In honour of a lifetime dedicated to the care of others, St John Ambulance volunteer Valmai Dempsey has been annointed the Senior Australian of the Year 2022 and the ACT Senior Australian of the Year.

“Ms Dempsey’s extraordinary commitment to the care of others has been showcased through her extraordinary service as a St John Ambulance volunteer,” said Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck.  

“Through some of the toughest of circumstances, Ms Dempsey’s passion and dedication to the job has always shined bright.

“There is no doubt her tireless professionalism and care has been a comfort to thousands of people during their most vulnerable moments.”

For more than 50 years Ms Dempsey has dedicated her life to the cause. She started as a cadet when she was in primary school. Talk about a lifetime of dedication!

She’s one of the Australian Capital Territory’s longest-serving volunteers and dedicates more hours than any other volunteer. 

In 2020, Ms Dempsey faced her biggest challenge yet as a St John Ambulance volunteer – first with the ‘Black Summer’ bushfires, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ms Dempsey is proof age is no barrier when it comes to passion, hard work and determination,” said Minister Colbeck.

“Her energy and commitment is an inspiration to us all to stay active and engaged with our communities, as long as we feel willing and able.”

Read more about Ms Dempsey here.

Each of the state and territory winners had also made unique contributions to our nation.

“Their achievements and their areas of focus are all different, but all impressive,” said Minister Colbeck.

The state and territory Senior Australians of the Year 2022 are

• ·         VIC: Ms Gaye Hamilton is Deputy Chancellor of Victoria University and champion of social justice
• ·         TAS: Mr Bruce French AO is an agricultural scientist and founder of Food Plants International
• ·         SA: Mr Mark Le Messurier is an educator, counsellor and author who has dedicated his life to improving the wellbeing and life outcomes of young people
• ·         WA: Ms Janice Standen is president of Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren WA and has worked tirelessly to advocate for grandparent carers
• ·         NT: Ms Robyne Burridge OAM, disability services advocate and founder of Focus-A-Bility
• ·         QLD: Dr Colin Dillon AM APM was Australia’s first indigenous police officer and was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the indigenous community
• ·         NSW: Ms Abla Kadous is president of the Islamic Women’s Welfare Association, helped set up the first welfare service for Muslim women in Australia and has been volunteering for more than 35 years.