Be quick to nominate your community champion

One of the city’s leading lights has urged people to nominate a community champion for the Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards before it’s too late.

The Australian of the Year Awards recognise inspiring individuals who lead as role models in their local community, their state and the nation.

And for the founder of Men of Business (MOB) Academy Marco Renai, receiving the Gold Coast’s top honour last year was the start of an incredible journey.

Mr Renai was then recognised as the Queensland Australian of the Year award winner, making him a finalist for the overall Australian of the Year honour.

Mr Renai was honoured for the work his institution does in providing an alternative secondary school education for young men who have dropped out of school – empowering them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in life. He said that winning the award “opened doors” for his cause.

“The connections I’ve made and the opportunities for the future have been all off the back of being recognised as the Gold Coaster of the Year,” Mr Renai said.

“This is the last week for nominations and then we get to find out who those amazing people are, people should be voting now.

“The people who often do this work are never doing it for accolades, so why not support your local champion and nominate a person who is doing something amazing on the Gold Coast – It’s only going to amplify their cause.”

Nominations for the four categories – Gold Coast Australian of the Year, Gold Coast Senior Australian of the Year, Gold Coast Young Australian of the Year and Gold Coast Local Hero – opened on January 26.

They close on March 24 and a selection panel will choose the winners. To nominate, head to www.cityofgoldcoast.com.au/gcawards

The Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards are proudly supported by the Gold Coast Bulletin and Listnr.