Martin Hood is a highly respected member of Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport (VMR), having devoted over 24 years to supporting the Gold Coast community in numerous ways. As the Duty Skipper at VMR, Martin leads a team of 15 crew members in providing maritime assistance for 24 hours every three weeks, resulting in over 150 rescue activations and aiding more than 250 community members during FY 2022/23.
Additionally, Martin serves as a Queensland Ambulance Service First Responder, frequently engaging in life-saving actions in challenging situations. Recently, he has taken on the responsibility of organising the local marine rescue efforts for the GC Local Disaster Management Group, providing critical support for the community in case of a marine-related natural disaster.
Find out more about Martin’s work at Volunteer Marine Rescue Here.
Category finalists:
Griffin Light-Law is an inspiring young individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities through his passion, talent, and enthusiasm. He is highly skilled in the field of music and has dedicated countless hours to volunteering for the Youth Music Venture and the Currumbin Primary School (CPS). From the young age of 11, he has selflessly volunteered his time as a music mentor to other young people through the Youth Music Venture program.
In addition, Griffin has volunteered at the CPS for four hours every week, where he has helped young musicians read and play music, leveraging his talent as a multi-instrumentalist. His unwavering commitment to volunteering for the betterment of others is nothing short of remarkable. Griffin’s consistent, weekly involvement as a volunteer for the past four years is critical to the success of these students.
Find out more about Griffin’s work at Youth Music Venture Here.
Every day St John’s Crisis Centre provides food, clothing and other essential services for Gold Coasters in their time of crisis. They are a non-denominational charity located in the heart of the Surfers Paradise that is devoted to helping communities who need a hand. With a range of services from takeaway lunches right through to helping people find work or required services. Last year alone they served over 33,000 meals to people in need and all because of our community’s generous spirit. All of the St John’s Crisis Centre’s services are possible due to amazing people and organisations donating their time and money.
Find out more about St John’s Crisis Centre Here.
Marymount College has been a part of the social justice community since the establishment of Rosies on the Gold Coast two decades ago. Over a thousand hours of student volunteering has been committed to helping those who are vulnerable access much-needed food, necessities, and company.
This year, 85 members from Marymount College community have participated in the Rosies Outreach program, amounting to over 250 hours of service. In addition, students have donated goods to St Vincent de Paul’s society, held BBQ fundraisers for Catholic Mission, and provided assistance wherever possible. The commitment to community instilled by Rosies has inspired Marymount to continue its strong participation in the program for years to come.
Find out more about the Marymount College Student Volunteering Program Here.
92.5 Triple M’s Giveback Project promoted volunteerism and community support on the Gold Coast. Through partnerships with Volunteering Gold Coast, they encouraged listeners to donate their time to various events throughout the year, highlighted the positive impact of volunteering, and provided a platform to recognise good deeds. The project culminated in a successful mass volunteering event at Raba Urban Farm, which brought the community together for a sustainable cause.
Find out more about Southern Cross Austereo – 92.5 Triple M Here.
Journey 2 Learn is a not-for-profit organisation that fosters diversity, inclusion, and equality. They support the journey of Autistic children by ensuring their participation in mainstream education, providing them with the necessary tools to integrate seamlessly. Journey 2 Learn also provides valuable autism inclusion training to educators, promoting disability inclusion in the education system.
Their commitment to diversity and inclusion is inspiring and has far-reaching positive effects on the Gold Coast and beyond. To foster greater disability inclusion in the education system, Journey 2 Learn has introduced autism inclusion training for educators. This initiative has a positive impact on the entire school community, creating a more inclusive educational environment that benefits both students and faculty.
Find out more about Journey 2 Learn Here.
