Local residents Marjorie and Graham Elphick have been named the NSW Grandparents of the Year.
NSW Minister for Ageing John Ajaka today awarded the NSW Grandparent of the Year as part of Grandparents Day; a celebration of the contribution made by grandparents and older Australians to their families and communities.
Mr Ajaka said that Grandparents Day is an initiative of the NSW Government to pay tribute to those older Australians who go beyond the traditional grandparent role and make a crucial contribution to their families and communities.
“Today is the day to take a moment to recognise and celebrate the enormous contribution made by the older people in our lives, be it the love and support of your grandparents or the dedication of older community leaders,” he said.
“I congratulate the many grandparents and older Australians in our community who are deserving of recognition for their important contribution.”
Mr and Mrs Elphick won the award for their tremendous contribution to the St Marys North Public School community.
The duo have been married for 53 years, have 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren ranging from the ages of two-years-old to 30-years-old.
Mrs Elphick also facilitates the neighbourhood Women’s Senior’s group, which works on various projects, including knitting children’s jumpers to be sent to Africa.
“Being a grandparent as well as the volunteer work we do is what helps keep us both young,” Mrs Elphick said.
