SENIORS Week celebrations kicked off across the region on Monday with award ceremonies in Tamworth and Nundle.
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The theme this year – ‘Let’s do More Together’ – was put on show as dozens of seniors rolled out to the Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall for the awards and concert, featuring musical acts from the community.
The 2017 Tamworth Senior Citizen of the Year award garnered eight nominations, with Marianne Gail AM winning the prestigious title.
Mrs Gaul, a former clinical nurse consultant of rural critical care with Hunter New England Health, was recognised for her tireless work to ensure defibrillators are at most sporting fields in the region.
She also volunteers her time as a willing guest speaker at many senior groups, making them aware of the importance of the units.
“It’s not just about one person,” Mrs Gaul said of the award.
“It’s many, many people (working together). Together we’ve raised over 18 months $50,000 to buy defibrillators.”
In the group category, Tamworth South Side Men’s Choir, Tamworth Parkinson’s Support Group, Tamworth Dementia Respite Service and Tamworth and District Senior Computer Club were nominated, with Tamworth and District Senior Computer Club winning 2017 Community Group of the year.
The club has been operational for more than 15 years and comprises of 12 volunteer tutors who provide one-on-one computer instruction for over 55s.
Club secretary Trish Balcombe said the award proved age was no barrier, with most students aged between 70 and 80 open to learning new technology.
“I have people in their 80s who are writing their life stories, making cards for their families, doing stories about their trips, putting photographs on DVs and sending them to their friends,” she said.
“So it’s not true (seniors aren’t interested in technology).”
Mrs Balcolme had just one piece of advice for the younger generations.
“Get out there and volunteer,” she urged.
“There are so many things that you can volunteer for and it’s so satisfying.”
In Nundle, the Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Olive Warwick for her involvement in many volunteer organisations.
“It’s not about what I do for Nundle, it is about what Nundle does for me,” she said. “It’s a wonderful place to live.”