To say Helen loves water is an understatement as she is and has been involved in many
aspects of water sports, including local swim clubs, Masters’ swimming, technical official
duties and surf lifesaving for Nippers. The Nipper’s part demonstrates the love Helen has for
her family, when she volunteered with them because her grandsons had joined Nippers.
This journey of volunteering and water sports started in 1954 when Helen, a primary school
teacher, started teaching swimming.
Helen is a Masters’ ranked competitive swimmer as well as an official. Her achievements
competitively are extensive. Not only are they inspiring but Helen’s other qualities such as
her generosity, kind instruction and care, cement her as an Inspiring Senior.
Some quotes from some of Helen's admirers.
From a national competitive swimmer, “I want to be like Helen when I am her age”. Helen is
80 and the swimmer thought she was in her 60s and once she realised that, she was
even more impressed.
“Helen never lets life’s challenges get her down”.
“She is invaluable to organisations such as ours.”
Officials are unpaid volunteers and yet Helen studies to keep up-to-date and be present at
official swimming meets for State swims and the Pan Pacific Masters Games, to name a few.
Helen believes that the words “If it is to be it is up to me” are what pushes her along through
life’s challenges.
Redland City recognised its achievers with various seniors’ activities during the annual
celebration of Seniors Week.
From the annual Seniors’ Walk on the mainland and the inaugural Bay Islands Seniors’ Walk
to kayaking, sports tournaments, morning teas, entertainment, the University of the Third Age
Seniors Week Breakfast and much more, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
A highlight of the week culminated in the sixth annual Redland City Inspiring Seniors
Awards, in which one or two older Redland residents were chosen from each city division as
the most inspiring seniors for 2014.
Helen Holmes was the Division 2 Inspiring Senior for 2014.
Nominations came from members of the public and Redland City councillors, who were
asked to nominate older residents they saw as an inspiration to the community.
At the ceremony, each winner was presented with a framed photograph of themselves with an
engraved plaque acknowledging them as an inspiring person.
Every year in August, Seniors Week in Queensland presents an opportunity for communities
across the state to acknowledge the many valuable contributions made by older residents.
In the Redlands Shire, it is celebrated with a full program of activities that shine a spotlight
on the benefits of active and positive ageing.
On behalf of MSQ and all its members, we wish to acknowledge Helen’s tremendous
contribution to MSQ and for that we sincerely thank her .
She served on the MSQ board for many years and is also one of our valued officials.
Helen is also regularly involved with Swimming Queensland, as a volunteer and an official.