The leader of an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through sport and recreation has been named the 2026 Gold Coast Australian of the Year.
Gold Coast Recreation & Sport Inc CEO Anna‑Louise Kassulke was honoured alongside three other category winners at the City's annual Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards.
Mayor Tom Tate said this year's recipients have helped build a stronger, more connected Gold Coast.
"The 2026 award winners' everyday actions help our community thrive," Mayor Tate said.
The outstanding Gold Coasters recognised for their contributions include:
- Anna-Louise Kassulke, Gold Coast Australian of the Year
- Wayne Bartholomew AM, Gold Coast Senior Australian of the Year
- Ruby Allen, Gold Coast Young Australian of the Year
- Jesse Noonan, Gold Coast Local Hero.
"Anna‑Louise Kassulke ha been instrumental in making our city more inclusive and has played a pivotal role in Special Olympics Australia," Mayor Tate said.
"When he's not in his wetsuit, Wayne is advocating for melanoma awareness and supporting dementia research, while raising funds for multiple local charities.
"Ruby's work founding Kids of Purple has driven meaningful change to support young people impacted by domestic and family violence.
"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."
The award recipient within each of the four categories will be nominated by the City for the National Australia Day Council's Australian of the Year Awards.
The 2026 Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards are supported by the Gold Coast Bulletin and Southern Cross Austereo.
Anna-Louise Kassulke, Gold Coast Australian of the Year
Anna-Louise Kassulke has dedicated four decades to improving the lives of people with disabilities through sport and recreation. Joining Gold Coast Recreation & Sport Inc. in 1986 as its sole employee, she now leads the organisation as CEO, supporting hundreds of participants across inclusive community programs. A nationally respected leader, Anna‑Louise has played a significant role in Special Olympics Australia for decades and has helped shape inclusive practice across local clubs through initiatives such as the Active Inclusion Project. Known for her tireless advocacy, volunteerism and mentorship, Anna‑Louise's leadership has opened pathways from grassroots participation to elite competition and lasting community inclusion.
Wayne Bartholomew AM, Gold Coast Senior Australian of the Year
Wayne Bartholomew AM is an internationally respected surfing pioneer and lifelong Gold Coast resident whose influence continues well beyond sport. Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, Wayne has become a passionate advocate for melanoma awareness and an ambassador for Wipeout Dementia, drawing on his lived experience to educate others. Wayne and Denis Callinan established SAND (Surfers Against Nature's Destruction) in 1984, raising over $2 million for charities and community groups supporting homeless youth, families suffering loss and seriously ill children. Continuing this work, Wayne later aligned with the Usher Group to raise funds for Gold Coast-based charities and community groups including Gold Coast Hospital Foundation, Currumbin Wildlife Hospice and Arcadia College. Wayne uses his credibility and voice to normalise conversations about health, prevention and wellbeing, demonstrating leadership grounded in purpose, service and community care.
Ruby Allen, Gold Coast Young Australian of the Year
Ruby Allen is the founder of Kids of Purple, a not‑for‑profit initiative improving support for young people impacted by domestic and family violence. Drawing on her own lived experience, Ruby identified a critical gap in youth-specific resources and created a platform offering accessible information, guidance and validation for children and young people. Her advocacy has driven real change, including influencing professional training and contributing to initiatives with organisations such as Brisbane Catholic Education, the Department of Housing, and the Queensland Victims' Commissioner. In 2024, Ruby addressed the Queensland Family and Child Commission Youth Summit, securing funding to expand Kids of Purple's reach. Now studying law at Bond University, Ruby is shaping a future of reform, prevention and support.
Jesse Noonan, Gold Coast Local Hero
Jesse Noonan is the founder of Rock'n'Slide Skateboarding and Skate Advantage, creating inclusive skateboarding opportunities for people of all-abilities. Inspired by a student with cerebral palsy, Jesse pioneered adaptive skate frames and established Australia's first all-abilities skateboarding club on the Gold Coast. His programs foster confidence, belonging and joyful participation, helping people with disabilities experience freedom through movement. Jesse also runs youth and women‑only skate classes, expanding access in a traditionally exclusive sport. Known for his creativity, warmth and innovative approach, Jesse's work has reshaped how the community views ability and inclusion, one skate session at a time.
