Lions named 2025 ACT Senior Australians of The Year
2025 ACT Senior Australian of The Year recipients – Marilyn and Peter Ralston OAM (Image: act.gov.au)
Celebrating Lions Peter and Marilyn Ralston OAM: 2025 ACT Senior Australians of the Year
The Lions Club of Canberra Belconnen are celebrating the incredible achievements of their very own Peter and Marilyn Ralston OAM, who have been named the 2025 ACT Senior Australians of the Year.
Peter and Marilyn’s unwavering commitment to supporting people with vision impairment and other disabilities shines through their work with the Achilles Running Club Canberra, which they founded in 2013. As President of the club, Peter has led initiatives that empower individuals to run, walk, and stay active. Achilles Canberra pairs volunteer guides with people with disabilities, enabling participation in fun runs, club training sessions, and the weekly Parkrun events.
Peter’s dedication is exemplified by his personal contribution: in the past three years, he has served as a guide for blind athletes an incredible 120 times at Parkrun. Thanks to their efforts, several blind members have each reached hundreds of Parkruns, a testament to the inclusive and supportive community that Peter and Marilyn have built.
Beyond their work with Achilles Canberra, Peter and Marilyn also contribute significantly to other charitable initiatives, embodying the Lions’ mission of serving the community.
A Proud Moment for Lions Canberra Belconnen
The Lions Club of Canberra Belconnen takes immense pride in the Ralstons, who are active and cherished members of their club. Peter’s enthusiasm for their projects, willingness to roll up his sleeves at BBQs, and ability to uplift spirits at club dinners have made him an integral part of the Lions team.
The ACT Senior Australian of the Year award recognises their outstanding contributions and serves as a reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have on their community.
Congratulations, Peter and Marilyn!
Join us in congratulating Peter and Marilyn on this well-deserved recognition. Their achievements inspire us all to strive for greater inclusivity and to make a difference in our communities.
For more details about the ACT Senior Australian of the Year winners, visit the ACT Government’s announcement.
From left: Daniel Bartholomaeus (ACT Young Australian of the Year), Hannah Costello and Vanessa Brettell (ACT Local Heroes), Megan Gilmour (ACT Australian of the Year), Marilyn Ralston and Peter Ralston OAM (ACT Senior Australian of the Year). (Image: act.gov.au)
