2012 SENIOR VICTORIAN AWARDS
The 2012 Seniors Awards were presented at Government House by the Governor, Alex
Chernov, the Premier, Ted Baillieu and the Minister for Health and Ageing,
David Davis during Seniors Festival Week in October.
400 people from across Victoria attended the ceremony sponsored by COTA Vic and the
State Government in the magnificent Government House Ball Room.
Senior of the Year Award
The Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year went to Patricia Hill, aged 68
of Sunbury. Pat established and continues to lead the Parent Drug Information
and Support organisation, a self help group for parents of children suffering
from substance abuse. To address the problems of drug abuse and its side affects of homelessness, self harm and low self esteem, the group set up the Sunbury Surfer Bus, better known as ‘Pat’s Bus’ which provides entertainment and health and accommodation advice for young people.
Healthy and Active Living Award
This award went to Doug McIver, aged 73 of Kyneton who is a volunteer advocate for
families with mental health issues, an inaugural member of the Kyneton U3A and secretary of the Lifeball Legends. Doug keeps strong and flexible with Tai Chi and presents a show on community radio, Highlands FM.
Promotion of Multiculturism Award
This was received by Merle Mitchell, aged 78 of Springvale. Merle is chair and
convenor of the Enterprise Hostel History Project which brought together former
residents to produce an exhibition honouring the history of the hostel. Between
1970 and 1992, the hostel was home to 30,000 migrants and refugees.
Veteran Community Award
Presented to Desmond L’Hullier, aged 80 of Koyunga. Desmond transports residents to RSL meetings and other events, assists with the quarterly Glanville Village
(Echuca) newsletter and raises funds for equipment and organises ANZAC and Remembrance Day services.
COTA Victorian Senior Achiever Awards
These awards are given to seniors who have made a significant contribution to their
local community and Victoria.
Dulcie Cedaro, aged 81 of Travencore
Joy Clarke, aged 79 of Dunkeld
Ron Eldridge, aged 78 of Horsham
Sylvie Lagane-Mosely, aged 74 of Mill Park
Val Lycett, aged 85 of Berwick
Barry Reader, aged 73 of Apsley
Ron Topp, aged 84 of Pakenham
Donald Webb, aged 80 of Stawell
2011 SENIOR VICTORIAN AWARDS
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.
More information on award recipients