Rhonda Parker

Rhonda Parker

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    Nominations sought for this years Senior of the Year Awards

    4/08/1999 12:30 PM
     
    4/8/99


      Seniors who have made a significant contribution to the community and individuals and companies who work to improve seniors’ interests have been invited to nominate for this year’s Senior of the Year Awards.

      Seniors’ Minister Rhonda Parker said the awards have been expanded this year with five regional Seniors of the Year Awards and for the first time, there will be cash prizes for all winners. The regions are North, South, Mid-West, Goldfields and Metropolitan.

      “A record number of nominations are expected with the heightened interest in seniors created by the activities marking this year’s International Year of Older Persons,” she said.

      “Last year's Awards attracted a record field of high quality nominations from around the State which shows the community's strong support for greater recognition of the valuable contribution older people make to the state.”

      Mrs Parker said the Awards aimed to inspire and encourage Western Australians to recognise the vital role seniors play in their local communities.

      “They contribute in countless ways as workers, mentors, family carers and volunteers, and deserve acknowledgment,” she said.

      Seniors, that is those aged 60 or more, can be nominated in four categories:
        • Seniors Community Services Award;
        • Seniors Sport and Recreation Award;
        • Seniors Arts and Culture Award; and -
        • Seniors Business Leadership Award.

      Nominations in each of these categories will compete for the new Regional Senior of the Year Awards, the winner of which will go on to compete in the prestigious 1999 WA Senior of the Year Award.

      Three categories in the 1999 Seniors’ Awards Program are open to people under the age of 60:
        • Award of Excellence open to those who have undertaken significant services for seniors;
        • Exceptional Organisation Award for businesses and organisations that provide outstanding benefits to seniors; and -
        • Seniors Card Quality Business Award, a new award open to businesses which participate in the Seniors Card discount program.

      The winners of the Regional Senior of the Year Awards will be announced at a regional ceremony on October 6 at Bunbury’s Lord Forrest Hotel.

      Category winners and the 1999 WA Senior of the Year awards will be announced at a gala ceremony on November 5 at The Duxton Hotel in Perth.

      Nomination forms can be obtained from Rebecca Johnston at the Office of Seniors’ Interests on 9220 1115.

      Information flyers are available from Bankwest, the RAC, Woolworths supermarkets, the Body Shop, public libraries and Project Mainstreet.

      Nominations close 4pm Friday, September 3, 1999.

      Media contact: Owen Cole 9481 7810