TAMWORTH Regional Council is on a quest to find seniors who have a positive impact on the lives of others across the region.
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Nominations close soon for the 2016 Tamworth Seniors Week awards which recognise those who promote the wellbeing of older people in the Tamworth region.
Bill Gleeson, whose contribution to the Tamworth community spans over 30 years, was named the 2015 senior citizen of the year.
“But you don’t do things to get recognised,” Mr Gleeson said.
“I grew up with the belief that you always help those around you – family and the community come first.”
He said he had never considered being awarded for getting involved in his community and he was a little shocked when he received the award last year.
“One minute I was in Sydney waiting for a triple bypass heart operation and the next I was the Tamworth senior citizen of the year and, I’ll be honest, I didn’t know if my shaky legs were going work to get me up the steps at the town hall to accept it.
“I had only just got out of hospital.”
He said the Tamworth community has an abundance of seniors who unselfishly give their time for others, who also have never considered being awarded for their efforts, and he encourages people to nominate someone they know for this year’s awards.
“We all know someone who really deserves to be recognised for their contributions.
“I still don’t know who nominated me, but I thank them very much for having a go and putting my name forward.”
The awards are open to persons aged 60 years or older and who have carried their work out in an unpaid capacity. Nominations close next Friday, and forms are available through the council, on their website, at offices and at the Tamworth Community Centre.
Award winners will be announced as part of Tamworth Regional Council’s Seniors Week celebrations at the Tamworth Town Hall on April 4.
