If you’ve ever tuned into Channel 9 and thought, “Wow, she’s got it all together,” allow us to introduce you to the woman who’d politely disagree, the hilarious, hardworking, and refreshingly real Mia Glover. Between anchoring the weekend news, juggling two kids, two golden retrievers, and one frequently flying husband, Mia’s mastered the art of organised chaos (and the power nap).

She may have started as a self-confessed “professional juggler,” but these days she’s one of the Coast’s most trusted voices, bringing stories to life from cyclone zones to red carpets. From her Main Beach beginnings to her Mermaid haven, Mia’s Gold Coast story is equal parts heart, hustle and hilariously relatable honesty.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
Our family history with the Gold Coast is a classic tale of real estate addiction. It started in 2009 with a seemingly innocent holiday unit in Main Beach my parents purchased, which was clearly the start of my GC obsession. By 2016, hubby and I accepted our fate and moved up full-time. So, professionally, 2016. Emotionally, the family holidays to the GC started when I was 5… so many, MANY years!

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
It truly became home because it offered the perfect environment for my family. It’s where my kids were born, and we decided the combination of stunning vistas, clean beaches, great services (be it hospitals, schools public parks etc) and the shocking availability of parking (seriously as a former Sydneysider, that’s a huge quality-of-life perk) meant we could settle down. We picked our spot of paradise in Mermaid, and aside from the occasional intense heat (and ex-cyclone), we haven’t regretted escaping the metro parking madness.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a professional juggler whose main gig is being a proud mum to four dependents: two charming human children, a boy and girl – and also two furry, entitled supervisors – my golden retrievers. I’ve been married 10 years to a lovely man who is, unfortunately, in a long-term relationship with air travel. He works for Supercars, going to every race, so family time is SO precious. When I’m not running the home logistics, I’m working the relentless hours of the Today Show and anchoring the Channel Nine weekend news in Brisbane. Spare time? Never heard of her! But I do enjoy a coffee on the beach, pilates or a nap. LOVE a nap. My life is best described as well-meaning chaos, highly dependent on scheduled alarms.

How did you get started in journalism and what inspired you to become a news reporter?
While I was at university, I volunteered at a community radio station in Sydney for 18 months, going into the newsroom once a week until they finally gave me a job. From there I worked in Wollongong NSW doing both radio and WIN Television, then moved to KIISFM and WSFM in Sydney as a newsreader. Then hubby threw a spanner in the works and got a gig in Canberra – so off we went and that’s where my love for TV started at WIN Canberra and dropping into the Channel 9 Parliament House bureau. Then Nine Qld came calling and I haven’t looked back.

I initially went into journalism because I love people – meeting them and telling their story. I never take it for granted the trust people have in me to share their story.
And to be able to be in lounge rooms morning after morning, night after night – informing them of what’s happening (be it hard stories or the lighter ones) is a true privilege.

Can you share any memorable experiences or stories that have stood out to you during your time as a news reporter?
The Logies red carpet remains a highlight, mainly because I spent the entire evening subtly trying not to vomit on a celebrity while keeping my early pregnancy with my son a secret. I vividly remember interviewing Boy George and telling myself in my head “don’t vomit don’t vomit”!

On a more serious note, reporting on catastrophic events like floods, fires, storms and cyclones from our city to the rest of the state and country, watching families lose everything is deeply impactful. Those stories stay with you, and my job is to ensure that genuine human experience is heard.

Youth crime has also been a big one the past few years. Meeting victims and their families, telling their stories has been heartbreaking. I remain in contact with many of the people I’ve interviewed, as those connections are real.

Covering the Dreamworld disaster and the subsequent inquest is also one that will stay with me forever.

I’m very lucky my job has seen me travel internationally too for a political trade mission to Asia, as well as a nice jaunt to Rome.

Oh and I can’t forget Chris the famous Canberra sheep… the poor bugger was lost for five years, and found with a record amount of wool. My coverage went global for that one. What a yarn!

What do you love most about your job?
If I’m being brutally honest, it’s the fact that my professional alarm clock is not a small child demanding breakfast. That’s a huge win. Beyond that personal sanctuary, the true joy comes from the people – cliche yes – but true. My entire job is about understanding and conveying their stories, and when that act of reporting genuinely helps someone or brings much-needed attention to an issue, it provides profound professional satisfaction.

But it’s not only the people I meet, but the people I work alongside with. The (very patient) camo who brings me coffee, the stylists, the reporters, the co-hosts, the producers, the editors. I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a supportive bunch.

