Helping Sunraysia residents stay mobile

Published on 01 October 2019

Mildura Rural City Council is holding a forum in October to provide Sunraysia residents with all the information they need to stay mobile and maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Targeted at the region’s older residents, the forum, dubbed Staying Mobile and Independent, is free to attend and will be held on Thursday 24 October, featuring a comprehensive array of speakers and demonstrations.

To be held at Mildura’s Aero Ovals from 9.30am to 2.00pm, the event will feature presentations from industry professionals who will provide tips and information about good access, health and safety, and how to choose the right equipment and methods for staying mobile.

Councillor for Community Development and Gender Equality Helen Healy said Staying Mobile and Independent was one of the few, if not the only event of its type and scale in the region.

“As people get older, their mobility can begin to decline, so it is important to consider the options available that will enable to them retain their independence and ensure their safety,” Cr Healy said.

“We’re very fortunate to have a great range of support services available in our region that our community can access and this forum will provide an overview of these services from the people who deliver them.”

Speakers will include specialist wheelchair providers from Country Care and Aidacare, who will speak about the different styles of motorised wheelchairs available, including custom-built wheelchairs.

There will also be presentations from Council, Mildura Police, Sunraysia Community Health Services and Community Roadsafe Mildura, all of whom will provide opportunities to ask questions about the various services and topics discussed.

Presentations will cover topics including scooters, gophers, motorised wheelchairs, maintaining your driver’s licence, disability parking, community transport, taxi cards and vision testing.

To further aid in residents’ future planning, Murray Mallee Legal Service representatives will be on hand to provide information about All Enduring Power of Attorney and Medical Power of Attorney.

Low Vision Plus will also be on hand to offer vision testing, aimed at helping people who may have difficulties with everyday tasks due to vision loss.

And to provide a light-hearted break, two scooter representatives will take part in a ‘motorkhana of scooters’ event.

The forum includes a free light lunch and morning tea. For catering purposes people intending to come along are encouraged to RSVP before Monday 21 October.

For more information and to RSVP contact Council’s Rural Access Worker Jeni Snadden on (03) 5018 8100.

Media enquiries  Ben Piscioneri p) (03) 5018 8689  e) [email protected]