Thursday, 18th April 2017

It’s time for Gippsland locals to think about recognising the contributions made by seniors and organisations to our community.

Nominations have opened for the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards, celebrating older Victorians who support and inspire others through their volunteer work. The awards highlight  the role of seniors as mentors, educators, role models, leaders, or behind the scenes workers.

Categories include the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year, the Promotion of Multiculturalism Award, the Healthy and Active Living Award, the Veteran Community Award and  the Council on the Ageing Victoria Senior Achiever Awards.

In addition, the Age-Friendly Victoria Award  recognises an organisation or a business that creates age-friendly communities, promotes active ageing, or improves quality of life for older Victorians.

Last year’s recipient of the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year was Gwen Smith from Rochester.

Winners of the Council on the ageing Senior Achiever Awards in 2016 were; Marjorie Jarvis from Leongatha and Anne Macarthur OAM from Bairnsdale.

Nominations close on Friday, 23 June.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony at Government House in October as part of the 35th Victorian Seniors Festival.

More information, profiles of previous award recipients and nomination forms can be found at www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“The Victorian Government is promoting active and healthy ageing and helping older Victorians achieve their best health and wellbeing.”

“The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards are a great way to recognise seniors and organisations that embody those goals.”

 “I urge all Gippslanders to identify worthy seniors and organisations and nominate them for these prestigious awards.”