Nominations are go!
Nominations are go!
Role models. We all have them and no, we’re not talking influenzers (spelling intentional) coz whilst we all love a good gawk on the gram #guiltypleasure101, we’re digging deeper than your standard Hello Fresh and Bondi Boost endorsing bae. We’re referring to the real deal, the local folk who inspire us, champion positive change, and make the GC a better place #amen. And if you’re lucky enough to know a past or present Gold Coaster who is a true-blue role model, now’s the time to speak up coz the 2023 Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards nominations are open!
Presented annually to the most deserving GC ambassadors, this is a fantastic way to recognise the special souls in our ‘hood who go above and beyond. Maybe they’ve achieved greatness in their life as a result of challenges and triumphs. Maybe they’re especially accomplished in their career and have made a very real difference in others’ lives? Or, perhaps they’re an all-round outstanding citizen whose impact on the people and/or the community warrant public acknowledgement?
The awards are the city’s top civic honours and big biccies, as they’re a proven pathway to success at the National Australia Day Council’s Australian of the Year Awards. There are various categories so put your thinking cap on and start nomming (nominating that is, not eating which is normally what we mean here at Inside GC).
These categories include the main gong, Gold Coast Australian of the Year which fun fact was awarded last year to the man, the myth, the legend; Dr Hal Rice for his work positioning the GC as the epicentre of stroke diagnosis, research, and treatment (among other accolades). Sir, we’re proud to call you one of us, and you keep doing you boo #whattaman.
There’s also Gold Coast Senior Australian of the Year, celebrating those aged 65 and over who continue to achieve, inspire or make a difference within the wider community. Honouring the opposite ‘vintage’ coz #inclusive, there’s a Gold Coast Young Australian of the Year award up for grabs. This recognises those who have overachieved in a particular field or endeavour aged 16 to 30 and srsly, not only are we too old for a Contiki tour but we’re also out of the running here #devo.
Last but not least, there’s the Gold Coast Local Hero and surely that would have to be the legend who paid for our coffees last week #payitforward. Whilst a truly lovely gesture, this prestigious award is reserved for those who make a difference to more than just our energy levels, challenging us to think about our contribution to creating a better local community.
Proudly supported by myGC, this is YOUR chance to shine the spotlight on the exceptional person (or people) who have made a significant contribution to our beautiful city and deserve to rep-re-sent!
Nominating is simple, closing on Sunday 2nd April so get involved! To register your ‘chosen one’ or for more information regarding eligibility and other details, go here.
Where: cityofgoldcoast.com.au/gcawards
When: Nominations open now until Sunday 2nd April
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY CITY OF GOLD COAST.
Perry Cross AM is one Gold Coast local you’re going to want to hear about. Having sustained a severe spinal cord injury leaving Perry a C2 ventilated quadriplegic from a rugby union tackle, meaning he would never walk, feel or breathe on his own again (at age 19), Perry has made it his mission to find a cure for paralysis.
We sat down for a chat with Perry about the Spinal Cord Injury Project and SIP Week, a time when we can all help to raise money for Perry and over 15,000 other Australians with spinal injuries.
What do you love most about living on the Gold Coast?
The beautiful climate and relaxed lifestyle.
Tell us how the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation came about?
I started the Foundation out of necessity really – in pursuit of a cure for paralysis.
You’ve made it your mission to find a cure for paralysis, why is this so important to you?
It is my life’s ambition to cure paralysis for the thousands of people across the globe who desperately need a cure.
You’re also a motivational speaker, what do you most want to share with people?
Focus on what you can do, what you’ve got and where you are going, not what you’ve lost, what you don’t have or where you’ve been. Everything really is possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the prevalence of spinal cord injuries?
In Australia one person sustains a spinal cord injury every day and there are currently 15,000 Australians living with a spinal cord injury.
Talk to us about the research you’ve been doing and the advances you’ve made?
There is no cure for paralysis but with the support of generous donors and funding partners, The Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation has helped to raise over $12 million which has been invested into ground-breaking Australian research focused on finding a cure. We have made great progress with a world first treatment that involves the transplantation of the patient’s own olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) from the nose into the spinal cord to reform connections. This experimental treatment has shown promising functional outcomes. Our goal is to conduct a Human Clinical Trial and restore movement in people suffering with paralysis.
What is the Spinal Cord Injury Project (SIP)?
