Our Age Friendly Community Plan has been endorsed by Council!
The Age Friendly Community Plan 2024 – 2028 was developed from feedback, views and suggestions our community shared throughout the consultation process. From October to December 2022, participation was encouraged through a range of forums. This included:
- The Asking about Age Friendly community survey and Your Say page
- WACHS Health Service Planning workshop
- Engagement with Young@HEART attendees
- Internal Stakeholder Meetings with key Shire business units
- Participation from Shire Reference Groups
- Recent engagement from the Access and Inclusion Plan
Over 150 community members and stakeholders were engaged in the consultation process. 80 survey responses were received, with 75% of all responses from people over 65. A broad cross section of the community was involved, including those representing community members over 65, family members, carers, service providers, community groups, Shire staff and interested community members.
A Draft Age Friendly Community Plan was shared publicly for comment during November to December 2023. 17 responses were received and feedback has been incorporated into this Plan.
What is an Age Friendly Community?
An age friendly community is one that recognises the great diversity among older people, promotes their inclusion and contribution in all areas of community life, respects their decisions and lifestyle choices and anticipates and responds flexibly to age related needs and preferences. It encompasses spaces, places, programs and initiatives that support people to live healthy and independent lives for as long as possible and enables them to participate in the community as they grow older. An age friendly community benefits everyone; both current and future generations.
Our Four Key Objectives in the Age Friendly Community Plan 2024-2028
- Seniors can age in place
- Seniors are socially connected and actively participate in community life
- Seniors can navigate easily and safely around their community
- Information and communications are accessible for seniors
