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.
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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.
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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
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.
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Resources
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.
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
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 nicole@connectedle.com
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.
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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.
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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.
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Melissa Donnelly LinkedIn
Affinity Communications
Affinity Communications LinkedIn
Brand Gold Coast
If not for a bold tax reform in the 1970s, the life and career of the Hon Rob Borbidge AO - and the political landscape of Queensland - might have unfolded very differently. Raised on a sheep farm in Victoria, it was the abolition of Queensland's death duties that spurred his family to relocate to the Gold Coast. This move eventually led Rob to be elected as the Member for Surfers Paradise, a position he held with distinction for over 20 years, before becoming Queensland’s 35th Premier in 1996. In this inspiring conversation, Rob reflects on his formative years, the moment that sparked his political career and his extensive community work with LifeFlight Australia and Destination Gold Coast. He shares his thoughts on the essence of leadership, the importance of giving back, and the legacy he has helped shape as one of Queensland’s most respected elder statesmen.
About Rob
The Hon Robert Borbidge AO was the 35th Premier of Queensland and served as the state member for Surfers Paradise from 1980 to 2001. Since his resignation from the Queensland Parliament in 2001 he has held a number of Board positions. In 2006 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia and awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Griffith University. He is also former Chair of the Board of Advice for the Institute for Glycomics at Griffith University. From 2013 until 2024, Rob served as Chair of LifeFlight Australia, one of the world's largest not-for-profit aero medical and rescue providers. In July 2023 he was appointed Chair of Experience Gold Coast by Gold Coast City Council.
With sweeping workplace relations reforms introduced on 1 July, and even more coming into effect this earlier week (from 26 August), our podcast guest Catherine Craig is here to help us understand and navigate the changes. Catherine, the founder of Gold Coast company NEXUS Human Resources, walks us through a raft of new regulations regarding maternity leave, the right to request flexible working arrangements, casual employee definitions, same job/same pay for labour hire contractors, the right to disconnect, parental leave and psychosocial hazards. We also discuss trends such as the rise of hybrid workplaces, DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and personalised learning and development. If you want to future-proof your small business and minimise risk, or you are an employee wanting to know your new rights, this episode is a must!
About Catherine
Catherine is a seasoned HR executive with a strong background in strategic Human Resources management. As a Board Member and Non-Executive Director at Transcord Community Transport Inc, she brings her expertise in HR, sales and marketing, and P&L oversight to drive the organization's strategic direction. With a master's in strategic HRM, Catherine has successfully led projects in employee relations, business restructures, and change management. She was a 2015 Telstra Businesswoman of the Year nominee and is the Managing Director and Founder of NEXUS Human Resources, an HR organisation that delivers strategic Human Resources solutions to clients across various industries.
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NEXUS Human Resources LinkedIn
A seasoned urban planner with over 20 years’ experience, this week’s podcast guest Patrick Hefferan provides an expert and nuanced perspective on how to address one of the Gold Coast’s most pressing issues: housing supply. Paradoxically, Patrick believes our housing crisis is actually a good problem to have – it means people are wanting to live, work and play on the Gold Coast, and the economy is accelerating.
But where do we go from here? In a free-ranging conversation, we talk about issues such as the need for non-traditional housing types and purpose-built student accommodation, ‘build to rent’ development and how it works, incentivisation for developers, and how transport and sustainability issues impact housing design. This is also a great episode for aspiring urban planners; learn how this multi-disciplinary calling is shaping the city, the economy and our future.
About Patrick Patrick Hefferan, a Director at Urbis, is a town planner with over twenty years of experience in state government, local government and private consultancy. Known for his expert knowledge, he has served as an expert witness in the Planning and Environment Court (Qld) and the Supreme Court (NSW). Patrick builds strong client and government relationships, delivering timely, cost-effective outcomes for various planning projects. He has led major development applications in Southeast Queensland and contributed to drafting planning instruments. Specializing in market analysis and residential trend forecasting, Patrick optimises large commercial assets to meet market demands.
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In one industry on the Gold Coast, there are a wealth of jobs which you can start straight out of high school, become highly skilled and highly paid in a relatively short amount of time, and which can take you around the world (in style). Sounds enticing? Then the $1.2 billion Gold Coast marine industry is waiting for you. We talk to Gold-Coast-based Maritime Industry Skills Advisor Adam Chanter, to explore the smorgasbord of career paths on offer, and why local demand for workers is outstripping supply. (Adam jokes that he is in an “arms race to attract talent”, with almost every industry struggling to fill vacancies.)
Get a rare insight into this high-prestige, knowledge-intensive local industry, as we talk superyachts, workforce development, global demand, pathways for young people, the upcoming Gold Coast Marine Careers Open Day (7 Sept) and more.
About Adam Adam Chanter is the Maritime Industry Skills Advisor for the marine industry, a position that is co-funded by three peak national marine industry associations - AIMEX, Superyacht Australia and ACMG - and the Queensland Department of State Development and Infrastructure. Adam is heavily focussed on raising the profile of marine industry jobs and careers for the whole sector across Queensland’s four superyacht hubs of Gold Coast, Brisbane, Mackay / Whitsundays and Cairns, plus other national marine hotspots including Fremantle and Henderson, where Australia’s only superyacht builders and manufacturers are located.
