Good morning Robina.
Grab a coffee and settle in, because there’s plenty to unpack this week.
A driver has pleaded guilty over the tragic death of nine-year-old Aiden Guimaraes, bringing a major development in a case that has touched many locals.
We’re also looking at the decision to cut 550 affordable homes from a major Robina-Merrimac development, and why the corridor between Robina and Varsity Lakes could play a key role in where the Gold Coast grows next.
Let’s get into it.
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HAPPENINGS IN ROBINA
130km/h, Three Times Over the Limit: Driver Pleads Guilty in Robina Tragedy
On June 9, 2026, driver Keith Andrew Chambers entered guilty pleas in the Brisbane Supreme Court for the manslaughter of nine-year-old Aiden Guimaraes and the severe injury of his father, David.
The court detailed horrific aggravating factors behind the crash near Robina Town Centre Drive, including extreme speeds of 130 km/h (64 km/h over the limit) and a blood alcohol content three times the legal limit, mixed with prescription opioids.
While Justice Glenn Martin deliberates on a final sentence (the prosecution is pushing for a maximum penalty of up to 20 years), our thoughts remain entirely with Aiden’s mother, Andrea, and his father, David, as he continues to battle permanent physical trauma.
The Legacy: In the wake of this profound tragedy, real institutional change is being driven forward. The RACQ has partnered with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to establish the permanent Guimaraes Memorial Scholarship. This $10,000 annual grant funds vital academic research to expand child road safety and design properly protected active transport routes across Queensland, ensuring Aiden’s memory creates safer, better-separated infrastructure for all our kids.
Stop Burning Cash on Broken Algorithms
If your brand’s social media presence or Google visibility feels like it’s stuck in the dial-up era, it’s time for an upgrade.
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Claim a completely free digital presence audit this week to pinpoint exactly where you’re losing leads. Tell James The Locals sent you.
Just as housing becomes harder to afford, hundreds of affordable homes have been cut.
A massive political battle line has been drawn right in our backyard. The Queensland Government has officially directed the Walker Corporation (the developer behind the massive Lakeview (formerly Breakwater) masterplan spanning Robina and Merrimac) to completely slash 550 affordable dwellings from the project and replace them entirely with standard, market-rate housing.
The directive came straight from Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie. The government says that stripping away these affordable mandates makes it easier to hep private housing go up in a critically tight market. Unsurprisingly, the Labour Opposition has slammed the move, claiming it directly squeezes out working-class Queenslanders in the middle of a brutal housing affordability crisis.
In a World of Fast Food, We’re Lucky for Karin at Nutrikum
Karin Schwindack brings an evidence-based, highly individualised approach to practical nutrition. She is an endurance athlete, mother, and multilingual professional (offering consultations in both English and German). Karin completely understands the complex daily juggle of health, family, and performance.
Get expert support for women’s health across all life stages (including menopause), gut and digestive health (fully FODMAP trained), active lifestyles, and sustainable behavior/mindset shifts.
Book a free 10-15 minute discovery call with zero obligation to discuss your wellness goals. Call 0499 023 798 or head to nutrikum.com to secure your chat.
Tell them The Locals sent you.
Like it or not, this strip between Robina and Varsity Lakes could determine where thousands of future locals live.
The Gold Coast is officially in a race to accommodate a projected population of 1 million residents by 2046. That’s a lot of people. We will need 185,000 new homes, and the Robina-Varsity Lakes buffer zone could help.
We have heavy rail networks, proximity to Bond University, easy access to the Pacific Motorway, and major employment hubs, which makes our corridor a premier High-Density Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) hotspot.
The idea is to shift away from urban sprawl toward medium and high-density infill development.
Dormant, underutilised state-owned land (including a prime site on Station Parade) is currently being fast-tracked through the Queensland State Government’s Land Activation Program to make building the homes possible.
The Best You Is Already There; It Just Needs Unlocking
Ready to step up your skincare game? Nestled inside Studio Manetane on Lader Terrace in Varsity Lakes, Still Skin is the local go-to clinic for high-performance, personalised facial therapies and body treatments. From deep-cleansing corrective facials and advanced LED light rejuvenation to precision brow shaping and lash tints, they focus on unlocking long-term skin health rather than chasing fleeting beauty trends.
Give them a follow on Instagram at @stillskin.au to check out their clinical transformations, skin tips, and daily openings.
Click here to book your next session and mention The Locals to score a sweet 15% off your first treatment. Tell them The Locals sent you.
