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Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative

Towards an Age-friendly Maroondah

2015-2020

Contents

Mayor’s Message.....................................................................................................................3

Council On The Ageing (COTA’s) Message............................................................................5Introduction..............................................................................................................................6

Maroondah’s Long Term Vision...............................................................................................7An Age-friendly City.................................................................................................................7

Active Ageing...........................................................................................................................8The World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities....8

Becoming an age-friendly city is a journey not a destination...............................................8What we did.............................................................................................................................9

Community Engagement Statistics........................................................................................10Priority 1: Community Support & Health Services..................................................................13

A snapshot of our age-friendly journey so far…….............................................................14PRIORITY ONE INITIATIVES: COMMUNITY SUPPORT & HEALTH SERVICES...........16

Priority 2: Transportation........................................................................................................21A snapshot of our age-friendly journey so far…….............................................................22

PRIORITY TWO INITIATIVES: TRANSPORTATION.......................................................24Priority 3: Communication & Information...............................................................................26

A snapshot of our age-friendly journey so far…….............................................................27PRIORITY THREE INITIATIVES: COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION........................29

Priority 4: Housing.................................................................................................................32A snapshot of our age-friendly journey so far…….............................................................33

PRIORITY FOUR INITIATIVES: HOUSING......................................................................35Priority 5: Social Participation................................................................................................36

A snapshot of our age-friendly journey so far…….............................................................37PRIORITY FIVE INITIATIVES: SOCIAL PARTICIPATION...............................................38

Priority 6: Respect & Social Inclusion...................................................................................39A snapshot of our age-friendly journey so far…….............................................................40

PRIORITY SIX INITIATIVES: RESPECT & SOCIAL INCLUSION....................................41Priority 7: Outdoor Spaces & Buildings.................................................................................43

A snapshot of our age-friendly journey so far…….............................................................44PRIORITY SEVEN INITIATIVES: OUTDOOR SPACES & BUILDINGS..............................45

Priority 8: Civic Participation & Employment.........................................................................47A snapshot of our age-friendly journey so far…….............................................................48

PRIORITY EIGHT INITIATIVES: CIVIC PARTICIPATION & EMPLOYMENT..................50

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Mayor’s MessageActive and Healthy Ageing Initiative – Towards an Age-friendly Maroondah

On behalf of my fellow Councillors, I am proud to introduce Maroondah City Council’s first ever Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative – Towards an Age-friendly Maroondah (2015 – 2020).

The aim of the initiative is to create an accessible and inclusive Maroondah for all our residents – a place where people feel safe, healthy and secure as they age.

Council’s commitment to supporting the development of this initiative and our work to implement the key strategic directions outlined in Maroondah 2040 has seen Maroondah accepted into the World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities.

The development of the Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative – Towards an Age-friendly Maroondah follows extensive consultation with our community aged 45 and over.

More than 1200 community members participated in a targeted consultation process which helped identify a number of initiatives that will go towards creating an age-friendly city.

The initiative is a blueprint for how our community, Council and other levels of Government can work together to create a Maroondah that makes our community a supportive, inclusive and enjoyable place for people to live as they age.

The Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative – Towards an Age-friendly Maroondah is a working document and will be customised and modified annually to ensure we continue to meet the changing needs of our ageing population.

On behalf of Council, I thank everyone who contributed to the development of this initiative. We look forward to taking the age-friendly journey with you and sharing and celebrating our longevity.

Mayor of MaroondahCouncillor Tony Dib JP

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PHOTOGRAPHY:Featuring photography by members of the Maroondah Photographic Society aged 45+.

Disclaimer:While all due care has been taken to ensure that the content and material presented in this document is accurate and current at the time of compilation and publication, there may be errors and/or omissions in it. Maroondah City Council does not accept any legal liability for any information and content provided within this document. Maroondah City Council recommends that users exercise their own due diligence to carefully evaluate the accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance of the information and material contained herein. The information used in this document is not a substitute for independent professional advice and users should obtain appropriate professional advice as it relates to their particular circumstances.

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Council On The Ageing (COTA’s) Message

As Australia’s population increases in number, proportionately it is also growing older, reflecting improved life expectancy. The place of older Victorians becomes increasingly important and requires a shift in focus for communities such as Maroondah.

COTA Victoria was pleased to be involved in the initial planning and implementation stages of developing an Age-Friendly Communities initiative at Maroondah City Council.

Congratulations must go to Maroondah for a forward-thinking approach in adopting the principles of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities and engaging their residents in a journey to achieve accreditation with the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a Global and Age-Friendly City.

At COTA Victoria we believe in a world where older people live lives to the full, make a positive difference in the lives of others, are treated with respect, and are acknowledged for leaving an important legacy of values and contribution.

We believe in older people’s capacity to make that world.

Older people are essential for cohesive, peaceful, equitable communities. They are a valuable social and economic resource for individuals, families, organisations, communities and society as a whole. These contributions can only be ensured if older people enjoy good health, participation and feel secure.

COTA Victoria wishes Maroondah City Council well for its future directions in continuing its commitment to older people and engaging them to continue to be active participants in an Age-Friendly City and Community.

Sue HendyChief Executive OfficerCOTA Victoria

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Introduction

By 2030, a quarter of Australia’s population will be aged 60+ years. By 2030, people aged 60+ will reach 1.4 billion around the globe.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on the night of the Census 2011, Maroondah’s population aged 60+ was higher than the metropolitan average. Maroondah had the highest proportion of persons aged 85+ in the Eastern

Metropolitan Region The largest age group in Maroondah was in the 40-44 year olds which accounted for

7.4% of the total population

Maroondah’s residential population as of 2015 is estimated at 111,616.

By 2020: 40% of Maroondah’s population will be aged 45+. The greatest increase (25.7%) will occur in the population of retirement age The largest increase is forecast to be in the ages 70 – 74.

Did you know?

This is the first time in history where 5 generations of one family can simultaneously exist

According to the Federal Government’s 2015 Intergenerational Report, Australians will live longer and continue to have one of the longest life expectancies in the world

Current Life Expectancy

Current Global Ranking

Projected Life Expectancy (2055)

Males 91.5 years Equal 1st with Iceland

95.1 years

Females 93.6 years 5th 96.6 yearsSource: 2015 Intergenerational Report

General QuotesAn age-friendly city encourages Active Ageing by optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance the quality of life as people age.World Health Organisation Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide (2007)

How Old is Older?“……whatever age is used within different contexts, it is important to acknowledge that chronological age is not a precise marker for the changes that accompany ageing. There are dramatic variations in health status, participation and levels of independence among older people of the same age.”Active Ageing: A Policy Framework. A contribution to the World Health Organisation to the Second United Nations World Assembly on Ageing, Madrid, Spain, April 2002.

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Maroondah’s Long Term Vision

In 2040, Maroondah will be a vibrant and diverse city with a healthy and active community, living in green leafy neighbourhoods which are connected to thriving and accessible activity centres contributing to a prosperous economy within a safe, inclusive and sustainable environment.

The Maroondah 2040 Community Vision captures the aspirations, desires, dreams and priorities of the community looking ahead to the year 2040 and beyond.

The long term vision provides a ‘roadmap’ for the community, Council and other levels of government to partner together and create a future that enhances Maroondah as a great place to live, work, play and visit.

There are over 26 key directions in Maroondah 2040 which directly link to the World Health Organisation’s Age-friendly Cities and Communities framework and principles.

An Age-friendly CityAn age-friendly city encourages active ageing by optimising opportunities for participation, health and security in order to enhance the quality of life as people age in our community.

Local governments that plan and take action to accommodate the changing needs of older residents can ensure that their communities remain attractive places to live with features that not only benefit seniors but support the health, safety and participation of residents of all ages.

A core aspect of age-friendly work is that it must include older people as active participants in the process.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there are eight age-friendly domains that influence the health and quality of life of people as they age:

1. Outdoor spaces and buildings2. Transportation3. Housing4. Social participation5. Respect and social inclusion6. Civic participation and employment7. Communication and Information8. Community support and health services

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Making our community age-friendly not only supports active and healthy ageing, it also creates sustainable, healthy communities that benefit everyone.

