Brett and Belinda Beasley named 2024 Gold Coast’s Australian of the Year
From spearheading landmark legislation combating knife crime to saving one man’s life – these Gold Coasters have been celebrated for their outstanding achievements. Read the full story
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The parents of Surfers Paradise stabbing victim Jack Beasley, 17 – who have driven landmark law targeting juvenile knife crime – are the Gold Coast’s Australians of the Year for 2024.
On Wednesday, parents and co-founders of the Jack Beasley Foundation Brett and Belinda Beasley were awarded the highest honour for their tireless work combating knife crime and improving youth safety.
In December 2019, Jack was stabbed to death in a central Surfers Paradise street in front of shocked diners. Since then, Mr and Mrs Beasley have spearheaded legislation allowing police to “wand” or “scan” people for knives without a warrant in designated areas.
Dubbed ‘Jack’s Law’ in honour of their son, it has seen police seize more than 500 weapons within its first year including kitchen and butcher’s knives, tomahawks and hunting knives.
The legislation has since been adopted by New South Wales and the Northern Territory and will soon be passed in Western Australia and Victoria.
“The Beasleys have worked through the tragic death of their 17-year-old son in 2019 and dedicated themselves to improving safety and teaching young people about the consequences of carrying a knife,” Mayor Tom Tate said.
The pair are among five Gold Coasters celebrated for their incredible achievements and service to the community.
Alongside the couple, philanthropist Maureen Stevenson was awarded the Gold Coast Senior Australian of the Year for her philanthropic endeavours including donating more than $6 million to various charities since 2010.
Letters of Hope founder Abbie Williams was named Gold Coast Young Australian of the Year for her work to fight the stigma of mental health and empowering those with mental illnesses.
Local community member Mia Sims’ was awarded Gold Coast Local Hero after her quick thinking helped police negotiate a man off a bridge on the M1.
“Each of these Gold Coasters are remarkable and have had an amazing impact on the Gold Coast through their help and support to our residents in their own unique way,” Mr Tate said.
“I congratulate them and thank them for their tireless efforts.”
The winners will be nominated by the City for the National Australia Day Council’s Australian of the Year Awards.
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