Anglican priest, Reverend Elizabeth MacKinlay AM, recently received the honour of being named a 2009 Senior Australian of the Year Finalist for the ACT. She will go to the National finals in January 2009.
Reverend Elizabeth MacKinlay works selflessly in her many community roles promoting greater understanding of the issues facing older people.
As Chair of the Ministerial Council on Ageing, she has introduced a seniors’ employment campaign, achieved grandparental leave in the ACT public service, and improvements in the public transport system for seniors.
The Senior Australian of the Year Award recognises those Australians aged 60 and over who continue to achieve and contribute to the community. The award commenced in the International Year of Older Persons in 1999 and has continued since.
Other ACT finalists for the 2009 Senior Australian of the Year Award include composer and music educator Judith Clingan AM, academic and historian Professor Peter Read and philanthropic businessman Jim Service AO.
“Each year we celebrate the achievement and contribution of valuable Australians through the awards and these ACT finalists should be role models for us all,” Mary said.
Mary continued, “Through their achievements and commitment to the broader community, they inspire and challenge all Canberrans to play their own role towards creating a better Canberra and Australia.”