COTA Australia congratulates 2024 Senior Australian of the Year, Yalmay Yunupiŋu.
COTA Australia, the leading peak body for older Australians, extends heartfelt congratulations to Yalmay Yunupiŋu, the distinguished recipient of this year’s Senior Australian of the Year award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to First Nations education and culture.
Patricia Sparrow, Chief Executive of COTA Australia, praised Yalmay Yunupiŋu – a teacher, linguist and community leader – for her tireless work and invaluable contribution to her community, inspiring and guiding our next generations and forging a bilingual teaching approach to make young people strong in their Yolŋu language and culture.
“Yalmay Yunupiŋu continues in the distinguished footsteps of Professor Tom Calma AO, an esteemed figure renowned for his impactful advocacy in the realms of human rights and social justice,” Ms Sparrow said.
“Yalmay Yunupiŋu is truly an inspirational leader. She’s living proof that there is no limit to what we can achieve, no matter what our age.”
Ms Sparrow also congratulated all the Senior Australian of the Year finalists for their valuable work that has played a role in improving the lives of so many people. This year’s esteemed finalists included:
- Senior Australian of the Year for the Australian Capital Territory – Ebenezer Banful OAM – Volunteer and multiculturalism advocate
- Senior Australian of the Year for New South Wales – John Ward – Geriatrician and co-founder, Hunter Ageing Alliance
- Senior Australians of the Year for Queensland – Reverend Robyn & Reverend Dr Lindsay Burch – Founders of non-for-profit organisation Havafeed, which has fed more than one million people
- Senior Australian of the Year for South Australia – Sister Meredith Evans – Sister of Mercy
- Senior Australian of the Year for Tasmania – Reverend James Colville AM – Founder of Colony 47 – provides services across Hobart, now focusing on homelessness services
- Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria – Glenys Oogjes – Animal justice advocate
- Senior Australian of the Year for Western Australia – Charles Bass – Founder, Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation.
“The finalists for this year’s Senior Australian of the Year are the shining examples of lifelong work and commitment.
“Every finalist has contributed enormously to their communities, improving the lives of countless individuals, leaving a lasting legacy of positive impact and inspiration for future generations to build upon.”
