“No matter what age you are, I’d recommend volunteering, because it puts a spring in your step, and it makes you feel as if you are actually contributing something to your community”.
Yorta Yorta Elder, Aunty Daphne Milward was a COTA Senior Achiever Award recipient at the 2022 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards. She was nominated for her lifelong work progressing the rights of First Nations people. Aunty Daphne has also been volunteering for many years in the family violence space, supporting the healing process for indigenous victim survivors.
If you would like to nominate an older Victorian who makes an important contribution to your community, you can pick up a nomination form from your library, local council or neighbourhood house, or complete an online nomination form by visiting
Reviewed 20 July 2023