Geelong seniors lauded for exceptional service

A PAIR of Geelong locals have been recognised for helping to build a better future for the region and awarded with statewide honours.

Steve Bentley from Newtown and Geoffrey Mann from Rippleside were among the recipients at this year’s Council of the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards.

A total of 17 exceptional older Victorians were presented with awards by Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt, president of COTA Robert Caulfield, and Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner.

A total of 17 exceptional older Victorians were lauded with statewide honours.

Mr Bentley joined the City of Greater Geelong-led L2P program in 2022 and is known as a patient and caring driving mentor who supports young drivers to get behind the wheel.

The 65-year-old also spends a couple of days each week at a school-based L2P pilot to help students from refugee backgrounds.

He was also the Geelong YMCA president for eight years and now volunteers at the Geelong Animal Welfare Society.

Mr Mann spends his time volunteering across three organisations each week, leading by example to inspire people of all ages to value and celebrate the journey of getting older.

The 79-year-old spends two days a week at Geelong FoodShare, collects medical resources for communities in Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea for Rotary Geelong, and once a week drives for the volunteer patient transport program at Barwon Health.

Mr Mann completed more than 3,200 trips last year, ensuring that community members can get to and from medical appointments.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj congratulated the two for their immense contributions to the region.

“On behalf of Council and the community, we thank Steve and Geoffrey for their selfless service to those who need it most,” he said.

“They should feel incredibly proud about their achievements and the example they are setting for not just seniors, but people of all ages.

“It’s people like Geoffrey and Steve who are making the Geelong region more inclusive, healthy and vibrant, by fostering connection, championing wellbeing and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”

To find out more about the volunteering opportunities on offer, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/volunteer