Age Friendly Community Strategy launched

The City of Armadale has launched its new Age Friendly Community Strategy to build on the success of its earlier Positive Ageing Strategy 2011-2014. 

The recently adopted Strategy sets a clear direction to ensure the delivery of the Age Friendly programs and projects and the facilitation of a Positive Ageing Network of interested community stakeholders and service providers.

The Strategy was developed through research, contemporary practice and engagement with local community members, carers and stakeholders from across the seniors’ services sector.

City of Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP said the City has a growing population of older people.

“By 2026, 26 percent of the City’s population will be aged over 50 years.

“It is important that we are prepared to meet the demands this will place on the City’s current services and facilities, and those of our service providers”.

The overarching framework of the strategy identified eight key outcome areas which included outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, respect and inclusion, social participation, communication and information, civic participation and employment, community support and health services.

A total of four key age friendly community roles are contained within the Strategy’s Action Plan which is to facilitate, advocate, deliver and partner.

“Our vision is to meet the needs of our ageing community members, building on the work already done, and plan for the future so that people can comfortably age in place”, said Mayor Zelones.

The City will roll out the majority of actions and support other agencies and partners to complete the other activities contained in the Action Plan.

The City will now focus on implementing the Plan and raising awareness and creating a culture of respect for the contribution of older people in all areas of life across the City.