At a time when the state’s aged care sector is bracing itself against the latest COVID-19 wave, the Victorian Government has announced it is set to celebrate the talents of senior Victorians with the launch of the 2021 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today put the call out for people to celebrate older Victorians who support others in their communities.
“The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards is our opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions senior Victorians make to our state,” the Minister said.
“It is more important than ever to thank these incredible seniors for sharing their skills, experience and time with the community.”
He said that for more than 20 years the awards have celebrated the efforts of older Victorians.
“But this year’s awards hold special meaning with many seniors still going above and beyond during what has been a challenging 12 months.”
Previous recipients include Souria Youssef, a volunteer with the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre and the Coptic Orthodox Church who supported isolated Arabic speaking residents in aged care facilities, the church and her community.
And the late Alan Moore, a World War 2 veteran who for 34 years volunteered as a handyman at an aged care home and was a stalwart at his local op shop.
“Victorians are encouraged to nominate a deserving person to ensure the outstanding contributions of Victoria’s seniors are recognised,” Mr Donnellan said.
Award categories include:
- Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year for outstanding achievement;
- Promotion of Multiculturalism Award for promoting the benefits of cultural diversity;
- Healthy and Active Living Award for helping to create active and healthy communities;
- Veteran Community Award for exceptional contribution to the veteran community – and open to all who work with the veteran community (not only veterans themselves);
- Ageing Well Award for combatting ageism and promoting ageing well initiatives;
- COTA Victorian Senior Achiever Awards for significant contribution to local communities and Victoria.
Every nominee will receive a certificate acknowledging their contributions, while award recipients will be honoured at Government House at the Victorian Seniors Festival this October.
The nomination period closes on 9 July for nominations people over 60 years of age (50 years of age for First Nations people). More information is available at seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/awards.
