Award celebrates Aussies who help others

National Seniors Australia (NSA) is seeking nominations for the 2026 Everald Compton Community Champion Medal (ECCCM), an honour that shines a light on older Australians whose quiet dedication and grassroots contributions strengthen communities across the nation. 

Named after NSA founder, Everald Compton AO, the medal pays tribute to his decades‑long commitment to advancing the wellbeing, recognition, and rights of older Australians. 

Mr Compton has often emphasised the importance of valuing older Australians as assets rich with wisdom, experience, and generosity.  

The ECCCM recognises older Australians whose selfless efforts positively shape their local communities. It reflects NSA’s core values of fairness, excellence, and respect – principles exemplified by Mr Compton throughout his lifetime of advocacy. 

The award celebrates “everyday champions” who turn “grey into gold” through volunteerism, philanthropy, leadership, and unwavering dedication to others. 

Our inaugural winner, Wayne Sticher, who introduced the Cycling Without Age program to the Gold Coast, embodies the spirit of this honour by helping older older people and others reconnect with community and the environment around them.

Nominations for the 2026 medal will be judged across several key criteria, including measurable community impact, leadership and inspiration, intergenerational connection, inclusivity and accessibility, and collaboration across community groups or organisations. 

In recognition of growing community need, this year’s criteria also include contributions to dementia care and mental health support – an important expansion that acknowledges the increasing prevalence and impact of these conditions. 

The medal remains a powerful reminder that the quiet acts of service performed every day by older Australians continue to shape the nation in profound and lasting ways. 

NSA CEO, Chris Grice, said the award continues to highlight the often unseen but deeply meaningful contributions of older Australians. 

He encourages individuals and organisations to nominate seniors whose compassion and initiative help build stronger, more connected communities.  

Nominations for the ECCCM close on 14 April 2026, with the 2026 recipient to be announced on 10 June 2026. 

For more information, and to make a nomination, click here.