The Women in Sport Summit 2024 Presents: Champions of Gold Coast Community Sport

On behalf of our presenting partner, the City of Gold Coast, it was the Ministry of Sport’s privilege to honour and acknowledge three champions of the Gold Coast sporting community during the Women In Sport Summit 2024.

These three individuals have made significant contributions to women’s sport within our community. Thanks to the  City of Gold Coast’s Active & Healthy team, we are able to recognise their achievements and honour them as Champions of Gold Coast Community Sport during the summit.

Anna-Louise Kassulke

Anna-Louise Kassulke has devoted over 30 years to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through sport. Growing up in Beaudesert, deeply involved in local sports and inspired by her parents, Tom and Jean, Anna always understood the profound importance of community and inclusion.

Her journey took a pivotal turn during her university years in Brisbane, where she volunteered with Queensland Sporting Wheelies. This experience confirmed her passion and set the course for a remarkable career. Beginning as a Recreation Officer in 1986 with Gold Coast Recreation and Sport Inc, Anna-Louise rose to CEO in 2013. Today, she leads a team of 165 staff and supports over 600 participants with disabilities under the National Disability Scheme.

Anna has been instrumental in establishing Special Olympics Australia in Queensland and has served in various capacities since 1988, including as Head of Delegation for the Australian team at several Special Olympics World Games. Her leadership and innovative projects have earned her numerous accolades.

Today, we celebrate Anna’s achievements, her unwavering commitment, and the incredible impact she has made in the community. It is our great honour to acknowledge Anna-Louise Kassulke, a true Gold Coast community champion in women’s sport.

Lynette Jackson

Lynette Jackson, an administrator for Women in Sport, has broken barriers by embedding herself into the committee of a predominantly male sporting club. Her time, contribution, knowledge, and niche expertise have shaped, influenced, and expanded women’s sport, paving the way for future generations.

Lynette’s strategic focus on grant writing, philanthropy, and infrastructure development has led to significant advancements in sporting clubs, including the creation of a 6-lane training net facility, the renovation of a family-friendly canteen and bar, and the construction of a new storage shed at a local cricket club. This season, Lynette has taken on a new challenge by forming a sub-committee dedicated to delivering a Women and Girls program for the Surfers Paradise Benowa Cricket Club. Their efforts are set to inspire and empower countless women and girls in our community.

It is with great pleasure that we acknowledge Lynette Jackson as a true champion of women’s sport.

Emily Otto (Unable to attend the Welcome Event)

Emily Otto is a remarkable champion in women’s sport, whose tireless contributions to AFL have significantly impacted the development of teenage girls and created a true pathway to the AFLW. Her dedication is evident through her impressive coaching career, including her current role as Head Coach of the Bond University QWAFL side.

Emily’s efforts in advancing women’s football were recognised last year when she was named Queensland Female Community Coach of the Year. Additionally, she was part of the AFL ‘She Can Coach’ mentoring program, further underscoring her commitment to nurturing the next generation of female athletes.

Her leadership extends to multiple coaching positions, including Head Coach of the Burleigh Bombers U17 Girls, Head Assistant Coach for the QAFLW Reserves, and Assistant Coach for the QWAFL Seniors. Emily’s recent accolades, including Community Coach of the Year and the prestigious Female Coach of the Year for the QAFLW awarded by AFL Queensland, highlight her exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication to women’s football.

Emily’s passion, commitment, and accomplishments make her truly deserving of recognition as a Champion of Gold Coast Sport. Her impact on the sport and the lives of young female athletes is both profound and inspiring, paving the way for future generations of women in AFL.