Autumn 2026
SeniorsToday.com.au Well, they do say that it takes a Village
Old Cooroovian’s fabulous football feats
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The Sunshine Coast’s Citizens of the year including Senior Citizen award winners Phil and Di Wilson (Centre).
Sunshine Coast Senior Citizens of the year Phil and Di Wilson. (Supplied)
Unwavering, compassionate care is richly rewarded For more than three decades, Phil and Di have Wilson have welcomed more than 200 foster children into their home – many with complex needs – and have adopted 10 children, some with disabilities. Their unwavering, compassionate care has transformed countless lives and inspired others to step forward and earned them this year’s Sunshine Coast Senior Citizen’s of the Year award at 2026 Sunshine Coast Australia Day Community Awards. The prestigious awards attracted 113 nominations from across the entire region, spanning areas from Kenilworth to Caloundra and Beerwah to Buderim – making it a tough job for the judging
panel to decide. Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the collective impact of this year’s nominees was profoundly inspiring. “These awards pay tribute to the volunteers, groups and quiet achievers whose kindness, resilience and vision make our community a better place,” Mayor Natoli said. “The Wilson’s home has become a sanctuary where children experience dignity and hope, inspiring others within the fostering community. “Known for their patience, resilience, and compassion, Phil and Di have consistently welcomed children others could not, ensuring they receive not only care but the chance to thrive.
“Their extraordinary service embodies generosity and leadership, making a profound impact on hundreds of lives.” Meanwhile the Healthy and Active award was a tie between the Bamboo Projects and The Parkinson’s Centre Bamboo Projects delivers inclusive, nature-based programs – waterway cleanups, community walks and supported recreation – that strengthen mental health, reduce isolation and build confidence; all activities are delivered entirely by volunteers. The Parkinson’s Centre (“The Park”) is the region’s first dedicated allied health hub for Parkinson’s, guided by the Parkinson’s Alive protocol. Each week,
at least 400 people engage in condition specific therapy and movement programs; the centre also leads major community events such as Step Out for Parkinson’s (raising over $150,000) and the Parkinson’s Conference Sunshine Coast (at least 400 attendees). The ceremony on 23 January at Maroochy RSL also announced a posthumous award for June Upton. Affectionately known as the “Sunshine Coast Charity Queen”, June dedicated a lifetime to fundraising and volunteer service, helping raise more than $4 million for local causes, championing women’s participation in community life, and tirelessly advocating for families in need.
Disaster planning Noosa Council has held its fourth annual Aged Care Disaster Resilience Workshop as it continues it’s plan to help older members of the community prepare for Natural Disasters. Council Disaster and Disruption Resilience Officer, Ian Williams said coping with natural disasters is never easy and could be especially tough for elderly resi-
dents. “To help seniors in our shire stay safe during the worst of mother nature, Noosa Council’s Disaster Management Team delivered its annual Aged Care Disaster Resilience Workshop on 3 February,” he said. Now in its fourth year, the workshop was attended by 60 of Noosa’s aged care facility managers and emergency services
representatives. “In partnership with Primary Health Network commissioning organisation, Country to Coast, we focussed on a cyclone scenario to provide those working in local aged care centres with a better understanding of how to handle such an event,” Williams said. The workshop highlighted the need
for detailed facility plans and the importance of each centre being fully prepared to handle a cyclone event in their facility or to prepare for evacuations. The tips and tools were especially useful for Noosa Care, which operates aged care facilities in Tewantin (Carramar) and Cooroy (Kabara). Continued page 2