Introducing the 2025 Gold Coast Australian of the Year.

Last night at the top of the Q1 on the SkyPoint Observation Deck, the City of Gold Coast announced Dr Robyn Cameron as the 2025 Gold Coast Australian of the Year.

Which is not all that surprising considering in December 2024 she was named Gold Coast Volunteer of the Year in recognition of more than two decades of volunteering and fundraising for breast cancer research

By day, Robyn Cameron is a Senior Lecturer at Griffith University but for 9 months of the year, on most evenings and weekends, she wears another ‘hat’ and that is of National Breast Cancer Foundation Ambassador and volunteer fundraiser.

As an Ambassador for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), she has played a pivotal role in advancing breast cancer research, raising over $2 million over 20 years to support this critical cause; therefore a very worthy recipient of both awards.

Robyn’s incredible journey began at just 38 years old, when she received her first breast cancer diagnosis. At the time, life was already full—she was raising two young children, aged five and eight, while juggling the demands of university studies. A health-conscious woman with no strong family history of the disease, her only known risk factor was simply being female.

Thankfully, the cancer was caught early. Surgery and radiation followed, and with a positive prognosis, Robyn was able to get back to raising her family and building her career.

But nine years later, during what was meant to be a routine check-up, her doctor found new lumps. The news hit harder this time. Robyn had assumed that if cancer ever returned, she’d face a similar path to recovery. Instead, she was met with a far more serious prognosis—one that required the most aggressive treatment available.

That second diagnosis changed everything.

The physical battle was difficult, but it was the emotional toll that stayed with her—particularly the guilt of being a mother in treatment. But from that pain grew purpose. Determined to create change for future generations, Robyn turned to the one thing she believes can truly shift the dial: research.

“I just kept thinking—research is the only way we’re going to change this story,” she said. And so began her fundraising mission.

Her first Pink Ribbon Cup Raceday was held in 2008 with 500 attendees and raised a very healthy $18,000.  Year on year the fundraising tally has increased, as has the Raceday attendance and support.

In 2022 the event had expanded significantly, with 900 attendees in the official NBCF function raising over $216,000.  Then with the inclusion of additional Queensland racing venues that same year, the total fundraising amount reached an impressive $259,000,with similar results in 2023 ($350,000) and 2024 ($380,000).

Through her dedication to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), Robyn’s fundraising efforts have now surpassed $2 million, cementing the Pink Ribbon Race Day’s status of Australia’s largest community fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).

Robyn is, however, always quick to note that she doesn’t achieve all of this on her own.

A key partner in this success has been the Gold Coast Turf Club, whose ongoing support has played a crucial role in the event’s growth. Loyal supporters return year after year, while local businesses generously contribute services, sponsor fundraising initiatives, and attend the NBCF function.

She also has a committed group of local businesses who sponsor individual races each year, plus the support of both Sky Racing and Zarraffa’s Coffee as major sponsors.

Robyn will also acknowledge that at the heart of the fundraising is a dedicated team of volunteers—many balancing full-time jobs, studies, and family commitments. Without an office or staff to manage tasks, the team personally handles every aspect of the event from marketing, prize coordination and event management to ensure that fundraising efforts are maximised.

The 2025 Sky Racing Pink Ribbon Cup Raceday featuring the Zarraffa’s Coffee Pink Ribbon Cup will be held Saturday 20 September, so our 2025 Gold Coast Australian of the Year and her volunteer team are ‘back on the tools’ planning and coordinating what will be the 18th annual Raceday.

2025 Gold Coast Australian of the Year

2025 Gold Coast Australian of the Year

2025 Gold Coast Australian of the Year