Page 473 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 13 March 2007
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demands on the health care system and other social services. I know that the concept of positive ageing is guiding the work of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing, whose strategic plan focuses on positive and meaningful ageing.
Social participation, health, lifestyle choices and physical and intellectual exercise are all well recognised as building individual, family and community reliance. In turn, this supports maintenance of good health, speedier recovery from illness and an improved capacity to manage chronic health conditions. That not only improves life but also reduces demand on the health care system and other social services.
One of the major contributions that seniors make is through their participation in the work force. They run their own businesses and they work full or part time in the paid work force. For example, at a time when the calendar says that she should be retiring from the workplace, the ACT’s Senior Australian of the Year, Dr Kaye Price, recently completed her doctorate and is continuing a challenging career at the University of Canberra. I know that all of us here can think of examples of older people who are contributing to our community—teachers, doctors, shopkeepers and, dare I say, some politicians. Seniors are contributing to the economy by investing. Many seniors have significant amounts of money invested in the form of superannuation, rental properties and businesses.
Seniors are also giving back to the community. Seniors are keen volunteers. Ms Porter mentioned this, as did Mr Mulcahy. Many sporting, community, cultural and recreational organisations would simply not be able to operate without the contribution of seniors. A prime example of this is Mr Norris O’Leary. Norris is a well-known volunteer in the Canberra region. For over 36 years he has been heavily involved in many different activities within the Lions Club. Norris has been a part of a number of successful community projects throughout the years. In particular, for the past 18 years he has been directly involved in the annual Lions breakfast with balloons event, which continues to achieve outstanding fundraising results.
Since the early 1940s, Norris has been a part of the ACT veterans hockey association; over the past 66 years, he has participated with the association as both player and official. He has also been a representative on the ACT road safety council, championing projects such as the Lions motor vehicle safety checks and the Belconnen bicycle education tracks for children. As a Lions Club member, for the past 23 years Norris has been involved in many activities involving Pegasus Riding for the Disabled. He has supported Pegasus in obtaining funds, improving and managing the property, caring for the horses and providing labour when sought.
Like anyone else in this place, I could highlight many other individuals who have dedicated their time and passion to others in the Canberra region, but time will not allow me to do so. Seniors make enormous contributions to organisations such as the Australian Red Cross and Meals on Wheels and as volunteer guides at the Museum of Australia. They are conservation volunteers; they provide friendly visiting for those who are housebound; and they act as volunteer drivers for those who have transport difficulties.
I digress at this point to speak about the recent media beat-up concerning senior drivers being drugged up and dangerous. Older drivers adjust their driving habits to
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