Senior of the Year Award finalist - Esperance

Seniors' Minister Judyth Watson has commended the efforts of Esperance woman, Alva Courtis, who was the driving force behind the establishment of several key community services in the port township.

Mrs Courtis was selected as one of the finalists in this year's Western Australian Seniors' Award.

Over the past decade, she helped establish the Home and Community Care program at Esperance and lobbied government for help in building the town's nursing home for the aged.

Mrs Courtis is also a member of the Esperance Citizens' Advice Bureau, the Esperance Arts Society and a former member of the Goldfields and Esperance Regional Development Advisory Committee.

"Alva Courtis is a person who truly has the community at heart," Dr Watson said.

"She is committed to helping other people and is a wonderful role model for other seniors and young people.

"Alva continues to be active in community work and is always looking at ways of improving existing services to people."