General News
8 November, 2022
John Fox receives award
TIMBOON’s John Fox was awarded the Council of the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Award recently.
TIMBOON’s John Fox was awarded the Council of the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Award recently.
He officially received the award in 2021, but due to COVID delays was only presented in late October at Government House.
For more than 25 years, The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards has recognised the volunteer work and community contributions of older Victorians.
The award highlights the resilience, compassion and commitment of senior Victorians across the state.
Mr Fox has lived in the family home in Timboon his whole life.
His late father, Dr Peter Fox, was for a long time the only GP in the town.
Jane, John’s sister, said as their parents aged Mr Fox became their in-home carer and he loved the role and responsibility.
“He took amazing care of mum and dad. As they got older and frailer, he was the reason they were able to stay at home,” she said.
“When they passed away that left a huge hole in John’s life. Some of John’s other friends passed away as well and life really changed for him.”
About six years ago Mr Fox was gripped by severe depression and anxiety and became a prisoner in his own thoughts.
Unable to do the things he’s loved doing for decades, he was forced to withdraw to his family home.
As Mr Fox received professional help to deal with his mental health, it was clear having a purpose in life would assist in beginning to re-enter the community life he had always loved.
When Timboon and District Healthcare Service’s (TDHS) Fiona Hanel and Sabine McKenzie suggested he volunteer at the local healthcare service, he embraced this opportunity and has not looked back.
“We’re very fortunate here at TDHS to have about 60 volunteers that do meals on wheels, community transport, social support group and palliative care,” Ms McKenzie said.
“All our volunteers do an amazing job giving the gift of time and I don’t like singling out just one particular volunteer, but John is not only a great representation of our wonderful volunteer workforce, but also a great example of how people with mental health issues can turn that around by having a purpose in life by helping others.”
Ms Hanel said while Mr Fox was turning 71 this year, he was in the prime of his volunteering years.
“His resilience by turning his mental struggles into something positive by helping others within the community is nothing but inspiring,” she said.
“He has come such a long way.”
Mr Fox said he was excited to finally be able to receive his award, which was presented by The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, and the Hon Colin Brooks MP, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, at Government House.
“I felt very special to have my award presented at such a prestigious venue,” he said.
Mr Fox said he was not nervous, but excited.
“I’m very pleased that I could celebrate this with family and friends and am very proud to have received this unexpected accolade,”he said.
“I don’t feel any different though. I love volunteering and will continue to do so until I won’t be able to do it anymore.”
Ms McKenzie said Mr Fox was a man offew words and a big heart.
“Fiona and I are convinced that John’s parents, Dr Peter Fox and his wife Mary, would be very proud of how their son continues supporting the local community in the spirit of the Fox family,” she said.
