Nominations Now Open for 2014 WA Seniors Awards

Western Australians are being encouraged to nominate those seniors who have made outstanding contributions to the community for the 2014 WA Seniors Awards.

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Tony Simpson has praised the outstanding contribution of seniors, saying they were often the unsung heroes of local communities.

“We all know a remarkable senior – let’s nominate him or her for these awards,” Mr Simpson said.

“Whatever they contribute to, many seniors are volunteers who work tirelessly and expect little in return. This is our opportunity to recognise them.”

Over the past three decades, the Seniors Awards have acknowledged the contributions of Western Australia’s seniors in a diverse range of areas from women’s health to sport to working with migrants and youth.  Finalists will be announced in October, with the awards ceremony on November 8, 2014.

The categories in this year’s awards are:

• Juniper 2014 WA Seniors Champion Award – An overall winner aged over 60
• Bendigo Bank Community Senior Award – For outstanding voluntary or unpaid work by a senior serving the community
• Intergenerational Senior Award – For outstanding work with young people under 25
• Age Friendly Communities Local Government Award – For a local government’s commitment to planning or services that support Age Friendly Communities
• Age Friendly Organisation Award – For a community organisation with innovative planning or service response to the identified needs of seniors
• Seniors Advocate Award – Outstanding commitment by a person to improving the quality of life of seniors or retirees and advocating on their behalf
• Deborah Kirwan Media Awards – Recognise WA journalists and press photographers in broadcast, photography and print for a positive portrayal of seniors and ageing.

The 2014 WA Seniors Awards are a partnership by COTA and the  Department of Local Government and Communities. They are supported by Bendigo Bank, Juniper, Channel 7, 6PR, Have a Go News, The Senior.

Nominations close on August 29.

• Find nomination forms at http://www.dlgc.wa.gov.au/waseniorsawards2014 or http://www.cotawa.org.au