October 25th, 2023Max is one in a million

Words: Narelle Groenhout

Daylesford stalwart Max Primmer was recognised for his tireless work in the community at the recent Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
Surrounded by his posse of friends, some who attend his weekly Ageing Disgracefully coffee group, Max was presented with the Ageing Well Award by Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner and Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt.
In his usual manner, Max gracefully accepted the award and shimmied around the gardens of Government House to personally meet with all other award recipients and congratulate them.
“I feel very humbled to receive the award but I give back, volunteer, make sure people know they are loved and connected because that is who I am. I don’t do it for any other reason than to try and make a difference to people in their lives.”
In presenting the award, Governor Gardner said: “Max is a humble person known for his sense of humour and a strong advocate for human rights for all members of the community.
“He serves as an elders rights advocate, leads the Ageing Disgracefully Thursday group fostering connections among seniors, is actively involved in the ChillOut Festival, volunteers at Hepburn House’s aged care community, visits dialysis patients to provide support, motivation and encouragement while they undergo dialysis and is a dedicated speaker for the National Kidney Foundation.”
Much has been written about Max over the years. Locally and beyond his story has been shared far and wide. From his open-heart surgery prior to a kidney transplant, to his early life on a farm to the loungerooms of elderly locals where he simply offers friendship and his time, to donning his heels and sequins for his alter ego – Di Alysis, (although she’s recently retired) to his community radio work, his
committee work across Hepburn Shire, his housesitting and other side hustles, and his ability to have the stamina and energy of people half his age.
Max Primmer is certainly one in a million.