Our top achievers
Coast’s best recognised
A SCIENTIST who has a led a team to develop a drug to tackle one of the world’s deadliest diseases has taken out top honours at the city’s annual Australia Day awards.
Professor Mark von Itzstein, who is director and research head at the Griffith University Institute for Glycomics, has been named Gold Coast Citizen of the Year.
He is joined by a diverse group of recipients of awards, which recognise inspirational citizens for excellence in community service, sporting, environmental and cultural endeavours.
The Institute for Glycomics at Southport is one of the nation’s flagship multi-disciplinary biomedical research institutes, providing the Coast with international recognition and raising the city’s profile.
In December the institute signed a multi-million-dollar deal, partnering with Hong Kong medical giant China Grand Pharma, to further develop the drug to combat the Human Parainfluenza Virus (hPIV) – one of the most common causes of respiratory illnesses in infants, sick and the elderly.
Prof von Itzstein has been working on the breakthrough drug for a decade.
Teenager Amelia Anderson was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year for her commitment to the community through extensive volunteer work and fundraising efforts.
The 92.5 Triple M Community Service Award went to Ormeau Progress Association president Judy Hendrikx, who will celebrate her 40th anniversary in the role this year.
World champion archer Richard Peters won the Sport Achievement Award for dedication to the sport and commitment to his local archery club.
The Cultural Achievement Award was awarded to Aarti Bajaj, artistic director of Gold Coast-based production company Wild Dreamer Productions, which is helping develop the Gold Coast arts and culture scene.
City of Gold Coast’s Saraya Robinson won the Environmental Achievement Award for her work in engaging more than 14,000 individuals across the city with activities and programs aimed at conserving and exploring the natural environment.
Mayor Tom Tate said he was honoured to meet the award recipients and thanked them for their contribution to the community.
“Each of these citizens has helped make the Gold Coast an even greater place to live,’’ he said.
“On behalf of the city, I’d like to thank these local legends for their ongoing commitment to the Gold Coast. Your hard work and dedication to our city does not go unnoticed.”