Selfless determination to improve the lives of countless children has won a Central Coast grandmother the NSW Grandparent of the Year Award.
Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies today presented 71-year-old volunteer Aunty Dianne O’Brien, known as Aunty Di, with the award at Parliament House in Sydney.
“Aunty Di’s unwavering effort to improve the standard of living and educational opportunities for not only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but also members of the broader community in NSW, should be commended,” Mrs Davies said.
As long-standing Chairperson of the Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Corp – Central Coast, and helping to raise four generations of her own family, Aunty Di’s work is far reaching.
“Grit, perseverance and pride have been used to describe the grandmother of 37 and it is evident that these strong qualities have enabled the children in her family and the community to reach their full potential,” Mrs Davies said.
Two outstanding nominations were also recognised as 2017 NSW Grandparent of the Year finalists.
“Grandfather Lance Northey from Newcastle dedicates his carpentry skills and countless hours to local schools, his daughter’s family and the elderly, while Alaweia Kual from Western Sydney uses her wisdom and strength to give vital support to her grandson and local youths,” Mrs Davies said.
To further celebrate extraordinary seniors, winners of the inaugural NSW Grandparents Day Photography Competition were also announced. Catching fish at sunset and a grandfather’s skilled woodwork took out the top prizes.
“Images taken by Margaret Lambert and Jack Moran were chosen because they challenge stereotypes of ageing and highlight the importance of seniors in each and every community,” Mrs Davies said.
“There are wonderful events being held across the state before and on Grandparents Day on Sunday October 29 and I encourage everyone to get involved and celebrate at a local event near you.”
For more information and events being held across NSW, go to www.grandparentsday.nsw.gov.au or call 02 8753 8849.