What's new on the Gold Coast
Member for Currumbin, Jann Stuckey MP has continued her unwavering support of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary by facilitating a $70,000 donation for the Wildlife Hospital from Gold Coast-based business Worldtourism.
“I am thrilled to announce another substantial generous donation has been gifted to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital by Worldtourism CEO Paul Whitehead,” Ms Stuckey said.
“Worldtourism will be contributing $60,000 towards building a new hospital enclosure to house recovering animals, as well as an additional $10,000 for medical equipment and hospital supplies.
Sanctuary CEO Jonathan Fisher said the enclosure would help the hospital expand on its stellar ability to care for injured animals immediately and limited capacity for their long-term rehabilitation.
"This spring has been one of the worst on record, with 70 koalas rescued in as many days," Mr Fisher said.
"Some days we'll get four or five a day and, with only five holding cages, it's causing issues.
"The fact Worldtourism will fund another facility - it's gold."
Worldtourism CEO Paul Whitehead said he supports the Sanctuary's new campaign Be Part of Something Big by Doing Something Small and hopes his contribution will have a ripple effect on the Gold Coast business community.
'It would be great to see other local businesses also show their support for the Sanctuary and its vital work.
“The Sanctuary is an important icon for Gold Coast tourism and has grown to be one of the largest wildlife hospitals in Australia.” Mr Whitehead said.
As Shadow Minister for Tourism, Ms Stuckey said she agreed the Currumbin Sanctuary is important to the area as an international tourist attraction, while also sharing a special place in the hearts of locals and Gold Coast families.
Singapore Airlines new low-cost offshoot airline Scoot will begin flights from the Gold Coast to Singapore from June 2012.
This new service will commence shortly after the airline's debut that same month with flights between Sydney and Singapore.
Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson has said that Scoot will fly to at least five cities by the end of the year, including China, Japan and India on the shortlist.
Scoot have not yet revealed which cities it will use or how soon these will follow the June debut of Sydney and Gold Coast services.
As the fleet expands, plans for flights to Melbourne, New Zealand, Europe, North Asia and even the Gulf will be in place.
Scoot will run five direct flights per week out of the Gold Coast on Boeing 777-200 aircraft which will be fitted with 'premium' and economy cabins.
Scoot have launched a massive social media campaign to create awareness and to give-away tickets to the first flights from each destination.
Stay tuned for more information regarding the airline and for the official launch dates.
Chart-topper and Grammy-award winner Kelly Rowland will make her mark on the Gold Coast as part of a two week long celebration for the $20 million refurbishment of Jupiters Theatre, at Jupiters Casino in Broadbeach.
The former Destiny's Child member has enjoyed a string of solo hits since the vocal group called it a day back in 2005. The singer, songwriter, actress and TV presenter launched her solo career that has included hits such as Dilemma, Stole, Can't Nobody. The US born performer has also collaborated with other artists such as David Guetta, Nelly, Ne-Yo and more. More recently, Kelly topped the charts with her single Motivation, featuring Lil Wayne.
Rowland will fly into the Gold Coast for an exclusive show in Jupiters Theatre on April 20, 2012. She will be joined by Michael Bolton, Tony Bennett, Burt Bacharach and Seal as the range of high-profile entertainers to play in the new venue this year. Tickets for the event go on sale 9am Monday 5th March 2012 via Ticketmaster.
