The founder of Australia's largest community fundraiser for breast cancer research, Dr Robyn Cameron, has been named Gold Coast Australian of the Year for 2025.
She was among the four category winners honoured at the City's annual Australian of the Year Awards ceremony which recognises exceptional Gold Coasters and their contributions to the community.
"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 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."
The remarkable Gold Coasters who were recognised include:
- Dr Robyn Cameron, Gold Coast Australian of the Year
- Madeleine McTernan, Young Australian of the Year
- Wayne Sticher, Senior Australian of the Year
- Ian Gay, Local Hero of the Year
"Dr Cameron has done an incredible effort with her countless hours of volunteering and advocacy work as a National Breast Cancer Foundation ambassador as well as creating the charity's largest community fundraiser," Mayor Tate added.
"Madeleine is an incredible talent having represented Australia six times in para swimming and being a proud advocate for inclusion, making her an inspiration to us all.
"Wayne's Cycling Without Age organisation is another inspiring story, providing opportunities for elderly people and those with disabilities to reconnect with nature and their community.
"Our Local Hero of the Year is yet another worthy recipient with his dedication towards inclusivity and an integral volunteer for the Disabled Surfers Association Gold Coast.
The winners will be nominated by the City for the National Australia Day Council's Australian of the Year Awards.
The Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards are supported by Gold Coast Bulletin, Channel Nine and 102.9 Hot Tomato.
Dr. Robyn Cameron is a leader, mother, advocate and Senior Lecturer at Griffith University who has transformed personal adversity into extraordinary community impact. A two-time breast cancer survivor, Robyn has dedicated over two decades to fundraising and advocacy, raising more than $2 million for breast cancer research, making her Australia's largest community fundraiser for breast cancer research. She is a National Breast Cancer Foundation ambassador and the founder of the Pink Ribbon Cup Race Day, which has become the Foundation's largest community fundraising event. Despite working full time, Robyn has devoted countless hours to volunteerism and leadership which has earned her numerous awards, including 2024 Gold Coast Volunteer of the Year.
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 supports charities like 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.
Wayne Sticher, a retired firefighter and longtime cycling enthusiast, founded Cycling Without Age Gold Coast in 2020. The initiative, inspired by a simple act of kindness in Copenhagen, offers free trishaw rides to elderly people and people with disabilities, helping them to reconnect with nature and their community. With over 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 to various other charity organisations and has seen him recognised with multiple awards.
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. Through his leadership and supported by an army of volunteers, DSAGC continues to improve and has grown into a vibrant organisation that hosts six inclusive summer events at Currumbin's Flat Rock Beach every year. Ian's selflessness, generosity and commitment help to create lasting memories and bring immense joy to participants and volunteers alike.
