A BIG THANK YOU TO THOSE WE HONOUR TODAY

THE Queen’s Birthday honours list provides a window into a wonderful world, highlighting the incredible work of Australians from all walks of life.

And for the most part it is a world that is unsung.

There are plenty of well-known Gold Coast luminaries on this year’s list who are high-profile achievers whose work we know and love.

High up are the contributions of developer and philanthropist Soheil Abedian – the man behind some of the city’s landmark and façade-defining projects including Palazzo Versace and the mighty Q1.

While he is best known for his buildings, Mr Abedian has been honoured for his inspiring philanthropic acts such as scholarships for students who otherwise would not be able to attend university.

This pay-it-forward attitude has made a significant difference over the decades.

Most famously this saw him write a cheque for a school principal to build a tesnis court for then little known but up and coming tennis star Sam Stosur - and Tony Cochrane, the enigmatic Gold Coast Suns chairman and touring acts maestro.

But also on the list are many unfamiliar names to the general public.

But they will be more than familiar for those who are in their circle and aware of their contribution.

To go through the list and read some of the bios and lists of unsung contributions to sporting clubs, community, research, those who have tasted success and given back is truly humbling.

These are people who have an inherent goodness built into their DNA. It’s in their work ethic and to be admired..

If we could bottle the moxy of some of these people, society would be a much better place.

So to all of those selfless and tireless and impressive souls on the Queen’s Birthday honours list, we salute you and we thank you.

Your effort, your accomplishments make the world a better place and even though recognition is not why you do it is well deserved.

The breadth of activities and contributions being made by people are truly inspiring.

And these are the people who should be held up as society’s true heroes – our lifesavers, our academics, our pioneers, our animal welfare advocates, our visionaries, our success stories who give back and who make a core difference and improve life as we know it.