Tag: MEGC

New festival partnership a win for combating waste

Posted on by Kesha West

More than 70% percent of all waste generated at this year’s Blues on Broadbeach on the Gold Coast was diverted from landfill thanks to a successful new partnership with waste management provider Clean Vibes.

Just over 37m3 of rubbish was diverted from landfill for recycling and reuse purposes, which equated to 71% of all waste generated from the festival. On top of this, more than 17,000 cans and bottles were recycled through the Containers for Change refund scheme.

Major Events Gold Coast CEO Jan McCormick said the results were very encouraging.

“To be able to divert from landfill more than 70% of the waste generated during our Blues on Broadbeach festival is a great win for the environment and we’re confident we can keep on improving our waste management practices across all MEGC’s festivals,” said Ms McCormick.

In March, Clean Vibes become the Official Cleaning and Waste Management Services Provider for all four of MEGC’s festivals in 2023, including Blues on Broadbeach, Cooly Rocks On and the upcoming SPRINGTIME and Groundwater Country Music Festival.

Some of the initiatives that have been introduced at MEGC’s festivals are waste sorting onsite and implementing the can and bottle return scheme. Clean Vibes also use waste stream bin covers to promote and educate festival patrons about waste separation, and the recent results show festival fans are getting on board to help do their bit to reduce waste.

There was so much organic waste collected and sorted onsite that the crew had to take over general waste bins for organic waste.

Clean Vibes National Operations Manager Nick Viner said the Blues on Broadbeach results were a great outcome for an unfenced free music festival layout.

“Blues on Broadbeach for 2023 was a huge success on the sustainability front with Clean Vibes working very closely with all stakeholders onsite to ensure that we could get the best results possible!” said Mr Viner. “With all vendors and bars onsite implementing compostable packaging, our team on ground could guarantee that all compostable products onsite were verified and approved for disposal through our onsite organic waste streams.”

Implementing the Containers for Change recycling scheme at the festival proved to be another win.

“Just over 17,000 eligible cans and bottles were processed for the Containers for Change program on top of our 71% of recycled or repurposed material,” Mr Viner said.

Due to this year’s Blues on Broadbeach results, next year Clean Vibes will look to order a 25m skip bin for organic waste, something that has never been done at one of MEGC’s festivals before.

The waste results were equally promising from MEGC’s Cooly Rocks On festival held in Coolangatta in June. The Clean Vibes report showed over 20% more waste was diverted from landfill in 2023 compared to 2022.

“As our festivals grow in popularity, we are faced with additional waste challenges,” said Ms McCormick. “We want to make sure we continue to give our fans the best possible festival experience and that means ensuring we are continually improving our practices when it comes to sustainable waste management. We also want to make sure our festivals don’t have a negative environmental impact on the beautiful locations we deliver them in.”

10 Things To Do While You’re On The Gold Coast.

Posted on by Major Events Gold Coast

From the beaches to the hinterland, Australia’s Gold Coast is jam-packed with entertainment and activities just waiting to be experienced. So, why not make the most of Australia’s playground while you’re here!

Here are our top 10 things to do while you’re on the Gold Coast.

 

1. Theme Parks

Get your adrenaline pumping and make life-long memories at the theme park capital of Australia. The Gold Coast is proud to boast the largest collection of thrill rides and slides in the Southern Hemisphere with Village Roadshow Theme Park’s Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Sea World, and Dreamworld and Whitewater World.

You can buy a day pass to any of the theme parks, or if you’re feeling adventurous grab a three-day pass to three of the theme-parks – the ball’s in your court.

Superman Escape, Movie World Australia
Superman Escape, Movie World Australia

2. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Get up close and personal with Australian native animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a photo with a koala, feed the kangaroos and watch the crocodiles as you wander through the 27 hectares of Currumbin rainforest.

Once you’ve finished cuddling the koala’s, challenge your mind, body and fears while jumping, climbing and pulling yourself through the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary TreeTop Challenge.

3. Tallebudgera Creek

Taking the crown for Australia’s best swimming spot in 2019, Tallebudgera Creek boasts sparkling calm waters, pristine white sand and a backdrop which is framed by the lush green rainforest of Burleigh National Park. It’s no wonder this protected haven is considered a favourite spot to soak up the sun by families, stand up paddleboarders and picnic lovers.

