Ageing Well Strategy Consultation Now Open

The Ageing Well Advisory Committee and the Federation Council is seeking feedback from older residents to get a better understanding what ageing in the Federation Council looks like in 2023. It has been four years since the Council adopted the Federation Council’s current Ageing Well Strategy and a lot has happened in that time.

The Committee and Council would like to hear your thoughts and ideas on what steps they can take to address the needs, priorities, and challenges of getting older and living in the Federation Council area. Your feedback will assist to develop the Federation Ageing Well Strategy 2024-2028 and subsequent four-year action plan. 

They would like to know how you can:

• Be more connected and active;

• Feel safe and secure;

• Access and use public spaces & buildings;

• Confidently get to where you need to go;

• Access and receive the support and services you need; 

• Feel valued, informed & part of your community; and 

• Be supported to age well and participate fully in community life.

Older adults represent Federation Council’s fastest growing cohort, currently representing approximately 38.4% of the Council’s total population (or 4,959 people). 

Federation Council Mayor, Cr Patrick Bourke said “With nearly 40 percent of our population aged over 60, we know that ageing well is a key consideration for our community, and that continuing our work in this space is important. This is a great opportunity for the community to have their say on how Council can positively impact our ageing community over the next four years.”

The Federation Ageing Well Committee will be conducting community focus groups over the coming months across the Council area where residents can come along to a two-hour semi- structured interview process where people will have the opportunity to tell their own stories. 

Ageing Well Councillor delegate, Councillor Gail Law is urging everyone to be part of the consultation, “All senior residents, visitors and family members are strongly encouraged to get involved in the strategy’s development, and we want to hear from as many people as possible – so please register now to attend a local focus group, complete a survey or request a one-to-one interview.”

The Ageing Well Advisory Committee is made up of eight volunteer members of the community, who are aged over 55 and are passionate about promoting a better lifestyle for everyone in their later years. 

Members will be hosting focus groups on the following dates and times:

Feedback can also be provided via an online survey on the council website, or a hard copy can be picked up from any Council office. Short on time, but still want to have your say? Please fill out an Ageing Well post card at any council office or library.

You can also contact Amber, Community Development Team Leader from the Federation Council. You can call her on 02 6033 8974.  Amber is more than happy to set up a meeting time to chat face-to-face or over the phone if you let her know.

Consultation will close on Friday August 25, 2023.