Community contribution honour

By Matt Romania

The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards is presented annually as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival. These significant awards recognise the contributions to the community life of older Victorians, and one Ballan resident was on the guest list.

Just 14 Victorians received Council on the Ageing (COTA) at the 2023 Victoria Senior Achiever Awards.

Ballan resident, Kevin Healey received this award in recognition of his positive impact on the Ballan community. The award ceremony, which took place on 11 October 2023, at State Government House, with Moorabool Shire Councilors Cr. Munari and Cr. Berry in attendance to celebrate Kevin’s contribution.

Expressing his gratitude for those who nominated him for the award, Kevin is humble in receipt of the award.

“It was certainly an honour and nice to be at Government House. There’s several hundred in the district that warrant the award, and many deserve to be recognised who aren’t acknowledged,” he told the Moorabool News.

Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt said the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of older Victorians.

“It also gives us the chance to say thanks for all they do. I congratulate all award recipients and nominees,” she said.

Mr Healey has also shown his dedication to the community in multiple avenues.

The origins of his commitment trace back to 2009 when he was the pioneering spirit in keeping the Men’s Group in Ballan going and growing, providing essential mental health support and connection. Since 2011, he has been active on the Community House committee, offering secretarial support.

A committed member of the Ballan CFA, his service record is impressive, having attended more than 350 incidents and is always one of the first responders. He also assists with door knocking in Ballan as part of the CFA’s fundraising efforts for the annual Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

Mr Healey’s commitment to the community doesn’t end with immediate aid. He has always shown an avid interest in preserving its history. This was particularly evident during the ANZAC Centenary in 2015 when he took on an extensive research project, investing thousands of hours to uncover the stories of the Ballan RSL and the Historical Society.

So, what’s next for Mr Healey?

“I still have a role with Ballan CFA and support local art groups where I can. Whether it’s the Ballan Autumn Festival, Blackwood Gold Panning in summer, or helping physically challenged locals to do things, I like helping,” he said.