On the eve of International Older Persons’ Day in October, 13 Victorian seniors were recognised at the 2011 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards at Government House.
Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu presented the Award for Senior of the Year to Doug McColl 82 from Warracknabeal, a volunteer gardener, fund raiser and historian. Mr McColl’s untiring service and dedication to the Warracknabeal community was previously recognised in 1985 when he was awarded the Order of Australia.
Exercise leader and peer speaker Bill O’Connor of Croydon won the Healthy and Active Living Award, Joan Gillespie of Heidelberg West won the Veteran Community Award and Helen Jurcevic of Lower Templestowe was presented with the first Promotion of Multiculturalism Award.
Nine other Victorian seniors were recognised with COTA Senior Achiever Awards for activities that include fundraising, education, cancer support, research for the Holocaust Centre, advocacy for people with disabilities, gardening and contributions to various community organisations.
All award recipients epitomise ‘active ageing’ and demonstrate the significant role played by older people in community service. They are respected as role models in their communities, generally lending their support to several organisations as fund raisers, committee members, speakers and sharing their skills and experiences.
The awards, presented by Mr Baillieu, Minister for Ageing David Davis and COTA President Janet Wood, were a fitting lead-up to the annual Victorian Seniors Festival from 2 to 9 October.
Above: Award recipients with the Governor and other dignitaries at Government House
BACK ROW L to R: Mr Bill O’Connor, Mr Bill Jennings OAM, Ms Helen Jurcevic, Hon Mary Wooldridge (Minister for Community Services), Hon Alex Chernov (Governor of Victoria), Mrs Elizabeth Chernov, Hon Ted Baillieu (Premier), Hon David Davis (Minister for Ageing), Mr Ted Chisholm, Ms Janet Wood (COTA President)
FRONT ROW L to R: Ms June Solly, Ms Betty Parr, Ms Peggy Cresp, Mr Don Tucker, Mr Doug McColl OAM, Mr Jack O’Connor, Mr Phillip Maisel OAM, Ms Patricia Townsend, Ms Joan Gillespie
More information on award recipients