Winner of Sound Citizen Awards

Don Jones, 81, of Farmborough Heights in Wollongong, has been chosen from over 30,000 people Australia-wide to win the 2006 National AudioClinic Sound Citizen Award and the cash prize of $1,500.

Don’s Award was presented by Member for Wollongong Noreen Hay. (Pictured)

The AudioClinic Sound Citizen Award, supported by Prof Kerryn Phelps, past president of the Australian Medical Association has been awarded to Mr Jones for “willingness to admit hearing loss and proactive attitude in seeking a solution,” says Prof Phelps.

“I support the initiative behind these awards because the impact of hearing loss is so far reaching. Hearing loss can impact your wellbeing, affect your family, friends, as well as your whole community. The AudioClinic Sound Citizen Award rewards people who have taken the somewhat daunting step of admitting they have a hearing loss and overcoming the loss to really make a wonderfully positive impact on their community,” says Phelps.

Over 30,000 Australians were eligible in 2006 and only 29 people across the country between the ages of 41 and 89 were selected for a local AudioClinic Sound Citizen Award.

Prize money allows Don Jones to compete in 2006 Masters Games in Alice Springs

A committed long distance cyclist, Mr Jones says he will use the prize money to compete and travel in the 2006 Masters Games in Alice Springs.

He has taken part in many long distance races, including riding between Wollongong and Darwin, and Perth to Wollongong.

Mr Jones is a member of the Illawarra Cycling Club and also is a deacon at his local church. He has 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

“Hearing aids have given me a new outlook of life. Sorting out my hearing has helped me keep my mind and spirit young. I really encourage anyone who is over 65 and struggling with hearing loss; get your ears checked every year!”

“Don is an amazing athlete and role model all Australians. He is the embodiment of an active senior,” says Bronwen Reid, Don’s audiologist. “We chose him for a Sound Citizen Award because is full of good humour, is motivated, community minded and dynamic.”