14/10/04
Six outstanding seniors are in the running to be named the 2004 WA Senior of the Year at a gala closing ceremony to BankWest Seniors Week on October 31.
Seniors' Minister Sheila McHale said today that finalists for the prestigious award were chosen from more than 110 worthy seniors nominated across the State.
"Our finalists have made outstanding contributions to their communities and our State and the WA Seniors Awards help spotlight their achievements and give us all an opportunity to say thank you," Ms McHale said.
"Finalists include a Walmajarri Elder who inspired a culture of lifelong learning in the Fitzroy Valley, a long-standing Cue business owner and an innovative charity fundraiser from Boulder."
Ms McHale said that in addition, 14 finalists had been announced for the categories of Community Service, Sport and Recreation, Business Leadership, Arts and Culture, and the Award of Excellence for individuals aged under 60 who provided services to seniors.
A media award for journalists, media photographers and advertisers portraying seniors and ageing issues would also be announced during the ceremony.
"I commend all our finalists for their efforts to improve our lives and enrich our communities," the Minister said.
The WA Seniors Awards are co-ordinated annually by the Office for Seniors' Interests and Volunteering.
The BankWest WA Senior of the Year will receive a $1,500 prize and special trophy and category winners will each receive a $500 prize and special trophy.
Sponsors of the 2004 WA Seniors Awards are BankWest, Hollywood Private Hospital, Woolworths Supermarkets, The Sunday Times, Channel Nine Perth, Radio 6PR, WIN Television, The Western Australian Senior and Council on the Ageing (WA).
Minister's office: 9213 6900
FINALISTS IN THE 2004 WA SENIORS AWARDS
BankWest Senior of the Year 2004:Mrs Daisy Andrews of Fitzroy Crossing - Northern Senior of the Year
Dr Patrick Cranley of Wembley - Metropolitan Senior of the Year
Mrs Patricia Lathlain of Boulder - Goldfields Senior of the Year
Mrs Jean Pigdon of Cue - Mid-West Senior of the Year
Mrs Jane Pooley of Wyalkatchem - Wheatbelt Senior of the Year
Mrs Hope Sharp of Albany - Southern Senior of the Year.
Community Service Award:Dr Kenneth Collins of Mount Claremont
Dr Patrick Cranley of Wembley
Mrs Laura Tolliday of Morley.
Sport and Recreation Award:Mr Frank Kocsis of Bicton
Mrs Wenda Packard of Ardross
Mr Robert Sutherland of Geraldton.
Arts and Culture Award:Mrs Daisy Andrews of Fitzroy Crossing
Mr John Christmass of Mount Nasura
Mr Arthur Hartley of Floreat.
Business Leadership Award:Mrs Florence Cuthbertson of Innaloo
Mrs Jean Pigdon of Cue.
Award of Excellence:Dr Keryln Carville of East Fremantle
Mrs Christine Gray of Dianella
Mrs Susan McKinnel of Currambine.
Media Award:Electronic:
Mr David De Vos and Mr Daniel Brown, George Negus Tonight
Ms Miranda Miller, Today Tonight.
Print:Ms Eloise Dortch, The West Australian
Mr Paul McGovern, Post Newspapers
Mr Andrew Ritchie, Stirling Times.
Advertising:Alzheimer's Australia WA Ltd.
+++++++++++
