(21/11/2018) Fremantle an age-friendly city

The City of Fremantle has been recognised for its efforts to become an age-friendly city by taking out the Age Friendly Local Government category at the 2018 WA Seniors Awards.

The WA Seniors Awards, presented by the Council on the Ageing (WA) in partnership with the state government recognise individuals, local governments and businesses for their community contributions.

The awards were presented at a ceremony on Saturday as the culmination to Seniors Week.

Positive Ageing Officer Kay Raymond said she was humbled and honoured to accept the award on behalf of the City of Fremantle.

“Fremantle’s vision is to be a place where locals enjoy a high level of health and wellbeing and where there are opportunities to participate in decisions that are transparent and inclusive,” Ms Raymond said.

“It’s by listening to the lived experiences of people over 55 that we learn what can be done to empower individuals as they age, so they can live independently and vibrantly in our communities.” 

The City of Fremantle is recognised by the World Health Organisation and is a member of the Global Network for Age Friendly Cities and Communities.

The City’s focal point for encouraging social participation among older people is the Wanjoo Welcome Lounge – a dedicated space for over 55s to engage in free activities offered by paid tutors.

The City also offers positive ageing forums covering topics ranging from housing options and financial counselling to cybercrime, as well as regular free ‘Come and Try’ activities, weekly courses, a social walking group and one-on-one computer tuition.

Services offered to seniors by the City include a home collection service for selected unwanted household items, weekly book deliveries and free beach wheelchairs at South Beach and Bathers Beach.

Seniors also get discounted rates at the Fremantle Leisure Centre, which offers specialised fitness programs for over 55s. The Leisure Centre pool has ramps for ease of access, and the water is heated between 32–34 degrees to assist in the relief of arthritic and muscle soreness.

The City also has a dedicated access and inclusion policy to ensure information on services and facilities is readily available in a variety of formats, and facilities like age-friendly seats, access ramps and handrails are included in City of Fremantle projects.     

For more information visit the Positive Ageing page on the City’s website.