Seniors’ champ Wayne turns grey into gold

A former firefighter, now living on the Gold Coast, is the inaugural Everald Compton Community Champion Medallist. 

Wayne Sticher introduced the global Cycling Without Age charity to the Gold Coast in 2020 by securing the funding and resources that allow people who are less mobile and independent to enjoy the outdoors and meet others by riding in specially adapted trishaws pedalled by volunteers. 

In presenting the medal, National Seniors Australia co-founder, Everald Compton, said, “Today, on International Day of Older Persons, we can all vow to collectively help change negative attitudes about older Australians, by acknowledging them as community builders who have the wisdom and ability to turn grey into gold throughout Australia in the manner so ably demonstrated by Wayne.” 

Mr Sticher said he was deeply honoured and proud to be recognised for the work he does and deeply loves. 

“To be nominated is an honour in itself and to receive the medal in its inaugural year for a program which enriches my life and provides such fulfilment is beyond my wildest dreams,” he said. 

“I am inspired by the amazing volunteers I work with and equally amazing passengers we meet, including those living in residential care facilities. To see them ‘out and about’ on the trishaw, smiling and waving at passers-by, hugging our volunteers, and hearing them say it’s the most fun they’ve had in a long time is just magic. 

“It goes to show, we shouldn't underestimate our ability to add value through kindness. It does not have the constraints of age, gender, education, or any other barrier. Adding value can be as simple as a smile or a friendly gesture.” 

The medal is a distinguished accolade acknowledging the unsung heroes among older Australians. 

It honours the founder of National Seniors, and active community champion, Everald Compton, while also celebrating everyday champions who are "turning grey into gold" with grassroot experiences and selfless contributions that make a significant difference in their communities.  

Nominations for the award came from all over Australia, including Norfolk Island – from volunteers with sporting clubs, hospitals, and church groups to those who assist people living with dementia, loneliness, and loss. 

The finalists, and ultimately the winner, were decided by an eminent panel of judges, which included former Queensland Governor, The Hon. Paul de Jersey, social advocate Kathryn Greiner and Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie MP.

The finalists were: Barbara (Barb) Baker, a medical professional from Tasmania; Denise Delaney, an Active for Life volunteer from South Australia; Irene Birks, a counsellor and volunteer from New South Wales; John Jacobsen, a marine rescue volunteer from Queensland; Rhonda Weston, a community leader from Queensland; and Mr Sticher.

Addressing the award ceremony, National Seniors’ CEO, Chris Grice, congratulated and thanked the nominees for their entrepreneurial community action. 

“They have not only connected people in need to services; they’ve established services for people in need.”

He said too often, older Australians – despite their experience – are portrayed as problems instead of solutions. 

“The ageing population is seen as an impending cost as opposed to a potential opportunity,” he noted. 

However, older people, as demonstrated by the finalists, are seizing the opportunity an older population offers. 

“They’ve not only run important programs; they’ve raised the funds to get these programs running.  

“They’re the busy people others go to when they need to get things done; they’re the friendly people whose doors and arms are always open; the people who put others first, and their own needs last.  

“They do what they do ‘quietly’, ‘without fuss’, or without fanfare – some while caring for loved ones in poor health, or battling their own,” Mr Grice said.