The Gold Coast SUNS have been rewarded for their efforts in the area of community and corporate social responsibility, this week awarded the Business category at the bi-annual City of Gold Coast Safer Suburbs Awards night.

The award has been received just six weeks after Gold Coast ruckman Zac Smith become the first Gold Coast SUNS player to win the inaugural Jim Stynes Community Leadership award for his work and community contribution as a White Ribbon and Domestic Violence ambassador.

The club once again exceeded it’s annual community contribution targets for the third successive season with the SUNS players and administration team contributing a massive 15,000 hours since entering the AFL premiership in 2011.  

The award was received in front of Gold Coast City Mayor Tom Tate and Acting Assistant Commissioner South Eastern Police Region, Stephen Hollands during a formal ceremony at The Gold Coast Arts Centre.

GC SUNS General Manager, Marketing, Membership and Community Kelly Ryan along with Community Programs Manager Corey Bell accepted the award on behalf of the GC SUNS.

Thanking each of the winners for their performance in creating safer communities, Mayor Tate said the efforts would help create a more connected Gold Coast.

"The Safer Suburbs Awards are a great example of the cooperation and partnerships that exist across all sectors of our community to help ensure safety and harmony," he said.

Corey Bell, who has driven the SUNS Horizon’s Program under which all Community pillars sit, told goldcoastfc.com.au it was tremendous recognition for the GC SUNS who remain committed to continuing their community efforts.

“This is such an honour for the Club to win this award”.

“More importantly this is recognition and acknowledgement to our 10 charities we work with and our community partners like Rotary 9640 (Gold Coast) for their contribution to the Horizons program and making the Gold Coast a safer place.”

“We are really fortunate to have 100% buy in from our players and staff when it comes to contributing to the clubs community initiatives and showing support for our nominated partners and charities.”