Active Ageing

According to the World Health Organisation, active ageing depends on a variety of influences or determinants that surround individuals, families and nations. All of these factors and the interaction between them, play an important role in affecting how well individuals age.

Ageing is a development issue. Healthy older persons are a resource for their families, their communities and the economy.WHO Brasilia Declaration on Healthy Ageing, 1996.

The World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and CommunitiesOn 1 December 2014, Maroondah was accepted as a member of the World Health Organisation Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities in recognition of Council’s commitment to becoming age-friendly.

In addition, Maroondah has developed an age-friendly cities partnership with the district of Saanich, British Columbia, Canada for information exchange across the two communities.

Maroondah’s Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative will drive age-friendly concepts and initiatives to enable our ageing population to continue to contribute significantly to their communities, their families, the economy and society.

Becoming an age-friendly city is a journey not a destinationBecoming an age-friendly city will be an ongoing process. The Maroondah community aged 45+ has expressed its current views, age-friendly ratings and priorities moving forward. The initiatives within this document were developed through the active participation and contributions of our community aged 45+ and reflect their ideas and preferences in creating an age-friendly Maroondah.

The Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative – Towards an Age-friendly Maroondah provides the framework to adapt to the changing needs and expectations of the community as they age in our municipality. It explores the features of an age-friendly city and has identified priority areas and initiatives specific to Maroondah over the next five years (2015 – 2020).

The Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative – Towards an Age-friendly Maroondah focuses on the eight age-friendly domains and the progress of the initiatives will be monitored and evaluated on an annual basis.

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What we did

Conducted 266 pre-consultation engagement interviews with the wider community to gauge Maroondah receptiveness to the Age-friendly Cities Framework. They were conducted at the Imagine Maroondah 2040 Day (2013), The Seniors Wellbeing Expo (2013) and Café Consult – Maroondah Festival (2013).

Delivered an Age-friendly Champions Program where 36 members of the community were nominated to participate in an Age-friendly Cities training workshop.

Prepared an electronic and hard copy survey based on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Checklist of Essential Features of Age-friendly Cities. The survey tool was developed by utilizing the WHO checklist statements for each age-friendly domain. Through the active engagement of the community aged 45+ they were asked to assess Maroondah’s strengths and deficiencies and to rate Maroondah’s current age-friendliness and provide their ideas as to how we can become more age-friendly in the future.

Secured the support of the Maroondah business community who kindly donated over $8,000 worth of prizes linked to the Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative Prize Draw

123 Maroondah community groups invited to participate and share their age-friendly ideas

76 Maroondah organisations and agencies invited to participate (30 Residential Aged Care Facilities and 46 Service Providers) by completing an Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative Service Provider Survey

Collation of all responses were then presented to Council Service Areas for internal consultations

The Age-friendly Champions reviewed the initiatives

Did you know?

On Tuesday 26 August 2014, 36 Maroondah community members participated in an Age-friendly Champions workshop training session delivered by the Council on the Ageing (COTA) to learn about creating age-friendly communities. These members were identified as leaders in the community who are able to influence and shape Maroondah’s age-friendly journey. The Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative is indebted to their support and dedication to contributing towards an age-friendly Maroondah.

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Community Engagement Statistics

Number of residents and visitors from within the Maroondah community who contributed their thoughts and ideas during the pre-consultation and consultation phase

561

Number of Survey participants who helped shape the initiatives that are published in the Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative – Towards an Age-friendly Maroondah

654

Face-to-face customised engagement/presentation activities with Maroondah community groups

40

Hard copy Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative surveys completed 483Online Surveys completed 171Number of Service Provider Feedback 23Preference for Hard Copy Surveys 74%Percentage of Community groups contacted that agreed to participate

84%

Participation rate of Service Providers 30%GRAND TOTAL of Community Participation for the Active &

Healthy Ageing Initiative 1238

Age-breakdown of Survey participants

Age Bracket

Percentage of Total

Respondents 45-50 5%51-55 7%56-60 6%61-65 12%66-70 13%71-75 18%76-80 17%81-85 12%86+ 8%

Did you know? The oldest female participant was 95 years old and the oldest male was 90 years old. More females (70%) than males (30%) participated in the Active & Healthy Ageing

Initiative Survey

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How age-friendly does our community think Maroondah is?

Housing

Civic Participation & Employment

Respect & Social Inclusion

Community Support & Health Services

Transportation

Outdoor Spaces & Buildings

Social Participation

Communication & Information

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

Age-friendly Ratings2014

Housing 22%Civic Participation & Employment 28%Respect & Social Inclusion 31%Community Support & Health Services 40%Transportation 43%Outdoor Spaces & Buildings 45%Social Participation 46%Communication & Information 49%

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What importance does our community place on the 8 age-friendly domains?

Civic Participation & Employment

Outdoor Spaces & Buildings

Respect & Social Inclusion

Social Participation

Housing

Communication & Information

Transportation

Community Support & Health Services

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Age-friendly Priorities2014

Civic Participation & Employment 5%Outdoor Spaces & Buildings 6%Respect & Social Inclusion 11%Social Participation 12%Housing 12%Communication & Information 12%Transportation 20%Community Support & Health Services 21%

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Priority 1: Community Support & Health Services

Age-friendly Community Priority: 1 (1= the top priority; 8= the least important of the 8)

Age-friendly Ranking: 5(1 = the most age-friendly; 8=the least age-friendly)

Health and support services are vital to maintaining health and independence in the community. In most collaborating cities, the supply, organisation and financing of many health and social services are decided by the state or national government rather than the city. Nevertheless, health and social services are delivered within a city by local people in local establishments, and community-based for-profit and voluntary groups play an important role in delivering support and care.World Health Organisation – Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide (2007:66)

Maroondah 2040A safe, healthy and active communityMaroondah is a safe, healthy and active community with local opportunities provided for people of all ages and abilities to have high levels of social, emotional and physical wellbeing.

The Maroondah community ranked the current age-friendliness of the domain of community support and health services in fifth position but promoted it to first position when it came to prioritising the age-friendly domains.

The following initiatives were developed with the involvement of the community aged 45+. The initiatives reflect our community’s desire to remain as independent as possible and living within their own homes with ongoing access to support and health services for them and carers so that they can age in an active, proactive and healthy manner.

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A snapshot of our age-friendly journey so far…….

Council was successful in receiving funding to provide for a Vulnerable Persons Coordinator to specifically work with vulnerable persons and those at risk of social isolation in Maroondah.

Home and Community Care (HACC) Services take into consideration a person’s income and fees charged are income means tested to ensure affordability.

Coordination & Facilitation of the Maroondah Carers’ Group and the Akuna Carers’ Group for people who care for someone living with dementia. Akuna is a partnership between Maroondah City Council (Aged & Disability Services), E.A.C.H. and Donwood Community Aged Care.

Council’s Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Program delivered through Kerrabee Aquahub provides a number of specific programs customized for the various needs for

an ageing population and include the following programmes: Living Longer, Living Stronger (COTA endorsed strength training program), Seated Exercise Program, Silvers Program, Easy Active Circuit Program, Lite Pace Group and the Grey Medallion Program.

Support Meals on Wheels Service from preparation and delivery and from a food safety perspective to ensure best practice of the whole food preparation cycle and delivery of meals to vulnerable people in the community

Metro Access position undertakes ongoing advocacy regarding facilities being accessible to all

Community volunteers aged 45+ participate in the Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee

Continual assessment and response to community recommendations regarding accessibility to all Council leisure facilities and ensuring all facilities are DDA Compliant.

Karralyka installed a lift to increase accessibility into the venue in response to community need.

Council currently offers a companion card for carers which allows the carer to get in for free at all Council’s leisure facilities.

