THIS WEEK IN ROBINA

A 27-year-old Robina man and former Gold Coast Suns academy player appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on September 7 facing serious charges. Kwabena Oteng Boakye faces two counts of rape, assault occasioning bodily harm, and possessing dangerous drugs.

Police allege the assault happened on September 4, after an 18-year-old woman withdrew consent during an encounter. He's been granted bail under strict conditions while the case proceeds.

Given his football background locally, this one's likely to draw attention around the traps. Worth noting these are charges at this stage, not a finding, and the matter will run its course through the courts.

Choosing solar or a home battery can feel like a big decision. You can read about systems online, compare prices and look at endless specs, but it’s different when you can actually see the technology working in front of you.

That’s exactly what Energy Solution Centre is bringing to its new Southport showroom at Shop 3/36 Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park.

The new showroom is hosting weekly SigenEnergy Experience Days, giving visitors the chance to see live demonstrations of the SigenStor system, including battery storage, blackout and backup power, AI energy management, modular battery expansion, EV charging and personalised savings estimates.

And you don’t have to arrive knowing exactly what you need.

Bring your latest electricity bill and the Energy Solution Centre team can use it to help you understand what solar and battery storage could look like for your home.

Energy Solution Centre is a Queensland-owned and operated business with more than 15 years in the solar and battery industry, and the current website confirms the Chirn Park showroom is now one of its three Gold Coast locations.

If you’ve been thinking about solar, adding a battery or simply want to understand what’s actually available, visit the new Southport showroom and see it for yourself.

Book your place for the weekly showroom event at energysolutioncentre.com.au, or bring your latest electricity bill and speak with the team in person.

New figures released this week confirm what plenty of Robina locals could probably have told you already. Robina Hospital and Gold Coast University Hospital together treat more than 500 emergency patients a day, on average.

That volume is exactly why a new hospital at Coomera has just hit a major milestone, with Multiplex named preferred contractor. It'll bring 600 beds and a 12 storey clinical services building covering everything from emergency to maternity, taking real pressure off Robina's own ED once it's up and running.

Early works kick off next month, with main construction starting once the formal contract lands in January 2027. Stage 1 opens in 2031.

It's a long wait, but worth knowing relief is actually on the way for anyone who's sat in that Robina ED waiting room wondering if the queue ever moves.

At Fornello Pizza & Bar, Tuesdays mean 15% off all pasta, plus $8 glasses of wine. Wednesdays mean 15% off all pizzas, again with $8 glasses of wine.

With hand-stretched pizzas, Italian-inspired dishes and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an easy excuse to turn a regular weeknight into dinner you’ll actually look forward to.

Don’t wait for the weekend. Pick your night, book your table and make the most of 15% off before the week gets away from you.

Tuesday = pasta. Wednesday = pizza. Which one are you booking?

Fornello Pizza & Bar
Shop A1/201 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes

Book your table and check the menu at fornellopizza.com.au

There's a genuinely fun little promo running at the centre right now. Spend $150 anywhere at Robina Town Centre, then head to the ground floor outside Mecca for a dive in style prize grab, instant wins on the spot.

You'll also go into the draw for a $1,000 Robina Town Centre gift card, which is a decent chunk of change for doing the shopping you were going to do anyway.

It's running daily from 10am to 2pm, right through until September 20. Worth timing your errands around it if you're spending big this month regardless.

LillyPad Cottage is the kind of café that feels like a little local hangout than a quick coffee stop.

Sitting at Lakehouse Corporate Space in Robina, there’s coffee, sweet treats, outdoor seating and usually a few familiar faces around. And not all of them are human. Pets are practically part of the team, with other four-legged visitors popping in for the occasional puppuccino.

For many locals, it’s also an easy walk from home, making it a nice excuse to get outside, stretch your legs and grab a coffee along the way. Take a stroll over, find a spot outside and you may even make a furry friend while you’re there.

You can also order online if you’re after your coffee and treats midwalk!

LillyPad Cottage
34–36 Glenferrie Drive, Robina
thelillypadcottage.com.au
Facebook: LillyPad Cottage

Mandeep Singh Ranu, a 45 year old truck driver from Robina, fronted Southport Magistrates Court on September 7 and was convicted following a high range drink driving crash. He wrote off his own car and broke his ankle in the process.

Rather than staying at the scene, Ranu fled before police tracked him down and made the arrest.

It's a reminder of just how serious these charges get treated. High range drink driving carries real consequences, and fleeing on top of it only made things worse for him in court.

At Goshukan Karate Academy QLD, the focus goes beyond learning kicks and punches. Children are taught self-defence, confidence, discipline and respect, while learning skills in a structured and supportive environment. Classes are available for different ages, from Junior Ninjas through to teens and adults.

The programs include traditional Goju-ryu Karate, pad drills and self-defence training, with more advanced students also working on techniques such as takedowns and grappling in controlled settings.

And if you’ve been thinking about giving karate a try, there’s a great way to start. Their Starter Pack is just $40 and includes 4 classes plus a FREE karate uniform, valued at $120.

With classes at Clear Island Waters and Pimpama Sports Hub, plus 80+ positive Google reviews, it’s an easy way to try something new while helping build skills that can carry well beyond the dojo.

Goshukan Karate Academy QLD
Clear Island Waters & Pimpama
Starter Pack: $40 | 4 Classes + FREE Karate Uniform | $120 Value

Start your karate journey

Queensland Health's latest respiratory surveillance snapshot shows flu is the one to actually watch right now, not COVID. Statewide, 195 people were in hospital with influenza in the week to September 13, compared to 40 with COVID and 30 with RSV.

Gold Coast numbers reflect that pattern too, with 34 new COVID cases reported locally that week, most in the 18 to 64 bracket rather than older residents. Flu case numbers statewide were far higher again, sitting above 3,400 diagnoses in a single week.

Nothing alarming or out of season here, but if you've had a cough doing the rounds through the household lately, you're not imagining it. Worth getting the flu shot if you haven't already, especially with grandparents or little ones in the house.

Names that come up when locals ask around. Not a paid listing. Do your own checks before you book anyone.

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That's it for this week, Robina. As always, there's plenty happening in the neighbourhood — the frustrating, the fun, and everything worth talking about.

Thanks for reading. See you next Thursday.