The Victorian Government has opened nominations for the 2026 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards, recognising the contributions of older Victorians across the state.
Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt announced the nominations on Wednesday, calling on residents to put forward seniors making a difference in their communities.
“Older Victorians play a vital role in keeping our communities strong, safe and inclusive – these awards recognise the difference they make every day,” Ms Stitt said.
For more than 30 years, the awards have recognised the impact of older Victorians, from mentoring young people to supporting those facing disadvantage and strengthening social connection.
Victorian Senior of the Year in 2025, Patrick Templeton, was recognised for his work supporting disadvantaged young people through community outreach programs. Other recipients were acknowledged for their efforts in road safety, social cohesion, reconciliation and sustainability initiatives.
Six award categories will be presented in 2026. These include the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year, the Council on the Ageing Victoria Senior Achiever Awards, the Emerging Impact Award, the Positive Ageing Award, the Promotion of Multiculturalism Award and the Veteran Community Award. The Premier’s Award is not open for direct nominations, with eligible entries from other categories considered.
Nominations are open until 19 May 2026, with winners to be announced in October during the Victorian Seniors Festival.
Victorians can nominate a senior by following four steps: checking the eligibility criteria, choosing an award category, getting approval from the nominee and collecting the required information. A nomination guide is available to assist applicants, with program information provided in 16 languages.
Eligibility requires nominees to be Australian citizens or permanent residents, living in Victoria, and aged 60 years or over. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nominees are eligible from the age of 50 if they reside in Victoria.
“If you know a senior Victorian who goes above and beyond for their community, now is the time to nominate them so we can celebrate their contributions,” Ms Stitt said.
Further information, including translations, resources and nomination details, is available at seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/awards.
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