Paul Stevens awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia

A well-deserved honour for a true community leader! Southport Sharks proudly congratulates Club Patron Paul Stevens on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his incredible contributions to the Gold Coast.

Today, we congratulate our Club Patron, Paul Stevens on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (service to the community of the Gold Coast) at the Australia Day Awards.

Paul has had a long history with Southport Sharks and the Gold Coast Community. Following his retirement from the local politic arena where he held the position of CEO of Gold Coast City Council, Paul joined our Board in 2004. For the next 18 years, he served with excellence and diligence. His leadership and influence were peerless, and after resigning in 2022, Paul’s long-standing and valued contribution, led to him being named as one of our Club Patrons.

Paul also supported the community through various board roles, including:

  • Honorary Secretary/Treasurer, Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame Inc., 2001-2021
  • Chairman, Australian Special Olympics National Games, 2006
  • Director and Secretary, Gold Coast Academy of Sport, 2017-2021

In recognition of his outstanding service, Paul was named Gold Coast Australia Day Citizen of the Year in 2014.

On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff, we congratulate Paul on this well-deserved honour.

Similar Articles

These articles are similar to the one you are reading.

The Northern Gold Coast’s newest go-to hotspot for margaritas and mezcal, tequila and tacos, Kaktus Bar, will officially open next week, on Thursday 18 December 2025.

Southport Sharks is marking International Women’s Day by celebrating the women who contribute to the organisation every day.

Southport Sharks is proud to be supporting The Great Shout, helping raise funds for Rural Aid and Queensland farmers doing it tough.

The Southport Sharks would like to congratulate VFL Vice-Captain Zac Foot who is set to play his 50th game for the club this Saturday against the Gold Coast Suns.

This week the AFL released its 2025 participation data, confirming that Aussie Rules has hit a national record of 625,000 participants.

Southport Sharks has always believed in the power of community, and at Gold Coast Hospital Foundation's donor event, we saw just how far that impact reaches.

A small donation, a life-changing impact! Thanks to the Southport Sharks Community Benefits Fund, the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation now has MEQU Warmer Systems—critical technology that helps deliver emergency blood transfusions faster and safer than ever.

Southport Sharks’ new DOSA is now open — a spacious, light-filled area with lounge seating, bar tables, and permanent overhead heaters. Accessible to the left, past the Gaming Cashier via button-operated doors.

Sharky hit the track! Southport Sharks were proud to be part of the Gold Coast Recreation & Sport Inc Annual Athletics Championships, where young athletes with disabilities got the chance to compete, shine, and celebrate sport.

Bridging the gap between education and real-world experience. Through our Community Study and Development Program, Southport Sharks has partnered with Griffith University to provide students with valuable, hands-on hospitality and marketing experience.

This week marks the end of an era, as Rick Fankhauser steps down from his position—closing a remarkable chapter of leadership, legacy, and lifelong dedication.

Southport Sharks has been named a finalist for Gold Coast’s Best Sporting Club at the 57th Gold Coast Sports Awards