Gold Coast City Council Australia Day Awards 2012
Gold Coast City Council's annual Australia Day Awards program recognises and honours the outstanding achievements of individuals or groups within the Gold Coast community.
The awards identify excellence in sporting, community service and cultural endeavours as well as selecting a Gold Coast Citizen of the Year and Gold Coast Young Citizen of the Year.
The 2012 awards also included the Gold Coast Legend Award presented by the Mayor. This award recognises Gold Coast identities whose lifelong achievements and contributions have had a major influence on shaping and enriching the Gold Coast community.
The 2012 Gold Coast City Council Australia Day Award Winners
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony breakfast on Friday 20 January at the Arts Centre Gold Coast.
(L-R) Mariam Arcilla and Jolie Hertzberg (rabbit+cocoon), Monique Jeremiah, Mark Tiearney, Trish Wimberley and Doug Henderson
Paula Stafford, Mayor Ron Clarke MBE
- Paula Stafford
Gold Coast Legend Award
Iconic Gold Coast bikini pioneer, ninety-one year old Paula Stafford, has been honoured in this prestigious award. Paula Stafford’s name is woven into the fabric of Gold Coast history. She is largely credited with introducing the bikini to Australian beaches at a time when modesty prevailed over fashion and comfort. - Trish Wimberley
Gold Coast Citizen of the Year
For founding and running the not for profit organisation, ABC & Wildlife Trauma Centre since 2000. Trish rescues most of the non-domesticated animals which get injured on our roads. - Monique Jeremiah
Gold Coast Young Citizen of the Year
At just 25 years of age Monique is the sole director and owner of three successful companies. She is a Gold Coast entrepreneur and become a significant inspiration to many other young individuals aspiring to develop successful careers in business.
- Doug Henderson
Gold FM Community Service Award
A retired Vietnam Veteran who conceived, founded and personally funded the establishment of the non for profit organisation Kokoda Challenge Association. - Shannon Eckstein
Sports Achievement Award
For his amazing 2010/2011 Surf Life Saving season. He has a wealth of accolades including his 3rd World Ironman Title. - Mark Tierney
Environmental Achievement Award
Mark has worked tirelessly to protect the Nerang River waterways and set up the Kirkendale Bush Care Group which planted more than 20,000 trees and shrubs in a creek corridor and river catchment. - rabbit+cocoon
Cultural Achievement Award
For providing a multi-arts hub for artists and collectives with spaces and resources. They give creative’s across all art-forms a platform to produce, showcase and market creative projects, businesses or events directly to the public.
