Celebrate our seniors at Victorian Seniors Festival

22/09/16 Senior. Carole is an active member of the Melton community. Photo by Kristian Scott

When Carole Doyle retired in 2000, she never planned to idly sit around.

The 68-year-old says she’s always enjoyed being involved with the community, meeting new people and helping those who are in need.

And despite her long-list of to-dos, the Melton woman says she still has time for all the things she loves – gardening and socialising.

“I like to be involved,” Ms Doyle says. “I’d rather do that and give back to the community rather than sit at home.”

Ms Doyle is the Victorian ambassador for Dogs for Young Diggers – an initiative that provides assistance dogs to returned servicemen and women with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

She helped establish the Melton branch of Partners of Veterans, and has also received the ANZAC of the year award in 2015 for her work raising awareness for PTSD.

Ms Doyle says she feels very supported in Melton, with council always willing to listen and lend a hand.

Ms Doyle is among one million Victorian seniors who’ll be celebrated as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival, which kicked off on Sunday.

The state government, local councils and community groups will be putting on an array of events to celebrate the seniors and their contributions to society.

Events are free, or low-cost, and free public transport will be available for Seniors Card holders until Sunday, October 9.

For more information, visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au.

 

Sumeyya Ilanbey