Creation of a new Volunteer Coordinator position to support Council’s volunteers and volunteering opportunities

Introduction of a parents program at Council’s Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Centre, Kerrabee, to introduce intergenerational exchange

Delivery and coordination of the Home and Community Care Services program Respite care provided to carers through the HACC Planned Activity Group Introduction and funding of the Short Term Case Management role to assist with

referrals for vulnerable people who require short term assistance to maximise independence and stay connected with the community

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Did You Know? Council provides a 15% - 20% discount to Seniors Card Holders and to Pension/DVA

Health Card/Health Care Card holders for all Aquahub activities. The Eastern Regional Libraries through its Maroondah Seniors Outreach Officer

provides a number of dynamic library resources and delivers them to people who are socially isolated and/or housebound as well as to Senior Community Groups, retirement villages, nursing homes and all aged care facilities. For enquiries, please ring 9800 6430

Maroondah City Council now auspices the Maroondah Seniors Police Register with the support of Victoria Police and the Croydon RSL. To date, 1130 members have registered with their details on a confidential database. The register has 18 volunteers who support the register. If you want to hear a regular friendly voice on the other end of the phone line, contact 9298 4305 to register.

Community Quotes

Make sure that the older people understand what services are available to them. Many older frail people are so scared they may have to move out of their home that they do not follow up on what is available to help them (Female, 71, Ringwood)

Promote and support volunteer organisations related to older people's well being (Male, 62, Ringwood East)

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PRIORITY ONE INITIATIVES: COMMUNITY SUPPORT & HEALTH SERVICES

Initiatives Champion/s Stakeholder/s

CSHS1.1

Consider the opportunity of incorporating dog walkers to Council’s Volunteer Register for vulnerable persons and the socially isolated to create another point of contact and regular visits for the age cohort who are unable to leave their home to walk their pet. Local Laws

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeAnimal AidAged & Disability ServicesEastern VolunteersHuman Resources

CSHS1.2

Explore the opportunity to extend the distribution of the Community Health Newsletter and relevant health support programs to the community groups catering to the 45+ age group including, but not limited to, environmental issues, community events and Council’s emergency management procedures & resources.

Community Health & Emergency Management

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeMaroondah Healthy Ageing NetworkMaroondah Seniors Police Register

CSHS1.3

Ongoing relationship building and community strengthening of Emergency Management service providers and committee participation to support vulnerable persons in the community.

Community Health & Emergency ManagementCouncil Service AreasVulnerable Persons Coordinator

Red CrossSalvation ArmyVictorian Council of ChurchesVictoria PoliceState Emergency Services (SES)Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB)

CSHS1.4

Investigate the feasibility of developing an education awareness program for Council staff to become better informed about introducing opportunities of support for vulnerable people and/or people at risk of social isolation and create report back mechanisms to Council to assist with their future wellbeing.

Community Health & Emergency Management Council Service Areas

CSHS1.5

Community Planning & Development to commence research into the feasibility of convening a local health & wellbeing service providers network and if viable include as an action within the Maroondah Community Wellbeing Plan - Action Plan 2016/17.

Community Planning & Development

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeMaroondah Network of Community Aged Care Service Providers and Agencies

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CSHS1.6

Ongoing internal consultations will be conducted regarding climate change to inform the municipality’s emergency planning with regards to older and vulnerable persons in the municipality.

Strategic Planning & Sustainability

Council on the Ageing (COTA)Emergency Management Service ProvidersVulnerable Persons Coordinator

CSHS1.7

Customer Contact to work with Aged & Disability Services to be provided and informed about information relating specifically to carers groups within Maroondah to inform customers. Customer Contact

Aged & Disability ServicesAkuna Carers' Group (Dementia specific) - a partnership between Council, E.A.C.H. and Donwood to support carers of people with dementiaMaroondah Carers' Group

CSHS1.8

Customer Contact to provide Home and Community Care (HACC) brochures and/or age-friendly information when sending out disabled parking permits where applicable. Customer Contact

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeAged & Disability Services

CSHS1.9Investigate whether age-friendly information can be in other Council mail outs to maximise hard-copy resources. Customer Contact

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeCommunications & Marketing

CSHS1.10

Explore Council's sponsorship of a rescued animal to visit residential aged care facilities (pet therapy).

Customer ContactLocal Laws

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeAnimal AidMaroondah Residential Aged Care Facilities

CSHS1.11

Develop a communications strategy specifically targeted for the 45+ age cohort to disseminate information regarding the activities and options at all Maroondah Leisure facilities. Maroondah Leisure

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeCommunications & MarketingMaroondah Healthy Ageing Network

CSHS1.12

Introduction of the Grey Medallion Pilot program which aims to provide life skills in the water for people aged 55+. Maroondah Leisure Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative

CSHS1.13

Examine the possibility to advocate for the reintroduction of a community swimming bus for the new facility, Aquanation, and assess feasibility to seek Vic Health funding to support this initiative. Sports & Recreation

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeMaroondah LeisureVic Health

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CSHS1.14

Council Volunteer Coordinator will provide ongoing support through the development of a Council Volunteer Program which includes a volunteer pack with all relevant information including a volunteer handbook and induction program to the Maroondah community including those aged 45+ to access Council's volunteer opportunities. Human Resources

CSHS1.15

Develop information regarding intergenerational care of young children 0-12 to be distributed to intergenerational carers. Children's Services

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeCarers VictoriaMaroondah Integrated Kindergarten's Association (MIKA)Maternal & Child Health Services

CSHS1.16

Use Children’s Services database to distribute information regarding services and resources for people aged 45+ (parents, grandparents and ageing carers). Children's Services

CSHS1.17

Increase feedback reporting mechanism from Maternal & Child Health Home visits back to Aged & Disability Services to inform of intergenerational care being provided particularly in low socio-economic families. Maternal & Child Health Aged & Disability Services

CSHS1.18

Develop information regarding intergenerational care of newborns - 5 years old to be distributed to intergenerational carers. Maternal & Child Health

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeCarers Victoria

CSHS1.19

Maximise resources by including Maternal & Child Health Nurses in training opportunities for dealing with the ageing population of different Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds and provide HACC packs to ageing carers for their reference. Maternal & Child Health

Aged & Disability ServicesCommunity DevelopmentMigrant Information Centre

CSHS1.20

Research and investigate the possibility of establishing and facilitating a voluntary Adopt-a-Grandparent scheme to support families with no intergenerational contact and/or support to enhance health and wellbeing of parents and children and the older person. Maternal & Child Health

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeChildren's ServicesMaroondah Community GroupsMaroondah Senior Citizens CentresYouth Services

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CSHS1.21

Investigate extending current Council programs to incorporate an intergenerational component.


Arts & Cultural DevelopmentCommunity DevelopmentKarralyakMaternal & Child HealthREALMStrategic Planning & Sustainability

CSHS1.22

Explore opportunities to create intergenerational programs with Mothers' groups and the HACC Planned Activity Groups at Council's Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Centre (Kerrabee). Maternal & Child Health

Aged & Disability Services - Social Inclusion & Wellbeing

CSHS1.23

Council to continue to advocate to the Federal Government regarding the HACC program to achieve optimal outcomes for consumers aged 65+. Aged & Disability Services Federal Government

CSHS1.24

Explore opportunities to maximise current resources of Council’s Occupational Therapist service provision to allow consumers to manage independently in their home and to support them to age in place. Aged & Disability Services

Calvary Community CareE.A.C.H.

CSHS1.25

Examine the possibility of increasing the diversity of volunteer options within Council and the municipality. Aged & Disability Services

Eastern VolunteersHuman Resources

CSHS1.26

Continue advocacy role to work with Primary Care Partnerships to promote and deliver preventative health programs.

Aged & Disability ServicesOuter East Health & Community Support Alliance (OEHCSA)

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeCommunity DevelopmentCommunity Health Eastern Melbourne Medicare Local (EMML)Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN)

CSHS1.27

Seek feedback on the possibility of presenting relevant age-friendly information to community stakeholders on a regular and/or rotational basis.

Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative Maroondah Community Groups

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CSHS1.28

Build and strengthen relationships with service providers and agencies who provide services to the ageing population and collaboratively determine best approaches for information exchange and resource sharing.


