Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards

2025 – Dr Robyn Cameron

Dr Robyn Cameron is a leader, mother, advocate and Senior Lecturer at Griffith University. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, she has transformed personal adversity into extraordinary community impact. Robyn has dedicated over two decades of her life to fundraising and advocacy. After raising more than $2 million for breast cancer research, she is recognised as Australia's largest community breast cancer research fundraiser. She serves as a National Breast Cancer Foundation ambassador and founded the Pink Ribbon Cup Race Day, which is the Foundation's largest community fundraising event. Despite working full time, Robyn has devoted countless hours to volunteerism and leadership. Her dedication has earned her numerous awards, including 2024 Gold Coast Volunteer of the Year.

2024 – Brett and Belinda Beasley

Brett and Belinda Beasley founded the Jack Beasley Foundation after the tragic stabbing death of their 17-year-old son in 2019. Since then, they have dedicated themselves to making changes to current youth laws, improving youth safety and putting together an education platform to teach young people about the consequences of carrying a knife. The foundation has been instrumental in the implementation of Jack's Law in Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory (hopefully soon to be passed in Western Australia and currently working with Victoria) which allows police officers to conduct 'stop and wand' operations in all Safe Night Precincts.

2023 – Marco Renai

As founder and CEO of The Men of Business Academy, Marco Renai is the driving force behind building an alternate school that focuses on empowering young men with the skills, knowledge and confidence to be happy, healthy and successful in life. Over the past 10 years Marco has changed the lives of countless young men. He works tirelessly with the business and wider community to provide mentorship and work opportunities and he has been solely responsible for raising the funds to bring his vision to fruition.

2022 – Dr Hal Rice

Instrumental in establishing our city as an internationally recognised innovative centre for stroke diagnosis, treatment and research. Also responsible for founding Qscan Radiology Clinics, and is recognised for his continued efforts to bring international medical conferences to the Gold Coast which generate millions of dollars in revenue for the city.

Gold Coast Citizen of the Year

Note: The Gold Coast Citizen of the Year award became known as Gold Coast Australian of the Year award in 2022.

2021 – Warren Young

Warren Young was employed by City of Gold Coast as a professional lifeguard in 1973 and was stationed at Burleigh Heads. In 1975, he was promoted to Chief Lifeguard, a position he held until retiring in February 2021. Now one of the City's longest serving employees, Warren was responsible for facilitating beach safety, managing a budget of $9.5 million, employing 39 permanent staff and 140 seasonal staff – the largest professional lifeguard service in Australia. He is one of the City's greatest advocates and his skill and ability in his job was recognised internationally. The Gold Coast Professional Lifeguards are considered the best in the world and this is in no small part due to its prestigious leader.

2019 – Paul Donovan

Paul Donovan has played a unique role in helping to make the Gold Coast a global tourism destination. As chair of Destination Gold Coast for more than a decade, and until recently a director of Tourism and Events Queensland, he has guided the city's image and reputation in its most successful era of visitor growth.

2018 – Karen Phillips

Karen boasts an expansive career in media as a qualified journalist, and is an avid supporter of women's cancer charities and other causes, having assisted in raising more than $2 million for a range of not-for-profit organisations.

2017 – Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O'Connor

Professor O'Connor has been instrumental in the outstanding achievements of Griffith University as well as volunteering his time in leadership and advisory roles to a wide array of organisations.

2016 – Gary Baildon

Gary held the office of Mayor for three terms; he has also held senior roles in many government and community organisations. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2010.

2025 – Wayne Sticher

Wayne Sticher, a retired firefighter and long-time cycling enthusiast, founded Cycling Without Age Gold Coast in 2020. Inspired by a simple act of kindness in Copenhagen, the initiative helps elderly people and people with disabilities to reconnect with nature and their community while they enjoy free trishaw rides. Assisted by more than 85 trained volunteers, Wayne has created a safe, joyful and inclusive experience that fosters social connection and wellbeing. Wayne’s dedication to enhancing community connection, mental health and inclusivity extends beyond cycling without age. He has contributed to many other charity organisations and has been recognised with multiple awards.

2024 – Maureen Stevenson

Maureen Stevenson has been providing philanthropic support to charities throughout Queensland for almost 30 years. Since 2010, she has donated over $6 million and has made an incredible difference to the lives of thousands of Queenslanders. Maureen has displayed leadership, vision and the ability to involve others in philanthropic activity by supporting charitable 'giving days' where she offers to match donations which encourages others to give. She has also included a range of charities in her will to ensure her legacy will continue for many years to come.

2023 – Robyn and Lindsay Burch

As the co-founders of Havafeed, Lindsay and Robyn Burch have been serving up meals – and hope – to the city's most disadvantaged for the past 30 years. It is estimated that they have helped over 500,000 lives and raised almost $2 million since opening their doors. They continue to provide over 300 meals a week to those in need.

2022 – Claude 'The Mower Man' Harvey

A real-life superhero for Australian kids who has spent his retirement trekking nationwide with his trusty mower 'Moyra' to spread awareness of child safety. To date he has personally raised over $1.3 million for Bravehearts (Australia's leading child protection advocate).

