2 Nominate now for Gold Coast Australian of the Year Nominations are now open for the 2026 Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards, celebrating outstanding citizens creating positive change in the community. Mayor Tom Tate said the annual awards recognise those helping to build a stronger and more connected Gold Coast. “We want to honour local unsung heroes and give them the credit they deserve,” he said. “They’re the Gold Coasters whose everyday actions - mentoring, volunteering, leading and caring for others - help our community thrive. “Show your appreciation by nominating a mate, colleague or family member who continues to make a real difference.” There are four categories including: 1. Gold Coast Australian of the Year • Honouring the achievements and contributions of eminent Gold Coasters who are role models for us all, contribute to making the Gold Coast great, and are positive ambassadors for the region 2. Gold Coast Senior Australian of the Year • Celebrating those Australians aged 65 and over who continue to achieve, inspire or make a difference within the wider community 3. Gold Coast Young Australian of the Year • Recognising inspirational 16 to 30-year-olds who have accomplished great things in a particular field of endeavour 4. Gold Coast Local Hero • Acknowledging people who make a difference and challenge us to think about our contribution to creating a better local community. Last year’s Gold Coast Local Hero, Ian Gay, has also recently been named 2026 Local Hero for Queensland for his work helping people with disabilities safely experience surfing. Nominations for the 2026 Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards close Monday 23 March 2026. 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 Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards are proudly supported by The Gold Coast Bulletin and Southern Cross Austereo. For more information and to nominate visit cityofgoldcoast. com.au/gcawards. Mayor Tom Tate with last year’s Gold Coast Local Hero, Ian Gay. KEEPING YOU AHEAD OF THE GAME: Why Australians Put Off Making A Will Christmas may be over, but it’s never too late to give your loved ones the ultimate gift: peace of mind. Many Australians delay making a will, often believing they are “too young” or “don’t have enough assets.” However, even modest estates can be complex due to superannuation, digital accounts, and family provision claims. Without a will, your loved ones may face unnecessary complications. Emotional discomfort is another common barrier. Modern family dynamics—such as separations, blended families, and caregiving arrangements—can make decisions feel overwhelming. People often avoid these conversations to prevent conflict, but this can lead to greater issues later. Additionally, the strict legal requirements for executing a will can be intimidating. While courts can validate informal wills in some cases, this process is uncertain and costly. At Aylward Game Solicitors, we make will-making simple and stress-free. Our experienced team will guide you through the process, ensuring your will is valid, clear, and tailored to your needs. This year, give your family the gift of security. Contact us today to create or update your will. Aylward Game Solicitors 2/20 Grice Ave, Paradise Point QLD 4216 Email: mail@aylwardgame.com.au | Phone: 1800 217 217 see advertisement front cover LIONS AWARENESS DAY 2026 Runaway Bay Lions Club will be holding a Lions Awareness Day on Saturday 7 March 2026 at the Runaway Bay Centre from 10am to 3pm (near Suncorp Bank). You are invited to come along and meet our local dedicated and hard-working volunteers and find out the incredible work Lions do in our community and how you can get involved. Australian Lions Clubs have been helping those in need in Australia and overseas, for more than 77 years. Providing emergency relief during natural disasters and supporting farming communities during floods, droughts or fires. Supporting critical medical research into childhood cancers and diabetes, or working on local environmental programs. That’s why we are taking the opportunity to tell our story on Lions Awareness Day. We want you to know more about what we do and the causes we support. So, if you are at Runaway Bay Centre on Saturday March 7, make sure you stop by and say hello! If you are interested in helping at any of our events or joining this wonderful group of people, contact can be made by email runawaybaylions@ hotmail.com or phone 0403 049535
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