Newtown’s Walter (Ross) Synot OAM was honoured last week with a Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Award at the 2022 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
Mr Synot, a well-respected leader in Geelong, was recognised for his contribution to many community and sporting groups throughout the city and was presented with the award by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Colin Brooks.
An inaugural member of the City of Greater Geelong Ageing Well Committee, Mr Synot also established the Bravehearts branch in Geelong to educate, empower and protect children from sexual abuse, where he continues to serve as a patron.
Mr Synot was the driving force behind the creation of the Geelong Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group more than 20 years ago, now known as the ME/CFS Support Group.
Despite his own challenges, Ross has generously shared his time, support and strength with people experiencing illness and with many other support groups across the state.
Mr Synot, who is passionate about sport, has enjoyed participating in and supporting badminton administratively for over 50 years, and was integral in bringing the first Australian Masters Games to Geelong.
He has also volunteered with the Geelong Football Club over many years and continues to volunteer with his local church.
The COTA Victoria Senior Awards is an annual celebration of the many senior Victorians who share their skills, experience, time and energy with the community.
The Awards are presented annually each October as part of the Victorian Government’s annual Victorian Seniors Festival.
A spokesperson for the Victorian Seniors Festival said Mr Synot was a very worthy winner of the Senior Achiever Award.
“The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards provide us with an important opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions our older people make within their local communities,” he said.
“Our State is filled with many inspiring seniors and I am grateful this year we could celebrate them in-person at Government House.”
