All-rounder receives Victorian Senior of the Year honour

The outstanding contribution of Elizabeth Walpole, 74, to her community has won her the 2009 Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year.

Presenting the award, Minister for Senior Victorians Lisa Neville said Mrs Walpole was an inspiration to Victorians of all ages.

‘Mrs Walpole has led the way on environmentally-sound farming practices, helped rural women combat social isolation, supported the terminally-ill as a palliative care volunteer and served as director on her local community health service board.

‘She is also a passionate member of the Wangaratta Friends of Lacluta who have raised money to buy sewing machines and solar panels for the Timor Leste village.

‘She packs more into her life than most and her exceptional energy, passion and commitment have helped make a big difference in the lives of many, many people.’

Mrs Walpole said she was delighted and overwhelmed by the award.

‘It’s a tremendous honour and my children are very proud,’ she said.

Mrs Walpole was one of 12 Victorian seniors recognised at the award ceremony which marked the lead-up to the annual Victorian Seniors Festival.

Ex-CFA volunteer, avid cyclist and founder of the Portarlington Pedal Group, Graham Gibson was presented with an award for best personifying the key messages of the Go for your life campaign—healthy eating, regular physical activity and contributing to a strong and active community.

The inaugural Veteran Community Award went to Dandenong resident John Filmer, 76.

Ms Neville said the award was established to recognise the outstanding contribution by a Victorian senior to the veteran community.

‘Mr Filmer is a deserving winner of this award and I commend him for his tireless efforts to support Victoria’s veteran community.’

Nine Victorian seniors received a Senior Achiever Award from Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria President Janet Wood.

‘These awards are about celebrating the achievements of seniors and giving Victorians the chance to say thank you to inspirational older people in their community.

‘They do more than just recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals—they also encourage and support seniors to live life to the fullest.

‘The award winners are exceptional role models.

‘I hope they will inspire other seniors to continue to be active and to take on new challenges.’

As part of the award, Mrs Walpole won an 11-day coach trip to New Zealand for two people sponsored by The Senior newspaper and Grand Pacific Tours.

• For more information about the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards visit the Office of Senior Victorians website at www.seniors.vic.gov.au.