Amazing devotion to seniors, sports
PROVING age is no barrier when it comes to supporting the community, 77-year-old Terry Semlitzky has been named Canterbury Bankstown Volunteer of the Year for 2020.
A loving husband, sports fanatic and darts champion, he has also left an inspiring mark on the local community.
For half a century, the humble Panania resident has been an active volunteer in Canterbury-Bankstown including serving as a director of the Revesby Workers’ Club for 25 years; offering assistance at local sporting clubs; running charity trivia nights; volunteering at various aged care facilities; and performing at nursing homes.
“So many people around the area do amazing things, so to have my name up next to them is an unbelievable honour,” Mr Semlitzky said.
“Having lived in the area my whole life, I love that I have the opportunity to give back to a community that has provided me with so many memories.
“When I started running the charity trivia nights, I did not imagine that we would receive such a huge response.
“Now, 28 years later we have raised up to $55,000 for the Bill Bullard foundation, and participants from the original event still come along today.
“It doesn’t feel like volunteering when you get so much joy out of it, particularly when the end result is bettering the lives of others.”
Mayor Khal Asfour recognised Terry’s selflessness and long-standing commitment to the community and said he had achieved some remarkable accomplishments in 50 years of service.
“I hope his commitment inspires others to pursue different types of volunteer work,” he said.
