Gold Coast’s 2023 Australians of the Year announced

They’ve transformed lives and made inspiring achievements - these are the Gold Coasters who have been recognised for their inspiring actions.

A Gold Coaster who has transformed the lives of hundreds – if not thousands – of young men through “alternative” education has been named the City’s 2023 Australian of the Year.

At a private ceremony Tuesday evening, a number of Gold Coasters were celebrated for their achievements.

But it was Marco Renai, founder and CEO of the Men of Business (MOB) Academy, who received the top honour this year.

MOB Academy founder Marco Renai and Jason Sessarago has been named the 2023 Gold Coast Australian of the Year. Photo: Scott Powick

Mr Renai’s Nerang-based institution provides an alternate senior secondary school education for young men who have dropped out of school – empowering them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to be “happy, healthy and successful in life”.

After starting the Academy in 2013 with just six boys the program has grown massively with hundreds of graduates, including more than 200 people in 2023 alone.

Acting Mayor Donna Gates said: “Marco is inspiring young Gold Coast men to build their confidence in a supportive environment and make these boys realise they belong somewhere.”

“Thank you, Marco, for your tireless contributions to our community, particularly our future generations of young men.”

Graduates of the program will go on to pursue full time and part time jobs, apprenticeships, traineeships or further education.

Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon was also announced as the City’s Young Australian of the Year.

Emma McKeon is the most decorated Australian Olympian at just 29 years old. This year she has been recognised as the Gold Coast Young Australian of the Year. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

At 29 years old, Ms McKeon is the most decorated Australian Olympian with 11 Olympic Medals and 20 Commonwealth Games Medals to her name.

Founder and president of My Community Legal Ross Lee was named Gold Coast Local Hero. His service has provided free legal advice to over 10,000 vulnerable Gold Coasters since 2004. And the 2023 Gold Coast Senior Australian of the Year was awarded to Robyn and Lindsay Burch – founders of not-for-profit charity Havafeed.

Ms Gates said: “Our other award recipients are also outstanding individuals who dedicate their lives to helping some of the most vulnerable in our community.”

“We are proud to recognise you all for your incredible service to our community and helping to make the Gold Coast a better place.”