Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Harriet Shing MP

Seniors Recognised for Outstanding Contributions

Local seniors group recognised for providing opportunities for older Victorians to get involved in day walks, walking holidays and other social events.

By Portal Admin - 3rd November 2019 - Back to News

A local seniors group has been recognised for their fantastic work in providing opportunities for older Victorians to get involved in day walks, walking holidays and other social events.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today congratulated the West Gippsland Bush Walkers who were this week recognised as a winner at the 2019 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.

West Gippsland Bush Walkers provide safe and environmentally responsible bushwalking to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle along with social interaction. With three different levels of walking groups offered on a fortnightly basis, week-long trips away and clearing work done with Parks Victoria they have devised a range of activities to suit all ages and fitness levels.

Recipients took part in a ceremony at Government House and were recognised for their community work by the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan and the Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau AC.

An 80-year-old palliative care advocate, Margaret Young, won the 2019 Victorian Senior of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding work supporting people facing a terminal diagnosis.

Margaret is an active volunteer who has supported many individuals over the past 11 years as a grief counsellor with Eastern Palliative Care. Recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, Margaret has agreed to document her own experience for a film project as she faces her own death to help benefit others.

There are more than 1.25 million Victorians over 60 and each year the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards recognise the enormous contribution they make to their local communities.

This year’s Promotion of Multiculturalism Award went to Souria Youssef for her work supporting isolated Arabic speaking residents in aged care facilities and the community.

The Healthy and Active Living Award went to Anna Bardsley who has transformed her personal struggles with gambling addiction to a strong caring and advocacy role.

Several veterans were recognised at the awards including Peter Burquest who won the Veteran Community Award and COTA Senior Achiever Award recipients 98-year-old Alan Moore and 96-year-old Colin Hamley. Nine other COTA Senior Achiever Award recipients were recognised at the awards and the West Gippsland Bush Walkers received the Age-Friendly Victoria Award.

The awards are part of the 2019 Victorian Seniors Festival, which runs throughout October to recognise and celebrate seniors. For more information about the awards visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/awards.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing

"Congratulations to the West Gippsland Bush Walkers Group on being recognised for their outstanding contribution to better health, friendship and connectivity for so many people of all ages and abilities."

"The high calibre of nominations in this year’s Victorian Senior of the Year Awards is a wonderful reflection of the diversity, skill and warmth in our communities and I congratulate all the finalists on their impressive contributions."

Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan

"Every day, senior Victorians share their skills, experience, time, and energy with us all. The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards are one of the many ways we say thank you."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
  South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
  Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate.
• West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
  West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities.
• Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
  The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.