Page 1173 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 2 April 2019
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jurisdictions who delivered accommodation using SDA. We had both videoconferencing and people there at the forum to talk to. At the end of the day we had a world cafe-style arrangement where people could move from table to table to talk about the particular issues that were of interest to them. The Office for Disability has followed that up by trying to stay in touch with the people who came to the forum.
There was indeed another forum on the issue of housing and people with disability that brought some expertise in from Melbourne earlier this year in the Legislative Assembly reception room which was, again, another step towards more innovative housing options for people with disability in the ACT—both supported by SDA and more broadly in the private market—because we know that there are significant issues there as well.
Government—Seniors Week
MS CHEYNE: My question is to the Minister for Seniors and Veterans. Can the minister please outline for the Assembly the highlights of the 2019 Seniors Week?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Ms Cheyne for her question and for struggling through with questionable health today. Seniors Week is a highlight on the calendar for older Canberrans, and there is so much to see and do. The Chief Minister’s concert is obviously a signature event and it kicks off Seniors Week. The band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon is so popular that both concerns again sold out this year ahead of the event. I was disappointed that I was able to see only the beginning of one of the concerts as it was a sitting day and I had responsibilities here in the chamber.
The seniors expo was busier than ever this year, with many stallholders showcasing new ways for our older Canberrans to interact, new hobbies to take up, new groups to join and services that are available to them. Similarly, the Public Trustee and Guardian ran a series of incredibly informative workshops on helping people to ensure that their will and enduring power of attorney are up to date and working in their best interests.
The positive ageing awards were a particular highlight of Seniors Week for me. It is important to stop to take the time to acknowledge those Canberrans who make a real difference in the community. Congratulations go to Emma Zen, Marlene Keltie, George Ahmat, Barrie Smillie and the Seasoned Voices seniors choir on winning awards. I thank them for all that they do in making Canberra a better place for our older citizens.
These were just some of the events on offer during the busy but very high quality program throughout Seniors Week. I place on record my appreciation, and the appreciation of this government, to COTA ACT for organising an amazing week which I know was appreciated by all who attended.
MS CHEYNE: Can the minister outline the benefits of events like the seniors expo and the Chief Minister’s concert?
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