Following the success of last year’s Recognition Awards for seniors, Senator Russell Trood is again asking locals to nominate people aged over 60 who continue to be active in the community.

The awards are held in celebration of International Day of Older Persons, which falls on 1 October.

“This year, the Australian theme for the International Day of Older Persons is social inclusion,” Senator Trood said.

“We will be celebrating the fact that so many older Australians are able to enjoy active lifestyles and make important contributions to society and the economy,” Senator Trood said.

In Australia, almost one-quarter of men aged 65-69 years participate in the workforce, along with 13 percent of women in the same age group.

One-third of the people aged 65-74 years are involved with volunteering services through an organisation.

“These figures clearly show that older Australians are an asset to the community,” Senator Trood said.

“These awards are not only a way of recognising socially active older members of our community, but also a way of encouraging wider participation by older Australians in social activities,” Senator Trood said.

Last year’s recipients received their awards for their volunteer work.

This year, nominations could also be made for those who choose to remain in the workforce past the retirement age, are regular participants in clubs and sports or are involved in cultural or environmental work.

Nominations are now open and close on 14 October and forms can be obtained from Senator Trood’s office in Forest Lake or by contacting Kate Brinsmead on (07) 3372 4555.