In a live Q&A streamed over Facebook last night, Queensland's state treasurer Jackie Trad announced that the state government has established a grant program that offers emergency rental-assistance payments to those who cannot make rent due to the coronavirus. Here's what we know ... more
While we're long-time fans of enjoying downtime at home on the couch, this self-isolation business takes things to a whole new level. As an anonymous meme maker penned the other day, 'you're not stuck at home – you're safe at home', so let's change our tunes about being bound to our abodes and aim to look and feel our best! One way to help boost your mood (especially while working from home) is to not kick around in your pyjamas all day – trust us, that novelty will quickly wear off. That's what loungewear is for, friends. To help, we've put together a handy list of five of our favourite Australian brands so you can nail the loungewear look (from head-to-toe) during self-isolation. more
A month ago the thought of binge-watching Netflix, not having to wear pants and round-the-clock food deliveries would have sounded pretty great but now that it's our reality for the foreseeable future at least, it feels somewhat different. Life as we know it has changed and while there is a lot of emphasis on taking care of your physical health, what of your mental health? During times of increased stress it's more important than ever to look after your overall wellbeing, so we've compiled a list of little things that can have a big impact on your outlook to keep your mind game strong. more
As with a lot of professions, the arts industry and local artists in particular have have been financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a lot of individuals completely losing their income. To help ease the financial strain, newly launched online art collective Cream Town is helping to support these artists by selling their works as prints. If you're currently working from home and have a little bit of spare cash, now is the time to shop local and purchase an eye-catching piece for a good cause. more
We’re going through a pretty crazy time together, friends. We’ve all had to adapt and make some serious changes to navigate this new world, The Weekend Edition included. You will have noticed that our usual content has shifted, but our commitment to keeping you informed with our mantra of positive media remains. The Weekend Edition is providing you with up-to-date information relating to the coronavirus crisis, breaking down news and announcements in a digestible format to help ease the stress and confusion for our community. What we’re also here to do is provide you with some positive relief, some hope and some kindness in the time of coronavirus. Introducing Good Vibes Guaranteed – your weekly dose of feel-good stories and positivity, every Tuesday morning. more
Gold Coast, right now our beloved music and arts industry (among others) is in crisis. All over the world, musicians are being forced to cancel concerts and tours left and right to try to curb the spread of coronavirus. Industry bodies are tallying losses over $200 million in Australia's music scene alone, and there will be more to come. While public health is paramount, the cancellations have affected everyone from artists to crew, management, promoters, agents, vendors, publicists, merchandisers, drivers, loaders, riggers and everyone else who relied on live events for their income. Visual artists have also taken a heavy hit to their ability to generate a living with city-wide gallery closures forcing the cancellation of upcoming exhibitions. We're all facing a tough road ahead but if you are in a position to help, here are a few ways you can show your support to the coast's… more
With the majority of society now self-isolating, missing the social interaction component of our usual communal activities like brunch catch-ups, after-work drinks and game night shenanigans is more than understandable. Enter Houseparty, the self-distancing approved video-chat app that lets you have a virtual party with up to eight of your mates. more
With many schools shut down across the globe due to the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping young minds both entertained and active whilst they are stuck twiddling their thumbs at home is a monumental challenge. Doing its part to help the homebound community, audio entertainment retailer Audible has released more than 100 kid-friendly audiobooks to stream – for free! more
As he paddled off into the line-up, I stood up – and surfing changed my life ...~ James McMillan more
For the past 12 years, The Village Markets has been an integral platform for makers and creators across the Gold Coast and Brisbane. It's so much more than just a successful market – it's a creative community for small businesses, as well as a stepping stone that has turned countless local designers (like Peony and Zulu & Zephyr) into international brands. It's a facilitator of entrepreneurship. A mentoring hub for people with a dream. Even now, amid these insanely unsettling times, TVM's support for the creative community remains unhindered. Instead of a physical market, TVM is going digital – and its first-ever Insta Market is happening this weekend. more