So, in true Gold Coast style, get out and enjoy the great outdoors with a day in the water at Tallebugera Creek. Just remember to bring a hat, sunnies and slip, slop, slap.

Tallebudgera Creek
Tallebudgera Creek

4. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

A visit to the Gold Coast is not complete without a visit to Pacific Fair! Conveniently located within the heart of Broadbeach, Pacific Fair is one of Australia’s most ‘instagrammable’ shopping precincts and dining destinations.

Shop over 400 stores including, global fashion labels, iconic lifestyle boutiques and Australia’s largest collection of luxury brands. And while you’re at it, pick up your very own Pacific Fair Passport with a free $10.00 gift card and Visitor Privellage Pass with over 90 exclusive offers at your favourite Pacific Fair Stores.

Then, take a selfie as you walk through The Boulevard and The Resort, the Centre’s very own tropical oasis surrounded by day lounges, gardens, waterways and the grand staircase – also a common destination for live music and celeb-meet-and-greets.

To finish off your day, treat yourself to a bite and a cocktail in The Patio before you kick back and relax while watching the latest movies at Event Cinemas, featuring Gold Class, VMAS and the Gold Coast’s only 4DX cinema experience.

5. Draculas Cabaret Dinner and Show

Get ready to be wined, dined and horrified at Dracula’s Cabaret Dinner and Show. Dracula’s is Australia’s longest-running and most popular cabaret restaurant, operating for over 30 years.

Explore the multilevel castle as you enjoy a drink from the Graveyard Cocktail Lounge, then take a ride on the famous ghost train where you will be transported into the underworld of the Vampyre. Prepared to be thrilled with excitement as you enjoy a night full of burlesque, music, and acrobatic dance whilst you indulge yourself over a delicious 3-course meal. Gather your friends for a night they won’t forget and save together with group discounts available.

6. IFLY Indoor Skydiving

Nothing says getting some air like iFLY Indoor Skydiving. If you and your mates are looking for a post-iso adrenaline-fuelled adventure then look no further. With the easing of restrictions, these guys are literally doing flips and tricks, and you could be too. PLUS we hear they have some crazy deals to make up for all the missed birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations.

7. Topgolf Gold Coast

Round up your mates and verse them in a game at Topgolf Gold Coast. Show off your swing by hitting the microchipped balls into giant targets, all whilst you kick back and relax in your very own bay with a chef-inspired menu. While you’re on it, enjoy a drink on the Rooftop Terrace whilst listening to live music.

 

Top Golf Gold Coast
Top Golf Gold Coast

8. Paradise Jetboating

Paradise Jetboating is an experience that is great fun and safe for the whole family! Feel the thrill of zipping through the Gold Coast’s scenic waters on a high-octane jet boat ride that will combine exhilarating tricks with stunning scenery and sightseeing. Hold onto the rails as your boat performs 360-degree spins, high speed turns and power slides. Then slow down and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other marine life as you explore the Gold Coast’s unique waterways.

To finish off the day, head to the newly renovated Cavill Hotel, located only a short 100-metre stroll from the Surfers Paradise Appel Park Warf.  Indulge yourself in a meal from their chef-inspired menu which combines your classic pub favourites with an innovative fusion of share plates and pizzas inspired by the beautiful Gold Coast. Don’t forget to call ahead to book a table so you don’t miss out!

9. Outback Spectacular

Bringing Country to the Coast, your night at Outback Spectacular begins the moment you step through the cattle station doors. Snap a shot with the authentic outback backdrop or get up close and personal with the superstar cattle dogs and horses. Then, grab an ice-cold brew before heading into the arena to experience live outback music before the show.

10. Springbrook National Park

Experience the natural beauty of Gold Coast hinterland. Springbrook National Park has an abundance of scenic trails, waterfalls and picture-perfect picnic spots for the ultimate escape. Be sure to check out the Natural Bridge and Twin Falls Circuit.
Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park
Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park

Cheers, Gold Coast. The Crafted Beer & Cider Festival is back!

Posted on by Major Events Gold Coast

Get ready to quench your long-waiting thirst for good music, good times and good vibes at the Crafted Beer & Cider Festival, Saturday November 28, 2020, 12:00 pm – 8:30 pm, in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.

