YP has been the leading advocacy and networking group on the coast since 2010! YP Gold Coast aims to motivate, inspire and connect future city leaders.
Introducing our third and final speaker…Luke Altschwager, Founder & Managing Director of Palm Valley Gold Coast & Parkwood International! Luke is a powerhouse in hospitality and sport, and a visionary redefining what it means to build a community-first business.
Starting his career as a PGA Golf Professional, Luke spent nearly two decades competing across Australia and internationally. But it’s what he built off the course that really sets him apart. Over the past 14 years, Luke has transformed Parkwood International into one of the Gold Coast’s most dynamic lifestyle destinations. Think golf, surf, sports medicine, retirement living, entertainment, hospitality and more, all thoughtfully brought together under one master plan.
As Founder and Managing Director of Palm Valley Gold Coast and Parkwood International, Luke is known for his ability to think big and bring ambitious ideas to life. His projects integrate sport, lifestyle and innovation in ways that elevate both experience and community.
He’ll be joining Jane Lu (CEO of Showpo & Judge on Shark Tank AU) and Ian Cragg (Co-Founder of Send Payments) for an afternoon of sharp insights, bold thinking and real talk from some of the country’s brightest business minds.
Join us Friday, 30 May 2025, 12:00 pm at The Island Glasshouse, for an afternoon of game-changing conversations, brilliant networking, and a deep dive into what it takes to grow something great on the Gold Coast (and beyond).
General admission tickets are on sale now from $175pp. Your ticket includes a two-course lunch, a three-hour beverage package, post-event networking drinks and an afternoon of insight, inspiration and real connection.
Ready to be in the room where the big ideas happen? Get your tickets now and keep your eyes peeled for our third speaker announcement!
The countdown to YP Gold Coast’s 9th Annual Entrepreneurs Forum is officially on, and the speaker lineup just keeps getting better. We’re thrilled to reveal our next guest who brings fresh insights and a dynamic perspective to the stage.
Joining us on stage is Ian Cragg, a leader in the global payments industry and one of the sharpest minds in fintech today.
Ian is a Founder of Send Payments, a leading international payments specialist headquartered right here on the Gold Coast, with around 60 employees nationally. With over 15 years of experience across the UK and Australian markets, Ian saw an opportunity to shift the traditional approach to foreign exchange and co-founded Send in 2019.
The company has grown rapidly since then, helping move billions of dollars per year across more than 100 countries for enterprise clients, SMEs and (thanks to their integration with PEXA) more than 1,000 law firms nationally.
In 2024, Send Payments was recognised in the AFR Top 100 fastest growing companies and Deloitte’s Fast 50 technology companies, with a CAGR of 80%. They were also named one of AFR’s Best Places to Work, a testament to Ian’s advocacy for strong employee benefits, ESOP structures and his vocal support of the new non-compete legislation, where he was recently featured in the AFR.
Through Send, Ian also leads employee benefit offerings for major companies like Accenture, Qantas and Woolworths, bringing innovation, scale and heart to a traditionally rigid industry.
Join us Friday, 30 May 2025, 12:00 pm at The Island Glasshouse, for an afternoon of game-changing conversations, brilliant networking, and a deep dive into what it takes to grow something great on the Gold Coast (and beyond).
General admission tickets are on sale now from $175pp. Your ticket includes a two-course lunch, a three-hour beverage package, post-event networking drinks and an afternoon of insight, inspiration and real connection.
Ready to be in the room where the big ideas happen? Get your tickets now and keep your eyes peeled for our third speaker announcement!
It’s time to reveal our very first speaker…..
Introducing the one and only Jane Lu, CEO of global fashion brand Showpo, and one of the newest Sharks on Shark Tank Australia.
From quitting her corporate job in secret and pretending to her parents she was still an accountant, to building a $100 M+ fashion empire from her garage, Jane’s story is as bold, brilliant, and unapologetically honest as she is. She’s lived the lows: failed business, a mountain of debt, and unemployment and come out the other side as one of Australia’s most influential female entrepreneurs.
These days, she’s empowering women everywhere through Showpo’s cult-following fashion, backing startups on Shark Tank, and flying around the globe for speaking gigs that pack out rooms. And now, we’re flying her up from Sydney for one hell of a fireside chat you won’t forget.
She’ll be joining us live at The Island Glasshouse on Friday, 30 May 2025, for YP Gold Coast’s 9th Annual Entrepreneurs Forum, proudly presented by Community Bank Paradise Point, Bendigo Bank. Expect game-changing conversations, raw insights, and the kind of entrepreneurial energy that leaves you buzzing for weeks.
