The Ballarat Seniors Awards are a treasured opportunity to celebrate older people who give back without expectation of recognition. Their dedication helps make Ballarat the caring and connected community we are proud to call home.
The awards ceremony on November 5th was a beautiful reminder of what makes Ballarat so special. The 2026 Ballarat Seniors Awards at Civic Hall was the most uplifting event.
Particularly moved by the Welcome to Country, which likened Ballarat elders to the strong trunks of the trees that make up our community forest. It was a beautiful reminder of the wisdom, strength and foundations our older generations provide.
Every nominee had an incredible story about the difference they make in Ballarat.
Long time Heartbeat Ballarat volunteer, Bernie Brisbane was nominated and a finalist in the Healthy and Active Living Award. Bernie has been an active, hands-on volunteer, peer support ambassador, patient advocate, and fundraising captain with Heartbeat Ballarat for almost ten years. Immediate past President, Bernie’s wisdom, resilience and life experience has touched and improved many lives. A member of the zipper club, Bernie’s workaholic life story, ultimate diagnosis, and recovery journey has been heard and related to by many senior Ballarat men with recent experience of lived cardiac trauma. Bernie’s commitment makes a meaningful difference.
Heartbeat Ballarat was nominated for and a finalist for the Community Teamwork Award. Longtime Heartbeat Ballarat coordinators are truly grateful for the recognition and to be included with the very best of Ballarat was a great honour.
Finalists included: Bigger Hearts Dementia Alliance, Food Rescue Team – Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre, Heartbeat Ballarat, and Zhaoxin Meng.
Heartbeat Ballarat supporter Frank Williams won the 2026 Ballarat Seniors Lifetime Achievement Award. Frank is a strong supporter of Heartbeat Ballarat and regularly volunteers with Heartbeat Ballarat Deputy President Helen Sara.
Congratulations to all the nominees, finalists and winners. There were tears of joy, some laughter and so many reminders of what makes our Ballarat community special.
2026 Senior of the Year, Jeff Rootes, spoke about Ballarat being a place where one person can have an idea, bring people together and turn it into reality. His comments captured something truly special about Ballarat.
Thank you to everyone who made this wonderful celebration possible – especially Ballarat City Council’s Ageing Well team who did a fantastic job running the awards.