"40 Over Forty" Gala Empowers Local Women
On a brighter note, local excellence was on full display at Green Fields Bar and Restaurant on Laver Drive this week. Over 100 residents gathered for the official launch and exhibition of the Gold Coast's "40 over Forty" magazine. The uplifting evening celebrated the diverse stories, achievements, and community impact of inspiring local women over the age of forty.
It took place on Saturday 7th June, and we can only imagine attendees and those who missed out are looking forward to the next edition, which is already underway, with nearly a third of spots filled. Find out more here.
Can’t Trust a Mate’s Mate With Your Paint?
Stop gambling your hard-earned cash on backyard cowboys with a paint roller. VOLPainting Solutions is Robina's elite, QBCC-licensed, and fully insured Dulux Accredited painting outfit. Boasting a flawless track record of 95+ 5-star Google reviews, they treat your home or commercial storefront with absolute precision—prioritising meticulous surface preparation and premium finishes that easily withstand coastal elements.
We specialise in spotless residential interiors, bold exterior transformations, high-impact commercial upgrades, and complete roof restorations.
Head straight over to volpaintingsolutions.com to lock in an obligation-free, highly transparent upfront quote before the winter slots fill up. Tell them The Locals sent you.
The absolute kicker? The state explicitly axed the mandate for 500+ affordable homes from the plan.
While developers cheer, local councillors are losing their minds, warning that doubling a development right on a known floodplain will absolutely cripple the Robina transport network. Expect your commutes to get a whole lot worse.
Submit feedback: gchaveyoursay.com.au/robinareview
| 22 Kuranda Drive, Robina | $2,515,000 |
| 28 Federal Place, Robina | $2,320,000 |
| 33 Geraldton Drive, Robina | $2,020,000 |
| 17 Applegum Court, Robina | $1,950,000 |
| 28 Merion Court, Robina | $1,810,000 |
| 9 Rosebud Street, Robina | $1,800,000 |
| 16 Anglesea Court, Robina | $1,775,000 |
| 7 Ryder Court, Robina | $1,750,000 |
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What's on: 19-29 June
Cards, chess, boards - three options within easy reach of Robina Town Centre, most of them free.
Cold nights call for good food and a reason not to cook. Here is where to find value in Robina right now.
Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching
Whale Watching Winter Steals
60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Queensland 4217
The annual humpback highway is officially open. Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching just launched an epic Family Pass special for the winter season—perfect for a weekend escape with the kids.
$1 Wing Tuesday
The Sporting Globe Robina
19 Robina Town Centre Dr
Located in the Promenade precinct, this spot goes head-to-head with Hound & Stag by throwing down a massive $1 Wing Tuesday deal all day long.
"Bundle of Fun" passes
Robina Town Centre Bundle of Fun Passes
198 Robina Town Centre Drive
If you want to bundle entertainment for a massive discount, Robina Town Centre regularly runs seasonal "Bundle of Fun" passes (Adult passes for $40, Kids for $30). You get entry to Zone Bowling or Timezone, a movie ticket, and a designated food voucher.
Robina Tradies Locals Recommend
Names that come up when locals ask around. Not a paid listing. Do your own checks before you book anyone.
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DEBATE OF THE WEEK
"Are high-rises ruining the Gold Coast identity, or are you just a NIMBY who hates progress?"
With the council calling for a staggering 185,000 new dwellings over the next 20 years to survive the population boom, suburbs like Robina, Broadbeach, and Burleigh are completely changing flavour. Long-time locals are terrified of losing the "surf town character". Developers counter that if we don't build up, your kids and grandkids will be priced out of the state forever.
Where do you stand? Are we building a world-class megacity or destroying paradise?
Hit reply and let us know what you think.
LEGEND OF THE WEEK:
This week's legend is Dawn Forrest
Dawn joined Robina Bowls Club in 1994 and has served as Secretary, Treasurer, Ladies President, and Board Member in the three decades since. When the club faced permanent closure due to mounting financial pressure and post-pandemic uncertainty, she kept showing up.
Grow your business with Robina Locals
To keep this newsletter going and the coverage improving, we are opening a small number of paid features to local businesses. If you offer something genuinely useful to Robina residents, we would like to hear from you.
Reply to this email to find out more.
That’s us for the week, Robina. Enjoy the winter sun, snag a ticket to the Q-Clash if you can, and go grab a cheap parmy at the club so you don't have to cook.
Have a cracking weekend, and we’ll catch you next Thursday.
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