What advice would you give to aspiring journalists who are looking to enter the field?
Prepare for the slog. There are no shortcuts. It’s not a gentle career path; it’s a marathon that requires grit. There are many ways to get where you’re going, but they all require the same fuel: hard work. You must be ready to put in the time, the effort, the patience, and the early mornings or late nights. Volunteer a few hours a week in a newsroom if you can, ask to go on the road with a journalist if you have the opportunity. If you commit fully, you absolutely will achieve your goals. (Also, invest in a good coffee machine.)

What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Cafe: BSKT at Mermaid Beach or Le Jardin on Tedder Ave.
Restaurant: Nineteen at The Star or Little Itoshin Japanese at Miami.
Bar: La Luna at Marina Mirage. Where I pretend to be a yacht owner for an hour.
To do: A massage at Chuan Spa at The Langham Hotel, Broadbeach. It’s rare that I get there but when I do it’s bliss.
Beach: Miami.

Gold Coast filmmaker Mack Lindon has lived a story most of us could barely imagine, and turned it into cinema that inspires millions. After being wrongfully imprisoned and later acquitted, Mack channelled his experience into his debut film Rise, which went on to achieve international success. Now, he’s back with Rise of the Underdog, a powerful true story of resilience, family and following your dreams, shot right here on the Gold Coast.

Mack has built a life filled with creativity, sunshine and second chances. As a filmmaker, actor, director and founder of Moviesense.com, he continues to prove that no matter how tough life gets, there’s always a way to rise again. We caught up with Mack to talk about his latest film, life on the Coast, and how he turned the darkest chapter of his life into a message of hope.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have been living on the Gold Coast for 25 years off and on and permanently for the last 15 years.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The lifestyle and the weather is second to none. My wife and our children absolutely love it here, The beautiful beaches, parks, schools and the vitamin D from the sunshine. One of my favourite spots is Rainbow Bay.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Oh wow, ok where do I start, I was born in Newcastle. I was one of 9 children! I always loved painting and surfing. School was where I was first introduced to stage plays and then when I finished school I went to do some acting work and also qualified for my Division 1 Nursing in Melbourne.

After being wrongfully sentenced to jail and later acquitted. I subsequently lost my nursing registration, and as you can imagine had some extra time on my hands. Whilst in jail I wrote my first film called Rise which was about my time in jail.  This lead me to professionally change direction and shift gears to film making.

Since then I have completed two true story feature films, with 3 in pre-production and have founded a streaming platform, moviesense.com.

Rise of the Underdog has been years in the making. What was the moment that made you say, “Okay, it’s time to tell this story”?
My wife Em and I had gone through a really tough time at home. Once we had gotten through it we reflected and saw how grateful we were for still being together as a family, we wanted to share the story to encourage others.

Every day Aussies who were perhaps going through the same struggles to balancing, following your passion, whilst dealing with all the responsibilities at home.

Where was the film shot, and what made you choose those locations?
The film was shot on the Gold Coast you will see scenes in Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks, Surfers Paradise and many more recognisable iconic Australian locations.

It really played its own character in the movie with it being heavily featured and the backdrop to the story. This is where it all happened! We did most of the Rise movie in a 2 bedroom unit in Palm Beach. Lots of great memories.

You’ve turned one of the darkest chapters of your life into art, how did you navigate reliving that pain through the filmmaking process?
Yeah that was really hard, playing yourself 10 years ago and jumping back to an older version of myself.  I had evolved from that time so it was a little tricky. I had to jump back into old mindsets, responses to situations and habits that I had moved away from.  It wasn’t how I operate any more. But we got there!

What message or feeling do you hope audiences walk away with after watching Rise of the Underdog?
l hope they leave feeling light hearted and encouraged, with maybe a new flicker of zeal to follow their vision that they are wanting to pursue but maybe finding it hard to execute. I hope this can give a fresh perspective on how to never give up and to pick up your tools and skills and carry on.

Where can people watch the film?
Selected cinemas around Australia from November 6 onwards, keep up to date on our website www.visionpictures.com.au and instagram @moviesensecom for all cinema locations.

What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café/Coffee spot: Botanical gardens near Ashmore
Restaurant: Earth and Sea Pizza in Coolangatta
Bar or place for a drink: I loved Metabar in Coolangatta
Beach: Rainbow Beach round to Froggies

How do you choose to spend your days off?
Hmm what days off haha! No, I do take rest days and I love just spending time with my family and my children. They grow up so fast that I try to be very intentional with my time with them, even in the weekdays after school they come by the office and hangout.

