Nominations closing soon for council's 2009 Seniors Awards

Date: Tuesday, 14th July 2009

Townsville City Council is seeking nominations for its annual Seniors Awards, which close at the end of this month.

The awards are open to permanent Townsville residents aged 60 years of age and over who have voluntarily given their time for the wellbeing of the community.

Lifestyle and Community Development chair Cr Jenny Lane said the tireless efforts of seniors often went unnoticed.

"Every day in Townsville there are countless seniors who volunteer their free time. They connect people and provide services to others," Cr Lane said.

"They undertake a wide range of duties in a variety of settings, such as community centres, residential aged care facilities, schools, information centres/kiosks, coaching sports, and Life Long Learning.

"They give their time, energy and skills without seeking public recognition or accolades.

"The Townsville City Council Senior Awards aim to provide public thanks to these quiet achievers who give so much."

The awards are open to both men and women. They will be presented by Mayor Les Tyrell at the Seniors Picnic in the Park and Lifestyle Expo at Sherriff Park, Mundingburra, on 19 August.

The current Female Senior of the Year is Mrs Betty James, who has volunteered at several organisations throughout her life, including the Wulguru Seniors Citizens Club, CWA, Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, Queensland Ambulance Service and the Choral Society.

The current Male Senior of the Year is John Jewell, who has volunteered with the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard for nearly 33 years, training and instructing members and being a search-and-rescue coordinator. He has also been involved with the Thuringowa Combined Probus Club, the Seafarers Association of Townsville, Reef HQ Volunteers Association and the Navigation Centre.

In addition to their usual volunteering, as Senior Citizens of the Year, over the past 12 months Mrs James and Mr Jewell have been guests at several events relating to seniors, such as the launch of 2009 Seniors Week, the Seniors Picnic in the Park, and the annual Pioneers Party.

Nomination forms for this year’s awards are available online at www.townsville.qld.gov.au or at council’s Customer Service Centres. Registrations close on 31 July.