Positive Ageing Awards 2026
Winners
The ACT Seniors Card Outstanding Service to Older Canberrans Award – Happy Fit Footwear
Happy Fit Footwear stands out as a dedicated champion for older Canberrans by combining podiatric expertise with genuine compassion. Founded by a podiatrist, the store specialises in orthotic-friendly, supportive footwear that addresses age-related foot conditions, aids in falls prevention and supports overall mobility and independence.
Beyond health benefits, they empower seniors with stylish, diverse options so customers feel confident and valued. Their staff offer patient, empathetic service in an increasingly automated world. Furthermore, by collaborating with local podiatrists and aged care providers, allowing funding through home care packages. Happy Fit Footwear delivers individualised care that makes a profound difference in the community.
The LDK Age-Friendly Community Award – The Henry
The Henry Retirement Village exemplifies an age-friendly community by creating a warm, inclusive environment where older Canberrans truly belong. Located in Belconnen, it blends high-quality residences with a vibrant social atmosphere centred around The Clubhouse.
Residents stay active and connected through a monthly calendar of activities, interest groups, and specialized health programs like Strength for Life and Dance for Wellbeing. By integrating on-site home care support, educational workshops and open community events, The Henry empowers seniors to maintain their independence, build lasting friendships, and participate fully in community life, making it a standout model for positive ageing and social connection.
The ActewAGL for Diversity and Inclusion Award – MCCI (Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra)
The Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (MCCI) exemplifies diversity and inclusion by empowering older Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to age with dignity and connection. By pairing participants with care workers who share their culture or language, MCCI breaks down communication barriers and ensures individuals feel respected in their own homes.
Their tailored social groups, outings, and cultural gatherings foster a deep sense of belonging while actively combating isolation. Beyond in-home support, MCCI helps participants navigate complex aged care systems and advocate for their needs. Through decades of trust and dedicated staff, MCCI ensures the rich heritage and wisdom of older generations remain celebrated and integral to the broader community.
The ACT Human Rights Commission Social Justice and Advocacy Award – Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Tuggeranong Arts Centre champions the rights, dignity and independence of older Canberrans by embedding creative ageing directly into the local community. The Centre offers a range of regular and accessible art, dance and music programs, such as the Sing with Toby choir, ZEST: Dance for Wellbeing and Fresh Funk 55+.
It also partners in initiatives like UPSTAGEING Canberra (the ACT’s first creative ageing festival) and hosts intergenerational events like the Grand Day Out. Through this important work, Tuggeranong Arts Centre advocates for sustained, age-inclusive participation, empowering older adults to express themselves, stay connected and lead vibrant, fulfilled lives.
The ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo Award – ActewAGL
ActewAGL stood out at the ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo by delivering a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible stall that set the benchmark for community engagement. Thoughtfully designed to be open, warm and easy to navigate, the display invited older Canberrans to comfortably drop in, ask questions and connect.
Beyond its polished visual appeal, the stall prioritised genuine interaction, with helpful staff offering practical energy advice and tailored support in a friendly, face-to-face setting. ActewAGL’s stall seamlessly blended eye-catching design with a clear commitment to inclusion, making it a standout favourite and a worthy recipient of the best looking Stall Award.
The ACT 2026 Positive Ageing Awards would not be possible without the support of our sponsors