From fashion runways to fine piercings, Gill Lawrence has always known how to turn style into a statement. After years building iconic fashion brands, she returned to her Gold Coast roots to launch Covetear, a luxury piercing and jewellery brand redefining what it means to adorn yourself with intention. We sat down with Gill, the creative force behind Covetear to talk inspiration, sustainability, and what makes the Gold Coast the perfect home for a little stylish rebellion. 

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I actually grew up on the Gold Coast, my family moved here from Melbourne when I was 13 – I went to St Hilda’s in the early ’90s before moving to Sydney to become a doctor. Spoiler: I became a fashion designer instead. After twenty years in Sydney and four kids later, I missed the sunshine, space, and attitude of the Coast. I came home a decade ago and honestly haven’t looked back.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast has grown up – but it hasn’t lost its soul. I love that I can have a meeting over coffee in the morning, be in the ocean by lunch, and still feel creatively charged. There’s this bold, unapologetic energy here – people are building things, backing themselves, and doing it their own way.

Tell us a little bit about yourself (both personally and professionally).
I’m a serial entrepreneur with a fashion background and a love for design, detail, and a bit of disruption. I’ve built brands, raised four kids, and finally accepted that balance doesn’t really exist for someone like me – so I stopped chasing it. My rule is simple: parent the best I can, work as hard as I can, care for my team, friends, and family and trust that good things follow.

Professionally, I spent years in fashion – founding Milk & Honey and showcasing at Australian Fashion Week with Toi et Moi – before wanting to build something that felt more personal, lasting, and meaningful. Covetear is that: beauty, rebellion, and precision in perfect balance.

What inspired you to start Covetear?
I’d been collecting ear piercings during my travels and had some amazing experiences overseas. Back in Australia I realised that while the jewellery world had evolved, piercing hadn’t. You either had pharmacies, sterile piercing and tattoo studios or luxury brands selling piercing jewellery without the experience to match. During COVID, when I wasn’t travelling, I decided to take a body-piercing course – just to see if I really loved it. I did. So I merged my fashion business background with piercing and launched Covetear. I wanted it to feel like the love child of a luxury fashion house and a piercing studio – meticulous, rebellious, and completely intentional.

How does Covetear’s approach to ear piercing differ from traditional piercing studios?
Most piercing studios think about the single piercing. We think about the whole ear. We respect the journey – everything we do is about anatomy, design, and emotion. The jewellery is engineered for comfort and healing, but it’s also designed to look intentional and elevated. The studios feel more like luxury boutiques – calm, beautiful, and deeply personal. It’s piercing, reimagined.

Can you walk us through the creative process behind designing a Covetear piece?
We design pieces you’ll still love ten years from now. They’re not trend-driven – they’re sculptural, balanced, and wearable. Each design starts with the ear, the real star of the show. We think about angles, balance, and how it’s actually going to feel day to day. Because great piercing jewellery shouldn’t just look incredible – it should heal well, sleep well, and live with you.

Sustainability is clearly a core value for Covetear. How did you ensure that ethos is embedded into every part of the business?
Sustainability, for me, isn’t a buzzword — it’s just how good business should be done. We use recycled gold, ethically sourced gemstones, and partner with small, family-run workshops that genuinely care about their craft. Our packaging is fully recyclable, and we design for longevity — from our interchangeable jewellery system to our Circular Piercing program, which lets clients re-use their pieces in new piercings. For us, that’s non-negotiable. Waste simply isn’t an option.

Covetear focuses on the in-studio experience as much as the jewellery itself. What can a customer expect when they visit?
At Covetear, piercing isn’t just about what happens in the chair — it’s about everything that follows. From the moment you walk in, the space feels intentional, calm, and beautifully considered. Our piercers are experts in both placement and healing — they’ll guide you through every stage so your piercing looks and feels perfect long after you leave. Most people arrive nervous and leave glowing. It’s more transformative than they expect.

What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Favourite café: Elk Espresso – yum
Favourite restaurant: The North Room – this husband and wife team deserve many Michelin hats!
Favourite bar: Rosella’s – proudly 100% Aussie and always has a great vibe.
Favourite beach: Burleigh – it’s iconic for a reason

How do you choose to spend your days off?
Days off are a luxury right now – we’re expanding nationally, so I’m usually juggling about 10 things at once. But when I do get a day off, it’s simple: a long walk with my dog along the Broadwater, maybe a HOTA market visit, movie with my kids and dinner somewhere new with my partner – Ideally near water with wine and a sunset.