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This week’s podcast guest, Rebecca Hyssett, is the Gold Coast's own ‘Pied Piper’ for the building and construction industry. As Industry Engagement Officer for Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), she is absolutely passionate about encouraging and supporting the next generation of people into a trade. And with 61 cranes currently towering over the Gold Coast, plus major projects underway like the Coomera Connector, SkyRidge at Worongary, Coomera Hospital and the Light Rail extension to Burleigh, the Gold Coast is crying out for more building and construction workers – we actually need 2.5 times the current workforce just to complete the program of works in the pipeline over the next 10 years. In this episode you’ll hear about CSQ's vital role in the industry, the 70 different career paths on offer, why CSQ is actively encouraging a more diverse workforce, including women, the mature-aged, and those from a multicultural background, and how to get your foot in the door of this booming Gold Coast sector.
About Rebecca Rebecca Hyssett is an Industry Engagement Manager with Construction Skills Queensland, focusing on the Gold Coast region. Rebecca excels in helping businesses understand workforce capabilities and designing plans to maximize their team potential. She takes pride in witnessing individuals of all ages discover their passion and evolve from new entrants to leaders in their respective fields. She believes that building personal connections through face-to-face interactions allows individuals to feel comfortable asking questions and gathering necessary information within the industry.
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Operating for an incredible 76 years, the 45-hectare Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (originally the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary) is one of the Gold Coast’s most beloved community assets, and is also a significant regional employer and training centre, with 1000+ workers, volunteers and trainees. Today’s guest Michael Kelly, who until recently was the Sanctuary’s General Manager, gives us an insight their world-class conservation projects around the region, the newly launched ‘Homestead’ fine dining and event facility (a game changer for the Southern Gold Coast), and a mind-boggling 33 other projects in the works. We also talk about Michael’s new role overseeing all strategic and major projects for the National Trust of Queensland, which includes the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Michael Michael commenced his career in operational management within the theme park, hotel and casino industries before joining Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in 2013. During his tenure with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Michael has overseen unprecedented growth in visitation and revenue with his strengths in connecting strategy, visitor experience and business outcomes. This has allowed the commercial revenue arm of the business to almost double during his tenure. After leading the Sanctuary for seven years, Michael is now the General Manager of Strategic Projects for the National Trust of Queensland, which is headquarted at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Robotics engineer and entrepreneur Luis De Jesus firmly believes that the Gold Coast will be Australia's next major tech hub. His Arundel-based company Mexx Engineering - a manufacturer of robotics, autonomous vehicles and automated systems - is already one of the driving forces in a Gold Coast-led ‘Industry 4.0’ revolution, which is transforming industry processes and workplaces nationwide. Robotics and automation are often feared to be taking jobs, but in this episode we discover that it’s really about solving real-world problems, freeing up workers from repetitive, boring or dangerous tasks, and increasing business sustainability. Tune in to hear from a passionate advocate of this ‘beautiful field’, with the potential to change the way your business (big or small) operates, or for students, spark an interest in a career pathway with exhilarating local opportunities.
About Luis Luis De Jesus, the founder and Director of Mexx Engineering Pty Ltd, has over 26 years of experience in engineering design, senior management and project management. With over a decade of experience in designing automatic machines in Australia and Canada, Luis possesses in-depth knowledge of automation systems across many industries. He holds qualifications in electro-mechanical engineering (mechatronics) and is proficient in pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems, as well as manufacturing methods and rapid prototyping.
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Concerned about business sustainability? This week’s episode is a refreshingly optimistic conversation with Professor Chris Fleming and Professor Nick Barter, co-authors of the new book, Future Normal: 8 Questions to Create Businesses Your Children Will be Proud Of. Four years ago, Chris and Nick, both lecturers in Griffith University’s MBA program, realised a new paradigm had emerged around core business values - one which they wanted to develop further, and get into the hands of a wider audience. (As Chris points out, not everyone wants to spend a few years of their life and $50,000 on an MBA...) The outcome of their collaboration is a book which explores the idea that businesses are the really the tools we use to shape our world, so it follows that they also need to lead the charge in changing our world. This is not about businesses sacrificing profitability for future generations, but rather, how long-term business value is actually optimised when society thrives. Find out what a 'future normal' business looks like, and how small steps now can set you on the right path for both the planet and your bottom line.
About Chris
Chris Fleming is Professor of Economics at the Griffith Business School in Brisbane. Completing his doctorate at the University of Queensland, his career has spanned the public sector, academia (leading the Griffith MBA), and industry, providing advice on economic frameworks that align with our lived reality.
About Nick
Nick is Professor of Strategy and Sustainability at Griffith Business School in Brisbane. Completing his doctorate at the University of St Andrews, his career has included strategy consulting with Ernst & Young, leading the Griffith MBA and advising organisations on moving past myopic approaches.
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Professor Chris Fleming LinkedIn
Professor Nick Barter LinkedIn
Future Normal: 8 Questions to Create Businesses Your Children Will be Proud of
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
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.
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Dr Laetitia De Villiers LinkedIn
Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct
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.
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