ABC Gold Coast

Latest

Showers bring 'awkward' end to long weekend across south-east Queensland

Rain and possible isolated severe storms are forecast for south-east Queensland as school resumes on Tuesday, while the northern coast stays mostly fine and the west remains hot.

Storm clouds coming in over a beach while two men in tradie uniform look at the landscape

Published: Mon 5 Oct 2026 at 6:59amMon 5 Oct 2026 at 6:59amSource: ABC Gold CoastTopic: Weather

Quick hits: Ponga lights up the grand final as DCE seals the premiership

In a match where the Roosters statistically dominated but the Knights managed to lead in the second half, these were the key moments from the 2026 NRL grand final.

Kalyn Ponga runs towards Newcastle Knights fans as he scores a try in the NRL grand final.

Published: Sun 4 Oct 2026 at 10:13pmSun 4 Oct 2026 at 10:13pmSource: ABC NewsTopic: NRLby Michael Doyle and Henry Hanson

NRLW quick hits: Roosters complete 101-year first as Aiken stars

The 2026 Sydney Roosters NRLW side has cemented its legacy with a crushing grand final win over the Brisbane Broncos. Here are the quick hits from the NRLW grand final.

Jessica Sergis of the Roosters is tackled by Tamika Upton of the Broncos

Published: Sun 4 Oct 2026 at 6:38pmSun 4 Oct 2026 at 6:38pmSource: ABC NewsTopic: NRLby Michael Doyle

Shock wake-up for residents as WWII shell detonated on beach

A dog walker and his friend chanced across the ordnance while going for a midnight stroll on Wurtulla Beach.

A rusty artillery shell lying on a beach.

Published: Sun 4 Oct 2026 at 5:24pmSun 4 Oct 2026 at 5:24pmSource: ABC Sunshine CoastTopic: Disasters and Hazardsby Josh Dye

Qld's mostly sunny long weekend could descend into severe storms

Storms are expected across southern parts of Queensland during the long weekend, but conditions up north should ease for the public holiday.

A bright blue creek among tropical trees under blue skies.

Published: Sat 3 Oct 2026 at 6:20amSat 3 Oct 2026 at 6:20amSource: ABC North QldTopic: Weatherby Chloe Chomicki

Bluebottles the size of a fist wash up on Gold Coast beaches

Unusually large bluebottles are washing ashore on the Gold Coast ahead of summer, with scientists unsure how their venom compares with that of smaller species.

A large bluebottle on the sand near the water's edge.

Duration: 20 seconds

Published: Fri 2 Oct 2026 at 4:55pmFri 2 Oct 2026 at 4:55pmSource: ABC Gold CoastTopic: Marine Biologyby Gemma Sapwell

Greenhouses growing both food and student engagement

A Gold Coast school is using its greenhouse to grow food and teach maths and science, with research suggesting the hands-on approach can improve attendance and engagement.

Three children in school shirts hold plants trailing their roots in the air.

Published: Fri 2 Oct 2026 at 10:53amFri 2 Oct 2026 at 10:53amSource: ABC Gold CoastTopic: Environment Educationby Emma Hannigan

Listen back

ABC Gold Coast Local News

Local news, updated weekdays at 6:30am.

Duration: 4 minutes 57 seconds

Source: Listen

Big blow to growers in the home of the Big Banana.

Coles have decided to get all their bananas from north Queensland, even in stores in the banana growing capital of NSW - Coffs Harbour.

The Big Banana tourist attraction in Coffs Harbour.

Duration: 9 minutes 48 seconds

Source: ABC RuralTopic: Banana Growing

Dementia-friendly choir boosts wellbeing

Bill and Edith Barker have been married for almost 70 years - and they've had their fair share of ups and downs. When Edith was diagnosed with dementia it led to some very big changes - and new challenges. But a special choir is helping.

A smiling elderly couple sit in chairs in a group of people.

Duration: 3 minutes 58 seconds

Source: ABC Gold CoastTopic: Alzheimer's and Dementiaby Nicole Dyer

From flamenco to doing the make up for the world's most famous people

At 10, Zenga Butler started flamenco dancing in his hometown of Durban, South Africa. He would have no idea it was the beginning of a creative career that would take him around the world, rubbing shoulders with celebrities along the way.

A man and a woman stand arm in arm holding photographs of a model.

Duration: 3 minutes 36 seconds

Source: ABC Gold CoastTopic: Visual Artby Chloe Maxwell

ABC Radio Gold Coast

Live. Overnights

with Francis Leach

Tue 6 Oct 2026 at 1:00pm toTue 6 Oct 2026 at 5:00pm

Play Live Radio Schedule

Listen on the go on ABC listen app

Connect with ABC Gold Coast

Discover more on Facebook. Text us on 0487 993 222 (rates apply) or call us on 1300 903 917.

