A Day Of Honour For Our Senior Victorians

The Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing today joined with the Governor of Victoria, The Hon. Linda Dessau AM, to mark the United Nations International Day of Older Persons by presenting the 2015 Victorian Senior of the Year awards at Government House.

The prestigious event, marking the opening of the 2015 Victorian Seniors Festival, honours the remarkable contribution of seniors who help improve our community.

The winners, aged between 67 and 90 and from all over Victoria, are a diverse group of active leaders, role models, advocates and participants in many volunteer activities in their respective communities.

A total of 14 awards were presented including:

• Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year – Peter Hopper, of Bright.
• Veteran Community Award – Lynette Denbesten, of Highton.
• Promotion of Multiculturalism Award – Ayten Emin, of Kings Park.
• Healthy and Active Living Award – Moira Axtens, of Doncaster.
• COTA Senior Achiever Awards – Susan Chow of Fitzroy, Jenny Steele of Lockwood, Roy Alexander of Brookfield, Betty Burgess of Pascoe Vale, Alex Arbuthnot of Nambrok, David Hall of Daylesford, Josephine Simsa of Middle Park, Masha Zeleznikow of Caulfield South, John Doutch of Berwick and Kenneth Cumming of Warrnambool.

The 2015 Victorian Seniors Festival Program offers more than 1,300 free and low-cost events all over Victoria, including a great array of social, cultural, educational and body-and-soul activities.

All 79 local councils are rolling out a wide range of activities and programs from sports to the arts – there is something for everyone.

The festival program can be picked up at any Coles, local council, Neighbourhood House or U3A premises, or call Seniors Information Victoria on 1300 135 090. For more information on the Festival and award recipients visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley

“The Andrews Labor Government supports seniors participating fully in community life. Today I am delighted to be able to congratulate these 14 winners, whose impressive volunteer work has contributed so much to those around them.”

“When seniors volunteer, it is a win-win activity. Not only does it benefit the community, but it helps older people to keep active, build social connections and improve their health and wellbeing after retirement.”