On November 17th, COTA ACT held the Positive Ageing Awards,
celebrating those superstars in our community who contribute in wonderful ways to the ACT senior community.
Congratulations to all of our winners – thankyou for a making a HUGE difference to seniors here in Canberra.
Here’s a closer look at the outstanding achievements of our winners:
Seniors Achievement Award (individual) – Peter Bourke
Peter is coordinator of the Hughes Community Shed and a local resident with a strong focus on community. His dedication to getting the shed up and running has meant that hundreds of men and women have been able to enjoy connecting with each other while learning new skills and completing their creative projects.
Seniors Achievement Award (community organisation) – Alchemy Chorus
The Alchemy Chorus is a dementia-inclusive choir with over 100 regular members. The community organisation welcomes those with dementia as well as their families, friends and carers. Every voice is welcomed in the choir, and the musical director Brian Triglone OAM loves to bring people together through the wonderful experience and joy of singing.
Age-friendly Achievement Award (individual/community organisation) – Y Chifley Health and Wellness Centre
This gym has had the health and wellbeing of seniors at its heart from the very beginning. With equipment, classes, facilities and a welcoming environment specially designed to be senior-friendly, it’s a popular stop for active-minded seniors in the ACT. The gym is managed by Tina Buttimore and remains committed to helping seniors every step of the way on their wellness and fitness journey.
Age-friendly Achievement Award (business) – LDK Greenway Views
The length, breadth and diversity of age-friendly features as well as the decision to go far beyond standard requirements for senior living has given Greenway Views and its manager Michelle Bennett more than an edge over other retirement living options. The inclusive environment also has the wider community in mind, and has become a favourite meeting place for Legacy, Probus and other senior-friendly groups.
Seniors Advocacy Award (individual) – Kathryn McQuarrie
Kathryn has been a champion over many years in the field of animal supported pastoral care primarily. Her passionate work in assisting and supporting older pet owners in the community has been profound and appreciated by all her advocacy has touched.
Intergenerational Achievement Award (individual/community organisation) – Yeddung Mura
Meaning ‘good pathways’, this Aboriginal Corporation’s nannies group program matches senior Aboriginal women to younger Aboriginal people needing guidance and support. They also meet with ACT Ministers and other government officials to discuss issues affecting the community, with an emphasis on advocacy for young Aboriginal people.
Senors Transport Achievement Award (individual) – Graham McKerchar
As Program Manager for Community Transport Services, Graham’s tireless commitment to helping ACT seniors access transport options when they need it, means that many seniors can remain independent and in their homes for longer. The service has a ‘door to destination’ policy which connects older Canberrans to all the places they need to be around the capital region.
COTA ACT would also like to thank our sponsors for this event – your support and contribution helps shine a light on the
wonderful achievements of our Positive Ageing award winners.
Criteria, advertising and information about the Positive Ageing Awards:
Do you know an individual, community organisation, social or business enterprise that has made a significant and outstanding contribution to improve the lives, social inclusion and wellbeing of older Canberrans?
There are seven award categories to celebrate the diversity, wisdom, resourcefulness, innovation and sheer passion of champions who are committed to improving the lives and wellbeing of older Canberrans:
- LDK Positive Ageing Seniors Achievement Award (Individual) – this Award serves to recognise the outstanding contribution made by an individual within the ACT community who has worked to advance the interests of seniors through social inclusion, wellbeing initiatives and awareness-raising initiatives.
- ActewAGL Positive Ageing Seniors Achievement Award (Community Organisation or Social Enterprise) – this Award serves to recognise the outstanding contribution made by an ACT community organisation who have worked to advance the interests of seniors through social inclusion, wellbeing or awareness-raising initiatives and/or programs.
- Canberra Times & The Senior Age-Friendly Achievement Award (Individual, Community Organisation or Social Enterprise) – this Award serves to recognise an individual, community organisation or social enterprise who have incorporated age-friendly features and considerations to ensure ACT seniors have effective access to facilities, venues or events that incorporate age-friendly practices, considerations and benefits, that best serve their needs, as customers or clients.
- Beyond Bank Age-Friendly Achievement Award (Business) – this Award serves to recognise an ACT business enterprise who have incorporated age-friendly features and considerations to ensure that ACT seniors have effective access to infrastructure, facilities, venues or events that incorporate age-friendly practices, considerations and benefits, to best serve their needs, as customers or clients.
- ACT Human Rights Commission Seniors Advocacy Award (Individual) – this Award serves to recognise an individual who has provided outstanding commitment and excellence in the provision of advocacy services to ACT seniors, including the promotion of seniors inclusion and seniors rights.
- COTA Insurance Intergenerational Achievement Award (Individual) – this Award serves to recognise an individual or community organisation who has worked to promote and enhance the value of intergenerational relationships within the ACT community through best practice and awareness-raising initiatives.
- Transport Canberra Seniors Transport Achievement Award (Individual) – this Award serves to recognise an individual who has worked with dedication and commitment in providing excellence in customer service in the provision of transportation services to seniors within the ACT region.
Award Criteria
- How has the individual/community organisation/social enterprise or business enterprise made a significant contribution to the ACT seniors community?
- How has the individual/community organisation/social enterprise or business enterprise inspired and motivated others in the community?
Nominations for the 2022 Awards have now closed.