Watch

Ant Suppression: Breakthrough in the battle against fire ants

The Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce are on the front line of South-East Queensland's fire ants suppression effort.

Duration: 14 minutes 40 seconds

Source: ABC News

Bluebottles the size of 'a fist' wash up on Gold Coast beaches

Unusually large bluebottles are washing ashore on the Gold Coast ahead of summer, with scientists unsure how their venom compares with that of smaller species.

A large bluebottle stinger next to a human foot for scale

Duration: 20 seconds

Source: ABC Gold Coast

Mini Media Moguls: The women behind a country newspaper business

Hundreds of country newspapers around Australia have folded over recent decades. Bucking the trend, three women who have joined forces to produce newspapers for their small towns are proving print is not dead.

Duration: 11 minutes 32 seconds

Source: ABC News

Driver caught making alleged racist gesture in road rage incident

A driver in a Provac Australia vehicle was filmed pulling his eyes back in an alleged racist gesture in an apparent road rage incident.

A man pulls his eyes back in an alleged racist gesture during an apparent road age incident

Duration: 23 seconds

Source: ABC News

Features

Strokes are increasingly impacting young people and experts say the factors are complex

The Stroke Foundation says one in four strokes in Australia now occur in those aged under 65, despite the overall incidence going down.

A caucasian man wearing a dark blue puffer jacket, jeans and a brown cap stands in front of a grassy area on a verandah

Source: ABC Gold CoastTopic: Strokeby Heloise Vyas

Octogenarian scuba diver not ready to hang up fins yet

Jenny Dachroeden started scuba diving later in life. More than three decades, two hip replacements and thousands of dives later, the 83-year-old is still enjoying her hobby.

Woman with bright pink mask scuba diving

Source: ABC Far NorthTopic: Hobbiesby Sharnie Kim and Holly Richardson

Why Australian tea tree oil could be banned in Europe

The EU is considering banning Australian tea tree oil after a study raised concerns about potential reproductive risks, a move industry leaders warn could devastate exports and trigger global impacts.

Source: LandlineTopic: Agricultural Policyby Halina Baczkowski

From 'anger and hate' to feeling 'lighter', Jack is back to being herself

Shayna Jack says her Paris Olympics campaign was fuelled by "anger and hate", but she is back to being herself — "lighter" and with more personal belief than ever.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Swimmingby Simon Smale

What's happening

Nepal Flood Disaster Appeal

There is widespread devastation on the Nepal and Tibet border following catastrophic flash flooding. ABC is supporting the Emergency Action Alliance member charities and their local partners based in Nepal. Click here to see how you can help.

A bridge being swept away by brown flood waters

Published: Fri 28 Aug 2026 at 9:54amFri 28 Aug 2026 at 9:54amSource: ABC Gives

Know your ABCs in an emergency

Know your ABCs — action plan, be safe, connect with us. The ABC has a host of useful resources and tips on how to best prepare yourself for emergency weather so you can keep you and your household safe.

Letters A, B and C in pink, yellow and blue with small infographics of people completing emergency safety tasks

Published: Tue 28 Jul 2026 at 7:09pmTue 28 Jul 2026 at 7:09pmSource: ABC EmergencyTopic: Bushfires

Download our free ABC listen app

The ABC listen app connects you to the best podcasts and live radio from the presenters you know and love. Download it today and hear the world differently.

Published: Tue 27 Aug 2024 at 2:23pmTue 27 Aug 2024 at 2:23pmSource: 612 ABC Brisbane

Qld Sport

Opal miners, whip crackers and teddy makers eye Olympic stage

In the most remote parts of the state, communities are hoping they too can have a crack at a piece of Queensland's Olympic pie.

Source: ABC Western QldTopic: Olympic Games

Quick hits: Ponga lights up the grand final as DCE seals the premiership

In a match where the Roosters statistically dominated but the Knights managed to lead in the second half, these were the key moments from the 2026 NRL grand final.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: NRL

NRLW quick hits: Roosters complete 101-year first as Aiken stars

The 2026 Sydney Roosters NRLW side has cemented its legacy with a crushing grand final win over the Brisbane Broncos. Here are the quick hits from the NRLW grand final.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: NRL

Tragedy will drive Knights to bring home NRL trophy, fans say

Thousands of Knights supporters descend on Stadium Australia as they eagerly await their team's battle against the Sydney Roosters for NRL grand final glory.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: NRL

Qld News

Illegal tobacco crackdown in Victoria has come too late, says ex-policeman

Premier Ben Carroll has conceded the Victorian government should have acted sooner on illegal tobacco but insisted progress had been made since the new enforcement powers came into effect.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Illicit Goodsby Mikaela Ortolan

Opal miners, whip crackers and teddy makers eye Olympic stage

In the most remote parts of the state, communities are hoping they too can have a crack at a piece of Queensland's Olympic pie.

