Latest news with #SteveMitchell
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Titans CEO has say on Hasler, shuts down Walters talks
Gold Coast CEO Steve Mitchell insists there is no need for the Titans to be looking at coaching options, adamant Des Hasler will remain at the club in 2026. Hasler remains the most under-pressure coach in the NRL after the opening 10 rounds, entering Sunday's clash against Canberra with a 3-6 record. Last week's comeback win over Newcastle was particularly timely for the Titans, after it emerged the club could axe Hasler at year's end if they did not make finals. But Mitchell this week launched an impassioned defence of the club's direction, while throwing his support behind the veteran coach. "Des is here through 2026," Mitchell said. "There has been media speculation, as there is and always is with coaches. We have a look at the merry-go-round going on at the NRL at the moment. "We don't talk to players, recruitment, retention, staff or coaches. Des is here through 2026." Asked whether he would have a chat with Kevin Walters around potentially signing the ex-Brisbane coach, Mitchell said: "We have no need". The Titans CEO also insisted he was not feeling any heat in his own role, as the club locked in a new high-performance centre for Emerald Lakes from 2027. Hasler is the Titans' fourth head coach since the start of 2017, with the club having only made the finals once in that time. "We've made an NRLW grand final, we made the finals in 2021," Mitchell, who took over as CEO of the Titans in late 2018, said. "We have a young NRL roster that is developing, we have a wonderful spine of players that is sitting there. "We are looking at the composition of our squad through 2026, 2027 and 2028. "Some fabulous pathways kids who played for their local homes and regions who are becoming elite level NRL players. I think we are on track. "From a performance point of view sometimes you have to go sideways a bit to find your feet and go again. You don't get success overnight." The Titans will get Keiran Foran back for Sunday's clash with the Raiders, named at No.14 but still some chance to start in the halves if AJ Brimson goes to fullback. Foran has not played since the end of last season, with the veteran missing the start of this year with a biceps tear. But Gold Coast have suffered a blow in their outside backs with centre Brian Kelly succumbing to a shoulder issue, leaving Tony Francis to come into the side.


CTV News
16-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Cheers or concern over Ford's support for alcohol sector
Support is pouring in from the change in direction of the provincial government's support of the alcohol sector. 'It's surprising almost, something that you can't believe is happening, but good to see,' said Steve Mitchell, president of Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. The Ford government opened the door to spending $175 million over five years to boost the number of Ontario grapes in blended wines. The program is expected to double the percentage of Ontario grapes increasing demand from farmers. 'They've incentivized the use for blended wines to increase the content of Canadian grown grapes in their blended wines,' said Mitchell, who doubles as treasurer of the Craft Wine Association and suspects craft and small producers of wines, spirits and beers will benefit, for example, when selling to the LCBO. 'There's a certain margin that can be expected so now there's going to be improvement to that margin so that it makes it more tenable for producers to actually participate,' he said. Small wineries will gain at the retail end through margin enhancements. There will also be improvements for licensees. 'They're going to go from what was previously a 10 per cent licensee discount, I believe is going to a 15 per cent licensee discount so giving a little bit more support there too,' said Mitchell. When asked, Mitchell said there is an element of government response to the current tariff conditions with the U.S. in order to help the Ontario economy and it's high time for the change. 'As a result of programs like these, what you're going to find is that wineries are investing. Wineries such as ours are investing. We're taking this opportunity seeing that there's growth and latching right onto it,' he said. Windsor-West MPP Lisa Gretzky is happy to see support for small business but questions the government's overall strategy for the alcohol sector, 'When you're looking at the tax cuts, especially going to talk about the LCBO. When you're looking at the tax cuts, the revenue that's usually generated through those taxes goes back into the government and into the public.' Gretzky said that money is normally invested in infrastructure, health care, education or social programs, 'So when they're reducing those taxes, that's less revenue coming in to be able to invest in those programs so what the government needs to do is be looking at how they're spending the money. The government should be spending taxpayers' dollars on the supports and services that people need.'


