KPMG partner Jessica Rutherford’s appointment strengthens Gold Coast film sector

Queenslander Jessica Rutherford may not exactly be a celebrity but that does not stop her name appearing on the rolling credits at the end of some big Hollywood productions.

Gold Coast is attracting more film productions.

Accountant Jessica Rutherford may not exactly be a celebrity, but that has not stopped her name appearing on the rolling credits at the end of some big Hollywood productions.

The incoming KPMG partner on the Gold Coast has worked as a financial adviser and auditor on some of the biggest films produced in Australia.

In her new partnership role, Rutherford, 33, is now spearheading the Big 4’s thriving screen sector practice on the Gold Coast as Australia’s fastest growing city continues to cement its presence on the global entertainment stage.

Born and bred on the Gold Coast, Rutherford says film production is expanding in her home town helped by government incentives, a skilled workforce and a growing number of studios. According to ABS data, more than 1,300 people are directly employed in the film and television sector, more than double the number employed in the industry in Brisbane.

KPMG partner Jessica Rutherford is taking on Hollywood.

The Gold Coast also had over 400 permits for various film, television and photo shoots in 2022, well above the Brisbane. KPMG is forecasting an almost 10 per cent increase in the number of jobs on the Gold Coast over the next five years.

Rutherford’s appointment not only reinforces the strength of the screen sector on the Gold Coast, but highlights the fact that young professionals no longer have to leave the city for world-class career opportunities. “Film production has really taken off since the pandemic with new studios planned,” says Rutherford. While Rutherford says she and her team get a thrill seeing their name roll by at the end of films, confidentiality prevents her naming the productions she has worked on. But we hear they star some of the biggest names in the business. KPMG has just celebrated its 67th year on the Gold Coast with its headcount locally growing to 110 people. The growth over the years has mirrored the changes in the broader Gold Coast region including the diversification of its service offering to match the evolving needs of the business community.

Sweet tooths

Noosa Chocolate Factory is expanding despite the rising impact of high global cocoa prices on the sweet-tooth sector.

The firm’s Adelaide Street cafe and store is undergoing a renovation, ready to increase supply of caffeine and chocolate to city workers in the New Year. Due to open in late December, work has already started after the Queensland chocolate business took over the lease from their neighbouring store on Adelaide Street opposite Queens Plaza.

Noosa Chocolate Factory’s Nick Southon

General manager Nick Southon says the expansion flies in the face of increasing global prices of cocoa as demand continues to grow for Noosa Chocolate Factory’s handmade chocolate and confectionery that is delivered fresh to the city from its Noosa Factory.

Southon says rising commodity prices of cocoa led Noosa Chocolate Factory to increase its retail prices slightly earlier in the year to cover additional costs.

“Our customers were understanding about the slight rise in prices and for us, it was a necessary step in ensuring our business is sustainable,” Southon says.

In the spirit

Spotted in the car park of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre this week was an old hearse with a new lease on life. Some of the original signage on the vehicle had been scratched out to spell out the words “Horni Fun.” That’s probably enough to wake the dead.

Hearse has a new purpose it seems. Photo: Glen Norris