Perth woman named Western Australia's 1998 Senior of the Year

4/11/98

A Perth woman who has devoted 40 years of her life to supporting those in need has been named Western Australia's 1998 Senior of the Year.

Mrs Ethel Hodgson (71) of Bullcreek, was presented with the prestigious award by the Minister for Seniors, Rhonda Parker at a ceremony at Bunbury's Lord Forrest Hotel today.

Mrs Hodgson also won the Woolworths Community Service Award.

"The Seniors Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the contribution our seniors make to the community as well as the efforts of organisations, business and individuals to improving the quality of life of older Western Australians," Mrs Parker said.

Mrs Hodgson has devoted her life to supporting the Nulsen Haven Association which provides care and support to 65 residents with a severe and profound handicap. She has also supported countless fundraising activities for numerous other charities such as the Heart Foundation, Princess Margaret Hospital, the Blind Association, the Cancer Foundation, the Salvation Army, Cottage Hospice, Anglicare and Freedom from Hunger.

In addition, she has voluntarily taught English to migrants through the Good Neighbour Council and hosted students from many Asian countries while they studied in Australia as part of the Australian/Asian Host Family Scheme.

The Minister said Mrs Hodgson's nomination form submitted by the Nulsen Haven Association stated that 'Ethel has no personal ties to Nulsen Haven, such as a son or daughter being cared for by the association, but has devoted her life to ours and other charities solely through her community spirit, her compassion and Christian love'.

The Organisation of the Year Award was won by Esperance Home Care. The service promotes independence in the home and the community by helping frail aged and younger people with disabilities remain in their homes. It also offers support and guidance to carers.

Other Awards presented include:

GIO Exemplary Service Award

Mrs Edna Freeman, of Wonthella (winner)

Mrs Natalie Pitcher, of Ballajura (runner-up)

Woolworths Community Service Award

Mrs Ethel Hodgson, of Bullcreek (winner)

Mr Frederick Morrison, of Margaret River (runner-up)

Sport & Recreational Award

Mr Thomas Spencer, of Bunbury (winner)

Mr Roy Beckett, of Rockingham (runner-up)

Cultural Award

Mrs Yvonne Harris, of Bunbury (winner)

Mrs Flora Nowotny, of North Perth (runner-up)

Award of Excellence

Dr Arthur Criddle, of Nedlands (winner)

Mrs Wilma Goddard, of Hopetoun (runner-up) 

St John of God Health Care Organisation Award

1-50 people category:

Esperance Home Care (winner)

Corrigin Senior Citizens Committee (runner-up)

100+ category:

Whitford Senior Citizens Club (winner)

Nedlands Elderly Persons Home (runner-up)

The 1998 Seniors Awards, which are sponsored by the Office of Seniors Interests, GWN and the Lord Forrest Hotel, received a record response this year with more than 100 nominations from around the state.

For more information about individual winners, please contact the Seniors Award Co-ordinator Karin MacArthur on 015087476.

Media contact: Owen Cole 94817810