For more than 30 years, the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards have celebrated older Victorians who contribute to the community through volunteering. The skills, time and energy older Victorians share with the community make our state stronger.
The awards ceremony in October is a highlight of the annual Victorian Seniors Festival. The month-long celebration features free and low-cost events for older Victorians.
People in Victoria who are 60 years or over, and First Nations people who are 50 years or over, are eligible to be nominated for these awards.
Nominees are assessed on their volunteer contributions and achievements since reaching the qualifying age only.
Award categories
The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards include six award categories:
- Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year – recognises an individual for their outstanding and lasting contribution to their local community and Victoria.
- Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards – recognises local community champions that significantly contribute to positive ageing in their community.
- Emerging Impact Award – recognises an individual who is new to volunteering and is making a significant impact in their local community.
- Positive Ageing Award – recognises an individual who improves the wellbeing of older people in their community by promoting positive and active ageing.
- Promotion of Multiculturalism Award – recognises an individual for a significant contribution to promoting the benefits of cultural diversity in their local community and across Victoria.
- Veteran Community Award – recognises an individual for their exceptional contribution to the veteran community. The recipient of the award does not need to be a veteran.
Find out more on Seniors Online.