Volunteer shines as WA Seniors Awards announced

One of St John WA’s treasured volunteers is among the winners of the 2024 Western Australian Seniors Awards.

Christine Zambonetti, from Albany, was named the WA Seniors Advocate of the Year on November 12.

Christine balances her advocacy work with Advocare on behalf of vulnerable seniors, particularly those with dementia or impacted by elder abuse, with volunteer duties for SJWA.

Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch congratulated the winners and finalists at the annual awards ceremony, which celebrates and recognises the valued contributions of seniors, businesses and local governments in our community.

The WA Senior of the Year: Metropolitan Award went to Suresh Rajan, who was recognised for his four-decade commitment to advocacy, leadership and dedication to multicultural communities and culturally and linguistically diverse Western Australians.

Aunty Irene Davey was the recipient of the WA Senior of the Year: Regional Award. A much-loved senior Bardi Jawi cultural Elder from the Ardyaloon community in the Kimberley, Aunty Irene has dedicated her life to preserving her culture and language.

The WA Age Friendly Business Award went to Switched on Seniors, which has been bridging the digital divide for older Australians for 12 years by teaching them how to use mobile devices confidently.

The City of Bayswater was the recipient of the WA Age Friendly Local Government Award, recognised for its continued dedication to creating an age-friendly community.

“Congratulations to all the outstanding individuals, local governments and businesses who contribute to an age-friendly Western Australia,” Minister Punch said.

“Recognising and celebrating the great value older people bring to community life is so important and the WA Seniors Awards are a great way to celebrate older people’s contributions to the WA community.”