Good morning Robina.
Welcome to your weekly Robina wrap-up!
From absolute chaos at the local drive-thru to a multi-million dollar property development scandal, it has been a wild week on our streets. But it is not all drama.
The Gold Coast economy is officially booming, our very own Bond University just secured a massive global win, and a spectacular circus is heading to town just in time for the school holidays.
Here is what you need to know about Robina this week.
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HAPPENINGS IN ROBINA
GYG Chaos Ends as Man Surrenders
The "Wild GYG Drive-Thru Meltdown" I covered last week has come to an end. A 29-year-old man from Lower Beechmont walked into the Robina police station and handed himself in.
Queensland Police confirmed he has been hit with multiple charges, including three counts of wilful damage, dangerous vehicle operation, and going armed to cause fear (the screwdriver threat). He is scheduled to appear in front of the Southport Magistrates Court on July 22.
More Than One Reason To Visit Varsity
Whether you’re craving wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, a loaded Italian focaccia, or something sweet to finish, Fornello Pizza & Bar and Captain YO bring a little slice of Italy to Varsity Lakes.
At Fornello, you’ll find authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven, handmade pasta, great wine, and a welcoming atmosphere that turns dinner into a night out.
Just a few doors down, Captain YO serves much more than frozen yogurt. Their freshly baked focaccia sandwiches are filled with premium ingredients including burrata, prosciutto, mortadella, hot salami, stracciatella, and fresh rocket.
Even better, Robina Locals readers receive 10% OFF at both venues. Simply mention ROBINALOCALS10 when you order or dine in to claim your local discount.
Gold Coast Economy Explodes past $55 Billion
We always knew the Gold Coast was a powerhouse, but the newly released 2026 State of the City Report just made it official.
Our local economy has officially exploded past the $55 billion mark, sky-rocketing a massive 25% since 2021. This massive surge officially crowns the Gold Coast as Australia’s largest non-capital city economy. It is bigger than greater Brisbane.
While tourism still shines, this recent boom is being supercharged by high-value industries like health, tech, and advanced manufacturing. As a key healthcare and tech hub, Robina sits right at the epicenter of this economic evolution. Are we becoming
What Are Your Thoughts On The Gold Coast Economy Explosion?
With $55 billion sloshing around the Coast, we want to know what it actually looks like on your street.
Is the glitter strip delivering the goods, or are everyday locals getting left behind?
The Ad Man
In today’s battle for business supremacy, it’s good to know that out there is someone to help champion your business to the level for which you strive.
The AD Man is that someone! He is Rob Stephenson. Creative, Intelligent, Trustworthy, Diligent and above all … Modest :-)
Having spent over 30 years, so far, in Advertising and graphic design, there are few people around with this depth of knowledge and experience!
He is a force to be reckoned with. A man of many talents. A man you can trust to come through no matter what the odds. A man willing to go beyond the call of duty. A man willing to put his body on the line in the heat of corporate battles. A man on a mission to make your business world a better place. A man who knows no fear. And a man 100 per cent committed to making sure your marketing and advertising stands out and get results! A man not afraid to embellish with countless ‘a man’ cliches!
So, when you’re ready, shine a sign into the night sky, and he will hastily come to your aid.
Bond University Ranks in Global Top 50
Right in Robina’s backyard, Bond University is celebrating a massive win this week.
In the newly released global higher education rankings, Bond was named among the Top 50 best young universities in the world (schools under 50 years old). It is a major bragging right for local students and a boost to the suburb's reputation as a premium education hub.
Let’s Keep Robina Healthy.
Life gets busy. Between work, family, and everything else on the to-do list, it's easy to put your own health on the back burner.
That's where Lake Orr Family Practice comes in. From urgent appointments and general GP care to skin checks, family health, vaccinations, chronic disease management, and preventative healthcare, their experienced team is here to help locals stay healthy at every stage of life.
Whether something doesn't feel quite right or you're simply due for a check-up, taking care of your health today can make all the difference tomorrow.
Book an appointment at:
Property Developer Charged in $10 Million Fraud
Gold Coast property developer David McWilliams has been arrested after allegedly squandering a staggering $10.1 million of investor funds.
The worst part? The money was explicitly earmarked to build critical specialist disability housing for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants. Out of six planned projects, only one barely commenced construction, and absolutely none were completed.
He used the money to buy a lavish lifestyle, including:
A luxury Aston Martin sports car
A high-end Surfers Paradise high-rise apartment for his wife
Heavy investments in cryptocurrency
Buying a literal pub in South Australia
Given the intense local sensitivity surrounding housing shortages and development ethics on the Gold Coast, we are keeping an eye on this. McWilliams now faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Find The Right People. Or Find The Right Path.
The right fit isn't just about skills on paper. It's about personality, values, motivation and long-term success.
Talent Source takes a psychology-driven approach to recruitment, helping businesses uncover exceptional talent while connecting job seekers with careers where they can genuinely thrive. From executive search and permanent placements to contract opportunities and HR support, every match is designed to benefit both employers and candidates.
