Thursday, 19 October 2023

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:46): I am really pleased to make this statement in my capacity as the Minister for Ageing. Earlier this month I had the pleasure of joining Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner to present this year’s Victorian Senior of the Year Awards. These awards recognise the valuable contribution to their communities that so many of our senior Victorians make. Awardees were recognised across a range of initiatives, including veterans support, promotion of multiculturalism, community participation, and healthy and active living.

Mr Andrew Suggett, recipient of the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year, is a dedicated leader in the Warrnambool community, and he is also a dedicated leader of the Warrnambool Parkinson’s Support Group. When someone in the community is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Mr Suggett calls them personally. He supports them through their experience and of course through all of the emotional responses people have to such a diagnosis. Mr Suggett and all the recipients set an amazing example for every Victorian, regardless of age, and I congratulate them all on their achievements.

The awards are part of the 2023 Victorian Seniors Festival, a program of events and activities that run throughout October. There are more than 1 million people aged over 60 who call Victoria home. The Victorian Seniors Festival is one of the ways that as a state we can support and celebrate their diverse contributions, and I encourage everyone to check out the program for the last week of the festival. There is definitely something in there for everyone. I am very proud to be the new Minister for Ageing and to continue to support events and programs that support our senior Victorians to live connected and fulfilling lives.