The Herald Scotland
16-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's most gorgeous farm shops - with superb walks nearby
This stretch of the Clyde Valley is slightly quieter than the busy hub around Rosebank, with Overton Farm Shop a smashing spot to while away an hour or two. It has built a stellar reputation for the incredible selection of Scottish-grown fruit and vegetables (in the past I've enjoyed everything from Hawick tomatoes to Ayrshire tatties), as well as yummy jams and chutneys, meats and savoury pastries. The Oven serves hearty breakfasts, soups and sandwiches, fish and chips, mince and tatties, baked potatoes, lasagne and steak pie – not to forget delectable home baking. There is also the option of a takeaway from The Grill, which has outdoor seating. There are some brilliant strolls in the surrounding area, be it a gentle meander along a section of the Clyde Walkway or pottering around the trails at Mauldslie Woods or Nethan Gorge. Barnhill Farm, near Inchinnan, Renfrewshire This working farm has a shop, cafe and butchery, with a strong focus on sustainability and a field-to-fork ethos. We're talking bread and cakes, milk, eggs and baskets brimming with seasonal wares. There is a deli counter selling Scottish cheeses. You can also stock up on everything from pies to breakfast packs. The family-friendly venue has a clutch of attractions aimed at youngsters, including a soft play area on a double-decker bus, outdoor sandpit and pedal go-karts. There is a farm adventure trail that makes for a lovely amble. Pick up a bag of feed and head off to meet the resident cows, Clydesdale horses, Pygmy goats, Hebridean sheep and Mangalitza pigs – this lively menagerie is also partial to carrots and turnips, available from the shop. Read more Susan Swarbrick Tombreck Farm Shop, near Lawers, Perthshire Situated on the north bank of Loch Tay, Tombreck Farm extends several hundred metres up the side of Ben Lawers, which should give a clue to its rugged topography. The farm shop – which operates an honesty box system – is part of a community-run project and sells organic vegetables, many grown locally, alongside free-range bacon and pork, lamb and occasionally wild venison. If climbing Scotland's tenth highest Munro – the mighty Ben Lawers rising to 3,983ft (1,214m) – feels a tall order, there are plenty of picturesque, lower-level paths to explore, such as the Edramucky Trail, a mile (1.75km) loop with an ascent of 360ft (110m). Another gem is The Kiltyrie Hidden History Trail, a mile-long (1.75km) route providing fascinating insight into the landscapes and the people who have inhabited them over the centuries. The Buffalo Farm, Boglily Steading, near Kirkcaldy, Fife In the spring of 2005, Steve Mitchell – a sixth-generation farmer – introduced water buffalo to Clentrie Farm in Fife. Their number has since grown to more than 500-strong, the largest herd of its kind in Scotland. As the name suggests, these horned, ox-like ruminants remain at its heart, with bespoke meat and dairy products available to buy from the farm shop at Boglily Steading, including ice cream and assorted cheeses, such as buffalo mozzarella and halloumi-style Buffalloumi. Its dual eateries, The Bothy and The Milk Bar & Grill, provide the opportunity to sample the excellent produce that hails from the farm. There are great walks in the vicinity, including Beveridge Park in Kirkcaldy, with its formal gardens and pretty boating pond, or the Long Braes Plantation Circular, which winds its way through 3.3 miles (5.3km) of tree-lined paths. Mannerstons, near Linlithgow, West Lothian Run by the Faulds family on their smallholding property, Mannerstons is home to a farm shop, bakery, deli and cafe that offers delicious, locally sourced cuisine. Highlights include top-notch French toast, artisan hot dogs and burgers, macaroni cheese and sandwiches loaded with scrumptious fillings such as bacon, brie and chilli jam or mature cheddar, Stornoway black pudding and red onion. Then there is the sublime fisherman's platter, which comes with smoked mackerel and beetroot pate, lime mayo prawns and salmon. Mannerstons is a mere five-minute drive from one of my all-time favourite daunders: the dreamy, coastal-adjacent Wester Shore Wood, located between Blackness and Abercorn. Susan Swarbrick is a columnist and freelance writer who loves history and the outdoors. Follow her on X @SusanSwarbrick and Bluesky @

ABC News
13-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Gold Coast Titans, Jaime Chapman working with NSW Police over deepfake AI images of NRLW star
The Gold Coast Titans are supporting NRLW star Jaime Chapman after she spoke out about fake AI images of her being posted on the internet. Chapman is set to line up on the wing against Queensland as NSW tries to secure the Women's State of Origin shield at Sydney Football Stadium on Thursday. But the 23-year-old was rocked in the lead-up by deepfake images being spread online. "Have good day to everyone except those who make fake AI photos of other people. All love," she wrote on her Instagram stories on Sunday. Do you have a story idea about women in sport? Email us abcsport5050@ "Next time, think of how damaging this can be to someone and their loved ones. "This has happened a few times now and it needs to stop." Chapman and the Titans are currently working with the NRL integrity unit and NSW Police to try to find who was behind the "production and distribution of malicious fake images". "Jaime is an incredible role model for not just our club, but for the game as a whole," Titans chief executive Steve Mitchell said. "Not only is she a star on the field with the Titans and the Blues, but her continued work in the community is exemplary as she continues to inspire young girls of all ages on and off the field. "It's hugely disappointing to see her victimised in this way and we will continue to support Jaime and work with the NRL and authorities on this matter. "We will always stand up to online bullying and the creation of such defamatory false content that Jaime has been subjected to, and I wholeheartedly join with her in condemning those who have produced such vile material." Chapman is one of the best players in the women's league, dominating with her speed and power at centre, wing or fullback. She scored three tries in a losing Titans effort in the 2023 grand final but had a surprisingly quiet Origin I in Brisbane two weeks ago after lighting up last year's series with two sensational long-range tries. She and her Sky Blues teammates will be looking to lock up the shield with a victory at the SFS on Thursday night after winning the series opener 32-12 at Lang Park. Game III will be played at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle on Thursday, May 29.