THE woman behind an innovative grey nomads programme designed to help remote communities was a finalist in ACT Senior Australian of the Year awards.

Indigenous services coordinator Helen McLaughlin was just pipped at the post and failed to win a place in the national finals at Parliament House in Canberra on January 25 next year.

Helen has worked tirelessly for Indigenous communities throughout her working life and well into her retirement, most recently in her grey nomads program.

Through Senior Volunteers for Indigenous Communities, she orchestrates the services of Australia's travelling retirees to donate their time and expertise gained over their working lives to the benefit of remote communities.

Under the government-backed scheme, former teachers, builders, doctors, mechanics, and many others take time out of their travels round Australia to lend a hand to those in need.

Helen is also well known for her Christmas and Easter lunches, where she provides a warm, family atmosphere for many who without her generosity would spend the day alone.

She recently finished her own 6000 km trek, during which she worked on fund-raising stalls for Frontier Services.

Helen's passion is to be an example for older Australian women showing the world that senior women can be strong and full of life.

Winner of the ACT Senior Australian of the Year award was breast cancer awareness pioneer Professor Linda Reaby AM.

From when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990, Linda has dedicated her professional career to raising public awareness of the condition and funding for breast cancer research.

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