The selfless generosity and community spirit of 82-year-old former TAFE teacher Ted Kitto, from Shepparton, was officially recognised today when he was named winner of the 2010 Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year at an official Government House ceremony.
Minister for Senior Victorians Lisa Neville, who presented the award, said Mr Kitto was an exceptional community member who had devoted much of his retirement to helping children, the elderly and disadvantaged.
“At a time when he could be putting his feet up, Mr Kitto has devoted his retirement to being an advocate for some of our most vulnerable community members, through his work with children’s charities such as Kiwanis,” Ms Neville said.
“He has also been involved in the ‘Terrific Kids’ program which helps young people build confidence and perseverance and ‘Heartkids’ which supports children affected by heart disease.
Ms Neville said Mr Kitto had spent time helping out with Meals on Wheels and helped establish a toy library for the benefit of disadvantaged families.
“His extraordinary passion, energy and commitment to helping others has made a great difference to the lives of many people and this richly-deserved award recognised his remarkable achievements,” she said.
Mr Kitto was one of 12 Victorian seniors recognised at the awards ceremony which marks the lead-up to the annual Victorian Seniors Festival which opens on Sunday, 3 October.
Ms Neville said the awards were a great way to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of Victoria’s seniors to our community.
“Every single person nominated for these awards has made a positive impact in their communities and it’s fitting that we recognise the seniors among us for their extraordinary service,” Ms Neville said.
Also among the major winners was 75-year-old Gunditjmara Elder and long distance runner and cyclist Albert Clarke, who received the ‘Go for your life’ Award for acting as an exemplary role model and advocate for healthy and active living.
The Veteran Community Award, which recognised outstanding service to the veterans’ community, went to 71-year-old former army Major John Vincent, for his role in advancing veterans’ welfare in the areas of disability support, mental health, hearing and aged-care.
Nine other Victorian seniors received a ‘Senior Achiever Award’ from Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria President, Janet Wood. For more information about the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards visit the Office of Senior Victorians website www.seniors.vic.gov.au/senioroftheyear
Victorian Senior of the Year Awards 2010
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The Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year sponsored by O'Shannessy's Tours
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Ted Kitto, 82, Shepparton
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A former TAFE teacher who has supported children’s causes through his work with organisations such as international children’s charity Kiwanis, the Terrific Kids program and Heartkids.
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The “Go for your life” Award
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Albert Clarke, 75, Warrnambool
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A Gunijmara Elder, who through long distance running and cycling not only overcame diabetes 2, but raised funds to improve diabetes awareness, and in doing so became an exemplary role model and advocate for health and active living.
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The Veteran Community Award
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John Vincent OAM, 71, Macleod
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A former Army Major, who has helped advance veteran’s welfare in areas of disability support, mental health, hearing and aged-care.
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The Council of the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards
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Fr Bob Maguire AO, 76, South Melbourne
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This Catholic priest’s commitment to helping the underprivileged and homeless led to him establishing various charity organisations including the Emerald Hill Mission, Open Family Australian and Beyond Care.
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Leslie Williams OAM, 75, Edithvale
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A conservationist, whose vision 40 years ago helped establish the Edithvale Seaford Wetlands, and still provides inspiration to young and old today through his passion and dedication to the environment.
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Dr Navaratnam Shanmuganathan, 78, North Balwyn
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Since his retirement from the Victorian Public Service in 1993 he has been a tireless worker for the welfare of senior Tamils and made an exceptional contribution to the community in the areas of social service, immigration and religion.
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Peter Caligari, 73, Wendouree
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A former Ballarat radio personality, who saw a need to help individuals and families in his community, established the city’s two largest annual charities, the 3BA Christmas Appeal and the Christmas in July Appeal.
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Sr Angela Caine, 74, St Arnaud
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As a valued and appreciated member of the St Arnaud community she has provided emotional and financial support for individuals and families, as well as raising funds to help build a kindergarten in Timor Leste.
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Joy Clarke, 66, Irymple
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As an advocate for those with disabilities and Manager of the Disability Resource Centre in Mildura, she has campaigned to improve access around Mildura for seniors and those with disabilities.
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Reginald Pollard, 74, Wycheproof
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A dedicated member of many community organisations he has given support to men in the Wycheproof area by breaking down loneliness and isolation through the development of the Menes Shed project.
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Kenneth Lyons, 85, Burwood East
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The retired pharmacist and Royal Australian Air Force veteran has devoted much of his life to charity, volunteer and community work through his involvement with various organisations including Rotary, the State Emergency Service, Red Cross and the Royal Children’s Hospital.
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June Burrell, 80, Geelong West
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She has not only made a valuable contribution to the Geelong community through her work with community organisations such as the Lions Club and the Geelong Food Relief Centre, but began tutoring secondary school students after completing VCE mathematics at the age of 74.
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The Council of the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards
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Fr Bob Maguire AO, 76, South Melbourne
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This Catholic priest’s commitment to helping the underprivileged and homeless led to him establishing various charity organisations including the Emerald Hill Mission, Open Family Australian and Beyond Care.
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Leslie Williams OAM, 75, Edithvale
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A conservationist, whose vision 40 years ago helped establish the Edithvale Seaford Wetlands, and still provides inspiration to young and old today through his passion and dedication to the environment.
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Dr Navaratnam Shanmuganathan, 78, North Balwyn
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Since his retirement from the Victorian Public Service in 1993 he has been a tireless worker for the welfare of senior Tamils and made an exceptional contribution to the community in the areas of social service, immigration and religion.
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Peter Caligari, 73, Wendouree
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A former Ballarat radio personality, who saw a need to help individuals and families in his community, established the city’s two largest annual charities, the 3BA Christmas Appeal and the Christmas in July Appeal.
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Sr Angela Caine, 74, St Arnaud
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As a valued and appreciated member of the St Arnaud community she has provided emotional and financial support for individuals and families, as well as raising funds to help build a kindergarten in Timor Leste.
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Joy Clarke, 66, Irymple
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As an advocate for those with disabilities and Manager of the Disability Resource Centre in Mildura, she has campaigned to improve access around Mildura for seniors and those with disabilities.
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Reginald Pollard, 74, Wycheproof
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A dedicated member of many community organisations he has given support to men in the Wycheproof area by breaking down loneliness and isolation through the development of the Menes Shed project.
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Kenneth Lyons, 85, Burwood East
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The retired pharmacist and Royal Australian Air Force veteran has devoted much of his life to charity, volunteer and community work through his involvement with various organisations including Rotary, the State Emergency Service, Red Cross and the Royal Children’s Hospital.
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June Burrell, 80, Geelong West
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She has not only made a valuable contribution to the Geelong community through her work with community organisations such as the Lions Club and the Geelong Food Relief Centre, but began tutoring secondary school students after completing VCE mathematics at the age of 74.
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