Airwaves queen and emcee Emily Jade O’Keeffe says awards inspire and make her feel proud of GC

Gold Coast breakfast radio queen Emily Jade O’Keeffe opens up on why she’s such a big fan of the Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year awards. Read it now

Gold Coast breakfast radio queen Emily Jade O’Keeffe can’t wait to be back on stage for the Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year awards - and says it’s been like watching a child flower.

Ms Jade O’Keeffe, the regular emcee for the night of the awards by Harvey Norman, will again control proceedings on November 16 when the winners are unveiled at The Star Gold Coast.

“I adore this event and am proud to have been a part of it since its inception,” she said.

“To have watched it grow from a small lunch, through to a Gala Awards is like seeing a little one go from crawling to running and I’ll always cheer it on.

“It’s really hit its straps in the community now, and to have the nominees on air at Hot Tomato with their inspirational stories and all of them wish the others well, often as the interviews wrap up, always makes me feel proud of our city and how we all champion each other.

“That same sentiment happens at the gala with all the women caring and cheering for each other.”

'Young Women' winner Sophia Rizzo and emcee Emily Jade O'Keeffe at the Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year awards last year by Harvey Norman at Star Gold Coast. Picture: Richard Gosling

Ms Jade O’Keeffe - who bared all about harrassment she suffered in the radio industry in a raw interview during the 2023 Women of the Year campaign - said she’d never heard any of the commentary personally that it should be the ‘Person of the Year’.

“I only ever hear positive things face to face, if they are online saying this behind the security of a troll account or being faceless then that’s as mean-spirited as the sentiment.

“Every walk of life deserves to be celebrated by their peers. If you are unhappy with our event then create your own that speaks to your values. There is no need to tear anyone down, especially those who are lifting others up.”

Asked how important relationships with men are for equality, she said: “Fathers, partners, brothers. We all need each other. They need us and we need them, and we all need each other to be honest, authentic and supportive of each other free of the confines of the past and excited about the future.

Emily-Jade O'Keeffe: “Great men love the present and where we are at and are excited about the future.” Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Great men love the present and where we are at and are excited about the future. It’s new territory for all of us, and it takes time to find balance and we are getting there. So yes we need them, but again I say, we all need each other.”

Don’t miss Emily Jade O’Keeffe at the glitzy awards night on November 16 at The Star Gold Coast.