Media Statements - Outstanding seniors presented with Regional Senior of the Year Awards

6/10/99

A rodeo rider, a volunteer in theatre groups, two community volunteers and a man who has improved tourist facilities in his area are among the five outstanding seniors who were presented with Regional Senior of the Year Awards by Seniors Minister Rhonda Parker in Bunbury today.

For the first time in this International Year of Older Persons, there were separate awards for five regional areas: North, Mid-West, Goldfields, Southern and Metropolitan.

The winners were chosen from a record number of more than 160 nominations covering the areas of art and culture, sport and recreation, community services and business leadership.

Mrs Parker said each of the winners demonstrated tireless energy and dedication and captured the essence of the International Year of Older Persons – independence, participation, self-fulfilment, dignity and care.

“The large number and outstanding quality of the nominations shows the incredible contribution seniors make to communities around the State,” Mrs Parker said.

“These winners represent the thousands of seniors who give their time to others, help bring communities together yet ask so little in return.”

The winners were:

Northern Senior of the Year -

Mr Robert (Bud) Crockett (79), Derby

Bud has been riding horses since the age of 12 and still rides the rodeo circuit. He gets up at 4am every day to tend his horses and pass his skills and knowledge of the land on to young people. He teaches them horsemanship, cattle handling and most importantly, respect for the land.

Mid-West Senior of the Year -

Mrs Jill Bond (75), Carnarvon

Jill spends almost every waking moment helping people in need. She is available 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency and works alongside several Government agencies in organising clothing and essential items for individuals or families experiencing hardship. She is currently President of “Friends of Citizens Under Stress (FOCUS).

Goldfields Senior of the Year -

Mrs Lorna Mitchell (86), Kalgoorlie

Lorna, who has spent half her life helping the people of Kalgoorlie, still does voluntary work five days a week whether it is with intellectually handicapped children, recovering alcoholics, the Aboriginal community or the aged.

Southern Senior of the Year -

Mr Russell Mouritz (67), Hyden

The tourism industry in Hyden virtually did not exist until Russel saw the need to improve the services for visitors to the district in the 1960s. His vision led to the formation of several companies promoting tourism and now more than 100,00 tourists a year visit the town.

Metropolitan Senior of the Year -

Mrs Beryl Silvester (76), Bentley

While Beryl’s first love is theatre, she has wide interests particularly in the arts. She is director of the Maggie Box Theatre Group (a Church theatre group that raises money for charity), Principal of the University of the Third Age Play Readers Group and an active member of the Swan Cottage Writers’ Group and Drama Group, Perth Writer’s Group and Klujak Playwrights.

Each winner received $1000 and a trophy recognising their achievements.

All winners go on to compete for the 1999 Senior of the Year to be announced at a Gala Ceremony in Perth on November 5.

Media contact: Owen Cole 9481 7810

Full profiles and contact details are available from Rebecca Johnston, the Seniors Awards Coordinator at the Office of Seniors Interests, (08) 9220 1115 or 0417 920 919.