New look celebration for seniors

WATTLE Range Council is calling on the community to celebrate and recognise the invaluable contributions of local seniors by nominating them for the Senior of the Year Award.

Part of the ‘Celebrate Seniors’ initiative, this award is a key council program aimed at fostering community vibrancy and appreciation for the vital role seniors play in building a stronger, more connected community.

Council’s director development services Emma Clay said with this award, they were looking to honour and celebrate a senior who has made a significant impact on the local Wattle Range community, whether through a recent achievement or a lifetime of service.

The initiative is proudly supported by the Celebrate Seniors Working Party, a team of passionate community volunteers dedicated to acknowledging the efforts and stories of our older residents.

Nominations are now open and close on Monday, September 22 with forms available to download from council’s website or collected from council offices, visitor information centres or libraries.

Each year, the award recognises a local resident aged 60 or over who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to their community, whether through volunteer work, leadership, or ongoing service.

Previous recipients include Wendy Thomson, who was celebrated for her decades of involvement with the Millicent Football and Netball Club, Meals on Wheels, and the Millicent Library and Gallery, along with local schools and charities.

Council is urging residents to think about the seniors in their lives and communities who deserve this honour.

“These individuals help make our community stronger and more connected,” Ms Clay said.

“We encourage you to take this opportunity to nominate someone whose dedication and contribution has made a real difference.”

The recipient of the Senior of the Year Award will be officially announced during Council’s Seniors Week celebrations in October.

In response to community feedback, council is introducing a refreshed format for this year’s celebrations, shifting from a month-long program to a dynamic Seniors Week, with the launch of a program of additional events to be held throughout the year.

The week will feature engaging, intergenerational activities, and uplifting events that highlight the experiences, stories and achievements of our older residents.

The full Senior of the Year nomination guidelines and applications are available now at www.Wattlerange.sa.gov.au/senior-of-the-year-award