This is just the first of a huge speaker lineup we’ll be revealing in the lead-up to the event, and if this announcement is anything to go by, you already know you want in.
Early bird tickets are now officially sold out and standard tickets are being snapped up faster than a great white closing in on its prey! Standard tickets are $175 per person and includes a two-course lunch, three-hour beverage package to keep the good times flowing, post-event networking drinks, and serious value you won’t want to sleep on.
Ready to lock in your seat at the table? You bring the ambition. We’ll bring the inspo.
Hope to see you there!
At Young Professionals (YP) Gold Coast, we’re dedicated to empowering young professionals with the insights they need to navigate complex financial decisions, including those related to higher education. Recently, the YP Gold Coast Committee sat down with two of our Platinum Partners, Southern Cross University and Community Bank Paradise Point, Bendigo Bank to explore the realities of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt and its implications for young Australians in today’s economic landscape.
HELP, formerly known as HECS, has long been celebrated for democratising higher education in Australia, allowing students to pursue degrees without the immediate financial burden of upfront fees. Without HELP, there are many professionals in Australia that may never have had the opportunity to obtain a degree and excel in their career in their chosen profession.
Yet, with the average HELP debt reaching $26,494, it’s essential to consider how this debt impacts young Australians’ ability to achieve critical financial milestones, like buying a first home or investing in their future.
The Growing Debt Dilemma
Since 2006, the average HELP debt has climbed from $12,500 to around $31,000. For young professionals with aspirations of homeownership, this figure isn’t just a number—it represents a potential roadblock to financial stability. According to insights from Community Bank Paradise Point, Bendigo Bank, a HELP debt could reduce a person’s borrowing capacity by as much as $48,000 for a home loan, assuming an income of $90,000 and no other liabilities. This is further backed by data from Finspo, which states that a person with a HELP debt can expect their maximum borrowing power to be reduced by around 10x the value of their annual HELP repayments.
This reduced borrowing capacity underscores the importance of evaluating the long-term financial impact of HELP debt. Although degrees have traditionally been seen as investments that open doors to well-paying jobs, today’s job market presents a different reality. Banks consider HELP debt a part of an individual’s liabilities, which directly influences one’s ability to secure financing for a home—a fundamental step in building personal wealth and stability, particularly from a young age.
Inflation, Indexation, and HELP Debt
One critical factor influencing HELP debt is the process of indexation, which adjusts the balance annually based on inflation. Indexation ensures that the debt retains its real value over time, but during periods of high inflation, it can lead to significant increases in HELP debt. This is particularly relevant given Australia’s recent inflationary trends since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Below is a table illustrating the correlation between inflation rates, indexation rates, and the effect on HELP debt over recent years:
| Year | Inflation Rate (%) | HELP Indexation Rate (%) |
| 2018 | 1.9 | 1.8 |
| 2019 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| 2020 | 0.9 | 0.6 |
| 2021 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| 2022 | 6.1 | 3.9 |
| 2023 | 7.8 | 7.1 |
| 2024 (est.) | 5.5 | 5.2 |
As inflation increases, so too does the indexation rate applied to HELP debt, which can sometimes result in the total balance of the HELP debt increasing over time, despite repayments being made.
High inflation has a significant impact on the purchasing power of income earned through employment, meaning that young professionals are increasingly finding their earnings do not stretch as far. Despite this, the payment income thresholds for the 2022-23 income year were $48,361.00 and phased to a 10% repayment rate at $141,848 and increased for the 2023-24 income year to be $51,550 and phased to a 10% repayment rate at $151,201 (a 6.5% increase). Even if you work hard to earn more, you face having to repay more of your income towards your HELP Debt.
It is essential for young professionals to be aware of the larger financial picture and how it may impact their repayment journey.
A Welcome Relief: Government Freeze on HELP Indexation
In response to growing concerns around rising HELP debt, the Australian government recently introduced an initiative to freeze HELP indexation temporarily. This measure was backdated to 1 June 2023 to cover these high inflation years, providing much-needed relief to young Australians. For many, this means their HELP balances will be protected from further inflation-driven increases, helping them maintain a more manageable debt load and offering more financial predictability as they plan for the future. For a student with an average HELP debt of $26,000, this will reduce their student debt by approximately $1,200. To accurately estimate the credit that this indexation freeze will have on an individual’s HELP debt, use the federal government’s HELP Indexation Credit Estimator found here.
This decision represents a significant step forward in supporting young professionals and students, offering immediate relief and addressing some of the financial pressures associated with HELP debt. The freeze on indexation allows those with HELP loans to focus on other critical financial goals, like saving for a home deposit or pursuing further education, without the added concern of compounding debt due to inflation.
