www.the-firm.com.au

242nd MONTHLY EDITION - MARCH 2026

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Dear Members,

We are pleased to share the latest developments from The FIRM Group and The FIRM International Cruise Lines as we continue to execute on our growth strategy and deliver opportunities for our valued investors.

241st MONTHLY EDITION - FEBRUARY 2026

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Government not ruling out capital gains discount reform amid reports $23 billion tax break could be overhauledDear Members,As we step into February, I want to personally thank you for the confidence, patience, and trust you continue to place in The FIRM and its broader vision. This year is shaping as a defining chapter — one marked by momentum, clarity of purpose, and the careful execution of long-term strategies that have been years in the making.A Clear Investment HorizonAcross all divisi...

240th Monthly EDITION 2026

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000

THE FIRM – January 2026 NewsletterWelcoming the New Year with Purpose, Progress & OpportunityA Message from the ChairmanAs we step into 2026, I want to personally thank you for being part of The FIRM community. A new year always brings renewed focus, fresh opportunity, and the chance to build on strong foundations—and this year is no exception.Over the past three decades, The FIRM has grown through disciplined strategy, long-term thinking, and most importantly, the trust of our invest...

239th Monthly Edition December 2025

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 01:00:00 +0000

Season’s Greetings from The FIRMAs 2025 draws to a close, we take a moment to celebrate the achievements, milestones, and connections that have made this year extraordinary.From all of us at The FIRM, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with laughter, peace, and treasured moments with family and friends. May the New Year bring renewed opportunities, success, and prosperity for you and your loved ones.Here’s to an exciting 2026 together!John & Annette ...

238th Monthly Edition November 2025

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 01:00:00 +0000

238th Edition – November 2025Dear Members,As we approach the end of 2025, it’s been an exciting month across our portfolio and initiatives at The FIRM. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening:1. Cruise Line DevelopmentsOur international cruise division is progressing rapidly. The cabin pre-sales for Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure continue to exceed expectations, with over 136 cabins pledged for Pacific Encounter and strong interest in Adventure. Strategic discussions are underw...

237th Monthly Edition October 2025 - "Advancing Port Discovery Fiji & Exploring New Cruise Opportunities”

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0000

237th Monthly Edition October 2025 - "Advancing Port Discovery Fiji & Exploring New Cruise Opportunities”Dear Members,We are pleased to share key updates from our projects and ongoing initiatives this month.Port Discovery Fiji & Vanua Levu International Airport
Our team has been actively advancing the Port Discovery Fiji project, alongside the development of the International Airport on Vanua Levu. We are thrilled to report strong support from the Prime Minister, who recognises the
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236th Monthly Edition SEPTEMBER 2025 Where the World Arrives: Port Discovery Brisbane

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Good afternoon Fellow members,The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will depend on more than stadiums and athletes’ villages—it is the backbone infrastructure of transport, utilities, ports and public spaces that will determine success. Among these, Port Discovery Brisbane stands out as the new gateway to the Games.Designed to welcome athletes, dignitaries, and visitors from across the globe, Port Discovery Brisbane will play a pivotal role in Olympic logistics while showcasing t...

235th MONTHLY EDITION AUGUST 2025 "Cruise Lines Are Denying Boarding for THESE Outfits in 2025"

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000

234th MONTHLY EDITION JULY 2025 “MARATHON SPYDER WEEKEND“ Building Community on 3 Wheels!

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Good morning, Fellow members,
What a weekend! Over two glorious days of perfect weather, we joined an incredible crew of riders from the Gold Coast for over 700kms of open-road connection and community.

Saturday:
We hit the Bruce Highway with the Chariots of Light, cruising from the Gold Coast to Rick’s Garage on the Sunshine Coast. Great meals, even better service, and a laid-back, electric atmosphere with the Band.

Sunday:
The engines revved again for the JSW Powersports Can-Am Run,

...

233rd MONTHLY EDITION MAY/JUNE 2025 “Momentum Building Across Land, Sea & Sky”

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 06:16:00 +0000

Dear Members,As we approach the halfway point of 2025, I’m excited to bring you a strong update filled with momentum across several of our key initiatives — from cruise line expansion to international infrastructure development.Cruise Division Update - Cabin Sales SoaringWe’re pleased to report continued strong interest in The FIRM International Cruise Lines, with 136 cabins pledged out of 565 available for sale on board VOYAGER. This brings us to nearly 25% of our target in less than t...