Aged & Disability ServicesMaroondah Community Aged Care Service Providers and Agencies

CSHS1.29

Promote programs and services catering for carers through various communication channels. Aged & Disability Services

Carers VictoriaCommunications & Marketing

CSHS1.30

Council's website upgrade to ensure accessibility compliance for online communication as outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Communications & Marketing

CSHS1.31

Council will continue to provide regular updates and communications regarding seasonal messaging as it relates to health and wellbeing of the age cohort, particularly vulnerable persons and/or the socially isolated (e.g. heatwave notifications). Communications & Marketing

Aged & Disability ServicesCommunity HealthyMaroondah Healthy Ageing Network

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Priority 2: Transportation

Age-friendly Community Priority: 2(1= the top priority; 8= the least important of the 8)


Transportation, including accessible and affordable public transport, is a key factor influencing active ageing………..In particular, being able to move about the city determines social and civic participation and access to community and health services.World Health Organisation – Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide (2007:20)

Maroondah 2040An accessible and connected communityMaroondah is an accessible community for all ages and abilities with walkable neighbourhoods, effective on and off-road transport networks, and access to a range of sustainable transport options.

The Maroondah community ranked the current age-friendliness of the domain of Transportation in fourth position but promoted it to second position when it came to prioritising the age-friendly domains.

The initiatives reflect our community’s desire to remain involved and mobile within Maroondah and access a range of affordable, safe and sustainable transport modes so that they can continue to access facilities, activities and events so that they can continue their participation in community life.

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A snapshot of our age-friendly journey so far……. Monitoring of all Council facilities and public parking to ensure that activity hubs have a

turnover in parking so that all users can access buildings and parking spaces and not restrict the local economic vibrancy of our activity hubs.

Maroondah City Council is a member of the Eastern Transport Coalition whose main role is to advocate to the State Government to obtain better public transport options for the Eastern Region.

Council has developed the Seniors Transport Guide, a mobility map for Croydon and investigating another for Heathmont as well as the development of a Ringwood cycling map.

Council supports the following initiatives: to increase the confidence of users (parents & grandparents):

o Ride to Work Dayo Walk to School day whose aim is to increase the confidence of

intergenerational users (children, young people, parents, grandparents) and assess the safety and quality of the walkability to schools

Council provides low cost transport options to the community through their weekly library and shopping bus service and their monthly outing service

Council was successful in receiving funding from Eastern Melbourne Medicare Local and the Outer East Health and Community Support Alliance to deliver the Maroondah Seniors Smart Rider Program which was a partnership between Council’s Aged and Disability Services and the Maroondah Police Seniors Register. The aim of the hands on program was to give older residents the opportunity to learn in a practical way at nil cost to them :

o how to purchase and use a MYKI card;o the different transport options and how to use the MYKI card on all the

different modeso the accessibility features of public transporto safety tips when using public transport; ando the role of Protective Services Officers.

DID YOU KNOW? Parking at transport hubs like train stations are owned and maintained by Public

Transport Victoria. Council’s role is to ensure that local traders and residents are not adversely affected by the overspill of regional commuters.

If there are issues with the bus pads and the linking paths to the bus pads, then you need to contact Public Transport Victoria (PTV) 1800 800 007 or www.ptv.vic.gov.au

It is now a Victorian Government initiative that all buses are accessible. Most buses operating within Maroondah are now accessible and over time all buses will become accessible.

If you are aware of any issues of safety on Maroondah’s roads and footpaths, including street lighting concerns, you should contact Council to provide feedback 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598.

The current standard for disabled parking in a car park is that 1% - 2% of total car spaces must be dedicated to disabled parking.

Seniors Parking is not enforceable – it is merely suggestive but open to all users. Eastern Volunteers provides volunteer assisted community transport to the frail aged

and people with disabilities living in the Eastern Metropolitan region which includes Maroondah to attend health care and medical appointments, undertake shopping requirements, visit family and friends, attend activity groups and generally participate in social and recreational activities. The service follows the Federal Government’s Active Service Model which is a model that supports active ageing and helps people to

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continue living independently in their homes while still being able to participate in social, recreational and community activities. Please ring 9870 7822 or visit www.easternvolunteers.org.au

Bus routes are determined through the transport operators and applications are made through the State Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure.

Maroondah has a Tree Policy that states that trees cannot be planted in front of Council road signs and that there is a proactive inspection program that assesses these trees every 2 years. For all non-Council roads, Council staff meet with Vic Roads bi-annually to review.

There is an Invicta telebus service that operates as part of the myki public transport system in Croydon, Chirnside Park, Lilydale and Mooroolbark. A telebus is a dial-a-ride service that operates partway between a normal scheduled bus service and a taxi. You may telephone and request to be picked up from home within the designated route map, or may ask the driver to be dropped off at home and you pay a small surcharge for this personalized service. For more information please visit http://ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/maps/telebuses/ or call 1800 800 007

Community Quotes

Safer bus shelters and other areas for ageing persons to wait for transport (Female, 67, Croydon)

The Telebus is a great idea for older people as it can be arranged to pick up and drop the passenger at their home address (Female, 68, Croydon resident)

Bus stops at night should all at least have overhead neon street lamps, if not, additional lighting. It is easy for drivers not to see people in the dark, especially if they are wearing dark clothing (Male, 69, Croydon)

To have more buses travelling not only main thoroughfares but also through the smaller streets that make up Maroondah (Female, 74, Croydon)

Remove trees from in front of road signage (Male, 75, Mitcham visitor)

Reliable train and bus services; buses are underutilised (Male, 87, Ringwood resident)

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http://ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/maps/telebuses/

http://www.easternvolunteers.org.au/

PRIORITY TWO INITIATIVES: TRANSPORTATION


T2.1

Investigate the possibility of creating a flyer and information on Council's website regarding Maroondah's parking restrictions in and around Maroondah's activity hubs (e.g. train stations, shopping centres) to distribute to the community. Local Laws

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeMaroondah Traders' AssociationsTraffic Engineering

T2.2

An internal Bus Network Review will be conducted and the findings presented to private bus operators (Trans Dev and Ventura) which will include buses, trains and telebuses. The aim of the review is to first understand the needs of the community and then use this information to lobby to the private public transport operators.

Strategic Planning & SustainabilityTraffic Engineering Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative

T2.3

Council will continue to participate in the Eastern Transport Coalition and advocate for the public transport needs of the community and strengthen its relationships with private operators Strategic Planning & Sustainability

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeAged & Disability ServicesEngineering Services

T2.4Strategic land use around public transport hubs will be investigated which will consider the needs of an ageing population. Strategic Planning & Sustainability

T2.5

Strategic Planning and Sustainability to partner with the Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative to exchange information regarding public transport issues relevant to the ageing population.

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeStrategic Planning & Sustainability Maroondah Healthy Ageing Network

T2.6An upgrade of all existing bus shelters to be rolled out so that they comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Strategic Planning & Sustainability

Engineering ServicesMetro Access

T2.7Commence roll out of an integrated pedestrian network to all bus stops.

Engineering ServicesStrategic Planning & Sustainability Operations

T2.8

Research possible grant funding opportunities to install Parkiteer facilities. Parkiteer is leading the way in free and secure bike parking at railway stations and public transport hubs. Strategic Planning & Sustainability

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T2.9

Develop Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy. This strategy along with Council Structure Plans will outline better accessibility and mobility for the municipality. This information will enable Council to seek funding (when available) as it will show Council’s statement of intent for future developments within the municipality. This will also assist with improving Maroondah’s walkability which will align with Plan Melbourne’s vision for a 20 minute city whereby every home will be within 20 minutes travel time of jobs, shops, cafes, schools, parks and community facilities.

Engineering ServicesStrategic Planning & Sustainability Eastern Transport Coalition

T2.10Strategic Planning and Sustainability to collaborate with the Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative to inform the walkability project. Strategic Planning & Sustainability

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeCouncil on the Ageing (COTA)Victoria Walks

T2.11

Council will continue to advocate to Public Transport Victoria regarding the location of nominated new bus shelters as per community feedback. Engineering Services Public Transport Victoria (PTV)

T2.12Advocate on behalf of the community to review the existing standards for disability parking. Engineering Services

T2.13Provision of Council's Social Support Program (Community Transport) for frail aged persons to support social participation. Social Inclusion & Wellbeing

Business & DevelopmentEastern Regional Libraries

T2.14Investigate transport funding opportunities as they arise to address transport issues for the ageing population in Maroondah. Aged & Disability Services

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeStrategic Planning & SustainabilityRelevant funding organisations

T2.15

Consider the age-friendly principles of Transportation as outlined by the World Health Organisation when reviewing the Road Management Plan

AssetsOperations - Construction Maintenance Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative

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Priority 3: Communication & Information

Age-friendly Community Priority: Equal 3rd(1= the top priority; 8= the least important of the 8)


…Staying connected with events and people and getting timely, practical information to manage life and meet personal needs is vital for active ageing…the central concern …… is to have relevant information that is readily accessible to older people with varying capacities and resources.World Health Organisation – Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide (2007:60)

Maroondah 2040Well governed and empoweredMaroondah is an empowered community that is actively engaged in Council decision making through processes that consider the needs and aspirations of all ages and population groups. Council provides strong and responsive leadership, ensures transparency, while working with the community to advocate for and ‘champion’ local needs.

