Page 345 - Week 01 - Thursday, 11 December 2008
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economic contribution through employment and volunteering. Of course, it is a myth that we rely exclusively on older people to volunteer, as a greater percentage of people who volunteer are in fact middle aged or younger people. Older people, of course, are able to give more time per person as a rule.
In working to promote social inclusion for older Canberrans, we must recognise the factors that may lead to social isolation, as I said before—factors such as health status, mobility, workforce status, language barriers, literacy, abilities with technology and whether they have been a victim of crime, or fear that they may be a victim of crime. Social factors include marital status, family support, having a network of friends and having a connection to community.
This year, the ACT government commissioned a research project on social isolation amongst older people and the report is currently being finalised. In looking at the promotion of social inclusion, I must recognise the important contribution of community organisations such as seniors and sporting clubs, amateur theatre and arts groups, and regional community services, which play a vital role in encouraging older people to be active and to participate.
Of course, there are many hundreds of groups that older Canberrans are involved in and in which they play significant roles. I am pleased that the government has committed to working with the Tuggeranong 55 Plus Club to identify a site for a permanent clubhouse in a convenient and accessible location and has also assisted the Woden Seniors Club to extend its premises to accommodate its growing membership. We are also facilitating the installation of solar panels on the Canberra Seniors Centre.
The government, for its part, is proud to support such initiatives as Seniors Week, which promotes the active participation of older people in our community. The government also funds the ACT seniors card program and has committed to funding an updated ACT seniors card directory for all seniors card holders in the second budget appropriation. The seniors card recognises the lifelong contribution of older people by assisting with access to ACT government concessions and business discounts on goods and services.
The ACT government is a major sponsor of the Canberra Retirement and Lifestyle Expo, which will be held from 15 to 17 May 2009, and will participate in the expo in the stalls showcasing government services. The ACT seniors grants program provides funding of up to $15,000 for community groups to develop projects that support positive ageing and promote social inclusion. In 2008-09, a total of $85,000 has been allocated to this program. In 2007-08 $85,000 was distributed to 10 organisations for projects which included ArtSound Silver Memories Radio Network and the ACT Playgroups Association’s playgroup mentors program. I look forward to an equally successful round in 2008-09.
The government has also recently commenced a review of elder abuse programs, which aims to raise awareness and reduce the incidence of elder abuse in the ACT. The findings of this review will inform the model of service delivery for any future program.
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