With so much uncertainty swirling around right now, it's wise to seek out things that make you smile. So, here's something that will surely make you beam from ear to ear – Zoos Victoria is currently live streaming its animals for your viewing pleasure. So, it's goodbye productivity – hello baby snow leopards. more
One of the world's biggest repositories of independent music is doing its part to help support artists affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. For Friday March 20 only, Bandcamp will be donating its share of revenue from all sales to the artists. If you've been eyeing off a record or eye-catching band tee, now's the best time to snag it! more
Theoretically working from home is a dream – no morning traffic, no annoying impromptu meetings in the tea room and you can finally be in control of the music playlist. It's great, in theory, but sometimes the reality is very different indeed. All of a sudden you start noticing all of the little things that need doing around the house (looking at you, Mount Washmore), the noisy neighbours and the constant distractions that beg for your attention and before you know it you've wasted an hour searching the cupboard for snacks. To help keep you on-track and on-task, we've compiled a handy list so you can make the most of your stint working from home. more
The current COVID-19 pandemic is no joke and should be taken seriously. That being said, there are a lot of unreliable information sources that can muddy the waters around what is and isn't true in regards to current coronavirus statistics and self-care practices. Amid all of the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, it's important to equip yourself with information from only reliable sources. Here is a list of essential links to keep handy that will help inform and prepare you for the duration of the outbreak. more
Whether you have the kind of job that requires hardy workwear or you generally prioritise comfort and wearability when it comes to your apparel choices, allow us to introduce you to your new favourite wardrobe staple – the pinstriped coverall from Worktones and Business & Pleasure Co. It's everything you need and want all in one handy jumpsuit. more
We’ll come right out and say it, we love the Gold Coast. We do, it’s true! We love it so much that we struggle to go away on holidays because we have everything we need right here – beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants and cafes and plenty to see and do, but sometimes life gets in the way and you spend your weekends doing mundane stuff at home instead of getting out eating, drinking and exploring. If you can't remember the last time you enjoyed a little holiday at home or are in need of a little R&R, QT Gold Coast is giving our readers the chance to enjoy a staycay with a special readers-only discount and free drinks! more
Activewear – it's probably one of fashion's most divisive categories that has emerged over the last decade, with people either firmly for or against the form-fitting attire. Regardless of which camp you're in, there's a new collaboration on the horizon that's set to blur the lines between fashion and fitness even further. Lycra-loving ladies, H&M is gearing up to release a limited-edition collection with P.E Nation and let's just hope your Afterpay account can handle the upcoming assault because it's going to be big. more
When it comes to sneakers, not all are created equal. Some (read: most) are made from various types of plastic and unsustainable rubber, which doesn’t bode well for you in terms of comfort but it’s also not great news for Mother Earth. Thankfully there’s a fashion-led alternative from French footwear company Veja and lauded fashion designer Rick Owens, who have come together for a second time to set a new standard for kicks with conscience. more
When it comes to sleeping attire, comfort is king. Sure, pretty has its place but generally, if there’s a choice – it’s the old faithful band tee you inherited from an ex with holes under the arms that trumps pretty every time. What if we told you there was a way you could have both? Maison Essentiele has created a collection of luxurious sustainable sleepwear that will have you looking but more importantly feeling fabulous while you snooze. more
If your big day is on the horizon but you just can't fathom not having your best mate and pupper pal by your side when you say "I do", we have some paw-some news – Melbourne-based dog outfitters Sebastian Says has dropped a ridiculously cute collection of custom bridal threads for your four-legged friend. Yes, really. more
The fires that raged throughout much of December and January were beyond devastating but even now as the embers begin to die down, the true impact on the land, animals and people is just beginning to be felt. The James Street Initiative is joining forces with Brisbane artisans Blue & Grae to release a limited-edition run of unisex leather bracelets to provide a little helping hand to those people and animals impacted by the Australian bushfire crisis. 100-percent of the proceeds will be donated to charities assisting communities and wildlife in recovery efforts. more