The Maroondah community ranked the current age-friendliness of the domain of Communication and Information in top position in light of the amount of information that is currently available. It was prioritised in third position and stresses how ongoing due diligence will be constantly required to ensure timely and accessible information is reaching our community.

The initiatives reflect our community’s diverse needs and expectations to receive information through a number of different channels and means to ensure that they are given every opportunity to access information that is relevant to them in a timely manner.

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Council produces an annual Community directory that is provided in both hard copy and on-line.

An existing Migrant and Refugee booklet has also been published for the Maroondah CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities in partnership with the Migrant Information Centre

Council’s Customer Contact staff currently assist the community to fill out specific forms relevant to the ageing population at three separate customer contact locations (e.g. Multi Purpose Taxi Program, Seniors Card Applications, etc)

Council’s Revenue staff currently provide an outreach payment service in exceptional circumstances to the socially isolated and vulnerable in the Maroondah community.

Maroondah City Council participated in a regional partnership to develop an accessible communications guidelines resource.

Council provides financial support of the Seniors Chatterbox quarterly newsletter coordinated and developed by the Maroondah Healthy Ageing Network. The newsletter contains information, news and a calendar of events relevant to the community aged 50+ and aims to reach out and engage persons in the community who may be socially isolated and who could benefit through the engagement of relevant interest groups.

A number of newsletters are produced and circulated to Home & Community Care (HACC) consumers. These include the following:- A bi-annual HACC newsletter; partners receive this in electronic format.- The Maroondah Police Seniors Register newsletter- HACC Service provider newsletter to support workers- A bi-annual HACC Volunteer newsletter circulated to HACC volunteers

Quarterly HACC volunteer face-to-face meetings are conducted to provide information and celebrate the volunteers throughout the year.

HACC consumers receive one-to-one assessments in their own homes. Kerrabee (Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Centre) offers one-to-one computer training

through its Planned Activity Group (PAG) program. Council supports the Active & Healthy Ageing Coordinator role to coordinate and

support age-friendly initiatives in Maroondah and the preparation of the Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative – Towards an Age-friendly Maroondah.

DID YOU KNOW? North Ringwood Community House offers a Seniors broadband kiosk which includes

free internet access and personal tuition to seniors. Council uses a range of communication methods to share information with the

community, including: Media (local newspaper, Eastern FM radio), Publications (quarterly Maroondah in Focus community newsletter, community information bulletins, brochures), Events (displays, presentations, merchandise), Websites, Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linked in), Display Merchandise (posters, banners, fliers), Display Locations (3 Customer Contact centres, libraries, community notice boards, community centres, roadside boards) and Conventional Direct Mail initiatives.

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Community Quotes

Some elderly need one on one support filling out forms, etc (Female, 72, Ringwood East)

Facilitate the use of technology by slowly paced instruction classes. Provide greater access to computers at local centres (Male, 81, Croydon)

Older people give time to older people on the phone. Maybe the council could have older volunteers spend time with the older persons (Female, 75, Ringwood East)

The information to people of Maroondah should have information kiosks set around Maroondah with multi-language employed at kiosks (Male, 65, Ringwood)

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PRIORITY THREE INITIATIVES: COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION


CI3.1

Community Planning & Development to include an action item regarding seeking to enhance the communication of health promotion messaging to the Maroondah community, within the development of the Maroondah Community Wellbeing Plan - Action Plan 2016/17.


Aged & Disabilty ServicesCommunity Health

CI3.2

Collaborate with community houses, U3As and other service providers to identify opportunities for promotion of support for accessing and using computers and the internet to empower the ageing population to find the information they seek.


Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeAged & Disability ServicesEastern Regional LibrariesMaroondah Community GroupsMaroondah Community HousesU3A CroydonU3A Ringwood

CI3.3Review Customer Contact information display units at service centres to ensure accessibility of information for the ageing population. Customer Contact


CI3.4

Investigate the possibility of increasing information access points in Council facilities where the ageing population regularly visit (e.g. Karralyka, Dorset Golf, Ringwood Golf, Aquahub and new facilities Aquanation and REALM). Customer Contact

KarralykaMaroondah LeisureREALM

CI3.5

Collaborate with relevant Council service areas to explore the possibility of creating and distributing pre-made information packs specifically for the 45+ age group at Customer Contact service centres. Customer Contact Whole of Council Approach

CI3.6Explore the potential for Customer Contact to conduct outreach to Senior Citizens' Centres to distribute Council information.


Customer ContactMaroondah Senior Citizens' Centres

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CI3.7

Investigate the feasibility of Customer Contact Staff providing on-line assistance with electronic forms for the ageing population at customer contact service centres. Customer Contact

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeREALM

CI3.8

Look into the assessment of community locations to create in situ pop up booths to increase face-to-face communication opportunities where the ageing population frequents.


Aged & Disability ServicesCommunications & MarketingCustomer Contact

CI3.9

Research whether the possibility of the concierge model of customer contact can be extended beyond REALM so that the ageing population can be provided one-to-one assistance and training using ipad and/or other technologies. Customer Contact Council's Information Technology

CI3.10Promote the on-line availability of the Maroondah Leader newspaper. Customer Contact Maroondah Leader

CI3.11Examine the possibility of having the local radio playing at customer contact centres to help disseminate local Maroondah news. Customer Contact Communications & Marketing

CI3.12

Partner with other Council service areas and volunteer organisations to assist with rate notices and outreach payment opportunities for vulnerable members of our community. Revenue

Aged & Disability ServicesEastern Volunteers

CI3.13

Discuss the possibility of including age-friendly information with Rates notices and Home & Community Care (HACC) / Food Services (Meals on Wheels) invoices to increase communication distribution channels. Revenue

Aged & Disability Services & The Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative

CI3.14

Build stronger links with community service providers to increase community strengthening and knowledge sharing about support services for the ageing population. Aged & Disability Services

Maroondah Network of Community Service Providers

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CI3.15Explore linkages with relevant service providers to be able to increase outreach scope to vulnerable persons in the municipality.

Aged & Disability ServicesVulnerable Persons Coordinator

Community HealthRed CrossSalvation ArmyWesley MissionWhole of Council approach

CI3.16

Develop education and awareness social media campaign of the introduction of the roll out of the My Aged Care website as part of the Federal Government’s Aged Care Reforms. Aged & Disability Services

Calvary Community CareCommunications & MarketingFederal Government

CI3.17Participate in relevant Expos and Forums as they arise to increase promotion of Council’s HACC services. Aged & Disability Services

CI3.18Work with Council service areas to create a consolidated database specific for the age group 45+.


CI3.19

Promote opportunities for community groups to share their individual activities, events and training opportunities in Council’s What’s On section. This is available on Council’s website and is distributed in hard copy to a number of locations across Maroondah. Communications & Marketing

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeMaroondah Healthy Ageing NetworkMaroondah Community Groups

CI3.20

Deliver and promote the various free learning opportunities for new technologies to the age group aged 45+ to increase their knowledge and confidence to access information Eastern Regional Libraries

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeMaroondah Community HousesU3A CroydonU3A Ringwood

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Priority 4: Housing

Age-friendly Community Priority Ranking: Equal 3rd(1= the top priority; 8= the least important of the 8)

Age-friendly Ranking: 8 (1 = the most age-friendly; 8=the least age-friendly)

Housing is essential to safety and well-being. There is a link between appropriate housing and access to community and social services in influencing the independence and quality of life of older people. It is clear that housing and support that allow older people to age comfortably and safely within the community to which they belong are universally valued.World Health Organisation – Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide (2007:30)

Maroondah 2040Attractive, thriving and well builtMaroondah is an attractive community with high quality residential and commercial areas incorporating infrastructure that meets the needs and aspirations of all ages and abilities. A diverse range of housing options are available and thriving activity centres provide a broad range of facilities to meet community needs.

