Thursday, 15 May 2025

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:31): I am pleased to rise in my capacity as Minister for Ageing and advise the house that nominations are open for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards. For more than 30 years the annual Victorian Senior of the Year Awards have celebrated the community contributions and volunteering achievements of older Victorians. The awards are presented each October at Government House as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival. Last year I had the honour of joining Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria Professor James Angus AO and the Premier to present the awards, including the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year, awarded to Dr Manjula O’Connor for her amazing work supporting women facing family violence. Other recipients were recognised for fostering inclusion, promoting health and wellbeing, honouring veterans and empowering fellow older Victorians. There are six categories of awards in 2025, including veterans support, promotion of multiculturalism, community participation, and healthy and active living. Nominations are open online until Sunday 1 June, and I encourage members to promote the awards to Victorians and ask them to take a moment to nominate an older person in their life that is making a meaningful contribution to their local community.