Community
17 October, 2023
Victorian Senior of the Year
WARRNAMBOOL’S Andrew Suggett has this week received the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year.
Mr Suggett was named the state recipient of the prestigious award during a special ceremony at Government House on Wednesday.
Nominated by the Rotary Club of Warrnambool Daybreak, Mr Suggett has been a dedicated leader of the Warrnambool Parkinson’s Support Group since 2009.
He fosters an inclusive environment for individuals to openly discuss their experiences and feelings while enjoying the company and friendships of others in a similar situation.
Alongside his work coordinating monthly support meetings, Mr Suggett was instrumental in the creation of other Parkinson’s subgroups, including Painting with Parkinson’s, Exercise for Parkinson’s activities and initiatives, and ParkinSong (a therapeutic group singing intervention developed by music and speech pathologists).
He also maintains a monthly newsletter and organises an annual awareness walk to ensure those affected by Parkinson’s don’t feel isolated.
Mr Suggett chairs the Warrnambool Combined Health Support Network which brings people together to socialise and provide mutual support to each other to enjoy the best life possible.
His active involvement in Rotary over four decades includes leadership roles such as president and District Governor, underscores his dedication to the community.
Until 2020 he was a regular at Daybreak Rotary Club’s laundry/shower/barbecue sessions for people living rough in Warrnambool.
During these sessions he helped provide a friendly, social connection for people experiencing mental health issues, addiction, homelessness and isolation.
His extensive engagement with Warrnambool City Council committees has earned him a reputation for generosity and positivity.
Reflecting on his award back home in Warrnambool yesterday morning, Mr Suggett said he was “absolutely thrilled and honoured”.
“It took me by complete surprise to be honest; I think the reality of it all is just now starting to sink in – that I actually won a state award; don’t they usually give those to scientists and Professors?,” he said.
“My best friend (wife Betty) was with me at Government House, along with some of our children and grandchildren which made the day even more special.”
Mr Suggett said he was kept busy after the presentation ceremony by television interviews and chats with “lots of dignitaries.”
“It was all so very special and then we had a lovely lunch and photos on the lawn with the Governor who is a lovely lady; very approachable and she took the time to spend it with my family which meant a lot,” he said.
With the award now taking pride of place in the Suggett family home, next on the agenda is this weekend’s Parkinson’s Awareness Walk.
The short walk will leave from The Pavilion at 11am, with participants heading along the Promenade before returning to the start line.
“It’s just a short walk for awareness; everyone is invited, there’s no charge and participants will all receive a free t-shirt and can enjoy a sausage in bread,” he said.
