Three Blue Mountains seniors have been honoured for their valuable contribution to the community, receiving a Local Achievement Award as part of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival. 

Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle presented Mike Clifford, Susan Lenehan and Laurie Gillman with their awards at a ceremony in Springwood today. 

“Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards who are doing so much to make our community better every day,” Ms Doyle said. 

Mike Clifford has been recognised for his community activism in the Lower Mountains and his work as a longtime Mason. Over many years, Mike has spoken up about issues affecting Blaxland residents. “Mike also contributes to the general welfare of society through his membership with the Freemasons, which he restructured in the Blue Mountains, and in doing so, created land for the establishment of a community pre-school,” Ms Doyle said. 

Susan Lenehan has been recognised for her vocal advocacy for local health services and her membership of the Leura Gardens Festival Committee. “Susan has been a dedicated member of the Leura Garden Festival Committee for many years, playing an important role in organising the annual Leura Gardens Festival, which raises money for the hospital and other Blue Mountains health-related organisations. She is also a strong advocate for health services in the area,” Ms Doyle said. 

A former President of the Central Mountains Men’s Shed, Laurie Gillman’s commitment to the community has been honoured.  

“Laurie has been an active member of the men’s shed for many years, helping to foster friendships and share knowledge and new skills in a warm and welcoming environment,” Ms Doyle said. 

The Local Achievement Awards are among a range of exciting events taking place across the state as part of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival, which celebrates older people and helps keep them active and engaged with their community. 

Minister for Seniors, Jodie Harrison, said the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival and Local Achievement Awards are key initiatives in the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting seniors. 

“The theme for the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival is ‘Time to Shine’ and there is no better sentiment to express the contribution older people make to this state,” Minister Harrison said. 

“The NSW Government is continuing to realise our vision of creating a state where seniors reap the benefits of living longer, more active lives”. 

The NSW Seniors Festival runs from March 3-16 and is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere. 

For more information about NSW Seniors Festival visit: seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au  

MEDIA: Ilsa Cunningham (02) 4751 3298, [email protected]