The Evolution of Education: From Traditional to Hybrid Models
With the shift toward online and hybrid learning, universities are responding to a changing world by creating new, flexible learning models. Southern Cross University has been a leader in this area, pioneering remote and online education well before the pandemic made it a necessity. The university’s forward-thinking approach has not only provided students with greater accessibility but has also set a benchmark for high-quality online education in Australia.
Student feedback from Southern Cross University highlights that hybrid learning models offer significant benefits, from flexibility to increased engagement. Today, universities are blending online and in-person elements to create a rich, adaptive educational experience that suits the evolving needs of students.
Degrees vs. Industry Certifications: What’s the Best Investment?
As the financial cost of a degree rises, many young professionals are questioning whether a traditional degree provides the best return on investment. In recent years, industry-specific certifications and shorter, targeted courses have gained traction, offering quicker, more affordable paths to career advancement.
Southern Cross University and other institutions have responded by incorporating industry-recognised certifications within degree programs. This approach bridges academic knowledge with practical, career-focused skills, helping students graduate with both a degree and a credential that is highly valued by employers. These evolving pathways demonstrate how universities are adapting to meet the demands of a rapidly changing job market while enhancing the value of a traditional degree.
Addressing the Cost Barrier
As the costs of education and HELP debt rise, ensuring equitable access to higher education becomes increasingly important. Initiatives such as targeted scholarships and government grants aim to ease this financial burden, especially for underrepresented groups.
Additionally, collaboration between TAFEs and universities is making higher education more flexible and affordable, creating pathways that enable students to pursue higher education without excessive financial strain.
The Australian Universities Accord also seeks to reform higher education by making it more accessible and equitable, reflecting the need for a balanced approach to education funding that benefits students and society as a whole.
Finding the Right Balance: Traditional Education and Practical Experience
In an era where industries are rapidly evolving and AI is reshaping the workforce, universities are challenged to balance traditional education with practical, industry-focused experiences. Many young professionals are opting for a blend of university education and certifications to maximise the value of their investment. For some, this combination provides the best of both worlds: the theoretical knowledge gained from a degree, paired with the hands-on skills offered by certifications and work-integrated learning.
Conclusion: HELP Debt and the Path Forward
While HELP has been instrumental in providing accessible education, rising debt levels and a competitive job market necessitate a thoughtful reassessment of its impact. The government’s recent freeze on HELP indexation is a welcome step in addressing the financial burden on young Australians, offering relief and greater financial stability in the face of rising inflation. A further initiative which may be viable could be increasing the minimum repayment income threshold significantly, to further ease the financial burden of a HELP debt.
As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, it’s crucial for young Australians to weigh the financial implications of HELP debt and explore diverse educational pathways.
With universities now embracing flexible learning models and integrating certifications into degree programs, students have more options than ever to pursue an education that aligns with their career goals and financial well-being. Local universities such as Southern Cross University are providing these flexible tertiary education models, ensuring a diverse range of career opportunities and making the investment in a university education worthwhile.
At YP Gold Coast, we advocate for young professionals to consider all aspects of their educational investments carefully and we strive to provide invaluable information, where possible. By staying informed and exploring innovative pathways, we believe young Australians can make empowered choices that open doors to a successful, financially stable future.
Sources:
Community Bank Paradise Point, Bendigo Bank
https://www.finspo.com.au/learn/how-hecs-affects-borrowing-power
https://www.pm.gov.au/media/why-3-billion-hecs-wipe-will-make-real-difference
https://www.education.gov.au/helpestimator
Notification of the repayment incomes and the repayment rates for the Higher Education Loan Program for the 2022-2023 income year
Notification of the repayment incomes and the repayment rates for the Higher Education Loan Program for the 2023-2024 income year
The wait is over!
After introducing our brilliant panellists—Jeff McAlister, John Warn, Lisa Burquest, and Bob East—we’re ready to reveal the icing on the cake for this year’s YP Gold Coast’s 2024 City Leaders Forum, presented by Morgans Gold Coast.
Introducing your keynote speaker: Kim Seeling Smith, Business Futurist and all-around thought leader on the Future of Work.
Kim is the mastermind helping businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and what she calls the Polycrisis—a complex web where multiple crises converge and impact one another. She’s literally sat at the table with Sir Richard Branson and has been named one of the Top 101 Global Influencers on Employee Engagement.
Not to mention, she’s authored books alongside business legends like Brian Tracy and frequently appears on The Today Show, in Forbes, CEO Magazine, and beyond.
