Ross Synot of Newtown has received the 2022 COTA Senior Achiever Award as part of the 2022 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
The Awards celebrate the volunteer work and community contributions of older Victorians.
In applauding the win, City of Greater Geelong Council said Mr Synot OAM, JP, GCSJ was a positive and well-respected leader in the Geelong community who had made a difference to many lives through a range of community and sporting endeavours.
As an active inaugural member of the City of Greater Geelong Ageing Well Committee, Mr Synot (pictured) has contributed to the city’s 30-year plan and been the face of a campaign to stop elder abuse, the Council said.
He also established the Bravehearts branch in Geelong to educate, empower and protect children from sexual abuse and continues his service as a Patron for the organisation.
Mr Synot was the driving force behind the creation of the Geelong Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group more than 20 years ago, now known as the Geelong ME/CFS Support Group. Despite his own health challenges, Ross has generously shared his time, support and strength with people experiencing illness and with many other support groups across the state, the Council said.
Ross is a Fellow of the Certified Practising Accountants of Australia and the Governance Institute of Australia.
He is former Chief Executive of Grace McKellar Centre where he held senior positions for twenty-eight years. During this employment he held the positions of President/Chairman of many state and regional bodies relating to aged and disability care, health, and community care. Ross was instrumental in the introduction of many home-based services.
Following an overseas study tour in 1980, he is credited with the introduction of the quality of life concept for the aged and disabled in Australia. He has a great interest in initiating and extending home based services and improving residential care.
Mr Synot is passionate about badminton, a sport he has enjoyed and supported administratively for over 50 years. He was integral in bringing the first Australian Masters Games to Geelong.
He has also volunteered with the Geelong Football Club over many years and continues to volunteer with his local church.
The full list of awardees and their stories is available on the Victorian Seniors Online website.
