Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has urged residents to get behind active seniors who excel in volunteer and work-based activities.

Mr Blayney said community members can put forward nominations for the 2013 WA Seniors Awards recognising the incredible work done both in and for the community by seniors.

And he encouraged community groups to apply for grants of up to $1,000 to host ‘thank you’ events for seniors during Seniors Week, under the Bendigo Bank Seniors Week Festival Community Grants Program.

Mr Blayney said seniors were the community’s “knowledge base” through their interest in community affairs and commitment to volunteer programs.

The awards encourage support for seniors, raise awareness of the varied and many ways that seniors contribute to society and recognise those who work with seniors.

Mr Blayney said it was important to recognise seniors’ contribution to society with many communities now having almost 20 per cent of all residents over the age of 65.

“The State Government recognises the various roles seniors play in society and provides a range of help and assistance programs,” he said.

The awards consist of five categories, two of them open to people of all ages who work with seniors. A nomination form is available at http://www.communities.wa.gov.au .

Award winners will be named during Seniors Week - November 11to17 – and will coincide with Bendigo Bank Seniors Week

Festival activities from November 10.

Nominations close at 5pm on Monday August 12.