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Older people

Seniors Week

NSW Seniors Week runs from 21 to 28 March and is funded by the NSW Government and organised by Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) to recognise and thank older people across the State for the contributions they provide to the community.

To see the varied range of events scheduled for Byron Shire please view the flyer.

Visit the NSW Seniors Week website at www.nswseniorsweek.com.au

International Day of Older Persons

On 1 October Australians are encouraged to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons.

The Day is an opportunity to recognise the contributions older Australians make to their families and communities, and to encourage participation by older people in community activities. Older Australians are, and have always been, an incredible asset. They have helped shape modern Australia and continue to make significant contributions to society with a lifetime of skills, knowledge and experience.

Australia's theme for this years International Day of Older Persons is 'Social Inclusion'. The Social Inclusion Agenda aims to:

  • create opportunities for individuals to participate not just in economic life, but also Australia’s civic and social life;
  • recognise the complex and different barriers which prevent participation, and the real impact this has on individuals and communities, and;
  • acknowledge the need for early intervention, prevention and treatment strategies which provide a pathway to inclusion and a continuum of care.

YARNUP Elders Gathering at Walgun (International Day of Older Persons)

"Gathering at Walgun" (held on 30 September 2011) was about celebrating International Day of Older Persons through education, culture, connecting the community and celebrating elders. The name Walgun is used to reflect the traditional name and usage of the Byron Bay lighthouse area.

The event programme included educational sessions on conservation, maritime history and culture expressed through dance and was a collaboration between Byron Shire Council, the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Aboriginal Corporation (Arakwal) and Cape Byron Trust, and was funded by NSW Govt Human Services Ageing Disability and Home Care. 

Positive Ageing Strategy

Council’s Positive Ageing Policy, adopted in June 2010, recognises Council is committed to planning and providing and advocating for a range of services and facilities that will support the ageing population in leading healthy and fulfilling lives.

Byron Shire Council is currently developing a Positive Ageing Strategy.  This will look at future challenges and ways to prepare for the different needs and expectations of the ageing population. The strategy will provide a framework for a whole of council focus on ageing that includes working in partnership with the community and will also identify Council’s role and that of its partners for addressing these issues and developing action plans.

  • The Life Life Positive Ageing Survey was launched during Seniors Week to identify how older people like to be consulted, what they think contributes to positive ageing, and to develop a Senior’s register of people who are willing to be consulted further. LIVE LIFE Survey Results
  • A Positive Ageing Project Reference Group, which is the key decision-making group for the development of the Strategy, held its first meeting in May 2010.

Age Friendly Environments

Council of the Ageing (COTA) is working with Byron Shire Council staff to progress age friendly environments.  On 3 June 2010 COTA presented to Byron Shire Councillors and staff.  This presentation is part of advocacy work relating to the importance of planning for an ageing population and the challenges for meeting the needs of growing numbers of older people ageing in place. The full presentation is available at COTA's website Age Friendly Environments - Byron Shire Council  file size 1.88MB