Naming competition launched for rose developed for International Year of Older Persons

11/4/99
Seniors Minister Rhonda Parker today launched one of the State's most challenging naming competitions - to name the rose developed for this year's International Year of Older Persons.
"The easy part will be to come up with a name for the rose especially created for the year that encapsulates what the international year is all about," the Minister said.
"The difficult part will be to find a name that has not already been registered. The popularity of the rose over the centuries means that more than 13,000 names have already been registered."
The Minister said many obvious names such as Maturity, Peace and Old Timer were registered so the challenge would be to come up with an original name that related to the State theme for the year, 'A Western Australia for all Ages'.
"The year aims to change attitudes and challenge negative stereotypes around ageing by strengthening relationships between the generations and highlighting the contributions of older people to our community," Mrs Parker said.
"The winner of the competition will receive a certificate of registration from the U.S. based International Registration Authority for Roses through the American Rose Society, insurance worth $1,000 from Seniors Card sponsor, GIO, and a $75 voucher from Gro-brite Nurseries."
Mrs Parker announced the competition in Perth's Queens Gardens where an International Year Rose Garden is being established as a lasting reminder of the year and of the contribution of seniors to society.
Appropriately, Queens Gardens is celebrating its centenary this year.
The IYOP rose has been donated by Dr Peter Gibson and his business partner from Sunrise Flowers, Paddy Elphick, and will be sold through Gro-brite Nurseries from October for about $18.
Royalties from the sale of the rose will go towards the Centre for Positive Ageing which will research issues of ageing in co-operation with the State's universities and will be established later this year.
Media contact: Owen Cole 9481 7810