Leading seniors advocate, COTA Australia, today congratulated the 2016 Senior Australian of the Year, Gordian Fulde, following a distinguished career as the Director of Emergency at St Vincent’s Hospital and Sydney Hospital for more than three decades.
COTA Chief Executive Ian Yates said there was an incredible field of finalists this year, demonstrating the outstanding work being done by senior Australians across the nation in science, the arts, medicine, technology and advocacy.
“The announcement of the Senior Australian of the Year is a great celebration of the contributions older people have made, and continue to make, to our communities,” Mr Yates said.
“Every day there are millions of Australians over the age of 65 inspiring others with their energy, wisdom and passion.
“This year’s recipient, Professor Gordian Fulde, has those qualities in spades.
“For over thirty years he has been on the front line, saving lives and providing crisis care to many thousands of patients. There is no more demanding field of medicine than emergency departments.
“But more than that he has been a strong advocate for safe places – being a strong and credible voice for victims of crime and highlighting the impacts of alcohol and drugs in our biggest city, impacts he sees first hand every day.
“His speaking out about what he sees in the emergency department is a wake up call for what is happening outside the emergency door, on the streets.
“Professor Fulde’s strong voice of reason contributed to the introduction of the Kings Cross lock outs and other laws which are reducing the incidence of alcohol-fueled violence and injury in Sydney.
“He is a leader, a mentor and professional and a very worthy recipient. I look forward to hearing more from him as Senior Australian of the Year this year.
“A huge congratulations to all the finalists this year. All deserved the recognition they received tonight.”
Media contact: Ian Yates 0418 835 439, Olivia Greentree 0439 411 774.
COTA Australia is the peak policy development, advocacy and representation organisation for older Australians, representing COTAs in every State and Territory and through them over 500,000 older Australians.