A pair of local radio presenters has won the intergenerational award in this year’s Every Generation Awards.
There’s nothing so unusual about that – except there’s a 51-year age gap between them.
Trevor Garard and Amber, joint presenters of the Generation Gap program on Tribe FM, have worked together on the show for five years, since Amber was 14 years old.
Their partnership began when Amber did work experience at the station. Trevor hosted her during his Trev on Tribe program, wrote a glowing report about her, and farewelled her back to school.
But Amber had caught the radio bug. Two months later she contacted the station and said she wanted to continue. Trevor, ready to revamp his show and invite a co-host to present it with him, saw the perfect opportunity.
The Generation Gap, broadcast every Friday morning from Tribe FM’s heritage-cottage studio in Willunga, was born.
The pair discuss local issues and council news, promote community events and have a good laugh.
The music ranges from – as you’d expect for an intergenerational show – 60s pop to hip hop.
Both Amber and Trevor value the insights they’ve received from working together and with people of different ages in the community.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is that a lot of older people are full of life and energy. They’re willing to work with anybody of any age,” says Amber.
“No matter their capabilities, they always want to give something a try. They don’t let anything slow them down.”
For his part, Trevor praises the younger generation. “Unfortunately, young people are often tarred with the same brush. I reject that,” he says.
“Young people are way more respectful than they’re given credit for – and they are resilient.
“There’s so much going on around them – not all of it good – but they adapt quickly.”
The Every Generation Awards are run annually by the City of Onkaparinga. They celebrate older people who play a vital role in the community and people of all ages, cultures and abilities who contribute to positive ageing.
There are three awards categories: the intergenerational award, the group award and the individual award.
The People’s Platter, created by Susan and Darren Christie, won the group award. The People’s Platter is a community pantry operating out of the Reynella Neighbourhood Centre, offering free fruit, vegetables, bread and affordable groceries.
Steve Brown was named the winner of the individual award. Steve is a long-term sporting volunteer, including with the Southern Vales Practical Shooting League.
Four individuals were recognised for their lifetime achievements and contributions to the community.
Between them, Maxine McPherson, Dennis Zimmermann, Nora Stuji and Derek Kerr have notched up more than 150 years of volunteering.
Judith Lowe, Onkaparinga’s Sustaining Independence and Wellbeing Project Officer, says the awards, now in their 19th year, put older people’s achievements in the spotlight.
“There were 21 fantastic nominees for our latest awards, people who are involved in everything from mental health and fitness to men’s support groups and school volunteering,” she says.
“Older Australians are frequently overlooked and undervalued.
“The truth is that every day they make enormous contributions to our society through volunteering, mentoring and intergenerational support.”
As for Amber and Trevor, the show will go on – as long as Amber, who’s just completed Year 12 and is now an apprentice chef, can fit it into her busy life.
As Amber says, “I always give us much time as I can to the Generation Gap. If that proves too hard, I’ll just continue with my membership of the Orchid Club of South Australia.”
Trevor smiles. After all, introducing Amber to the delicate world of orchids has been just one of the benefits of this warm intergenerational partnership.