Outgoing Senior Australian of the Year Recognised

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25 January 2011

The contribution of culinary icon and outgoing Senior Australian of the Year Maggie Beer has been recognised today by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler.

Mr Butler congratulated Maggie on her outstanding contribution to the role of Senior Australian of the Year for 2010, and also applauded her untiring efforts to promote the important role that senior Australians play in society.

“Maggie used her role as Senior Australian of the Year 2010 to inspire older people to be active and healthy, and to encourage the aged care industry. She has undertaken this important role with the zeal and energy that we all know Maggie is renowned for.

“I understand that in her role as Senior Australian of the Year Maggie was invited to more than 900 events over the past 12 months. The phenomenal work rate that Maggie has undertaken in the past year demonstrates to us that at all stages of a persons life they can positively contribute to the community.

“Maggie personifies the idea that no matter what age we find ourselves, it is always possible to give back to the community with vigour, passion and an untiring enthusiasm.

“I want to sincerely thank her for all her hard work, and I know that she will continue to be a champion for older Australians as she continues to contribute significantly to Australian public life”, Mr Butler said.

The Senior Australian of the Year Award showcases and celebrates the achievements of older Australians. This award encourages Australians to develop more positive attitudes about older people and their contribution to Australian society.

It recognises individuals over the age of 60 who have made a significant contribution to the welfare of Australia, present a positive image of ageing and are outstanding role models in the community. It is one of the annual Australian of the Year Awards.

Maggie Beer has many business achievements. After running the acclaimed Pheasant Farm Restaurant with her husband Colin, in 1999 she opened a shop to sell preservative-free gourmet foods. Her products are now distributed nationally and in Japan, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the USA.

She co-hosted the ABC cooking program, The Cook and the Chef and has written a number of books about food and food preparation, many of which have won awards.

The 2011 Senior Australian of the Year Award will be presented on the eve of Australia Day, 25 January 2011, by the Prime Minister, on the lawns of Parliament House, Canberra.

For more information, please contact the Minister's Office on (02) 6277 7280