Positive Ageing Awards winners announced!

Celebrating the contributions by and for older Canberrans at the ACT Positive Ageing Awards The annual Positive Ageing Awards shine a spotlight on the achievements and contributions by and for older Canberrans, recognising their enduring impact on society and celebrating their active involvement in the community. The Positive Ageing Awards acknowledge the importance of creating a society where older people are valued and supported in maintaining their independence, dignity, and quality of life. From community service, leadership and advocacy to services in aged care and social inclusion programs, the awards span multiple categories to reflect the diverse contributions by and for older Canberrans. The winners of the 2024 Awards were announced and presented at a ceremony by Minister for Seniors Suzanne Orr on 20 November. Congratulations to the winners:

• Peter Elliott – LDK Senior Achiever Award – Recognising an individual aged who has made a profound impact to the Canberra community through their work

Peter is a volunteer with the Get IT Digital Mentoring program and demonstrates knowledge, patience and a manner that allows participants to grow in confidence while navigating the digital world. Peter has a flair of being able to explain processes that many seniors find hard to comprehend and breaks down barriers for many who are trying to learn new and evolving digital skills.

• Nishi Puri – ActewAGL Award for Diversity & Inclusion – Celebrating commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion.

As the president of the Multicultural Association Canberra, Nishi has played a key role in helping to bring together seniors from diverse cultural backgrounds, showcasing how communities can flourish when differences are celebrated. By facilitating events such as cultural festivals, storytelling sessions and intergenerational meetups, MAC has empowered seniors to take pride in their heritage while also building bridges with other cultures.

• Daniel Lillicrap (Digital GP) – The ACT Seniors Card Award for Aged Care Businesses and Service – Highlighting businesses, services or suppliers that have made exceptional contributions to the wellbeing, comfort and quality of life of older people.

Daniel runs Digital GP which provides a range of IT services to seniors. Daniel is kind, compassionate and generous with his time and patient when working with seniors. He supports clients to keep connected and engaged, and supports IT literacy and online safety at the individual and group level by partnering with retirement communities, community clubs and organisations.

• Dylan Grubb (Equipd Allied Health) – The Live Up Award for Education and Activity – Honouring individuals or organisations that have made contributions to enriching lives of older people through education, information dissemination and activities.

Dylan is the Director of Equipd Allied Health and Community Gym and an accredited exercise physiologist.  Dylan has taken an innovative approach to support seniors in their fitness journey by designing and providing equipment specifically tailored to their needs. He has supplemented commercial exercise machines with a suit of purpose built equipment including support rails, cars and stairs for stability and balance work. In addition, Dylan also focuses on mental and social wellbeing – addressing the holistic needs for seniors in the community by providing spaces for social interaction such as coffee making facilities and a book library.

• Ian Trewhella – The ACT Human Rights Commission Award for Social Justice and Advocacy – Recognising individuals or organisations who exhibited unwavering dedication to advancing social justice, equity and human rights

Ian has had extensive experience working in sport, recreation and welfare with and for seniors and people with disabilities. He has been a lobbyist and activity for over 50 years and even now residing in Jindalee Nursing Home assists residents with advice about wheelchairs and aids for daily living and has petitioned government on numerous issues including a pedestrian safety crossing outside of Jindalee and simplification of the ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme.

• Di Johnstone – The Ageing ACT Outstanding Service Award – Recognising trustworthy, compassionate and dedicated service that has gone above and beyond for older Canberrans.

Di has led several projects under the Pets and Positive Ageing Canberra initiative, focusing on enhancing the lives of older adults through pet companionship. Some of the key areas she has worked on include organising visits from therapy animals to aged care facilities, offering resources and guidance for seniors looking to adopt or care for pets, creating events and workshops that promote the bond between seniors and pets, raising awareness about the benefits of pet ownership and partnering with local animal welfare organisations and health services. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: COTA ACT 6282 3777 info@cotaact.org.au www.cotaact.org.au