OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT
LOCAL SENIORS PRESENTED WITH COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
In a prestigious ceremony to mark this week's 50th Senior's week celebrations, Achievement Awards for outstanding community contributions were presented to two worthy local residents, whilst a local program for the aged was also recognised, Independent Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Oakeshott, said today.
"As residents of the Mid North Coast, we are extremely lucky to be blessed with community members who give up their valuable time for the benefit of the greater good of our society, Mr Oakeshott said.
Awards were presented to:
- Gary O'Callaghan, in the Education/Lifelong Learning category, for supporting seniors and emergency services groups, while fronting broadcasting on a major radio station;
- To Betty Allman, in the Community Services/Volunteering category, for a fantastic effort in raising more than $375,000 for Hastings Cancer Trust and supporting numerous community groups;
- To the Catholic Care of the Aged Program, in the Health and Wellbeing category, for running social and educational activities for more than 600 aged care residents.
"The recognition that Betty, Gary and the Catholic Care of the Aged Program have received as part of Seniors Week celebrations, is just reward for the significant contribution that they have made to our local community and is a deserved way of saying "thank you" on behalf of us all.
"I congratulate the award recipients on their awards and the example they set in demonstrating the benefits of staying active and engaged in community life." Said Mr Oakeshott
Notes to news editors
The award recipients' full biographies follow:
Gary O'Callaghan is well-known for his 57 years as a broadcaster, 30-years as the breakfast host on 2UE and equally recognised for his 57 year association with emergency services groups. He has worked with the Senior Road Safety Program for four years, teaching seniors to continue to enjoy the freedom of driving safely.
Betty Allman has worked for 20 years with Hastings Cancer Trust to help raise more than $375,000 since 2005. She has also volunteered for the University of New South Wales and an orphanage in Bangkok. Betty is active in numerous community groups including the local council as a Tourism Ambassador, ratepayers' association, Probus, gardening club and fine art society.
The Catholic Care of the Aged Volunteer Program is committed to improving the quality of life for more than 600 residents of aged care facilities. The Program organises social and educational activities for residents and offers respite to families by helping with shopping and medical appointments. Volunteers enjoy a sense of purpose and learn new skills.
Seniors Week Achievement Awards were presented to individuals and organisations in six categories:
- Business mentoring
- Community Service /Volunteering
- Educational/Lifelong Learning
- Environment/Science
- Health and Wellbeing
- Intergenerational Understanding