The Maroondah community ranked the current age-friendliness of the domain of Housing in last position. It was prioritised in equal third position as issues of remaining independently in family homes as they age will be a growing concern.

The initiatives reflect our community’s desire to continue living in Maroondah but having access to housing stock that suits their changing needs whilst still ensuring that facilities and amenities are conveniently located and accessible so that they can continue to actively participate in all aspects of Maroondah life. Decreased mobility and confidence as people age requires considerations and encouragement towards more flexible and adaptable housing options based on universal design principles that are conveniently located.

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Maroondah’s housing stock is currently being investigated and results will be published in Council’s Housing Strategy which will look into the diversity of housing stock in Maroondah.

Ratepayers who hold a Pension Concession Card (PCC) or DVA Gold Repatriation Health Card (TPI) or a DVA Gold Repatriation Card-War Widow can apply to Council for a concession on their rates payment. The concession card must be held by the person who is named as the ratepayer on the account and the property must be the principal place of residence. If you hold one of these cards and government rebates are not shown on your rate notice please make further enquiries with Council's Customer Contact or Revenue staff on 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598.

The HACC program provides Home Maintenance for eligible consumers living in the Maroondah area.

Council was successful in obtaining funding from the Department of Health to provide a dedicated in-house Occupational Therapist to provide assistance to HACC eligible residents. The aim of the role is to improve consumer capacity and the safety of consumers through the provision of equipment, home modifications and/or techniques to improve and facilitate day to day activities.

Individuals who are not HACC eligible can also access the Home Safe program through Calvary Community Care (1300 666 630) as a private client. The program provides home maintenance as well as aids to adapt your home to increase safety, security and independence for people in their homes at commercial rates. Home Safe is a network of carefully selected home maintenance workers as sourced by Calvary Community Care with current police checks to assist in making people’s homes safe and comfortable.

Council has established links with service providers to support the housing needs of Maroondah residents which include the Homelessness Network, Wesley, Anchor, Salvation Army and the Office of Housing.

Did you know? If you are a holder of an Aged and/or Disability Pension and/or a Health Care Card you

are eligible for a free home assessment from Archicentre (1300 136 513). After the assessment you will receive a report about what modifications are required for your home to enable you to continue living independently in your own home. It is up to you to then decide if you want to go ahead with the home modifications and you will need to source the appropriate modifications and installer.

Maroondah currently has a high proportion per capita of residential care facilities Social housing is not currently within Council’s scope. Council’s role in this case is as

an advocate on behalf of the community. Currently there is limited Greenfield land left in Maroondah for new developments so

we need to find new locations and ways to accommodate residents Council can influence housing developments by the selection and application of

available residential zoning to different locations throughout the municipality. The State government however, must agree to Council’s application of the zones.

The majority of developers in Maroondah are local residents. Council’s research indicates that 70% of the new supply of housing stock is less than the median house price so new developments aid affordability.

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Community Quotes

For affordable housing to be accessible, people need to know about it. (Female, 65, Croydon)

Scared of being ripped off because I am old (Female, 85, Croydon)

Need really accessible trades people to modify your home environment so you can stay longer in your home (Male, 59, Park Orchards visitor)

More attention needs to be focused on ageing people in Maroondah who rely solely on their Pension, to access affordable rental accommodation!! (Female, 69, Ringwood)

Senior friendly apartments in the central areas of Ringwood and Croydon so we could sell our big houses to young families and move closer to everything (Male, 67, Ringwood)

We have recently downsized after spending over 50 years of marriage living [elsewhere] and earlier this year moved into our beautiful Unit in Croydon where we have everything we desire on call and are very happy - we are still close to all our friends and ex-neighbours and have a few small shops nearby (which include a Milk Bar and Pizza Shop !!) and most importantly a bus stop and letterbox at the end of our drive - and in all of the years living [outside of Maroondah] we never had a garage - but now we have! My husband is absolutely delighted. So yes, we are loving Maroondah (Female, 74, Croydon)

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PRIORITY FOUR INITIATIVES: HOUSING


H4.1Council’s future Land Use Policy will be explored to take into account the ageing population's needs. Strategic Planning & Sustainability Victorian State Government

H4.2

Council will continue to actively participate and advocate for affordable housing through their participation in the Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance. Strategic Planning & Sustainability

Community DevelopmentEastern Affordable Housing AllianceHousing for the Aged Action Group

H4.3

A collaborative project between Council and Swinburne University will investigate the end of life cycle of existing stock in conjunction with the housing strategy to research land consolidation activities.

Strategic Planning & SustainabilitySwinburne University

H4.4

Promote the Council on the Ageing's (COTA's) Home Maintenance Services which provide registered COTA members with secure and competitively prices and guaranteed service for small and large jobs around the home.

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeCouncil on the Ageing

H4.5

Encourage COTA to collaborate with the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) to facilitate possible housing market information exchange to the ageing population.

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeCouncil on the Ageing

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Priority 5: Social Participation

Age-friendly Community Priority Ranking : Equal 3rd (1= the top priority; 8= the least important of the 8)


Social participation and social support are strongly connected to good health and well-being throughout life…..the capacity to participate in formal and informal social life depends not only on the offer of activities, but also on having adequate access to transportation and facilities and on getting information about activities.World Health Organisation – Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide (2007:38)

Maroondah 2040A safe, healthy and active communityMaroondah is a safe, healthy and active community with local opportunities provided for people of all ages and abilities to have high levels of social, emotional and physical wellbeing.

The Maroondah community ranked the current age-friendliness of the domain of Social Participation in second place. It was prioritised in equal third position and highlights the importance social participation plays and will continue to play in our community.

The initiatives reflect our community’s desire to continue to participate in the diversity of activities and events that Maroondah has to offer. The community expressed that the key influences to maintaining and strengthening social participation rates were dependent on accessible transport options, facilities and venues that cater for the increased numbers of ageing persons in our community and the choice of communication channels utilised to ensure that the ageing population are aware and informed in a timely manner.

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Weekly library and shopping trips and monthly outings where low cost transportation is provided by Council’s Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Program.

Council was successful with a funding application to deliver the Smart Rider Program to older residents to provide assistance with accessing public transport within Maroondah to increase social participation opportunities. This was a very successful partnership between Council, Croydon Police and Eastern Melbourne Medicare Local.

Council provides transport facilities through the use of a community bus for outings for the Maroondah Carers’ Group, the Akuna Carers’ Group and the Maroondah Police Seniors Register members.

The Home and Community Care Services of personal care, respite care and the planned activity groups also provide opportunities for social participation and interaction.

Karralyka offers companion card holders a free ticket to Theatre season shows. Council provided part funding along with Federal Government and Sport & Recreation

Victoria (SRV) and received benevolent funding from a private provider to increase the building size and accessibility of the Norwood Pavilion to accommodate the increased number of users of this facility.

Multiple funding streams were provided to assist with building improvements to both the Parkwood Precinct (former State Government School zone) which will now house Ringwood U3A, the Ringwood Men’s Shed, the Croydon & Ringwood Toy Library and the Penumbra Centre.

Multiple funding streams were secured to extend the current Ringwood East Seniors’ Citizens Centre.to house the Yarra Valley Bridge Club,

Council currently supports the following free, social community events and advertises through a number of communication channels: Carols by Candelight, Australia Day celebrations, Picnic in the Park and the Maroondah Festival.

Did you know?A Seniors Walk is conducted every year as part of the Seniors festival during Seniors Week in October and the walk is nominated by the community members themselves. A bus is also provided by Council to take the group to their nominated destination.