232nd MONTHLY EDITION APRIL 2025 “Welcome to the Cruise Revolution - Here's What It Means for You“

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 06:54:00 +0000

The voyage has already begun!!! Our members are on board... Are you?Good morning, Fellow members, The cruise boom is more than just travel... It’s a powerful investment opportunity. Much like your property portfolio that we've proudly managed over the past 30 years, this venture offers strong returns. The key difference? You can wake up each morning to a new destination while your investment works for you.Cruising Into a New Golden AgeFrom the United States to the United Kingdom, Canada...

231st MONTHLY EDITION March 2025 Retirement Reimagined: Discover New Adventures with The FIRM International Cruise Lines

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:16:00 +0000

Retirement is often seen as a time to slow down and take it easy—but why not make it the most exciting chapter of your life? At The FIRM International Cruise Lines, we believe retirement should be filled with adventure, new experiences, and personal growth. Whether you dream of traveling the world, mastering new skills, or turning your passions into purpose, there’s no limit to what you can achieve in your golden years.Embrace the Digital Nomad LifestyleWhy settle for one home when the wo...

230th MONTHLY EDITION February 2025

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 07:22:00 +0000

Dear Community and Members,
I am thrilled to announce that our recent post garnered over 5,000 views on LinkedIn over the past 4 days, reflecting the immense interest and enthusiasm surrounding VOYAGER, thank you! Your engagement fuels our passion as we craft a unique lifestyle that blends luxury with the spirit of adventure.VOYAGER: Your Floating Permanent Home Awaits
Embark on a journey where luxury meets adventure. VOYAGER, our luxury residential cruise liner, offers an unparal

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229th MONTHLY EDITION January 2025 “AUSTRALIA DAY“

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:33:00 +0000

Facts about Australia you didn't know!The Australian Alps get more snow than the Swiss Alps.90% of Australians live on the coast.Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world.The Great Barrier Reef is the largest ecosystem in the world. It is made up of nearly 3,000 individual reefs and can be seen from space.Australia has over 60 separate wine regions.Fraser Island in QLD is the largest sand island in the world.The Indian Pacific train has the longest straight section of train track in the world...

228th Monthly Edition December 2024 - Merry Christmas & Have A Fantastic New Year 2025

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 03:12:00 +0000

Wishing our dear valued members, partners, clients, and collaborators a blessed Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!Your support and collaboration have been integral to the success of The FIRM, including the launch of our new international cruise line in 2025.As we reflect on the past year, we are deeply grateful for the relationships we've fostered and the remarkable achievements we've accomplished together. From innovative property ventures to groundbreaking developments in the cruise s...

227th Monthly Edition November 2024 - Cruise Industry Growth And Opportunities

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 05:51:00 +0000

According to Kelly Craighead, CEO of the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), luxury cruising is booming. “There isn't just one thing about ‘cruise,' there are so many, many, many different types of experiences that are resonating,” Craighead noted during her keynote address. With 2025 forecasted to be a record-setting year for global cruise travel, the industry is poised to meet growing demand with innovative offerings.Panelists highlighted how cruises cater to diverse traveler ...

226th Monthly Edition October 2024

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:44:00 +0000

Good afternoon Fellow members,Some very encouraging news from the Mayor of the Gold Coast Tom Tate that I wish to share with you.
We are all blessed when we met 30+ years ago now with these outstanding results on all our investment properties.
It’s inspiring to see such a proactive approach to building a resilient, diversified economy.

With the City’s investment in both infrastructure and community engagement, the Gold Coast is positioned for sustainable growth that benefits all reside

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225th Monthly Edition September 2024 - Overview Of Rental Laws

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 05:59:00 +0000

Good morning Fellow Members,Update from RTA Rental Tenancies Authority that you need to be aware.Rental law changes from 30 September 2024 include:Maximum bond amount - capped at no more than 4 times the weekly rent amount.Reletting costs - calculated on the time remaining on an agreement (where an agreement is greater than 3 years). For agreements up to 3 years, it's the lower amount of the specified reletting costs or the rent until a new tenant moves in. Use our new ...

224th Monthly Edition August 2024 - Olympic Fever

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 05:17:00 +0000

Ellie Carpenter - Vice Captain & DefenderA very proud Dad, Scott CarpenterThe Excitement of the Current Olympic Games: Australia Shines on the Global StageGood afternoon Fellow Members, What an exhilarating start to the Olympic Games! We are immensely proud of all our Australian competitors who are showcasing their talents on the world stage. Like many families around Australia, we have our favourite superstar to cheer for. For us, that special athlete is Ellie Carpenter, the talente...