Originally a CPA with KPMG, Kim now fuses her business expertise with cutting-edge insights into how organisations can future-proof themselves. Her thought-provoking perspectives will inspire you to reimagine the workplace and equip your organisation for tomorrow, with AI at the centre of the conversation.
In her keynote, Kim will dive deep into our theme: Future Proofing the Gold Coast: Talent, Technology & Transformation. She’ll take you through the tools you need to embrace innovation, nurture top-tier talent, and ride the wave of transformative technologies that are shaping the world right now.
Don’t miss out—tickets are still available for $190 per person, which includes a two-course lunch, a three-hour beverage package, live entertainment, and unbeatable networking opportunities.
Tickets are selling fast. Secure your spot now and get ready to be inspired by Kim and our stellar panel of speakers!
As we edge closer to YP Gold Coast’s 2024 City Leaders Forum, presented by Morgans Gold Coast, it’s time to introduce our fourth panellist for this year’s event—Bob East.
Bob is a dynamo in leadership and strategy, with an impressive resumé that includes his role as Chair of Experience Co (ASX: EXP), Australian Venue Co (ASX: AVC), Leisure Accommodation Collective (ASX: LAC), Cettire Limited (ASX: CTT), and the Gold Coast SUNS AFL team.
In case that wasn’t enough, he also has a background of top-tier executive experience across hospitality, tourism, and private equity as well as being the former Chair of Tourism Australia.
Bob’s most notable achievement? Transforming Mantra Group into Australia’s largest accommodation provider, before leading the company to a $1.3 billion sale to Accor. Talk about knowing how to scale and deliver results!
From the boardrooms of global private equity firms to steering national tourism and event organisations, Bob brings an extraordinary wealth of knowledge and insight into Future Proofing the Gold Coast—our theme for this year’s forum.
He’s seen it all and done it all, and now, he’s ready to share his experiences with us.
Get ready to hear Bob’s thoughts on leading through transformation, harnessing opportunity, and navigating change in some of the most competitive sectors out there.
And stay tuned—because up next, we’ll be revealing our final panellist and keynote speaker!
Lock in your spot now with tickets available for just $190 per person. That includes a two-course lunch, a three-hour beverage package, live entertainment, and the chance to network with forward-thinking professionals like yourself.
You won’t want to miss it. Secure your place today and join us as we shape the future of the Gold Coast!
It’s Friday! Time to kick back, relax, and—oh wait—there’s one more exciting thing to add to your end of week: the latest panellist reveal for YP Gold Coast’s 2024 City Leaders Forum, presented by Morgans Gold Coast!
Please welcome Lisa Burquest, Chief People Officer of Virgin Australia.
With over 27 years of senior experience in people and culture, Lisa is a heavy hitter when it comes to leading through transformation. From navigating global companies like BHP, Jetstar/Qantas, Origin Energy, and The a2 Milk Company, Lisa’s expertise spans a range of industries, making her the ultimate expert in shaping workplace culture, driving performance, and leading in times of rapid change.
At Virgin Australia, she’s helped navigate the airline’s 7,500-strong workforce through the turbulence of COVID-19 and the transformation under new ownership in 2020. Lisa knows what it takes to steer teams through change and set the stage for growth—expertise we can’t wait for her to share with you.
With her insights on people, culture, and organisational transformation, Lisa will bring fresh, forward-thinking ideas to the Future Proofing the Gold Coast discussion. If you’re eager to learn how to lead and thrive in fast-paced, evolving landscapes, you won’t want to miss Lisa’s insights.
General Admission tickets are still available for $190 per person. These tickets offer a delicious two-course lunch, a three-hour beverage package, live entertainment, and an unbeatable opportunity to connect with like-minded, forward-thinking professionals who share your passion for shaping the future of our city.
Secure your spot now! With Lisa and our incredible line-up of panellists, you can expect to walk away with actionable insights and fresh perspectives on the future of talent, technology, and transformation in our city.
2024 City Leaders Forum Speakers
Keynote: To be announced shortly
Panellists:
Jeff McAlister, Chief Investment Officer – Invest Gold Coast
John Warn, CEO – Experience Gold Coast
Lisa Burquest, Chief People Officer – Virgin Australia
Speaker 4 – To be announced shortly
P.S. Stay tuned as we’ll be announcing our final panellist and keynote speaker next week—trust us, it’s going to be the icing on the cake for this year’s event! Any guesses on who they may be?
With just under a month to go until this year’s YP Gold Coast City Leaders Forum, presented by Morgans Gold Coast, we’re back with another exciting reveal!
