Winners of 2022 Delys Sargeant Age Friendly Awards

Published on 22 February 2023

Seniors in our community have once again shown they've no plans of slowing down when the winners of our annual Delys Sargeant Age-Friendly Awards were announced at Council on Tuesday 21 February 2023.

The awards recognise individuals, clubs, services or businesses contributing to building a stronger community for older people on our Peninsula.
 
With over 31 per cent of people aged 60 and over living on the Peninsula, it’s important to have an age-friendly place to call our home.
 
Our winners certainly empower older people to live, work and contribute to our lifestyle of the Peninsula.

The winners will be presented with their awards in person at a Civic event in early May 2023 to give them the public recognition they deserve.

To find out more about the winners and to subscribe for future updates please visit:
mornpen.vic.gov.au/delys-sargeant-awards.

The 2022 winners of the Mornington Peninsula Delys Sargeant Age-Friendly Award are:

Senior Achiever: John (Jack) Milledge

Jack was nominated in recognition of working tirelessly for his community for over 50 years.

He has been involved in the Lions Club of Dromana, Rosebud and McCrae, and the Rosebud RSL, as well as working to raise funds for children with disability.

Senior Achiever: Billy Nye

Billy is a local Mornington Peninsula artist. She is an active volunteer at Oak Hill Gallery teaching several classes across the week to a broad range of people from school children to older people.

Billy has bipolar and advocates for others who experience mental health conditions and works with NDIS participants at Oak Hill Gallery.

Senior Achiever and PACE Community Award: Jacqui Beddows

Jacquie suffered a stroke and aneurysm in 2011. Jacquie understood firsthand the social isolation and loneliness occurring when language becomes impaired.

Showing great determination and initiative, Jacquie established two innovative, age friendly and inclusive community programs at Seawinds Community Hub: Singing for Wellness in 2015 and Art for Wellness in 2019.

These programs cater to people with a wide range of communication issues, including people recovering from stroke, living with acquired brain injury, parkinson’s, aphasia and dementia.

Support workers, families and carers regularly comment on the impact of Jacquie’s programs, particularly the laughter, friendships and the improvement in participants’ confidence and ability to communicate.

PACE Community Award and Intergenerational Award: Oak Hill Gallery

Oak Hill Gallery is a place for artists and the community to come together to enjoy art, celebrate and acquire new skills.

The Gallery runs after school classes and school holiday programs for children, with many of these being run by retired teachers and artists. The teachers also enjoy learning new skills from their young students.

The Gallery also has regular visits from residents at Mecwacare Park Hill aged care home in Mornington, and hosts free BBQs, exhibitions and workshops for the community.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Steve Holland:
 
“Well done and congratulations to all our winners and nominees for their commitment and dedication to our residents. 
 
“The Delys Sargeant Awards value our older people and provide a public opportunity to thank people, clubs, businesses or organisations who have made a special contribution to reduce ageism and promote respect and inclusion of our older people.”

Quote attributable to Peninsula Advisory Committee for Elders (PACE) Councillor delegate Lisa Dixon:
 
“If wisdom, kindness, confidence, and ease come with age, then these inspiring people, clubs, businesses and organisations have this in abundance. Well done to everyone involved.”