The Gold Coast is celebrated for its incredible community spirit, and this is perfectly highlighted by the locals recognised at the annual Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards. These awards are proudly supported by the Gold Coast Bulletin and Southern Cross Austereo. The recent ceremony honoured four outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of others. Mayor Tom Tate perfectly captured the celebratory mood, stating, “The 2026 award winners’ everyday actions help our community thrive”. Each of these four recipients will now be nominated by the City for the National Australia Day Council’s Australian of the Year Awards.
Leading the Way in Sport and Inclusion
Taking the top honour as the 2026 Gold Coast Australian of the Year is Anna-Louise Kassulke. For four decades, she has been a tireless advocate for improving the lives of people with disabilities by creating access to sport and recreation. Her journey began back in 1986 when she joined Gold Coast Recreation & Sport Inc as its sole employee. Today, she is the CEO of the organisation, supporting hundreds of participants across various inclusive community programmes. A nationally respected leader, she has spent decades playing a significant role in Special Olympics Australia. Furthermore, her work through initiatives like the Active Inclusion Project has actively shaped inclusive practices across local clubs. Mayor Tom Tate noted, “Anna-Louise Kassulke [has] been instrumental in making our city more inclusive and has played a pivotal role in Special Olympics Australia”. Her mentorship and volunteerism have opened clear pathways from grassroots participation straight through to elite competition, ensuring lasting community inclusion.
Equally passionate about accessible recreation is Jesse Noonan, the 2026 Gold Coast Local Hero. Jesse is the founder of Rock’n’Slide Skateboarding and Skate Advantage, where he creates inclusive skateboarding opportunities for people of all abilities. His journey was inspired by a student with cerebral palsy, which motivated him to pioneer adaptive skate frames and launch Australia’s first all-abilities skateboarding club right here on the Gold Coast. Mayor Tom Tate shared, “Local hero Jesse Noonan is enhancing the Gold Coast lifestyle by making skateboarding more inclusive for all abilities, while helping people stay active and healthy”. Jesse’s programmes are designed to foster confidence, a sense of belonging, and joyful participation. By also running youth and women-only skate classes, he is expanding access to a traditionally exclusive sport. Known for his warmth, creativity, and innovative approach, Jesse is reshaping how the community views ability and inclusion.
Advocating for Health and Youth Support
The prestigious title of 2026 Gold Coast Senior Australian of the Year has been awarded to Wayne Bartholomew AM. An internationally respected surfing pioneer and a lifelong Gold Coast resident, his influence extends far beyond the sporting world. Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, Wayne uses his lived experience to serve as a passionate advocate for melanoma awareness and as an ambassador for Wipeout Dementia. Mayor Tom Tate stated, “When he’s not in his wetsuit, Wayne is advocating for melanoma awareness and supporting dementia research, while raising funds for multiple local charities”. His philanthropic legacy is truly remarkable. In 1984, he and Denis Callinan established Surfers Against Nature’s Destruction, successfully raising over two million dollars for charities supporting homeless youth, families suffering loss, and seriously ill children. He continues this vital work by aligning with the Usher Group to raise funds for local groups such as the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation, Currumbin Wildlife Hospice, and Arcadia College. Through purposeful leadership and community care, Wayne uses his credibility to normalise conversations about health, wellbeing, and prevention.
Rounding out this extraordinary group is Ruby Allen, the 2026 Gold Coast Young Australian of the Year. Ruby is the driven founder of Kids of Purple, a not-for-profit initiative focused on improving support for young people impacted by domestic and family violence. Identifying a critical gap in youth-specific resources through her own lived experience, she built a platform that offers accessible information, guidance, and validation for affected children. Mayor Tom Tate highlighted her impact, noting, “Ruby’s work founding Kids of Purple has driven meaningful change to support young people impacted by domestic and family violence”. Her advocacy has influenced professional training and contributed to major initiatives with Brisbane Catholic Education, the Department of Housing, and the Queensland Victims’ Commissioner. Furthermore, after addressing the Queensland Family and Child Commission Youth Summit in 2024, she secured vital funding to expand the reach of Kids of Purple. Currently studying law at Bond University, Ruby is actively shaping a future of reform, prevention, and dedicated support.
