STEELS Creek resident Dr Malcolm Calder has been honoured with a Senior Achiever Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the community.
Dr Calder received the award from the Minister for Senior Victorians, Lisa Neville, at a special ceremony at Government House to mark the 2009 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
Seymour MP Ben Hardman said Dr Calder was an inspiration to the Yarra Ranges communities and to all seniors.
He said his considerable knowledge and expertise on environmental issues had been of great benefit to the wider Victorian community.
“He is very active in raising community awareness on environmental issues and continues to provide expert advice and assistance to a number of conservation groups including the National Parks Association,” Mr Hardman said.
“In the wake of the bushfires, he has also been heavily involved in replanting and regeneration activities and is currently engaged in research with Australian National University on the impact of the fires on the local community.
Dr Calder was one of 12 Victorian seniors recognised at the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards ceremony, which marked the lead up to the annual Victorian Seniors Festival.
Dr Calder said he was honoured to receive the award.
“It is a recognition of the fact you can still contribute to the world as you age,” he said.
“Someone once said ‘No man is an island”; you can’t do these sorts of things without the support of your partner, family and the community where you live."
“It is just one of those things that confirms the fact that I have a commitment to helping to improve the world around me – my community and my environment.”