Celebrating 35 Years with Alan Edwards
Monday, 13th October 2025 marks an incredible milestone — Alan Edwards’ 35th anniversary with Gold Coast Recreation and Sport (GCRS). Alan has been an integral part of the GCRS family for more than three decades, growing, learning, and achieving alongside the organisation.
Alan’s mum, Cathy, remembers the early days fondly. “When Alan first started with GCRS, he was a very quiet and shy young man,” she recalls. She first discovered GCRS through a City of Gold Coast flyer that her neighbour shared shortly after they had moved into the area. At the time, GCRS operated from a small cottage in Southport.
Over the years, Cathy says the transformation in Alan has been enormous. “He’s gained so much confidence, makes friends easily, and has really come out of his shell. With persistence and encouragement from the staff, Alan has grown in leaps and bounds. GCRS is like his second family now.”
Through his many years with GCRS, Alan has also formed lifelong friendships that mean the world to him. From teammates on the field to travel companions and training partners, these friendships have become a big part of his life. Cathy says some of Alan’s closest friends are those he met through GCRS — people who have shared the same experiences, celebrated milestones together, and supported each other along the way.
Cathy describes GCRS as a cornerstone of Alan’s life. “GCRS is Alan’s whole life — and what a life! Over all these years, GCRS have helped him to grow, mature, gain enormous confidence, and given him opportunities beyond measure. He absolutely loves his AFL and has met so many of the players, including David Swallow, Gary Ablett and Matthew Primus, just to name a few. One of his dreams was to attend an AFL Grand Final, and when it came to Brisbane, one of the GCRS staff members, Dan, was able to secure tickets for a small group — including Alan. It was a dream come true. He’s even tossed the coin before an AFL game and taken part in several guards of honour.”
Alan’s sporting journey extends well beyond AFL. He has completed the Gold Coast Marathon (10km and 5km events), the Sydney Marathon, and the Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run. Over the years, he has also tried an incredible range of sports including fishing, bowling, archery, golf, tennis, and sailing — the list goes on.
“Alan would never have had such amazing opportunities if we hadn’t moved to the Gold Coast in 1990 and met the truly amazing, wonderful woman — Anna-Louise Kassulke — and GCRS,” Cathy says with heartfelt gratitude.
“GCRS has given Alan so many opportunities to enjoy life and try new things,” she adds. “I can’t praise them enough for the way they’ve supported and encouraged him to keep growing as a person.”
Cathy, who has also volunteered with GCRS, says she has witnessed firsthand how much the organisation gives back to people with disability. “The organisation has grown significantly over 35 years, but the core values have always remained the same,” she says. “I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend GCRS to any new families.”
Those who work alongside Alan also speak just as warmly of him. One of his support workers shared,
“It’s an honour to be graced by Alan’s presence, be in his company and work with him. He brings light and laughter to everyone’s day. Alan is the best of friends to those important to him, and witnessing him show empathy, support, and compassion to those around him is always a great reminder of the beauty in people.
Alan is the epitome of a gentleman, with a sense of humour that has us all laughing all day — especially when the banter is at an all-time high during AFL sessions! It wouldn’t be a day complete without hearing him say, ‘I am very happy,’ or, ‘This is the best day.’ And truly, how could it not be, when Alan is around?
On Mondays, Alan attends what he proudly tells me is his favourite program — Zumba with Ingrid. This program simply wouldn’t be the same without him and his famous air guitar, rocking out to Ingrid’s delight. We’re all so grateful for Alan’s presence — it’s an honour to spend our days with such an incredible human, laughing and loving life through his eyes, with Brisbane Lions-coloured glasses.”
Alan’s story is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when community, opportunity, and support come together — and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate his 35-year journey with GCRS.
Congratulations Alan!