Here are the Gold Coast changemakers who are making a difference
Last month, the City of Gold Coast hosted the Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards at Skypoint in Surfers Paradise, with a number of locals recognised for their work improving the lives of others and changing the Gold Coast for the better. Here are the community members that earned recognition for their contributions …
Four category winners were honoured at the City of Gold Coast’s annual Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards ceremony, with each recognised for their contribution to making the city great and acting as positive ambassadors for the region.
Leading the pack was Gold Coast Australian of the Year award winner Dr. Robyn Cameron, a senior lecturer at Griffith University and a two-time breast cancer survivor, who has spent more than two decades raising funds and advocating for breast cancer research through positions as National Breast Cancer Foundation ambassador and founder of the Pink Ribbon Cup Race Day. Robyn is recognised as Australia’s largest community breast cancer research fundraiser, having raised more than $2 million for the cause.
Wayne Sticher was awarded Gold Coast Senior Australian of the Year for his work as founder of Cycling Without Age Gold Coast – an initiative dedicated to helping elderly people and people with disabilities reconnect with nature via free trishaw rides. Cycling Without Age Gold Coast has helped promote community connection, mental health and inclusivity through its safe, joyful and inclusive experiences, with Wayne and his team of 85 trained volunteers improving the lives of many.
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The Gold Coast Young Australian of the Year award went to multiple world record holder and dual Paralympic silver medallist Madeleine McTernan. Maddie, who has an intellectual impairment and autism, has represented Australia numerous times in para swimming and is a staunch advocate for inclusion, preferring to focus on ability over disability. In addition to her athletic pursuits, Maddie also volunteers with Riding for the Disabled and the Animal Welfare League, dedicating much of her time to the Gold Coast community.
Finally, the Gold Coast Local Hero award was presented to community leader and dedicated volunteer Ian Gay, who was recognised for his work with Disabled Surfers Association Gold Coast. Since its founding more than 20 years ago, DSAGC has helped those with disabilities experience the joys of surfing at its six inclusive summer events, held at Currumbin’s Flat Rock beach.
“This year’s winners have each made remarkable contributions to the Gold Coast community with fundraising, advocacy, support and opportunities that have improved the lives of so many people,” said City of Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate. “I am honoured to call these individuals Gold Coasters and thank each and every one of them for the positive impacts they continue to have on our community.”
For more information on this year’s winners, head to the City of Gold Coast website.
