Community
1 November, 2024
State award for Virginia
WARRNAMBOOL’S Virginia Mack has been recognised as one of Victoria’s top seniors.
Ms Mack was last week presented with the ‘Ageing Well Award’ as part of the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
The presentation ceremony was held at Government House last Thursday, October 24 and was led by Premier Jacinta Allan.
She was joined by Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt MP and Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria Professor James Angus AO to present the awards.
A dedicated volunteer across several organisations and groups, the award recognised Ms Mack’s role with Anglicare in supporting people to transition from prison to the community, helping to break the cycle of reoffending.
After a career as a social worker, Ms Mack has used her skills to continue to help people in a voluntary capacity.
“When I work with someone I always think that could be someone I know or that could be my friend who’s fallen in a hole,” she said.
“This person needs some help, some sort of anchor so that they can get their life back on track,” Ms Mack said.
“That’s how I approach the work that I do. I enjoy the successes and I think the best thing about working with people is when they say we don’t need you anymore; that’s the reward.”
Reflecting on her work with Anglicare, Ms Mack finds great satisfaction in helping others to succeed and follow their goals.
“Warrnambool isn’t that big I found out, and I frequently bump into people that I’ve worked with and it’s great to see them kicking off in the community.”
Moving to Warrnambool from Melbourne about eight years ago, volunteering was a great way for Ms Mack to get to know her new city.
“But even if you’ve lived here your whole life, there’s so much to be gained by giving just a little bit of your time,” she said.
“When I moved from Melbourne I didn’t know very many people, but I wanted to use the skills I had to contribute to the community and to get to know the dynamics of this community and meet new people.”
Ms Mack believes there are many opportunities for volunteering in Warrnambool.
“I have done a lot of roles and still do. For anyone who is interested in art there are positions at the Art Gallery for volunteers, or the historical society is always searching for people,” she said.
“My message would be to get active in your community and get to know what your community is about because there’s always something to do.
“And you meet wonderful people along the way; I have for certain.”
The Ageing Well Award is presented annually to an individual who has worked to combat ageism, promote social justice and engaged with their community to support ageing well initiatives.
