Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet today joined Minister for Ageing John Ajaka in Richmond to meet with older locals and community stakeholders and hear about what was affecting their lives.
The locals shared their experiences and suggested ways the NSW Government could help them live independent and fulfilling lives. The meeting was part of consultation on the NSW Government’s second Ageing Strategy.
“Today I met with local older residents to better understand the issues affecting their lives,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This feedback will help the NSW Government shape the second NSW Ageing Strategy, and create the best policies and services for older people possible.”
The NSW Ageing Strategy is a whole-of-government approach to responding to an ageing population, that is based on community input. It is aimed at ensuring seniors experience all the benefits of living longer, and are able to participate fully in social and economic life.
The first NSW Ageing Strategy was released in 2012 and lead to the creation of successful initiatives like Tech Savvy Seniors, the Elder Abuse Helpline and the expansion of the NSW Seniors Card.
The NSW Ageing Strategy is a ‘living’ document, and is now being revised from the ground up based on the feedback from stakeholders and the community.
“My vision for seniors is simple; I want them to be able to live active, healthy and happy lives as they age. The NSW Ageing Strategy plays a crucial role in fulfilling that vision,” Mr Ajaka said.
Since 2012, around 80 per cent of the first NSW Ageing Strategy’s initiatives have been completed or are on track for completion. An independent evaluation of the Strategy found it had a “positive impact in promoting awareness of ageing in NSW and in improving the life circumstances of a proportion of older people.”
Following extensive consultation, the second NSW Ageing Strategy will be released later in 2016. To have your say, go to www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au