Dorothy Sallur is WA's 1995 Senior of the Year

15/10/95

Karratha resident Dorothy Sallur is Western Australia's 1995 Senior of the Year.

Mrs Sallur received the prestigious award at a special luncheon in Bunbury today in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the seniors' community in Karratha.

Mrs Sallur, 72, was chosen from a field of 82 seniors from throughout the State.

Announcing the winner, Seniors' Minister Roger Nicholls said Mrs Sallur had made an outstanding contribution to the community and was an important role model for other seniors.

Mr Nicholls said Mrs Sallur had instigated a range of services for seniors in Karratha, including the Autumn Club of Karratha, the Pilbara Seniors' Recreation Council and the Pilbara Have A Go Days. She had also played an important role in the development of seniors' accommodation in the region.

Before moving to Karratha in 1989 Mrs Sallur had lived in Perth, where she was a dedicated member of many charitable organisations including the Rocky Bay Village.

Other Seniors' Award winners announced at today's luncheon were Robert Tweed, 70, of Kenwick (Sport and Culture Award) and Morawa Community Care (Organisation Award).

Mr Tweed was recognised for his work with several seniors' programs in the City of Gosnells. Morawa Community Care was given the award for its range of services and facilities in the Morawa region.

Bassendean social worker Gwen Fenech won the inaugural Award of Excellence, which recognises outstanding performance or service to seniors by a person under the age of 60.

Mr Nicholls made special mention of two other finalists in this award - school students Nicholas Ryan of Claremont and Nikayla Linto of Kallaroo.

Nicholas Ryan, a year 11 student at John XXIII College, was praised for his voluntary work at the Alfred Carson Nursing Home, while Nikayla Linto, a TEE student at St Mary's Anglican Girls' School, was recognised for her work in the Extra Care section of Meath Homes, which provides hostel accommodation for the aged.

Mr Nicholls said he was impressed by the commitment and selflessness shown by Nicholas and Nikayla who, at important stages in their schooling, had continued to devote time to helping others.

The Seniors' Awards have been held annually since 1987. Last year's Senior of the Year was Goldfields identity Jack Tinetti.

Other past winners are Bernice McLeod of Exmouth (1993) for her community work with the Uniting Church Frontier Services and nursing sister Germanus Kent (1992) for her work with Aboriginal communities in the North-West.

The Seniors' Awards are presented by the Golden West Network, Lord Forrest Hotel and Office of Seniors Interests.

Media contact: Hugh Ryan (09) 221-5468