Surf Coast Shire Council formed a Positive Ageing Advisory Committee in October 2018 for a three-year period to provide input and recommendations into the planning stage of Council strategies, plans and policies which relate to older people.
The purpose is to prepare for upcoming Commonwealth Government changes to the aged care and disability service sector. The changes will mean Councils will no longer automatically be the local service provider, as the government moves to a model that provides increased consumer choice.
After hearing feedback from clients, residents and families about possible future scenarios, Surf Coast Shire Council set up a Positive Ageing Advisory Committee to provide feedback on its reform project. The Committee has met 3 times and its next meeting is set for 29 March 2019. Lorne is represented on the Committee by local resident Gary Allen and Deans Marsh by local resident Deb Campbell (pictured).
The Positive Ageing Advisory Committee will collect and consider evidence, ideas and community input about how Council can best create an Age-Friendly Surf Coast where older people are valued, supported and empowered to live well, including but not limited to these topics:
- Social inclusion, social and civic participation
- Built environment, transport and housing
- Community support and health services
The Committee will represent and advocate on behalf of all older persons from our community, people experiencing financial disadvantage (including people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness) and multicultural and multifaith communities. The Committee will provide input and recommendations on issues which relate to the wellbeing of older people, for the consideration of Council in the development of strategies, plans and policies. Council will consider the Committee’s recommendations when making decisions on these strategies, plans and policies. In considering community support and health services, the Committee will consider Council’s future role in providing services, programs and facilities to older people, within the context of the federal government’s Aged Care Reforms and changing community needs. The Committee will provide advice to Council as it undertakes Reform Readiness Planning, which may include consideration of:
- Continuation of existing Council services to older people
- Expansion, growth, reduction or adaptation of existing Council services, including creating efficiencies and reviewing fees and charges for current Council services.
- Transitioning clients of identified existing Council services to other service providers over time Supporting the growth of the aged and disability service sector within Surf Coast Shire
- Establishing new or additional services, programs or facilities for older people
- Development of principles that will guide the planning of Council’s future role in providing services and facilities for older people.
The Positive Ageing Advisory Committee consists of 10 community members from across the Shire:
- Magdalena Wheatland, Torquay
- Brian Butterworth, Torquay (Vice Chairperson)
- Pam Aylward, Torquay
- Elizabeth Bills, Anglesea
- Kristen McDonald, Aireys Inlet
- Christine Brookes, Aireys Inlet (Chairperson)
- Keith Perkin, Fairhaven
- Gary Allen, Lorne
- Deb Campbell, Deans Marsh
- Jenny Mathison, Winchelsea
Additionally, Cr Margot Smith also sits on this committee, along with three council officers who are there to provide relevant project information.
More information on this important project can be found on the Council’s website. Use this link – https://tinyurl.com/surfcoast-ageing
People who have questions about the project can contact Nicole Langtip on 0432 558 119 or nlangtip@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
Robyn Lucas, Surf Coast Shire &
Peter Spring, Committee for Lorne
