AHEAD of International Volunteer Day December 5, National Seniors Australia (NSA) has announced nominations open for the 2026 Everald Compton Community Champion Medal (ECCCM).
NSA Founder, Everald Compton AO, was joined by NSA Chair, Mr Ross Glossop, and NSA CEO, Chris Grice, as together with inaugural medal recipient and Cycling Without Age Gold Coast Founder, Wayne Sticher, they declared nominations open for the distinguished award that celebrates everyday champions who make a significant difference in their communities.
“At NSA, we are often reminded of the amazing, yet humble members of our older community.
From volunteering, donating time and skills, to caring for others – what they do may not always be visible, but it certainly makes an impact,” NSA Chief Executive Officer Mr Chris Grice said. “Last year, we learned about truly inspiring and selfless individuals, including winner, Wayne Sticher, who introduced Cycling Without Age (CWA) to the Gold Coast in January 2020. CWA provides free trishaw rides for older people, people living with a disability, and people impacted by loneliness, enabling them to enjoy the experience of nature, moving, and socialising.
Nomination criteria for the Everald Compton Community Champion Medal include the following categories: impact on community; leadership & inspiration; community involvement; inclusivity & accessibility; and intergenerational.
In 2026, in recognition of the prevalence and impact of dementia as well as mental health conditions, a category for support in the areas of dementia care and mental health will also be introduced.
