Sixteen older Victorians have been recognised at the 2026 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards including two residents from Whitehorse, Eufemia Luppino and Constantine Pagonis.  

Minister for Seniors, the Hon. Nick Staikos MP, and President, Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria, Robert Caulfield joined the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, to present the awards. 

The 2026 award recipients strengthen Victoria with their generosity, advocacy and commitment. They bring people together, create change and show how to live with purpose, at every age. The recipients are mentors and community builders. They share their skills, time and energy to make a difference through actions. 

Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients. 

Eufemia Luppino 

Organisations: Box Hill RSL, Greenlink Box Hill  

Eufemia (Emi) is a compassionate and tireless volunteer who believes in the good of people. For more than 20 years, she has made a positive difference in her community.  

Emi currently volunteers more than 150 hours each month. Seeing others happy drives Emi to do more.   

At the Box Hill RSL, Emi checks on people’s wellbeing and encourages participation at Women’s Auxiliary events. She transports members, delivers items and reaches out for a chat. She inspires others to be courageous and get involved. With thanks to Emi, events have high participation rates. This brings reliable companionship to many in the community.   

Emi’s contributions also extend to supporting people experiencing hardship. Emi donates hundreds of her handmade knitted items to help people in need. Every Saturday with a food rescue group, Emi distributes food to local community members experiencing homelessness. She puts aside bread and time to chat. At Greenlink, Emi supports her fellow volunteers. She prepares food, does manual work and clears dumped rubbish. Emi makes sure everyone feels safe and welcome. 

Constantine Pagonis 

Organisations: African Women and Family Network , The Boite , Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, Welcoming Cities, Australian Jazz Museum 

For over 40 years, Constantine (Con) has worked to strengthen social cohesion in Victoria and across the country. He is a devoted volunteer and mentor who uplifts the people around him.  

Con’s leadership is generous and far reaching. Across many roles, younger and emerging leaders look to him for guidance. Con has been an important member of the Welcoming Cities governance committee since its start in 2015. Here, Con advises on a benchmark for inclusion policies in local government. He helps to create communities where everyone can belong.  

Con’s passion for storytelling connects people and uplifts diverse voices. At the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, he created and edited a newsletter for over 267 communities. In his 5 years as editor, Con published 145 editions. Con’s influence continues into the arts, preserving and creating history. He digitises records at the Australian Jazz Museum. At the Boite, he promotes world musical performances and engages migrant communities.   

Con inspires others to remain engaged and hopeful as they grow older.