Tackling Ageism Creative Competition Award Winners

The Tackling Ageism Creative competition has now closed. The winners in each of the four categories were announced in a ceremony at Ballarat Library on 23 October.

The theme of ageism is an important one. It is sadly far too common for people to be treated unfairly because of their age. We are all more than our age! We aren’t just 6 or 11 years old, 41 or 62 or 87. We might also be caring, kind, a writer, an artist, good at maths, a dancer, a technology whizz, a brilliant cook, a lovely friend, great at singing or funny!

Each category in the competition had different prompts. Younger artists and writers were asked to think about a special older person and their superpower. Older writers were asked to imagine themselves as an older person and think about what they would like their life to look like.

There were some fabulous creative entries and some wonderful writing. Thank you to everyone who contributed this year.

We are proud to announce this year’s winners were…

• Preschool to Prep: Macey P
• Grade 1-3: Kaira S
• Grade 4-6: Rose N
• Years 7-12: Maddison W

Winning entries

Winner: Preschool to Prep – Macey P

Prompt: Think about an older person in your life. What is their superpower?

Winner: Grade 1 to 3 – Kaira S

Prompt: Think about an older person in your life? What is their superpower?

Winner: Grade 4 to 6 – Rose N

Prompt: Imagine yourself as an older person (perhaps around 65 or 70 years old) – What would you like your life to look like?

Looking back on my life, I see pleasure, pain, struggle, and victory. Now that I am older, I can see that I have been lucky to have as much as I did. A job at Marvel when I was 30, graphic design for the Olympics when I was 22, a good house, food on the table every night.

I have seen so much; I know that some people are not as lucky as I was. Even though I am old, I can still make a difference to the way other people live their lives, before mine is done. Looking back to my first job (as a worker at a takeaway), I see that I was young, hopeful, and optimistic.

I know now that I was lucky to have those traits, because without them, I would never have gotten to where I am today: 70 years young and still making a difference.

Winner: Year 7 to 12 – Maddison W

Prompt: Stereotyping based on someone’s age is the most socially accepted form of discrimination across the world. What advice would you give your older self to lead a positive and rewarding life? Tell us what you would like your life to look like.

Dear Future Maddison,

I imagine you’ve collected a lifetime of wisdom by now. I write this letter to remind you of something vital; age isn’t a limit, but a gift. The world can be unkind to ageing, often equating growing older with fading away. But you’ve always known better. Remember when you were younger and people said, “You’re too young to understand” Now, they might say, “You’re too old for that.” The voices change, but the message stays the same: limitations.

It’s important to defy messages like these. Be sure to tackle new challenges, make friends of all ages and ignore those who think worth is tied to your years. Ageism thrives on fear, so I hope you’ve faced life with curiosity and courage.

Keep moving forward.

With Love,
Your Younger Self (October 2024)

Dear Younger Maddison,

Thank you for your letter. Life has unfolded in ways neither of us could have predicted. Your words echo across time and I see now that ageism was never just an external force, it’s also an inner battle. As years passed, I realised how easy it was to internalise society’s whispers: “You’re too old for this,” or “Leave that to the younger generation.” But you taught me to challenge those whispers.

I admit I need to remember, age is not an expiration date. It’s a narrative woven with experiences, mistakes, and victories. You will live through moments where others may dismiss you. You won’t let that stop you however, as you choose to embrace every season of life.

I’ve learned that the best way to fight ageism is to continue evolving. By that I mean…

– Keep educating yourself. After my university studies, I returned to complete a master’s degree, so rewarding and keeps me relevant in my job. I also look out for events run by my local library that enhance my understanding of the ever changing world.

– Travel often. I visited many countries which I found to be eye-opening experiences learning about other cultures.

– Keep connected. I mentored young people through a program that aims to share knowledge across generations. I helped them but actually being around young people kept me feeling young and motivated.

– Keep fit. Don’t stop moving. Aqua Aerobics is amazing to keep you from getting slow and sluggish. You need an agile body and mind.

Age isn’t a barrier; it’s a bridge to new adventures. Hold on to your curiosity, keep nurturing your friendships, and don’t let anyone, including yourself, convince you that your value diminishes with time.

You’re just getting started.

With foresight,
Your Future Self (October 2094)

Dear Future Maddison,

Wow, you give me so much to look forward to. I’m inspired by how you approach life. You’ve travelled, learned and grown in ways I can only dream of! You’ve shown me that age doesn’t define what we can and can’t do.

Keep breaking those boundaries and refuting doubters. Life is short and meant to be enjoyed at every age.

Sincerely,
Your Younger Self (October 2024)