Four outstanding Gold Coast residents have been recognised for their contributions to the community at the 2026 Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards.
Leading the honours was Anna-Louise Kassulke, CEO of Gold Coast Recreation & Sport Inc, who was named Gold Coast Australian of the Year for her decades-long commitment to improving opportunities for people with disabilities through sport and recreation.
Mayor Tom Tate said the recipients’ efforts had helped create a stronger and more connected city.
Joining Kassulke among the award winners were Wayne Bartholomew as Senior Australian of the Year, Ruby Allen as Young Australian of the Year, and Jesse Noonan as Local Hero.
Bartholomew, a surfing legend and community advocate, was recognised for his work raising awareness of melanoma and dementia, while supporting numerous local charities. Allen was honoured for founding Kids of Purple, a not-for-profit organisation supporting young people affected by domestic and family violence. Noonan was recognised for creating inclusive skateboarding programs and pioneering adaptive equipment for people of all abilities.
The winners will now represent the Gold Coast as nominees in the national Australian of the Year Awards program.
Image source: goldcoast.qld.gov.au