Inspiring seniors shine

VOLUNTEERS from across the city have been recognised at the annual Ballarat Seniors Awards.

Jan Antosiewiczm, who has volunteered for more than 50 years with the Australian Red Cross, Soroptimist International Ballarat, Ballarat Hospice Special Interest Group, Buninyong RSL Women’s Auxiliary, and Buninyong Senior Citizens Club, was named Senior of the Year.

Ms Antosiewiczm has been involved with the Red Cross for 46 years and has held office bearing roles with the organisation, including chair for more-than 10 years.

She is currently the president of Buninyong RSL Women’s Auxiliary and Buninyong Senior Citizens Club.

Ms Antosiewiczm has organised fundraiser fashion parades, garden parties, raffles and barbecues, raising thousands of dollars for palliative care, veterans, women’s education, and community wellbeing.

The awards ceremony was organised by the City of Ballarat and held at Mercure Hotel and Convention Centre to mark the conclusion of the Ballarat Seniors Festival.

Milad Nachar received the Community Service Award, recognising his involvement in almost all of the 18 programs at the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre.

He also volunteers with the Ballarat Foundation’s L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program, the Salvation Army’s food pantry and kitchen, and Ballarat Community Health’s food initiative.

The Anam Cara team received the Community Teamwork Award for providing holistic care to people undergoing cancer treatment and medical procedures.

Volunteers aim to ease patients’ anxiety, provide conversation, and offer refreshments and meals.

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award went to Helen Sarra who has contributed to Ballarat’s Italian community for more than four decades.

She is president of the Italian Retired and Pensioners Club and a member of the Ballarat Italian Association.

John Olsen received the Lifetime Achievement Award after spending more than 36 years as a volunteer and leader.

He is a member of Ballarat East Rotary Club who has worked on projects in rebuilding projects in Timor Leste and Fiji.

He is a board member of Uniting Care Ballarat and chair of the Ballarat Central Uniting Church Congregation, helped U3A Ballarat grow its membership, and has managed operations at Ballarat North Community Centre since 2016.

“The awards celebrate people who quietly go above and beyond by volunteering their time, sharing their wisdom and supporting others,” Cr Jim Rinaldi said.

“The stories we’ve heard about the contributions these people have made are truly inspiring.”