A YEARLY program staged in Millicent has received praise from the upper echelons of the State Government.
Wattle Range Council was highly commended in the Rural Councils category in the 2019 Excellence in Public Health Awards for outstanding contribution to public health, through the success of the Celebrate Seniors program each October.
The council received a commendation from Health and Wellbeing Minister Stephen Wade.
Council received the accolade for the program, which brings older residents together to create wellbeing, reduce mental distress and depression and build partnerships.
Environmental health officer Catarina Santos is responsible for co-ordinating the program and has welcomed the recognition.
“Council’s annual Celebrate Seniors program is about bring people of similar ages together, creating new friendships, reconnecting old friendships and attempting to reduce the feeling of isolation from those who are left living on their own,” Ms Santos said.
“The program has been developed with a wide range of events that is growing annually and expanding to other townships.
“The positive feedback received is always overwhelming.
“Celebrate Seniors has become something that many look forward to and they really enjoy being part of it each year, this makes the program essential to our community and it is very rewarding.”
Ms Santos also invites community involvement in the future of the program.
“We have a small and dedicated working group that assists with the organisation of the program and we are always seeking new members to join,” she said.
“If anyone is interested in helping or has any great ideas for this year’s program, please come and see me at the Millicent Council office.”
