Regional Seniors get an age - friendly boost

Regional Seniors get an age- friendly boost

Seniors living in regional areas are set to benefit from a $200,000 State Government funding program to help local governments create better communities for older people.

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Tony Simpson encouraged other regional communities to follow the lead set by the Shire of Moora, which after a hike in its population of seniors, developed an age-friendly strategy in 2011.

 The shire consulted with residents aged over 55, as well as carers and service providers, to develop strategies covering access, accommodation, services and community health services.

 Local governments can apply for grants of up to $10,000 for projects that align with the State Government’s ‘An Age-friendly WA: The Seniors Strategic Planning Framework 2012-2017’.

 “As the proportion of older people in Western Australia increases, there is a greater priority for local governments to build communities that encourage seniors to participate and remain active,” Mr Simpson said.

 The State Government has also provided $50,000 to Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA WA) to establish a network and host a forum to which the Commission was invited to present.

The funding announcement strengthens the Age Friendly Communities message in the Wheatbelt and compliments the aims and objectives of the Creating Age Friendly Communities in Small Towns Project. The Wheatbelt Development Commission looks forward to developing a strong working relationship with the Department and the LGMA WA to ensure the sustainability of the Age Friendly Communities message moving forward.