Don Tucker has never been one to let his talents go to waste. The 72-year-old East Keilor resident could have put his feet up after retiring as a bank manager in 1997 but decided to volunteer much of his time to a local aged-care service.

He joined Holloway Aged Care Services in 1998 and has played a large part in its expansion from a 40-bed low-care centre to a 70-bed low- and high-care facility.

His efforts were recognised on September 30 when he was one of 13 seniors presented with a ‘senior achiever award’ at the Victorian Senior of the Year awards at Government House.

In his time at Holloway, Mr Tucker has worked as a gardener, financial controller and project manager, and he’s delighted with the recognition.

“When I started volunteering at Holloway people had to leave the hostel to go to high-care facilities in other areas, so we put forward a proposition to add 30 extra beds for residents needing high care.

“I gained a lot of skills with project management in my many years as a bank manager and I became project manager as well as financial controller at Holloway.

”In 2004, I got the building permits and we opened the facility in 2006.”

He says the non-profit organisation has a “fantastic atmosphere”.

“There are 10 residents per house and each resident has their own room and bathroom and each room looks onto a garden.

”I’m humbled by this award and I must thank my wife and family because I spent a lot of time away from them on the projects.”

Mr Tucker has also volunteered for Moonee Valley Meals on Wheels and the Keilor East RSL.