Source: ABC Western QldTopic: Olympic Gamesby Lachlan Ford

Mother of woman who died in Kakadu takes NT coroner to Supreme Court

Jessica Stephens's mother Karon Evans has applied for court orders that would force the Northern Territory coroner to hold an inquest into her death in Kakadu National Park after being discharged from Royal Darwin Hospital in 2023.

Woman with hazel eye and dark hair with sungalsses on head smiles at camera

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Courtsby Jason Walls

Residents fear there is no stopping $32b hyperscale data centre

Anthropic has already signed a deal to use a portion of the facility earmarked for the Western Downs, but it has not actually been approved yet

ross thornton, old man in blue work shirt, looking at camera

Source: ABC Southern QldTopic: Data Centresby Grace Nakamura

National News

'Concerning' death of Russian 'plague' laboratory employee being monitored

The US says it is closely monitoring the death of an employee at a Siberian "anti-plague" laboratory from what Russian officials are calling pneumonia of an unknown origin.

Two people in protective clothing working in a laboratory.

Published: Tue 6 Oct 2026 at 4:40amTue 6 Oct 2026 at 4:40amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Infectious Diseasesby Riley Stuart

Saudi-backed Yemeni forces claim control of Bab el-Mandeb Strait

The waterway in the Red Sea, which facilitates about 12 per cent of global trade, was seized by the Houthis last month.

Three soldiers sit in the back of a ute as it drives along

Published: Tue 6 Oct 2026 at 2:49amTue 6 Oct 2026 at 2:49amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Unrest, Conflict and War

Germany at risk of 'violent conflict' with Russia, intelligence chief warns

The warning from a German intelligence chief comes as Russia carries out strikes across Ukraine and on a Turkish civilian boat in the Black Sea.

Published: Tue 6 Oct 2026 at 2:12amTue 6 Oct 2026 at 2:12amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Unrest, Conflict and War

US moves bombers from UK airbase after suspected Iranian plot

The incident prompted a counter-terrorism probe and forced evacuations at dozens of homes near the air base, where US planes had been stationed to carry out strikes on Iran.

Published: Tue 6 Oct 2026 at 4:03amTue 6 Oct 2026 at 4:03amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Military Equipment

Other ways to listen

Listen online, on the ABC listen app, via DAB+ Digital Radio or On Air on:

91.7FM.

Or ask your smart speaker to "play ABC Gold Coast"

Explore the ABC

ABC Gold Coast

Showers bring 'awkward' end to long weekend across south-east Queensland

Quick hits: Ponga lights up the grand final as DCE seals the premiership

NRLW quick hits: Roosters complete 101-year first as Aiken stars

Shock wake-up for residents as WWII shell detonated on beach

Qld's mostly sunny long weekend could descend into severe storms

Bluebottles the size of a fist wash up on Gold Coast beaches

Greenhouses growing both food and student engagement

ABC Gold Coast Local News

Big blow to growers in the home of the Big Banana.

Dementia-friendly choir boosts wellbeing

From flamenco to doing the make up for the world's most famous people

ABC Radio Gold Coast

Live. Overnights

Connect with ABC Gold Coast

Ant Suppression: Breakthrough in the battle against fire ants

Bluebottles the size of 'a fist' wash up on Gold Coast beaches

Mini Media Moguls: The women behind a country newspaper business

Driver caught making alleged racist gesture in road rage incident

Strokes are increasingly impacting young people and experts say the factors are complex

Octogenarian scuba diver not ready to hang up fins yet

Why Australian tea tree oil could be banned in Europe

From 'anger and hate' to feeling 'lighter', Jack is back to being herself

Nepal Flood Disaster Appeal

Know your ABCs in an emergency

Download our free ABC listen app

Opal miners, whip crackers and teddy makers eye Olympic stage

Quick hits: Ponga lights up the grand final as DCE seals the premiership

NRLW quick hits: Roosters complete 101-year first as Aiken stars

Tragedy will drive Knights to bring home NRL trophy, fans say

Illegal tobacco crackdown in Victoria has come too late, says ex-policeman

Opal miners, whip crackers and teddy makers eye Olympic stage

Mother of woman who died in Kakadu takes NT coroner to Supreme Court

Residents fear there is no stopping $32b hyperscale data centre

'Concerning' death of Russian 'plague' laboratory employee being monitored

Saudi-backed Yemeni forces claim control of Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Germany at risk of 'violent conflict' with Russia, intelligence chief warns

US moves bombers from UK airbase after suspected Iranian plot

Other ways to listen