2025 – Madeleine McTernan

Madeleine McTernan has represented Australia six times in para swimming, including two Paralympics, a Commonwealth Games and three World Championships. A multiple world record holder and dual Paralympic silver medallist, Maddie, who has an intellectual impairment and autism, is a proud advocate for inclusion and prefers to focus on ability over disability. Beyond her athletic achievements, she volunteers with Riding for the Disabled and the Animal Welfare League. Maddie also inspires others through programs like Paralympics Australia’s ‘Imagine Program’ and she supports charities including Variety and the Kokoda Youth Foundation. Maddie is a role model who dedicates countless hours of her time to her Gold Coast community and beyond.

2024 – Abbie Williams

Abbie is the founder of Letters of Hope, a mental health charity sending handwritten letters, combatting stigma and fostering meaningful community connections. It's a not-for-profit social enterprise with charitable status founded in 2018 that shares helpful coping strategies, words of empowerment and connects those who are struggling with the support to help turn things around. Abbie is a mental health advocate, a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, an Ambassador for the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association and has been selected for two government-funded social entrepreneurship accelerator programs for her work.

2023 – Emma McKeon

At age 29, with 11 Olympic medals and 20 Commonwealth Games medals to her name, Emma is not only the greatest swimmer of all time, but the most decorated Australian Olympian. Emma is also a seven-time world record holder. She is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen and attributes the Gold Coast's great facilities to the success that she has achieved. As well as achieving those milestone records and maintaining her training schedule, she has completed a bachelor's degree in public health and health promotion from Griffith University.

2022 – Bryce U'Ren

Recognising his dedication, passion and commitment to ensuring all Australian children diagnosed with cancer receive a Super Max the Turtle night light. An inspirational example of a young Gold Coast boy who is spreading love, hope, happiness and comfort to those in need.

Gold Coast Young Citizen of the Year

Note: The Gold Coast Young Citizen of the Year award became known as Gold Coast Young Australian of the Year award in 2022.

2021 – Elijah Palmer

Elijah is an amazing young man who attends Mudgeeraba State Special School. Elijah has continued to train throughout COVID-19 lockdown. Despite having had several hospital admissions and some medical procedures, he has still smashed records in the sport of wheelchair racing. Elijah won all 5 races at the Queensland Schools Championships with 6 personal bests.

2020 – Amelia Anderson

Amelia is a year 11 student at Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School (LORDS). Amelia has been a surf lifesaver at Southport Surf Life Saving Club for the past three years, as well as volunteering her time for the past five years at the Gold Coast Inclusive Sports Program and volunteering for Rosie's – Friends on the Street.

2019 – Kaitlin Barwick

Kaitlin Barwick at just 16 is already proving herself as an inspiring leader through the introduction of new voluntary community initiatives, fundraising and personal academic and sporting achievements. Kaitlin is currently completing her Gold 'Duke of Edinburgh' Award within the PCYC.

2018 – Madison Birtchnell

Madison is just 17 and for the past 10 years has single-handedly organised empowering community events, generated funding, arranged sponsorship and guest speakers, created cultural and social change locally, raised awareness and broken down barriers surrounding important social issues.

2017 – Kane Elgey

As a player of the Gold Coast Titans' squad, Kane is a most available and cooperative player for community visits, sponsor liaison and media requirements. He is also ambassador for the Tugun Seahawks where he began his career.

2016 – Tanya Diessel

Tanya works as a community lawyer, providing free legal advice and assistance to the Gold Coast community, including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people.

2025 – Ian Gay

Ian Gay is a dedicated community leader and passionate volunteer who has been integral to the Disabled Surfers Association Gold Coast (DSAGC). Since its founding in 2004, Ian has helped people with disabilities safely experience the thrill of surfing, often for the first time. Thanks to Ian’s leadership and an army of volunteers, DSAGC has become a vibrant organisation that hosts six inclusive summer events at Currumbin’s Flat Rock Beach every year. Ian’s selflessness, generosity and commitment helps create lasting memories and brings immense joy to participants and volunteers alike.

Reflecting his extraordinary commitment, Ian has also been named the 2025 Local Hero for Queensland.

2024 – Mia Sims

It is Mia Sims' actions rather than her life work that identifies her as a 'local hero'. After seeing a young man between two bridges and feeling uneasy, she realised that someone needed to intervene but calling 000 may be too late. With a police station only a short distance away, she drove to the station, shouted for assistance and was quickly able to convey the urgency of the situation. A team of Police Officers was despatched immediately, the M1 was closed and the young man was negotiated down from the bridge. Through her compassion, bravery and actions a life was saved.

2023 – Ross Lee

As founder and president of My Community Legal, Ross and his team of 90 volunteers have provided free legal advice to over 10,000 vulnerable Gold Coasters since 2004. The countless hours, dedication, generosity and thoughtfulness he has for clients ensures they can all lead better lives as a result of his collaboration with members, volunteers and partners.

2022 – Carly Fradgley

Recognising the tireless contribution as Founder of 'Baby Give Back' who provide safe and essential items to families in crisis. Now employing 16 staff and over 300 volunteers operating from two locations, the organisation has assisted in excess of 14,000 vulnerable children since 2014.