This ground-breaking, world first project was pioneered by 2017 Australian of the Year, Emeritus Professor Alan Mackay-Sim and involves the transplantation of the patient’s own olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) from the nose into the spinal cord. The SIP team is reinventing and rethinking how cells can grow leading to the creation of new cell products. By combining advanced cell purification techniques and engineering, the team is designing three-dimensional nerve bridges that will help regenerate the spinal cord. This approach has recently been successfully tested in pre-clinical models and has shown promising functional outcomes. This incredible approach has the potential to result in the first widely available treatment for spinal cord injury and it is being developed here in Queensland, Australia!
Talk to us about SIP Week, how can we get involved?
SIP Week challenges everyone to drink all their beverages through a straw, just like I have to because of paralysis. You don’t have to run a marathon, or even break a sweat, just drink all your beverages through a straw and raise funds from November 2nd to 8th. Sign up at sipweek.com
What do you most hope for in the near future?
People will no longer need to live with paralysis and Wallabies win the Bledisloe Cup.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast:
Restaurant for dinner: Balboa Italian Palm Beach
Coffee spot: Merlo Brickworks
Café for breakfast: Sage Broadbeach
How does your weekend usually look: Surf Club for lunch with friends and catch up with family
Nicole Dyer is a well-known member of the local Gold Coast community, having hosted every program at the ABC Gold Coast since joining the station more than 15 years ago. Nicole has recently been announced as the Gold Coast Open House Ambassador for 2022.
With the Gold Coast’s unique history, colourful personalities and rapidly changing landscape, Nicole says this presents a unique challenge for architecture and buildings on the Gold Coast.
We found out a bit more about Nicole, including her favourite architectural gems on the Gold Coast and her top pick for a cuppa.
Tell us a bit about you. (Both personally & professionally)
My passion for radio began while I was studying journalism at the Queensland University of Technology….I always loved drama and acting so the idea of becoming a radio broadcaster really appealed to me.
After my degree …I moved to Melbourne because I was in love and while that relationship didn’t work…I found a new passion working in community radio which gave me the experience to get jobs at commercial radio stations up and down the eastern seaboard from Townsville to Sydney for 13 years…before landing at ABC Gold Coast.
Seriously? Who doesn’t want to work a block from the beach.
Breakfast radio hours are crazy and my partner who is also a journalist works at the opposite end of the day in Brisbane – so we play tag team with our 12 year old and write plenty of messages on the fridge whiteboard. I do a lot of driving on the M1 so I have a special bond with listeners who drive the Pacific Motorway every day.
You are the Gold Coast Open House Ambassador for 2022. For those who may not be familiar what is the Gold Coast Open House
GCOH is like getting a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory…a chance to go inside innovatively designed homes and be inspired. As well as the private houses you get to experience spaces and places that are otherwise out of bounds or perhaps not on your radar such as the Desalination Plant, Broadwater Chapel by the Sea or the Ernest Junction Rail Tunnel.
This FREE event is for anyone who appreciates architecture or wants to become an architect. It also includes free guided tours and a stack of panel discussions such as future proofing homes and cost-effective backyard extensions.
My advice is to book ASAP as places go pretty fast, especially for private homes.
How did you come to be the ambassador Gold Coast Open House for 2022?
I’ve always had a fascination for how others live and how they design their homes to get maximum joy out of it – so when the former city architect and GCOH spokesperson Philip Follent asked If I wanted to help share the word about this event – it was a no brainer.
What are your favourite Gold Coast architectural gems?
I love driving past the Southport Bathing Pavilion which was built in the 1930’s….as it immediately takes me back to the Gold Coast of old…when beach culture was emerging as a real past time.
I also love the HOTA gallery for its design, colours, and innovation. A couple of years ago…I visited the micro-terraces in the heart of Southport built from some of the smallest freehold residential lots in Australia. The balance between limited space, quality of lifestyle and design really stuck with me.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s event?
I recently discovered the Gold Coast Historical Museum and fell in love with the history of the site which features the graves of early pioneers and a relocated cottage which artist Vincent Sheldon built himself. It is run by volunteers and this piece of paradise is perfect for a browse and picnic. I also love Cloudview which is a rainforest cabin at Springbrook that has a roof design that opens up…to help with gutter maintenance and water collecting.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Favourite café/coffee spot: I am a big fan of having a cup of homegrown herbal tea at the Botanic Gardens at Benowa
Restaurant: I took my daughter to the Currumbin Wildlife sanctuary Koala breakfast for her birthday last year – not officially a restaurant but there were koalas and it was pretty special…As for actual restaurants….I can’t pick just one but I am a sucker for a good fresh seafood platter.
Bar or place for a drink: Anywhere with a good view and good service.
Beach:- Coolangatta
How do you choose to spend your weekends
I love nothing more than a sleep in, yoga and a big cooked breakfast…then some quality time with my family.
Stand up paddle boarding is next on my Saturday to-do list.
