Curtin University Professor Barbara Horner has been acknowledged as a champion for seniors by the Minister for Seniors and Volunteering, when she was announced as a finalist in the 2012 WA Seniors Awards.
Professor Horner has been recognised for her work to reduce the stigma associated with ageing as a health professional and social researcher.
She is one of three finalists for the Westscheme/COTA WA Champion for Seniors Award that rewards those working to improve the quality of life of seniors or retirees.
The Minister noted that the awards, now in their 27th year, were a top accolade in recognition of the outstanding contributions to Western Australia’s social, cultural and economic life being made both by, and for, seniors.
“This year’s finalists are remarkable, not only for their tireless commitment to WA communities, but because of the range and breadth of their dedication,” she said.
Twenty-one finalists were named in five categories at a finalist lunch at Parliament House. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on 11 November, during the Bendigo Bank Seniors Week Festival.
Professor Barbara Horner is the Director Centre for Research on Ageing at the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI).
Professor Horner established the Centre for Research on Ageing (CRA) in 2000 and has held the position of Director since its inception. The CHIRI places special emphasis on the chronic health needs of vulnerable populations, particularly indigenous peoples, the elderly and those with compromised mental health.
Her career includes considerable experience in industry and academic environments, and particular experience in aged care as a clinician, consultant, researcher and educator.
Curtin’s CRA is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of older persons through multi-disciplinary research. Work is taking place to improve health services across all sectors – acute, home and community and residential care, to influence policy and practice, to enable older people to live independently and well for as long as they are able in the home of their choice, and then to receive the best care they can when they need it.
As part of the Centre, Professor Horner is also the Director of the WA Dementia Training Study Centre and node leader for Curtin University in the Dementia Collaborative Research Centre – Consumers & Carers. She was an invited delegate to the Taiwan/Australian Horner Collaborative Workshop on Gerontechnology, in Taiwan in 2010.
Contact:
Professor Barbara Horner PhD, MEd, BAppSc, Director Centre for Research on Ageing, CHIRI, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University
Tel: (+618) 9266 3558 (Mon – Thur)
Hillary Lambert, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 9085 Email: Hillary.lambert@curtin.edu.au Web: http://curtin.edu.au
Twitter: @CurtinPR
