Winning together

MARIA Mastroianni was overwhelmed when a knock on the front door announced she and husband Ernie were equal winner’s of the Greater Dandenong Senior Citizen of the Year award as part of the city’s Australia Day celebrations.
“Ernie couldn’t believe it either.
“We do these things because we love doing them not to get rewarded,” Mrs Mastroianni said.
The couple, who have lived in Dandenong for 49 years, retired together in 1992 and have since been involved in a range of community activities which include Meals on Wheels, Heritage Hill Museum, St Vincent De Paul, Cardinal Knox nursing home, the University of the Third Age (U3A) and Southern Health Rehabilitation.
The couple also run walking and circuit groups for senior citizens.
“Everything we do we do together.
“It’s nice because you are helping people,” Mrs Mastroiannai said.