Community Quotes

Making social participation that is affordable and accessible is most important to older people. Cost can be prohibitive so consideration should be given to those on low income (Female, 65, Croydon)

The free activities that are provided at Ringwood Lake on Australia Day are excellent. More occasions like this would be good! (Female, 67, Ringwood)

There seem to be plenty of opportunities already, for people who wish to participate in them (Male, 59, Croydon)

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PRIORITY FIVE INITIATIVES: SOCIAL PARTICIPATION


SP5.1

Examine the possibility of including other transport-related options to increase social participation opportunities when sending out disabled parking permits (e.g. Seniors Transport Guide, Multi Purpose Taxi Program, etc). Customer Contact

SP5.2

An Eastern Regional Community Facilities Strategy will be prepared to pool resources on a regional scale based on evidence to apply for funding that serves the whole region to be able to rationalise resources to increase community access. Sports & Recreation Regional partners

SP5.3

Council will continue to facilitate regular social outings for the members of the Maroondah Carers' Group and the Akuna Carers' Group. Aged & Disability Services

Akuna Carers' GroupMaroondah Carers' Group

SP5.4

Ongoing advocacy to internal Council service areas regarding access to Council facilities for organised social participation activities for the ageing population. Aged & Disability Services

Arts & Cultural DevelopmentAssetsKarralykaMaroondah LeisureSports & Recreation

SP5.5Continue to review communication methods to ensure they are appropriate for an ageing population. Communications & Marketing

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeAged & Disability Services

SP5.6

Review opportunities to introduce the Maroondah Healthy Ageing Network's Chatterbox newsletter to community venues where the ageing population regularly frequents.

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeMaroondah Healthy Ageing Network

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Priority 6: Respect & Social Inclusion

Age-friendly Community Priority Ranking: 6(1= the top priority; 8= the least important of the 8)


Respect and social inclusion of older people depend on more than societal change: factors such as culture, gender, health status and economic status play a large role. The extent to which older people participate in the social, civic and economic life of the city is also closely linked to their experience of inclusionWorld Health Organisation – Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide (2007:45)

Maroondah 2040Inclusive and diverseMaroondah is an inclusive community where social connections are strong across generations and diversity is embraced and celebrated.

The Maroondah community ranked the current age-friendliness of the domain of Respect and Social Inclusion in sixth position and it was similarly prioritized in the same position.

Our community believes that respect and social inclusion is measured by how well we communicate to and with each other and believe that intergenerational strengthening is vital to creating a community that embraces and celebrates the diversity of all our people.

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A snapshot of our age-friendly journey so far……. Maroondah City Council’s annual participation in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to

promote the awareness and educate people about the forms of elder abuse. Maroondah Council’s annual participation of Seniors’ Week and the coordination of the

Seniors Wellbeing Expo. Programs at Aquahub are tailored to the specific needs of our ageing population. An intergenerational social connection pilot initiative between young volunteers and

participants of the HACC supported Planned Activity Group (PAG) held at Kerrabee has commenced with an exchange excursion planned next for the PAG participants to visit EV’s Youth Centre.

Development of intergenerational programs with Supported Residential Services (SRS) residents.

Did you know? Glen Park Community Centre Café supports the Senior’s Discount Tuesday initiative

whereby seniors are eligible to 10% off their bill.

General Quote“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners” – Laurence Sterne

Community Quotes

Quite often 'older' people are categorised in 'a box'. For instance, some 70 year old's needs are totally different to other 70 year olds - or 50 year olds for that matter. It all boils down to a person's state of health and fitness (Female, 72, Croydon)

Promoting independence as a social value is something people need reminding about. Whether it’s encouraging older people to walk to the next seat to promote daily exercise or encouraging younger people to consider what life is like for other people helps connect us and remind us that we will [all] be older at some point (Female, 55, Ringwood)

Accepting and encouraging older/retired people to take on or continue in areas of responsibility - Council, community committees, advisory roles, education roles etc - so they are active in and contributing to the community (Male, 56, Croydon)

I love living in Maroondah. I would not want to live anywhere else. Generations live happily together (Female, 79, Ringwood East)

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PRIORITY SIX INITIATIVES: RESPECT & SOCIAL INCLUSION


RSI6.1

Investigate feasibility of creating intergenerational initiatives that link the ageing population with schools to support wellbeing and knowledge interchange. Youth Services

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeCroydon Rotary ClubMaroondah Primary SchoolsMaroondah Secondary SchoolsRotary Club of Ringwood

RSI6.2Facilitate opportunities for young people and older people to learn from each other through exchanges of skills, knowledge and ideas. Youth Services

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeMaroondah Seniors Community groups

RSI6.3 Support opportunities for intergenerational creative performances. Youth ServicesActive & Healthy Ageing InitiativeArts & Cultural Development

RSI6.4Facilitate opportunities for intergenerational social connections through Council-run community events and activities.

Youth ServicesActive & Healthy Ageing Initiative

Aged & Disability Services - Social Inclusion & WellbeingLeisure

RSI6.5

Explore the development of an initiative that connects socially isolated individuals from younger and older generations, in order to improve their wellbeing and community connectedness. Youth Services

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeMaroondah Police Seniors RegisterVulnerable Persons CoordinatorWesley Mission

RSI6.6 Trial a Music and Memory program for people living with dementia.

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeMusic & Memory Service ProviderYouth Services Nominated Residential Aged Care Facility

RSI6.7

Examine expanding the placement opportunities for students at Swinburne University studying Certificate IV in Mental Health with Council's Supported Residential Services (SRS) program participants aged 45+. Social Inclusion & Wellbeing

Supported Residential ServicesSwinburne University

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RSI6.8

Prepare and circulate an expression of interest for an intergenerational working group within Council to look at a range of intergenerational initiatives in consultation with the Maroondah community aged 45+. Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative

Aged & Disability ServicesChildren’s ServicesCommunity Planning & DevelopmentMaternal & Child HealthYouth Services

RSI6.9Promote intergenerational learning, knowledge exchange and creative collaboration through arts projects within Maroondah Arts & Cultural Development Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative

RSI6.10Provide opportunities for older artists to present their work in Maroondah cultural facilities Arts & Cultural Development Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative

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Priority 7: Outdoor Spaces & Buildings

Age-friendly Community Priority Ranking: 7 (1= the top priority; 8= the least important of the 8)


The outside environment and public buildings have a major impact on the mobility, independence and quality of life of older people and affect their ability to “age in place”.World Health Organisation – Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide (2007:12)

Maroondah 2040Clean, green and sustainableMaroondah is a green leafy community with high levels of waste diversion and sustainable approaches to infrastructure development, urban design and management of natural resources. Our community is resilient and has the knowledge, capacity and resources to make sustainable lifestyle choices.

The Maroondah community ranked the current age-friendliness of the domain of Outdoor Spaces and Buildings in third place as a result of the amount of green, open spaces we are privileged to enjoy in the municipality. It was prioritised in seventh position as the community felt that Maroondah’s open spaces and buildings are well tended to.

The initiatives reflect our community’s satisfaction with Maroondah’s green, leafy environment and their continued desire to continue to enjoy and access our open spaces and buildings to support their health, wellbeing and continued participation in community life.

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Council and State Government provided funding to pilot a bin installation along the Mullum Mullum walking track to encourage the disposal of pet litter to create a safer walking path. Results of this pilot project will inform the possibility of any future funded projects in other Maroondah outdoor spaces.

Council delivers and schedules new footpath works in accordance with Council’s Principal Pedestrian Network and with consideration to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). These works are generally programmed annually and rely on the participatory community feedback process to assist with identification and prioritisation.

Aquanation has incorporated the physical needs required to ensure that the facility is age-friendly (includes, but is not limited to, lifts, ramps and railings).

All new facilities and pavilions built in Maroondah are DDA Compliant (e.g. Norwood, Ringwood East, Parkwood, Yarra Valley Bridge Club rooms).

Council has separate funding administered by the Metro Access Program which assesses the accessibility of Council assets.

Senior Citizen Centres and groups traditionally supported by Council receive a peppercorn rate for lease agreements.

The Community Facilities Pricing Policy offers a 50% subsidy for seniors groups. Maroondah is well served with walking tracks and trails that provide a dual level

planting scheme which means that a combination of low ground covers and tall trees are planted to allow for visibility and security whilst also providing opportunities for shade.

Did you know? Council has over 100 bushland volunteers who are over 45+ years of age supporting

the preservation and integrity of Maroondah’s environment. Toilets in big and busy parks and reserves are cleaned daily and Council has both a

proactive and reactive maintenance for all Council toilet facilities and they are also Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Compliant.