223rd Monthly Edition July 2024 - 2.3 Million Australians Declared Rental Income

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 05:14:00 +0000

Good morning Fellow Members,In the latest data released from the Australian Tax Office shows 2.3 million Australians declared rental income in 2021-22, with about 71 per cent of landlords owning only one investment property (just over 1.6 million).About 19 per cent (428,000) own two properties, around 6 per cent (132,338) own three properties, while around 4 per cent of landlords (47,633) own four properties.There are very few landlords (19,530) with five investment properties and a...

222nd Monthly Edition June 2024

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 05:02:00 +0000

Recent ATO Focus: Payment Plans and Rental Property DeductionsBY ED CHAN | MAY 14, 2024In a time of increased oversight and stricter regulations, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is emphasising that tax reliefs like payment plans should be accessed only by those who truly need them. Additionally, the ATO is keeping a close watch on deduction claims for rental properties. This article explores the ATO’s latest guidelines, offering crucial information for taxpayers to ensure compliance wi...

221st Monthly Edition May 2024 - Queensland’s Cruising Comeback Reaches Extraordinary Milestone

Fri, 31 May 2024 04:50:00 +0000

Good morning Fellow Members,Do I need to say more Queensland’s cruising industry is flourishing, marking an extraordinary milestone as it continues to grow in the Sunshine State. On Saturday, the arrival of P&O’s Pacific Encounter brought the 1.5 millionth passenger to the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal since its opening less than two years ago.This milestone translates to about 2,000 passengers per day since the terminal officially opened on June 2, 2022. Considering that som...

220th Monthly Edition April 2024 - House price growth is outstripping the average national wage with Gold Coast locations leading the way.

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 04:43:00 +0000

‘The secret’s out’: Suburbs where prices have more than doubled in four years!Good morning Fellow members,The past four years in the property market have been incredibly volatile, with prices surging, before falling sharply and then rising rapidly once again.Despite the ups and downs, prices are higher than four years ago in almost every Australian suburb, PropTrack data shows, with the pandemic boom and the surprising run of growth over the past year largely outweighing the d...

219th Monthly Edition March 2024 - The Cost Of Living In Retirement

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 03:37:00 +0000

Good morning Fellow members, If you plan to keep enjoying your current lifestyle when you retire, it's generally suggested that, if you own your own home, you'll need to save enough to provide you with at least 70% of your current annual income.For the majority of The FIRM's members, this was considered two decades ago, prior to retirement, allowing them to now unwind and delight in their enhanced property portfolio tailored for them.The full Age Pension, if you're eligible, can provide you ...

218th Monthly Edition February 2024 - Exploring Real Estate Trends

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 03:28:00 +0000

Good morning Fellow members,Firstly, let’s delve into the most comprehensive state-of-the-nation report on the real estate market for the calendar year ending 2023. It’s intriguing how different research houses present varied statistics based on distinct information sources. Leveraging Andrew Bell's over 40-plus years of experience and my role as Chairman of The FIRM for 30-plus years, I prioritise credible sources. Pleasingly, there’s consensus among indus...

217th Monthly Edition January 2024

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 03:23:00 +0000

Good morning, Fellow Members,As the holiday season approaches, we and our team want to extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering loyalty and support throughout the past year. Your dedication and perseverance have been commendable, and we are truly grateful for the privilege of being part of your journey.

As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the promise of a new year, we understand the importance of equipping oneself with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the cruise ship

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Going On An Over-50's Cruise

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 01:00:00 +0000

Good morning Fellow members, I was intrigued to hear from experts in the Cruise Line Industry about Cruise Lines who focus on the "Over-50's" guest onboard. Gary Brembridge - Tips for Travellers hadthese comments - I went on a cruise where you had to be over-50. This over-50s only cruise taught me three big lessons about cruising that I had not thought about before. Theses three tips are things every cruise passenger should do before they switch or try and new cruise lines, e...

The FIRM NEW Property Manager coming soon!

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 02:00:00 +0000

As you are all aware our previous Head of our Property Management Team has retired and we have been researching other management businesses to fill the gap. We have been constantly on the alert looking for someone who can take over the role. We are in final negotiations now with a very exciting, new age format that is keeping up with the times yet still maintaining our good old fashion service of excellence. It will not be too long before the decision will be made to fill this very impo...

The FIRM Property Manager is retiring

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 02:00:00 +0000

As you would be aware The FIRM and our members as a group have been very frustrated with a few management companies who have no respect for our property investments that they manage. Collectively our corporation as a group would retain 1000's of properties nationally over the past 15 years. Our current Property Management are now retiring from the industry soon so we are seeking a management company who could continue this demanding role. If your corporation would be interested then p...