The city's everyday heroes have been recognised for their outstanding work to enhance safety in Gold Coast neighbourhoods.
Everything Suarve Inc, Brett and Belinda Beasley and the Jack Beasley Foundation were among those being recognised for their contribution to the city at the biennial Safer Suburbs Awards.
"On behalf of the City I congratulate the winners and thank all nominees for their hard work and dedication to making the Gold Coast an even safer, more resilient, and connected community," Mayor Tom Tate said.
"Their work helps protect the vulnerable, educate our children and build local awareness so that the Gold Coast remains a safe place to live. This year we had a total of 32 nominees, and they were of such a high standard it made it difficult to select the winners."
The Safer Suburbs Award winners are:
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Meritorious Award
Everything Suarve Inc
Through their Big Brother programs Everything Suarve Inc provides a foundation for our most vulnerable and at-risk young people to pursue qualifications and increase their employment outcomes. The program aims to improve the lives of our most disadvantaged youth.
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Meritorious Award Brett and Belinda Beasley and the Jack Beasley Foundation
The Beasleys are dedicated to reducing knife crime, particularly among young people, and their efforts have included pushing for legislation to allow police to carry metal detection wands. They also offer awareness programs for schools, sporting clubs and community organisations. Their efforts began after their 17-year-old son Jack tragically lost his life in Surfers Paradise.
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Individual
Michelle Beattie, Hearts of Purple founder
Hearts of Purple, provides essential resources for those impacted by domestic and family violence. Ms Beattie also works to raise awareness of the signs of abuse and available support.
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Community group Multicultural Families Organisation
This group helps improve safety and encourages inclusion through a range of programs including Leaders for Positive Change, Friend's Friend Network and the SARA program which support culturally, and linguistically diverse women impacted by domestic and family violence.
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Project or initiative Chill Out Zone – Gold Coast Youth Service.
The initiative operates in the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach safe night precincts to provide direct welfare and support vulnerable people to get home safely.
