Senior Citizen of the Year Awards 2023 - Gympie Region

Sunday’s Picnic in the Park event held at Gympie’s Memorial Park was an opportunity to celebrate and honour the contributions of seniors in the Gympie region community. As part of Seniors Month, Gympie Regional Council’s Mayor Glen Hartwig proudly announced the winners of the Senior Citizens of the Year Awards - Phyllis Hopf and Henry Bath.

The Awards are held annually to recognise and honour outstanding contributions by individuals, aged 60 years and over, to the Gympie region.

Phyllis Hopf is a committed and passionate community member, having dedicated over two decades to supporting the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival. Her commitment to the local community is reflected in her ongoing support of many organisations including the RSL, Goomeri Show Society, SES, Anglican Guild, Garden Club and Goomeri Hall Committee.

Henry is a valued community member, with over 50 years dedicated involvement in the dairy industry and the Queensland Dairymen’s Organisation (QDO). Henry’s role as a Rural Youth Advisor, combined with his notable accolades including the Centenary Medal for distinguished service to the community and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) Diligent, and Ethical Service Medal for his 42 years of service to the QFES, are testament to his ongoing commitment to the community.

In light of this recognition, Mayor Hartwig emphasised the valuable role our senior community members play in shaping the community fabric of the Gympie region.

“On behalf of Gympie Regional Council, I’d like to congratulate and thank Phyllis and Henry for their extraordinary dedication and service to the community,” he said.

“Their contributions reflect the true essence of our community spirit and have inspired positive change in the Gympie region. It takes a special person to contribute their time to helping others”.

Picnic in the Park was held in Memorial Park, Gympie on Sunday 29 October and provided a morning of live jazz music and old-fashioned fun for young and old.

Image: Mayor Glen Hartwig with Senior Citizen of the Year Award winners Phyllis Hopf and Henry Bath at Picnic in the Park, Gympie.