The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards were presented at Government House on Wednesday 11th October 2023. Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC hosted the event. The awards provide a chance to celebrate senior Victorians who share their skills, experience, time, and energy with our community.
Nineteen dedicated older Victorians were recognised for their valuable contributions to our state.
Watch a video on the awards
Meet some of this year’s outstanding awardees:
Premier's Award for Victorian Senior of the Year
Mr Andrew Suggett OAM, Warrnambool
Andrew Suggett received the 2023 Victorian Senior of the Year Premier’s Award for his exceptional advocacy for people impacted by Parkinson’s disease and his dedication to supporting his community.
In 2000, Andrew was forced into early retirement following his diagnosis of Parkinson’s. He maintained his infectiously positive outlook on life and resolved not only to do everything he could to improve his own quality of life, but to do what he could to help others.
Since 2009, Andrew has been the President of the Warrnambool Parkinson’s Support Group, where he coordinates meetings, newsletters and activities to help people with Parkinson’s to socialise, feel included and enjoy life. Andrew has also been an active member of the Rotary Club over four decades, and extensively engages with Warrnambool City Council committees. His reputation for generosity and positivity makes Andrew a beloved figure in his community.
Ageing Well Award
Mr Maxwell (Max) Primmer, Hepburn Shire
Max Primer is known for his sense of humour and being a strong advocate for human rights for all members of the community.
Max serves as an Elders Rights Advocate, supports the LGBTIQA+ community through Alice’s Garage, and is a dedicated speaker for the National Kidney Foundation. Max hosts radio shows, including the Hepburn Radio Breakfast and Rainbow Radio, and leads the Ageing Disgracefully Thursday Group, fostering connections among single, widowed or divorced seniors.
Max is actively involved in the Chillout Festival and is a narrator for Rainbow Storytime for young children. He volunteers at Hepburn House Aged Care Community, including regularly taking residents on outings. Max visits dialysis patients to provide support, motivation, and encouragement while they undergo dialysis, and assists them with transportation for medical appointments.
Promotion of Multiculturalism Award
Mrs Hanh Tran, City of Booroondara
Hahn Tran gives back to her community through volunteering. In 2003, Hanh began volunteering as the assistant kitchen leader at Hoa Nghiem Buddhist Temple, cooking healthy vegan meals for the local Buddhist community and residents in south-east Melbourne. Hanh joined the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association in 2006, actively participating in fundraising efforts, and became the Treasurer in 2022.
Hanh joined the Boroondara Senior Citizens Association in 2004, serving as both Treasurer and President. Hanh organises a weekly lunch and monthly group discussions. During the pandemic, she organised weekly online meetings to keep members connected. Hanh contributes to community cohesion through activities like dancing, sports, exercise and computing, and has led fundraising initiatives for people experiencing homelessness and the Vietnamese community.
More information
Find out more information about the 2023 Victorian Senior of the Year awards awardees on the 2023 Victorian Senior of the Year Award Recipients web .
Reviewed 09 February 2024