A Whalan man who has provided Christmas lunch for people in need and organised regular activities for seniors has been named Blacktown City Senior Citizen of the Year.
John Roseworn has been a key figure in the Mount Druitt Combined Churches Christmas Day Lunch for more than 20 years.
The lunch has expanded from serving a couple of dozen people to more than 200.
John is also heavily involved in the Whalan Community Activities Group, organising activities such as exercise classes and bus trips.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting offered his congratulations at Council's popular Seniors Concert, part of the Blacktown City Seniors Festival.
"John's altruistic approach has given people reason to smile on a day when they could feel lonely, and produced friendship and stimulation," he said.
"I am grateful for John and other seniors who make community life thrive without expecting reward."
The Mount Druitt Combined Churches Christmas Day Lunch was named Community Event of the Year in the 2022 Blacktown City Australia Day Awards.
The Blacktown City Senior Citizen of the Year announcement and Seniors Concert were two highlights from a successful Blacktown City Seniors Festival.
Other highlights included:
- the 'Time to Shine' event with SydWest Multicultural Services attracted around 350 people to free range dance and movement activities
- the Older Women's Network Celebration Day attracted around 100 people to square and line dancing
- Aasha Australia hosted a Rhythm for Wellbeing session for around 80 people who participated in Bollywood dancing and drumming
Council will provide more events for seniors as part of the upcoming Blacktown City Festival.
