🎧 Sirromet's Fat Boy Slim gig | The 2024 Asia Power Index | Amazon invest in nuclear | $2.7M funding for local youth initiatives | Halliday's top 100 wines for 2024 and more!
Today’s newsletter is 1,029 words: a 5-minute read.
Happy Redland City Minute Thursday.
It’s October 17!
In today’s email
One Big Thing: The 2024 Asia Power Index
Bluey’s World to thrills in Brisbane with: A new immersive experience
Sense of Taste presents: Australia’s top 100 wines for 2024
Trending: Elon Musk’s Starship booster
Around the Web (Snippets): A genetically modified mega-sheep, Redland’s One Nation candidate condemned, Liam Payne’s net worth, Amazon invests in nuclear and more!
Upcoming Events
Redlands Weather Forecast and Tides
The Weekly Dream Gig
This week - Native Beeings in Redland Bay are chasing a Beekeeper to help manage their operations. With around 400 beehives, you will be working part-time at a great hourly rate across all beekeeping activities.
What a sweet gig!
Need to advertise a job? Contact us here👇
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: The 2024 Asia Power Index
What’s Happening
Australia has risen to 5th in the 2024 edition of the Lowy Institute’s Asia Power Index, overtaking Russia (mainly due to Russia's multi-place downfall), with an overall score of 31.9 out of 100 and maintaining the status of Middle Power.
Why It Matters
China and the United States, the only superpowers, and India, which is considered a middle power, continue to dominate the rankings, but Australia’s steady rise signals that it is holding its own in the ever-competitive Asian region.
The Index ranks 27 countries and territories in terms of their capacity to shape their external environment, including Timor-Leste for the first time.
By the Numbers
We sit 5th out of 27 Asian countries and are considered a comprehensive middle power
2nd is where it ranks in terms of defence networks, despite other nations catching up
9th is our spot on the list in terms of future resource access, hinting at long-term challenges
Local Impact
As regional heavyweights like China and India face their own challenges, leading them to stall in 2024, Australia’s steady progress demonstrates its resilience and influence in Asia’s complex power dynamics, especially in defence networks.
Australia’s growing influencer power status enhances trade and defence relationships that undoubtedly trickle down to boost local economies, including the Gold Coast’s industries and businesses.
Key Findings in 2024
• China: Power is plateauing below the US but still outpaces Asian competitors.
• United States: Holding ground despite losing some military edge to China.
• India: Slow rise, now 3rd in the rankings, overtaking Japan, but still considered a middle power.
• Japan: Shifting focus towards defence and security cooperation.
• Growing fast: Indonesia’s power is growing fastest in the region.
• Australia: Steadily advancing but maintaining its solid rank amid regional shifts.
• Russia: Slipped to 6th, with its relevance in the region declining due to its struggles in its war on Ukraine, which is pulling focus and resources.
• Diplomacy: A tripolar influence led by the US, China, and Japan.
What The People Say
Susannah Patton observes, “Australia’s influence is steady, but the challenge lies in maintaining this trajectory.”
Hervé Lemahieu adds, “Australia’s defence networks are key to its rise.”
What To Look For Next
With places like China buying up influence through funding projects pretty close to home here in Australia, such as the funding of the Vanuatu Government’s Presidential Palace recently, hopefully, we will see an Australian Government putting a bit more investment into strengthening our diplomatic and defence partnerships in our immediate region to maintain our solid position in this key Asian arena.
And, full interactive map and more details and numbers at the button below 👇
2. First look inside Bluey’s World
Bluey’s World, a 4000sqm immersive experience, is set to open in Brisbane on November 7 2024, with the season extended until September 2025 due to overwhelming demand.
New images offer fans a first glimpse into the vibrant, life-sized sets that recreate iconic scenes from the Heeler family’s home, backyard, and neighbourhood.
Read the full article, below 👇
3. Halliday Wine Companion Announces Top 100 Wines 2024, Presented by Sense of Taste
Last Saturday, Halliday Wine Companion revealed the Top 100 Wines of 2024, proudly presented by Sense of Taste.
This year’s list, curated by Halliday’s expert tasting team, highlights Australia’s diverse wine regions with a selection of sparkling, white, and red wines.
The newly introduced Taster’s Pick allows each member of the tasting panel to nominate their top wine of the year, adding a personalised touch to this edition.
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Right here, Right now: Fatboy Slim announces gig at Sirromet Winery
Politician condemned One Nation candidate for: Redlands likens Covid vaccine to the Holocaust
Youth crime Taskforce Guardian marks: 100th deployment with promising results
Labor commits $2.7 million to: empower young people in SEQ to build their own positive future
Chocolate prices are set to: Skyrocket due to West African weather patterns affecting crop production and resulting in disappointing harvests
A giant, hybrid sheep made from illegally cloned genetic material was made for: Drawing higher prices from hunting preserves and has landed the Rancher six months in jail as a result
Aussie avocado technology is: Saving the day in Latin America
$109 million Aussie dollars is: The amount left behind by One Direction star Liam Payne, who passed away in in Buenos Aires this morning
Amazon is throwing its weight behind nuclear power by: Backing X-Energy and their promising small reactors, joining the likes of Google and Microsoft, who also back nuclear power for their data centres
Watch a robot dog run: Underwater
6. Upcoming Events
💡 Sound and Lighting Tech Workshop: Lead Developer of SCS, Mike Daniell, will facilitate the workshop at Birkdale - School of Arts Hall
🎙️ Marcia Hines’ 50th Anniversary Tour: October 20 from 3 pm onwards; a musical showcase at the RPAC Concert Hall
🌸 The 20th Anniversary Renaissance Spring Fair: October 20 from 10 am onwards; free event with live music and entertainment, market stalls and more at
🧘♀️ Laughter Yoga Club: October 22 from 9:30 am onwards; a fun morning filled with giggles, gratitude and great company at Drevesen Park