Community Quotes

Living in the centre of Ringwood is very handy. Wait until I get older and ask me again. LOL! (Female, 77, Ringwood)

I think that the City of Maroondah is on the right track with the outdoor spaces around the area (Female, 58, Ringwood)

As far as it can be seen Maroondah has quite a lot of accessible outdoor spaces, etc (Female, 77, Croydon)

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PRIORITY SEVEN INITIATIVES: OUTDOOR SPACES & BUILDINGS


OSB7.1

Investigation of fenced dog parks which may assist people with mobility issues to exercise their dogs through provision of a safe environment where accessible parking, picnic facilities, toilets, shelter and bins will be supplied. Local Laws

OSB7.2

Areas that are over represented and/or have a high proportion of the ageing population will be considered and scored higher when ranking projects to influence prioritisation of works. Engineering Services

OSB7.3Review accessible parking and accessible theatre seating at Karralyka. Karralyka Metro Access

OSB7.4

Through Council’s Physical Activity Strategy, the issue of safety and accessibility within the municipality’s outdoor spaces will be investigated and addressed to support the safety of the ageing population. Sports & Recreation

OSB7.5

The feasibility of physical activity precincts will be explored to develop accessible physical activity stations in Maroondah’s outdoor spaces and the provision of free gym instructors during the summer season to support the 45+ age group to use the equipment. Sports & Recreation

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeCommunity DevelopmentLeisure

OSB7.6

Formulate initiatives that will utilise and maximise Council’s public open space to engage residents aged 45+ who do not access facility-based programs. Sports & Recreation

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeCommunity DevelopmentLeisure

OSB7.7

Continual review of Council’s reserve pathways. Community feedback from the 45+ age group regarding Council's reserve pathways will influence the priority ranking in pathway improvement works. Operations - Bushland

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OSB7.8

Ongoing collaboration between Council's Tree & Park Maintenance & Open Space service areas for the assessment of location of seating in parks and reserves to accommodate an ageing population. Open Space

Operations - Tree & Park Maintenance

OSB7.9Research the feasibility of increasing the tree data capture parameters to include obstruction of Council road signs.

Operations - Tree & Park Maintenance Assets

OSB7.10

Investigate opportunities to increase resources to assist with developing a proactive community engagement process in relation to specific needs for park infrastructure within the ageing population. Assets Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative

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Priority 8: Civic Participation & Employment

Age-friendly Community Priority Ranking: 8(1= the top priority; 8= the least important of the 8)


Older people do not stop contributing to their communities on retirement. Many continue to provide unpaid and voluntary work for their families and communities. An age-friendly community provides options for older people to continue to contribute to their communities, through paid employment or voluntary work if they so choose and to be engaged in the political process.World Health Organisation – Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide (2007:51)

Maroondah 2040Prosperous and learningMaroondah is a thriving centre of economic activity and opportunity within the eastern region where the sustainability and growth of local businesses is supported. All community members, groups, education providers and local businesses have access to a wide range of quality learning resources and facilities.

The Maroondah community ranked the current age-friendliness of the domain of Civic Participation and Employment in seventh position. It was prioritised in last place when compared to the other seven age-friendly domains.

The initiatives reflect our community’s vigorous and admirable inclination to want to make a contribution to their community through volunteering and their yearning to want to make a contribution throughout their whole life beyond retirement.

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Council celebrates the municipality’s volunteers by hosting a Community Volunteer Luncheon during National Volunteer Week which occurs in May every year. Invitations are issued to all the community groups that support volunteers and volunteerism.

Council uses multiple channels to advertise its paid job opportunities (Careers@Maroondah webpage, Seek, My Career, social media sites (Linked In) and the local paper.

Council advertises its existing volunteer positions on its website Careers@Maroondah web page, SEEK Volunteering and other volunteer job portals. Volunteering opportunities are also promoted in Council’s publication Maroondah in Focus.

Council celebrates and recognises its own volunteers during International Volunteer Day (December 5) every year by hosting a catered awards and recognition evening. Articles and publications celebrating our volunteers are also communicated through various channels. At the time of publication, Council was fortunate to be supported by 340 volunteers. Fourty-four volunteers were aged 76+ with 9 volunteers aged between 81-85 years of age.

Facilitation of the Small Business Mentoring Service which provides opportunities to retired and semi-retired persons aged 45+ to mentor new and/or growing businesses.

Council facilitated a pilot project assisting persons aged 45+ in the declining manufacturing sector who are ‘job ready’ to gain access to government support programs to assist and enhance their transition to alternative paid employment and/or the commencement of their own businesses.

A partnership with EACH Employment was successful in obtaining a Community Grant Fund to deliver a Career Prospecting pilot project to support women aged 45+ with skills and resources to find new employment, re-enter the workforce and/or develop a business idea.

Did you know? According to the Department of Health, 20.3% of the Maroondah population help out

as a volunteer. Maroondah City Council supports an age-friendly workforce with 51% of its staff aged

45+. Council also supports flexible working arrangements. The Age Discrimination Act 2004 was amended in May 2011 to create an office for an

Age Discrimination Commissioner within the Australian Human Rights Commission. This is the first time such a position has been created at the federal level, and represents a positive step forward in ensuring that age discrimination is on an equal footing with other areas of discrimination. The position is held by the Hon. Susan Ryan AO as the Age Discrimination Officer.

The National Prevalence Survey of Age Discrimination in the Workplace released by the Australian Human Rights Commission revealed that more than 25% of Australians aged 50 years and over have experienced some form of age discrimination.

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Community Quotes

Provision for the older age group to share their knowledge, like a knowledge bank that the community can tap into to reap the benefits of experience. This would have an added benefit of providing a feeling of value to the elderly. Maybe a web site linked to council for residents and business to access that have a large range of elderly volunteers with wide ranging skills (Male, 55, Croydon)

A more detailed description of the work involved in the various volunteering activities would assist in attracting new volunteers (Male, 75, Croydon)

General Quotes“Being older doesn’t mean that you are ready for retirement.” Danielle Robertson, CEO/Director of Dial-An-Angel

And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.Abraham Lincoln, 16th US President

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PRIORITY EIGHT INITIATIVES: CIVIC PARTICIPATION & EMPLOYMENT


CPE8.1

Coordinate and facilitate the annual Volunteers Recognition Night and the Community Volunteer Luncheon which recognises and celebrates the contribution of our volunteers aged 45+. Human Resources

CPE8.2

Development of specific task descriptions for all volunteer positions so that volunteers can make more informed decisions about their volunteering options at Council. Human Resources

CPE8.3

Council will look into updating its existing web page to provide more detailed volunteering opportunities at Council. Expression of Interest volunteer positions will also be trialled to gauge the level of interest for upcoming or potential volunteering roles as they arise. Human Resources Communications & Marketing

CPE8.4

Maroondah City Council is committed to developing a Phased Retirement Strategy to support the transition of its ageing workforce. Human Resources

CPE8.5

Maroondah City Council provides opportunities for apprenticeships and traineeships to persons aged 45+ as another employment option. Human Resources

CPE8.6

Council will investigate opportunities to develop and strengthen existing partnerships with employment support groups and agencies to attract candidates aged 45+. Human Resources

Maroondah Employment & Recruitment Agencies

CPE8.7

Explore capacity building initiatives between Eastern Volunteers and Council to create better linkages between volunteers, local employers and future job opportunities for the ageing population. Business & Development

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeEastern VolunteersHuman Resources

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CPE8.8Research potential messaging and channels to support and highlight the contribution and traits of older workers. Business & Development

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeMaroondah Business Community

CPE8.9

Support and assist future initiatives that support the skills development and recognition of the Maroondah workforce aged 45+. Active & Healthy Ageing Initiative

Business & DevelopmentMaroondah Community Houses

CPE8.10

Continue to use positive examples of the ageing population in imagery and stories and demonstrate the valuable contribution they have made in the community. Communications & Marketing

Active & Healthy Ageing InitiativeMaroondah Healthy Ageing Network

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Contact Us:

Maroondah City Council

www.maroondah.vic.gov.au

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598

Postal Address: PO Box 156 Ringwood VIC 3134

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mailto:[email protected]

http://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/

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