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State-wide search for outstanding seniors
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Posted: 19/05/2009
VICTORIANS have been invited to nominate older people who have made an outstanding contribution to the community for the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards 2009.
Minister for Senior Victorians Lisa Neville urged community members, service organisations and local councils to put forward names of seniors who have worked to make a difference in their community.
“If you know about an ordinary senior who does extraordinary things as a volunteer then nominating them for the annual Victorian Senior of the Year Award is a great way to show your appreciation for their contribution,” Ms Neville said.
To be eligible for any of these awards, the nominee must be an Australian citizen, a resident of Victoria, aged 60 years or more, and have achieved something extraordinary or performed exceptional service to the community.
“The recent bushfires highlighted the amazing culture of volunteering and community spirit we have across Victoria,” Ms Neville said.
“Seniors played a large part in these volunteer efforts, as they have done, and continue to do, across many other areas of community life.
“We all know at least one older person whose achievements and contribution are truly inspirational.”
There are a number of awards for which seniors can be recognised.
The Premier's Award for Victorian Senior of the Year is presented to the individual who has made the most significant contribution to their local community and Victoria.
Last year's Senior of the Year was 80-year-old Jean McKendry-Paterson.
Ms Paterson was recognised for her exceptional contribution to the North Melbourne community, including her work in establishing the North Melbourne Elderly Citizens Club (later re-named the Jean McKendry Neighbourhood Centre) in honour of her outstanding commitment and voluntary work.
All nominees for the Premier's Award are also eligible for Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards.
These awards celebrate seniors whose talents, achievements and contributions have significantly benefited their communities.
The ‘Go for your life' Award recognises a senior who best personifies the key messages of the Victorian Government's ‘Go for your life' initiative: to keep active, eat healthy food and maintain social contacts with friends and family.
A new award has also been established this year.
The Veteran Community Award will acknowledge the significant contribution of an individual to the veteran community.
The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards will be presented at a special reception at Government House on October 2, 2009.
The ceremony is timed to align with the UN International Day of Older Persons on October 1 and the Victorian Seniors Festival, which runs from October4 to 11.
Nomination forms are available from council offices in Hovell St, The Willows, Neighbourhood Houses, Wodonga Library or below by clicking on the attachment.
Nominations for all awards close on July 24, 2009.