The 18+ festival will see over 200 individual brews roll in from over 40 of Australia’s best crafty beeristas, gourmet food trucks and live music for the one-day-event at Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach after previous restrictions led the event to shift its dates.

And this isn’t even the best news! With capacity restrictions for outdoor events easing in Queensland, the sold-out festival has increased their capacity with a final release of new tickets.

Running for 3 successful years, Crafted Beer & Cider Festival is a beach-side event showcasing handcrafted beer, cider and selected beverages from South-East Queensland, interstate and international brewers, complete with an extensive range of local and national live entertainment.

Major Events Gold Coast CEO, Jan McCormick said:

This Festival is quickly becoming one of the must-attend events on the Gold Coast events calendar. I therefore commend the organisers’ resilience in managing to regroup and postpone the event to November 2020, so the country’s best craft brewers can still bring their brews to the ‘Coast.  It’s a win-win for beer lovers and the Gold Coast!

Filled to the brim with local talent, the festival has unveiled its new addition ‘Local’s Lane’, a dedicated area to shine a spotlight on the Gold Coast brewing industry.

The festival has also teamed up with Gold Coast Music to produce a stellar line-up that’s overflowing with local artists + entertainment and activities, including live music, beer yoga, food eating competitions and the all-new Jimmy Brings Games Arena with ping pong tables, basketball hoops and more.

Tickets are available now via the Crafted website and Oztix.

Crafted Beer & Cider Festival is proudly supported by Major Events Gold Coast.

Gymnastics Australia set to call the Gold Coast home for the next four years.

Posted on by Major Events Gold Coast

Major Events Gold Coast is excited to announce that Gymnastics Australia is calling the Gold Coast home for the next four years.

The partnership will see the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, home to the Commonwealth Games and other major events, host six premier gymnastics events over the next four years, including for the first time, the Australian Championships.

Gymnastics Australia (GA) is the national governing body of gymnastics and oversees Australia’s competitive representation at elite sporting events such as the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, as well as promoting fundamental movement and physical literacy philosophies through community and school participation-based programs.

Gymnastics Australia set to call the Gold Coast home for the next four years.

Gymnastics Australia CEO, Kitty Chiller AM, says she is thrilled to be extending the already strong partnership with Tourism Events Queensland and Major Events Gold Coast for another four years and with the addition of the sport’s main elite competition event.

We are excited to be extending our partnership with the City of Gold Coast to now also host the Australian Gymnastics Championships, where the top gymnasts from each state and territory compete for the title of Australian Champion in all GymSports for the next two years.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said events like Gymnastics Australia’s National Clubs Carnival and Australian Championships would play an important role in the state’s economic recovery.

Major events like this pump thousands of dollars back into the local businesses, support local jobs and help to rebuild our economy.  These events will deliver a great boost for local businesses at a time when everyone is doing it tough.

Jan McCormick, CEO Major Events Gold Coast added:

We are delighted that the Gold Coast will continue to be the home of Gymnastics, showcasing the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, as well being able to offer participants many of the wonderful attractions here on the Coast. We look forward to the competition returning in 2021 and invite Gold Coasters to come out and support the events

The 2021 dates for Australian Gymnastics

Australian Gymnastics Championships
12 – 26 May, 2021

National Clubs Carnival
6 – 11 July, 2021
WAG Levels 5 – 7
RG & MAG

National Clubs Carnival
8 – 19 September, 2021
WAG Levels 8 – Senior International
TRP, GfA, AER & ACR

Australia’s biggest obstacle course is coming to the Gold Coast in 2020

Posted on by Major Events Gold Coast

Australia’s biggest obstacle course is coming to the Gold Coast in 2020. Yes, for the first time in Spartan AU & NZ history, the signature three day Trifecta weekend will be held outside of Victoria, in the picturesque Numinbah Valley, bringing thousands of obstacle course racers, and their family and friends, to the Gold Coast.

Held in partnership with Major Events Gold Coast, the hinterland venue will be transformed into multiple obstacle courses, that gives participants the chance to climb, crawl, jump, and swing over, under, and through some of the best obstacles in the world, solo or in a team.

