There is a no-frills attitude about Sunshine local Lesley Twidle.
Lesley has been volunteering in the community for more than 17 years, something she said she does simply because she likes it.
With an impressive resume stretching across the Brimbank community, it is no surprise that she was awarded with a Council on the Ageing Award (COTA) at the 2023 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
On October 11, Lesley joined 14 other senior Victorians at Government House who were recognised for their significant contributions to local communities.
Lesley was acknowledged for her long-standing commitment to volunteering including secretary of the Sunshine RSL Sub-Branch.
For more than 17 years, Lesley has coordinated the sub-branch’s welfare program, which includes fundraising for ANZAC and Remembrance days. She organises the ANZAC Day Community Commemoration March, arranging council permits, and the participation of a range of organisations.
Since 2007, Lesley has also coordinated the weekly Sunshine Harvester Day Club, which provides social activities, two-course meals, entertainment, and trivia for older members of the community.
And for the past decade, Lesley has been volunteering for St Vincent de Paul’s Maribyrnong Soup Kitchen.
For Lesley, she said that volunteering is something that was instilled in her as a young child, “It’s just something you do,” she said.
Ageing Minister Ingrid Stitt said the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of older Victorians.
“I’m proud to present these awards as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival, which is in its 41st year. I encourage all Victorians to get along and join the celebrations that honour our valued seniors,” she said.
Hannah Hammoud
