dr Chris Davis obtained a PhD in synthetic medicinal chemistry from the Institute for Glycomics on the Gold Coast before launching his career in the private biotech sector, negotiating technology deals with pharmaceutical and biotech companies globally. In 2009 he returned to the Institute as General Manager, where he leads a group of professionals dedicated to the strategic and operational development of the Institute, covering domestic and international business strategy, technology commercialisation and general Institute operations. The primary focus of the Institute is developing and translating its drug, vaccine and diagnostic inventions into health, social and economic benefit, locally and globally.

About Dan

Dan Barr leads the multi-disciplinary consultancy, Better Cities Group – a collaboration of leading city shaping consultants that work throughout Australia to drive economic revitalisation and create great places. In this role Dan is commonly sought after to lead a response to complex projects for both the public and private sector. Dan has lived on the Gold Coast for nearly twenty years and prior to founding Better Cities Group he held leadership roles in the delivery of the Gold Coast Light Rail project, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and Community Renewal program. He holds formal qualifications in urban design, public health, and project management.

Links

Dr Chris Davis LinkedIn

Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University

Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct

Dan Barr LinkedIn 

Better Cities Group 

From working in war-torn Zimbabwe to lecturer at Bond University, corporate sustainability expert Dr Clare Burns has had a unique career trajectory. In our most in-depth conversation about sustainability to date, Dr Burns provides insights into topics such as greenwashing, supply chains, psycho-social hazards, the 2032 Olympics, modern slavery in Australia, eco-anxiety, how SMEs can get started with sustainability, microcredentialing, the SDG Compass and much more. 

About Clare

Dr Clare Burns is a passionate corporate sustainability/business ethics and organisational culture researcher. For the past seven years, Clare has been teaching undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA students in business management at Bond University. Before re-entering academia, Clare worked for 18 years in corporate communications, media, marketing, management and organisational development in Australia and overseas. During this time she wrote speeches, releases and strategic plans for ministers and premiers, worked at Telstra in investor relations, and lived in an African war zone. Outside of work, Clare is a volunteer and non-executive director of Rosies Friends on the Street.

Links

Dr Clare Burns LinkedIn

Bond University Environmental and Social Government Microcredentials

Sustainable Development Goals Compass

Calculate your Carbon Footprint

Not many people in life get the opportunity to establish an institute from the ground up, let alone one which is now a world leader in the discovery and development of drugs and vaccines for globally significant diseases. After leading the team responsible for developing Relenza, the first ‘designer drug for flu’ (one of the most important antiviral advances of the last century), Professor Mark von Itzstein was offered the opportunity to establish and lead Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics, the first (and only) biomedical research hub of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2000 he chose the Gold Coast as the Institute’s home - then a greenfield site for biomed – and his vision has had a profound impact on the Gold Coast economy, its maturity as a city and ability to attract world-class talent ever since.

After 23 years at the helm, Professor von Itzstein will soon be stepping down as the Institute's Director. In this podcast we’ll explore the career journey of one of our city’s most significant figures, the story of a flourishing research organisation, and why both are intertwined with the emergence of the Gold Coast’s fastest-growing industry

About Mark

Professor Mark von Itzstein OA is the Director of Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics, a world leader in the discovery and development of next-generation drugs, vaccines and diagnostics that fight diseases of global impact. He was a joint recipient of the prestigious Australia Prize in 1996, was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (General Division) in 2019, and has won numerous other national and international awards during his career. Professor von Itzstein has international standing in glycol-science and drug discovery, particularly in the area of anti-infective drug discovery, has published over 240 papers and invited reviews, and extensively patented his research.

Links

Professor Mark von Itzstein LinkedIn

Institute for Glycomics

Institute for Glycomics Facebook

Institute for Glycomics LinkedIn