Australia’s biggest obstacle course is coming to the Gold Coast in 2020

The Spartan Gold Coast Trifecta Weekend, held from the 27-29th November 2020 will host ten race types ranging from 5KM with 20 obstacles to 50km with 60 obstacles, offering something for everyone from fitness fanatics to people looking to get out and have some fun. Kids aren’t forgotten with two courses designed for big and little kids.

For those looking for a team-building exercise with a difference, the Gold Coast event will also include two Spartan Hurricane Heat events. The Hurricane Heat is a team-building event that teaches strength, endurance, communication skills, and resilience, where getting to the finish line as a team is the only goal. The Gold Coast event will run for 4 hours and 12 hours with no set course.

Mayor Tom Tate, City of Gold Coast said:

The Spartan obstacle races are known worldwide for their toughness which is why Gold Coasters will embrace the three-day event with our have a go spirit and love of the great outdoors.  It’s great to see another event choosing the Gold Coast during these tough times, testament to the fact we are a safe destination that also ticks all the boxes needed to host major events.

Registration for all events is now open, and tickets are strictly limited, so the public is encouraged to enter early to secure their spot. To learn more, and to claim early-bird tickets before the next price rise head to the Spartan website

About Spartan

With more than 250 events across more than 40 countries on six continents, Spartan is the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand.  The Spartan Sprint is an entry into the world of Spartan, with the course designed so that anyone can run it. With a host of Spartan signature obstacles including; Spartan Spear Throw, Hercules Hoist, Cargo Net Container Complex and The Multi-Rig, this is 5K and 20 obstacles like it’s never been seen before. The Spartan Super is a 10km, 25 obstacle race that blends speed, endurance and technical skill. Supers are built to always keep you guessing, testing your athleticism and mental fortitude over rugged terrain.

While, the 21 km Spartan Beast is a course designed to test not only endurance, perseverance and grit, but also your mind. With more than 30 signature Spartan Obstacles, it won’t be easy, but you guarantee participants will feel like a Spartan at the finish line.

The Spartan Ultra is a 50km, 60 obstacle race built to break your limits over the world’s most difficult terrain. It’s our most intense obstacle course race, but reaching the finish line will leave you with a euphoria that will transform your life.

Chris Heverin – Managing Director of Spartan Australia & New Zealand said:

I’m thrilled to announce we’re coming to the Gold Coast for our first 2020 event back and we are bringing the 10 race Trifecta with us. Spartan has a range of options for people of all fitness levels, so anyone can have a crack at the 5K or step it up and take on the Super, Beast or Ultra! Whether you’re looking for something fun to try with your mates, are using Spartan as a training goal, I encourage all newbies and tried and true Spartan to come and join us on the Gold Coast to have a go at Spartan in 2020!

Major Events Gold Coast has eyes firmly set on 2021 and beyond.

Posted on by Major Events Gold Coast

Launching a Major Events organisation in the midst of a global pandemic may seem like an odd decision, but the organisation that officially opened its doors today has its eyes firmly set on producing and attracting events to the Gold Coast from 2021 and beyond.

Major Events Gold Coast (MEGC) is a result of the amalgamation of three City of Gold Coast entities, Surfers Paradise Alliance (SPA) est. 2000, Connecting Southern Gold Coast (CSGC) est. 2010 and Broadbeach Alliance (BA) est. 2002.   Three entities with a long, long history of producing events for our city.

The MEGC team is now a force of innovative event specialists, determined to ignite the city with a vibrant array of festivals, sporting and cultural events that embrace diversity and showcase the Gold Coast as a world-class, global events destination.

Chief executive Jan McCormick said her organisation would work to ensure all tourism areas of the Gold Coast benefited.

We’re doing this to ultimately drive great visitation back into our city and we will try as much as possible to attract events across the city.

Mayor Tom Tate praised the function of MEGC.

This is the best of the best that’s going to be formulating events on the Gold Coast.  You look at the quality of the board, the people who are going to be running it, the CEO….. The days of having our events calendar not coordinated is gone because it’s going to be run by one organisation

He added:

Bringing three separate organisations into one would be a more efficient use of ratepayer funds. It’s better value for ratepayers because you only need one overhead instead of having three.

Major Events Gold Coast is looking forward to sharing exciting news about its events and festivals for 2021 and beyond.  Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and Twitter and sign up for the MEGC newsletter via the website

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