Whether you're searching for your next great hire or your next great opportunity, Talent Source can help you make the right move.
Call 0439350873 or email [email protected] to start the conversation today.
The project will inject new housing supply into our precinct, delivering 175 units and townhouses alongside 233 resident car parks, 25 visitor spaces, and 70 bike parks.
While the application triggered local opposition and a divided council vote, the final approval includes several strict mandates designed to safeguard community interests, such as height restrictions, pedestrian accessibility, and boundary setbacks.
Bypassing standard suburban residential dimensions, this elite transaction saw a high-net-worth buyer secure a massive 2,834-square-meter private compound right on the water's edge.
Boasting an ultra-premium floor plan with 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and an 8-car garage, the blockbuster deal underscores a surging demand for generational, estate-sized land parcels directly flanking Robina's central waterways.
| 11 Pipers Point, Robina | $4,600,000 |
| 22 Kuranda Drive, Robina | $2,515,000 |
| 5 Blakehurst Place, Robina | $2,500,000 |
| 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 |
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What's on: 26-28 June
Ditch standard number-calling for a high-energy, melody-driven twist on classic bingo.
Head down to the town centre venue to trade out standard bingo cards for specialised music-genre grids, where you cross off squares as the live DJ drops hitting tracks and massive throwbacks.
Launches a rotating monthly theme lineup every Thursday at 6:30 PM, making it a loud, kid-friendly way to win restaurant vouchers without spending a fortune.
Locals can score entry tickets with any drink purchase throughout the afternoon before a lucky winner is drawn live to pick a card from the hidden deck.
Fires up every single Thursday night on the deck, drawing a massive local crowd eager to watch the jackpot vault higher if the Joker manages to stay hidden.
Grab a cue and challenge local residents or friends to a fast-paced game of 8-ball on their premium felt tables.
Runs all day every Sunday, dropping table activation rates down to a single dollar coin per game to offer a dirt-cheap, relaxing way to spend a winter afternoon by the lake.
Instead of broad history or science, teams battle through intense multimedia rounds exclusively covering specific cinematic universes, hit sitcoms, or music icons like Disney Classics or Billie Eilish.
Rotates onto the schedule mid-week with wireless buzzer integration, offering a top-tier playground for local superfans looking to turn niche obsessions into real prizes.
Cold nights call for good food and a reason not to cook. Here is where to find value in Robina right now.
Half Off On Standard Main Meals for Lunch And Dinner Every Tuesday
The Robina Pavilion
229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina QLD 4226
Every Tuesday, this lakeside institution slashes the price of all standard main meals completely in half for lunch and dinner. They also run a daily Happy Hour from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM featuring $9 tap beers, house wines, and spirits alongside half-price bar bites.
$1 Wings & Daily Dining Knockouts
TGI Fridays
Shop 1005B, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina QLD 4226
Inflation is battering our wallets, but this American-style diner fights back with a heavy-hitting daily specials roster. Score $1 wings on Tuesdays or half-price ribs on Wednesdays for a dirt-cheap, top-tier feast right on the shopping centre promenade.
$15 Express Lunch Menu
Ari Thai Kitchen & Bar
The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina QLD 4226
Nestled inside the town centre's dedicated food hub, they serve a fast, budget-friendly $15 express lunch menu. It is a reliable, high-flavor option for locals looking to grab a quick midday bite without breaking a twenty-dollar note.
Robina Services Locals Recommend
SEVAH.
More than just your type. Bespoke websites, branding, graphic design, email and AI marketing for business owners and in-house marketing teams. Services (where you have the icons): Website Design, Brand Identity, Graphic Design, AI Marketing🌐 www.sevahcreative.com
✉️ [email protected]
📞 0400 963 002
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
Can you feel the staggering 25% economic surge that crowned the Gold Coast as Australia’s top non-capital economy?
Yet, official state data shows real wage growth across Queensland is struggling to match these corporate heights. While local production and development expand rapidly, everyday households face persistent inflation and climbing interest rates.
This contrast raises critical questions about our city's true trajectory. Is this wealth genuinely trickling down to the community, or is it staying localised within corporate and developer hands?
We want to hear your ground-level perspective. Are you personally seeing the benefits of this $55 billion milestone in your weekly budget?
Reply directly to this newsletter to share whether you feel richer, or if you feel left behind by the boom.
COMMUNITY & SOCIAL
The Robina Lions Club has established a localised food rescue pipeline to support vulnerable families coping with soaring grocery costs. Volunteer shifts run every Thursday morning (including June 25) from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM just over the border at Kings Community Care
Robina State High School Community Alliance’s Network Breakfast aims to break down barriers between local families, parents, carers, small business operators, and educators. Registrations have opened for the upcoming morning networking cohort hosted on campus at Laver Drive
The Robina Community Centre has launched an open, zero-cost collective gallery framework specifically for neighborhood organisations, grassroots clubs, and local hobby groups. Local groups can formally apply to secure an exhibition window.
Want more local customers this week?
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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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