- Published:
- Monday 4 May 2015
Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing, Martin Foley today encouraged Victorians to nominate inspirational older volunteers for the 2015 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
Award recipients will be acknowledged at a Government House reception on 1 October 2015, leading into this year’s Victorian Seniors Festival.
The prestigious awards celebrate the many people across Victoria, aged 60 and over, who support and encourage others through their dedicated volunteer work.
There are five award categories:
- Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year;
- Veteran Community Award;
- Promotion of Multiculturalism Award;
- Healthy and Active Living Award; and,
- COTA Senior Achiever Awards.
A diverse range of people are nominated for the awards each year. Last year’s nominees were aged between 61 and 91 years, and as a group they epitomised the enormous contribution made to Victoria by older people.
Ted Goodacre was named 2014 Victorian Senior of the Year, recognising decades of inspirational volunteer work for his local community in Lismore.
The nomination period opens today and will close on 10 July 2015. To find out more about the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards and how to obtain a 2015 nomination form, visit Seniors Online at www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au or call Seniors Information Victoria on 1300 135 090.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing, Martin Foley
“Nominees might be a volunteer in your organisation, a friend, neighbour or family member, or someone you know is doing good work in your community.”
“Previous award recipients have been recognised for their work with older men at their local Men’s Shed, providing support and a listening ear to Vietnam veterans, giving comfort and practical pastoral care assistance to vulnerable people, and offering language classes and driving lessons to recently arrived migrants.”
“This is just a taste of what older Victorians are giving back to their communities.”
“The nomination process is straightforward and simple and assistance with completing a nomination form is available, so I encourage people to take up this opportunity.”