She was as surprised as anyone when her name was read out at Shepparton’s Australia Day ceremony at Queen’s Gardens on Thursday, January 26.
“I’m absolutely stunned. I had not a clue, not an idea,” Mrs Longley said shortly after receiving the award.
Indeed, the first thing she said when she went up to the stage to receive her award was: “I work with some devious people”.
Mrs Longley was recognised for her outstanding work on the board of the Australian National Piano Award.
“I do what I do for the Piano Award because I absolutely love doing it,” she said.
“I believe in what we do, which is encouraging young Australian pianists to further their careers.”
Mrs Longley said seeing the award develop from where it started in 1992 to where it was now had been a joy, and that she was hopeful it would continue to grow.
“Our next award is October next year and we’ve already had three contacts asking when they can apply,” she said.
Mrs Longley said being recognised as Senior Citizen of the Year showed the significance of the Australian National Piano Award.
“When we started it we wanted to do two things,” she said.
“We wanted to help young Australian pianists who internationally were not being recognised.
“And we wanted to put Shepparton on the cultural map in music. I think we’ve done that, because we’re very well recognised nationally already.”
Despite their “devious nature”, Mrs Longley said she could not begin to express her gratitude towards her colleagues.
“I get back more than I give, I’m sure of that,” she said.
“The group of people I work with, both on the board and the associates, who are a part of our group, are just the most wonderful people to work with.
“I’ve met amazing people over the years, and I have ongoing friendships with these young people.
“They’re inspiring. They inspire me.”
Mrs Longley said she wanted to thank her family, friends and co-workers for being so supportive.
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