Former Broome nursing sister is Senior of the Year

A former Broome nursing sister, Germanus Kent, is this year's Western Australian Senior of the Year.

The award was presented by Seniors' Minister Judyth Watson at a special function in Bunbury tonight in recognition of Sister Germanus's achievements, many of which benefit other seniors.

The award is made as part of Seniors' Week. Sister Germanus, born in Collie, was one of eight finalists from throughout the State.

At the age of 47, Sister Germanus volunteered as a nursing sister of St John of God for the Kimberley Mission, and in February 1963 arrived at the remote Beagle Bay Mission.

"She managed the mission hospital alone for 12 years," Dr Watson said.

"Apart from keeping the hospital functioning, Sister Germanus helped care for new-born babies whose mothers were being treated for leprosy.

"Though the work-load was at bursting point, no infant was refused."

In 1975 after leaving Beagle Bay, Sister Germanus helped establish Broome's extended hospital care system because the town had little help aged and chronically ill people.

For three-and-a-half years she managed a baby crisis centre at Roebourne teaching mothercraft skills.

On her return to Broome in 1981, Sister Germanus saw the desperate need for a nursing home for the aged. She formed the Broome Aged Welfare Committee to lobby for facilities, and later established the Broome Aged-Disabled Services to manage two facilities for which she helped secure funds.

Those facilities - the Bran Nue Dae Centre and the Germanus Kent Hostel - were officially opened in her honour late last year.

"These are just some of the achievements of a truly remarkable woman," Dr Watson said.

"Her contribution to society was recognised in the 1991 New Year Honours List, when she received the Order of Australia Medal for her outstanding community work, especially amongst Aboriginal people.

"She has provided a positive role model not only to other seniors and what they might contribute, but also to young people."