We’re thrilled to announce our second panellist—John Warn, the Chief Executive Officer of Experience Gold Coast.
John is a powerhouse of experience, driving tourism, events, arts, culture, and education outcomes for the Gold Coast—he’s all about making our city thrive. With an executive career spanning over 25 years, John’s worn a lot of impressive hats, from Chief Operating Officer at Accor Pacific to steering the ship at some of Australia’s most iconic brands like Westfield, David Jones, and even Westpac.
But that’s just scratching the surface. John’s deep expertise in hospitality, sports, and executive leadership means he’s been at the helm of major institutions—oh, and he’s also been Chair of both Destination NSW and Cricket NSW. This guy’s leadership track record is like a masterclass in steering industries towards success. Did we mention that he completed the Stanford Executive Program at the prestigious Stanford Graduate School of Business? Yep, he’s just that good.
With John’s vast experience in leading and shaping industries, he’s the perfect addition to our panel as we dive into our 2024 theme: Future Proofing the Gold Coast: Talent, Technology & Transformation. From tourism strategies to large-scale venue management (Olympic venues, anyone?), John will bring sharp insights on how the Gold Coast can continue to thrive and grow into the future.
Early bird tickets are now sold out! General admission are now available for $190 per person. For this you’ll get; a two-course lunch, a three-hour beverage package (because no one makes future-proofing decisions on an empty stomach), live entertainment, and the opportunity to network with Gold Coast’s sharpest young professionals who are as passionate about our city’s future as you are.
If you’re ready to hear how leaders like John are helping drive transformative change for our city—and get the chance to ask him your burning questions—then it’s time to secure your spot at the City Leaders Forum.
Join us in shaping what’s next for the Gold Coast—grab your ticket today and get ready for an inspiring afternoon of insights, innovation, and a whole lot of city pride.
See you there!
Introducing our first panellist—Jeff McAlister, Chief Investment Officer for the City Council’s Invest Gold Coast Department!
Jeff’s career is a masterclass in shaping the future of cities through strategic investment and economic development. He’s the guy behind the scenes, transforming vision into action—from growing Queensland’s tourism sector to positioning the Northern Territory as a major player in international trade.
And now, Jeff is steering the Gold Coast’s investment direction, ensuring we’re not just staying competitive, but leading the way.
With more than 20 years of experience in trade, investment, and industry development across Australia and New Zealand, Jeff has been instrumental in driving projects that have transformed industries and rejuvenated cities. He led Queensland’s tourism sector to record highs, steering it through the COVID-19 crisis and laying the foundation for a strong recovery.
And if that wasn’t enough, earlier in his career Jeff represented the New Zealand Government as Ambassador to Brazil, where he attracted major international investments in sectors such as agribusiness and gas, while boosting exports.
His expertise is broad, his impact deep, and his vision perfectly aligned with what we’re focusing on this year, Future Proofing the Gold Coast.
Jeff will bring his wealth of experience to the conversation, offering insights on how we can attract investment, embrace cutting-edge technology, and harness the incredible talent on the Gold Coast to drive transformative change.
We’re so excited to have Jeff kick things off, and we’ve got even more incredible panellists lined up that we’ll be announcing in the coming weeks. So, stay tuned!
For now, though, you can lock in your spot on Friday 18th October 2024 with limited early bird tickets available for just $180 pp. This includes a two-course lunch, three-hour drinks package, live entertainment, and the full City Leaders Forum experience.
We hope to see you there!
Time is slipping away, and we don’t want you to miss out on YP’s most monumental event of the year – the 2023 City Leaders Forum, proudly presented by Morgans Gold Coast.
This is your final opportunity to secure your spot among our city’s brightest minds and boldest thinkers. With just over 48 hours left and limited tickets remaining, ticket sales will wrap up at 5pm this Wednesday.
What are you waiting for? Prepare to be inspired as we bring you a stellar line-up of speakers, making this year’s City Leaders Forum bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever before.
Picture this: Mark Bouris, Andrew Tang, Adrienne Readings, and the Leader of the Opposition, David Crisafulli – all gathered under a single roof, poised to share insights that will leave your mind buzzing with inspiration.
So, join us this Friday, October 20th, at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, where these innovative leaders will discuss the current landscape, future challenges, and the opportunities that lie ahead for the Gold Coast.
Remember, this isn’t just an event; it’s an experience designed to motivate, inspire, and connect future city leaders. It’s a platform for meaningful conversations where debate, insights, and genuine wisdom take centre stage.
Cheers to big dreams, bright ideas, and bold moves! We look forward to seeing you there.
Author: Joshua Lumley
