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Thank you for building a better future for Greater Geelong

Thursday, 30th October 2025
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The 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards have recognised 17 exceptional older Victorians at Government House including two Geelong locals.

Steve Bentley from Newtown and Rippleside’s Geoffrey Mann were proud recipients of Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards.

Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt MP and Robert Caulfield President of COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria were joined by the Governor of Victoria Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC to present the awards.

Steve Bentley

Steve joined the City-led L2P program in 2022 and is known as a patient and caring driver mentor who supports young learner drivers as they get experience behind the wheel gain confidence and learn life changing skills. The 65-year-old also spends 1-2 days a week at a school-based L2P pilot program to support students from refugee backgrounds. Additionally Steve is a member of the L2P Advisory Group offering invaluable input into mentor recruitment program promotion and operational improvements.

Steve has a long-standing commitment to our community. He was the Geelong YMCA President for eight years and now volunteers at the Geelong Animal Welfare Society and as vice president of the Stair Climbing Australia Committee.

Steve is committed to helping people live their best lives in their later years and starting important conversations about men’s health and wellbeing. Steve’s selfless service is having a lasting impact on Greater Geelong.

Geoffrey Mann

Geoff spends his time volunteering across three organisations each week bringing warmth humility and care to each. He leads by example and inspires people of all ages to value and celebrate the journey of getting older.

The 79-year-old spends two days a week at Geelong FoodShare in the commercial kitchen cooking around 200 meals for people in need.

As a valued Rotary member for 25+ years Geoff drives new programs to help communities locally and overseas. Over two days he collects medical resources for communities in Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea through an aid and equipment program.

Once a week Geoff drives for the volunteer patient transport program at Barwon Health ensuring community members can get to and from medical appointments. In 2024 he completed more than 3 200 trips.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

On behalf of Council and the community we thank you Steve and Geoffrey for their selfless service to those who need it most.

They should feel incredibly proud about their achievements and the example they are setting for not just seniors but people of all ages.

It’s people like Geoffrey and Steve who are making the Geelong region more inclusive healthy and vibrant by fostering connection championing wellbeing and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.

Councillor Rowan Story AM RFD

Steve and Geoffrey’s contributions reflect the heart of our community - generous compassionate and deeply committed to helping others.

Their work reminds us that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact.

Volunteering is integral to the City’s operations and we’re always looking for new volunteers - find out more about what’s available.

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