Nominations open for community champions

NATIONAL Seniors Australia (NSA) has launched the Everald Compton Community Champion Medal to acknowledge older unsung heroes while also recognising the organisation’s founding father.

NSA Chief Executive officer Chris Grice said the creation of the medal honoured the founding fathers’ long standing and outstanding contribution to the Australian community while celebrating everyday champions whose grassroot experiences and selfless contributions made a significant difference to their communities.

“At NSA, we are constantly reminded of the amazing, yet humble members of our older community.

“Whether they’re volunteering, donating time and skills, or caring for others – what they do and how they do it is often so selfless and inspiring.

“The Everald Compton Community Champion Medal is a distinguished accolade that acknowledges these unsung heroes among older Australians.

“It also reflects NSA’s values of fairness, excellence, and respect exemplified by Everald’s own experience and achievements.”

Mr Compton said he was humbled and grateful to be honoured by NSA in a way that recognised the value and contribution of older Australians, which was an issue close to his heart.

“When I began NSA almost 50 years ago, I never imagined it would grow to a peak body, advocating for all older Australians.

“While NSA advocates on a range of issues from the Age Pension to aged care, it is the celebration of older Australians which, as the Founding Father, I feel most proud.

“Too often and too easily, older Australians get cast aside. But they’re an asset and shouldn’t be ignored. At 92 I am proof age brings with it experience, wisdom and a spirit that should be appreciated and celebrated.

“I look forward to learning about the nominees – their stories and the way they help to shape their communities for the better, especially those in regional, remote and Indigenous, and for future generations.”

Mr Grice said he was keen to learn about and celebrate the inspiring stories of older Australians, and encouraged people who know an older unsung hero to check the NSA website for eligibility criteria and apply.

“This is the perfect opportunity to honour a great Australian we all know and love and one we are yet to discover.”

Nominations close on August 15 and the winner will be announced on October 1.

To nominate for the Everald Compton Community Champion Medal, head to nationalseniors.com.au/stories/everald-compton-community-champion-medal