Introduction

Did you know that people aged 50 years and older make up approximately 35 per cent of the population of Moonee Valley? Over the next ten years, the number of people in this age group is projected to increase by 18% from approximately 43,000 to 51,000.

Local government has an important role to play in creating age-friendly cities and communities and addressing barriers to healthy and active ageing. We want Moonee Valley to be a place older residents and visitors feel valued, connected and supported. We are advocates for the needs of our ageing community members.

It is therefore important Council plan for, and respond to, the changing needs of older people and the individuals, communities and organisations that support them.

The draft Ageing Well in Moonee Valley Framework gives us a strategic planning framework that will guide Council when prioritising activities to support people as they age.

The draft Framework has already been informed by community consultation, specifically a Community Advisory Panel, made up of approximately 40 Moonee Valley residents, that convened for three days in February this year to deliberate on a list of top priorities for inclusion in the Framework.

Have your say

Council is seeking community feedback on the draft Ageing Well in Moonee Valley Framework. Before sharing your feedback we recommend you read the draft Framework or read through the information about each of the themes and priorities on this page.

Community can provide feedback by:

  • completing the online survey
  • recording a voice message using the SpeakPipe tool on this webpage
  • emailing, phoning or writing by mail to Council

A hard copy of the survey is available for collection from the Moonee Valley City Council Civic Centre in Moonee Ponds.

There will also be in-person opportunities to provide feedback throughout the consultation period.

The draft Framework

The draft Ageing Well in Moonee Valley Framework identifies priority areas under three themes:

  • Respect,
  • Belonging, and
  • Support.

These themes align with the eight domains of the internationally recognised World Health Organisation (WHO) Age Friendly Cities framework. Within these themes, Council outlines its commitment and a number of priorities it wishes to address. Those priorities can be seen below.

Respect

Priorities

1.1 Facilitate community activities and events that highlight and celebrate the value, diversity and wisdom of older people

1.2 Partner with specialist organisations on initiatives for the prevention of, and response to, family violence and elder abuse

1.3 Promote and support consultation opportunities for older people that inform Council decision-making

1.4 Support older people to connect with local volunteering, mentoring and employment opportunities

Belonging

Priorities

2.1 Support older people and their carers to access a diverse range of programs that support social connection and physical wellbeing

2.2 Provide and maintain safe, well-lit, connected footpaths and pedestrian crossings

2.3 Advocate for age-friendly and accessible transport initiatives

2.4 Provide accessible parking near key services and community facilities

2.5 Support access to alternative transport options such as community transport

2.6 Provide support and services for older people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness

Support

Priorities

3.1 Provide community education and information for individuals at key life transitions (including approaching retirement, onset of chronic health conditions, becoming a carer and/or entry into aged care services)

3.2 Provide individual navigation support to connect older people and their carers to the services and supports they need, particularly vulnerable groups facing barriers to access

3.3 Partner with sector stakeholders to ensure health and community support services are available and meet the diversity of individual needs