Blacktown City Council has celebrated two of the City’s extraordinary senior residents at the 2023 Blacktown City Senior Citizen of the Year Award ceremony.
Maninder Singh and Rosie Bililis were named joint recipients of Blacktown City’s 2023 Senior Citizen of the Year, with the prestigious title recognising their dedication to the community through volunteer work.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM congratulated the pair, saying: “This award is a chance for us to recognise and celebrate the often-unsung heroes of our senior community here in Blacktown City.
“More than 61,000 people aged over 65 live in Blacktown City and make incredible contributions to their community, often in the form of voluntary and unpaid work.
“I thank and congratulate Maninder and Rosie for the many, many hours they dedicate each week – they are truly deserving recipients of this award.”
Maninder Singh committed himself to community work, over a decade ago, following the tragic loss of his son. Maninder and his wife Harinder Kaur jointly chair the running of the Harman Foundation.
In 2013, Maninder established the Harman Foundation as a key not-for-profit organisation in Western Sydney in the areas of domestic and family violence.
The Harman Foundation provides food and essentials to people in need. They operate a 24/7 Domestic Violence helpline, offer chaplaincy and bereavement services and have contributed the equivalent of $1.3 million to the community in service during 2021-22 alone.
Meanwhile, Rosie has been volunteering in the Blacktown area for 30 years, starting with Neighbourhood Aid, through Catholic Care, in 1992.
Rosie works closely with elderly residents, providing social support, through talks, walks and social outings.
She has volunteered with One Meal Blacktown for 5 years, where she cooks and donates meals for the community to enjoy.
Rosie collects and donates clothing, toys and household items for those who need them.
Image: Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM presents the 2023 Senior Citizen of the Year award to Rosie Bililis and Maninder Singh’s family. Pictured with 2023 Blacktown City Youth Ambassador Anika Tabanag.
