SELFLESS dedication to the cause of older workers has earned Marilyn King the Maribyrnong Council 2013 citizen of the year award.
Ms King is the founder of support group Willing Older Workers, which provides financial, emotional and practical support for unemployed people over 50.
She runs a weekly free food program, organises social events and negotiates with government agencies, banks and finance companies.
Her dedication earned her recognition in the Australian of the year awards, where she was named a state finalist.
The 2013 Maribyrnong civic awards were announced at a special Australia Day ceremony last Saturday.
Also recognised on the day was Jean King for her 60 years of volunteering. She received the lifetime achievement award.
Maribyrnong’s young citizen of the year was Morgan Ann Davies, who is involved with youth services programs.
The community service individual award went to Jeff Banfield, who spends about 65 hours each month volunteering for Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House.
Wheels in the West volunteers were given the community service group award for a program that helps disadvantaged drivers aged 16-21 gain their probationary licence.
Western Young People’s Independent Network, a group of young people of refugee and migrant backgrounds aged 12-25 and living in Melbourne’s western suburbs, took out the emerging community leaders award.
