Warrnambool local and Parkinson’s champion, Andrew Suggett OAM, has won the prestigious Victorian Senior of the Year award for his efforts leading the local Parkinson’s Support Group for more than a decade.
Mr Suggett and 18 other recipients were recognised for their community work today by Minister for Ageing, Ingrid Stitt and Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner AC, at a ceremony at Government House.
Mr Suggett was instrumental in creating an inclusive environment for people to discuss their experiences through a broad range of groups and activities including Painting with Parkinson’s, Exercise for Parkinson’s, and ParkinSong – a fortnightly therapeutic singing group developed by music therapists and speech pathologists.
The awards provide a chance to celebrate senior Victorians who share their skills, experience, time, and energy with our community. Other category award recipients include:
- Mrs Hanh Tran, who received the Promotion of Multiculturalism Award
- Mr Douglas Sloan, who received the Healthy and Active Living Award
- Mr Maxwell Primmer, who received the Ageing Well Award
- Mr Dennis Clarke,who received the Veteran Community Award category.
“The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of older Victorians and give us the chance to say thanks for all they do. I congratulate all award recipients and nominees,” said Minister Stitt.
“I’m proud to present these awards as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival, which is in its 41st year. I encourage all Victorians to get along and join the celebrations that honour our valued seniors.”
Additionally, 14 Victorians received Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards.Â
For more information about the 2023 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards and read profiles about award recipients visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/awards.
